Join Suzuki and other fellow riders, on a two day epic adventure ride in Victoria’s high country as we venture east from Yarra Junction to Licola.
During the two day ride there will be rides catering for V-Strom motorcycles and DR-Z/DR motorcycles.
The V-Strom ride has a 6/10 skill riding on sealed road and some 2WD dirt roads and suits riders new to riding on gravel roads.
The DR-Z/DR will be more challenging suiting people new to off road riding and those with moderate experience. The ride will traverse some rough 4×4 tracks and be slightly more physical.
Suzuki DR-Z400
Exclusive opportunity to test ride Suzuki’s latest DR650SE, DR-Z400E and V-Strom motorcycles on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning and special deals on purchase on new units.
2020 Suzuki DR650SE Tanami Edition
Spots are available from just $99. This cost gets you an overnight bed in lodge style accommodation at the Licola Wilderness Village, cooked dinner and breakfast.
There will be prizes and giveaways, come along for a fun ride.
WHEN: 14 – 15 December, 2019
Saturday – Yarra Junction to Licola, estimated ride time four hours
Sunday – Returning to Melbourne, estimated ride time four hours
MEET POINT: Yarra Junction – corner of Warburton Highway and Little Yarra Road
DEPARTURE TIME: Meet group at 9:30am for a 10:00am departure.
Ducati have announced an updated Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S for 2020, promising a more rider-friendly and less fatiguing mount that is also able to cut faster laps.
2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S
Much of the inspiration for these changes comes from the V4 R, with revisions to the Ride-By-Wire mapping, an updated aerodynamic package and a new front frame designed to improve feel at the extremes.
2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S
These changes join updates to the electronic aides which make use of a six-axis inertial platform. Ohlins Smart Electronic Control suspension is found on the up-spec S model.
Both Panigale V4 models boast the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin-Pulse firing order. Claimed power comes in at 214 hp at 13000 rpm, with 123.5 Nm of torque.
The V4 feature a 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 engine
The big update for 2020 is a new Ride-by-Wire system with track-dedicated mapping. Ducati promise smoother, more predictable throttle response. Torque curves have been tweaked in gears one through three for a more linear delivery, and vary according to the Power Mode chosen.
The 2020 V4 and V4 S boast updates to the RbW and mapping
The updated aerodynamics package was co-developed by Ducati Corse and the Ducati Style Centre based on computational fluid dynamic and wind tunnel research.
Fairings have been updated and are based on designs prior to current MotoGP limitations on foils
The 2020 Panigale V4 aerodynamic package includes a taller and more angled plexiglass screen with a taller nose fairing to offer the rider better wind protection, and in doing so reduce arm and shoulder-created drag.
A taller screen is joined by wider lateral fairings
Larger lateral fairings are 38mm wider on each side, and there’s more efficient air vents to direct air through the radiators, with Ducati noting these replaced the more stylish Panigale V4 vents previously seen.
Aerofoils take the cue from the GP16 machine, prior to the current restrictions on foil shapes, meaning these are actually more efficient than those found on the current MotoGP machinery. These aerofoils offer 30kg of downforce at 270km/h, reducing front wheel float and boosting stability.
The 2020 V4 and V4 S also feature a new Front Frame design derived from the V4 R
Also new for 2020 is the ‘Front Frame’ designed to Ducati Corse specifications and offering the bike a higher centre of gravity, increased chain force angle and improved use of the suspension travel available, which Ducati say will ensure an easier machine to lay into corners off the brakes, faster apexes and more neutral handling out of corners.
The front frame is derived from that on the V4 R, with lighter machined sides and greater flexibility, and is joined by a magnesium sub-frame alongside a cast aluminium seat sub-frame.
Ohlins electronic suspension is featured on the V4 S
The 2020 V4 features Showa 43mm Big Piston forks with full adjustability, a Sachs steering damper and fully adjustable shock absorber. In contrast the V4 S features Ohlins NIX-30 forks and a TTX36 shock with Ohlins event-based steering damper, all controlled by the Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system.
Revised springs and pre-load are also an update for 2020
Wheels remain aluminium five-spoke items on the V4, with three-spoke forged aluminium items on the V4 S.
Brakes are also unchanged from the outgoing model, with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers on 330mm rotors, alongside the Ducati ABS Cornering EVO system.
Five-spoke wheels are found on the V4 with forged aluminium three-spoke items on the V4 S, both clad in Pirelli Supercorsa SP rubber
Electronics are the latest generation package with a six-axis IMU, ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quick Shift Up/Down EVO 2, Engine Brake Control and the Ohlins based Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO system. Riding modes offer a range of presets, which on the V4 S include the suspension settings. A 5-inch TFT in full colour is also fitted.
