Last call for preseason: the Qatar Test lights up Losail

The action gets underway between 13:00-20:00 local time (GMT+3) on Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th February, so keep track of everything on motogp.com with Live Timing, available across all three days. And at the end of each day, Matt Birt, Steve Day and Simon Crafar will be LIVE at 19:30 LT to give you 90 minutes of After the Flag analysis and reaction, including rider interviews.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Reviews Of New 2020 Motorcycles

While previews of 2020 motorcycles give you an idea of the features, specs, and claimed performance numbers, they don’t necessarily reflect an in-depth motorcycle review and how the machine performs in riding situations. That’s why motorcycle reviews exist.

Are you seeking more content? Senior Editor Adam Waheed supplies on-bike real-world riding reviews behind the bars with the MC Commute video series that are invaluable for anyone interested in added rider perspective of the 2020 models.

BMW

2020 BMW S 1000 RR First Ride Review

“BMW set the bar high when it released the original S 1000 RR for the 2009 model year. Fast-forward to today and the German company is seeking to reclaim the top spot in the Superbike class with its 2020 S 1000 RR. Fully overhauled from the inside out, it awaited us at Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park for its official US press introduction…”

2020 BMW R 1250 GS Review

“You know the drill: Journalist takes fully rigged BMW adventure bike on an epic journey tackling seemingly impossible terrain. The rugged moto gets knocked down but gets up again, proving its exceptional capabilities and saving the day by overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds and spanning endless horizons. But what about the rest of us with humbler goals, like shuttling through the suburban grid or threading traffic?…”

Ducati

The 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 Is Better Than The Panigale 959

“Perception colors everything we look at. Wal-Mart shoppers will see the Panigale V2 as simply a warmed-over 959 Panigale—the last model from Ducati’s “super-mid” line that began with the 748 and kept growing…”

Harley-Davidson

2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited First Ride Review

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide First Ride Review

“What we’re looking at here is the coolest version of America’s most popular large-displacement motorcycle, Harley-Davidson’s batwinged juggernaut, the Street Glide. It’s been a top seller since it debuted in 2006 as a chopped and pared-down touring bike, and its charm to V-twin cruiser enthusiasts never seems to fade…”

2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide First Ride Review

“This is the first Tri Glide to don the CVO badge, making it truly one of the most premium trikes on the market. In fact, Harley-Davidson is the only company to offer a trike as a stock model direct from the manufacturer. It only seemed right to test out this three-wheeled palace from the industry’s trike experts…”

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire First Ride Review

“It had to happen. The 116-year-old brand synonymous with thumping V-twins was bound to dip its toe into electrification, and the long-awaited 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire is an inevitability sure to leave the traditionalists perplexed and the futurists intrigued…”

2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S First Ride Review

“Die-hard Dyna fans were disappointed when the original Low Rider S disappeared from the lineup a few years ago. Thankfully, The Motor Company has returned the Low Rider S to its lineup in the-redesigned-for-2017 Softail chassis paired with the mighty Milwaukee-Eight engine. With design language that gives a respectable nod to the Low Rider’s ’70s-era origin, can Harley-Davidson usher this beloved model into the future without alienating its loyal fans? We had the opportunity to take the new 2020 Low Rider S on a test ride to find out…”

Honda

2020 Honda CRF450L Review

“I’ve been tackling SoCal’s Angeles Crest Highway’s 66 miles of tarmac for as long as I can remember, but a recent ride aboard Honda’s 2020 CRF450L revealed another side of this rugged terrain—specifically, a trail that diverts from the hallowed highway and dives into the massive expanse of the Angeles National Forest. Welcome to dual sport life…”

Kawasaki

2020 Kawasaki KLX230, KLX230R, KLX300R First Ride Review

“‘Get out and play.’ That’s Kawasaki’s slogan for its three newest dirt-focused machines, the KLX230 dual sport and KLX230R/300R recreational trailbikes. On paper they offer great value, so we went up to southern Oregon to see how the performance translated from paper to dirt…”

