Mugello: A perfect setting for new speed records

The second fastest speed in history was Desmo Dovi’s Ducati teammate Danilo Petruci, with Petrux firing through the speed trap on his Pramac Ducati in last year’s race at 355.8km/h. Test rider Michele Pirro clocked 355.2km/h in last year’s second free practice session at Mugello to be the third fastest man in premier class history, before Andrea Iannone, from 2016, and Pirro again, from 2017, round of the top five with 354.9km/h and 354.7km/h.

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Marini sets the early Moto2™ marker in Mugello

Le Mans winner Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) ended second quickest, just 0.041 of a second adrift of Marini, proving the Spaniard looks likely to continue his French form in Italy this weekend. Class rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio impressed in third place, making him the first of the MB Conveyors Speed Up machines.

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Pramac to run two latest spec Ducatis in 2020?

“We decided we will wait until after Barcelona, we aren’t in a hurry but we understand it’s important for the riders to know. So, after seven races we will have all the information we need to assess the races and take the best possible decision for the future…In principal, it’s between the two of them.”

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Pramac to run two ‘official’ Ducatis in 2020?

“We decided we will wait until after Barcelona, we aren’t in a hurry but we understand it’s important for the riders to know. So, after seven races we will have all the information we need to assess the races and take the best possible decision for the future…In principal, it’s between the two of them.”

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Marquez leads Ducati duo in Mugello FP1

It was glorious Tuscany weather for the premier class as they went out for FP1 at Mugello and it was the Honda of Marquez who set the pace throughout, eventually beating Petrucci by over a tenth as the factory Ducati man jumped to second on his final flying lap. It was a strong opening session for Ducati test rider Pirro who, while sporting a new rear wheel cover, managed to finish third fastest.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Antonelli over a tenth clear in Moto3™ FP1

Sunny skies were the order of Friday morning for the lightweight class as they got down to work at Mugello, with track conditions always a bit dirty in the opening stages of the session. The times slowly crept down as the riders reacquainted themselves with this stunning circuit and it was an Italian who emerged fastest in FP1, with Rodrigo and McPhee the only riders within 0.4 of Antonelli.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Detailed: AGV Pista GP R Soleluna helmet

News 31 May 2019

Detailed: AGV Pista GP R Soleluna helmet

Valentino Rossi replica helmet available for pre-order.

Link International is offering the Valentino Rossi replica AGV Pista GP R Soleluna helmet to the Australian market, which is now available for pre-order.

Valentino Rossi and Aldo Drudi have created a fresh new look for the 2018 AGV Pista GP R Soleluna, inspired by the design of 1970s models. The new graphics feature linear shapes and large colour blocks. The design of the new helmet is deliberately clean and simple, emphasising the sun and moon graphics.

agv pista gp r soleluna

Image: Supplied.

The paint scheme has been updated with a matte finish, also featured on the new spoiler. Carbon remains visible on the chin guard and was used to create the entire shell, making the Pista GP R the safest and most innovative helmet ever produced.

The Pista GP R is the ultimate racing helmet, with an included hydration system, MotoGP developed metal air vents and wind tunnel tested ‘biplano’ spoiler that has multiple wings to maximise aerodynamic performance and add stability at high speed.

The 100-percent carbon fibre shell’s shape is designed to minimise interference with the racing suit, while the interior has an adaptable fit and no stitching in sensitive areas.

agv pista gp r soleluna

Image: Supplied.

AGV Pista GP R Soleluna helmet key features:
– Shell in 100 percent carbon fibre engineered in four sizes with five-density EPS structure.
– Shell shape is designed to maximise aerodynamic performance.
– IVS (Integrated Ventilation System) ventilation with five large front vents and two rear extractors.
– New MotoGP developed air vents.
– New wind tunnel tested ‘biplano’ spoiler.
– MotoGP developed interiors engineered for maximum performance on the track.
– The inside of the helmet is designed to offer the highest riding comfort without any stitches in sensitive areas.
– MotoGP developed hydration system included in helmet.
– New class Optic 1 visor with 100 percent Max Vision Pinlock.
– Patented Visor Lock System (VSL).

