MotoGP™ FP3, the final chance for riders to grab an automatic Q2 place, is at the usual time of 09:55 – after Moto3™ FP3 and before Moto2™ FP3. Qualifying, for the final time in 2021, begins at 12:35 with Moto3™, then MotoGP™ (14:10), and finally Moto2™ (15:10).
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
“Then, the second year, it was not as good at Yamaha. I had super arm pump, I needed surgery in the middle of the season, I was in the Suzuka 8 Hour race and it was not a great, great year. And then I saw that Suzuki started to make some amazing results very, very fast. And in that moment, I said, ‘okay, you made the wrong choice, you should have moved when you had the opportunity’.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The speed is still high, the adrenaline still pumping – even protection like airbags remain in place – but 31-year-old Italian Danilo Petrucci will be exchanging a visor for goggles, and knee sliders for knee braces when he converts to a rally bike in Tech3 KTM Factory Racing colors for 2022.
Petrucci, who has accumulated 10 podium finishes and two wins in his 10 seasons on the MotoGP grid, will fulfil a lifetime dream with the transition into the next stage of his elite racing career after the season-closing Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana. ‘Petrux’ is a skilled offroad rider in enduro and motocross but knows the discipline and demands of rally will be a big challenge.
Learning from some of the most successful racers in the sport, and experts from the KTM squad that has previously won an outstanding 18 successive Dakar victories, Danilo has begun his rally preparation as he embarks on the challenge of a switch from MotoGP to the Dakar. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 2018 Dakar winner and recently crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Matthias Walkner, two-time Dakar champion Toby Price, and reigning Dakar champion Kevin Benavides will be on-hand in the KTM stable to help the MotoGP star make his transition to the sport.
Danilo has had a taste of desert conditions aboard his KTM 450 RALLY and the incredibly challenging navigation required for rally racing at a recent test under the watchful eye of KTM’s Rally Sport Manager, Jordi Viladoms – a former successful Dakar competitor. Following the MotoGP season, Danilo’s attention will be fully focused on furthering his riding and navigational education ahead of his first attempt at the 14-day and approximately 8,000-kilometer event, which begins on January 1st.
The 2022 edition of the competition will take place in the Middle East for the third year in a row and will allow Petrucci to be thrown into the depths of Dakar to learn and develop with an eye on 2022 FIM competition and a potential future in the sport.
“For me it is really a dream come true to race the Dakar. It’s an event I’ve always wanted to do since I was a child when I was watching video tapes of the Dakar Rally from the 80s and 90s. Now, thanks to KTM, this dream is coming true. First, I would like to thank KTM for this great opportunity; I think I will be the only rider that in just over one month has competed in MotoGP and then the Dakar Rally – so it is with great pride that I go there. My main target is just to finish the race and enjoy it. The first approach was to have some road book training with Jordi, he competed in the race many times and finished on the podium, so he has been great in helping me learn this special art. I had my first taste of riding the KTM 450 RALLY recently at an initial test in the Dubai dunes, where I was with KTM’s Dakar champions and I was able to learn so much from them – it was great to see them riding, and they were super nice and helpful to me. I hope the training for the next month will be enough; for sure it will be a tough race, but I am excited.”
“Danilo’s talent and his character means he is one of the few elite level guys that we believe can make this radical move from the asphalt to the dunes. It’s a great story for a great guy. We want to thank him for his professionalism and all his efforts as part of the Tech3 team in our MotoGP project and now it’s time for another ‘world’!”
Source: MCNews.com.au
There have been a number of key moments throughout the 2021 Moto2™ season, but none as big as the last two races. A crash for Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) out the lead in Emilia-Romagna and then a win for Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the Algarve, despite a crash for the Australian earlier in the weekend that left him bruised, have set up a final showdown that sees Gardner arrive with a huge 23-point lead. With Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) so close to taking on Raul Fernandez on the final lap in Portugal, the Brit could have decided the title for those ahead of him then and there as well. But he didn’t, and instead we take on the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with Gardner arriving with a big lead and on the back of a serious statement win last time out.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
We’ve seen García grow into a fast, reliable front runner this season, with some well-judged aggression when needed, and now it’s time to take on his home track – where he took his first Grand Prix win, and where he was the rider to beat in the FIM CEV Repsol too… can he get back on the top step to round out the season in style?
