Ducati is tipped to unveil its 2020 models on 23 October 2019 with a Streetfighter V4, Multistrada V4, Multistrada S GT and a Scrambler Icon Dark added to its ranges.
And now a leaked document from the US Environmental Protection Agency lists the “Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour” and “Scrambler Icon Dark”.
Since the Multistrada GT will be powered by the 1262cc L-Twin engine as the name suggests, maybe the Multistrada V4 is on hold for another year.
Or they may be considering running two Multi ranges with twin and four-cylinder engines.
We also expect the Grand Tour will have luggage and a bigger windscreen.
As for the 803cc Scrambler Icon Dark, it is likely to have a blackened engine and matte-black paint instead of its iconic yellow.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
Whatever they release in October, Ducati announced in April 2018 that every model in their 2020 range will have blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.
Cianciarulo signs 2020 premier class deal with Monster Energy Kawasaki
Section: Competition
Long-time Kawasaki contender to join Tomac next year in the 450 class.
Image: Supplied.
Adam Cianciarulo will graduate to the premier class in 2020 after signing with Monster Energy Kawasaki, joining team regular and two-time outdoor champion Eli Tomac next year.
Cianciarulo will make his 450 debut after being part of Kawasaki’s racing program for a number of years, beginning with a record-setting stint in amateurs with Team Green and a successful career underneath the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team awning in the 250 category.
“I am super excited and grateful for this opportunity,” said Cianciarulo. “I was just a little kid when I signed with Kawasaki in 2004, and it’s been a dream of mine since then to reach this point.
“From growing up in the Team Green program, to my 250cc career with Mitch Payton and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, I feel I’m prepared to take on this next challenge of competing at the highest level. The work has just begun and I’m ready to get started on my new KX450.”
It was announced in May that Tomac signed a multi-year contract extension, while the team has confirmed Joey Savatgy will depart the squad at season’s end. Cianciarulo, who leads the 250MX points rankings in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, will make his maiden 450 race at the 2019 Monster Energy Cup.
The Honda CB500X is back with more off-road chops for 2019, including a 19-inch front wheel in place of the old 17. (Photos by Drew Ruiz)
For reasons that remain a mystery, Honda waited until the 2016 model year and the introduction of its very capable CRF1000L Africa Twin to get serious about joining the adventure bike party. Sure, there were short-lived tryouts late in the last century (e.g., the original Africa Twin, Transalps and NX650 models), but these were well ahead of the explosion in ADV-bike understanding and popularity, and the 1998-2013 semi-ADV Varadero was never brought to the U.S.
But just prior to the new Africa Twin, Honda dipped a toe in the ADV pond by calling its ruggedly styled new-for-2013 CB500X an “adventure sport” motorcycle, and despite its 17-inch wheels at both ends and 4.7/5.5-inch suspension travel, quite a few riders took that description at Honda’s word.
Slightly increased suspension travel and a beefier shock in back help allow the CB500X to tackle rougher sections reasonably well.
Subsequently our March 2014 issue tour test to Tombstone, Arizona, included some dirt roads, where the CB500X’s light weight and decent ground clearance helped it do OK (absent deep sand or ruts). The bike’s lower price and seat height has since endeared it to beginning and smaller riders, some of whom want to sample the ADV experience without spending a lot of money—call them the “Adventure Curious.”
The CB500X’s ADV role got a boost when a UK-based outfit called Rally Raid Products created an “adventure kit” for it that includes spoked tubeless wheels with a 19-inch front, longer travel suspension, an ABS cutout switch, taller handlebars and more, and sold lots of them.
For this 5-foot-10-inch rider, standing up requires bent knees to reach the handlebar, which is higher for 2019 but not by much.
Honda has been paying attention to all of this, of course, the result of which is a new 2019 CB500X that incorporates several updates to make it more adventure capable as well as some solid upgrades to its performance and user friendliness. Chief among them is a new 19-inch front wheel that improves bump absorption, front-end feel off-road and high-speed handling, and longer suspension travel (up 0.4-inch front and rear, with an upgraded shock from its larger sportbikes) that reduces bottoming and increases ground clearance.
Unfortunately, seat height is up 0.8-inch as a result, so Honda has narrowed the seat front to make the ground an easier reach–with my 29-inch inseam I can still plant the balls of my feet on the ground. Steering rake and wheelbase are slightly longer for more stability, yet the bike’s turning radius is 8 inches smaller, and new 7-spoke cast wheels are shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires that have an aggressive tread pattern and deep grooves.
Stock tires are new Dunlop Trailmax Mixtours, a 90/10 on/off-road radial with aggressive tread for dirt roads and good grip on-road. Jonathan Livingston approves of the bike’s refreshed styling, too.
At 471cc the CB500X twin is in that size and price sweet spot that makes it both a great ride for beginners and a nice first or second bike for commuting and short trips. There’s power aplenty for most riding, with a screaming 8,200-rpm redline and a flat torque curve that makes it very responsive throughout most of the powerband. Grabbing a handful of throttle in top gear on the interstate doesn’t inspire much urge without a downshift, but the bike cruises along nicely at 75 mph with little vibration and (based on our 2013 model test) should get great fuel economy.
