2018 Motocross Bikes and Gear!

As we enter August and the years end rapidly approaches we reach that time where everything new and wonderful becomes known to us for the next year in the motocross world, and we wouldn’t be wrong in stating that 2018 holds some of the most interesting and sought after bikes and gear the motocross industry has ever seen.

Suzuki has really stepped up their game for 2018, ever since their release of the aluminium tank and fuel injection on the 2005 RM-Z450 their yearly updates have been dismal and they haven’t had a huge impact on the market there since. However, the 2018 RM-Z450 has received a complete overhaul, other than the yellow plastics there are very few parts that remain the same from the 2017 model, I would happily jump at an opportunity to ride one and see how it feels myself, but is it enough to get Suzuki back on top of the podium?

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It is well known that Yamaha has dominated the 250 scene for years now, while their YZ450F under performed. Yamaha has gone all out in improving their 2018 YZ450F, with a brand new frame and engine, electric start and a world’s first power tuning app so you can tune and map your bike with your smart phone. All this also being offered in a limited edition white/cyan colour scheme and their entire motocross range now coming with blue rims standard, I am excited to see how the new YZ450F holds out in the 2018 season.

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Honda has come to the party releasing both a new CRF250R and CRF450R for 2018, with both bikes now featuring a dual overhead cam, enabling them to advance their dual exhaust system to a true dual exhaust, starting right at the engine, giving the pipes smoother routing and a more optimised length. With the CRF250R featuring an all new titanium fuel tank and both bikes standard with electric start, for many years the CRF250R has held well with its handling however riders found the engine package lacking in the horses compared to other lites bikes, it will be interesting to see if Honda has addressed this issue and the 2018 CRF250R has the horses to complement its amazing feel and handling.

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For many years KTM has been the only company advancing their two-stroke technology, and have essentially dominated the off-road racing scene with their EXC/F and XC/F machines. However, for 2018 they have smashed it right out of the park – introducing their 2018 fuel injected two stroke off-road range, the first, and likely only manufacturer that will ever release EFI on two-stroke motocross bikes. KTM New Zealand travels the country with their off-road range yearly offering a test ride day, when they come with the 2018 two-strokes I am sure to be at the front of the line.

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Along with all these amazing new machines, Fox and Shift have given us insight into their amazing new ranges of performance motocross wear. With both companies not only releasing new styles and colours of their WHIT3, 3LACK, 180 and 360 ranges they have also released some brand new creations to their line-ups that we are all very excited about.

While Shifts campaign has been directed towards the recovery and return of Ken Roczen they have plenty to celebrate for the 2018 year of motocross, with Ken recently making it known his recovery is coming along quite well, being spotted at recent outdoor races in the US and posting to social media with a picture of him on his bike with Adam Cianciarulo, we all cannot wait to see him back on top of that podium, hopefully in time for the 2018 AMA Supercross. With 2018 holding a significant milestone for Shift and to celebrate offering a limited edition gear set, the 20^th year Throwback Jeff Emig set accommodating their 3LACK Label range.

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2018 shows an interesting time for Fox, with Ryan Dungey announcing his retirement after a lengthy and brutal 2017 AMA Supercross Championship that saw Ryan fight off fierce competition to ultimately reclaim the #1 spot for the fourth time through outright determination. In their time Fox has sponsored and supported some of the top motocross racers of all time, and that support doesn’t stop at their competition level rider – for years you and I have been able to ride in that very gear of the elite, and 2018 is no different coming back with their famous 360, 180 and extensive youth and women’s ranges Fox has it all. While new colours and improvements catch our attention, nothing excites us more than an entirely new product, for 2018 Fox have released an all-new 180 motocross boot, set to replace the Comp 8 and become a boot that bridges the gap between the Comp 5’s affordability and the Instincts high tech construction.

All together we see the 2018 motocross year as being the most interesting since the switch from 2-Stroke to 4-Stroke over a decade ago, so what bike are you most interested in taking for a spin, and what gear are you looking forward to getting on the most?

The full adult range of Shift and Fox 2018 motocross gear available at Torpedo7 is below!

Shift 2018 3LACK 20^th Year Throwback Jersey and Pants:

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