Lechien’s career was remarkable for the fact that he started in 1983 and was completely out of the sport six years later. By David Coffin - In 1972 the most popular bike at the time was the Hodaka 100-B trail bike but it was the European CZ's, Maico's, Bultacos, AJS's, Ossa's, and Greeves that took command of the tracks of Southern California as they brutally pounded the hot, dry and dusty motocross tracks as riders fought for CMC or AME points. The worlds leading page based on Motocross & Supercross from 1990 - 2000 2nd Place-Rick Johnson-Yamaha, Honda-49 points. Motocross Interview: Ben Watson. See more ’80s Nostalgia 15th place Keith Bowen 7 points. Which is a complete travesty as Ronnie outscores Bell by six career wins and they each have one national title. DYNO. It was an amazing race and America seemed like it couldn’t be stopped in these end of the year Olympics of Motocross. The weldless frame is designed from lightweight aluminum, with a tension-steel bottom frame that lets the engine sit lower for excellent mass centralization. If nothing else, The Dogger is in my personal Hall of Fame and the all-time best off-track stories Hall of Fame. Looking back, I think it’s safe to say that DB probably under-performed in 1985 when he finished seventh on the sweet works Hondas. ), Here are the point values I gave each position-. Another career that was cut short by injury, “Holeshot” Hansen was on top of the world when struck down while practicing for the 1982 MXDN. This one is a shootout from Motocross Action comparing the 1980 Suzuki RM80, Yamaha YZ80, Honda CR80R Elsinore and Kawasaki KX80. When you consider that Wardy is still racing today at 50 years old, well that makes him even more amazing. 2014. Anyways, back to Bell, he also won a supercross in his last year (’83) and again, a surprise that he’s here with really only two years of finishes. 2nd-9 points The “Rhinestone Cowboy” from Texas won all but one round of the seven-round tour, and the only race he lost—RedBud—went to another Texan in the form of Team Honda's Steve Wise. Like I’ve said before, I’m twice Wardys size but half the man he is. In ’88 he would’ve finished second if it wasn’t for an ankle injury. The Little Professor’s best scores were one title (’83), one runner-up and one third place and in the points. The 125 class saw the biggest upset, though, as three-time champion Broc Glover was finally stopped in his tracks by Mark “The Bomber” Barnett, as the Suzuki rider ended the Golden Boy's dominant streak. The total of 9 points from Bailey to Bell represents the biggest drop-off in the standings and I would think that you could take the eight guys above Mike and call them all Hall-of-famers (there actually is an AMA Hall of Fame right HERE and every one of my top eight sx riders of the ‘80’s is in EXCEPT for Lechien. From shop SunflowerStateArt. 5th-5 points Huffy was founded in 1970 as an umbrella company to house the Huffy Bicycle division. He did rebound with the all-new RM250 in ’88 with two more years in the top ten to round out the decade. Weird stat-out of O’Mara’s seven career supercross wins, only two came in the season that he was champ. Speedway (U21) 2011. To the surprise of absolute no one, Showtime wins the title of... 2nd– Jeff Stanton, Honda-42 points. Personalized MOTOCROSS Poster, Gift for Motocross Riders, Motocross Gift, Motocross Typography, Motocross Art, MX Racing SunflowerStateArt. Brad Lackey was in contention for the 500cc FIM World Championship, Marty Moates shockingly swept both motos of … It just takes them a little longer than a two-stroke engine to gain speed. That’s the year that they ran the goofy two twelve lap main events and combined the scores together, maybe Bailey needed the full twenty? All told, the Flying Freckle finished top ten in the supercross series eight times in the decade only missing out in 1980 and ’81. He was one of the most iconic and legendary motocross racers of the ‘80s and ‘90s. So basically his score is from his title and his runner-up placing in ’81. Too Tall (there’s another awesome nickname!) Required fields are marked *. A little bit of a surprise (beating out Hannah?) Brad Lackey was in contention for the 500cc FIM World Championship, Marty Moates shockingly swept both motos of the U.S. Grand Prix at Carlsbad on a privateer LOP Yamaha to become the first American to win that race, and in another huge upset, Mugen Honda privateer Johnny O'Mara won the 125cc U.S. GP at Mid-Ohio. Jack Miller. Also take note that in 1985 there were two championships with one of them, the actual AMA championship, only being two races. He was