Table of contents for 258 in Dirt Action

THE POWER SHOT…

Aussie brothers and supercross stars Hunter and Jett Lawrence are returning to compete at the AUSX Open at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, on November 30. The AUSX Open's comeback couldn't have chosen a better duo as the Lawrence brothers are among the most popular riders globally. Fans are eager to see these legends race on Aussie soil again. It's been five years since the brothers last competed in Australia. Jett made his professional supercross debut at the AUSX Open in 2019, at 16 years of age in the SX2 class. Now 20, Jett is the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Champion, 2023 SuperMotocross World Champion, 2023 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Champion, and 2024 AMA 450SX Rookie of the Year, with seven class championships in the USA since 2020. Hunter, 24,…

GasGas is introducing a completely revamped MC 85 for 2025. This new model features an upgraded motor, an all-new frame and a WP XACT shock, ensuring better handling and stability. Every component has been meticulously refined to create a fun, fast, reliable dirtbike. For riders aged 11 to 15, the new MC 85 is a top choice, boasting significant updates for 2025. Developed with input from young test riders worldwide, this bike is set to be one of the best 85cc motocross bikes ever made. It comes in two versions: one with 17”/14” wheels for smaller riders and another with 19”/16” wheels for those growing faster. TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS: » New frame: Improved stability and a lighter feel in turns. Frame protectors keep it looking new. » WP XACT shock: New…

INTERVIEW: JED BEATON DA: Jed, congratulations on the win at the Manjimup 15,000. On the list of your career achievements, that must be pretty special. Jed: Yeah, thank you, it was! Manjimup is such an iconic event and for me that was the first time I've been there to experience it. The crowd really gets behind it and there aren't many events in Australia where the crowd gets that hyped up, so that makes it really cool. DA: As we record this, you're second in the championship chase for the AusProMX Championship, right behind Kyle Webster. Tell us about the championship so far. Jed: I've been quite consistent, but I feel like, on paper, it could have been a little bit better. At some of the races this year, I've…

FEATURE: MOTO MULES It was 7:27pm on a Tuesday night. My missus and I were trying to get the kids to bed when my phone rang. I stepped into my office next to the kids' bedroom to answer it. It was my mate Guy Streeter and I pressed the loudspeaker. “Hey Goba, I'm on a ride in the outback with Daryl Beattie, and Honda's Glyn Griffiths has asked me if I know anyone who could return a couple of Africa Twins from Alice Springs to Melbourne at the end of our ride — I thought of you.” I swung my chair around to look at the calendar; shit, the proposed dates were on my mag deadline and Mother's Day weekend. “Umm, leave it with me,” I said. “I'll suss it…

REVIEW YAMAHA WR450F AKRAPOVIC EXHAUST SYSTEM I've always been a big fan of sticking with the stock exhaust system on the bike. One, because I don't like loud aftermarket mufflers riding in the bush, and two, I've always found that the noisy aftermarket mufflers tend to make the power curve more snappy and aggressive when riding, which equates to a less enjoyable riding experience. I discussed in the previous issue finding the right map setting to enable me to ride comfortably in a higher gear. I didn't like the aggressive map riding technical single trail where there are tricky obstacles to navigate, and while the mellow map we came up with provided a more tractable and usable power, it also took away bottom-end power. Hence, keeping the bike flowing through…

01 Practical and compact design: The States MX boot washing stand impresses with its simple yet practical design. It's light and easy to store, providing reassurance that it won't take up unnecessary space when not in use. 02 Convenient: Many riders struggle to find a suitable place to safely hang their dirty boots and helmets when washing them. This stand addresses that issue perfectly. With designated hooks and a sturdy base, it provides a secure spot off the ground for your gear, allowing for thorough cleaning without the hassle of trying to hold the items in one hand and washing with the other. 03 Good value for money: Priced at an affordable RRP of $49.95, the States MX Boot Washing Stand offers excellent value for money. It combines practicality, durability…

MOTO MANUAL RIDING TIP When riding deep sand tracks, I first drop my forks through a line to make the bike a little longer. I also usually back off my shock spring and run more sag so the rear squats more. Technique-wise, when riding sand, I always weight the back of the bike by moving my hips back when standing. The idea is to keep the front wheel as light as possible because as soon as it drops into the loose sand, it's easy to lose control. Using momentum is key when riding sand. You need roll speed over braking and acceleration. This means minimising brake use and letting the sand slow you down by rolling off the throttle, but maintaining enough throttle to keep the bike moving forward so…

