Day 2 dawned a little chilly at the Valencia Test, and testing action therefore took a while to get in gear. Once it did, however, there were a few interesting things to keep an eye on in pitlane and more than enough drama, some of the earliest of which came courtesy of the Honda of Stefan Bradl as he came to a halt on track, and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) didn’t initially make it out of pitlane for his second run.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Kawasaki will beat Ducati and KTM to the punch by introducing Bosch’s full suite of Advanced Rider Assistance Systems in 2021.
The systems include adaptive cruise control (ACC) which adapts speed to the vehicle in front, plus forward collision warning and blind-spot detection.
Ducati and KTM have announced that only some of these three systems will be introduced in their 2021 models.
Kawasaki will go with the three systems.
The Kawasaki announcement follows the recent unveiling of their electric motorcycle project at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this month.
Perhaps that will be the bike that includes the three Bosch systems which are active at all times.
The Bosch Advanced Rider Assistance Systems use mid-range radar sensors at the front and of the motorcycle for constant monitoring.
It sends alerts when a vehicle is in the bike’s blind spot or there is an imminent forward or rear collision.
Their adaptive cruise control uses the sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged.
Most of these advanced systems are already in use in many cars today, but none has been introduced to motorcycles yet.
Ducati is expected to add Bosch front and rear radar and cornering ABS to their entire range in 2021, but not adaptive cruise control.
Meanwhile, KTM has demonstrated Bosch’s adaptive cruise control and blind spot alert which they will introduced to their range in 2021. They will not introduce the forward collision warning system.
Bosch has also been working on jet thrusters that will prevent a low-side slide.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
A Brit appeared in court via video link today on multiple charges involving a fatal crash with two motorcycles on 2 September 2019.
Tweed Heads Local Court heard that Graham Stephen Belcher, 52, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport at 2am the next morning as he was about to board a flight to thew UK via Hong Kong.
NSW Police allege the unlicensed driver in a rental car did not give way to two motorcycles at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on 2 September.
Scott Rose, 39, died at the scene and his riding partner, Barry Nolan, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries. He later released from hospital.
Belcher failed to stop and his Hyundai rental car was later found abandoned at Terranora.
The Brit was extradited from Queensland to NSW on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with:
Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until today.
The matter has now been listed for 18 December and he was again remanded in custody.
A fundraiser page was started to raise money for Scott’s family.
You can support the fundraiser by clicking here. So far, more than $17,000 of a $10,000 goal has been raised.
The fundraiser page was started by brother-in-law, Codie Holliday, to raise money to support Scott’s wife Tenniel and his children Lacey, 9, and Nash, 6.
“As the sole income provider for his family, Scott’s tragic death is impacting his family in so many awful ways, including financially,” Codie says on the fundraiser page.
Scott was a maintenance technician at Movie World and Sea World.
Codie says Scott “loved riding bikes, fixing them, his kids both have bikes and I’m fairly sure the garage has a number of ongoing bike ‘projects’ always”.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Image: Supplied.
Valentino Rossi says his initial feeling with the 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 prototype has been positive following the opening day of testing at Valencia.
Rossi, who welcomed his new crew chief David Munoz on Tuesday, was sampling a new chassis, engine and a different air intake while making comparisons to the 2019-spec bike.
“Today was not so bad,” said Rossi. “We continue to work on the prototype of the 2020 bike that is a bit different, and the feeling is positive.
“We also worked a bit on the tyres and the setting, and at the end we found something good. It became better and better towards the end of the day, and I had quite a good pace, so we will try to continue like this tomorrow.”
Rossi was ninth on the timesheets, as teammate Maverick Vinales was second. Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo set the pace with a selection of new components.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
Liverpool driver Shaokun Zhu, 30, appeared in court today charged with negligence after allegedly driving through a give way sign and hitting a motorcyclist in Sydney’s west on 30 October 2019.
NSW Police allege he was driving a Volkswagen Passat west along Cabramatta Road West when he went through a Give Way sign without stopping.
His VW hit a motorbike being ridden by a 28-year-old man who was thrown from the bike.
The rider suffered significant injuries including a fractured shoulder, pelvis and hip, as well as serious cuts and abrasions.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to Liverpool Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
The scene was examined by officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit.
Shaokun Zhu was arrested and charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
His licence was suspended, and he was given conditional bail.
The matter was today adjourned to 29 January 2020 again in Liverpool Local Court. Conditional bail continues.