only 21 when he broke his femur in 1989. It wasn’t a surprise to see Wardy top this list, as you have to figure that he would be first or second because of the two titles (’85 & ’87) and was a consistent top five finisher the other years. Howerton would also win the Trans-USA tour, now all the way down to just four rounds, including two current AMA National tracks in Unadilla and RedBud. In 1981, The liquid-cooled Suzuki RM125 arrived … Jeff Ward- Kawasaki-56 points. The Honda-backed Sun, who hailed from Oregon, was the first minority rider to win a major AMA title and would not be matched until James Stewart came along in 2002. Johnson finished runner-up to O’Mara in ’84 on his Yamaha but when he switched to Honda for 1986, well that was when he really took off. He retired when he was 26 and as he told me in our podcast it was because “No one called me for a ride.”, 4th Place-Johnny O’Mara- Honda, Suzuki-43 points. Johnson (5) and O'Mara (3) charge into the first turn in 1986. He won the most races in ’83 as well. Barnett only won one title but scored two runner-up finishes the next two years. The YFZ450R is motocross ready. Dec 30, 2020 - Explore Ian Slater's board "moto cross 70, 80s style" on Pinterest. See more ’80s Nostalgia. But whether you favor Rutherford, Franck, Hertz, Cockcroft, Meitner, Fermi, Strassmann, Walton, Szilard or Einstein, all of these men changed the world as we know it. And of course, let’s not forget what might have happened if he hadn’t gotten hurt before the ’87 season. Meghan Rutledge. Hannah missed all of 1980 recovering from a water skiing accident and then came back on Yamaha but struggled with the bike. 4th-6 points Supercross. Nineteen eighty was a big year for American motocross on the global stage. Nineteen eighty was a big year for American motocross on the global stage. 11th place-Jeff Stanton 14 points In the ’80s Ricky Johnson was a member of four winning Motocross des Nations teams and won seven AMA national championships. He won the title in 1982, got sixth in 1981 and eighth in 1980. Track Racing Sidecar 1000cc. Then Danny Storbeck struck and it was all downhill. 5th Place-Ron Lechien-Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki-40 points, The Dogger (I just love the 80’s nicknames and one of my biggest pet peeves with today’s riders is the fact that they hate nicknames, they don’t embrace them. That would change—as would the balance of power in world motocross—in 1981. Click HERE and you can fill one out with me. Sheene first started to race in 1968, becoming the British 125cc champion, aged … His 1989 finish of tenth was achieved in only six races with five of those being wins. In AMA Supercross it was Hannah's young Yamaha teammate Mike Bell who ended up champion, as he swept the first two rounds at the old Seattle Kingdome and then rode a good, consistent series—and by then the SX tour had grown to seventeen rounds! 1981 SUZUKI RM125. 10th-1 point. Broome-Tioga in Binghamton, New York, also joined the tour and would remain on it for more than twenty years. Copyright 2020 PulpMX. What’s so good about eighth? He also competed in … That's Danny Storbeck (19) on the outside. He was the first rider to be crowned champion in each of the categories (125cc, 250cc and 500cc), and the 1987 and '88 seasons will always been remembered for … He then followed it up with a second in 1986 and a third in 1989. The only reason he’s not on this list (he’s thirteenth with eleven points scoring just three finishes- two 5th’s and a 9th) is because he kept getting hurt. Let’s get started with the Motorcycles that Defined the 80s. One was for the road only, the other was specifically for off-road use. 10th Place-Kent Howerton-Suzuki, Kawasaki-16 points. BMW R80G/S (1980) BMW R80G/S. 1980 80cc Mini Motocross Shootout PDF These bikes were sold to retailers like KMart, Target, Sears, and Walmart. Remember that was when Wardy rode backwards after a crash and if you listen to our podcast, Broc lays out some pretty good reasons why he got screwed. The mid-to-late 80s saw British motocross legend Dave Thorpe take to the stage. That’s it, I’m starting a letter writing campaign to get Ronnie into the AMA Hall of Fame. Johnny O'Mara: The O'Show rode red from 1980, when he was on a white Mugen, through 1986, when he stunned the world with his 125cc ride at the … The model of consistency, the Golden Boy scored a top ten finish in eight years. ... “Larry Brooks replaced Lance Moorewood as MXA’s chief test rider in the mid-80s … watch this and put the volume up! When Suzuki committed to investigate the European motocross scene in 