Wade Young is aiming for his third straight Wildwood Rock Extreme victory this coming weekend on board his Sherco 300 SE Factory, with the 2017 and 2018 victor back in Australia preparing with the Motul Pirelli Sherco Team determined to claim another Wildwood victory.
Wade Young – Red Bull Romaniacs 2019
Wade Young
“It’s great to be back in Australia and heading to Wildwood Rock once again. I’ve had an interesting year of racing with my fair share of bad luck and a few injuries but I’m here to race and here to go for the win. The boys at Sherco Australia are looking after me and I have new 2020 model 300 SE Factory edition which I am keen to start testing.”
Wade Young
Although hard on himself, Young claimed the 2019 American Hard Enduro Series and more recently placed second at the Red Bull Sea to Sky event in Turkey behind fellow Sherco hard enduro star Mario Roman.
Wade Young – Image by Future7Media
Young is determined to get back to winning form at the Wildwood Rock Extreme before taking on the Roof of Africa on December 4 in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Wade Young
“I’ve been told this is the tenth year of Wildwood so I would love to claim my third victory there on a momentous occasion. It’s a fun race but it’s also quite demanding. The fans are great there and they go a bit crazy which is really good fun and it certainly makes me try a bit harder.”
Wade Young – 111 Megawatt 2018
Wildwood Rock Extreme begins on Sunday, November 10 at 9:00am at 227 Feehans Road, Wildwood. Entry is $20 adult, under-16s are $10. Children under-10 are free.
Wade Young conquers Wildwood Extreme Enduro – Kane O’Rourke Photography
Australia’s first full-size electric motorcycle, the Savic C-Series, has launched today in Wollongong at the Australian Motorcycle Festival with orders accepted for for first 49 bikes.
The updated prototype revealed today is a far cry from the one unveiled a year ago, thanks to feedback from the public, according to founder Dennis Savic.
Dennis Savic on his original prototype
Prices
Pricing is now $12,990 for the 120km-range Omega, $16,990 for the 150km Delta and $23,9990 for the 200km Alpha. (Range is calculated on 100km/h highway riding at constant throttle without regenerative braking. City range should be higher.)
It’s still much cheaper than the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle launched last month in the US at about $US30,000 ($A44,000). It will be available in Australia late next year. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
The Savic range is also competitive on highway range with models such as Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire, and bikes from Zero and Energica.
Savic product spokesman Michael D’Amico says their price rise is “due to an increase in motor torque to better compete with other high end electric motorcycles on the market”.
“So we’ve managed to more or less match performance, for a significantly lower price to customers,” he says.
“Our prices have increased slightly, but they are in the order of $5-10k below our direct competitors.”
Savic is also offering a $2000 discount on Alpha, $1000 on Delta and $500 on Omega Spec models if customers submit an expression of interest for orders at the Australian Motorcycle Festival or online.
Orders
Michael says they currently (sic) have four orders for the founder-edition vehicles and are today releasing 49 orders of the first C-Series production run.
“The Alpha spec is the most asked-about model, however we have high hopes for the Omega as we intend to have it comply with the LAMS scheme.
“Manufacturing will commence in August 2020 with deliveries scheduled for late 2020 through to early 2021.”
Orders can only be placed online and they will be shipped within Australia only for the first production run.
Savic has scheduled their first demo ride day in Melbourne in February 2020.
Updates
The updated prototype is a much more handsome bike than the original.
“This year we completely re-designed and manufactured our own electric motor and battery pack,” Dennis says.
“We developed a liquid-cooled, aluminium-billet, CNC-machined battery enclosure that integrates into the frame.”
It also helps disguise the “brick” battery shape.
The original prototype’s powertrain was assembled from off-the-shelf parts and entry level battery cells.
“We were limited to 40kW and about 100Nm of torque from the motor, but the battery cells couldn’t deliver that power at all,” Dennis says.
“We had to hand fabricate the frame that supported the battery pack and motor, providing a less-than-elegant solution.”
Design
“We learned a lot through 2018 on the vehicle design side of the business,” Dennis says.
“We went back to the drawing board and completely refined the design of the vehicle.
The original had a swingarm from a donor bike, but they have now engineered a tubular single-sided swingarm for a “designer” aesthetic as well as improved handling dynamics.
