A male rider in his seventies has died at the scene of a motorcycle crash in the NSW Hunter region today (30 March 2020).
NSW Police say that emergency services received a call about 9.30am from a motorist who found the rider and his wrecked motorcycle on Wollombi Road, Broke, about 35km south west of Singleton.
The male rider, believed to be aged 75, sadly died at the scene.
Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.
Anyone who has any information or who may have seen the man riding his black Suzuki 1000 in the Hunter Valley area is asked to contact Singleton Police on (02) 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 orhttps://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
If you plan to continue riding, it might be wise to ride with a partner, especially when riding on lonely roads. And aren’t most of the roads fairly lonely at the moment!
Alex Marquez victorious in first Virtual MotoGP race
Section: Competition
Rookie comes out on top in Mugello online gaming thriller.
Image: Supplied.
Repsol Honda Team’s Alex Marquez managed to avoid the chaos around him to clinch an impressive victory on his MotoGP ‘debut’ in Sunday’s first ever Virtual MotoGP Race staged at Mugello.
The inaugural Stay At Home GP was filled with thrills and spills as 10 MotoGP riders put on a show to bring a little light relief and entertainment to a tough time for many.
Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo started the race from familiar territory after the Frenchman stormed to pole position in the five-minute qualifying session that preceded the race.
After an early incident between Quartararo and 2021 teammate Maverick Vinales, Alex Marquez and Pramac Racing’s Francesco Bagnaia avoided the incident and were able to break clear.
An action-packed outing with numerous clashes and errors eventually saw Alex Marquez cross the line first, joined on the podium by Bagnaia and Vinales, despite going down multiple times across the six-lap affair.
Quartararo ended up fourth, despite setting the fastest lap of the race with his final lap, with world champion Marc Marquez completing the top five.
It was Alex Rins came out on top in the battle of the Suzuki teammates after he took sixth, ahead of Joan Mir in seventh, with Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), his teammate Iker Lecuona and Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro completing the top 10.
With the rapidly changing environment and increasing government restrictions around COVID-19, it is with regret the Motorcycling Australia federation confirm that as of April 1 no further events will take place and license sales are suspended until further notice.
Once we better understand the period of inactivity, we will be discussing extensions of licenses already issued and advise you.
All state controlling bodies and MA are putting in plans around office activities and services available during this period of inactivity and we will provide you frequent updates.
The ongoing COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on our sport, jobs, and the economy across the world, none of us are immune and the challenges we will face over the rest of 2020 will be huge, but we hope not insurmountable.
This situation is unprecedented, with change not only to the sport but to our everyday lives. We encourage you to keep up to date with developments in the sport, and government advice to ensure the safety of you and your families.
We will continue to work during this downtime to ensure that motorcycle activities can recommence as soon as humanly possible and we can begin to rebuild our sport. There will be many sacrifices we will all have to make, and this is a time when the sport and motorcycle community needs to come together and work to come out the other side stronger.
Virtual launches look like becoming the new norm during the pandemic with Suzuki launching its cherry red Katana online instead of at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show which was cancelled.
The Suzuki Katana was launched last year in silver and black colours which are historically accurate if a little staid and boring.
Suzuki Katana
This cherry red version with matching wheels and gold handlebars instead of black looks much more exciting.
Virtual launch
It certainly matches the exhilarating yet easy-to-ride performance of the reborn Katana.
We reckon the Katana is great bike, but a little overpriced at$18,990 ride away.
MBW on the Suzuki Katana launch … a great bike that divided riders over its styling
There is no word yet from Suzuki Australia about when the cherry red version will arrive and whether it has a price premium.
If they keep the same price or maybe reduce the price the carry red katana may give it a sales boost.
Suzuki twin
Patent drawing
Meanwhile, Suzuki Motorcycles has filed a patent for a cleaner Euro5-compliant 250cc parallel-twin engine.
The new motor is expected to be fitted to their GSX-250R and V-Strom 250.
It features a single-overhead camshaft and new exhaust with two header pipes that join before the catalytic converter.
Restaurateur Joe Pagliaro on a Fonz Arthur Model 2 electric delivery scooter
Australia’s first electric motorcycle company, Fonzarelli, is getting creative during the pandemic and offering “zero emissions” delivery for a Bondi restaurant.