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
MCNews.com.au caught up with Wayne Maxwell ahead of the December ASBK season finale at The Bend to talk testing, tactics, and if the rumours that he is not going to retire after all have some basis in truth…
Wayne currently holds the lead in the Alpinestars Superbike class in what has been a highly disrupted season.
Trevor Hedge: Thanks for the quick catch up Wayne. You tested recently at Phillip Island, have you also managed to test at the Bend ahead of the season finale?
Wayne Maxwell: “No testing at The Bend, it was a bit of a weird one because they bought in this 28 day test ban, but people had already been there the whole time during Covid that live there and still could go, but people from NSW and Victoria they were the ones that suffered. Apparently they couldn’t change that, but no… no testing.”
Trev: 28 days isn’t the normal testing ban is it? Normally it’s a week?
Maxwell: “Normally eight days off the top of my head, for the testing stuff. They weren’t 28 days obviously, same as they did for Wakefield last year, because not everyone could go due to closed borders. When the 28 days started, people living in that state would have been going, and people from many states could go, but not NSW and Victoria. We’ve got some information from other people testing there – that was what we needed – obviously the tyres are a big concern from the past. So that’s information we have been given and hopefully that’ll be useful when we turn up.”
Trev: You suffered a DNF in the first race last time we visited the South Australian Circuit, but then bounced back with two podiums on the Suzuki. Bryan Staring dominated the round on the Dunlop shod Kawasaki, is the track surface now not quite as abrasive as it was in those early days?
Maxwell: “Yeah according to the intelligence, it looks like the track temp, being Adelaide in December, will be double what it was when we were there previously. We had sun when we were there but the winds were quite cold. Hopefully Falzon stays well away from me and doesn’t clean me up, and doesn’t try and do a home hero kind of thing. Just get a couple of podiums and the job will be done.”
Trev: You’ve also won at the circuit, the first time we visited back in 2018, when you were riding for Yamaha. Mike Jones holds the current race lap record on the big 1299 V-Twin Ducati at 1m52.875. A fella called Wayne Maxwell holds the qualifying lap record, 1m52.175 on the Yamaha YZF-R1M, how much do you think might be lopped off that lap record this time around?
Wayne Maxwell: “I think we’ve been pretty much a second faster everywhere we’ve been, like at most of the circuits, the shorter circuits it’s half-a-second, some of the longer ones it’s a second. So look, I’m confident we can get into the 50s. I don’t know about any further than that though, but into the 50s would be somewhere. Obviously we’ll be working hugely on our race set-up, because of the history of the circuit with tyre wear, but we’ll see how we go. My qualifying record has been quite good this year so hopefully I carry that on.”
Trev: We traditionally have had a three race format at The Bend, but the finale will just be two races, which means that including the point for pole positon there are 51-points up for grabs. You take a 26-point lead over the recovering Troy Herfoss – who has not completely ruled out competing at The Bend – and enjoy a 32-point lead over Glenn Allerton. That is a very commanding position to be in, but as they say, this is racing and anything can happen. Mathematically, Cru Halliday, Oli Bayliss and Bryan Staring remain in the hunt as rank outsiders. What mindset are you taking to the finale, just shoot for the win and let the numbers sort themselves?
Maxwell: “Same approach as every weekend, Trev, I’m just going to turn up to win and go there to win. When you’re in the position to win, then you can make the choice to win or not. It’s when you’re not in a position to win that things can go bad. Same approach, turn up and go, I think I have enough experience in this position and have messed it up enough times to not do it again.”
Trev: On a final note, plenty of talk getting around that you might be reconsidering your decision to retire at the end of the season. I believe you and Craig really wanted to put Troy Herfoss on the Boost Mobile Ducati next season, but with Herf’ now staying with Honda, who else would you like to see on your bike, that you think would do it justice? Or are you coming back for another swing?