“Last year we hadn’t engineered our seat at all, and we received a lot of feedback on the narrowness of the seat,” Dennis says.
“We did some vehicle level testing and found it to be uncomfortable indeed!
“We have widened the seat this year and will be tested when vehicle testing begins in December.”
It is still a solo seat, but Dennis says they plan to bring out a pillion option next year.
The bolt-in Motec dash has also been replaced with Savic’s own dash software and the body and frame finishes have been improved for aesthetics and rider comfort.
There is also now a lower fairing option.
Manufacture
The Savic Prototype was designed, engineered, developed and built in Australia.
However, it now includes pre-production parts from suppliers in Taiwan and China.
“We are also looking to engage further supply networks in India,” Dennis says.
“The reality is that we have to manufacture our components overseas, but we will be assembling all our vehicles locally for the Australian market.”
2020 BMW S 1000 XR in Racing Red/White Aluminum. Images courtesy of BMW.
After BMW announced several changes to the potent in-line four powerplant in its S 1000 RR superbike earlier this year, we figured it was only a matter of time before the tech trickled down to its flagship adventure sport tourer. And sure enough, here comes the 2020 S 1000 XR, lighter, faster and more versatile than ever before.
The big news of course is the RR-derived engine, which pumps out a claimed 165 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 84 lb-ft of torque at 9,250. Fourth, fifth and sixth gears have longer ratios to reduce noise, fuel consumption and engine speed (hopefully addressing some of the buzziness we’ve noted in our tests — read our review of the 2016 S 1000 XR here). It also now features what BMW calls engine drag torque control (MSR), which reduces rear wheel hopping under hard deceleration.
A 6.5-inch TFT display is standard on the 2020 S 1000 XR.
The suspension, frame and swingarm have all been tweaked to reduce weight, and coupled with the lighter engine the 2020 S 1000 XR is said to weigh just 498 pounds (our 2016 test bike weighed in at 531 pounds).
The list of standard features is long: Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension), four ride modes (Road, Rain, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with wheelie control, ABS Pro (cornering ABS) with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), 6.5-inch TFT display, LED lighting and Hill Start Control Pro. Options include Dynamic ESA Pro with two damping modes and automatic load compensation, HP Shift Assistant Pro (up and down quickshifter), Headlight Pro with DRL and cornering lights, and electronic cruise control.
The 2020 BMW S 1000 XR will be available in Ice Gray and Racing Red/White Aluminum. U.S. pricing and availability are TBA.
Keep scrolling for more photos….
2020 BMW S 1000 XR in Ice Gray.2020 BMW S 1000 XR in Ice Gray.
Premier class contender strengthens future for an additional year.
Image: Supplied.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has extended its contract with Zach Osborne for an additional year, taking him through the 2021 season.
Osborne, who recently represented Team USA at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN), has two 250SX East titles to his name along with a 250MX outdoor championship, and completed his rookie premier class campaign this year with a number of podium results.
“I’m very grateful to continue my relationship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing,” said Osborne. “We’ve had some very successful years and I’m looking forward to more.
“I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of this program since the revitalization of the brand started back in 2015 and it feels like just yesterday that I joined the team. We have a great group of people and I enjoy going racing with them every weekend.”
Team manager Bobby Hewitt added: “As a team manager you hope to have a least one opportunity in your career to have that one special rider – someone who is talented, motivated and driven to win races and be a champion.
“More importantly, someone who understands the meaning of a man’s character and those you represent on and off the track, and for me, Zach has been and always will be that guy. It has been a privilege to have Zach on the team and it is my hope that he will continue and finish his career with me and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.”
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red. Images courtesy BMW.2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red.
BMW surprised us with two new mid-range models, the 2020 F 900 R and the F 900 XR, both based around a slightly enlarged version of the parallel twin released last year that powers the F 850 GS. With an increase from 853cc to 895cc, BMW says the new engine is good for 105 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque, and its dual counterbalancers result in a smooth riding experience.
Apart from the engine, the 2020 F 900 R and the F 900 XR also share a steel frame and rear subframe and feature unique lightweight plastic-welded fuel tanks (3.4 gals. for the R, 4.0 gals. for the XR), a 6.5-inch TFT display, LED lighting, two ride modes (Rain and Road), ABS and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) as standard.
A 6.5-inch TFT display will come standard on both the F 900 R and F 900 XR.
Options include Riding Modes Pro, which adds Dynamic and Dynamic Pro ride modes, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), cornering ABS (ABS Pro), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and engine drag torque control (MSR), which prevents rear wheel hop when decelerating. Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension, rear only) is also available as is Headlight Pro, which adds cornering lights, and Keyless Ride.
