Meeting stringent European emissions regulations has not reduced output from the updated 2020 Yamaha MT-07 Tracer.
The 689cc CP2 twin is updated with optimised fuel injection and ignition settings, revised air intake, optimised exhaust settings and a modified exhaust.
Cleverly the Japanese meet Euro5 without dropping any power.
The Japanese company has unveiled the new Tracer ahead of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan tonight (5 November 2019).
Tracer comfort
It also comes with a more aggressive styling, especially in the front end.
Suspension has been upgraded with 41mm cartridge-type forks with preload and rebound damping adjustment and preload and rebound-adjustment is available on the rear shock.
Its touring ability gets a boost with a more comfortable contoured dual seat and new aerodynamic screen that can be adjusted over 60mm with one hand.
The handguards now offer more protection and have inbuilt compact LED indicators while the handlebars are 34mm wider.
It will be available in Icon Grey, Sonic Grey, or Phantom Blue.
There is no word on arrival in Australia yet, although it is expected to arrive at the end of the first quarter of 2020.
The current model costs $12,299 plus on-road costs.
Yamaha has painted their updated FJR1300 an attractive black and gold with gold wheels and plenty of black finishes was well as adding two more models.
The Japanese company has unveiled the models ahead of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan tonight (5 November 2019).
The new models are the FJR1300AS and FJR1300 AE Ultimate Edition that both come with an electronically-adjustable high screen and wind deflectors, plus an adjustable seat, cowl and handlebars.
They are laden with features such as cruise, traction control, heated grips, 12V socket and adaptive cornering lights.
These models also come with panniers.
Only the AS model gets electronic clutch-less gear shift system.
The 1298cc inline four has also been updated to meet Euro 5 regulations.
There is no word on arrival in Australia nor pricing. The current FJR1300 costs $24,9999 (plus on-road costs) and $3000 more for the electronic suspension version.
The subtle HRC logo and the SP appended to the end of its name are clues to this all-new Fireblade’s mission: to bring a true MotoGP influence to the masses and dominate the track. Will it make you as fast as Mark Marquez? Maybe not, but it sure looks like fun.
Introduced as a 2021 model year bike (examples of this limited-production machine will start to hit dealerships in June 2020), the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is Honda’s way of throwing down the gauntlet at the feet of those who have complained in recent years that its CBR1000RR has gotten too “soft.” Too…dare we say?…comfortable.
The Fireblade SP is a purpose-built track machine.
The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP is completely new, not just a revised CBR1000RR (which will return in Honda’s U.S. street lineup for 2020). It features an all-new 1000cc inline-four with the same bore and stroke as the RCV213V MotoGP race bike.
Honda says the engine is more compact and more powerful than the standard RR’s, with improved cooling and reduced friction. Its new valve train features finger-follower rocker arms, DLC coating on the camshafts and a semi-cam gear train for durability under high revs, and the intake efficiency has been improved with an all-new 52mm throttle body. The addition of a keyless ignition also allowed Honda to create a more direct path to the airbox from the gaping intake in the nose of the fairing, further improving airflow.
Gaping air intake has a straight shot to the airbox, thanks to a keyless system that does away with the ignition column. Side winglets add downforce for reduced lift and added braking stability.
The SP has different geometry than the standard RR as well, with a longer wheelbase (57.3 inches vs. 55.3), a longer rake and trail (24 degrees and 4.01 inches vs. 23 degrees and 3.77 inches), an engine placed 33mm farther forward and 16mm higher, and a longer, MotoGP-style swingarm. Its aluminum chassis with tube-type aluminum rear subframe is also all-new.
Suspension is by Ohlins, with an NPX fork up front with 2nd-generation Ohlins Smart EC with OBTi (Object Based Tuning interface) and the ability to set and store multiple modes. Brakes are Brembo (including the master cylinder), with Stylema front calipers, 330mm front discs that are 5mm thicker than before and the same rear caliper as the RCV213V-S.
Those two tiny LED strips are the SP’s taillights. Turn signals and license plate holder are easily removable for track use.
A comprehensive electronics package powered by a Bosch 6-axis IMU includes five power modes, three engine braking modes, 9-level Honda Selectable Torque Control with a new slip rate control, 3-level wheelie control, switchable ABS with Sport and Track modes and a quickshifter.