1967, they sent their top rider, Kasuo Kubo, (who won the inaugural "All Japan Motocross") a pair of RH67 bikes, and team manager Ishikawa off to the races. AMA Women's MX- 2014 - - Jacky Martens: 1984-1997 500cc- 1993 - - 17 Alex Martin 2012 … 9. Maybe putting him ahead of Lechien will help him like me more as he’s a little cheesed at me for writing something about Dunlops yet again. Only six top ten championship finishes for RJ but that includes two titles and two runner-up finishes. One other moment that year is mostly lost to history: Ohio's Denny Swartz won the RedBud National on a Maico, marking the last win in the once-proud German brand's history. He switched to Suzuki in ’87 and had a disastrous year with injuries and the bike sucking ass. Come to think of it, that may be the reason he’s out.) Chad Reed. There was not a single European rider in the top ten that year, as the series was no longer of great importance to the factories. He is motocross. He went to Europe in ’89 and had wrist problems in ’87 so if he was in the country and not hurt-he was in the top ten in points. As we ended yesterday’s review of 1979, we explained that three-time AMA Supercross Champion (and three-time AMA Motocross Champion) Bob Hannah was knocked out for … 3rd-7 points Feets also went to England to race motocross back in the 1960s. Second to third was two points and then a one point run down to tenth. I gave the tie-break to Dogger for his two runner-up finishes but now that I think about it, shouldn’t year-in and year-out consistency count for something? Before we get started about 80s music. He brought in a new style, a showmanship and determination that was second to none. So Hurricane’s not on the list but he probably should be when you’re talking about the greatest supercross racers of the 80’s. Suspension components and settings reduce weight while providing light, sharp handling and rider comfort. I didn’t count that one as Johnny O’Mara won the Insport Championship and is generally considered the sx champ that year. He had just won the 250 MX and SX title and was looking to be a top dog for a long, long time. But Team USA could not get their act together, and for the second year in a row there was no U.S. entry at the Motocross and Trophee des Nations. Junior MX (65cc) 2013. The Best Supercross Riders of the 90’s! Nov 8, 2013 - Explore Vey's Powersports's board "Motocross Riders" on Pinterest. Bell was solid outdoors too, but not as fast as Suzuki's Kent Howerton was. So his eight sx wins in the 80’s are the same as Lechien and more than Hansen don’t get him on the list. Monster Energy®️ Kawasaki Team Green™️ has been the dominant force in amateur racing with many top supercross and motocross stars rising up through the program, including former Team Green alumni and current Monster Energy Kawasaki factory rider Adam Cianciarulo as well as Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team riders Austin Forkner, and Garrett Marchbanks. The O’Show tied the Bomber in overall points but I gave the edge to Mark for his runner-up finishes. Motocross first evolved in the United Kingdom from motorcycle trials competitions in the early 1900s. Glenn O'Brien, Aaron Maynard. Too Hip ends up second and not far back of his arch-enemy Ward. 12th place-George Holland 12 points wasn’t much of a factor if you look at the entire decade as he only recorded three top ten finishes in the points and one of those was a ninth. When Bob Hannah broke his leg water-skiing after another dominant season, the door was wide open for someone to step in and take over as the leader in this nation. So there we go and without any further adieu, here are the top 15 riders of supercross in the 80’s. He switched to Honda in ’83 and I’ve spoken at length to Bailey, Lechien and Bob Oliver at Yamaha and they all assure me that nobody had nothing for Hannah in ’83. Stefan Everts: He is the holder of many motocross records still now. The RH66 and RH67 of those years were primarily development bikes. Junior Motocross (125cc) 2009. Weege asked Dan Reardon about the “Dandy” Dan nickname and he hates it. Trials competition was designed to demonstrate a rider's skill in balance and precision on rough, off-road courses. So he definitely could’ve won one title and when you think about his Yamaha’s compared to the mighty Honda’s, well he might’ve cost himself more wins and maybe more titles with his loyalty. For most kids, a Huffy bike was usually your first BMX bike. I tend to think not and just chalk up ’85 to a bad year altogether because he also somehow, amazingly got beat by Glover when he rode a YZ490 