KTM

2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R First Ride Review

“For 2020, Austria has updated its premier streetfighter with careful chassis, power, and electronic enhancements to make it more capable for riders racking up miles during the workweek grind or strafing apexes on weekends. We’ve outlined the technical updates in the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R First Look Preview, so this review focuses on what it is like to ride…”

Suzuki

2020 Suzuki Katana First Ride Review

Suzuki’s 2020 Katana streetbike.Suzuki’s looking to make magic again with the reintroduction of its Katana streetbike.Suzuki Cycles

“If you’ve studied our 2020 Katana First Look article, it could be easy for critics to knock Suzuki for employing power and chassis underpinnings that are beyond a decade old. However, after a fun, albeit brief, ride through the hills of Kyoto, Japan, I can say the Katana has merit with its style, attention to detail, and lofty level of refinement…”

Triumph

2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R And 3 GT Review First Ride

“With a new, even bigger engine, and huge weight reductions, the 2020 Rocket 3 R and 3 GT are faster, more nimble, and more well-rounded machines altogether, but will Triumph’s new triples have what it takes to find success as both a roadster and a cruiser?…”

Zero

2020 Zero Motorcycles SR/F Review

“The apogee of the brand’s efforts—at least now the company is 14 years in—is the Zero SR/F, a prime example of what happens when a fringe manufacturer chips away at the art of bike building long enough to make significant strides in the game…”

MC Commute Video Reviews

Ducati

2020 Ducati Monster 1200 S MC Commute Review

Harley-Davidson

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire MC Commute Review

2020 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special MC Commute Review

Indian

2020 Indian Motorcycle Scout Bobber Twenty MC Commute Review

2020 Indian Motorcycle Challenger Dark Horse MC Commute Review

Kawasaki

2020 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE MC Commute Review

Moto Guzzi

2020 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure MC Commute Review

Suzuki

2020 Suzuki Katana MC Commute Review

Zero

Zero Motorcycles SR/F MC Commute Review

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Second day of Jerez Moto2 test led by Bezzecchi

News 21 Feb 2020

Second day of Jerez Moto2 test led by Bezzecchi

Rodrigo sets benchmark in combined Moto3 sessions.

Image: Supplied.

The second day of official Moto2 and Moto3 testing at Jerez saw Marco Bezzecchi storm to the top in the intermediate class, with Gabriel Rodrigo claiming P1 in the lightweight division.

In Moto2, Bezzecchi set the timing screens alight in the second session to set a new lap record.

The Italian’s 1m40.448s was enough to beat an incredible performance from rookie Aron Canet (Aspar Team) by 0.262s on Thursday, with the injured Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claiming P3.

Both Bezzecchi and Canet beat Remy Gardner’s (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) new lap record time set on day one, the Australian finishing 13th on the second day of action. Fourth on Thursday was the experienced Tom Luthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) as both the Swiss rider and Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Speed Up Racing) dipped below the 1m41s barrier.

In Moto3, Rodrigo set his 1m45.170s in the final session, just pipping John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) to the post as the Scotsman was second fastest for the second day in a row, only 0.005s off. Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) was up the sharp end again to finish third on Thursday.

Unfortunately for Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), his day would end during the morning as the Italian suffered a dislocated shoulder after a crash at turn nine. The test continues for a final day on Friday.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Arlington Triple Crown schedule welcomed by Roczen

News 21 Feb 2020

Arlington Triple Crown schedule welcomed by Roczen

Team Honda HRC rider takes momentum into Texas’ three-race format.

Image: Octopi Media.

A second Triple Crown round of the year has been welcomed by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen entering Arlington after he was able to clean-sweep the earlier outing this season in Glendale.

Roczen won all three 450SX finals at in round four of the Monster Energy Supercross season and it’s put him in a positive frame of mind for the unique schedule.

