Monthly Archives: September 2020

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Lowes quickest in Misano Moto2™ FP1

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Lowes didn’t encounter any troubles though. The British rider will have to start from pitlane for the San Marino GP after his Styrian GP crash, but it was the number 22 who set the pace in the intermediate class from home heroes Marini and Bezzecchi. Despite his early crash, Schrötter finished P4 in FP1, with title contender Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) picking up the final top five place – 0.540 back from Lowes’ effort, which was 1.3 seconds faster than Moto2™ FP1 in 2019 at the venue. 

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Viñales beats Quartararo by half a second in FP1

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Glorious sunshine greeted the premier class riders at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, as they tackled the new asphalt for the first time in a race weekend. All the manufacturers bar Yamaha have tested at the venue in 2020 but it didn’t seem to affect the likes of Quartararo and Viñales at all, the YZR-M1 duo sitting pretty at the top of the timesheets from the get-go in FP1, with Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) inside the top four.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Fernandez fastest as Moto3™ kicks off Misano action

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The 19-year-old’s closest rivals were Rodrigo and Sasaki, with the Japanese rider’s teammate, Deniz Öncü, not enjoying the same fortunes after the Turk crashed out, unhurt, in the opening moments of FP1. Petronas Sprinta Racing’s John McPhee and victor last time out at the Red Bull Ring, SKY Racing Team VR46’s Celestino Vietti, completed the top five with the pair both six tenths adrift of the pacesetter.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

News

MV Agusta Dragster Run-Out

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Terms & Conditions

Dragster Run-Out Offer – Terms and Conditions

Offer available on new models only. Stock and availability may vary between dealers. Offer is only valid on MY18 Dragster 800 RC and MY19 Dragster 800 RR, Dragster 800 RR America, and Dragster 800 RR Pirelli. Offer valid when selected models are purchased between 10th August 2020 and 30th September 2020. Excludes demonstration models. Not in conjunction with any other offer or rebate, and while stocks last. Only available at participating dealerships. For further information, please email us at [email protected].

*Finance to approved customers. Advertised finance payments based on a term of 84 months at 6.99% (comparison rate 7.93%) based on a ride away price of $24 990. WARNING: Comparison rate of 7.93% based on a 5-year secured loan of $30,000. This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Actual rates used to calculate monthly payments vary and will depend on each individual’s financial situation, contract type, term, deposit and balloon repayment. The repayment amount provided above is an approximate guide only and may not take into account all fees and charges.  Finance arranged through Urban Motor Finance, Australian Credit License number 483180. ABN: 58 165 692 017.

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

2020 ASBK Calendar hit again by border restrictions

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The continuing restrictions surrounding travel within Australia continue to play havoc with Motorcycling Australia’s attempts to successfully formulate a plan of action in regards to the running of the Australian Superbike Championship.

A single round of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship was staged before the pandemic hit Australia and that Phillip Island opener was dominated by Wayne Maxwell who fended off determined charges from Cru Halliday.

A few weeks ago the already rescheduled Winton round was moved yet again, while the Phillip Island round set for the first weekend in October was cancelled.  The next round was to be at Wakefield Park on the weekend of October 16-18 but the extended border restrictions has forced M.A. to now cancel that event and modify the schedule further.

The next round of the series is now scheduled to take place at The Bend in November, where organisers are also hoping spectators may be permitted.

The ASBK Grand Finale for 2020 will be conducted as a double-header round, rounds 3 and 4 over 4-days, at Winton Motorway Raceway, December 3-6.

ASBK has also advised that Winton Motor Raceway are planning to host 2 days of practice in late October (mid-week) aimed at Victorian based ASBK riders who have been unable to ride for a number of months and require crucial track time before the restart of the ASBK Championship. It is hoped the dates for the 2-day practice sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks as ASBK and Winton Motor Raceway continue to review Victorian Government regulations.

ASBK round 2 at The Bend and both rounds 3 and 4 at Winton Motor Raceway (Saturday and Sunday) will be broadcast live through TV partners on SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia, Fox Sports Asia.

