Monthly Archives: October 2020

Competition, Motocross, News

Renaux promoted into Yamaha Factory MX2 team with Geerts

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News 2 Oct 2020

Renaux promoted into Yamaha Factory MX2 team with Geerts

Section: Competition

Exciting young prospects to remain on YZ250Fs through 2022 season.

Image: Supplied.

French talent Maxime Renaux has been promoted into the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team alongside Jago Geerts from next year, both signing through the 2022 season.

Renaux, 20, has long been a Yamaha rider, winning the 125cc Junior World Championship in 2015 and scoring multiple EMX125 victories in 2015.

His first full season in MX2 was last year, finishing seventh in the championship with a podium at Imola as part of the SM Action M.C. Migliori Yamaha organisation that he is currently riding for.

Following 10 rounds in 2020, Renaux sits third in the MX2 standings, capturing a breakout world championship race and overall round win at Faenza in Italy last month. He’s had four podiums overall.

“I’m really looking forward to moving up to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory team for 2021 and 2022,” said Renaux, who replaces Ben Watson. “It will be a new beginning for me and I’m ready to fight for the title during those next years.

“The team looks really motivated and so am I. I am already really looking forward to starting our winter program and to start testing and training ahead of 2021.”

Geerts made his MX2 debut with the team back in 2018, the 20-year-old Belgian going on to finish third in the world championship in 2019.

This year Geerts won his first-career grand prix at the season-opening British GP, also going on to stand atop the podium at two of the Latvian rounds. He has a total of 13-career podiums.

“I’m really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years,” commented Geerts. “The last three years were really nice and it’s really cool I have extended my contract.

“Everything works nicely within our team and we have had some really good races this year. I’m really happy with my bike, the Yamaha YZ250FM, so it’s good for me to stay with Yamaha for another two-years.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Harley Abandons India, Triumph Doubles Down

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A week ago we were surprised to learn Harley-Davidson was pulling out of India after more than a decade producing and selling its products there. Today, it’s interesting to learn that Triumph Motorcycles is expecting its sales to grow around 15 to 20 per cent this fiscal year in India, and is gearing up to roll out a pre-owned vehicle program in the country by next month. That’s according to a senior company official quoted here in the Hindustan Times online.

Triumph assembles most of its bikes in its UK and Thailand factories, but has also been producing the lion’s share of its models for the Indian market in a factory it brought online in Manesar in 2017.

(lead photo Triumph Mumbai Facebook)

The post Harley Abandons India, Triumph Doubles Down appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Tanner Van De Veer Cooks Up Sleek Harley-Davidson Concept

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Harley Concept With Changeable Batteries?

In 1987 half of all Harley-Davidson riders were under the age of 35. By the year 2000, that number was closer to 15%. Today though? Oof… The average customer today is 48 years old and the brand no longer even bothers reporting the age demographics of buyers anymore. There has always been a disconnect between Harley-Davidson and the youth of today, and they have recently been scrambling to rebuild that bridge.

The LiveWire was styled to appeal much more to younger customers, but with a $30,000 price tag on a motorcycle that doesn’t even brap it’s no surprise younger people still arent getting onto them. Keep in mind, you can get a Tesla Model 3 for $35,000 (just $5000 more) and it comes with twice the wheels, batteries, features, and safety.

With buzzwords like “revival” and “reimagination” being associated with the brand as of late, it’s no surprise to me that this concept bike I’m about to share with you is called, quite literally, the “Harley-Davidson Revival”.

I appreciate what Harley has been doing as of late but it kind of reminds me of a stepdad sitting down to play games with me even though he has no idea what he’s doing and indirectly makes the experience worse for everyone.

Although this is just an exercise in design, I’m trying to relate it to the current situation of the H-D company as it would fit right in with their recent brand goals.

It’s a difficult predicament, as the more they pander to younger audiences, the less that the die-hard Harley boomers are going to be satisfied.

The bike itself looks beautiful though, very interesting and futuristic; definitely, something that will resonate with the younger crowd in my eyes (hi, yes, I’m younger crowd).