“I’m personally stoked just to go to Dallas and having another Triple Crown race,” Roczen said. “The last one treated me well and I like that it’s a lot of racing – I’ve been feeling pretty good. So, I can’t wait. Obviously every time we go to a Triple Crown it is a lot of racing – a lot more than with a heat race and main event – but I do like that a lot.”

The premier class point-standings are currently led by Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac since his win last week in Tampa, with Roczen trailing him by four points in the standings going into round eight of 2020.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Montesa 125 Sprint | 55 kg | 18 hp | 150 km/h

With Phil Aynsley


Sometimes a bike’s looks strike you so strongly that any interesting history is just a happy addition. This Montesa 125 Sprint is a case in point.

Montesa Sprint ImagePA

Montesa Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint without fairing

The 1954 125 Sprint was Montesa’s first catalogue race bike and was based on the company’s road model, first introduced in 1945.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

The Montesa 125 Sprint offered a catalogue racer Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint

Factory racers were also campaigned successfully, notably finishing second, third and fourth in the Ultra Lightweight TT at the IOM in 1956.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Factory racer versions of the Montesa 125 Sprint also saw IoM success Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint

The motor featured a six-speed bolt-on gearbox with needle-roller bearings throughout. It also had “plugs” mounted on the crankcase mouth that protruded up inside the interior of the piston to assist in transferring the intake charge to the combustion chamber.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

The Montesa 125 Sprint produced 18 hp Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Overall weight was just 55 kg

The petrol fuel mixture could be added to (for those demanding sections of track) by oil held in the frame that was bleed into the carburettor bell-mouth. The 55 kg bike made 18 hp and had a top speed of 150+km/h.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

A top speed of 150km/h was also possible on the Montesa 125 Sprint Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint

The dolphin fairing was introduced in late 1954, replacing the handlebar unit fitted prior – it was one of the first full fairings to be offered on a race bike.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

The Montesa 125 Sprint ‘dolphin fairing’ Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint

This bike was bought directly from the factory, then the second owner, Swedish racer Leigh Smeadh passed it on to the current owner a few years ago.

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesta Sprint ImagePA

Montesa 125 Sprint
Source: MCNews.com.au

HRC extends Marquez contract through 2024 season

News 21 Feb 2020

HRC extends Marquez contract through 2024 season

Six-time MotoGP world champion to remain at Repsol Honda.

Image: Supplied.

Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has re-signed MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez to a four-year contract extension through the 2024 season in a landmark agreement between the pair.

With this year still remaining on his existing deal, 27-year-old Marquez has been locked into Repsol Honda for at least the next five seasons. He first joined the factory squad as a rookie in 2013.

“We are happy to announce that, after the end of the current season, Marc will stay in the Honda family for four more years,” HRC president Yoshishige Nomura stated. “We started talking a few months ago, as both parties wanted to stay together and continue winning.

“Marc started his career in the premier class in 2013 and with him we have won six of the last seven MotoGP titles. As a unique champion, he deserves a unique deal. I am very confident in this partnership and I wish everyone involved continued success.”

Marquez added: “I am very proud to announce my renewal with Honda Racing Corporation for the next four years. Honda gave me the opportunity to arrive in the MotoGP class with a factory bike in 2013.

“Since the first year we have achieved success together, I am very happy to continue being part of the Honda family. HRC gives me the confidence to extend this partnership to obtain our common goal and continue our story of success.”

To date, Marquez has claimed 56 victories, 95 podiums and 62 pole positions with the RC213V in the premier class, earning six of the last seven MotoGP championships. His sole loss came in 2015 when Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi went 1-2 in the standings for Yamaha ahead of Marquez in third.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Kawasaki plans Bimota hub-centre steering

Kawasaki used to supply engines for esoteric Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota and now they are collaborating to share engineering ideas such as hub-centre steering.

The first result of their collaboration is the upcoming Tesi H2 powered by a Kawasaki H2 supercharged 998cc inline four.

Not only is it propelled by the stonking supercharged H2 engine, but there is a fair bit of H2 in the “origami” design.

It now appears that the bike is near production with this image on the Bimota social media.

