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Fatigue problem reemerges for Roczen at Southwick

Image: Supplied.

Battling an undiagnosed health issue throughout supercross, Ken Roczen believes the problem has resurfaced after facing increased fatigue during Southwick’s sixth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship over the weekend.

Physical limitations at the demanding sand circuit saw the Team Honda HRC rider record an uncharacteristic 12-10 scorecard for ninth overall, demoting him to third in the standings.

“I was coming into Southwick fairly excited, though struggling a little bit recovering from last weekend’s race,” Roczen explained. “Still, I came in with full motivation and a new fork setting that unfortunately didn’t work out very well for me in the first moto. On top of that, I could’ve recovered a little better from the weekend before, but I knew that I went out there and gave my best.

“For sure it wasn’t what we were looking for, but we’re going to continue working hard on the bike and I’m going to continue working on myself to get back in top shape and get back to winning races. For now I have to take it as it is, but I’m going to keep my head up and hope for a much, much better result from RedBud.

“I’m going to do everything I can throughout the week to prepare myself and get back to the very top. Other than that, there’s not much to say about my result besides we’re not very happy with it and are looking to turn it around next weekend.”

The former champion now sits 28 points behind series leader and two-time defending champion Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) after previously sharing the points lead ahead of the round prior.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Aprilia Finishes First At 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Bittersweet victory and course record marred by passing of fellow competitor.

Begin press release:


Following the historic run on America’s Mountain, the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, held annually in Colorado Springs, the Aprilia Tuono Factory finished the 2019 run with the fastest time in the heavyweight category. With Rennie Scaysbrook riding to a 09:44:963 finish time, he broke the previous record held by Chris Fillmore of 09:49:625. Scaysbrook, in his first effort with Aprilia, raced in the heavyweight category, designated to production motorcycles that come stock with a single piece handlebar, and further confirmed the capability of the Aprilia V4 platform in the naked sportbike. Besting his own time by over 14 seconds, Scaysbrook aboard the Aprilia now holds the heavyweight record to top the enigmatic summit of Pikes Peak, in an event that had an emotional conclusion.

“The event was spectacular, until we heard of Carlin’s Dunne’s accident,” said Scaysbrook following his triumphant run, “Carlin was a huge part of my Pikes Peak experience, helping me as a rookie in 2016 as a mentor, then going head to head with me in 2018—a race he came out the winner. Carlin was a gentleman. As the final two competitors to to take the start the race this year, Carlin shook my hand and wished me luck, as we both told each other we’d see each other at the top. The world has lost a true champion.”

Regarding the race itself, and the preparation for the week Scaysbrook expanded, “The race was one of those occasions where my motorcycle and I just gelled. The work we did throughout the week was calculated and systematic, making the bike better and better, and I’m so grateful to have such an incredible team behind me to help achieve this result.”

The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 represents the state-of-the-art in technology: the sophisticated electronic management includes the advanced dynamic controls package with APRC, cornering ABS, quick shift active even in downshifting, pit limiter and cruise control. The unique 175 hp 65° V4 engine and the racing frame provide unparalleled performance. Simply unrivalled, Aprilia Tuono has been voted over time as one of the most adrenaline pumping and efficient bikes ever.

For 2019, in honor of the Pikes Peak project, Aprilia has released a limited edition “Summit Attack” version of the Tuono, which will arrive in July, and will be limited to just 25 units, reserved for the US market only: https://www.aprilia.com/us_EN/bikes/road/V4/tuono-v4-1100-factory-summit-attack/










The post Aprilia Finishes First At 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Registration rewards for safe riders

Kiwi riders are being offered $200 cash-back rewards on their motorcycle registration if they complete approved rider courses.

It’s an interesting approach to the issue of the hefty insurance component in annual registration fees.

In Australia, the Motorcycle Council of NSW is calling for third-party insurance on riders, not motorcycles as governments continue to hike up annual registration and safety levy fees.

Kiwi rewardsHarley, Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook travel insurance long tour rewards

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation claims their no-fault accident insurance scheme is like no other in the world, covering Kiwis as well as foreign visitors for the cost of treatment, rehabilitation or compensation.

The ACC launched the pilot cash-back scheme because motorcycles are 3% of vehicles on the road, yet represent up to 20% of the cost of road crashes, costing $102m from 7000 claims in 2018.

Kiwi riders pay $397 a year in rego which includes a $25 safety levy, but the ACC claims that if riders paid the true cost to cover all motorcycle injuries, it would be up to $1746 a year.