Both models feature an upside-down fork and rear monoshock, with 5.3 inches of travel at the front, 5.6 at the rear on the F 900 R, and 6.7 front, 6.8 rear on the F 900 XR.
The 2020 F 900 R will be available in Blackstorm Metallic, San Marino Blue Metallic and Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red. The 2020 F 900XR will be available in Light White, Galvanic Gold Metallic and Racing Red. U.S. pricing and availability are TBA.
Keep scrolling for more photos….
2020 BMW F 900 XR in Racing Red.2020 BMW F 900 XR in Galvanic Gold.2020 BMW F 900 XR in Light White.Plenty of touring accessories will be available for the F 900 XR, including the lights and saddlebags as seen on the bike to the left.2020 BMW F 900 R in Hockenheim Silver Metallic/Racing Red.2020 BMW F 900 R in Blackstorm Metallic.2020 BMW F 900 R.
JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing has confirmed Joey Savatgy will join the outfit for the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross championships, while Alex Martin will fulfil his multi-year deal in the 250 category.
The team will downscale to just two riders next season after the factory operation faced uncertainty in continuing for 2020, where Savatgy – who has long been linked to the 450 seat – will embark on his second campaign in the premier class.
“We are looking forward to the upcoming season with Joey and Alex,” said team manager Jeremy Albrecht. “Joey has achieved very good results over the past few years, and I expect him to have a break-out year in 2020. He impressed us in every test session on the RM-Z450, and he is extremely motivated.
“Alex returns for his second season with the squad, and I couldn’t be happier. A-Mart made big gains in supercross this past season and scored multiple outdoor podium finishes, so it will be fun to share in his progress.”
Savatgy will make his debut aboard the RM-Z450 this weekend at the Paris Supercross before racing the S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne.
In addition to the new 390 Adventure, KTM revealed several new and updated machines at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy this week that should further its reputation as a performance-oriented brand. The 1290 Super Duke R returns to the lineup completely revamped, and a Rally version of the 790 Adventure R promises heaps of off-road ability — both are expected at dealers in February 2020. The cover was also lifted from the new KTM 890 Duke R, which will come to North America in the fall of 2020 as a 2021 model. Details on the latter bike weren’t readily available, but we imagine giving a displacement bump to what appears to essentially be a 790 Duke is to compensate for Euro 5 emissions restrictions.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R MSRP: $18,699 USD Though the name hasn’t changed, the 2020 1290 Super Duke R is so improved from its predecessor that it’s essentially an all-new motorcycle. Coming in at a claimed 416.6 pounds dry, the bike is said to be lighter and more powerful and have better handling than its predecessor.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Engine An updated more powerful 1,301c LC8 V-twin, with titanium inlet valves and resonator chambers on the cylinder heads, gets new top-feeder injectors and 56mm throttle bodies for improved air/fuel mixture at high rpms. A new ram air intake positioned in the new headlight mask also maximizes flow by forcing air into the combustion chambers. New thinner engine casings and revised water and oil cooler mounts have resulted in a 1.7-pound weight savings, and new exhaust headers optimize gas flow. An updated Pankl gearbox provides quicker shift times, shorter shift action and lighter lever modulation.
Frame A new ultra-lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame carries the engine as a stressed member. The combo is said to be 3 times stiffer and 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessor. A new lighter composite subframe combines a number of functions to save weight and increase functionality, and a longer single-sided swingarm has been repositioned closer to the output sprocket for more control.
Suspension An updated, lighter 48mm WP Apex USD fully adjustable split front fork has separate damping circuits. The newly developed WP Apex rear shock absorber features separate gas and oil reservoirs, making it lighter and more compact than its predecessor. A “no-tools-needed” manual preload dial eases rear shock set-up, and new linkage at the rear helps smooth out rough roads.
Wheels New CAD designed wheels offer a lighter build while keeping strength, and new Bridgestone S22 tires were developed with a specific carcass in the rear for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R that provides a more stable ride in corners, improving grip and performance.
2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Electronics Reworked and updated ride modes have been designed to be less intrusive in all modes, with smoother anti-wheelie functions. MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control) with Cornering ABS by Bosch includes Supermoto mode, Ride mode technology and multi-stage, lean angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC). The lean-angle sensitive MTC uses a 6-axis lean angle sensor and two different controllers to keep things in check. The wheel-slip controller regulates the amount of spin or break in traction at the rear wheel. A pitch angle controller identifies and regulates abrupt changes in front wheel lift.