Bimota Tesi H2Bimota Tesi H2

In a reciprocal arrangement it seems Bimota’s predilection for hub-centre steering may make its way into a future Kawasaki.

The Japanese company has recently applied for a patent for a strikingly similar front suspension setup.Kawasaki Bimota hub-centre steering patent

Don’t you think it looks very much like the Tesi H2?

Bimota Tesi H2Bimota Tesi H2

Hub-centre steering

Hub-centre steering has been around since 1910, so it’s interesting that Kawasaki would ask for a patent.

Perhaps their design is slightly differennt.

It typically has the steering pivot points inside the hub of the wheel, rather than above the wheel in the headstock as in the traditional layout.

Australian film animator and self-taught engineer Ray Van Steenwyk has also invented a variation of the hub-centre arrangement.

It’s called the Motoinno TS3 and is based on an air-cooled Ducati 900 SS.Motoinno TS3 with centre steering

They claim the advantages are no dive under brakes, adjustable rake, a tighter turning circle and improve corner handling.

we’ve also seen huib-cetre steering making a bit of a comeback in some electric motorcycle designs such as this Japanese Zec00.

Zec00 electric motorcycleZec00

Tesi H2

Meanwhile, there is no word yet on price for the limited-edition Tesi H2, but there is a rumour it will be near $A100,000.Bimota Tesi H2However, you can bet it will be eye-wateringly expensive being fettled with Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, plenty of carbon fibre and CNC machined bits and pieces.

As a guide, the current Ducati-powered Tesi 3D EVO is $A50,890 and the Tesi 3D Naked is $55,990.

Bimota Tesi 3DBimota Tesi 3D

That’s a lot more than the current Kawasaki H2 at $29,290, H2 SX SE at $34,999 or the Carbon version at $40,400.

Most significantly, the power figure has now been released and it’s the same as the H2 at 170kW (228hp), not like the track-only H2R at 240kW.

The current Tesi 3D models are powered by a 1078cc Ducati air-cooled engine from the old Monster 1100 which only outputs 78kW.Bimota Tesi H2

Tesi H2 will also be 24kg lighter than the H2 at 214kg, despite the seemingly heavy hub-centre steering.

Bimota history

Bimota has worked with Kawasaki before, using their engines and we expect the new ownership arrangement to result in more collaborative models.

The Italian boutique manufacturer was founded in 1973 in Rimini, Italy by Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini who designed the beautiful Ducati 916 and equally elegant MV Agusta F4.

They have also had relationships other motorcycles manufacturers such as Ducati and the other Japanese manufacturers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Bezzecchi fastest on Day 2 of Official Jerez Test

2020 MotoGP

Official Jerez Test – Day 2


The second day of the Official Moto2 and Moto3 test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto saw Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) storm to the top in the intermediate class, with Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) claiming P1 in the lightweight class – as both had done last week at the private test at the venue. The conditions allowed plenty of running once again, with the day warmer still and the field making the most of the southern Spanish weather.


Moto2

In Moto2, Bezzecchi set the timing screens alight in the second session of Day 2 to set a new lap record. The Italian’s 1:40.448 was enough to beat an incredible performance from rookie Aron Canet (Aspar Team) by 0.262 on Thursday, with the injured Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claiming an equally impressive P3.

MotoGP Jerez Test D Aron Canet

MotoGP Jerez Test D Aron Canet

Aron Canet

Both Bezzecchi and Canet beat Remy Gardner’s (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) new lap record time set on Day 1, the Australian finishing P13 on the second day of action. Fourth on Thursday was the experienced Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) as both the Swiss rider and Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Speed Up Racing) dipped below the 1:41 barrier.

MotoGP Jerez Test D Jorge Navarro

MotoGP Jerez Test D Jorge Navarro

Jorge Navarro

Aron Canet

“This second day has gone very well: I am happy because I have improved my time and my pace, but what I liked most is that I begin to understand the category, the laps, the tyres… We still have a lot to do, tomorrow I will try to complete a race simulation to see how I feel physically.”

