Vital MX GP Bits: 2023 MXGP of Germany

The expandable trailers of the GPs, AKA the Fish Bowls, are pretty amazing and equally annoying at the same time. Juan Pablo

Fantastic for the teams, not so great for the spectators. Juan Pablo

Ruben Fernandez's HRC Honda CRF450RW hiding out in the fish bowl. Juan Pablo

There is A LOT going on here. First off, we believe this is a version of the upcoming 2025 CRF450R chassis, note the different subframe mounting points. Considering MXGP rounds aren't as hot as the US outdoors, it's surprising to see a full oil cooler being implemented. (Note the oil lines on the left side of the engine right behind the custom radiators) Juan Pablo

The airbox design is a bit different and works around the new subframe mounting points. Not the old mounts right under the radiator shroud aren't in use now, leaving the holes blank. On top of that, Fernandez has standard hardware on his bike in key mounting points (subframe and engine mounts), so no titanium there. Lastly, he's using a production shock body with A-kit components. Juan Pablo

The forks also appear to be production fork cartridges, dressed up with some coated tubes. These are a little different than A-kit or works cartridges. Juan Pablo

An extra map mode switch has been added to Fernandez's controls. Juan Pablo

The MXGP HRC team has a slightly different muffler spec for more aggressive sound testing. Juan Pablo

Oversized titanium fuel tank drool... Juan Pablo

All the data and harness mods have been located on the left side of the frame at a higher up point where it's easier to access and disconnect. Juan Pablo

If you believe the rumors, Louis Vosters and his Wilvo team may not be Yamaha's factory 450 effort in 2024...a spot which they've held since 2019. Juan Pablo

The Nestaan Husqvarna MX2 team still has a traditional pit area with full tent. Although, the windows were fully closed at this round. Juan Pablo

Sadly, Key de Wolf's red plate journey only lasted one round. Juan Pablo

The Nestaan team's design and look is so clean. Juan Pablo

The O2 sensor bung tells us that the Husky MX2 team has received the engine updates (and the inclusion of a second injector) that the US team gained with RJ Hampshire at the opening round of the Pro Motocross Championship. Juan Pablo

FMF is one of a few global partner brands for Husqvarna factory racing. Juan Pablo

Did you know in MXGP that titanium axles are actually illegal? Juan Pablo

Kay's bike utilizes the production vented plate, his bike also features a thicker seat, and the Austrian trio's "medium" engine mount...which is a stock unit that's been machined out a bit. Juan Pablo

Ahh, the old fake steel/aluminum Supersprox (it's actually just an aluminum sprocket). Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo

Did you know that the Nestaan/WP suspension technician is an American and a member of Vital's forum? Jared Keller has been with the team for a couple of years now, after getting his first start at JGRMX. Juan Pablo

Can Kay get the red plate back? Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo

De Wolf came into the round nursing a nasty ankle sprain/injury he received just days before the event. The week off before Indonesia will do the youngster some serious good. Juan Pablo

Some motivation for the young Everts. Juan Pablo

The first top step of MX2 was finally reached by Liam Everts in Germany. Juan Pablo

The pressure this man is under, sharing the same last name with two of the greatest to ever do it in MXGP. One down, 100 to go to reach his father Stefan. Juan Pablo

Lucas Coenen should've taken his MX2 win in Germany, but due to a chain failure in moto two...that's have to wait a few more weeks. Juan Pablo

Jeremy Van Horebeek, the multi-time vice-champion in MXGP returned from retirement to race for the Standing Construct Honda team, but to a series of injuries that left the team without their usual racers Pauls Jonass and Brian Bogers. We wouldn't be shocked to see Horebeek on the bike in the coming rounds as well. Juan Pablo

Jago Geerts returned from a wrist injury a round earlier than expected. While it didn't go fantastically, he did limit the damage and is still in this championship, albeit it a ways down now. Juan Pablo

Six-time MXGP race winner and two-time Championship runner up, Kevin Strijbos, works exclusively with Romain Febvre through the Kawasaki MXGP operation. Juan Pablo

Could Alberto Forato end up on full factory equipment in 2024? It's possible. Right now the Italian is enjoying WP factory support with his suspension program, with the SM Action KTM squad utilizing Italian engine builder Tomasin R&D. Juan Pablo

That's a big red plate covering a big piece of red plastic...you can also see the windowed shock tower on the MXGP Austrian frames in this photo. That's not on the production frame or US bikes. Juan Pablo

JM Honda doing a gold theme for Acerbis 50th anniversary. Juan Pablo

You might have seen the KYT helmet banners on Vital MX recently. The brand is more known for it's road race helmets, but has motocross helmets and even won the 2014 MXGP World Championship with Romain Febvre. Check them out. Juan Pablo