Back-up date for AORC listed in case of further cancellations
Section: Competition
Plans still in place for scheduled Nowra rounds to go ahead in August.
Image: Foremost Media.
A back-up date in November has been listed by organisers of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), in case any of the remaining rounds are forced to be cancelled.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) continues to monitor the escalating COVID-19 spike in Victoria, which has prompted further border closures and restrictions in recent weeks.
Should it become too complicated to host any of the final three events as scheduled, a spare date of 14-15 November has been pencilled in by AORC management. Nowra in New South Wales is still set to be held on 29-30 August.
“We will obviously monitor very closely any changes to government regulations and border closures in the coming weeks which will allow the championship to get back underway,” explained MA off-road events manager Matthew Falvo. “We have tentatively locked away the weekend of November 14-15 as a back-up event date should it be required because of COVID-19 restrictions.”
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship calendar (revised): Rds 1-2 – 22-23 February – Toowoomba, Queensland Rds 2-3 – 14-15 March – Dungog, New South Wales Rds 5-6 – Cancelled Rds 7-8 – 29-30 August – Nowra, New South Wales Rds 9-10 – 19-20 September – Omeo, Victoria Rds 11-12 – 17-18 October – Wynyard, Tasmania
Mid-September Winton date confirmed for ASBK restart
Section: Competition
Queensland event moved back to be penultimate round of 2020.
Image: Foremost Media.
Another updated 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar has been released, with the series now set to resume at Winton in Victoria between 18-20 September.
That date – now round two instead of three – is one week later than what was most recently scheduled for Winton, while Morgan Park will be bumped back to the penultimate round on 6-8 November.
It’s been a turbulent time for Motorcycling Australia (MA) management in reshuffling the ASBK calendar following Victoria’s spike in coronavirus cases during the past couple of weeks. As a result, any further revisions that may occur will see affected events cancelled, rather than postponed.
“ASBK management wishes to again express our thanks to the Motorcycle Sportsmen of QLD for their flexibility and support, and further thanks to Winton Motor Raceway who have been a long-time supporter of ASBK,” a statement from MA read. ASBK wishes to also advise that any further impact of COVID-19 to the 2020 ASBK championship will result in the cancellation of any such round, and no further postponements will occur.
“We continue to ask the ASBK paddock for their understanding in this complex time and, again, remind competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment is an unprecedented challenge. Their flexibility will be required throughout 2020.”
2020 ASBK championship calendar (revised): Rd1 – 27 February-1 March – Phillip Island, VIC Rd2 – 18-20 September – Winton, VIC Rd3 – 2-4 October – Phillip Island, VIC Rd4 – 16-18 October – Wakefield Park, NSW Rd5 – 6-8 November – Morgan Park, QLD Rd6 – 20-22 November – The Bend, SA
Herfoss impressed by new Honda in initial shakedown test
Section: Competition
Two-time ASBK champion completes first laps on 2020 bike in Queensland.
Image: Scottya Photography.
A shakedown outing aboard Honda’s brand new CBR1000RR-R has left double Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss impressed with the package that he will take into the 2020 remainder once competition resumes.
The Penrite Honda Racing rider turned his first laps aboard the latest Fireblade at Morgan Park on Monday in ASBK trim, quickly finding comfort and coming away confident that the bike will be an immediate improvement.
With over 10 horsepower more than his previous race bike recorded on the ER Motorsport dyno, Herfoss welcomed the much-needed increase, but said that collectively the bike was significantly refined in comparison to the model that took him to the 2018 crown.
“It was exciting, as you can imagine, because everything is completely new on the bike – seating position, handlebars, footpegs… everything,” Herfoss told CycleOnline. “The bike’s just so well-refined and my first impression was just that the power is really smooth. Without really riding next to someone, it’s hard to tell how much faster it really is.
“It became pretty evident early in the day that the bike’s got a lot of power. The biggest improvement, I think, is the gearbox. It’s so smooth on downshift, really impressive and it’s a really easy bike to ride. It’s got the Honda characteristic, but revs a lot harder.
“Straight away, at the end of the first day I was a little bit faster than I was at a track-day on the older bike the week before. Obviously I didn’t break any lap records, but everything’s super-promising and we’re actually back out there tomorrow and the next day.”
Equipped with Michelin tyres for this season and continuing to use K-Tech Suspension, Herfoss is working closely with returning crew chief Paul Free – longtime former Team Honda Racing owner – in developing base-settings on the new Honda to suit the ASBK championship.
ASBK calendar reshuffle anticipated following Morgan Park delay
Section: Competition
Further revisions to the 2020 championship schedule to be made.
Image: Russell Colvin.
The scheduled second round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) is up in the air after Motorcycling Australia (MA) confirmed that Morgan Park will no longer take place between 21-23 August.
“We have been clear with competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment will require their flexibility and understanding in 2020,” ASBK sporting director Simon Maas explained. “These date changes are incredibly difficult and challenging to keep finding workable solutions. We are sure the ASBK paddock is frustrated by this latest delay, as we are too. We again thank the entire ASBK paddock for their patience as we are all in this situation together right now.”
