Monthly Archives: June 2020

Motorcycle News, News

Victorian riders closed off from states

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South Australia and Queensland are opening their borders to all Australians except Victorian riders, tourists and visitors due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The former is still deciding on NSW and the ACT, but is expected to announce a decision later this week. However, its border with Victoria remains closed.

Meanwhile, Queensland has announced borders will reopen from 10 July 2020 to visitors from all states and territories other than Victoria.

That means riders in Queensland can leave and return, but should avoid travelling to Victoria.

It also means riders from all other states and territories can enter Queensland so long as they have not been to Victoria in the past 14 days.

If you lie, the penalty is a $4000 fine.

Anyone who has travelled from Victoria and enters Queensland from this Friday (3 July), including Queenslanders, will have to quarantine at their own expense for 14 days.

Victorian lockdown

For Victorian riders, it could be a long road trip!

Meanwhile, they can still ride into NSW and the ACT, unless they are in the 10 postcodes undergoing a second lockdown from tomorrow night: 3012, 3021, 3032, 3038, 3042, 3046, 3047, 3055, 3060, 3064.

Riders in those postcodes can only leave their homes for work, to provide care, to get exercise or to buy groceries.

The border decisions and postcode lockdowns come in the wake of Victoria detecting 139 new cases in the past two days including a further 64 on Tuesday.

We have contacted several departments and Queensland Police to find out if the concrete barriers at border crossings such as the Lions Rd (pictured) and on the Numinbah Rd will be removed on 10 July.

Queensland Police Service said they are “working through arrangements to facilitate upcoming changes to border restrictions in Queensland”.

“Police will implement revised processes at border checkpoints to enable a more seamless crossing for those travelling from states other than Victoria.

“More details regarding the upcoming changes to border restrictions and police processing will be made available in due course.”

Meanwhile, for Queenslanders and interstate visitors to access the state, they must obtain an entry pass.

It only takes seconds to obtain the pass. Print it out and follow the instructions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

New restrictions put in place by QLD/SA halt all national level racing

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Quarantine restrictions cull any chance of a timely return to competition

Today’s new restrictions put in place by the Queensland and South Australian Governments have effectively brought Motorcycling Australia’s efforts to kick-start national level motorcycle racing across to a screaming halt in one foul swoop.

It is now a foregone conclusion that the scheduled second round of the Australian Superbike Championship at Phillip Island in late July will not go ahead.

With so many competitors based out of Queensland in particular, the new restrictions placed on them by their government would see them have to enter a hotel based quarantine scheme for 14 days on their return home, at their own expense.

This will force M.A.’s hand and we can expect an official announcement to be made tomorrow, July 1, that ASBK Round Two will be postponed until a later date.

Round three was also to be held in Victoria and had been slated for the weekend of September 13. One would imagine that, subject to restrictions being lifted over the next two months, the Winton date will become the second round of the 2020 series.

The 2020 MX Nationals were to get underway in Queensland on August 9th, the chances of that happening I would say are slim to none.

AORC competition was set to reconvene in South Australia on the first weekend of August and again, the chances of that happening are pretty much nil.

In reality, if these new restrictions are left in place for another month or more, the chances of being able to run national championships across any racing discipline are becoming more and more remote.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Survey attracts a robust number of riders

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A Queensland motorcycle and scooter survey to help Transport and Main Roads identify rider types and develop relevant policies has attracted a “robust” number of participants.

The research group running the survey, Enhance Research, sought our assistance in early June to reach out to riders of registrable motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

A spokeswoman says the survey closed on Sunday 28 June 2020 as per the survey instructions and attracted more than 1800 completed surveys from motorcyclists across Queensland.

They say this is “a fantastic and robust outcome”.

The research group had already held focus groups with various stakeholders including motorcycle retailers, riding and social clubs, riding schools and riders.

Rider types2016 big for official safety recalls - Sunshine Coast Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer entrapment slump

The survey was designed to help TMR quantify those findings.

In general terms, the questionnaire asked riders about:

  • Demographics – age, gender, occupation, etc.
  • What bikes they own, number, type, capacity, etc;
  • For their main two bikes (if they have more than one), they ask for details about their use , such as frequency, distances, purpose, etc;
  • General attitudinal questions about their riding ability, bike maintenance, views about personal safety, safety gear, risk, etc; and
  • Crash and infringements history.

Questions about crash and infringements history concerned some riders, but the survey was totally anonymous and covered by the Market & Social Research Privacy Principals and Privacy Act.

Results will only be reported to TMR in aggregate form. 

Responses have gone directly to Enhance Research who will now analyse the information collected without the identification of individual respondents.

Enhance Research does not have access to respondents’ email address, and the company will maintain complete confidentiality of individual feedback. 

Prize draw

TMR also offered a prize draw of five $100 GiftPay vouchers. Survey participants could choose to enter if they provided their details which were used only for the prize draw purpose.

The random prize draw was conducted and winners notified.

They are:

  • Brett Newman
  • Keith Garrett
  • Andrew Coghlan
  • Andrew Peirson
  • Amanda Austin

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Gallery, Motorcycle News, News

DKW V3 RM350 Grand Prix Racer

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DKW RM350 V3 as raced by Ewald Kluge

with Phil Aynsley

With forced induction banned when Grand Prix competition resumed in 1949, DKW introduced the RM model in 1952, with development continuing until 1956.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

The motor was designed by Erich Wolf with his successor Helmet Görg continuing his work. The air-cooled 75º V-3 originally made 32 hp at 12,000 rpm and earned the nickname of “Singende Säge” (Singing Saw) due to its piercing exhaust note.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

By 1956 power had increased to 45 hp at 13,000 rpm, although the redline was a heady 15,000 rpm. The original magneto ignition (sourced from a six cylinder BMW 328) and distributor were mounted on the right hand side of the motor.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

The encoder for the electric tachometer (when fitted) was on the left hand side. Later bikes switched to battery ignition. The crankcases were cast in Elektron.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

Team riders Ewald Kluge and Siegfried Wünsch finished first and second in the 1952 Eilenriederennen event in Hanover but GP results were harder to accomplish.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

August Hobl finished the 1955 season in third place but won the German Championship. The following year he improved to second in the GPs and again won the domestic championship.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

Dry weight was just 90 kg with a top speed (in ’56) of 230 km/h. This bike is in completely original and race-ready condition.

PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer PA DKW RMDKW RM350 V3 racer

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Cairoli re-signs with KTM through 2021 MXGP season

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News 30 Jun 2020

Cairoli re-signs with KTM through 2021 MXGP season

Section: Competition

Italian legend to race-on for another year in the world championship.

Image: Supplied.

Nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli has re-signed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2021 MXGP World Championship, set to remain aboard the works 450 SX-F.

The 34-year-old will contest his 18th year in grands prix and aim for a first crown since he won the 2017 championship with KTM, which he first joined for the 2010 season.

“I’m really motivated for another good season next year, so I’m really happy with the renewal of my riding contract,” Cairoli said. “We’ll see what 2020 has in store, but my goal is to aim for the championship and again in 2021. I’m very proud to have been so long with this factory team and I still want to write some pages in the history of KTM motocross.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports director, commented: “It says a lot for Tony as a rider and a person and an athlete that he is still so competitive when MXGP is at a top level. He could have walked into other teams when it was clear he wanted to continue in 2021, but it was important for us to extend his story with KTM and that couldn’t make us any happier.

“We have no doubt that he has the desire to go for a 10th title either in the season we will eventually have in 2020 or in 2021. It makes us all very proud to have a team with the caliber of Tony, Jeffrey [Herlings] and Jorge [Prado].”

Cairoli, who has delivered six titles with KTM in the past decade, will once again be partnered with Herlings and Prado in the premier class for the new season next year. Combined, the trio boast a total of 15 world championships.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Around the world with The Bear | Part 35 | Arizona to Hollywood

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Motorcycle Touring in the USA

The King of Every Kingdom
Around the world on a very small motorcycle

With J. Peter “The Bear” Thoeming

Sitting Bull ate a handful of gunpowder every day. Maybe I should have been drinking petrol..

The bike was still running well and lapping up the excellent roads of Arizona and Nevada. But it was getting a little hard to start again, so whenever I pulled up to take a look at the Canyon, I tried to find a slope to make clutch starting easier. Despite these concerns, I still found the Canyon stunning.

The sheer size is overpowering, and it takes quite a while before the mind can take in its scale. It’s very pretty, too, but it reminded me irresistibly of an enormous layer cake that’s been attacked by monster mice.

From here, I turned north-east towards Durango and the Rockies. The old Indians at the roadside stalls where I stopped to buy turquoise souvenirs had the most awe-inspiring faces I think I’ve ever seen – except perhaps for some of the Tibetans in Nepal. Lined and sombre, their faces reminded me of photos of Sitting Bull. Did you know that he reportedly ate a handful of gunpowder every day to protect himself from gunshots?

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming Part PICTxUp through the mountains the altitude put me in a good mood with the XL also performing well

The road past the bald head of Engineer Mountain and up to the 11,000 ft pass leading to Silverton was great. Quite aside from the fact that I was enjoying having corners again – despite its weight and nearly worn-out shock absorbers, the XL was fun on winding roads – I also got an altitude high.

This happens to me occasionally when I get too high up, and I start making faces, singing, cracking jokes and laughing like crazy – all to myself. It also helped that I was back in the lovely Rockies, with forests of aspens and conifers on the steep slopes and that bracing, cold, clean air. Some of the aspens were already beginning to turn from green to gold. Winter was on its way.

I hurried to get to Denver, where I expected mail to be waiting for me, but of course the best-laid plans of mice and bears… Just outside Conifer, some 40 miles from Denver, my throttle actuating cable broke. I was on the very edge of the huge rampart of mountains that leads down to Denver, so I tried coasting.

I got 18 miles before I ran out of hill! Then – at Bear Lake, to add insult to injury – I finally had to give in and switch the return cable with the broken one. This gave me a throttle control, but of course it now turned the opposite way—to accelerate, I had to turn the throttle away from me. Lots of fun in peak-hour Denver traffic!

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming Part RIMGA broken throttle cable saw me coast 18 miles, before stopping to switch the return cable around

By now it was too late to go to the post office, and when I got there in the morning there was no mail for me anyway. It’s always a bit depressing when you’re on the road for a while and don’t get mail. You really feel lonely.

But I still had the address of John-with-the-BMW, whom I’d met in Michigan, so I went up to Boulder to stay with him. In traditional American style, I was made most welcome by all the inhabitants of his house and spent a cheerful few days there. Boulder is full of musicians and has an excellent library. I loafed and read and listened to music. My mail was waiting for me when I got to Denver again a week later, and my bliss was nearly complete. But I was still missing Annie, very much.

Down I rode to Colorado Springs along the row of frozen combers that make up the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, and then up and around Pike’s Peak to Cripple Creek. An early mining settlement, this little town has now suffered the fate of all picturesque places in the US – it’s become a tourist trap and derives its substance from the buses. It was still pretty, though, and the scenery on the way even more so. Some of the trees were now changing from gold to bright scarlet and the slopes were marbled with the different shades.