Unlike UberEats or Deliveroo where 35% of the bill goes to Silicon Valley, the Sydney company has teamed with local gnocchi bar, Peppe’s Bondi, to deliver Italian meals straight to your door.
For $60 a Peppe’s daily meal will get you a gnocchi, red beet panzanella salad and bottle of Sicilian wine.
Creative delivery
“With our first partnership, Peppe’s, we are exploring different areas to optimise this unusual time,” says Fonzarelli spokeswoman Cristina.
“This supports our local economy and keeps their hospitality workers in jobs.
“It’s guilt-free dinner when it’s delivered to your door with an electric vehicle.
“All the hygienic procedures and precautions are followed to guarantee a safe delivery for both the rider and the customer.
“We will keep you posted for further partnerships.”
Founder Michelle Nazzari says their NKD mini-bike has been available through Fonzarelli retailers and online since October 2019.
The Entry model costs $A9990 with 60km of range and a top speed of 80km/h, while the Special Edition costs $14,990 with 120km range and reaching 100km/h in five seconds.
The company designs and engineers the bike in Redfern, Sydney, and manufactures them in Adelaide.
Their Redfern store is still open and is following social distancing guidelines, offering hand sanitiser and wipes for test rides and keeping their service centre and production facility open by managing team shifts for less interaction.
The official view is that it is still legal to go for a leisure ride during the pandemic restrictions so long as riders are not in groups of more than two.
This rule comes into force from midnight tonight (30 March 2020). Unfortunately, some of the rules have such big holes you could ride a Goldwing through them!
So we contacted the state health authorities, the national coronavirus hotline and the Prime Minister’s office for an official interpretation.
While there are no rules restricting travel, except between some states, the recommendations are that travel be limited to: Shopping; medical care or compassionate needs; exercise; and for work and education.
So you can legally ride to the shops, doctor, work and education facility without copping a massive on-the-spot fine.
We also asked if leisure riding was exempt because it is good for mental and physical health as per this article.
The official answer is yes, so long as you do not ride in a group of more than two.
They say riding is classed as a leisure activity or exercise.
“However, that could change,” warns the hotline operator.
“We haven’t closed everything down at the moment, but there many be more stringent conditions coming.”
Aged riders
The Prime Minister’s office also gave “strong advice” that people aged 70, anybody over 60 with a chronic illness and Indigenous people over 50 should stay home and self-isolate.
That rules out many riders as a growing number are “mature-aged”.
The mature-aged riding club, Ulysses, has not directed members to stop riding.
In an open letter to members, Road Safety Committee spokesman Terry McCarthy says riding helps de-stress:
Staying indoors or around our property may drive some of us stir crazy. We also are worrying about family and friends and how they may be coping in these difficult times. A coping mechanism may be going for a ride. Riding a motorcycle/scooter allows us to socially distance ourselves and comply with requirements presently in force. It may be the best way to relive your anxiety and stress in a safe manner.
The Ulysses Club recommends that if you do go riding, you practise good hygiene and social distancing, carry hand cleaner and your own food and drink, avoid public gatherings, and self-isolate if you are sick.
Responsible actions
Just because it’s not yet law doesn’t mean we should be heading out for a ride as often as we would like.
That not only gives a bad public impression of riders, but it’s not in the spirit of the recommendations and suggestions.
We contacted police in several states who are patrolling for non-compliance and have been advised of several on-the-spot fines of thousands of dollars being handed out.
“We need everyone on the same page to ensure we are not putting more people at risk,” Victoria Police said.
Police in several states say they are particularly patrolling borders and “areas where people congregate” which could include riders gathering at cafes and scenic spots.
As we have seen, restrictions are ramped up every few days in response to a lack of compliance in the population.
The slower we are to obey directions, the more restrictive are the rules imposed. We may soon even see riding ruled out!
It also prolongs the duration that many riding brothers and sisters are out of work.
MBW keeps his bike close at hand while working at home to keep you entertained through the Coronavirus pandemic
The good news is that a McCrindle Research online study of 1015 Australians last week found 86% are adhering to government advice to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Hopefully, 86% of riders are also doing the responsible thing and limiting their riding.
Pandemic info resources
If you need health advice or information on the pandemic restrictions and recommendations, try these resources:
To check out the latest infection and death statistics, click here.
Source: Our World In Data • China had 80,261 cases at day 45. This chart pulls global data from Our World In Data. Numbers from other countries may have a 24-hour delay
It remains uncertain when grand prix will be rescheduled for Jerez.
