Honda CRF450 Ready to Rally

Monster Energy Honda HRC cleared for takeoff as 2026 Dakar Rally gets ready to kick off in Yanbu

January 2, 2026 

With scrutineering successfully completed for Monster Energy Honda HRC, attention now firmly turns to the highly anticipated start of the 2026 Dakar Rally, the most demanding event on the rally-raid calendar.

The team arrived in Saudi Arabia last week to acclimatise to the local conditions, adapt to the time zone and temperatures, and carry out a final shakedown of their Honda CRF450 RALLY machines.  Riders Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien Van Beveren and Tosha Schareina used the opportunity to fine-tune their setups and build confidence ahead of the opening stages.  Following these preparations, all four riders completed the mandatory administrative checks before their bikes were presented for scrutineering today at the Yanbu start camp, located on the shores of the Red Sea, where they passed without issue.

With nearly 8,000 kilometres awaiting competitors over the course of the next two weeks, the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally is set to begin in Yanbu.  The event will open with a 41km liaison section leading into a 22km prologue.  While short in distance, the gravel prologue is expected to be intense, placing immediate pressure on riders to perform.  A strong result will be vital, as finishing positions will help the riders to determine their starting order for stage one and could play a key role in shaping the early dynamics of the race.

Ruben Faria

General Manager

We are in Yanbu, the weather is good, the Honda CRF450 RALLY bikes have passed all the technical checks and the riders are really excited to start tomorrow’s 22km prologue, which looks like a mini stage with a lot of waypoints. Our bikes have been prepared and we are ready for the most important race of the year that is the Dakar Rally.

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Prado Another Rookie Year...Nah Don't Think So

Jorge Prado views 2026 as another 'rookie year' 

Mike Wroblewski...New SMX Stuff

New Beginings!

Jeffrey Herlings has given his thoughts on riding a different brand for the first time ever in his 15 year professional career and the Dutchman even admits he has been struggling to sleep thinking ahead to riding the Honda and working with a new team.

Herlings commented after riding the bike: “New beginning, 2026, I’ve been with KTM since 2009, so it’s a complete new chapter for me. A new beginning, January 1st today, first day on the bike, and yeah, just super excited. Trying to get as much riding time in as we can, because obviously it’s not that long before the first race. This is like 6-7 weeks, so we need every single minute while we can, and yeah, just try to be ready and prepare for round one Argentina.

“Bro, I didn’t sleep for like a week or so. I was like, I was really looking forward to a change. Is the bike going to be better? It could also be worse.The new people, how do they work? I just wanted to witness once in my career something different, and yeah, today was a day to start.

“I jumped on a brand new bike, they don’t have any experience with me, I don’t have any experience with them, and it’s just everything is new for them, for me. So, throughout the first day, we already made massive steps, and you know, there’s so much experience at Honda HRC, not just for Moto, because they have Formula 1, MotoGP, Enduro, any sport, you almost can name it, so they have so much experience, so it’s a pleasure to work with them, and already in the first day we made huge improvement, and yeah, looking forward to the times ahead.”

Gajser Goes Blue

A New Era at HRC...Jeff Herlings

Super Cross King Jeremy's Play Bike!

 Beach Cruiser, MX Play Bike or Just Plain Fun? 

101 Bikes has launched its first e-bike, inspired by the California Coast.

Industry veterans and legends Bob Haro and Jeremy McGrath
join forces to create an innovative new bike.

Inspired by the scenic beauty and adventurous spirit of California’s iconic Highway 101,
the new 101 Bikes company proudly introduces its first e-bike.
This groundbreaking e-bike is designed by BMX freestyle pioneer Bob Haro in collaboration with seven-time American Motorcyclist Association Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. Blending BMX and Moto heritage with rugged aesthetics and performance, 101 Bikes promises to handle any challenge with ease.

The 101 Bike company was founded in 2023 by a group of longtime friends and action sports industry veterans: Bob Haro, Jeremy McGrath, Scott Sepkovic, and Eddie Cole. One memorable sunset evening on the Southern California coast, the group reminisced about their days of riding BMX and Motocross.
They exchanged ideas and innovations that had shaped their sports, and their enduring passion for two-wheeled adventures was evident. It was that evening they decided to collaborate and create something new that they would love to ride: an e-bike infused with Moto and BMX-inspired performance.

Born in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, 101 Bikes embodies the go-anywhere, do-anything spirit with a fresh California vibe. These machines are designed for adventure, freedom, and the thrill of the ride.

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Details

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WC...Essential Suspension Device