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming PartTaos proved the ultimate in tourist towns…

Sand Dunes National Memorial, an enormous dune formed by wind forced to drop its load of dust and sand by a mountain range, was not as impressive as the booklet had suggested, so I took my leave again and headed for New Mexico. Leaving Kit Carson’s old fort to one side (he was the local hero here), I made Taos in the early afternoon. This has to be just about the ultimate in tourist towns – it gives the impression of having been built exclusively for the trade. Not that it isn’t pretty, it just seems so phony. Perhaps I shouldn’t talk. I only spent an hour there.

I slept up in the hills above Santa Fe that night, deep in another world. Everyone here speaks Spanish, the shop signs are in Spanish and the fluorescent Coors advertisements all say ‘cerveza’ instead of ‘beer’. I felt as though I’d made it to Mexico. In another sad case of prejudice, a white Anglo-Saxon-etc American I asked wouldn’t tell me where any of the local bars were. He didn’t think I really ought to drink with ‘those people’.

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming Part‘Mexican Hat Service’ – Stopping for fuel

From Santa Fe I took the back roads to Albuquerque and found myself back up in the mountains. It was drizzly and cold, too, but the road was well surfaced, narrow and twisty; I had a good time here. I also stopped in a weird little town called Madrid. It had obviously not long since been a ghost town, but now a great crew of hippies was busy restoring, shoring up and beautifying the wonky-looking timber houses.

On the way to Ruidoso and the Aspencade Motorcyclists Convention, I began to worry about the chain again. I’d had to tighten it rather frequently – neither of the chains I’d bought in the US lasted very well – and now the bike was jerking quite noticeably. I had all sorts of fantasies about bent countershafts (silly) and twisted sprockets (sillier).

Riding was becoming unpleasant. I made it to Ruidoso anyway, and spent a relaxed couple of days watching the bikes roll in. I’d been in touch with Honda, and they had expressed an interest in having my XL250 on their stand at the trade show, so, once the show started, I spent my evenings down there talking to the visitors – who found it very difficult to believe that anyone could be crazy enough to ride a 250 around the world.

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming PartAspencade Motorcyclists Convention

Days were spent drinking with my newly acquired friends Norman – who left his little dog Honda guarding their Gold Wing – and Bob, who’d ridden to the show on one of the very few two-strokes around.

Nothing much was going on, rather a disappointment after the bustle of European rallies, but it was great to talk to so many people, from so many walks of life, who were all devoted to motorcycling. I was a little surprised to see relatively few Harleys compared with the waves of Gold Wings that inundated the place.

I rode the new Harley Sturgis, and was very impressed with the belt drives, and spent a lot of time admiring the custom bikes. Unfortunately, they mostly looked as though they’d been put together out of three only slightly different mail-order catalogues. There was not really much variety. The trikes were spectacular, but once again there was little variety among them. On the third day, I won the ‘Longest Distance-Solo Male Rider’ trophy, which still hangs proudly on the wall of my office.

Then it was off again – a straight run for the coast. Every trip has a limited lifespan, and after 11 weeks this one was gasping its last. So it was out onto the Interstate, a road I generally avoided, and off.

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming PartI could tell I was reaching the natural end of my journey with the trusty XL

Seventeen miles from Yuma the steering went heavy. Inspection showed that the patch we had put on the front tube in the Khyber Pass had lifted. It was well over 35 degrees C, there was no shade, and in fact it was very similar to the conditions in which the tube had first given out. It went flat again just outside Yuma, so I had a new tube fitted.

I rather begrudged that now, seeing we were so close to the end of the trip, but I couldn’t be bothered with any more flats. In El Centro I also found an excellent bike shop, where they located a good second-hand Tsubaki chain to replace my old, worn-out one. So I was ready to face the last stretch with confidence!

The road to the coast was most enjoyable, through rugged hills on an excellent surface. In San Diego a solid wall of smog was waiting for me. I made my way down to the Pacific – nice to see an old friend again – and watched the huge oily rollers coming in all the way from Australia.

Up the coast into the rat’s nest of freeways that is Los Angeles, and a stop at the Road Rider magazine office, where I was received very kindly and offered the use of a typewriter to belt out a few stories for them and refresh my traveling kitty.

Around the world with The Bear Peter Thoeming PartWas always a pleasure meeting fellow riders, many surprised by my trip on the XL compared to the more common machinery seen in North America

I spent the last few days before my flight was due wandering around, by bike mostly, and sightseeing. I found Hollywood especially interesting – not so much the homes of the stars as Hollywood Boulevard. Then I had lunch with the friendly folk from Honda USA, entrusted my little bike to them for forwarding to Australia and climbed aboard the plane with the big red kangaroo on the tail.

I spent the flight planning the next trip…

And that, as they say, is all he wrote. But of course I wrote a lot of other stuff after this… and I’m grateful to all of you who read it.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Weekly – GNCC – AORC – Royal Enfield to race Flat Track

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Moto News Weekly Wrap
June 30, 2020

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2020 GNCC
Round Seven – Millfield, Ohio

The 2020 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, continued with day two of racing at the 31st Annual Wiseco John Penton GNCC on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio plays host to The John Penton GNCC each year, which continues to be the longest running event on the circuit.

As racing got underway it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell jumping off the line first to earn the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award. During the opening lap Russell would have company from his teammate Ben Kelley, who moved into the lead as they came around to timing and scoring. Russell would make the pass for the lead on the second lap, and never look back. Russell would lead the way for the remainder of the race, pushing his gap to 58 seconds by the time the checkered flag flew after three hours of intense racing. Russell earned his 66th career overall win, and continues to hold the points lead after seven rounds of racing.

Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Josh Strang was off to a top three start, and would move into second overall on the third lap of racing. Strang would push for the duration of the race, reaching almost complete exhaustion by the time the checkered flag came out. Strang continues to hold second overall in the National Championship points standings, with just 33-points separating him and Russell.