Optional “Track mode” includes launch control, 9-level spin adjuster, a track ride mode and anti-wheelie off function. Optional “Performance mode” takes the basic concept of “Track mode” but adapts it for the street. An optional dealer-installed Performance Pack combines Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and Quickshifter+, and cruise control adds long distance convenience. KTM’s Race On keyless system means less hassle and increased security.
Details KTM My Ride is standard on the 1290 Super Duke R and features a Bluetooth connection to the rider’s smartphone to control audio playback and accept phone calls. A new LED headlight and LED daytime running lights improve visibility, and the new multifunctional TFT-dashboard with increased functionality displays information in a clear and bright display. Finally, new colorways and bodywork are aggressive and lean — every panel and plate has been calculated for optimum thickness and minimized wherever possible.
2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally
2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally MSRP: $19,499 With only 500 units planned for production worldwide, the limited edition KTM 790 Adventure R Rally adds top-line suspension components from WP Pro to make it the most off-road-capable ADV bike in KTM’s lineup. Based on the KTM 790 Adventure R, the Rally model has the same steel trellis chassis, compact LC8c parallel twin engine and the R’s electronic rider aids. The major difference is the addition of the special WP Xplor Pro suspension, which was developed in the same department as WP’s Factory Racing equipment for superior performance. It also adds 30 mm of suspension travel front and back and raises seat height to 35.8 in.
2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally
KTM says that the WP Xplor Pro 7548 fork uses cone valve
technology that allows unlimited opening, so harshness of the suspension is
reduced, while the closed cartridge construction ensures reduced friction, consistent
performance over longer periods and improved responsiveness. The WP Xplor Pro
6746 shock absorber uses KTM’s trademark progressive damping system (PDS),
which allows progressive damping without using a linkage for reduced weight and
maintenance.
Other upgrades to the 790 Adventure R Rally include a completely new and unique color scheme, Akrapovic titanium silencer and an off-road-specific air filter from the KTM PowerParts line. The bike also has special high-strength DID Dirt Star rims, a high, race-specific straight seat and Rally footpegs.
2021 890 Duke Here are photos of the 2021 890 Duke. Besides the addition of a passenger seat cowl and bump stop and passenger footpeg delete in this European-version photo (and obvious color and graphic changes), we don’t yet know what else has been changed besides displacement. KTM’s “Scalpel” 790 Duke certainly didn’t lack for power, so perhaps it was done for Euro 2020 reasons…we’ll find out soon enough!
BMW has announced its second “concept” bike based on the upcoming 1800cc Big Boxer engine, the R18 /2. Images courtesy BMW Motorrad.
BMW is marching steadily toward its promised cruiser, anticipated sometime in 2020, with the news of its latest concept bike based around the new 1,800cc “Big Boxer” opposed twin. Buried in a press release for a new Concept R18 /2 (pronounced “slash two”) were photos showing the design and production of the /2, including the most detailed shots to date of the new engine, clearly functional and roadworthy.
First, the bike. The Concept R18 /2 appears to be a classic cruiser in design, with modern flowing lines, a small headlight cowl and a slightly bobbed rear fender. Wheels are cast, 19 inches up front and 16 at the rear, with Brembo brakes and a gorgeous Candy Apple Red paint on the bodywork.
The Concept R18 /2 has a hidden rear mono shock for a classic hardtail look.
The 1,800cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine used in the /2 has a classic BMW 1960s aesthetic, finished in matte gray and black. The massive cylinders protrude past the ends of the handlebar, and dual air intakes funnel under the rider’s thighs to the airbox beneath the front of the seat. To the rear of that is a hidden single shock absorber to maintain the classic hardtail look.
We’re not quite sure why BMW wants to try breaking into the American cruiser market, given lackluster sales in the segment (and its own ill-fated R 1200 C attempt in the late ’90s/early oughts). Hopefully plans include a bagger as well…but in any case, we’re excited to see and hear more about this new R18 Big Boxer engine, clearly headed for production in the near future.
Keep scrolling for more images….
BMW Concept R18 /2 cruiser, based around the 1800cc “Big Boxer” opposed twin.Massive cylinders with cooling fins protrude beyond the ends of the handlebar.We do love the Candy Apple Red paint used on the Concept R18 /2.Driveshaft is on the right side, brake disc with big Brembo caliper is on the left.Oil cooler is placed unobtrusively at the lower leading edge of the engine, between the frame downtubes.
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
Manufacture