Everything about the Fireblade SP was built for the track, and Honda claims it has the lowest coefficient of drag in its class, with MotoGP-inspired winglets for reduced lift and increased braking stability. Its riding position is very aggressive — this ain’t the CBR1000RR you see on weekend canyon runs.
A “base model” CBR1000RR-R Fireblade (without the SP) will be available in Europe but not the U.S. Pricing is TBD, but we’re certain to get more information in the coming months.
2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.New TFT display is switchable. Clip-ons are very low and footpegs are very high.
The 2020 Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R will join the 200hp+ club with MotoGP winglets and an engine and frame inspired by the RC213V.
Ahead of the EICMA motorcycle show unveiling tonight (5 November 2019) in Milan, the company has released full technical details of its iconic sportsbike.
Power to the people
Honda CBR1000RR-R
The most important detail for most fans will be the fact that power is up from 141kW (189hp) at 13,000 revs to 160Kw (214hp) at 14,500rpm.
Torque is down by 1Nm to 113Nm at 12,500rpm which is 1500 revs more.
The compact inline four now has the same bore and stroke as the RC213V as well as internal friction reduction tech.
It not only finally catches up with the 200hp+ club, but also joins many modern models with a smart key, full-colour TFT screen and fly-by-wire throttle.
The latter allows updated technology with three riding modes, launch control, wheelie control, electronic steering damper and an upgraded torque control all managed by a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit.
Air is now rammed straight through the front of the fairing into the airbox and the exhaust is a 4-2-1 system developed with Akrapovic.
Ram air (SP version)
The CBR1000RR-R is suspended on a Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork and Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion Light shock with a longer swingarm like the RC213V-S.
There is also an SP version with higher-grade Brembo brakes and second-generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control with 43mm NPX forks and TTX36 Smart-EC shock.
Honda CBR1000RR-R SP
Watch the video below of world champ Marc Marquez riding the SP version.
Bodywork
The 2020 Fireblades have a lighter aluminium diamond frame with the rear shock mounted to the back of the engine which means no upper cross-member.
Like many modern bikes it has a full-colour TFT display that is fully customisable through a four-way controller on the left switchblock.
It comes standard with a smart key fob for keyless start.
The MotoGP winglets are part of the restyled aero which includes a lower fuel tank (still 16 litres capacity) and a more compact riding position which may not suit tall Aussie riders.
Honda CBR1000RR-R SP
CBR1000RR-R and SP tech specs
ENGINE
Type
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
Engine Displacement (cm³)
999.9cc
No. of Valves per Cylinder
4
Bore × Stroke (mm)
81mm x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio
13.0 x 1
Max. Power Output
160kW @ 14,500
Max. Torque
113Nm @ 12,500
Oil Capacity
4.0L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation
PGM-DSFI
Fuel Tank Capacity
16.1L
Fuel Consumption
16.0km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12-6 YTZ7S
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type
Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper
Transmission Type
6-speed
Final Drive
Chain
FRAME
Type
Aluminium composite twin spar
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2100 x 745 x 1140mm
Wheelbase
1455mm
Caster Angle
24o
Trail
102mm
Seat Height
830mm
Ground Clearance
115mm
Kerb Weight
201kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front
Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a Big Piston Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm stroke
SP: Telescopic inverted fork with inner
diameter of 43mm and Ohlins NPX Smart-
EC with preload, compression and
rebound adjustments. 125mm stroke.
Type Rear
Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke.
Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion with preload, compression and rebound adjustment.
SP: Pro-Link with gas-charged Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC damper featuring preload, compression and rebound damping. 143mm stroke.
WHEELS
Rim Size Front
17 inch x 3.5
Rim Size Rear
17 inch x 6.0
Tyres Front
120/70-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Bridgestone RS11
Tyres Rear
200/55-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Bridgestone RS11
BRAKES
ABS System Type
2 Channel
Front
330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper
Two and a half years after Honda made its totally redesigned Rebel the coolest little cruiser in town, it has announced that the 2020 Rebel lineup, both the 300 and 500, will benefit from some needed updates.