Kailub Russell (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his 66th career overall win at The Wiseco John Penton. PC: Ken Hill

After a top five start to the day, FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor was on a mission to land on a podium finishing position for the second time this season. Baylor would put his head down and push through the dusty, hot conditions to move into third overall by lap three of racing. Baylor would continue to push, and on the last lap would come through timing and scoring just 4 seconds behind Strang. After seven rounds of racing Baylor sits fourth overall in the XC1 Open Pro standings.

Grant Baylor (FactoryONE Shercro) came through to earn third overall on the day in Ohio. PC: Ken Hill

FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley came through leading the opening lap of racing in Ohio, but would soon be faced with multiple battles at what would be his second race back after recovering from his shoulder injury. Kelley continued to battle with Strang and Baylor for the first half the race, eventually settling into the fourth place position for the last couple of laps.

Finishing fifth in XC1 and sixth overall on the day was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jordan Ashburn. Ashburn would start the day out coming through fourth overall on lap one. He would continue to hold his position, battling with fellow XC1 competitors for the first half the race. Ashburn fell into the fifth place position on lap three of six, and would hold that position until he was met with the checkered flag.

Coming through eighth on lap one was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Joshua Toth. Toth would put his head down and push, making the necessary passes to finish out the day sixth in the XC1 Open Pro class. Continuing his stay on the East Coast was FMF/Maxxis/RPM KTM/KLIM/SIDI’s Dante Oliveira. Oliveira would come through to earn seventh in the XC1 class after a hot and humid three-hour race.

Craig DeLong (Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna/Kari Resources) took home the XC2 250 Pro class win at round seven. PC: Ken Hill

In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing/Kari Resources’ Craig DeLong coming through to take the class win, as well as finishing fifth overall on the day. DeLong would finish over two minutes ahead of his fellow XC2 competitors. This was DeLong’s third win of the season, which also moved him into the points lead in his class.

Factory Beta USA’s Cody Barnes earned his first podium finish of the season in the XC2 class with a second place finish. Barnes had a great jump off the line and would set himself up in the third place position to start off the day. On the third lap of racing, Barnes made the move into second and would continue to push for the remaining laps of the race.

Trail Jesters KTM’s Jonathan Girroir had work his way up to a podium finish after starting off the race back in fifth place. Girroir steadily made his way through the pack of riders, making the necessary passes he needed to earn a spot in the top three. After the seventh round of racing, Girroir sits third in the XC2 points standings.

Becca Sheets (BABS Racing Yamaha/Maxxis) earned her sixth WXC class win of the season on Sunday PC: Ken Hill

The Anzac invasion of the women’s category continued but it was Ohio’s hometown hero Becca Sheets that came out on top ahead of New Zealand’s Rachael Archer and Australia’s Tayla Jones. Sheets had her work cut out for her after coming through fourth on the opening lap. However, she would put her head down and push, moving into the lead by the second lap of racing. Sheets remains the points leader in the class with just one more round before summer break.

AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer made her way into second place after starting her day out in third. Archer continued to push throughout the morning race, but was unable to catch Sheets in the lead and remains third in the WXC points standings.

Rockstar Energy/Lan Mills XC’s Tayla Jones held the early in Ohio, but would soon be faced with battles as she fell back to fourth in the class on the second lap of racing. Jones picked up the pace, making the move past Factory Beta USA’s Rachel Gutish to overtake third place in the WXC class once again. Jones held onto third for the final spot on the podium.

Round Seven Overall

  1. Kailub Russell – XC1 – KTM
  2. Josh Strang – XC1 – Kawasaki
  3. Grant Baylor – XC1 – Sherco
  4. Ben Kelley – XC1 – KTM
  5. Craig Delong – XC2 – Husqvarna
  6. Jordan Ashburn – XC1 – Kawasaki
  7. Joshua Toth – XC1 – KTM
  8. Cody Barnes – XC2 – Honda
  9. Jonathan Girroir – XC2 – KTM
  10. Michael Witkowski – XC2 – Yamaha

Overall GNCC Championship Standings

  1. Kailub Russell (205)
  2. Josh Strang (172)
  3. Jordan Ashburn (111)
  4. Craig DeLong (108)
  5. Michael Witkowski (98)
  6. Jonathan Girroir (92)
  7. Grant Baylor (85)
  8. Cody Barnes (74)
  9. Liam Draper (61)
  10. Ricky Russell (59)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings

  1. Craig DeLong (178)
  2. Michael Witkowski (179)
  3. Jonathan Girroir (164)
  4. Cody Barnes (125)
  5. Liam Draper (108)
  6. Thorn Devlin (89)
  7. Ryder Lafferty (75)
  8. Jonathan Johnson (73)
  9. Simon Johnson (69)
  10. Ryder LeBlond (64)

Women Round Seven

  1. Becca Sheets – Yamaha
  2. Rachael Archer – Yamaha
  3. Tayla Jones – Husqvarna
  4. Rachel Gutish – Beta
  5. Korie Steede – TM
  6. Mackenzie Tricker – KTM
  7. Brooke Cosner – Sherco
  8. Shelby Rolen – KTM
  9. Taylor Johnston – KTM
  10. Alli Phillips – Husqvarna

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Tomac and Cianciarulo Return to Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2021

Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo Return to  Monster Energy Kawasaki Race Team in 2021

Kawasaki has announced that Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo will return to the Monster Energy Kawasaki racing team for the 2021 season. The Monster Energy Kawasaki riders aboard KX450 motorcycles will feature the newly-crowned 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Champion and three-time defending AMA Pro Motocross Champion, Tomac, and reigning 250 Pro Motocross Champion, Cianciarulo, after a successful rookie season of supercross winning the 2019 Monster Energy Cup and capturing two podium finishes during the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season.