MotoGP Jerez Test D Aron Canet

MotoGP Jerez Test D Aron Canet

Aron Canet

Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) ended the day sixth fastest to finish 0.666 off Bezzecchi’s benchmark, but it wasn’t the day his teammate Jake Dixon would have been looking for. The British rider suffered a crash at Turn 2 in the second session which damaged his right-hand ring finger, the Moto2 sophomore will now miss Day 3 as he flies back to the UK for further medical checks.

MotoGP Jerez Test D Xavi Vierge

MotoGP Jerez Test D Xavi Vierge

Xavi Vierge

Seventh fastest went the way of Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with Italians Lorenzo Baldassarri (FlexBox HP 40) and Luca Marini (SKY Racing Team VR46) next up, also finishing seventh tenths off top spot. Completing the top 10 was American Racing’s Joe Roberts, the American setting his best lap in the final session of the day.

One thing spotted in the EG 0,0 Marc VDS box was two extra bikes under Kalex covers for Augusto Fernandez. One of the two is expected to be testing Kalex’s 2020 chassis, something that Edgar Pons (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) tried on Day 1 and impressed with.


Moto2 Combined Times – Jerez Test Day 2

Source: MCNews.com.au

Lazareth adds cheaper quad bike

French motorcycle and car customiser Lazareth has unveiled a lighter and cheaper R1-powered leaning quad than the V8-Maserati-powered “bike” launched in 2016.

In the meantime, the company has also produced a jet-powered flying motorcycle prototype.

All are being built in very limited production runs of 5-10 with prices on application.

Cheaper and lighter

Obviously the new Euro-approved R1-powered LM410 quad is lighter than the Maserati-powered LM847 and most likely a lot cheaper at about €100,000 (about $A163,000).

“It was designed to be lighter, more manageable and accessible to as many people as possible,” they say.

This civilised version still retains the hyper sport style and the genes of the Lazareth brand.”Lazareth LM410 leaning quad cheaper

They claim the four wheels improve traction under acceleration, braking and cornering while still leaning like a normal motorcycle.

Like its bigger brother, it has a pendulum leaning system which is blocked by a mechanism when stationary so that it doesn’t need a sidestand to remain upright.

It features Rizoma billet aluminium controls and TFX shock absorber like the LM847.Lazareth LM410 leaning quad cheaper

More leaning quads

There have been other leaning four-wheeler concepts before powered by all sorts of massive engines and they’ve even featured in moves such as Tron and Batman.

In real life, HondaKawasaki and Yamaha seem to be leaning (‘scuse the pun) towards producing leaning multi-wheelers.

Yamaha OR2T leaning four-wheel motorcycleYamaha OR2T leaning four-wheel motorcycle

We can understand the attraction for people who can’t lift a heavy bike off its side stand and appreciate not having to put their foot down to hold the bike at the traffic lights.

There is also the safety aspect of the extra traction this concept affords.

However, the extra weight requires a more powerful engine and reduces efficiency, while the machine is needlessly complex and expensive.

We also think they look quite hideous.

Two wheels is still cheaper and more efficient.

What do you think of leaning multi-wheeler “bikes”? Leave you comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ok before the first race begins down under,just want to wish are 5 time champion the very best of luck for this season, i do believe jonny will do it again but even if he dosent sure he has nothing else to prove,,, I wont be getting into any online battles this year with the opisition fans as i do get carried away ,, so i wish all riders safe racing , Cant wait ,,SO come on jonny rea lets get it on WSB champion lets make it 6, in a row lol JR #1 – 65 green and white army all the way.

Ok before the first race begins down under,just want to wish are 5 time champion the very best of luck for this season, i do believe jonny will do it again but even if he dosent sure he has nothing else to prove,,,
I wont be getting into any online battles this year with the opisition fans as i do get carried away ,, so i wish all riders safe racing ,
Cant wait ,,SO come on jonny rea lets get it on WSB champion lets make it 6, in a row lol JR #1 – 65 green and white army all the way.
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook