RUMORS, GOSSIP & UNFOUNDED TRUTHS: ALL EYES ON THE 2025 SEASON

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• TRIUMPH IS READY TO INTRODUCE THEIR 2025 TF450-RC FOUR-STROKE

The design prominently incorporates Triumph’s Performance Yellow with black and white accents. It also includes RC’s iconic number 4, GOAT logo and key sponsor details. This design is carried across number plates, swingarm decals, and other visual elements, reinforcing the bike’s unique identity.

Triumph’s new 450cc competition motocross powertrain is compact, mass-optimized, and built to take the holeshot. Engineering, design, and equipment working in harmony for class-leading power, control, and flexibility.

The 2025 Triumph TF450 will also get  an RC designation because Ricky Carmichael guided and tested every aspect of the 450 Trumpet.

The TF450-RC’s single-cylinder, SOHC 450cc engine uses a Konig-forged aluminum piston, Del West titanium valves, a 5-speed gearbox (with a quick-shifter), a 3-axis machined combustion chamber and diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated rockers.

The exhaust features a lightweight stainless-steel exhaust with an integrated resonator to improve cylinder evacuation. For riders looking for an even higher level of performance, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust is available as an accessory, with a dedicated engine map to optimize the engine’s output.

The TF 450-RC  frame’s spine and twin cradle design offer exceptional strength while minimizing weight. The combination of a high-performance engine and a lightweight frame gives riders unmatched agility, control and speed.

The Kayaba AOS coil spring forks features an Air-Oil Separation (AOS) to ensure smoother and more consistent damping. The forks are paired to a three-way piggyback shock, which allows for fine-tuning of compression, rebound and preload settings.

The TF 450-RC features Brembo calipers mated to Galfer rotors.

• MXA’S 2025 COLLECTION OF IN DEPTH 2025 VIDEO TESTS

• MXA VIDEO: MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2025 450 SHOOTOUT

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KAWASAKI KX250 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 HONDA CR450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 HONDA CRF250 WORKS EDITION FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ250F FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 YAMAHA YZ250FX CROSS-COUNTRY FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 150SX TWO-STROKE FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KAWASAKI KX450 FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 450SXF FIRST RIDE

• MXA VIDEO: 2025 KTM 250SXF FIRST RIDE

• BREMBO BUYS SWEDISH SUSPENSION GIANT OHLINS FOR $405 MILLION

Brembo has been on a buying spree of the last few years, but they have focused on buying up smaller brake companies like Bybre, Breco, Marchesini, AP Racing, J.Juan, Braktec and SBS Friction. Ohlins has nothing to do with brakes, they are a high-end suspension manufacturer that competes in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World Superbike, and MXGP. Brembo and Ohlins share an interest in racing as Brembo supplies OEM brake systems for motorcycles and automobiles, while Ohlins makes forks, shocks, steering dampers and other accessories.

Brembo announced this week that it plans to acquire the Swedish suspension company Ohlins for $405 million. Both companies are deeply entrenched in OEM parts, racing and the aftermarket, but this acquisition brings Brembo places it hasn’t been before.

Brembo’s executive chairman Matteo Tiraboschi said, “We welcome Ohlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle’s corner.”

Öhlins currently builds shock absorbers, front forks, steering dampers and various accessories. Like Brembo, it has a strong foothold in a number of racing series. You can find Ohlins components on vehicles in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World Superbike and more.

“Road and Track” reported that Brembo reportedly raised cash for the outright acquisition of Ohlins by selling its 5.6 percent stake in Pirelli. The deal is not yet finalized but should be concluded sometime in 2025. Brembo will be acquired from its parent company Apollo Global Management-backed Tenneco.

• WORKS CONNECTION 2025 CRF250/ CRF450 RADIATOR BRACES

Works’ Connection 2025 Honda CRF radiator braces are formed from aircraft grade 5052 aluminum and available in raw silver or factory  black powder coating. A CNC’ed billet bracket system features  rubber vibration isolators to reinforces radiators to help prevent costly damage.

As seen in this transparent photo, the  radiator braces bolt on with all the mounting hardware included. The retail price is $124.95 (silver) or $149.95 (black powder coating) at www.worksconnection.com. 

