Motocross Racers: 30 Years of Legendary Dirt Bikes

Off-road motorcycling is on the rise. Sales are up, motocross gates are filling with riders, and new manufacturers are dotting the motocross landscape, with Cannondale being the most notable of a group that also includes expensive, exotic bikes by Gas Gas, Vertemati, and TM. In addition, the new four-strokes are making waves among the sports participants, and the X Games are bringing the sport even further into the mainstream.

The first book available on the subject includes; awesome mix of fresh and archival photography; and the author is the editor of VMX, the premier magazine for vintage motocross fans. This is an inspiring tribute to a long-time American favorite that continues to elevate in popularity and exposure.

Motorcross racing pits man and machine against a jump-filled twisting dirt race course and 10 to 40 other riders. The first one to the checkered flag wins. In recent years, interest in the history of motorcross has led restorers, collectors, and enthusiasts to resuscitate motorcross racing machines back to their original condition.

In Motorcross Racers, 30 significant examples of restored race bikes are profiled with stunning color photography and detailed information about the machine’s race pedigree and historical significance.

Author Ray Ryan, editor of VMX magazine and one of the world’s vintage motorcross experts, collected photographs of perfectly restored historic motorcross models. The book includes:

• Rickman Metisse
• 1969 Hodaka Super Rat
• 1975 Husky Mikkola Replica
• Twin-port CZs of the 1960s
• 1973 Honda CR250
• 1981 Maico MC490
• Brad Lackey’s 1978 Honda RC450
• Mike Bell’s 1980 Yamaha OW40
• Johnny O’Mara’s 1980 Mugen 125W1
• Jeff Ward’s 1985 SR250 and 1992 KX250

With lavish photography of rare machines and in-depth information from an expert on the subject, Motocross Racers is a unique look at one of American’s fastest-growing motorsports.