Changes to the parallel-twin engine for 2019 (which also apply to the CB500R and CB500F) like a new intake tract design, fuel injectors, valve timing and muffler give it a claimed 3-4 percent more midrange power and a racier exhaust note, and help it meet looming Euro 5 emissions regs. More dogs on the transmission gears improve shifting, and a new assist-and-slipper clutch reduces lever effort by 45 percent, adapts to the load for better hookup under heavy acceleration and reduces engine braking when downshifting.
Updates to the liquid-cooled, 471cc DOHC parallel twin boost midrange power and improve power delivery, and it gets an improved transmission with assist-and-slipper clutch.
Although the Grand Prix Red CB500X can be had with ABS, that’s it for electronic rider aids, and the optional ABS is not switchable (but the fuse box and ABS fuses are readily accessible under the locking seat). For 2019 the bike gets an adjustable brake lever, a revised hydraulic ratio for the rear brake and upgraded ABS modulators that improve braking in low-traction situations (on the ABS version).
In the cockpit there’s a new tapered handlebar for ADV looks that is slightly (0.3 inch) higher and rubber-mounted to minimize vibes; a 0.8-inch taller, two-position windscreen and a new full-featured LCD display with a larger screen and thinner bezel that includes gear and adjustable upshift indicators. The CB500X also looks more adventure-y thanks to a restyled fuel tank, all-LED lighting and a new shroud design that directs radiator heat away from the rider’s legs.
Handlebar and windscreen are both taller for 2019, and the CB500X gets a larger new LCD display.
Besides weight, displacement and cost, the chief difference between the CB500X and its 300- and 650-class ADV bike competitors is probably ergonomic. Those bikes have genuinely sit-up riding positions with tall handlebars and lowish footpegs, and though it’s closer to them now the X still retains some street bike feel, particularly for larger riders.
The bar is taller for 2019 but it’s still low by ADV standards, and the footpegs are a bit high, so it takes more effort to stand up, and standing up off-road creates a long reach to the grips. On the other hand, that wide handlebar and more tucked-in seating position works even better on the pavement now, and the upgrades to steering, suspension and brakes as well as the additional power make the bike serious fun on a twisty road. Wind protection from the taller screen is quite good, and vibration can only be felt in the grips and footpegs at higher rpm.
For the press ride Honda equipped the bikes with Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 knobbies, just one of many good ADV tire choices enabled by the larger front wheel.
Honda set up a brilliant ride for the press in the mountains around Julian, California, with a mix of dirt and pavement that showed off the bike’s capabilities very well. Rather than the stock Dunlops, Honda hedged its bets by equipping the bikes with Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires, an aggressive ADV knobby that works surprisingly well on the street and provided reassuring traction on the dirt bits.
Clutch pull and shifting are indeed butter now, and with the slipper clutch, more linear power delivery and new ABS and brake settings the bike is quite easy to control on loose surfaces and stops hard when needed. Although damping settings are fixed, spring preload is adjustable at both ends, and other than some rear tire chatter when accelerating over washboard the suspension performs quite well for a bike in this price range. It was a warm day yet I didn’t notice any engine heat, and though the new display suffers from glare when the sun is directly behind it is otherwise highly functional.
Revised ergonomics are fine for smaller statured riders off-road, and work especially well on the street.
The accessories list for the CB500X includes heated grips, a centerstand, locking panniers, hand guards, a rear carrier and more, and outfits like Rally Raid will continue to carry ADV upgrades for the new bike as well as for previous model years. At 433 pounds gassed and ready to ride, weight-wise the ABS version is right in between the 300- and 650-class ADV bikes, and the CB500X’s seat is still lower than the 650-and-larger machines, so it’s a good choice for someone who wants interstate touring capability in a smaller, more affordable machine that is also ready for the adventure curious.
Chassis Frame: Diamond-shaped tubular-steel w/ engine as stressed member, box-section steel swingarm Wheelbase: 56.9 in. Rake/Trail: 27.5 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 32.7 in. Suspension, Front: 41mm stanchions, adj. for spring preload, 5.3-in. travel Rear: Pro-Link single shock, adj. for spring preload, 5.9-in. travel Brakes, Front: 320mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper & ABS (as tested) Rear: 240mm disc w/ 1-piston floating caliper & ABS (as tested) Wheels, Front: Cast, 2.50 x 19 in. Rear: Cast, 4.50 x 17 in. Tires, Front: 110/80-HR19 Rear: 160/60-HR17 Wet Weight: 433 lbs. (as tested) Load Capacity: 383 lbs. (as tested) GVWR: 816 lbs.
Performance Fuel Capacity: 4.6 gals., last 0.7 gal. warning light on MPG: 87 AKI min. (low/avg/high) NA Estimated Range: NA Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 4,750
Honda CB500X accessories include a centerstand, locking panniers, hand guards, tank pads, a light bar, tank bag and heated grips.The single 310mm floating front wave rotor and 2-piston caliper provide good stopping power up front.Larger front wheel and additional suspension travel raised seat height, so Honda narrowed it in front to make it easier for those of us shorter of leg to reach the ground.
