Speed​​, Mud and Glory: these three words are quite familiar to the millions of Motocross fans spread around the world. These are also the three words that five-time World Champion Tony Cairoli has tattooed on his shoulder to celebrate his world, his life and his greatest passion. However, today we would like to focus on the word ‘mud’, as there was plenty of it at the Beto Carrero track, where the last round of the MX1 and MX2 World Championships took place.

Our pals from twin-site Motoblog.it provided us with this astonishing photo gallery that shows just how dirty a dirt track can get, and we just cannot help but feel amazed at the guts these guys have shown taking on that sort of mud waves. Some of them just got rid of the goggles and carried on ‘face-in-the wind’. Well, not really …. This one goes out to those who think that, in the comparison with GP racing, Motocross is a sport for sissies or something like that. Speaking of which, there were also some ladies battling on in that lake of mud, proving that you can have “certain attributes” even if you happen to wear skirts every now and then. Just saying..

Joking aside, we do know there are quite a few MotoGP and WSB riders that likes to train on dirt bikes in their time off, although they are usually challenging each other in a small private runway and with the company of some cold beer. Do you think they would be up for a race in this sort of conditions? While you think about it, enjoy this spectacular gallery.

View the full Motocross Brasil photo gallery

Limited edition versions of MX1 & MX2 championship-winning bikes – KTM has released details on two limited edition versions of its 2012 250 & 350 SX-F motocross machines in celebration of once again winning the MX1 and MX2 world championships with Antonio ‘Tony’ Cairoli and Ken Roczen and the bikes will be available from January 2012.

Priced at £7595 and £7895, the ‘Cairoli’ and ‘Roczen’ replicas are built to honour the riders and take the 2012 350 and 250 SX-F machines to the very next level. More than just a trick graphics set and an orange steel backbone frame, the additional cost over the base models gains an enviable spec list; including Factory triple clamps, black Excel rims and Renthal bars, SXS seat and front brake disc guard and handguards.

Both four-stroke powerplants are protected by a high-tensile aluminium engine guard, feature a CNC-machined clutch cover, have a lightweight Factory start system and an Akrapovic titanium silencer. Increased performance for the Roczen 250 bike comes via the SXS Performance Kit.

Continue reading: KTM Tony Cairoli and Ken Roczen replicas

While the guys at Misano and the Nurburgring cruised the track (with the latter getting damp in the process) Tony Cairoli was really kicking up the dirt this weekend as he won his fifth motocross championship victory on board his KTM 350. The victory is Cairoli’s third MX1 world title in a row, contributing to five championship wins altogether in the FIM Motocross World Titles.

After announcing that Cairoli will stay with KTM in 2012, it’s his second win on the 350cc bike and the total takes him into a class of legends which includes Roger De Coster, Eric Geboers, Georges Jobe and Joel Smets. Could the 10 world victories of Stefan Everts be in his sights for the future? He’s certainly got what it takes.

Winning at Gaildorf is also a historic event for the team. FIM press release states:

Antonio Cairoli will never forget the hard pack track of Gaildorf, but for all the members of the Red Bull Teka KTM Factory Racing team the German track of Gaildorf was already present in the history of the squad, as it was there when the first orange KTM won a World Title back in 1996 after Mr. Stefan Pierer had taken over the company in 1994. Today it will be another unforgettable moment for KTM, as Antonio Cairoli and Ken Roczen handed the two FIM World Titles on the same day in the old school motocross track of Gaildorf.

After rumours spread that Tony Cairoli and KTM were headed for a fall-out over his future racing prospects, the FIM has released a brief statement saying that Cairoli has signed with KTM for the 2012 Motocross World Championship. While the news is clearly good for KTM and the FIM’s international competition, it might leave Cairoli himself a little disappointed.

Word is that Cairoli wants the opportunity to race in the US, with KTM, in the AMA National Series. FIM says:

Rumours have been flying, saying that Antonio Cairoli will participate in the AMA National series next year with KTM, but after talking with the concerned parties, it’s necessary to inform that these are only allegations and don’t reflect the reality; Antonio Cairoli has signed a contract with KTM to race the FIM Motocross World Championship next year and for the future.