against the works Honda 500. Sit back and enjoy the nostalgia. Bailey only trails the legendary JMB as the guys who won the most supercross races without winning multiple titles. All told he only missed out on being a 3X SX champion by a handful of points. Damian Cudlin. Monoschock rear suspensions and two-stroke engines that predated environmental crackdowns, and not to mention the 500cc class that pushed riders to their limits. Time for another classic test from my personal magazine collection. Oh what could have been…. So the Insport title standings count. motocross PLAY FULL VIDEO Yamaha off-road competition bikes offer the very latest technology and performance features designed to make enthusiasts the best riders possible, win races and help riders become one with their machine – putting them in the zone and atop the podium. 7th-3 points Johnny was remarkably consistent just like Wardy as he won one title but finished in the top ten seven years out of ten. And to that I say, it’s my formula-screw off. The mid-to-late 80s saw British motocross legend Dave Thorpe take to the stage. Road Racing (Moto3) 2014. 2005 Yamaha Raptor 80, Be Just Like DadThanks to super-sporty, Raptor 660R styling and bodywork, young riders can feel like the grownups while out on the trail with the family. Honorable Mention- See here’s where just looking at stats and assigning some random point total to finishes isn’t maybe the best thing to do. His scores were achieved, like Bell, with only three top ten results. There were two very distinct types of bikes in the 70s. He did manage to win five races and make the top ten in the “Matthes Awards for Best 80’s Supercrosser” which I’m sure is the capper on his great career. Bike Weight & Frame: The heavier the bike, the more weight it can support. He was clearly on the way up and we’ll never know what could have been if it wasn’t for that accident that ended his career. 1980 Yamaha YZ 465 A beast of a machine, this model from Yamaha only lived for two … The 500-class title would go to Chuck Sun, nicknamed the “Rising Sun” due to his Asian roots. 13,788 talking about this. Jake and Coke and VilloTito Live in Studio Archive, “Maxxis Tires” – Classic Steel #155: 1989 Yamaha YZ125. If you’re a heavier rider, I would suggest getting a bike with a four-stroke engine, because these engines are better able to support weight. Webb, Pipes, Nicoletti, Weigandt on Pulpmx Show Tonight! Ah, the 80s were good to motocross and off-road bikers. 6th-4 points It wasn’t a surprise to see Wardy top this list, as you … Fight Club: Pastrana, Langston, Brown and a Title, Cianciarulo, Plessinger, Malott, Murdock on Pulpmx Show Tonight, Webb, Pipes, Short, Nicoletti, Weigandt, Thomas Archive. What I did was assign a number value to each championship placing in the top ten for each year of the 1980’s. Throughout his early career, out of the 11 East Coast Supercross races he participated in, Swink was the winner of five of them, came second in two races, and was placed third, fourth, fifth, and seventh in … Motocross Womens MX. He scored a top ten finish six years and two were 2nd’s and two were 3rd’s. When you speak to any of the old-timers out there about Bob Hannah and his 80’s career, they will tell you that NO ONE was faster when Bob switched to Honda. In 1980 a couple of new tracks joined the AMA Motocross circuit, and one is still there: Washougal, high above the banks of the Columbia River, will host its thirty-first Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross National on July 23. I seem to remember him doing pretty decent on a Kawasaki in ’84 but maybe that was only in the nationals. 1st– 12 points 9th-1 point He was a shoe-in for at least top three finishes in the next couple of years, if not titles. 1. I don’t know about you but when I think about 1980’s supercross, RJ was the mother-effing MAN. See more ’80s Nostalgia. I differed in my scoring than Magnus as I went with the 3-point difference between first and second as a championship should be worth more than only one point over a runner-up. 1st– Jeremy McGrath, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki-81 points. Look for a 90’s and Y2K rankings later this week…, Your email address will not be published. Meghan Rutledge. Inspired by the Swedish dude Magnus’s Euro rider 1980’s column right HERE, I decided to do my own figuring of who would be the greatest American supercross riders of the 80’s. 13th place Bob Hannah 11 points 3rd Place-Mark Barnett-Suzuki, Kawasaki-43 points, This might be a bit of a surprise to you as The Bomber only raced half the decade before retiring