Motorcycle racing has taken a step close to returning to Bathurst’s Mt Panorama with the unveiling of plans for a second circuit.
Motorcycle racing at Bathurst finished in the late ’80s.
Since then, the touring cars and now Supercars have heavily modified the track to a stage where is now unsafe for motorcycle racing.
The existing Mount Panorama Circuit is also limited in the number of permitted full track closures per year.
Council says that by building a second circuit, motorsports activity can “grow without changing the heritage of the historic Mount Panorama Circuit, cementing Bathurst’s international reputation as a motorsport hotspot”.
Circuit plans
The new $52 million “Velocity Park precinct” would be suitable for MotoGP and World Superbike racing.
The second 4.5km track built to FIA Grade 2 and FIM Grade A spec would be located on 200 hectares in valley southwest of the current 6.2km circuit.
Council hopes construction will begin early in 2021 and be completed within 24 months.
The circuit would accommodate a range of high-profile motorsport events year-round and feature additional multi-use facilities.
Maybe there will even be motorcycle track days at the site.
The international circuit has one long straight and nine corners of varying diameters.
There are also shorter 2km and 3km circuit options for national and club events.
It will also provide for a range of facilities including a hotel, driver training centre and a driver experience centre. No mention of special motorcycle facilities, though.
Pit lane
Motorcycle racing history
Bikes raced at Mt Panorama from the 1940s and it hosted several pre-world-title Australian GPs.
Forrest’s Elbow is named after motorcycle racer Jack Forrest who scraped his elbow away after laying down his bike on the corner.
Hell Corner is named after a tree stump at the apex where it was believed motorcyclists who misjudged the corner would die.
In the 1980s, the Easter Races were marred by riots until council imposed an alcohol ban.
Motorcycle racing at Mt Panorama
Consultation
Before construction can begin these new plans and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is currently being prepared will go on display for public consultation later this year.
Council will host the following community consultation drop-in sessions:
Armada Bathurst – 121 Howick Street, Bathurst Thursday, 8 August from 4pm-7pm
Bathurst City Centre – 210 Howick Street, Bathurst Friday, 9 August from 10am-1pm
Bathurst Chase – 39 William Street, Bathurst Wednesday, 21 August from 12pm-3pm
Bathurst Regional Council – 158 Russell Street, Bathurst Thursday, 22 August from 5.30pm-8.30pm
National Motor Racing Museum – 400 Panorama Ave, Bathurst Thursday 22 August from 10am-1pm
Ducati is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the sexiest motorcycle ever made – the 916 – by displaying in their Bologna museum the model owned and ridden by its creator Massimo Tamburini.
Massimo Tamburini also worked on the MV Agusta F4 and both of his sexy creations were displayed at the New York Guggenheim Museum’s The Art of the Motorcycle exhibit of 1998-1999.
He died in April 2014 after a long battle with lung cancer at the age of 71.
As part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Ducati 916’s production launch, the Ducati Museum above their Borgo Panigale factory will feature the 916 owned by the legendary designer.
The Z125 Pro is Team Green’s answer to the growing street-legal minibike class, that was jump started a few years earlier by Big Red. Like it’s winged foe, the Z125 is powered by a simple 125cc air cooled Single with electric start and digital fuel injection. No fancy rider aids here: it’s a full-manual riding experience with a feathery cable-actuated clutch and slick-shifting four-speed transmission that’s easy to master, especially for inexperienced riders.
Tackle dirt roads on a budget with the DS-X1 helmet from HJC, with solid colors starting at just $169.99. The DS-X1 includes a lightweight polycarbonate composite shell, a removable SuperCool moisture-wicking liner, a Pinlock-ready shield, a large eye port for goggles, ACS Advanced Channel Ventilation and an eyeglasses groove. The DOT-approved DS-X1 is available in sizes XS-2XL and also comes in several graphics for $189.99.
2017 Semi-Finalist from Indonesia, Putut Maulana also known for his game tag as “moe” arrived at the Pro Draft World Selection as one of the favourites and his performance over the four days didn’t disappoint at all. “Moe” made the cut to the Global series by setting up a stunning best run of 4’20.565. The podium of classified riders was completed with two new faces; Mareja from Brazil (first place from PS4) and MrTftw (first place from Xbox).
It’s always been the same dilemma for the riders although some them employed their own special way of dealing with the nerve-jangling wait. Typically, double 500cc World Champion Barry Sheene produced the most attention. While others around scurried around he would simply pull out a cigarette, place into his mouth through a special hole drilled in his helmet for the purpose, light up and have a quiet smoke while the weather and the organisers made up their minds. It was so Barry, playing physiological games to undermine his rivals even before the race had started. It worked most times although a certain Kenny Roberts was neither impressed or intimidated.
The crash occurred at Turn 1 with just under 45 minutes of the day remaining and, as a precaution, Mir was airlifted to hospital for further checks after being diagnosed with a pulmonary contusion at the track but thankfully, Mir suffered no further damage.