Maxwell: “Look, I’ve been thinking, as I’ve had a lot of time to think. Sitting at home, not doing much in Victoria. I’ve said in the past, it was very naïve of us to think that 2021 was going to be smooth sailing and thought that somehow it wasn’t going to spread or something. So it was pretty naïve of us to think that. I’ve been considering – there has been some discussion both ways – but I said I’m not making an decisions till after The Bend. I’ll see how the weekend goes, how the emotions are, see if I would still like to do it. Obviously, I’m in a fantastic team and environment, and look it’s not a no and it’s not a yes. We’ll have to see and make sure that all the things are lined up to make it work if it’s going to happen.”
Trev: Thanks Wayne.
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul will crown five 2021 ASBK Champions at South Australia’s The Bend Motorsport Park, in what will be an epic Grand Finale, December 3-5.
World Endurance Championship rider Josh Hook has confirmed he will race with Penrite Honda at the event. MotoGP star Jack Miller has bought himself a V4 R Panigale and hopes to race the event, all going well this weekend at Valencia. Those two are sure to make an impact even if riding on unfamiliar motorcycles and tyres.
Race Fans can grab their tickets for the ASBK Grand Finale which are on sale now through Ticketek. More spectator information can also be found at www.thebend.com.au.
Following the Grand Finale on Sunday December 5, a family friendly and BBQ style ASBK presentation event will be held to celebrate and crown the 2021 ASBK Champions.
The ASBK Grand Finale will overate under a COVIDSafe Plan in accordance with SA Government regulations and all interstate travellers, volunteers and race fans will be required to be double vaccinated for entry into South Australia.
For those fans who are unable to be trackside, you can catch all the fantatic action through ASBK TV partners, SBS, Foxsports Australia, Sky Sport NZ and via the ASBK TV Live Stream. And of course, as we have been doing for over two decades, the best news coverage of the event will be brought to you right here on MCNews.com.au.
| Pos | Rider | Total |
| 1 | Wayne MAXWELL | 132 |
| 2 | Troy HERFOSS | 106 |
| 3 | Glenn ALLERTON | 100 |
| 4 | Cru HALLIDAY | 88 |
| 5 | Oli BAYLISS | 87 |
| 6 | Bryan STARING | 87 |
| 7 | Mike JONES | 74 |
| 8 | Arthur SISSIS | 71 |
| 9 | Jed METCHER | 70 |
| 10 | Josh WATERS | 53 |
| 11 | Anthony WEST | 52 |
| 12 | Matt WALTERS | 52 |
Source: MCNews.com.au
Ride Vision, the first aftermarket hi-tech collision avoidance and warning system, is now available to Australian riders of any type of motorcycle.
The system works by using two small wide-angle cameras mounted on the rear and front of the vehicle.
They transmit footage to Ride Vision’s onboard processing unit, where a patented algorithm is used to detect and notify riders of collision threats in real-time.
They say it gives motorcyclists crucial reaction time to roadway threats which could mean the difference between a collision and coming home safe after every ride.
Ride Vision can be fitted to any Motorcycle or Scooter (design to fit round mirrors coming soon) and comes in two version, Ride Vision Lite ($A895) and a Ride Vision Pro ($A570 plus $US20 monthly subscription for a minimum of 18 months).
Ride Vision Pro includes everything that the Lite version offers as well as periodic upgrades for subscribed users.
Ride Vision Australia spokesman Steven Munitz says it is currently only available in NSW.
“We are looking to sell the system in all states as soon as possible,” says Steven who is seeking people interested in becoming an accredited installer.
He can be contacted via email by clicking here.
The first 10 customers will be able to purchase either a PRO or a LITE system at a 20% discount with the code RIDEVISION20.
Similar systems are used in many cars and several companies are working with motorcycle manufacturers such as Ducati, KTM and BMW to produce similar hi-tech collision avoidance systems and warnings.
However, these are fitted to the bike from new and don’t help riders who already have a motorcycle.