Twenty years ago, Dr Chris Leatt witnessed the tragic loss of a motocross racer, inspiring him to create a neck brace to prevent common neck injuries. After three years, he developed a prototype designed to work with helmets, marking the humble beginnings of the Leatt brand. The award-winning Leatt-Brace revolutionised neck protection, significantly reducing neck injuries. Leatt is a top name in mountain biking and extreme motorsports protection today. Founder Dr Chris Leatt reflects, “For the past 20 years, it's been incredibly rewarding to know our passion and products have revolved around saving lives.” A 10-year study by Great Lakes EMS Inc showed that without a neck brace, neck injuries were 89 per cent more likely, death from cervical spinal injury 69 per cent more likely, non-fatal cervical spinal injuries…

Following a significant 95 per cent overhaul in 2024, the 2025 KTM EXC range continues to push boundaries with advanced closed-cartridge suspension, refined frame and bodywork, and cutting-edge technology. The most striking update is the new colour scheme, replacing the previous 1990s-inspired purple highlights with timeless silver-grey graphics over predominantly orange bodywork and a black frame. The orange seat, high-grip seat cover and textured grip strips remain, also featured on the frame protectors, tank shrouds and bar pad. Enhanced handling at the rear comes from new WP XPLOR PDS shock settings, improving pressure balance and reducing cavitation risks. The swingarm is updated with a machined unit for better chain glider durability. Up front, a new fuel tank roll secures the tank firmly, protecting the frame against scrubbing. The handlebars now…

FEATURE WOMEN'S TRAIL RIDE What a cool event! That's what I thought on the drive home after the Jemma Wilson Husqvarna Women's Trail Ride. Two days on some of the best tracks and trails Australia has to offer, beautiful weather, great entertainment, and more than 200 female riders hitting the dirt and having the time of their lives. The fifth edition of the Jemma Wilson Husqvarna Women's Trail Ride was held at the amazing Green Park Conondale, just a week after the huge Classic Weekend event. Considering the large amount of traffic that had been on the property only days previously, we were greeted by beautiful track conditions, prime-time trails and perfect amenities. Many braved the frosty overnight temperatures and arrived early, making the most of the Friday-night camping. Come…

In an era when British marques such as BSA, Matchless and Triumph ruled — their riders being referred to as bodgies and widgies — a small group of devotees from Alice Springs would throw an Esky in the ute and ride to locations such as Chambers Pillar or Palm Valley. Little did they realise these social outings would develop into the fastest off-road race on the planet. Acknowledged as the most ancient watercourse in Australia, the Finke River originates in the dead centre of the world's largest island. As the rain trickles down off the McDonnell Ranges, the nascent river winds its way past the township of Alice Springs, on past the isolated First Nations community of Aputula — previously known as Finke — before disappearing forever into the sands…

FEATURE: CONONDALE CLASSIC WEEKEND The Moto gods were shining on the 2024 Conondale Classic Weekend. The iconic Queensland venue copped heavy rain leading up to the event, but it was all sunshine over the three epic days of classic action, and we've never seen the conditions as good as they were at this event. There wasn't a speck of dust on the enduro loops that remained like chocolate cake, even high up in the hills where it's usually dry and powdery. The Maico at Chippys Grass Track was pumping with dirt track enthusiasts lining up to get their 15-minute sessions of sideways action, then lining back up to do it all again around the clock. The Dirt Lab Evo Track, open to the older bikes with twin shocks and no…

I haven't done much riding over the last six years since retiring and starting a family and a new career. I do the odd ride with the boys and test some bikes for DIRT ACTION when asked, so when DA offered me the chance to test out the 2024 GasGas EX 350F and race it at an AORC round, I jumped at it. My first ride was at a friend's sand track. There's nothing like jumping straight in the deep end and punishing yourself riding sand. It takes a lot of energy and being a bit rusty, it took me a little while to find my flow. But in saying that, I felt comfortable on the EX 350F right away. The first thing I noticed was that the frame didn't…