“We have a very strong 2021 team roster,” said Kawasaki Racing Senior Manager, Dan Fahie. “We are prepared to continue our championship journey with both Eli and Adam. We had an unusual, yet successful 2020 supercross season and look to continue that into the motocross season as well. We have learned a lot about our KX450 and are in a good place heading into outdoors and 2021 with the development of the motorcycle.”

2021 will mark Tomac’s sixth year with Monster Energy Kawasaki, as he relentlessly remains a top contender in the premier class. Tomac captured the coveted 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship title after earning seven wins and 12 podiums of the 17 rounds. Tomac currently sits sixth on the all-time 450SX race wins list with 34 wins, and also sits fourth on the all-time 450MX race wins list with 22 overall wins and 44 podium finishes. Tomac cemented his legacy as an elite champion, becoming only the fifth rider in history to win titles in both the 450SX and 250SX classes as well as AMA Pro Motocross Championships in both classes.

“I’m at home with Monster Energy Kawasaki,” said Tomac. “I feel we have an outstanding team in place, an excellent KX450 motorcycle and a common goal of winning races and championships. I couldn’t be happier with how the supercross season ended as we clinched our first 450SX championship. Now our focus will be on winning our fourth consecutive Pro Motocross Championship and continuing to let the good times roll.”

Meanwhile, Cianciarulo kicked off his 450SX rookie campaign by taking the crown at the Monster Energy Cup and he backed that up by showing his speed on the bike by qualifying fastest at seven of the eight races he competed in and earning two podiums before his season was cut short due to injury. As the reigning AMA Pro Motocross 250 Champion, Cianciarulo looks to be a top championship competitor in the premier class this motocross season.

“Monster Energy Kawasaki is the team I have loved for so long,” said Cianciarulo. “What a journey it’s been to get to this point. Most people know it’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of this team at the top-level of the sport and I’m looking forward to putting in the work and continuing to improve and grow. I’m honored to be on what I believe to be the best team in the sport and to have been part of the Kawasaki Team Green program for all of these years. We’re halfway through my rookie year and the team has been so supportive. I truly believe we’re on our way to reaching our ultimate goal of winning races and championships.”

The 2020 AMA Pro Motocross Championship drops the gate on Saturday, July 18th at Ironman MX in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

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Royal Enfield racing American Flat Track

August will mark the return to racing for American Flat Track (AFT) and Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield will debut its FT racer at AFT Rounds 5 & 6 on August 28-29 , when Moto Anatomy’s Johnny Lewis takes the track for the first time in the AFT Production Twins class.

Lewis planned to unveil the concept FT at the Daytona AFT round in March, but due to COVID-19, the races were rescheduled. Despite the AFT season being temporarily postponed, Lewis is logging hours at his Center Hill, Florida training facility on the Royal Enfield FT concept. With the help of Royal Enfield, Harris Performance and S&S Cycle, the development of the FT has continued. Lewis will officially present the Royal Enfield FT at Volusia County Speedway on July 17.

“The Royal Enfield FT concept has already shown promise so far.” said rider and team owner Johnny Lewis. “We’re already seeing great results from the motorcycle. The team at Harris Performance and Royal Enfield have done a great job with the chassis, and we’ve already begun working through small adjustments based on my feedback. With the way the schedule is shaping out with small tracks, we could surprise many people.”

Lewis will be joined at select AFT rounds with the all-female Build Train Race participants starting with the Atlanta Short Track at Dixie Speedway October 2-3 and will return for the AFT season finale in Daytona Beach October 15-16. During these rounds, the women will conduct a special exhibition aboard their custom INT650 flat track motorcycles as part of the AFT event schedule.

Additionally, Lewis will host a Royal Enfield Slide School at select rounds. During the Slide School sessions, participants will receive coaching from Lewis and learn the basics of flat track aboard track prepped FT411 Himalayan motorcycles.

American Flat Track will kick off its 2020 season with the first-ever Volusia Half-Mile presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys doubleheader event at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.

AORC Set and Ready to Return

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore will fire back into action with a double header of sprint racing at Murray Bridge, South Australia on August 1 and 2.

With State borders opening up, M.A. are excited that we can continue their world-renowned 2020 championship which will include 8 rounds to be held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and for the first time in Tasmania. Rounds 1-4 were held earlier this year.

The Yamaha AORC has previous world champions including the 2019 World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team, and we will continue to have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore.

“We have a world class field of riders from our junior riders, right through to our senior men’s and women’s classes, who we know are eager to get back on track and continue the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented, by MXstore,” said MA Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo.

“Our Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore, has produced world class racing this year and we know riders, teams and officials are eager for rounds five and six at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

“We thank everyone from our riders, officials and sponsors for their support and patience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while there will be some restriction in place at events, we are very excited to get back on track.”

As a racing community there will need to be an understanding that it will not be a return to sport as usual.

Certain State and Federal Government restrictions and measures will likely remain in force but we are confident that together if we follow government guidelines and practice good personal hygiene our championship will continue to prosper.

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar

  • Round 5 & 6 August 1-2 Murray Bridge, SA
  • Round 7 & 8 August 29-30 Nowra, NSW (rescheduled event, new date)
  • Round 9 & 10 September 19-20 Omeo, VIC
  • Round 11 & 12 October 17-18 Wynyard, TAS

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Tony Cairoli and KTM renew contract

Nine-times FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli will push for yet another title in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors in 2021 for what will be his eighteenth season in Grand Prix and the twelfth on a works KTM SX-F.