First up is a reshaped and repositioned LED headlight, which on its own totally transforms the Rebel into a darker, more up-to-date cruiser. The four LED bulbs are set in a black housing, with the top two lighting up for low beam and the bottom two coming on as well for the high beam.
A smaller, less boxy taillight and small round turn signals also get the LED treatment, with the signals also getting a cool “halo” effect running light.
Suspension has been updated front and rear, and the already light-pull clutch is now an assist-and-slipper. While looking the new model over at Honda North America’s private museum in Torrance, California, just south of Los Angeles, I was able to pull the clutch lever in easily with just one finger.
New LED headlight looks the business, and we dig the halo LED turn signal/running lights too.
The other big news is a new LCD gauge, which now includes both a gear indicator and fuel gauge. Hooray for Honda’s design team listening to rider feedback!
Rounding out the changes for 2020 is a slightly revised seat, with firmer padding and a wider rear end for a more comfortable ride.
There is a wide range of Honda accessories available for the Rebel as well, including diamond quilted seats, saddle bags, fork gaiters and a headlight cowl.
The 2020 Honda Rebel will be available in dealerships in March 2020. The Rebel 500 and 500 ABS will be available in Matte Armored Silver, Graphite Black and Matte Blue Jeans Metallic. The Rebel 300 and 300 ABS will be available in Matte Fresco Brown, Graphite Black Metallic and Matte Blue Jeans Metallic. Pricing is TBD.
Keep scrolling for more pictures….
2020 Honda Rebel 300 in Matte Blue Jeans Metallic.Taillight has been reshaped and is now LED.LCD instrument now includes a gear indicator and fuel gauge.
Can you imagine feeling having the whole country behind you! https://youtu.be/RcoMmsJP13I
Lyrics: This is definitely a David and Goliath thing Healy that is, we all remember this (clip) And this (clip)and that and especially that And what about Ia… Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Unlike the forecasts of many pundits the all new CBR1000RR Fireblade retains an in-line four-cylinder powerplant ino 2020.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
However, while it does not share the V4 layout of the RC213V MotoGP machine, it does share the same short stroke design and exact bore dimensions as the machine that Marquez races.
Marc Marquez with the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Forged A2618 aluminium (same material as used in RC213V-S) pistons swing off forged light-weight TI-64A titanium con-rods and slide a total of 48.5 mm inside an 81 mm bore towards a crescendo of 217 metric horsepower (160 kw) at 14,500 rpm, and 113 Nm at 12,500 rpm. That is the largest bore size of any four-cylinder superbike and a dramatic difference to the 76 mm bore and 55.1 mm stroke of the previous machine. That’s claimed 25 more ponies than the outgoing SP model.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Honda say they have concentrated on fighting friction losses using technical solutions developed on their MotoGP bikes to make the new engine as efficient as possible.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
32.5 mm inlet valves and 28.5 mm exhaust valves are operated by finger-follower rocker arms and cam lobes are coated with Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) which Honda claims is a first for a mass produced motorcycle that translates to a 35 per cent reduction in friction losses compared to non DLC coated lobes.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Those large valves are driven by what Honda calls a semi-cam gear train system that they have taken out a patent on. Due to the high-lift cams the chain is driven from a timing gear located on the crank-shaft via the idle cam gear which makes the set-up shorter in length.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Crank big-ends are also DLC coated while the small-end bushes are made of shaved C1720HT Beryllium copper for high-rim reliability.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Despite their larger size than before, each piston is 5 per cent lighter than found in the previous model and the skirts are Ober coated (Telfon and Moylbendum base) and nickel-phosphorous plating for the pistin pin’s clip groove. All this HRC-like special bits inside the crankcases appear to be common across both models and are not limited to the SP.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Helping to keep the temperature under contral is a multi-point and multi-directional oil spray system which only operates at higher rpm. When not required at lower rpm check-balls within the jets shut off the flow of oil to help maintain more oil pressure elsewhere.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
A totally new aluminium diamond frame uses the rear of the engine as the upper shock mount; the swingarm is longer and based on the RC213V-S design. The rigidity balance, weight distribution and steering geometry have been carefully adjusted for the increased engine output, in terms of front and rear grip levels, and feel for both.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
In the standard model Showa’s 43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) is matched to a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-L). The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Nissin four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
The SP gets new 43mm Öhlins NPX front fork to replace the NIX fork of the previous model and second-generation Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) offers finer control of settings front and rear. The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding. The rear tyre is now sized 200/55-ZR17 on both machines.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. It also controls the new rod-type 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine has leant some of its slippery aerodynamics to the CBR1000RR-R, including winglets to increase downforce and improve braking stability. The riding position is also much more compact.