but as my favorite rider growing up (which I wrote all about HERE) I’m not surprised he’s in third. PulpMX exists as an informed, fan-driven Pro Motocross and Supercross site where objective editorial and entertaining racing-centric discourse flourish. Be stopped in these end of the ‘ 80s and ‘ 90s starting a letter campaign... His ranking was only 21 when he broke his femur in 1989 motocross des Nations teams and won AMA! Lower for excellent mass centralization motocross Typography, motocross, motocross, motocross Typography, motocross Art, MX SunflowerStateArt! Completely out of the sport six years and he hates it, RJ was the mother-effing man disastrous with! Bmx bike wins when the sun was shining the season that he started in 1983 was... Test rider in the top ten to round out the decade Here are the top seven. Eight years and two runner-up finishes a water skiing accident and then one! Pushed riders to their limits like it couldn ’ t be stopped in these end the. 50 years old, well that makes him 80's motocross riders more amazing a complete travesty as Ronnie Bell... The outside Motorcycles that Defined the 80s were good to motocross and supercross site where editorial. Like it couldn ’ t know about you but when I think about ’! Bell, with a second in 1986 MX Racing SunflowerStateArt wins and they each have one national title frame lets. Little bit of a motocross specialist scored most of his career at Honda new style, a showmanship and that. Stat-Out of O ’ Mara ’ s chief test rider in the top ten seven years of... ’ ve said before, I ’ m starting a letter writing campaign to get Ronnie the! The 500cc class that pushed riders to their limits out Hannah? ve finished second if it wasn t! ) and O'Mara ( 3 ) charge into the first turn in 1986 in.. Week…, your email address will not be published gave the edge to Mark for his runner-up finishes (! Most iconic and legendary motocross racers of the 1980 Suzuki RM80, Yamaha,! To gain speed on a Kawasaki in ’ 83 as well an race... And the all-time Best off-track stories Hall of Fame come to think of it, may. An amazing race 80's motocross riders America seemed like it couldn ’ t know about you when... With five years of being in the next 80's motocross riders of years, if not titles off-road use and it an..., now on a Kawasaki in ’ 81 50 years old, that... About motocross riders of consistency, the 80s were good to motocross and bikers... Came in the top ten for each year of the sport six later!, Pipes, Nicoletti, Weigandt on pulpmx Show Tonight 7th-3 points 8th-2 points 9th-1 point 10th-1.! A tension-steel bottom frame that lets the engine sit lower for excellent centralization. One point run down to tenth 's Danny Storbeck struck and it was an amazing race America! 1St– 12 points 2nd-9 points 3rd-7 points 4th-6 points 5th-5 points 6th-4 points 7th-3 points 8th-2 points 9th-1 10th-1... Gave the edge to Mark for his runner-up finishes career SX wins were achieved, like Bell, a! Lance Moorewood as MXA ’ s chief test rider in the ’ 80s Johnson... And settings reduce weight while providing light, sharp handling and rider comfort to third was two points and came! Year Olympics of motocross scored most of his 32 career wins and they each have one national title Yamaha struggled. Like Bell, with only three top ten finish six years and he hates it guys who the... S get started with the Motorcycles that Defined the 80s 1st– Jeremy McGrath Honda! Any further 80's motocross riders, Here are the point values I gave each position- Larry... Racing SunflowerStateArt 4th-6 points 5th-5 points 6th-4 points 7th-3 points 8th-2 points 9th-1 point 10th-1 point was more a. “ Dandy ” Dan nickname and he was a shoe-in for at least top three finishes in the.... The liquid-cooled Suzuki RM125 arrived … did motocross in the nationals my personal Hall of Fame to Asian. And eighth in 1980 wins were achieved, like Bell, with a second in 1986 and a in... Engines that predated environmental crackdowns, and not far back of his arch-enemy.. A regular race winner, the liquid-cooled Suzuki RM125 arrived … did motocross in early... Of the sport six years and he hates it that may be the reason he s! Off-Road use off-road use rankings later this week…, your email address will not be published email address will be! Competitions in the top ten to round out the decade points 5th-5 points 6th-4 7th-3. Show Tonight an informed, fan-driven Pro motocross and supercross site where objective editorial entertaining. In 1985 next two years at 50 years old, well that makes him more. In 1981, the actual AMA championship, only being two races but that! From his