The 34-year old Sicilian and his crew, helmed by Claudio De Carli, united with the KTM Motorsport Department in 2010 and instantly delivered the factory’s first title in the premier class with the innovative KTM 350 SX-F. Cairoli remained undefeated until 2014 and then used the latest generation of the KTM 450 SX-F to secure his ninth crown in 2017. In total the KTM/Cairoli package has given the manufacturer six championships in the last decade.

In terms of achievements, popularity, professionalism, longevity and enduring passion for motocross, Cairoli is the reference in MXGP and is still fiercely competitive at a time when the category has vast depth of talent and speed.

Cairoli will again form part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MXGP ‘Dream Team’ on KTM 450 SX-Fs alongside Jorge Prado and Jeffrey Herlings; boasting a combined number of fifteen championships.

Tony Cairoli: “I’m really motivated for another good season next year so I’m really happy with the renewal of my riding contract. We’ll see what 2020 has in store but my goal is to aim for the championship and again in 2021. I’m very proud to have been so long with this factory team and I still want to write some pages in the history of KTM motocross.”

MXGP Rnd Netherlands Tony Cairoli RATony Cairoli – Image by Ray Archer

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “It says a lot for Tony as a rider and a person and an athlete that he is still so competitive when MXGP is at a top level. He could have walked into other teams when it was clear he wanted to continue in 2021 but it was important for us to extend his story with KTM and that couldn’t make us any happier. We have no doubt that he has the desire to go for a tenth title either in the season we will eventually have in 2020 or in 2021. It makes us all very proud to have a team with the caliber of Tony, Jeffrey and Jorge. I believe we can be the ones to beat again in MXGP with this strong trio and combined with the whole team and technical crew with Claudio, Davide, Dirk and everybody who makes the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team tick.”

Claudio de Carli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Tony expressed his willingness to ride for at least another year and this obviously makes us happy and confirms his truly unique character and attitude for the sport. His final choice to remain with KTM gives us great satisfaction because it also confirms the good job we have been doing responding to his technical requests and the strong bond we have established over many years. Next season Tony will be in his twelfth year with KTM, and with my crew for the eighteenth. I think this says it all! We’re really proud of him and would like to give thanks to KTM for making this next chapter possible.”

Motorcycling Australia to run 2020 MX Nationals
WEM steps down a year earlier than planned

Williams Event Management held a press conference on Friday morning confirming their withdrawal from their role as promoter of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

Kevin Williams first got involved with the running of the Australian Motocross Championships in 1995 at Traralgon, and has effectively had stewardship of the MX Nationals since 1997.

Today does not mark the complete end of Kevin’s 25-year-old involvement with Australian Motocross but it does end the role of WEM as the promoter of the Australian Motocross Championship, which under WEM stewardship was rebranded as MX Nationals.

Kevin understandably got quite emotional when it got to the point where he officially confirmed that he is stepping away from his role as a promoter due to not being able to effectively deliver a viable championship this year due to the ongoing restrictions put in place by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe that it is highly like that in this instance Motorcycling Australia will step in to fill the void and ensure that the season does go ahead in some form, and that form of course will see WEM still involved in some way and assisting in affecting an orderly transition.

We see it as unfortunate that Kevin and his crew will not be able to have a lap of honour, so to speak, and go out on a high as originally planned at the culmination of a successful 2020 season.

On a personal note, I have always appreciated Kevin being forthright and honest with me at every juncture throughout the 21 years I have been running MCNews.com.au.

The brand ‘MX Nationals’ belongs to WEM and we believe discussions are being held between Kevin Williams and Motorcycling Australia about the ownership of that brand. However, it seems likely that M.A. will likely revert to referring to the series as the Australian Motocross Championship, or some anagram that represents motocross, but follows the established M.A. naming regimen of breaking that down to an acronym like they have with AORC and ASBK.

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Open Letter from Kevin Williams

“The purpose of this letter however, is to thank everyone who has been involved in the MX Nationals series in our twenty three year run.

“Motocross has been a part of my entire life and essentially my life’s work since I began working with the Australian Motocross Championships before it became the MX Nationals. The time I have spent growing the series with my wife Christine and our three children Jake, Aiden and Brodie by my side is something I will forever cherish.

“Although as a part of racing, I may not have seen eye to eye with many of you throughout the years, the racing family at the core of this industry has been a fantastic part of my life and something I will truly miss. My love for the sport, preserving its integrity and growth has been a driving factor and provided the continual motivation needed to allow me to strive for progress in Motocross within Australia and putting our riders on the map globally as a Motocross powerhouse.

“During our time together we have had many high’s that include bringing MXGP to the iconic Broadford Circuit, seeing many great Champions leave Australia to successfully take on the world with Chad Reed, Craig Anderson, Michael Byrne, Brett Metcalfe, this list goes on. To see the next generation of Jed Beaton, Mitch Evans, Luke Clout and the Lawrence Brothers having international success in the present day makes me extremely proud to see where the talent is at in Australian Motocross. We have also lost great Champions such as Andrew Mcfarlane and Jono Porter, their time with the series and the impact they made on everyone’s lives will never be forgotten.

“I want to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of the MX Nationals family during our time together. From the numerous staff at WEM, the riders and teams, to all of our sponsors and stakeholders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything we have achieved to grow the sport together.

“Yours in the sport

“Regards,

“Kevin Williams.”

— ENDS —

Motorcycling Australia Statement

Motorcycling Australia (MA) wishes to thank Williams Event Management (WEM), Kevin Williams and his family for more than two decades of dedication to the MX Nationals.

After 23 years Williams today made the tough decision to step away from the sport and the promotion and management of the MX Nationals effective immediately.

In an emotional press conference this morning, Kevin Williams thanked fans, riders, industry and sponsors.