2020 ASBK Calendar

Round Track/Date
ROUND 1  WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
ROUND 2 The Bend International MotoFest, SA: November 20-22
ROUND 3 & 4 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC: December 3-6

2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points

Mi Bike ASBK Motul logo Menu@x
Pos Name Machine Pole R1 R2 R3 Total
1 Wayne MAXWELL Ducati V4R 1 25 25 25 76
2 Cru HALLIDAY Yamaha 20 20 20 60
3 Josh WATERS Suzuki 18 15 18 51
4 Bryan STARING Kawasaki 17 17 15 49
5 Troy HERFOSS Honda 16 16 16 48
6 Daniel FALZON Yamaha 14 14 13 41
7 Arthur SISSIS Suzuki 15 10 12 37
8 Mike JONES Ducati 18 17 35
9 Jed METCHER Suzuki 12 11 10 33
10 Glenn ALLERTON BMW 5 12 14 31
11 Linden MAGEE BMW 10 6 9 25
12 Matt WALTERS Kawasaki 13 11 24
13 Max CROKER Suzuki 9 7 7 23
14 Aiden WAGNER Yamaha 13 9 22
15 Sloan FROST Suzuki 8 5 8 21
16 Beau BEATON Ducati 7 4 6 17
17 Glenn SCOTT Kawasaki 4 8 4 16
18 Brendan McINTYRE Suzuki 6 3 5 14
19 Josh HAYES Yamaha 11 11
20 Matthew TOOLEY Yamaha 1 1 3 5
21 Giuseppe SCARCELLA Ducati 3 2 5
22 Dean HASLER BMW 2 2 4
23 Nathan SPITERI Suzuki 1 1

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

The Bend target for ASBK restart during November

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News 11 Sep 2020

The Bend target for ASBK restart during November

Section: Competition

Season to be completed with double-header weekend at Winton.

Image: tbgsport.

The Bend has been named as the next target to restart the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in late November, followed by a double-header at Winton to wrap-up the season.

Wakefield Park has been dropped from the calendar as Motorcycling Australia (MA) works to navigate through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen the series on hold since Phillip Island’s opener in March.

Instead, the next round of ASBK will be in South Australia on the weekend of 22 November at the world-class Tailem Bend facility, which could include spectators being welcomed trackside.

“I am absolutely thrilled to see ASBK returning to The Bend in November,” said The Bend Motorsport Park managing director Dr Sam Shahin. “The event promises to be yet another spectacular display of skill and courage if last year is anything to go by. The resumption of the championship is a true testament of the sport, the riders, the teams, the owners and just reward for MA’s sheer commitment to run a championship in 2020.”

Following that, Winton will now play host to the 2020 championship finals, which will be a double-header round held between 3-6 December.

“Winton Motor Raceway is very excited to be hosting the double-header grand finale round of the Australian Superbike Championship over the weekend of December 3-6,” said Jeff Grech, Winton Motor Raceway operations manager.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have the best riders in Australia racing here at our improved circuit which will allow more passing opportunities and safer racing. Turns three and four have new wider kerbing and the flag point bunker between turns one and two has been repositioned to the outside of the track behind the tyre wall for improved safety. After a year of COVID-19 limited racing, the Australia Superbike family will be welcomed in our region with open arms.”

It is currently Wayne Maxwell (Boost Mobile Ducati) who leads the Superbike standings after sweeping Phillip Island’s opening round, while Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing Yamaha) sits atop the Supersport championship points.

2020 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar (revised):
Rd1 – 27 February-1 March – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd2 – 20-22 November – The Bend, SA
Rds 3-4 – 3-6 December – Winton, VIC

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

KTM confirms Herlings to sit out next four MXGP rounds

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News 11 Sep 2020

KTM confirms Herlings to sit out next four MXGP rounds

Section: Competition

World championship red plate-holder to undergo further scans.

Image: Supplied.

MXGP World Championship leader Jeffrey Herlings will miss the next four rounds after an injury scare in Faenza on Wednesday, due to undergo further scans to determine the extent of any injuries.

Red Bull KTM has confirmed that Herlings, 25, will sit out the Emilia Romagna, Lombardia, Mantova and European rounds of the 2020 season after suffering a large impact to his neck and shoulders in free practice.

“While it was a scary crash, we have to be thankful that Jeffrey was not badly hurt,” explained Dirk Gruebel, Red Bull KTM team manager and technical co-ordinator. “The first scans are positive when you consider the injuries he could have picked up. He is a really tough guy and has been through this process before.

“It is frustrating because of the good work he’d done in the championship standings but it is the negative part of the sport we have to accept. Hopefully the scan in a few weeks will show his recovery is going in the right direction. All the team will miss him until he’s back on the bike and doing what he does best.”

Herlings held a 60-point advantage in the 2020 MXGP World Championship standings entering Faenza, which was reduced to 22 points after sitting out the motos. He is scheduled to have another MRI on 29 September prior to any potential return.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Moto2 title threat Martin tests positive for COVID-19

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News 11 Sep 2020

Moto2 title threat Martin tests positive for COVID-19

Section: Competition Post: CycleOnline

Spaniard will miss at least one round of 2020 season while in quarantine.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jorge Martin has been confirmed as one of two people who have tested positive to COVID-19 in the MotoGP paddock ahead of this weekend’s San Marino round of the world championship.

An official press release overnight stated that both cases are asymptomatic and have been placed in isolation, stressing that they had not entered the MotoGP paddock at Misano. The other positive result was returned for a mechanic from a different team.