• THE GREATEST DEAL IN MOTOCROSS: REAL WORDS, LARGE PHOTOS, MORE TECH, STUFF NO ONE ELSE TELLS YOU & YOU GET A $25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREDIT

This is the cover of the December 2024 issue of MXA. It features a detailed 2025 MXA 450 Shootout, an indepth interviews with Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton, coverage of Team USA at the FIM Junior World Championships for 65cc, 85cc and 125cc machines of the 2025 KTM 250SXFa full test of the the 2025 Yamaha YZ450F and an actual up-to-date test of the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z450. We even went back in time a decade to test Jason Anderson’s 2015 factory Husqvarna FC450 and even farther back to take a close-up look at Marty Smith’s 1976 Honda RC125M.

Did you know that it couldn’t be easier or cheaper to subscribe to MXA than it is right now—because when you subscribe you receive a Rocky Mountain ATV/MC credit for $25 towards anything in their massive inventory, all at no cost to you.  Are you smart enough to recognize a great deal when you see it? To subscribe call (800) 767-0345 or ClickHere

• MXA’S JOSH FOUT TAKES ON THE 2024 IRONMAN GNCC

MXA test rider Josh Fout took on the 2024 Ironman GNCC race with Yamaha’s new 2025 YZ250FX cross-country machine.The Ironman GNCC is always the biggest GNCC event of the year, and this year, guys like Ryan Villopoto, Marvin Musquin, Phil Nicoletti and Damon Bradshaw came out to race and experience the off-road version of Ironman with Josh Fout.

• TAKE THE MXA SURVEY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS INTENSE TAZER E-MOUNTAIN BIKE!

The Motocross Action reader survey is back for 2024, and this year we’re giving away an Intense Tazer E-MTB to one lucky participant. Our reader survey is here to help the MXA staff better understand our audience so that we can continue to provide beneficial motocross content focused on the most relevant and important products, dirt bikes, and stories that you (the reader) are interested in.

MXA READER SURVEY:

HOW: Simply complete the multiple-choice questionnaire and enter your correct name and email address to be entered to win the Intense Tazer E-MTB.
WHAT: Win the Intense Tazer MX Alloy Expert Electric Mountain bike, which retails for $4,999.
WHEN: The MXA survey will run for a couple of months and the winner will be announced at the end via email.
WHY: To help MXA learn more about you, the reader, to ensure we create the best possible content for you.

The new Intense Tazer MX Alloy Expert is equipped with DVO suspension, Shimono’s EP600 Motor, and 504Wh battery. This expert model features 160mm of front travel, 155mm of rear travel to tackle any terrain. The Tazer Alloy frame has been upgraded to the Universal Hanger (UDH) and SRAM T-Type compatibility. Learn more about the bike here.

TAKE THE MXA SURVEY HERE:

• 2025 MXA 450 FOUR-STROKE DYNO & TORQUE RUNS

MXA dynos all of our test bikes. We use the exact same dyno and same former factory mechanic to run all of our dyno tests. We choose to use Pro Circuit’s dyno (as we have for every MXA test dating back many years). For Shootouts we don’t rely on earlier dyno runs that we made during the initial testing of each indivdual bike—instead we dyno’ed all the bikes in our 2025 250 and 450 Shootout in quick succession on the same day, so that the results cann’t be skewed by temperature and humidity differences. To control as many variables as possible, we make sure every bike is well broken in and is running the same 91-octane pump gas before it hits the dyno.

• 2025 MXA 250 FOUR-STROKE DYNO & TORQUE RUNS

• THE ALL-NEW DUNLOP “FACTORY SPEC” TIRES

MXA’s Josh Mosiman and Trevor Nelson flew out to Huntsville, Alabama, to visit the Dunlop test facility and compare the ‘factory spec’ tires, to the production MX34 tires. Josh rode the 2025 Husky FC450 with both sets of tires back-to-back to figure out the difference on the track, plus he talked to Chris Siebenhaar, Brian Fleck, and Ryan Dungey about the new rubber.

• LOOKING BACK AT THE CREATIVE GENIUS OF DAVE MILLER OF MILLLER MANO & DMC FAME

MXA cartoonist Curt Evans drew this cartoon of Dave Miller after Dave passed away in 2020.