However, one Kiwi rider tells us they pay $519 for their motorcycle but only $79 for their car.

The ACC say the 20,000 riders who have completed one of their Rider Forever courses are 27% less likely to have an ACC claim from a crash.

So they have launched their pilot cash-back scheme that runs to 30 June 2021 to encourage more riders to take one of their courses.

Riders can select from four on-road course types from beginner to advanced, costing from just $20 to $50 and lasting four to eight hours.

Rider feedback

Nirvana around every corner on a Harley Iron Run

They say their cash-back rewards system was developed from rider claiming they do not cause the majority of crashes and that longtime riders who have not had a crash should be rewarded.

However, the ACC says riders are at fault in 64% of motorcycle crashes and older, more experienced riders, are over-represented in the statistics.

They claim the situation is worsening because there has been a rapid growth in rider numbers, average ages and kilometres covered, most of which are on deadly country roads.

“Since the year 2000, the average age of motorcyclists has gone up and the percentage of injured riders aged above 40 has risen from 26% to 45%,” the ACC says.

“Additionally, the kilometres travelled by motorcyclists has gone up – they’re riding more and are likely riding in rural areas at speed.

“In fact, open road riders are involved in nearly three-quarters of fatal motorcycle crashes. The biggest motorcycle crash type involves the rider losing control on a bend or curve, and sustaining more severe injuries because they’re riding in higher-speed zones.”

The cash-back system is $100 refund per year per course and limited to two courses.

Phil Heath, an Australian who now lives in Auckland and works at the North Auckland Harley-Davidson ays the cash-back system is well received by riders.

Wonderful to see something come out of the blue from government to assist motorcyclists,” he says.

“From all those years in Australia, I would never expect anything like this.

“In NZ, riders are officially encouraged to ride and be safe, rather than discouraged from being on the roads at all which is my concept of Australian governments.

Our comment

While riders would appreciate a carrot rather than a stick approach, these cash-back rewards represent another biased attitude toward motorcycles and scooters.

How about a similar rewards system for drivers if they do an advanced driving course?

Riders in each state of Australia already face escalating registration and insurance costs while Victorians also pay an annual $70-odd safety levy on top.

Once riders are singled out for special treatment, the authorities and insurance companies are at liberty to apply all sorts of Draconian measures that could even include tracking devices to monitor our behaviour.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider injured as ute turns across path

A 28-year-old rider has suffered serious injuries after a vehicle turned across his path in Brisbane’s north yesterday afternoon (1 July 2019).

Police say their preliminary inquiries reveal that the rider on an “orange motorcycle” was heading south on the multi-lane Gympie Road, Kedron, about 5.20pm.

“A Holden Colorado was travelling north and started to turn right into Edinburgh Castle Road when the motorbike has collided with the car,” police say.

The rider, a 28-year-old Aspley man, was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with critical head and chest injuries.

His condition is unknown. Our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

The driver of the car, a Redlands woman in her 40s, was not physically injured.

Police have not laid any charges and are appealing for dashcam vision to contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

Common crash

Most accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles occur when the other vehicle is turning across their path.

The result can be lethal as the rider hits the car in a t-bone fashion, rather than a glancing blow.

There are a number of scenarios of turning-vehicle crashes where the rider is completely blameless and others where they are at partial or complete fault.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is if the rider is dead.

Most common turning crashes

These are the four most common crash situations where the other motorist is turning, often without looking for motorcycles:

  1. Oncoming driver turns across the rider’s path to enter a property or side street;
  2. Vehicle pulls out of a side street into the path of the motorcycle;
  3. Motorist pulls over to perform a u-turn without looking; and
  4. A vehicle in front suddenly turns without indicating just as a rider is overtaking them.

Look for these signs

We all know drivers don’t look for motorcyclists for a variety of reasons.

So riders need to assume the worst and look out for these signs in the above impending SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I didn’t See You) situations:

  1. If an approaching vehicle has its indicators on, assume they may turn without giving way to you and look for movement of the wheels and the driver’s head turning;
  2. Be suspicious of all vehicles coming out of side streets (left or right) and again check their wheels and the driver’s head to see if they have seen you;
  3. Treat any vehicle that pulls over as a possible u-turn or at least that they will suddenly open their door and step out in front of you; and
  4. If the vehicle in front suddenly slows, don’t take the opportunity to pass them. Be cautious that they could be about to make a turn, even if they haven’t indicated.

How to avoid SMIDSY crashesTurning crash

In all the above four situations, slow down and be prepared to take some sort of evasive action, looking for a possible escape route.