A statement on Red Bull KTM Ajo confirmed the news of Moto2 contender Martin, stating that he feels well and is quarantined at home. It is unknown what this means for the health of the rest of the paddock or if Martin can return for the second round of the scheduled Misano double-header.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

News

Ducati celebrates centenary of the birth of engineer Fabio Taglioni

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‘Father’ of the desmodromic system and designer of numerous revolutionary motorcycles

On the day of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fabio Taglioni, Ducati celebrates and honours the memory of the italian engineer, designer of numerous revolutionary projects. Among these, the application of the desmodromic distribution system stands out, a technology with which Taglioni inextricably linked his name to the success story of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer.

Born in San Lorenzo di Lugo on 10 September 1920, Taglioni graduated in mechanical engineering in 1943 and joined Ducati in the role of Technical Director on 1 May 1954, a date that marks the beginning of a flourishing of projects, ideas and patents that earned a place for the legendary Ducati-Taglioni pairing in the two-wheeled world.

PA Ducati Gran Sport
The Ducati 100 Grand Sport – Image Phil Aynsley

Only 40 days after joining Ducati, Taglioni created his first marvel – the Gran Sport 100, also known as ‘Marianna’ – which immediately became a force in Italian Gran Fondo long-distance road races.

In Lugo di Romagna, Taglioni’s hometown, an event was held to pay homage to the memory of the brilliant engineer

In the wake of the successes achieved by the Gran Sport 100 and 125, the engineer from Lugo chose to devote himself fully to racing and to embark on the ambitious project of the desmodromic distribution system. Until then, the ‘desmo’ represented a technical and engineering gamble, but Taglioni demonstrated that he had the tenacity and skills to study it, perfect it and make it a winning idea. The first bike to be equipped with the desmodromic system was the 125 GP Desmo, which won its first Grand Prix a month after its debut and established itself in time as the fastest 125 in the world.

In the following years Taglioni actively participated with his work in the industrial rebirth of Ducati, creating projects such as the 175 Gran Turismo and the birth of the Ducati Scrambler, thus demonstrating a level of engineering excellence that was not limited to speed, but also included reliability and resistance.

Ducati GT PA DucatiGT
1971 Ducati 750 GT – Image Phil Aynsley

After having contributed to making Ducati an international brand, Taglioni went back to devoting himself to new projects and prepare Ducati’s return to racing which took place in 1971 with the 500 GP, and in 1972 with the debut of the 750 GT, the first twin-cylinder production bike in the history of the Bologna-based manufacturer, powered by a 90° longitudinal two-cylinder engine. The 750 Imola (a production derivative of the GT) made its debut in record time at the Imola 200 miles and in front of 85,000 spectators achieved one of the greatest feats in the history of motorcycling, with Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari crossing the finish line in front of everyone. Until the end of his career Taglioni continued with innovation and experimentation in the racing field, putting his signature on projects such as the Pantah 500 and 750 F1.

Taglioni had around 1000 engine designs to his name over his 40-year career
Taglioni had around 1000 engine designs to his name over his 40-year career

The life and career of engineer Fabio Taglioni were celebrated with an evening entirely dedicated to his memory on Wednesday 9 September in the Pavaglione of Lugo di Romagna, his hometown. The event, sponsored by the municipality of Romagna, saw the participation of Ducati in the figure of the Curator of the Ducati Museum Livio Lodi, who recalled the fundamental stages in the history of collaboration between Taglioni and Ducati. The evening was also attended by the Mayor of the city Davide Ranalli, the Regional Councillor for Tourism Andrea Corsini, the writer Luigi Rivola and many other personalities such as the famous Italian comedian Giuseppe Giacobazzi, who recounted in his personal style the historic feat of the Ducatis and Taglioni at the Imola 200 miles in 1972.

caption - Long time Ducati factory racer Bruno Spaggiari (L) and Taglioni’s right hand man Franco Farne (C) greet Fabio - Image by Phil Aynsley
Long time Ducati factory racer Bruno Spaggiari (L) and Taglioni’s right hand man Franco Farne (C) greet Fabio – Image by Phil Aynsley

The mini-series ‘Fabio Taglioni – A Life of Passion’ is currently being broadcast on the Ducati YouTube channel.

Click here for a great piece by our own Phil Aynsley where he recounts ‘a party with Fabio Taglioni‘

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Suzuki Announces Returning 2021 US Models Including 100th Anniversary GSX-Rs

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Shortly after Suzuki announced a limited edition 100th livery for its GSX-R models, the manufacturer confirmed a number of models returning to the US for 2021.