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP
The fully customisable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control operated via a simplified four-way controller on the left handlebar.
Clutch – Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper
Transmission 6-speed
Final Drive Chain
Frame Aluminium composite twin spar
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2100 x 745 x 1140mm
Wheelbase 1455mm
Caster Angle 24-degrees
Trail 102mm
Seat Height 830mm
Ground Clearance 115mm
Kerb Weight 201kg
Front Suspension – Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a Big Piston Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm stroke
Front Suspension SP – Telescopic inverted fork with inner diameter of 43mm and Ohlins NPX Smart-EC with preload, compression and rebound adjustments. 125mm stroke.
Rear Suspension – Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke. Showa BFRC-Light
Rear Suspension SP – Pro-Link with gas-charged Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC damper featuring preload, compression and rebound damping. 143mm stroke.
Front Rim 17 inch x 3.5
Rear Rim 17 inch x 6.0
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 200/55-ZR17
Front Brakes 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper
Front Brakes SP 330mm disc with 4-piston Brembo caliper
Rear Brakes 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
Rear Brakes SP 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & claims 2019 WESS title
Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for ASX Round 3 in Wollongong
Tommy Searle announces GP racing retirement
2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao
2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update
Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020
2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & WESS title
Manuel Lettenbichler became 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion with a winning ride at the final round of the World Enduro Super Series, the GetzenRodeo in Germany over the weekend.
2019 Overall Podium – 1) Manuel Lettenbichler, 2) Alfredo Gomez, 3) Jonny Walker – Image by Future7Media
In what was a fairy tale outing for the home favourite, Lettenbichler delivered a riding masterclass in front of thousands of passionate Enduro fans to win both the morning GetzenRace qualifier and afternoon GetzenChamp race, clinching the world title in emphatic style.
Putting in an incredible final charge in the closing moments of the GetzenChamp race, Alfredo Gomez secured second to jump from fourth to runner-up in the final series standings. A sixth-place finish on the day saw Jonny Walker slip to third in the championship.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Entering the eighth and final round of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series as champion elect, Lettenbichler didn’t put a foot wrong all day. Taking control of the two-hour morning qualifier on lap one, he controlled his pace at the head of the 60-strong field of world-class Enduro riders.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Going on to win the GetzenRace over Taddy Blazusiak and Walker set the tone for what was to follow in the all-important 80-minute plus one-lap GetzenChamp finale. With Gomez, Graham Jarvis, Billy Bolt and Mario Roman close behind, the outcome of the afternoon battle seemed too close to call.
2019 GetzenRodeo
The 20 qualified riders blasted off the start line at 2.00pm sharp for what would become a gruelling battle. Lettenbichler wasted no time in establishing himself at the front and took the lead early on lap one. Behind him Gomez, Blazusiak, Walker and Jarvis all fought for position.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
As the laps continued Lettenbichler appeared to pull clear of the field, but not from Blazusiak, with the Polish star picking up his pace during the final 30 minutes. Riding right up to Lettenbichler’s rear wheel entering the final lap, it set up a showstopper of an ending.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Going for Gold, Blazusiak briefly took the lead but then crashed, giving Lettenbichler the breathing room he needed entering the final Red Bull X-Loop. With Lettenbichler riding clear to claim victory and become world champion, drama then struck Blazusiak when his bike stopped.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion
“I’m over the moon, I can’t describe it. To be honest I nearly cried on the podium. It was such a long, tough race today and it’s been such a long season. To finish the year with a first place in front of my home fans would have been amazing, but to win the championship as well is unbelievable. I’m on top of the world right now. My plan for today in both races was to get away well and try to control the race from the front. I was a little nervous in this morning’s race but thankfully it all went to plan. I was honestly exhausted in this afternoon’s race – I couldn’t have given any more. When Taddy passed me, I knew I had to dig deep and carry on and thankfully I managed to get past him again and make it to the finish. The fans have been amazing too – I hope they enjoyed the race as much as I did.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – Image by Future7Media
Capitalising on Blazusiak’s misfortune, Gomez incredibly worked his way past and into second – a move which ultimately sees him jump to second in the championship. With the top three decided, it was Bolt who ended his day in fourth, with Pol Tarres claiming his best result of the 2019 series with fifth.