DA: As we record this interview, you're currently leading the championship in the J4 15yrs 125/250 class in the AORC. Tell us about your AORC season so far. Dylan: I got off to a pretty good start, finishing second overall in the first two rounds in Queensland. However, I didn't get flowing as well as I would have liked and made some mistakes, which held me back from getting the win. At rounds three and four in Victoria, I rode really well and got my first-ever weekend win, so that was awesome! I had a good feeling all weekend there and felt good on the track. Rounds five and six were pretty hectic. With all the dust and sand, the conditions were really hard. I was happy to ride consistently,…

MOTOR MOUTH NEWS For 2024, Beta will release the RR X-Pro range featuring eight models to suit a diverse range of riders, from trail riding to hard enduro. What makes these new models different from the current RR standard enduro models? The 2024 RR range was considered a standard model compared to the RR Racing range. The 2025 RR X-Pro range, which consists of two strokes — 125, 200, 250 and 300, and four strokes — 350, 390, 430 and 480, is a step up from the RR range and will be positioned between the Beta XTrainer and RR Racing models, but stands on its own as a more distinctive model. The Beta RR X-Pro is purpose-built to take on the toughest of trails with its new features: a stronger…

You're right in thinking it's a long way to go to test motorcycles for a day, but when a factory comes calling, you take the beating of the 24-hour flight and put up with riding jet-lagged to be one of the first in the world to ride a new-model enduro machine. On my way to France with three other Aussie journos, we had a lot of time to chat and we wondered what the big updates to the 2025 Sherco enduro range would be. For 2024, we saw a new power plant on the 250 and 300 SEF bikes, and minor updates and cosmetic changes across the range. So for 2025, would Sherco unveil another new engine? Fuel injection on the two-strokes? Maybe introduce a 350 four-stroke? We theorised back…

INTERVIEW: WILL DENNETT WILL DENNETT DA: Where did your moto journey start, Will? WD: At around three years old on a Suzuki JR50. We have a small 20-acre property in Lismore, where we still live now. It's a long, skinny block that runs from the top of a hill down to the bottom. We have two tracks: the top is loamy red dirt and the bottom is hard-pack clay, so it's a good mix for riding. I don't get to ride there as much as I used to as we have neighbours close by and we don't want to annoy them. DA: At what age did you start trail riding in the bush? WD: When I was around seven, my older brother and I would join my dad and a bunch…

INTERVIEW: 2024 ERZBERGRODEO RUBEN CHADWICK DA: Ruben, we hear you dropped into the Beta factory on your way to Erzberg. Tell us about that. Ruben: Yeah, I flew into Rome with a few mates, hired a car and drove to the factory at Rignano sull'Arno. I was expecting the factory to be in an industrial complex, but it was in the middle of vineyards in the countryside, which was sick. It was massive. Brad Freeman was there testing and they had a bike prepared for me, so while I was still jet-lagged, they took me to this big quarry and the head race team dude, Fabrizio, says, “This is where Johnny Walker tests his bikes.” And I was like, oh f@#k, right. There was these massive hill climbs and he…

Jye Dickson is a relative newcomer to the Aussie off-road scene. Following years of pursuing the privateer journey racing motocross and supercross, Jye began his enduro racing career with an impressive outright podium finish in his first AORC event midway through the 2022 season. Jye would go on to post some very respectable results throughout the rest of 2022 and 2023, landing him a factory-backed ride with the team at Beta Australia for the 2024 season. Following a dominant double victory at rounds five and six of the AORC in Edenhope, Vic, we spoke to Jye to get all the important info on his RR 480. ENGINE Jye explained to us that his Beta 480 provides plenty of power in stock trim, so his race machine only had a slip-on…

MOTO MANUAL TRAINING TIPS STRENGTH TRAINING THAT WORKS FOR YOU Maintaining muscle mass and bone density becomes even more important as we age. But that doesn't mean you need to spend hours in the gym. Focusing on efficient strength training exercises and smart programming will help you get the most out of your training. As little as two full-body training sessions per week and one to two cardiovascular sessions can achieve the above. To do this, I'd recommend the following: » Incorporating compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses and rows works multiple muscle groups at once, giving you more bang for your buck.  » Incorporating bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, lunges and rows is great for building strength without pushing too heavily on the weights. A good mixture of…