Image: Supplied.
MotoGP organisers have announced that the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scheduled to take place between 1-3 May, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports collectively made the decision to postpone the round.
As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, a new date for the Spanish GP cannot be confirmed until it becomes clearer when exactly it will be possible to hold the event. A revised calendar will be published as soon as available.
Honda’s Forza 300 high-specification mid-capacity scooter is now available in Australia for $8499 RRP plus ORCs, in two colour options – Pearl Horizon White and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.
Honda Forza 300 in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic
The Forza 300 shares its 279cc, liquid-cooled fuel-injected SOHC four-valve engine with the popular SH300i, and has power characteristics tuned (via a gas flowed head, long reach spark plugs and altered valve timing) to deliver an entertaining ride at low, mid and high rpm – plus excellent fuel economy.
24 horsepower peaks at 7000 rpm, with 27 Nm of torque at 5750 rpm, with Honda boasting fuel economy of 31km/L, enough for over 350 km out of the 11.5 litre tank. An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.
The Honda Forza 300 offers 24 horsepower, with switchable traction control – EU colour shown
Offering additional safety is Honda’s HSTC system, which detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculates the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel traction, with the ability to turn the system off.
The 2018 upgrade saw the Forza 300 receiving a brand-new chassis, with weight centralisation and a total wet weight is 182 kg, while seat height remained 780 mm. Sturdy 33 mm telescopic forks are matched by twin rear shock absorbers – adjustable through seven-stages of spring preload – alongside an aluminium swingarm.
LED lighting is now found all round
A cast aluminium 15-inch front wheel is fitted with a 120/70-15 tyre while the 14-inch rear wears a 140/70-14 tyre, joined by a 256 mm single disc up front, mated to a 240 mm rear, with the benefit of two-channel ABS for braking control.
The Forza 300’s design lines flow back from its electric screen, controlled by a switch on the left handlebar, which adjusts through 140 mm of range, with full LED lighting also featured.
The screen is adjustable in a range of 140mm
Two full-face helmets can be stored under the seat, and it’s also possible to partition the storage area to house a helmet and/or rain gear and A4 sized bags. The front left inner fairing pocket is lockable, and its internal space can be arranged for the rider’s convenience, to hold a phone and water bottle, for instance. It also houses a 12V charging socket.
Underseat storage on the Forza 300 will fit two full face helmets
The Forza 300’s Smart Key – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – also manages the optional 45L removable top box. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket, the box automatically locks when the rider walks away.
Instruments present analogue speedometer and rev-counter dials flanking a digital display that can switch between three modes (controlled by a switch on the left handlebar): as well as regular dash info.
Sculpted for both style and aerodynamics, the Forza 300 is styled after the Forza 125, with modern lines designed to convey a sense of sportiness and freedom.
Repsol Honda Team’s Alex Marquez managed to avoid the chaos around him to clinch an impressive victory on his MotoGP debut in Sunday’s first ever Virtual MotoGP Race. The inaugural #StayAtHomeGP was filled with thrills and spills as ten MotoGP riders put on a show to bring a little light relief and entertainment to a tough time for many MotoGP fans around the world.
Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo started the race from familiar territory after the Frenchman stormed to pole position in the five-minute qualifying session that preceded the race, a quarter of a second clear of Pramac Racing’s Francesco Bagnaia and over half a second clear of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales, who completed the front row.
And they’re off, virtual MotoGP race one kicks off with Quartararo in front
It was then drama from the off as the lights went out, with pole sitter Quartararo alongside Viñales, Alex Marquez and Bagnaia on the run into San Donato and the holeshot anyone’s guess. It was Quartararo who ultimately emerged ahead but he was clearly too late on the brakes when the front-end of his Yamaha M1 washed out from beneath him, incredibly and unfortunately taking out 2021 teammate Viñales in the process.
Alex Marquez and Bagnaia avoided the incident and were able to break clear, with reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) settling into third place after an attempted lunge up the inside by Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir.
Alex Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia
Further back, Quartararo was fighting back through the field after his spill, up to fifth after getting the better of Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and the rookie highsiding in spectacular style whilst trying to get back ahead of the Frenchman…
As the leading two crossed the start-finish line at the end of the opening lap there was absolutely nothing between them, having already swapped places, and paint, a good few times. Bagnaia would once again dive past Alex Marquez into Turn 1, but the Spaniard responded immediately after as the Italian ran wide.