If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in jail.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Indian Motorcycles have announced some great deals on their MY19 Thunder Stroke 111 models, as they make room for 2020 stock, with all new and demonstrator models coming with free on-road costs, plus $1000 to $3000 worth of genuine accessories or apparel for a limited time.
The same offer is also available on all new and demonstrator Scout and Bobbers models, with up to $2000 worth of accessories, but excludes FTR 1200 models – although they are running a separate special on the FTR to celebrate another season of dominating the American Flat Track championship.
Indian Thunder Stroke 111 models boast three selectable ride modes – Tour, Standard or Sport, and introduced rear-cylinder deactivation, offering better comfort in slow moving traffic, or at a stop thanks to reduced heat generation.
2018 also saw the Thunder Stroke gain 15 horsepower and 15Nm, alongside the announcement of a new 116-cubic-inch kit, while 2020 will see the adoption of the 116 onto select models as standard fitment for the first time.
The Thunder Stroke 111 runs a bore and stroke of 101mm by 113mm for a displacement of 1811cc, a 9.5:1 compression ratio and peak torque of 151Nm or 111lbs-ft, available at 3000rpm. You’ll find the Thunder Stroke 111 in Indian’s Cruiser, Bagger, Touring, Dark Horse and Elite model lines – which you can check out at the Indian Motorcycle Australia website (link).
On the Scout you’ll find a sporty liquid-cooled 69-cubic-inch 60-degree V-twin, running a higher 10.7:1 compression ratio and boasting a bore x stroke of 99 x 73.6mm, with Indian boasting an impressive 100 horsepower, alongside 97.7Nm or torque, or 72lbs-ft at 6000rp. You can check out the Scout range, including the Scout Bobber at the Indian Motorcycle Australia website (link).
So if you’re interested in picking up a Thunder Stroke 111 MY19 Indian model, or the Scout or Bobber models, now’s the time to head into your local Indian Motorcycle dealer, as this is a limited offer. For more details see the special deals section of the Indian Motorcycles website (link).
Source: MCNews.com.au
Image: Supplied.
Shoulder pain that arose as a result of crashing on Sunday ultimately hindered Danilo Petrucci on day one of testing at Valencia, limiting the Italian to just 10 laps.
The Ducati Team rider underwent further medical checks after posting the 12th fastest time, however will decide if he’ll return to the track ahead of day two at the Spanish venue.
“Unfortunately I was only able to do a few laps today because my left shoulder, which was already giving me a few problems, was injured a bit more in my crash on Sunday,” Petrucci explained.
“Even though I tried to rest on Monday, when I got back on the bike today I didn’t have any strength in it so I preferred to stop and see if I can do a few laps tomorrow or if it will be better to postpone everything to next week at Jerez. Despite the fact I only did a few laps, my first impressions of the 2020 bike are certainly positive”.
Teammate Andrea Dovizioso finished the session in fourth place on the 2020 version of his factory Desmosedici GP.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
‘Tis the season for Christmas Toy Runs with three major charity events this weekend in the far north and south of the nation.
There is the 24rd Tabelands Toy Run on Saturday and on Sunday the Toy Run for Father Bob in Melbourne and the 39th Townsville Toy Run.
The latter also has a GoFundme page to raise $5000 to aid people still reeling from the February floods.
Organiser Dave Ross says many Townsville families lost “absolutely everything in the floods earlier this year”.
So they started the GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to buy more items such as Christmas trees and decorations, personal grooming for young teenagers, educational toys for toddlers, etc.
We’re making a list and checking it twice, so make sure your Christmas toy run is included.
Click here to send details to us via email and we will add your toy run to this article.
Please do not send details via any other message as they can get lost.
Make sure to tell us where and when it starts, where it goes, how long is the ride and what should riders bring as gifts/donations?
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in Christmas themes, but ensure they are still safe and roadworthy.
Also, the Lockyer Ulysses Branch which runs the Ipswich Toy Run has warned riders not to throw lollies or high-five spectators as it could lead to a crash.
They say Ipswich Police they will access video of the event and fine offending riders or pillions.
We are unaware of any similar warnings at any other toy runs.
However, police in several states have told us that anyone putting themselves and other road users at risk at these events “will be dealt with accordingly”.
So, no impunity at toy runs just because they aid charity!
Tabelands: The 23rd annual Tablelands Toy Run starts with breakfast from 7.30am at the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade on Tinaroo Falls Dam Road. The ride starts at 9am starts and finishes with a barbecue at the Tolga Salvation Army Store on the Kennedy Highway. Prizes for best decorated bikes and riders.