For the U.S., Suzuki will offer the GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 with the anniversary edition blue and silver paint.  Joining them are the DR-Z400S dual sport and its DR-Z400SM supermoto variant, the RM-Z450, RM-Z250 and RM-85 motocross racers plus the DR-Z50 and DR-Z125L youth off-road models.

Begin Press Release

Suzuki Announces New and Returning 2021 Models

GSX-R, RM-Z, and KingQuad ATV models lead the way in 100th anniversary year.

Brea, CA (September 9, 2020) Suzuki celebrates its 100th anniversary as a company in 2020. Founded originally as a loom manufacturer in Hamamatsu, Japan, Suzuki has evolved into a global leader of automotive, marine, motorcycle, and ATV products. The performance-driven DNA of Suzuki is alive and well in all of its first release 2021 powersports models, including race-ready Suzuki GSX-R sportbikes, RM-Z motocross machines, DR-Z Off-Road/DualSport motorcycles, and KingQuad and QuadSport All Terrain Vehicles.

Sportbike models

In 1985, Suzuki revolutionized the sportbike category with the introduction of the original GSX-R750. This year also marks Suzuki’s 60th year in racing, a milestone celebrated with the MotoGP team’s retro-inspired livery. The MotoGP GSX-RR’s traditional blue and slate silver paint scheme pay homage to Suzuki’s early Grand Prix machines of the 1960s.

The family of GSX-R ultra-high performance motorcycles including the GSX-R600, GSX-R750, and GSX-R1000R continues this tradition of Suzuki excellence and all three models will sport the striking limited edition 100th Anniversary Edition color scheme featuring the iconic blue and slate silver from that historic Suzuki era. Available in limited numbers, these eye-catching GSX-R models may be nostalgic for some, yet love at first sight for others.

2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R 100th Anniversary Edition
MSRP $17,999

 

2021 Suzuki GSX-R750 100th Anniversary Edition
MSRP $12,699

2021 Suzuki GSX-R600 100th Anniversary Edition
MSRP $11,599

DualSport/SuperMoto models

Suzuki DualSport and SuperMoto machines are some of the most versatile, reliable, and fun-to-ride motorcycles available on the market.

The 2021 line-up of Suzuki DR-Z’s include the tough and durable DR-Z400S for go-anywhere capability and the best-of-both-worlds SuperMoto, DR-Z400SM. The DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM both return with new colors and stylish graphics treatments for 2021.

2021 Suzuki DR-Z400S
MSRP $6,899

2021 Suzuki DR-Z400SM
MSRP $7,499

Off-Road models

If family fun is what you’re looking for, Suzuki off-road motorcycles are just what you need. Suzuki off-road machines provide young and smaller stature riders with a great blend of durable off-road performance, premium features, and champion-approved RM-Z styling.

The DR-Z50 is the ideal way to introduce young, beginning riders to the sport of motorcycling. This compact, Suzuki-built mini-bike brings ease and convenience to riders just getting started on two wheels. The DR-Z125L is the perfect next-step in Suzuki Off-Road motorcycles and is built to deliver big bike performance to a size-appropriate motorcycle. Both the DR-Z50 and DR-Z125L return with new graphics for 2021.

2021 Suzuki DR-Z50
MSRP $1,799

2021 Suzuki DR-Z125L
MSRP $3,349

Motocross models

As one of the winningest brands in the history of the sport, Suzuki’s motocross machines remain the champion’s choice, as their sleek, cutting edge appearance, powerful, yet reliable engine, and natural ergonomics continue to deliver on Suzuki’s racing identity.

The RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 siblings epitomize Suzuki’s “Winning Balance” philosophy with strong brakes for controlled stopping power, a wide spread of engine torque with high peak power, and a strong, light, and nimble chassis that remains the class standard for cornering performance and extraordinarily precise handling. Add to that leading ergonomics, beautiful styling and unmatched reliability and you’ve got the perfect race-ready machine.

The RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 return with updated graphics for 2021, as well as the ability to now tune the electronic fuel injection, and ignition system for maximum performance, thanks to Suzuki’s mobile device-based MX-Tuner 2.0 and proven fuel-coupler system that are included with each 2021 RM-Z250 and RM-Z450. Now you can easily tune your motorcycle to suit track conditions or your riding preference from the convenience of your personal device.

The RM85 returns with updated graphics for 2021 and continues to carry on the powerful tradition of racing excellence and like its larger RM-Z cousins, the RM85 delivers Suzuki’s renowned handling for both experienced junior racers and rookie riders alike. With its reliable two-stroke engine, smooth power delivery and lightweight handling, the RM85 is the perfect motocross bike for anyone learning to race—and striving to win.

2021 Suzuki RM-Z450
MSRP $8,999

2021 Suzuki RM-Z250
MSRP $7,899

2021 Suzuki RM85
MSRP $4,299

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