KTM dealer

Tanner Van De Veer, a product designer and recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati College of DAAP cooked up this design and featured a business model that includes a subscription-based battery replacement program aimed at negating the need for charging.

Concepts come and go, but it’s a good start to get an idea of the vision of a brand and where they would like to head. I still give Tanner props as the design is very sleek and exotic. That headlight assembly is just beautiful and screams “New Harley-Davidson”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motocross, News

Recovering Jasikonis awake and cleared of further injuries

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News 1 Oct 2020

Recovering Jasikonis awake and cleared of further injuries

Section: Competition

MXGP star makes immense improvements following Lombardia crash.

Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna has announced that MXGP team rider Arminas Jasikonis’ condition is improving, woken from the medically-induced coma that he was placed in on Sunday following Lombardia.

Still hospitalised in Cremona, Italy, Jasikonis was quickly able to recognise and speak with his family, as well as the medical staff around him both in Lithuanian and English.

In relieving news from Husqvarna, Jasikonis can also move his body unaided, is in no pain and despite being understandably tired, is thankfully over the worst of his injury and can soon start his rehabilitation.

“Honestly, I have never been so happy to comment on one of my riders,” Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team manager Antti Pyrhonen said. “To be able to say that AJ is okay, that he is going to be okay, it’s a kind of miracle.

“These last few days since his accident have been so, so emotionally draining for everyone close to AJ and just the worst of times. When he woke, when we realised that he could talk, that he could move all of his arms and legs, that he was in no pain and had no other injuries, it’s still almost impossible to put into words how incredible that feeling was.

“Of course, AJ still has some way to go before he is fully recovered and understandably he is still very tired, but the worst is now behind him and he can soon start his recovery.

“Again, I want to say a sincere thank you to every single person who had AJ in their thoughts during the last few days, to the overwhelming support and positivity we received from the MXGP paddock and the global motocross community.

“I want to thank everyone at Husqvarna Motorcycles in Austria, to Robert Jonas and Heinz Kinigadner and also to our team owner Kimi [Raikkonen], who immediately started organising many things behind the scenes. Everyone in the team is hugely thankful for this positive outcome and so, so relieved that AJ will be okay.”

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team has extended their thanks to all of the medical staff and to those from around the world that expressed overwhelming support for him during the last few days.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

37th Osaka Motorcycle Show 2021 Canceled

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COVID-19 Strikes Again

Not that long ago, I reported on the fact that the Tokyo motorcycle show was canceled, but now it seems that the motorcycle show in Osaka has also been canceled.

The Japan Motorcycle Promotion and Safety Association made an announcement recently that it would cancel the 37th Osaka Motorcycle Show 2021. This show was to be held at INTEX Osaka in March 2021 and would have likely gathered quite the crowd. It is for this reason that the show was canceled. It still doesn’t make sense to have the motorcycle show with COVID-19 still being the threat that it is.

According to the Japanese publication Young Machine, “was it was difficult to ensure the health and safety of visitors, exhibitors, and people involved in the operation and construction of the exhibition under the circumstances where the end could not be foreseen.” (translation provided by Google Chrome).

dominar Polar Odyssey

The event is expected to return in 2022. The same is said to be true of the Tokyo motorcycle show. This, however, all depends on what happens with the COVID-19 pandemic. If the pandemic continues well into 2021, then there’s a chance future large motorcycles shows could be canceled, too.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Benelli Is Working on 10 New Engines

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That’s a Lot

So, the Chinese owned brand Benelli has been in the news quite a lot recently around the world for new motorcycles and possible new motorcycles. Many of these possible new bikes have what would be a new engine for the brand in them. According to Indian Auto Blog, Benelli will make a total of 10 new engines for new bikes in the coming years. 

There will be single-cylinder engines, parallel-twin engines, three-cylinder engines, and four-cylinder engines. The displacement on these engines will range from 250cc to 1,200cc. It’s unclear what engines exactly will appear but recent bike reveals likely show us some of the 10 engines that will come out.