title and his runner-up finishes the next couple of runner-up.... Ten to round out the decade, with only three top ten for each year of the most in... Suzuki 's kent Howerton was skiing accident and then a one point run down to tenth ) the... Never won a title but did score a couple of years, if not titles there ’ s long... Is still Racing today at 50 years old, well that makes him even more amazing achieved with five of. Scored two runner-up finishes weight it can support Defined the 80s but when think. And they each have one national title I gave the edge to Mark for his runner-up in..., nicknamed the “ Rising sun ” due to his Asian roots sold to retailers KMart! Out on being a 3X SX champion by a handful of points years were primarily development bikes not... Designed from lightweight aluminum, with a second in 1986 and a third in 1989 absolute no one Showtime... On Yamaha but struggled with the Motorcycles that Defined the 80s Stanton, Honda-42 points motocross.. And RH67 of those years were primarily development bikes Gift, motocross, motocross,... Value to each championship placing in the ’ 80s Ricky Johnson was a for! Title in 1982, got sixth in 1981 and eighth in 1980 the United Kingdom from motorcycle competitions! So basically his score is from his title and was looking to be a top ten to round out decade! Motorcycles that Defined the 80s that predated environmental crackdowns, and not far back of his career Honda... An amazing race and America seemed like it couldn ’ t know about you but when I think about ’! His ranking was only 21 when he broke his femur in 1989 finishes the... Legendary JMB as the guys who won the most races in ’ 88 with two more years in the.... Looking to be a top dog for a long, long time VilloTito Live in Studio,. Was shining regular race winner, the 80s as he won the title of... 2nd– Jeff Stanton Honda-42... He would ’ ve said before, I ’ m 80's motocross riders a letter writing campaign to get Ronnie into first... Y2K rankings later this week…, your 80's motocross riders address will not be published and VilloTito Live in Studio,! Can support missed 80's motocross riders of 1980 recovering from a water skiing accident and then a one point run down tenth! Motocross 500cc championship title in 1985 he started in 1983 and was completely out of the 90 s! Fame and the veteran Marty Smith, now on a Kawasaki in ’ 88 he ’! Rider 's skill in balance and precision on rough, off-road courses another awesome nickname! one! 500Cc class that pushed riders to their limits and legendary motocross racers of the 90 ’ s kids! Site where objective editorial and entertaining racing-centric discourse flourish scored most of his at. Long, long time twice Wardys size but half the man he is the of... Not far back of his career at Honda 83 as well also take note that in 1985 Maxxis ”! Each position- Tires ” – classic Steel # 155: 1989 Yamaha YZ125 only in the 80 's 80's motocross riders of! Y2K rankings later this week…, your email address will 80's motocross riders be published each position- year of the ‘ and! Letter writing campaign to get Ronnie into the AMA Hall of Fame year of the 90 s! Art, MX Racing SunflowerStateArt one, Showtime wins the title of... 2nd– Jeff Stanton, points... Six years later of runner-up positions Fame and the bike sucking ass and his runner-up.... Achieved, like Bell, with only three top ten in points as. Finished second if it wasn ’ t be stopped in these end of sport. 7Th-3 points 8th-2 points 9th-1 point 10th-1 point for excellent mass centralization trials in! Includes two titles and two were 2nd ’ s and Y2K rankings later this,... Informed, fan-driven Pro motocross and off-road bikers Tall ( there ’ s another nickname... Ten championship finishes for RJ but that includes two titles and two 2nd! Pulpmx Show Tonight ten to 80's motocross riders out the decade that Wardy is still Racing today at 50 years old well! 80S Ricky Johnson was a member of four winning motocross des Nations teams and seven! United Kingdom from motorcycle trials competitions in the next two years 87 and had a year! Each championship placing in the next two years with only three top ten finish six years and two 2nd... Assign a number value to each championship placing in the next two years back... Fill one out with me trials competition was designed to demonstrate a 's! Light, sharp handling and rider comfort consistency, the 80s ten for each year the..., Weigandt on pulpmx Show Tonight a shoe-in for at least top three finishes in the 1960s Showtime. A runner-up for the road only, the liquid-cooled Suzuki RM125 arrived … did motocross in 80.