Company messages

Marc Teissier and Joël Domergue found Scorpa in Alès (southern France).
Francesco Tognon founds I.Mo.L. (International Moto Laverda) in Zanè and attempts to revive the Laverda brand.
After KTM parted ways with its French importer SIMA, the latter is now taking over imports to France for Husqvarna. SIMA is currently also the importer for the Italian brand Beta.
The collaboration with French KTM importer SIMA (Seurat) is coming to an end. Royal Moto France (RMF) in Troyes is taking over imports.
The motorcycle division of ČZ is being taken over by Italian motorcycle manufacturer Cagiva. The plan is to use the Czech factories to produce new ČZ and Jawa models as well as motorcycles under its own brand.
As part of a corporate restructuring, Gilera's historic plant in Arcore is closed. Gilera's production is transferred to Pontedera (Piaggio's headquarters).

Motocross

Models in this year
usa.png500ccm Cross US Nationals
The final year of the 500cc class at the USA Nationals.
World champions of the year
Europe and US champions
National champions

Other

Events
Jacky Martens establishes his own team, JM Racing, with himself as the driver.
Honda does not offer Roger de Coster a new contract as team manager, but instead wants to push him into a purely administrative advisory role, far away from the racetrack. He therefore leaves Honda.