Continue reading: Tony Cairoli with KTM in 2012

MXlife.be from MXlife.be on Vimeo.

After checking out the 2010 Motocross Album, here is a video dedicated to this year’s championship before the new season starts next year. This year Antonio Cairoli defended his MX1 title, while Marvin Musquin did the same in the MX2 class. Who knows if the 2011 Motocross World Championship, starting in April, will bring something new? The thing I like watching these scenes is despite the new technology and the logos and sponsorship, the sport itself seems relatively unchanged in its essence. Compared to the smooth, PR-polished world of something like the MotoGP, this is pure - but dirty, and that’s why we like it.

Source | MXBars.net

If you’re a US fan of motocross there’s not a lot of local rider appearances for you to get involved in, but this splendid Arai VX-03 Osborne White off-road helmet is dedicated to US motocross rider Zach Osborne. In classic stars and stripes design, we get an aerodynamic-looking helmet with distinctive graphics.

The new Arai helmet has a CLC external shell with removable and adjustable air diffusors around the exterior of the helmet, but which allow for fast and efficient air flow towards the rear of the helmet. More space has been created around the chin area and the cheek parts can be removed when the helmet is being worn.

The VX-03 Osborne White comes in sizes XS to XXL and costs about 660 euros. Other colours available include red, grey, black, orange and plain white. A junior model is availabe in sizes XXS to XXXS for about 520 euros. For more information on this and other Arai helmets, see the Arai Europe site.

If you’ve got a die-hard motocross or dirt bike fan in your household, this could be the perfect gift for them for Christmas. The
2010 Motocross GP Album has all the best images, interviews and results from the season just gone, in a collection which includes 256 pages of unique and exclusive material. The album covers all the teams and classes from the Motocross World Championship, from the US to Europe, down to the junior championship. Check out some of the pics in our gallery and go to motocrossgpalbum.com to order your copy, available in French or English at about 40 euros.

Continue reading: 2010 Motocross GP album: motorcycle stuff for Christmas

High up on the French Alps saw this unusual contest that pitted ski freestyler and seven times ski cross World champion Ophélie David against French MX star Remi Annelot both doing what they do best.

Man, in this case woman, against man and his machine. Who won? Watch the video and find out.

Source | moto.caradisiac.com

Honda has announced its 2011 off-road line-up which includes improves to its CRF450R and CRF250R motocross models. The models conform to new restrictions in Europe regarding the noise pollution of offroad bikes with a new muffler and exhaust system that comply with the 94 decibel rule.

Both the Honda motocross models have new ECU mapping to produce increased torque at low and midrange levels. A new throttle body and fuel injector have been developed and on the chassis front we get better subframe stiffness and new steering dampers. The suspension modifications are designed to produce bikes with better front-rear balance.

Both the CRF450R and CRF250R are available in red but there’s no word from Honda on pricing for its 2011 models yet. They join a competitive offroad sector this coming year and it you’re into motocross, then you’re spoiled for choice in 2011. Full specs of both models are after the jump and for more information check out the Honda site.

2011 Honda CRF450R and CRF250R

Continue reading: 2011 Honda offroad CRF450R and CRF250R

Here’s a look at the new 2011 KTM offroad range with a fantastic new addition: it’s now possible to ride the same bike as Tony Cairoli with the inclusion of the KTM 350 SX-F model in the range. It’s a championship model that competes in the MX1 series and that can now be purchased in the KTM MY 2011 offering. At the presentation of the range was Stefan Everts, the real king of the 350 SX-F castle, which is not the only gem KTM has on offer among its enduro and motocross models.

The 2011 KTM offroad range starts with the smaller 50cc, two stroke models - the 50 SX - to arrive at the large 530 EXC-R models with Ready to Race philosophy that so distinguishes KTM. The aim is to offer the ideal bike for any rider, from lovers of offroads who want weekend fun in the dirt, to those who want to be world champion.

The most exciting new entry is definitely the 350 SX-F which is the first 350 cc bike to have competed in the MX1 world championships and which has had much success among Red Bull riders Tony Cairoli and Rui Goncalves. After the jump are more details on the range and the 2011 KTM offroad gallery.

Continue reading: 2011 KTM offroad range: now includes KTM 350 SX-F