Priced at RRP $1999, more information can be found by visiting www.agvhelmets.com.au.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Todd TLD Red Bull KTM guest ride extended for Thunder Valley

Australian MX2 champion’s Pro Motocross campaign continues.

Image: Supplied.

Queenslander Wilson Todd has indicated his guest ride with TLD Red Bull KTM has been extended for this weekend’s third round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Thunder Valley.

The Australian MX2 champion initially scored the ride after making an impressive debut at Hangtown aboard a borrowed bike from Troy Lee’s son, Max Lee, ultimately being called up by the factory-backed squad to fill in for injured team regular Mitchell Falk at Fox Raceway.

His campaign last weekend was marred by a frightening first turn crash in moto one, forcing him to return to the mechanics area while battered and bruised to repair his 250 SX-F, rejoining the circuit to earn a P29 result. He rebounded with a spirited showing in race two, securing 14th for 19th overall.

When contacted today, Todd confirmed he’ll be on the gate with the TLD Red Bull KTM team this weekend, with the possibility of racing High Point’s fourth round the following weekend should he perform well on Saturday.

Todd, who currently leads the MX2 category in the Pirelli MX Nationals, intended to race just the first two rounds of the series as a privateer before returning home.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Does premium fuel give bikes a boost?

Using a premium fuel with a higher octane than specified by the motorcycle manufacturer will not improve engine power or economy, RACQ technical officer Steve Spalding advises.

He says the energy content of fuel is the same no matter what octane rating it has.

“We see a lot of claims made about using premium fuels over standard and often motorists/riders believe they get a benefit from their use,” he says.

“The reality is by using a fuel with a higher octane than specified, there is only an economic or performance benefit if the engine management system can utilise the higher octane. Some will and others won’t.”

The anecdotal evidence of riders saying they get more power and higher range from a higher octane than their bike needs may simply be justifying to themselves the extra expense of PULP, Steve suggests.

Steve Spalding DIY bike maintenance Easter safety message duty easter pulp ulp premium
Steve Spalding

Premium advantages

However, there are other advantages to using a PULP fuel over ULP.

“Some premium fuels such as Caltex and BP advertise they have additional cleaning additive packages that can offset the need to periodically buy fuel cleaners,” Steve says.

However, riders would have to work out if it is cheaper to pay the extra price for PULP over ULP rather than buying the occasional cleaner additive.

It may have been an economically wise decision about a decade ago, but the price differential between ULP and PUP has crept up and is now about 12-14c a litre.

“Fuel makers have worked out that people will buy it, not often on an evidence-based reason,” Steve says.

Steve says fuel companies and retailers make the most profit from the sale price of PULP.Fuel petrol servo service station helmet pulp ulp premium

Steve also points out that while ULP also has cleaning additives, it just doesn’t have the additional cleaners in some of the higher octane fuels.

However, it is certainly more convenient to have the cleaner additives in the fuel than having to periodically buy and add the fluid separately.

Steve also says PULP has lower levels of sulphur.

“While these are beneficial in reducing the build-up of engine internal deposits, they won’t make the bike travel further for each litre of fuel purchased,” he says.

“The best advice is to use the fuel specified for the bike.”

Low octane risksDirty fuel premium

Most modern motorcycles recommend a minimum of 95 or 98 RON.

If you fill up with a lower octane rating you run the risk of harmful engine detonation and pinging, Steve warns.

Also the higher sulphur content in RULP can damage catalytic converters and prevent them from working properly.

Some motorcycles have knock sensors that sense detonation or pinging and alter the ignition timing to effetely down-tune the engine.

Knock sensors are a preservation measure in case you are stuck at a remote service station that doesn’t have premium fuel.

Lastly, with E10 being common in services stations, ensure your bike is compatible with it before using, older carburettor models shouldn’t use an ethanol-based fuel.

Click here for more advice on using ethanol fuel in motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com