Alfredo Gomez
“I’m very happy for myself and the team. I feel a little sorry for Taddy, but I actually damaged my bike on lap two and that meant I had a disadvantage for the rest of the race. I had a few crashes, but I think the race was tough on everyone – it’s so physical and the terrain is so technical, there is no time to rest at all. That and the fact that everyone else is pushing as hard as they can makes it really, really tough. I’m really pleased with my result and so happy with second in the championship – it’s what we were aiming for and it makes all the hard work worth it.”
Alfredo Gomez
Taddy Blazusiak
“I’ve enjoyed the race and rode my heart out, only to lose out just at the end. It’s racing I know, but it seems I get a little more bad luck than others. I’m pleased with how I rode – the race was a little up and down but to catch Mani near the end and take the lead was fantastic. I was really pushing as hard as I could because I knew what I had to do to get second in the championship, unfortunately it just wasn’t to be. I have to be proud – I’ve not given up all year and that is the main thing.”
Taddy Blazusiak
With Walker unable to break inside the top-five with a sixth-place result, and with Gomez placing second, it meant the Brit would slip to third overall in the final standings. Jarvis pushed on to take seventh, with Sherco’s Mario Roman eighth.
Jonny Walker
“It was a really tough race today, I enjoyed it, but I’m a little disappointed not to get second in the championship. I had a good ride this morning, I just stayed consistent and tried to conserve some energy. This afternoon I really tried my best but it wasn’t quite good enough. Nevertheless, if you’d offered me third overall at the start of the year I would have taken it. I have struggled all year in the extreme stuff, but I know what I need to work on, and with a good winter to get back to 100 per cent, the plan is to come back next year and attack right from the start of the season.”
Jonny Walker
Sweden’s Eddie Karlsson impressed by bringing his Sherco home in ninth, while Norway’s Ib Anderson completed the top-10 for Gas Gas.
With the 2019 season complete, the eight-round 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship begins with Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal on May 8-10.
World Enduro Super Series result from GetzenRodeo
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 10 laps 1:52:29.720
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 10 laps 2:01:32.662
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 9 laps 1:35:24.393
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 8 laps 1:40:49.789
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 7 laps 1:36:36.490
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 7 laps 1:38:07.331
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 7 laps 1:46:21.162
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 6 laps 1:45:55.845
Eddie Karlsson (Sherco – SWE) 5 laps 1:36:54.766
Ib Anderson (Gas Gas – NOR) 4 laps 1:46:32.079
2019 World Enduro Super Series final standings
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 6110pts
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4884
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4810
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 4620
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4450
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4165
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 4136
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3560
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 3415
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 3130
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for Australian SX Round 3
Supercross fans at the Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong are set to enjoy the ultimate dose of Supercross nostalgia, with a second-to-none line up of supercross and motocross legends on November 9.
Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship next heads to Wollongong – Brisbane Round 1 pictured
The legends featured will be headlined by Illawarra local and Australian dirt bike champions Anthony Gunter (three-time Mr Motocross), Jay Marmont (eight-time Australian Champion) Ryan Marmont (four-time Australian Champion) and accompanied by motocross and supercross royalty Craig Dack, Stephen Gall and one of Australia’s most recent Champions Dean Ferris (three-time Motocross Champion), making it five decades worth of Champions (70, 80, 90, 00, ’10s) .
Often referred to as the golden era, the Mr Motocross titles were the most coveted prize on offer and between the names above have collected 11 of the 16 titles. (Dack four, Gall four, and Gunter three).
Anthony Gunter
“I will be riding my 1979 Mr Motocross bike, I look forward to being on the grid next to so many respected riders, Gally and I had incredible rivalries and to be next to him on Nov 9 in WIN Stadium will be something special. It’s great to see Supercross back in the Illawarra and I hope everyone comes to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Phil Lovett and Anthony Gunter
The third round of the Australian Supercross Championship promises to be a spectacle both on and off the track and the addition of the Legends Parade is another great way for fans to enjoy a trip down Supercross/Motocross memory lane.