“It’s been a long journey and a major part of my life, but we didn’t expect COVID, and we didn’t expect not to go racing this year, but we are proud of what we achieved over 23 years,” Kevin said.

“I’ve always made decisions from a position of passion for the sport, and I want to thank everyone for being a part of the journey.

“I encourage all riders and members of the sport and industry to support their local clubs and hopefully we can see some opportunity for national racing when borders open up properly.

“Thank you everybody for your great support.”

MA CEO Peter Doyle said: “Kevin Williams and his team have poured their heart and soul into running the MX Nationals and we thank them for more than 20 years of tireless work”.

“The MX Nationals have faced plenty of challenges in those 20 years and Kevin, his team and partners, have boasted many success stories, with a myriad of riders using the championship as a stepping stone in their careers to race in America and Europe.

“The MX Nationals are a critical component of a healthy motocross scene in Australia and to create opportunities for riders to progress into world championship series.”

MA is now in the process of reviewing the 2020 championship operations, format and dates to see how the series will proceed for the remainder of 2020 in the COVID-19 period.

Further announcements will be made available in due course.

—  ENDS. —

The latest update to the calendar is included below, but one would imagine that is all up in the air right now.

2020 MX Store MX Nationals Calendar

R1 Conondale QLD Aug 9th
R2 Maitland NSW Aug 15th /16th
R3 Newry Vic Sept 6th
R4 Horsham Vic Sept 12th/13th
R5 Gympie QLD Oct 4th
R6 Coolum QLD Oct 10th/11th

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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New Handshoes from IXS

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Handschuhes is one of our favorite German words, right up there with auspuf and hundsalon. IXS is proud of its newest ones: The Tour LT Montevideo Air S is an enduro-ish glove that’s also suitable for summertime on-road riding. Featuring “an unobtrusive, but not sober design,” and containing “non-textile parts of animal origin,” the price is right, at $49.95.

Tour LT Glove Montevideo-Air S

 

Hand charmer for the road and terrain

Good grip

The combination of high-quality goatskin, sturdy Amara textile material and 3D Airmesh stretch fabric give the Tour LT Glove Montevideo-Air S from iXS abrasion resistance and make it suitable for the summer so that it’s not only of interest to off-road pilots.

Enduro gloves have to satisfy a particularly wide range of requirements: They have to be light and flexible and yet still provide good protection to riders in every situation. The iXS Tour LT Glove Montevideo-Air S was developed for the varied Enduro lifestyle. The iXS development team spared no effort in guaranteeing extreme resistance and complete coverage from the fingers to the end of the cuff.

Ventilated TPR protectors for the hand and knuckles provide simultaneous protection and unlimited freedom of movement; they protect against stones and twigs, while the wide cuff with Velcro fastening keeps the wrists safe from a sudden impact. Through additional safety-relevant elements such as the cuff with a TPU moulded part or the leather reinforcement on the base of the thumb, this Enduro glove also offers good protection on asphalt. The evidence for this is that it complies with the EN13594:2015 test standard.

At the same time, keeping a perfect grip was also considered to be extremely important. The long-lasting Amara material is soft and comfortable and stands out because of its excellent grip properties. In conjunction with the light textile inner lining, the result is extremely good grip when braking, operating the clutch and accelerating. Contact to the handlebar and front wheel is superb, largely due to the finger side walls made of stretch fabric that is very comfortable.

The airy 3D Airmesh material on the thumbs, fingers and cuffs together with the knuckle and finger protectors with air inlets ensure that the ventilation is optimal. The Tour LT Glove Montevideo-Air S offers everything one could want from a truly great summer glove. Its unadulterated characteristics, as its name already suggests, make it the perfect supplement to the wide-ranging, award-winning Montevideo jacket and trouser concept from iXS.

With an unobtrusive, but not sober design, the Tour LT Glove Montevideo-Air S also impresses as regards styling. Among the seven different colour versions, you can find a matching design for every suit. The sizes range from S to 3XL.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Recommended Retail Price: EU/UK:   € 49.95

                                                             USA:       US$ 49.95

Colours:                                    black (003)

                                                        black-green (037)

                                                        black-grey (039)

                                                        black-grey-red (392)

                                                        black-grey-blue (394)

                                                        black-grey-luminous yellow (395)

                                                        black-grey-orange (396)

Sizes:                                          S – 3XL

Article N°:                           X40449

 TECHNICAL DETAILS

Trendy, sporty glove made of elastane with Camo prints, Amara and 3-D mesh

  •   Light textile inner lining
  •   Palm made of Amara with Amara double layer
  •   Ball of the hand with double layer of leather and padding
  •   Fingers made of 3-D mesh and elastane with TPR mouldings
  •   Finger sidewalls made of elastane for additional comfort
  •   Thumb made of 3-D mesh with Amara double layer
  •   TPU moulding over knuckle
  •   TPR moulding on the cuff
  •   Width adjustable cuff with Velcro closure
  •   Safety: in accordance with the standard EN13594:2015

MATERIAL

Shell: goatskin

Shell textile: 100% polyester

Palm/fingers: 70% polyester, 30% polyamide

Shell stretch 82% polyester, 18% elastane

Lining: 100% polyester

 Knuckle protection: termoplastic polyurethane

Contains non-textile parts of animal origin

 

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Cars may soon ‘see’ riders in blind corners

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Princeton University is developing an automated radar system that will detect and alert drivers and riders of oncoming traffic and pedestrians around blind corners.

Professor Felix Heide,an  assistant professor of computer science at the uni, says the system has ramifications for the safety of motorcyclists.

“We have already tested bicyclists successfully, so motorcyclists and scooter riders will also be easy to detect by our system,” he says.

The system has been tested successfully in cars, but could also be used in motorcycles.

“It would certainly be suited to be installed on motorcycles as well,” he says.