With the rise of autonomous vehicles, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) systems will become a core feature in new vehicles.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Commuter challenges where private vehicles compete with public transport are run in Australian cities from time to time, usually as PR for the virtues of cycling to work.
However, we riders know that motorcycles and scooters are really the most efficient way to commute.
This has again been proven by a motorcyclist in the most recent computer challenge set up by the Australian Bicycle Network in Hobart.
The cycling PR exercise kind of blew up in their face when long-time rider advocate Damian Codognotto won the challenge riding his Moto Guzzi V7.
Damian says the Bicycle Network Commuter Challenge was “a great way to showcase the value of motorcycles and scooters in urban areas”.
“It was a well-run event. A credit to Bicycle Network,” he says.
“Pushbike and motorbike riders have a lot more in common with each other than with car drivers. Where we can work together, we should.”
The Bicycle Network Commuter Challenge was run today (10 November 2021) in peak-hour traffic from Kangaroo Bay carpark at 8.15am.
Damian took just 13 minutes to ride the 6km around the bay and over the choked Tasman Bridge to arrive at the Brooke Street Pier at 8.28am, beating a car, more than 100 cyclists, an ebike and commuters on a bus and a ferry which had the quickest route straight across the water.
The e-bike rider took the bridge and arrived at 8.32am, the fastest cyclist took the ferry and arrived at 8.35, the car at 8.41 and the bus passenger at 8.50.
“I won the Commuter Challenge on my cute little V7 Guzzi without breaking a single road rule,” Damian says.
Five Members of Parliament, including the Premier and the Transport Minister, were at the finish of the Commuter Challenge to witness the virtues of motorcycle riding.
Let’s hope it results in positive political support for rider issues such as road rules, rego discounts, and parking.
Bicycle Network Tasmania’s Public Affairs Manager Alison Hetherington says they run the Commuter Challenge on Ride2Work Day to show what transport options exist for a route, how long each takes and how enjoyable each is.
“It’s not just about which mode is quicker,” she says.
“Options like riding a bike also provide health benefits and save you money so your daily commute is more than just transport.
“The ferry trial also means bike riders now have an enjoyable way to cross the river instead of having to tackle the narrow, exposed paths on the Tasman Bridge.
“The challenge shows the convenience of bicycles and motorbikes and illustrates the benefit the ferry is providing for people riding in terms of time and safety,” she says.
“E-bikes are an option many people may not have thought about, but they are quick, cheap to run and riders have less need to shower when they get to work but still get in some daily exercise.
“The challenge reflects the true nature of commuting as the car driver and motorbike and bicycle riders all had to park as normal and walk the rest of the way to the breakfast.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Following on from the unveiling of the Roland Sands and Dirk Oehlerking custom R 18 creations, Japanese customiser Shinya Kimura has now introduced ‘The Wal’ which was transformed for the SoulFuel series, as BMW Motorrad and select customisers collaborate.
Until recently, Shinya Kimura worked mainly on older motorcycles, but the Japanese customiser is increasingly also devoting himself to projects involving modern bikes. The Wal is one of them.
Shinya Kimura
“The basis is the R 18, powered by the latest and greatest engine I have ever worked on. It all started with a visit to the BMW Motorrad R 18 development team in Germany. I got to know the unbounded passion and innovative power that prevails at BMW Motorrad.
“Finally, in February 2021 in California, I rode the standard R 18 for a few hundred kilometres to get to know the character of the bike. Following a whole series of conversations, this eventually led to my personal interpretation of the R 18, in which I applied the entire range of my activities as a customizer.”
Kimura then began work in mid-February and The Wal was already built up by the end of June. Shinya Kimura’s craftsmanship can be aptly described by the term “hands-on”, as there are no sketches, drawings, blueprints or mock-ups during the building process. But there is a precise idea of what the customer, or in this case the customiser, wants.