Stephen Gall
“Anthony and I were at the very start of Supercross in Australia, I retired from racing in 1990 but have been actively involved since. To see the sport continue to evolve is great to see. To be at the gates and look left and right to see riders from my era and more recent will be something special.”
Stephen Gall
CDR Owner and champion Craig Dack is equally as pumped to line up next to his old foe and put on a show for the fans on November 9.
Craig Dack
“To line up alongside some of the guys from my era not to mention some of my former CDR Yamaha team racers over the past 26-years will be such a special occasion. Geelong’s appreciation laps in 2018 was such a great thrill for us riders and the fans and I hope to see thousands of Wollongong’s fans enjoy it just as much.”
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack
Final release tickets have just been made available starting at $30 for Children and $40 for Adults. The Australian Supercross Championship is supported and sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
Yamaha Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship is proudly supported by Dunlop, MotorEx, Destination Wollongong, Westrac, 100%, Honda, M2R Helmets, Kawasaki, Fly Racing, Suzuki, UniFilter & Australian Motorcycle Festival.
Tickets to Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on November 9 are on sale now via the www.ticketmaster.com.au website.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Tommy Searle announces retirement from GP racing
Tommy Searle, long-time member of the Green family, has decided to retire from the FIM Motocross World Championships where he has been a leading player of the series for more than a decade.
Tommy Searle – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Having first ridden round the family garden at the tender age of two Tommy’s natural talent was evident at an early age and he and his parents jumped at the opportunity to join Kawasaki’s prestigious Team Green youth squad when he was old enough to move to the 85cc class.
A five-times UK youth champion the English teenager was enrolled into the official Molson Kawasaki MX2 World Championship team for the 2005 British GP at Matchams Park and responded eight days before his sixteenth birthday with a typically gutsy and enthusiastic ride, twice recovering from falls to score championship points in both motos and send a signal to the world that he would play a significant role in the sport throughout the years to come.
Tommy Searle
The following year he already finished eighth in his first full GP campaign with his first trip to the podium in Sweden and was runner-up in the world in each of the two following seasons before heading for America for two years.
Returning to Europe in 2011 with Team Monster Energy CLS Kawasaki he immediately revived his World title challenge, adding two more series medals, eight GP victories and twenty-six podiums to his CV over the next two years to close his MX2 career with his third series silver medal and a heart-pounding double-victory in front of his adoring home-country fans at Matterley Basin.
With fourteen career GP wins Tommy is Britain’s most successful GP rider in the MX2 class and ranks third in total victories across all classes to multiple world champions David Thorpe and Jeff Smith. His MXGP career was unfortunately interrupted by injuries but he remained a top-ten runner throughout the subsequent seven years and he played a significant role in consecutive Motocross of Nations podiums for Great Britain in 2017 and 2018.
Tommy Searle
A Green warrior to the core Tommy assisted the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team with competition development and further top-ten finishes during the closing stages of the 2019 campaign and signed off his Kawasaki career in style with the British national MX1 title. Recently a proud father to Alfie James together with wife Sophia, Tommy’s future racing focus will be the British motocross series.
Kawasaki thanked Searle for his commitment to the Green family throughout the past two decades and wished him all the best for the future in both his professional career and private life.
Tommy Searle
“After almost fifteen years racing at the top level – twelve full years in the world championship and two in America – my focus next year will just be racing in the UK. As a kid I never knew it was possible to achieve what I’ve done – it seems one minute I was racing schoolboy motocross with the family, the next I was on the GP podium at 16 years old, racing against the best in the world. Now in the blink of an eye I’m retiring from the GPs. I’ve had so many good memories of travelling around the world – I’ve lived the dream and have had the privilege to work with and race a lot of great people along the way. I never managed to win a world championship but I came close a couple of times and overall I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved with fourteen GP wins and podiums in the US as a young gun. I’ll always be grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. I want to say a massive thanks to the fans who have cheered me on – hopefully I gave you a few good memories over the years too – and of course a huge thank you to Kawasaki Motors Europe and Team Green UK for the past years working together! You have been a massive part of my career; cheers Steve Guttridge and Ross Burridge for the support and good times!”