The virtual MotoGP field tips in
Meanwhile, chaos was breaking out behind the leading two. Mir was the first to crash out after getting an almighty shunt from his teammate Rins, of all people, and Quartararo wasn’t too far behind, tucking the front at Turn 1 for the second lap in a row. However, the Frenchman respawned on track… before Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) then rode straight into him and the pair crashed out, dropping the polesitter even further down the order.
Onto Lap 3 and Alex Marquez was beginning to edge further and further clear of Bagnaia at the front, with the gap starting to stretch to over half a second. The Pramac rider wasn’t throwing in the towel just yet, however. Just behind them, Viñales was recovering well from his earlier incident and had Marc Marquez in his sights after taking advantage of a mistake from Rins to take fourth.
Alex Marquez took a dominant role
Alas, Viñales then crashed out after braking too late into Correntaio and running into the gravel trap, the factory Yamaha rider visibly annoyed at himself as he slapped his controller in fury. Seconds later though, Marc Marquez would have a crash of his own, allowing Viñales to blast back ahead of the Repsol Honda and into the final podium place.
As the pack filtered through to start the penultimate lap, the podium looked decided but there a battle heating up between Marc Marquez and Quartararo for fourth place. The first MM93 vs FQ20 fight of 2020 would unfold with the Frenchman coming out on top thanks to a move at Casanova-Savelli, despite Marquez throwing everything he had into Arrabbiata 1 as he tried to stop the Yamaha man breaking clear…
Back at the front, Alex Marquez kept his nerve on the final lap to take victory by over seven seconds, joined on the podium by Bagnaia and Viñales.
Alex Marquez – P1
“I’m so happy! I knew before the race I wasn’t the fastest one, especially on one lap, so my target was to be as consistent as I could be. I had a good fight with Pecco in the opening laps until he had his crash at Arrabbiata. I want to say thank you to Putut Maulana [Moe27 – an Indonesian MotoGP eSport rider], who gave me some setup tips! I didn’t pass the tips to Marc because yes he’s my teammate but he’s my rival also! I’m looking forward to doing another race now. I want to do it again, but I want a little more notice! I only had a few days to prepare, so to have a week would be better for next time…”
Alex Marquez takes the win
Pecco Bagnaia – P2
“I did very well in the Qualifying, but unfortunately I crashed during the second lap in the race. I started second and this this helped me a lot, but Alex Marquez was very fast and he started very well. My first podium in MotoGP although in the #StayAtHomeGP Championship. I am very happy,I hope you all enjoyed it.”
Quartararo ended up fourth, despite setting the fastest lap of the race with his final lap, with Marc Marquez completing the top five.
Marc Marquez – P5
“First of all congratulations to Alex on the win, I knew from our time playing together he would be very fast but he did a great job. Of course, I would have liked better than fifth, but the result isn’t too bad and as a team we did well. You need a different style in these kinds of races so I had to adapt my strategy a little bit during the day. A good time and I am really happy to be able to do something for the fans. Now we want to be riding and battling back on track, because it means the world is in a better situation, but first we have to win the battle with the Corona Virus. Stay safe everyone!”
Marc Marquez had to settle for fifth
Rins came out on top in the battle of the Suzuki teammates after he took sixth, ahead of Mir in seventh, with Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), Lecuona and Espargaro completing the top ten.
Virtual MotoGP Race 1 Final Results – 1) Alex Marquez, 2) Pecco Bagnaia, 3) Maverick Vinales
Virtual MotoGP Race One Results
MARQUEZ Alex SPA 25 Repsol Honda Team
BAGNAIA Francesco ITA 20 Pramac Racing
VINALES Maverick SPA 16 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
“I braked a little bit late and I lost the front, but I don’t know if it was me that made him crash or just the game,” said Quartararo, after eventually coming across the line in fourth place. When asked if the first lap, first corner incident between Viñales and himself would turn their relationship sour, both confirmed it was already water under the bridge with El Diablo saying: “For sure we’ll stay friends!”.
MBW on the Suzuki Katana launch … a great bike that divided riders over its styling
Patent drawing
MBW keeps his bike close at hand while working at home to keep you entertained through the Coronavirus pandemic
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