Shinya Kimura
“I built the R 18 entirely for myself. When I rode the production R 18, I thought it might suit my build and riding preferences better if I designed it to be a little more front-facing with a fairing. I decided to adopt the frame, wheels and tyres as well as suspension elements and brakes because I didn’t feel the need to change them after I had ridden the bike. I also wanted to be able to ride for long distances with my R 18 while feeling and enjoying the legendary boxer engine.
“It was very important to me to preserve the two characters of the R 18 as I experienced them when riding. Thanks to its mighty engine, the bike is wild and has almost inexhaustible power on the one hand, yet it is completely good-natured on the other. Just like a whale, hence the German animal name for this R 18, which for me is something like a “Sports Endurancer”.”
The “Sports Endurancer” is unmistakably evident in Kimura’s R 18 The Wal. This is ensured by a larger and, completely differently designed fuel tank compared to the original, an elongated, harmoniously rounded seat hump and a half-shell fairing.
“I also moved the foot rests back about two inches to have more flexibility for positioning the legs. At the same time, I lowered the handlebars and changed the seat to my liking. The seat cushion was also designed by me and then handmade by BACKDROP Leathers in Japan. It all added up to the very natural posture that I like.”
The semi-shell fairing houses two asymmetrically arranged headlights that almost look like eyes and, with a little imagination, actually give Kimura’s R 18 the appearance of a whale together with a “set of teeth” incorporated underneath. The colour scheme and the coarsely textured paintwork also match the theme of The Wal.
“What I like best about my version of the R 18 is that I was able to change the style and seating position to my liking without destroying the excellent original functionality of the R 18. But drastically changing the seating position and adding my own style and taste was a big challenge in my interpretation of the BMW Heritage. Besides, all these computerised systems and wiring were quite new to me and I learned a lot.”
Born and raised in a family that ran a small rivet factory in downtown Tokyo, Shinya Kimura was always surrounded by the smell of steel and oil and the sound of machinery and metals.
Perhaps that’s why, after studying entomology, Kimura decided to return to what felt most natural to him – tinkering in his workshop and building things from different metals.
Kimura, the father of the so-called “Zero Style” motorbike, began his career as a customiser in Japan at Zero Engineering, a company he founded in 1992.
He rose to international fame as early as the 1990s, when his custom Harley-Davidson “Samurai Chopper” was created. It followed his characteristic wabi-sabi influenced style.
In search of new inspiration, Kimura later moved to Azusa, California, where he founded his own independent company, Chabott Engineering, in 2006. Today, the sought-after customiser only makes a handful of motorcycles a year – exclusively for customers with whom he feels a mutual understanding and no time pressure.
The great passion that drives him? “Passion for all the motorbikes that were born into this world”, as he says himself. While working on “The Wal” project, he discovered new things every day that stimulated and motivated him. Looking back, he added, “I greatly appreciate BMW Motorrad and all the people who supported me in this project. It was such a valuable and impactful experience for me.”
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Source: MCNews.com.au
The Piaggio Group is collaborating with Autoliv, one of the leaders in automotive safety tech, to develop an airbag for two-wheelers. Autocar India reports that the two parties signed a joint development agreement for developing airbags that will be mounted on the vehicle frame and deployed in milliseconds.
Autoliv has developed the initial concepts with advanced simulation tools and conducted full-scale crash tests, considering their expertise in the field. The company will now work with the Piaggio Group to further develop the system and integrate it into motorcycles and scooters.
Today’s two-wheelers have a host of electronic rider aids, like ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation). These safety measures play a significant role in helping a rider control their vehicle but provide no protection in the event of an accident. A rider is protected by the gear they’re wearing, and a vehicle-mounted airbag will play a massive role in reducing injuries.
“Autoliv is committed to our vision of Saving More Lives and providing world-class life-saving solutions for mobility and society,” says Mikael Bratt, CEO and President, Autoliv.
“Therefore, we are developing products that specifically protect vulnerable road users. It is an integral part of our sustainability agenda and an important step towards our goal of saving 1,00,000 lives a year by 2030.”
As Bratt mentions, implementing this technology is still a few years away, but it’s certainly something to look forward to.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
