Due to economic difficulties, Morini is forced to file for bankruptcy.

The Ossa TR 280i, a revolutionary trial bike with electronic fuel injection and an inverted cylinder, is launched.

Roger de Coster's contract with Suzuki is expiring. When he asks for a meeting with Suzuki management, they refer him to Yoshimura, the tuning partner that co-operates the team. De Coster feels this is a demotion, as he works for Suzuki and not for Yoshimura. Due to the economic crisis at the time, Suzuki is acting extremely cautiously in Japan and the US and only offers him a one-year contract extension. But de Coster wants security and a budget to remain competitive in the long term. Suzuki, however, refuses to make any long-term commitments.

Pit Beirer becomes motorsport director at KTM

De Carli Racing switches from Yamaha to KTM. It will be responsible for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (MXGP section).