If the driver is on a side street or oncoming, try to make eye contact with them.

Make yourself seen by moving in your lane.

You can also alert drivers to your presence by blowing your horn or flashing your lights, although these may be illegal in some jurisdictions and could give the false message that you are letting them cross your path.

Don’t trust loud pipes to save you. Most drivers have their windows up, air-conditioning on and the radio turned up loud, so they may not hear you, anyway.

Besides, in all these situations, your pipes are facing away from the driver.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Touring Chile—Mountains To Sea All In A Day

Few know that the peak of this mountain, Cerro El Plomo, was used as a ceremonial site by the Incas in a practice called Capacocha. This ceremony was one of child sacrifices, alongside offerings of gold, silver, and other precious artifacts. Due to the freezing temperatures on the tops of these mountains, the remains from these rituals are typically very well preserved. In 1954, the mummified body of a 9-year-old boy was discovered, now known as the “Plomo Mummy.” Without written records, it is unknown what the motivation or intention for this practice was.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Ferris shifts focus to second half after ‘demanding’ Southwick

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha recruit Dean Ferris left Southwick’s sixth round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in an upbeat mood after scoring eighth overall.

Ferris has been consistently strong across the first half of the AMA outdoor season and the weekend marked another credible performance.

Since joining the factory Yamaha organisation in the US as a triple Australian MX Nationals champion, Ferris has displayed his share of gritty efforts. Southwick saw him fight forward from outside of the top 20 in both motos to take 8-12 results.

“I had a terrible start in moto one and had put in a really big fight,” Ferris recalled. “I am quite happy with the moto and wasn’t too far behind some really big guys.

“In moto two, I ended up going down and it was really physically demanding. I’m glad it’s over and we can focus on the next race.”

With RedBud next on the schedule, round seven of a scheduled 12, Ferris currently sits eighth in the 450MX standings. He’s directly behind teammate Justin Barcia, now 23 points in arrears.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Moto-Skiveez Traveler Shirt | Gear Review

Moto-Skiveez Traveler shirt
The Traveler shirt from Moto-Skiveez is lightweight, packable and supremely comfortable.

Moto-Skiveez has made its name by creating riding shorts and tights that coddle our tushes, but its comfortable clothing line also includes two moto-oriented shirts. I slipped into the Traveler model for this review. And I do mean slip–the slinky polyester fabric lies lightly on the skin and moves with you, not against you. Stretch panels on either side enhance that freedom of movement when you’re setting up camp or doing a little post-ride yoga. The sleeves on my size small are a good length for my ape-ish arms, and sport two low-profile snap closures at the cuffs to adjust for wrist size or weather.

Snaps also close the front of the shirt, making it easier to adjust with gloved hands and emitting a satisfying rrrrriiiiipp when it’s time to shed the shirt. Two chest pockets provide handy storage, each capable of holding a passport, wallet or phone. The left one opens via a glove-friendly, self-closing magnetic catch and the more secure right pocket zips closed.

Moto-Skiveez doesn’t claim an SPF rating for the shirt, but the rip-stop weave is substantial enough that I feel safe being out in the sun in it. Flow-through vents behind the shoulders are backed with porous mesh to circulate air, and raising the collar protects your neck from the sun.

I took the Traveler on a multi-day ride along the California coast and found it to be perfect for end-of-day lounging and dinner. It was such an improvement over my usual luggage-wrinkled cotton attire that my buddies had to tolerate me singing “Sharp Dressed Man” on the way to the restaurant (though they nixed the air guitar).

The provided stuff bag is large enough to tuck the Traveler in with room to spare, and with care in packing (fold, then roll), the shirt emerges from its drawstring cocoon relatively unfazed. Hanging it up helps relieve any residual wrinkles, and it washes easily in a sink.

The Traveler lists for $60, and comes in men’s sizes S-2XL, in light gray only. If you want a shirt to slip into after a long day in the saddle–one that feels good, fits well and is easy to live with–give the Traveler a look. Who knows, you might get some looks yourself.  

For more information, call (888) 819-0185 or visit motoskiveez.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

5 winners, 4 manufacturers, 3 words: Competition is fierce

Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso pipped Marquez to victory at the opening round of the season in Qatar, but Marquez would tango his way to a dominant win in Argentina. Round 3 belonged to Alex Rins and Team Suzuki Ecstar, the Spaniard claiming his first premier class victory at the Americas GP to make it three winners, on three different machines, in the first three races.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here