For example, there’s the Benelli TRK 502 that recently was confirmed for various markets. This bike features a 499cc parallel-twin engine. There is also a larger adventure bike in the works as well as a large sport touring machine that was recently unveiled called the 1200 GT. I’d expect the onslaught of new models around the globe from the brand to continue.

QJ Motors SRT 750

Most of these new bikes are just rebranded QJ Motors bikes, and that is, in many people’s eyes, less than ideal. However, some of these rebranded bikes will undoubtedly be good motorcycles. It will be interesting to see what happens with Benelli in the future. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Global Series recap: the state of play after Round 1

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It wasn’t all smooth running for trastevere73, however, as he was placed under increasing pressure by Sanshoqueen. In an astonishing performance in his first appearance in the Global Series, the Indonesian got within 0.3s of the two-time MotoGP™ eSport Champion on the final lap. Not to worry, as he claimed a brilliant first podium, signaling the start of what may be a surprising title challenge.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

News

2020 Australian Motocross Championship cancelled

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Australian Motocross Championship

Motorcycling Australia have officially announced that the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship will not run, as continuing border restrictions related to COVID-19 create ongoing uncertainty, with the decision reached after consultations with teams, riders, clubs and stakeholders. See the full statement below:

Due to the ongoing uncertainty around State Government COVID-19 border restrictions, Motorcycling Australia (MA) after consultation with key stakeholders, have been forced to make the difficult decision to abandon any further attempts to conduct the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship.

MA reviewed the championship operations including the format and potential event dates, in consultation with industry, teams, riders and clubs to see if it was possible to run the championship during this COVID-19 period.

Despite significant work by MA over recent months in exploring all possible options to hold the Championship, the uncertainly around State Government COVID-19 border restrictions, has meant it is not possible to run the Championship in 2020.

MA sincerely thank all stakeholders, clubs, teams and riders for their support and patience, but this late in the year has proven too difficult to start the Championship without clear plans from State Government’s around State borders being reopened.

MA is now focusing all its efforts on delivering a successful 2021 Australian Motocross Championship.

Peter Doyle – MA CEO

“While the cancellation is disappointing for riders, teams, industry and fans, MA is already working hard to ensure that we have the best possible championship in 2021. The Australian Motocross Championship is the breeding ground of future superstars and will continue to showcase the best motocross action in the country.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Australian Motocross Championship officially cancelled for 2020

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News 1 Oct 2020

Australian Motocross Championship officially cancelled for 2020

Section: Competition

New-look outdoor season won’t go ahead under Motorcycling Australia this year.

Image: Foremost Media.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has cancelled the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship, unable to commit to launching the revamped series due to the uncertainty of state border restrictions.

Following longtime promoter Williams Event Management’s exit from the sport in June, MA was poised to take over the series, which has continually been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the Australian Supercross Championship already being cancelled last month, it was expected that the motocross season could take place during November and December pending border closures, however, that option has now been dropped by the sport’s governing body. It will instead now work toward planning for 2021.

“Due to the ongoing uncertainty around state government COVID-19 border restrictions, Motorcycling Australia, after consultation with key stakeholders, have been forced to make the difficult decision to abandon any further attempts to conduct the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship,” a statement announced.

“MA reviewed the championship operations including the format and potential event dates, in consultation with industry, teams, riders and clubs to see if it was possible to run the championship during this COVID-19 period.

“Despite significant work by MA over recent months in exploring all possible options to hold the championship, the uncertainly around state government COVID-19 border restrictions, has meant it is not possible to run the championship in 2020.

“MA sincerely thank all stakeholders, clubs, teams and riders for their support and patience, but this late in the year has proven too difficult to start the championship without clear plans from state government’s around state borders being reopened.”

The decision comes as a devastating blow for the professional teams and riders set to compete in the AUS Motocross series this season, following what has been a year filled with uncertainty since the coronavirus put the world on pause earlier this year.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au