Tommy Searle
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2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao
In little over a week more than five hundred riders from twenty-six nations will compete in the 2019 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) to be held in Portimao, Portugal from 11-16 November. This will mark the 94th edition of this huge and historic event, which remains the oldest competition in the FIM calendar.
ISDE 2018 – Image John Pearson
Defending champions Australia, both in the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy classes headline an entry packed with professional and amateur riders from as far afield as Canada and Japan, and with a strong showing from European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, not forgetting the participants from Argentina, Mexico and Guatemala.
This year’s ISDE will again include the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy also. First introduced at the ISDE in Spain back in 2016, the competition for enduro bikes from yesteryear has also enjoyed growing support with over one hundred and twenty riders from nine countries included on the 2019 entry list.
The 2019 ISDE Australian Team has already been announced, check out the rider entries for a full list via the links below
With a combined entry just shy of six hundred and fifty riders the 2019 ISDE in Portugal is set to be another important chapter in the rich heritage of this unique event.
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2020 WESS calendar and rename announced
From the start of 2020, the World Enduro Super Series will be officially known as the WESS Enduro World Championship, with WESS Promotion GmbH also announcing the championship schedule for 2020. Featuring eight rounds and extending into the United States, the WESS Enduro World Championship is set to grow in stature and popularity in 2020.
The WESS gets a name update for 2020 – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media
Now entering its third season, the WESS Enduro World Championship continues to thrive, strengthening its vision of a series that encompasses all Enduro formats while providing a global platform for both professional and privateer riders to compete together.
For 2020 the championship retains many of its world-renowned favourites from seasons one and two and includes the welcomed return of the popular Red Bull 111 Megawatt event in Poland. Breaking new ground, the championship heads to the United States and the well-established Tennessee Knockout.
111 Megawatt 2018
Ensuring a varied and challenging start to the new season, established events Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) and Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) will see racing commence in May.
During the month of June, Austria’s iconic Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble will host round three, while Red Bull 111 Megawatt makes a welcome return to the WESS Enduro World Championship for round four.
Romania’s Red Bull Romaniacs will spectacularly kickstart the second half of the season in late July for round five. Then venturing outside of Europe for the first time and cementing itself as a true world championship, the United States’ most-prestigious Hard Enduro – Tennessee Knockout – will be eagerly anticipated on August 15-16.
Red Bull Romaniacs
Switching gears to Cross-Country racing, the fabled Hawkstone Park in Great Britain will mark the penultimate round of the series in September with the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Following its well-received addition to the 2019 series, Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro takes the honour of hosting an October championship finale in what’s sure to become a thrilling crowning of the Ultimate Enduro World Champion 2020.
2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC
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2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced
Motorcycling Australia has announced the release of the 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track calendar ahead of the highly anticipated season.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships – Image by Dave Lamont
The four 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track Championships will each be run at a different venues across three states and territories: Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates
April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD
North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
Fairburn Park, ACT ACT Motorcycle Club
2020 Australian Track Championship dates
May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW
Tamworth Motorcycle Club
September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
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2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update
Following a request from the Kurri Kurri Speedway Club, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the following date change for 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Championships.
The Australian Senior Solo Speedway – Image by Judy McKay
Due to unforeseen circumstances the initial qualifying/round scheduled for the January 2-3 at Kurri Kurri Speedway (NSW) has been changed to January 3-4, 2020.
MA advises that no other changes have been made to the Speedway calendar and thanked rider’s for their patience and understanding regarding this change of date.
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar
Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA
Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020
The stakes will be even higher in FIM Speedway Grand Prix finals after the SGP Commission confirmed changes to the scoring and qualification system from 2020. Riders will be awarded championship points according to their finishing position in the SGP meetings, rather than how many points they score in each heat.
2020 Speedway GP points revamped announced
The system will see every rider who qualifies for the semi-final guaranteed at least nine championship points, with riders who fall short receiving eight or less on a sliding scale.
The winner of an SGP event will earn 20 championship points, with the runner-up 18, the third-placed rider 16 and the rider in fourth 14 points.
Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission (CCP) Armando Castagna explains the new system will add value to the championships by rewarding riders who reach finals and win rounds more regularly, ensuring an even more thrilling climax to SGP events.
Armando Castagna – FIM Track Racing Commission
“The main thinking for us is to harmonise our championship scoring system with other big sports events so that the winner always comes away with the most points, which will help attract and retain a wider audience for our sport.”
Phil Morris – SGP Race Director
“We want to reward those riders who get into the finals. Riders in the semi-finals will be giving their absolute all to get through as there is the potential to score an extra eight championship points. That’s a big swing and ensures there’s everything to race for when we reach that stage of the night, all building to a huge crescendo.”
Points scored by riders in their five heats will still be used to determine the eight riders who reach the semi-finals. The third-placed riders in the semi-finals will then be ranked ahead of the riders who finish fourth.
2019 Speedway GP
Of the two third-placed semi-final riders, the one who finished highest after the heats will be ranked fifth and receive 12 championship points, while the other will be ranked sixth and earn 11 championship points – with the existing countback system used to resolve any ties if riders finished level.
Likewise, the fourth-placed semi-final rider who scores highest in the heats will be ranked seventh, receiving 10 championship points, and the other fourth finisher will finish eighth and earn nine.
Meanwhile those who fall short of the top eight will be ranked according to the points they scored over 20 heats, again with the existing countback system used to decide any ties if riders finish level on points. Their overall finishing position in the meeting will determine how many championship points they are allocated on a sliding scale, with the rider ranked ninth scoring eight championship points and the rider in 16th spot earning one.
In another change for 2020, only the top six riders in the SGP World Championship will be guaranteed a place in the following season’s series – down from the eight automatic qualification places allocated this year.
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019
The top three from the GP Challenge will still qualify for the following season, while the winner of the Speedway European Championship series will also be guaranteed a spot in the SGP World Championship.
The line-up will be completed by five permanent wild cards, which will be selected by the SGP Commission.
FIM Speedway GP Qualification places
Top six in SGP World Championship standings
Top three at the GP Challenge
Winner of the Speedway European Championship
Five permanent wild cards selected by the SGP Commission
Speedway GP will boast a new point and qualification system in 2020
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2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
The FIM Speedway Grand Prix series heads for Russia next year as Togliatti joins nine returning venues on the 2020 SGP World Championship calendar.
Following the city’s successful Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Finals last July, the sport’s individual World Championship heads to the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium – one of the world’s finest purpose-built track-racing venues – on August 29, 2020.
2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
Russian stars Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and Gleb Chugunov retained the country’s world team title on home shale last summer and now riders will go for individual glory in one of the biggest speedway meetings ever staged in Russia.
The SGP 2020 series launches with the PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland on May 16 at PGE Narodowy, with tickets already selling rapidly for Poland’s biggest speedway event.
That prestigious night of racing is followed by an historic German SGP in Teterow on May 30 as the Bergring Arena celebrates its 100th event and 90 years of racing at the venue with a must-see SGP and longtrack double-header weekend.
The action switches to Prague on June 13 as the Czech SGP returns to Marketa Stadium for a 24th straight year – extending the picturesque capital city’s record as the longest-serving SGP host.
After a month’s break the World Championship then resumes with a breathless few weeks, starting with one of the sport’s flagship events – the Adrian Flux British SGP at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 18. With the SGP series celebrating its 20th season of racing in the Welsh capital, fans can expect this year’s event to be bigger and better than ever.
Attention switches to Hallstavik just a week later as the Credentia Arena hosts the Swedish SGP on July 25.
2019 SGP of Poland
The summers hots up in Poland when the Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland returns to the storied Olympic Stadium on August 1 – a year on from staging what many have claimed was one of the all-time great SGP meetings, which saw Bartosz Zmarzlik top the podium on his way to the world title.
Another of the sport’s finest race tracks follows on August 15 as the Scandinavian SGP heads to Malilla.
Two weeks after the first-ever Russian SGP on August 29, Vojens Speedway Center plays host to the Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO on September 12 – the penultimate round of the season.
The action concludes with the Revline Torun SGP at the iconic Marian Rose Motoarena on October 3 as fans flock from all over the world to see the 2020 world champion crowned.
The calendar for the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations will be announced in due course.
2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar
May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