Dave Miller was a genius, and we mean the MIT, rocket scientist, change the world kind of genius—and we are grateful that he applied his unique view of the world and his sometimes crackpot ingenuity to motocross . If you needed something fabricated, something unique built, something off the wall or an unobtainable part made, Dave was your man. A fast Pro racer, he turned his attention to building products and hop-up parts at his signature Miller Mano race shop in the 1970s and then matured into the go-to fabricator for one-off technology and parts at DMC (Dave Miller Concepts) in the 1980s, ’90s and ’00s.

We want to share a tiny portion of the Dave Miller heritage, so that people who never met him or maybe never heard of him will wish that they to could have driven down LaPalma Avenue,  stopped at Knowlwoods for a burger and then dropped in uninvited at Dave’s workshop. Now that’s a day we’d love to be able to live again, but Knowlwoods and Dave are both gone for five years. Maybe in the next life—if we’re lucky.

DAVE MILLER’S FIRST MILLER MANO FLIER

Everything you ever needed to know about Miller Mano’s products, from laydown kits, to Motoplats, to “porkupine” heads, to external fork springs to Dave’s “courtious” service.

DAVE MILLER’S DMC 1983 YAMAHA OW100

This is not a vintage bike…it is a vintage race bike. It is designed for racing, not admiring. The MXA wrecking crew ran into Dave at Glen Helen when to do a shake-down cruise on his trick YZ100. Dave called it a Yamaha OW100. The core bike was a 1983 YZ100-K Model.

It’s a clean machine. YZ100 engine is basically a stock YZ100 engine that has been stripped of it’s black finish and blueprinted. Other than the obvious DMC-tuned exhaust pipe and alloy muffler, the jetting is stock from 1983.

Everything is sano at Miller Mano—especially this 1983 YZ100 with a YZ125 swingarm, Yamaha 175 forks and Noleen suspension  

DAVE MILLER’S 1969 HODAKA SUPER RAT

Dave Miller of DMC fame might never have returned to the Hodaka fold, but he was invited to participate in an invitation-only 100cc Pro class for vintage bikes at the 2004 Elsinore Grand Prix. Miller knew that if he wanted to build the best possible 100cc vintage bike, he would have to start with a Hodaka Super Rat.

Dave Miller’s connection to Hodaka goes back to the late ’60s when he was a three-time National Minicycle Champion. In the days before production-line Japanese minicycles, if you wanted to race minis, you had to ride a Bonanza, Steen, Bird or Indian. The powerplant of choice was often the reliable, cast-iron-cylinder Hodaka engine or its Fuji Industries lookalike.

Dave sand-cast his own Webco-style cylinder head to go on the Webco cylinder.

Dave cut the chrome toaster gas tank in half, down the center line, and made it two inches narrower.

Dave’s DMC Hodaka Super Rat is a thing of beauty. With its slim profile and long wheelbase, it isn’t an authentic restoration of a 50-year-old machine; instead, it is a modernized version of a classic.

DAVE MILLER’S FULL BODYWORK FOR PRO CIRCUIT’S KAWASAKI KX125

Dave Miller built this full bodywork Kawasaki for Mitch Payton’s Hot Wheels team, but Kawasaki said “no ” because it didn’t look like a Kawasaki. Dave also built the aluminum gas tanks for the Team Peak’s blue Honda CR125s, but the AMA banned Pro Circuit from using the aluminum tanks, but allowed the factory teams to use them few years later.

EDDIE HICKS’ ALUMINUM-FRAMED 1984 YAMAHA YZ80 BY DMC

Dave built the most iconic minicycle ever when he built Yamaha mini star Eddie Hicks an aluminum framed, disc braked, high horsepower, aluminum gas tank, 136-pound YZ80 in 1984.

Dave’s workmanship was beyond reproach.

DAVE MILLER’S AFTERBURNER CENTER-BLEED EXHAUST PIPE

Dave was the only tuner to offer center-bleed exhaust pipes to two-stroke motocross racers in the 1970s. The stinger comes out of the center cone of the pipe instead of the end cone—thus “center-cone.” Yes, it works.

