Vital MX GP Bits: 2024 MXGP of Flanders

With Kawasaki looking at a new factory MX2 team through KRT in 2025, could Mathis Valin land a spot there after just one year in EMX250? Mathis Valin

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Mathis Valin's BUD Racing Kawasaki KX250. Juan Pablo

So how does BUD have a 2025 Kawasaki KX250 already? Well, they don't. This is a 2024 KX250 with the bodywork from a 2025 KX450 retrofitted on the bike. Juan Pablo

Who doesn't love a vented front plate? Juan Pablo

BUD Racing uses their own clutch cover but with a Suter slipper clutch underneath. Juan Pablo

BUD Racing has had an in-house engine program for years and also creates many hard parts for their own machines and sells them too.

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Interesting fit. Juan Pablo

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Michelin tires have a presence in EMX250, we wish they did in American Motocross again... Juan Pablo

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For a long time, BUD had a relationship with Ohlins but swapped to KYB in the past couple years. Yes, they have in-house suspension services that are available to the public. Juan Pablo

Hmmm, Scott grips... Juan Pablo

Panta fuels are becoming more common in Europe and Australian racing scenes, but unheard of in the USA. Juan Pablo

Every inch of this bike has a part made by BUD. Juan Pablo

At first glance, the HGS exhaust looks to be a shorty header, but it has more length than you'd think. Juan Pablo

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The queen of the sand, Lotte van Drunen. Juan Pablo

Lotte van Drunen's De Baets Yamaha YZ250F. Juan Pablo

The De Baets team is a Yamaha support squad running a mix of classes. With Paturel in MXGP, van Drunen in WMX and MX2, and a slew of riders in EMX125.

Her bars appear to be cut down a bit. Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo

Her YZ250F features the 3d printed airbox lid with scoops we see aboard Yamaha's factory MX2 and MXGP efforts. Quadrant is a personal sponsor of Lotte's, a gaming and lifestyle brand started by Lando Norris...which supports young extreme athletes that fit the brand's image. Juan Pablo

A little extra wire-ty in place. Juan Pablo

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Lotte's YZ250F features FCP engine mounts and while there are plenty of GYTR components onboard, a GYTR cylinder head isn't one of them.

Still on the fence with HGS' newest exhaust can style... Juan Pablo

Open pegs and foam in the pivot point to keep sand from packing in. Juan Pablo

Juan Pablo

We'll take the boots, please. Juan Pablo

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Gotta keep the sponsors happy. Juan Pablo

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The stock Yamaha YZ450F, and in turn the Fantic XXF 450, have a plastic water spigot on the side of the motor that can warp under extreme conditions...so their race teams switch to a machined aluminum version. Juan Pablo

More 2025 gear from Fox? Yes, please. Also, the red bar pad and cover from Pro Taper are a nice touch. Juan Pablo

Alpinestars cranked out a custom kit for Liam Everts' home race. Juan Pablo

Another look at the full kit. Juan Pablo

Congratulations to someone? Juan Pablo

Yes, the TMs still exist. Juan Pablo

Please let vented front plates make a comeback. Juan Pablo

Romain Febvre was expected to join Triumph Racing in 2025 but as their 450/MXGP program has been moved until 2026, Febvre has chosen to stay put at Kawasaki. The shocking part is he signed a two-year extension, keeping at KRT through 2026 and until he's 34 years old. Juan Pablo