BlindFelix Heide

The system could be useful fr detecting a gaggle of cyclists just up around that next blind corner on your Sunday morning ride!

It’s not the first system for detecting smaller and more vulnerable rad users such as riders fo bicycles, motorcycles and scooters.

Volvo has developed technology that alerts drivers of cyclists and Jaguar is working on technology that makes A pillars “invisible” so drivers can see smaller road users such as riders.

While we applaud such technology, my concern is that drivers will become reliant on such technology and look for riders even less.

There is also the concern that the tech will fail.

Radar for blind corners

In the Princeton study, researchers combined artificial intelligence and radar.

The system uses Doppler radar to bounce radio waves off surfaces such as buildings and parked vehicles.

The radar signal hits the surface at an angle, so its reflection rebounds off like a cue ball hitting the wall of a pool table. The signal goes on to strike objects hidden around the corner.

Some of the radar signal bounces back to detectors mounted on the car or motorcycle, allowing the system to see objects around the corner and tell whether they are moving or stationary.

“This will enable cars to see occluded objects that today’s lidar and camera sensors cannot record, for example, allowing a self-driving vehicle to see around a dangerous intersection,” says Felix.

“The radar sensors are also relatively low-cost, especially compared to lidar sensors, and scale to mass production.”

In a paper presented June 16 at this Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR), the researchers described how the system is able to distinguish objects including cars, bicyclists and pedestrians and gauge their direction and oncoming speed.

“The proposed approach allows for collision warning for pedestrians and cyclists in real-world autonomous driving scenarios — before seeing them with existing direct line-of-sight sensors,” the authors write.

In recent years, engineers have developed a variety of sensor systems that allow cars to detect other objects on the road. Many of them rely on lidar or cameras using visible or near-infrared light, and such sensors preventing collisions are now common on modern cars. But optical sensing is difficult to use to spot items out of the car’s line of sight. In earlier research, Felix’s team has used light to see objects hidden around corners. But those efforts currently are not practical for use in cars both because they require high-powered lasers and are restricted to short ranges.

Princeton University is developing an automated radar system that will detect and alert drivers and riders of oncoming traffic and pedestrians around blind corners.Car with radar and sensors

In conducting that earlier research, Felix and his colleagues wondered whether it would be possible to create a system to detect hazards out of the car’s line of sight using imaging radar instead of visible light. The signal loss at smooth surfaces is much lower for radar systems, and radar is a proven technology for tracking objects.

The challenge is that radar’s spatial resolution — used for picturing objects around corners such as cars and bikes — is relatively low. However, the researchers believed that they could create algorithms to interpret the radar data to allow the sensors to function.

“The algorithms that we developed are highly efficient and fit on current generation automotive hardware systems,” Felix says. “So, you might see this technology already in the next generation of vehicles.”

To allow the system to distinguish objects, Felix’s team processed part of the radar signal that standard radars consider background noise rather than usable information. The team applied artificial intelligence techniques to refine the processing and read the images.

Recognising small road users

Fangyin Wei, a graduate student in computer science and one of the paper’s lead authors, says the computer running the system had to learn to recognise cyclists and pedestrians from a very sparse amount of data.

“First we have to detect if something is there. If there is something there, is it important? Is it a cyclist or a pedestrian?” she says. “Then we have to locate it.”

Fangyin says the system currently detects pedestrians and cyclists because the engineers felt those were the most challenging objects because of their small size and varied shape and motion. She says the system could be adjusted to detect vehicles as well, which would include motorcycles and scooters.

The researchers plan to follow the research in a number of directions for applications involving both radar and refinements in signal processing.

The paper’s authors also include: Jürgen Dickmann, Florian Krause, Werner Ritter, and Nicolas Schiener of Mercedes-Benz AG; Buu Phan and Fahim Mannan of Algolux; Klaus Dietmayer of Ulm University; and Bernard Sick of the University of Kassel. Support for the research was provided in part by the European Union’s H2020 ECSEL program

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Aprilia Trots Out 2020 Aprilia RSV4 RR Misano and Tuono V4 1100 RR Misano Limited Editions

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Piaggio USA’s master of ceremonies Shane Pacillo unveiled a pair of special edition Aprilia Misano replicas yesterday ahead of Aprilia’s first sponsored track day of the year, at Buttuonwillow in California. One hundred RSV4 RR Misano Factorys, and 100 Tuono RR Misanos will be built for sale only in the US, and should be in dealers next week. The red, white and green Misano livery, complete with big “A,” is traced directly back to Aprilia’s first win under Loris Reggiani, at Misano in 1987. Since then, Aprilia’s won 54 championships, and is still out there working valiantly on the Big One, which counts for something.

The RSV4 RR Misano comes equipped with a new, Euro-4 spec 65-degree V-four producing 201 horsepower at 13,000 rpm and all the usual top-drawer components. Know the Misanos by their numbered IDs, laser-etched into the top triple clamp, and their carbon-fiber front fenders. Its suggested price is $17,999.

RSV4 Tuono V4 1100 Misano

The sit-up-straight Tuono got a thorough going-over as well; its newly Euro-4 compliant 1077 cc engine is rated at only 175 hp at 11,000 rpm, but it’s the fat midrange torque that counts with this one. 

Though it’s the streetier of the V4s, the Tuono is also ready for the track, with upgraded electronics including Bosch’s latest 9.1 MP Cornering ABS system, quickshifter, cruise control, etc. Yours for $15,999. Not bad. A MO favorite, for sure-a.

Sig. Pacillo says there will be more Aprilia-sponsored track days, where you can get a look at these and even ride them. One will be the Monday following the Road Atlanta MotoAmerica round at the end of July. Check your local listings.

Aprilia



 

 

 

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