South Melbourne: The Toy Run for Father Bob departs 10.15am from Seaford, Noble Park, Ringwood & Ring Road East service centre to 204 Gladstone St, South Melbourne for 11am. Donations – age appropriate – tots to teens, youths and families. New unwrapped gifts, plush (not fluffy) stuffed toys, books, puzzles, indoor/outdoor games, musical instruments, novelty accessories, festive season edible treats, gift vouchers, fun park/event/cinema tickets, and cash. Unavoidably they have had to scale down the event activities this year. 2020 we will be back at 1-7 Wharf Road, Port Melbourne, with food, stalls, raffles, music, a mystery main ride, and prizes.
Townsville: 39th Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Appeal on Sunday November 24 at Village Boulevard Riverway Park under the trees with a 90km ride from 9am. Donations can be dropped at North Shore Woollies or Toyworld.
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 42nd running of the event, from 8am, leaving from Stockton to Wickam Park. Click here to register. This year’s theme is again superheroes!
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Bendigo: The Bendigo Toy Run, organised by Allies Motorcycle Club Bendigo, meets at Lansell Plaza at 8 for an 8.30 ride to Lake Weeroona for a barbecue lunch, activities and prizes.
Mt Lindesay:Register from 8am at the Middle Green Sports Club, Greenbank, for a ride leaving at 10am. Cost is $10 ($5 for pillion) which includes water, patch and a lucky draw prize entry. All proceeds go to Beckey’s Place which supports children and adults with special needs to develop a relationship with miniature horses. Bring unwrapped toys for children. There is a trophy for the best decorated bike.
Hobart: The 40th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 20th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run starts at Bobber Dave’s Bike Shop, Nefertiti Court, Traralgon, from 9.30am for a departure at 11am. Ride ends at Old Gippstown, Moe, for lunch. Toys and gifts go to the Salvos and Vinnies.
Brisbane Santa Ride: Riders muster at New Farm Park from 7.30am. All proceeds this year go to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their 23rd annual toy run from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre. Remember not to throw lollies or high-five kids!
Adelaide: The 41str Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track in Victoria at 11am Park, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
Canberra: The 39th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House starts at 8am with a loop ride at 10am. Trophies for the club with the biggest attendance and the largest corporate group entry.
Sale: The 22nd Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run starts at 9.30am from the Sale Clock Tower accepts non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
Toowoomba: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at various meeting points in Goombungee, Oakey, Nobby and Gatton at 10.30am and rides to Picnic Point. All others meet at Picnic Point at 10.30am. Ride starts at 12.30pm and finishes at the Downs Motorcycle Sporting Club at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. All donations go to the Toowoomba Hospital and St Vincent de Paul.
Melbourne: The 42nd Melbourne Toy Run is a week later this year with starting points all over the city heading to MCAS 16A Keilor Park Dr from 9am to 6pm. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
If you’re even remotely interested in the Indian Challenger, then you should dash on over to Indian’s website to enter the Challenger Ride of a Lifetime Sweepstakes. One lucky motorcyclist will have the opportunity to set out on one of five scenic routes set out by Indian Motorcycle:
Riders have two ways to enter the sweepstakes. Taking a demo ride of any Indian motorcycle at an Indian dealership automatically enters the person. The second way is to go to Indian’s website and fill out the sweepstakes form. Entries will be accepted from 10/29/19 to 1/31/20.
2020 Indian Challenger Review – First Ride
Learn more about the Indian Challenger in the video below.
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The post Indian Announces Ride Of A Lifetime Challenger Test Ride Sweepstakes appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
Image: Supplied.
Alex Marquez says understanding the characteristics of the Honda RC213V is key during the Valencia test as he transitions to the MotoGP class, the rookie overcoming a fall on day one in Spain.
Admitting he made a ‘rookie mistake’ in his first run that saw him crash at turn 10, the Moto2 world champion reflected positively on the day where he recorded a total of 53 laps.
“First I want to say thank you to Honda for this opportunity to join them as the Moto2 world champion,” Marquez stated. “Each lap we were able to improve which is important and I was able to enjoy my time on the bike. I’m very happy, it has been a positive day for me apart from the rookie mistake I made in the first run.
“My rhythm was quite good, and I know where I need to improve and focus on for tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow is to just make more laps so I can understand the bike better, learn how to manage it more.”
Repsol Honda signed Marquez, younger brother for multi-time world champion Marc, to replace the now retired Jorge Lorenzo in 2020.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