THE MOST FAMOUS DAVE MILLER PHOTOGRAPH EVER

The original MXA caption read: Dave Miller of DMC fame originally started his hop-up career with a business known as Miller Mano. It’s slogan was “Everything’s sano at Miller Mano.” Dave started the first high-performance shopping cart races that were an enormous fad in 1974.Photo by MXA’s Curt Evans.

DAVE MILLER’S 1974 MONARK 125

This DMC-built Monark started life as 1974 model, but the top shock mounts were moved forward, the frame cradle was rebuilt and all the bolts were dished. The swingarm was made from 30mm longer box steel and had needle bearings at the pivot and moved-up shock mounts.

The gas tank was a Husqvarna CR390 tank that Dave cut apart, narrowed, added a new tunnel, redesigned the filler neck and painted and polished.

The DMC six-cone pipe featured Dave’s hand grenade muffler. You can see the detail on the pipe mount in this photo. The shocks were built by Clark Jones at Noleen with the reservoir in the Thermal Flow position.

The front forks were 35mm Cerianis. The front wheel had a conical, double-leading shoe, magnesium, Yamaha front brake. The side panels were aluminum. And the rear hub, also from a Yamaha, was heavily machined to remove all casting marks.

DAVE MILLER AT THE MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN MOTOCROSS

Dave was a National Minicycle Champion who pursued a pro career before finding his true calling as a fabricator. This is Dave at the Mammoth Mountain Motocross. The photo was shot by Scott Heidbrink.

DAVE MILLER’S BOARD TRACK WHIZZER

This is Dave’s Whizzer-inspired, 50cc, board track racer. Dave hand-built the frame, gas tank, forks and bars, but the piece de resistence was his CNC-machined engine.

DAVE MILLER’S YAMAHA TWIN-CYLINDER JT100 DIRT TRACKER

This is Dave’s Yamaha 100cc twin-cylinder dirt track bike.

DAVE MILLER’S CR85 POWERED TACO

Just your basic 25-horsepower, CR85-powered, old-school, Taco mini bike from Dave Miller at DMC.

Dave often did the impossible. He tried to stuff whatever engine he could get his hands on into something that you never dreamed it would fit in.

FLASHBACK: DAVE MILLER’S 1976 MILLER MANO’S  CATALOG

You may be too young to remember Dave Miller’s iconic Miller Mano race shop. Dave was definitely not a businessman — he was a hotshot 125 Pro, certified wild man and crazy inventor. But most of all Dave loved motorcycles and was a superior craftsman who could build anything. Most people still remember Dave from the exotic minis that he built for Eddie Hicks under the DMC (Dave Miller Concepts) name. Dave was the king of LaPalma Avenue — the street where his shop was located for decades.

THE VIEW THAT MANY RACERS SAW OF DAVE MILLER…HIS BACK

We still miss you, Dave.

• GLEN HELEN PUTS UP HUGE MONEY FOR THE 2025 MOTOFEST

• MXA PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ALPINESTARS RK-7 PLASMA KNEE BRACES

With a slim, ergonomic design offer- ing a high level of performance and comfort during dynamic movement, the RK-7 Plasma knee brace has been engineered to provide superior knee support while still being lightweight, breathable, comfortable, and protective. This knee brace features a free-floating Nucleon Plasma knee protector encased in an innovative, asymmetric, fiber-reinforced frame construction for enhanced levels of rigidity. The retail price is $449.95 atwww.alpinestars.comor your local dealer.

• 2025 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP RACE SCHEDULE

2025 AMA NATIONAL MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

May 24…Pala, CA
May 31…Hangtown, CA
June 7…Thunder Valley, CO
June 14…Mount Morris, PA
June 28…Southwick, MA
July 5…Red Bud, MI
July 12…Millville, MN
July 19…Washougal, WA
Aug. 9…Crawfordsville, IN
August 16…Unadilla, NY
August 23…Budds Creek, MD

• THE 2024-2025 AMA ARENACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS ON NOV. 15-16 IN RENO

• DAY IN THE DIRT #27 IS COMING ON NOV. 29, 30 & DEC. 1 AT GLEN HELEN

• WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2025 SEASON & WHAT’S LEFT IN 2024 

The post RUMORS, GOSSIP & UNFOUNDED TRUTHS: ALL EYES ON THE 2025 SEASON appeared first on Motocross Action Magazine.