According to a short statement released by MA this afternoon, further reviews to this year’s ASBK calendar are currently underway and an updated schedule can be expected for release in the coming days. The next scheduled event on the previously-released calendar was Winton in Victoria, scheduled for 11-13 September.
Dirt bike sales soar in Australia through second quarter
Section: General
Yamaha the top-selling off-road brand among extraordinary 2020 results.
Image: Supplied.
Australia has experienced an unprecedented rise in dirt bike sales through the second quarter of 2020, increasing by over 40 percent in comparison to the first half of last year.
Understood to be as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has revealed that the industry is currently experiencing an extraordinary upturn.
In the opening six months of the year there has been 20,885 dirt bike sales, which is well above the 14,666 sold between January to June one year ago. The top-selling off-road brand was Yamaha at 6170 sales, followed by Honda (5497), KTM (3338), Kawasaki (3099), Husqvarna (1526) and Suzuki (1255).
Each of those brands remarkably recorded dirt bike sales increases, Yamaha by 49.2 percent, Honda 31.4 percent, KTM 36.6 percent, Kawasaki 72.8 percent, Husqvarna 59.8 percent and Suzuki 8.5 percent. Brands such as Sherco and Gas Gas aren’t currently part of the FCAI reporting.
The highest-selling motocross bike to date is the Yamaha YZ250F at 403 sales, followed by the Yamaha YZ450F (345), Honda CRF450R (334), Kawasaki KX450 (298) and Honda CRF250R (256). Enduro is led by the Yamaha WR450F (745), ahead of the KTM 300 EXC (554), KTM 350 EXC-F (433), Honda CRF450L (423) and KTM 450 EXC-F (323).
“It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” FCAI CEO Tony Weber said. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 percent (overall) is significant and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.
“The ATV and SSV segment is up a remarkable 50.9 percent and now represents 27.5 percent of the total market. And off-road bikes are also on fire, with an increase of 42.4 percent and claiming 39.5 percent of the total market.
“People can’t go for overseas holidays and for quite some time they couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail-bike riding.”
Overall, a total of 52,838 vehicles inclusive of new motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs) were sold from January to June 2020, in comparison to 42,457 during the same period in 2019. This represents a 24.5 percent increase in total sales, a bright spot in an economic environment that has been predominantly negative over the past four months.
Honda reported 12,563 sales for a 23.8 percent market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 sales for 23.4 percent share, Kawasaki with 6545 sales for 12.4 percent share, KTM with 4391 sales for 8.3 percent share and, finally, Suzuki with 3594 sales for 6.8 percent market share.
Updates also made to KX450 in addition to off-road variants.
Image: Supplied.
Kawasaki has uncovered the 2021 KX250 and KX450 models, the former of which is all-new and includes an electric start for the first time in addition to a haul of performance-increasing upgrades.
The 2021 model KX250 builds on engine changes from the previous year to make it the most powerful KX250 to date. Its striking appearance features slim, ergonomic bodywork, plus it now has a factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar Handlebar.
In addition to a high-revving engine, it now features new electric start, new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch and a new slim aluminum perimeter frame that improves handling to enable quicker lap-times, making the KX250 even more potent on the race-track.
The powerful engine of the KX250 features upgrades to both the top- and bottom-end for increased power, improved brakes offer more control when harnessing the power of the stronger engine and an updated KX450-style frame and fine-tuned suspension settings to create the ultimate performance package.
Engine changes are inclusive of new processing for intake and exhaust ports, exhaust cam timing, stiffer valve springs, combustion chamber design and flatter piston crown, longer connecting rod, lighter crankshaft design and revised pressure balance inside the crankcase.
Complimenting the electric start, a lightweight, compact Li-ion battery helps keep weight down, as does an automatic centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam, which lifts one exhaust valve to facilitate starting.
The KX250’s new slim aluminium perimeter frame is based off of its KX450 counterpart and with lightweight, nimble handling and slim ergonomics in mind. The new frame offers a better overall rigidity balance and, while many of the parts are common with the KX450’s frame, the cast parts like shock tower mount and engine hangers were designed specifically for the needs of the KX250.
Adding to the frame’s rigidity balance is the use of the engine as a stressed member. The steering head area, main frame rails with updated cross-sections, line for the swingarm brackets, and wider lower frame rails have all been revised and contribute to the overall rigidity balance.
The addition of a KX450 swingarm delivers the rigidity necessary to match the frame and helps to increase traction at the rear wheel. The center of gravity and key dimensions such as swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations have all been carefully selected so that the rear tire drives the bike forward.
The lower triple clamp has been revised for optimised rigidity and reduced weight, while contributing to the front’s ability to absorb bumps. In the rear, linkage ratios have been revised, now using the same as those found on the KX450 motorcycle, contributing to both increased absorption and damping performance. Both front and rear suspension feature new fine-tuned settings that are designed to match the frame.
For 2021, a revised design on the top of the fuel tank allows an even flatter progression from the seat to the tank, which gives the rider greater freedom of movement and facilitates sitting farther forward. The single-piece radiator shrouds are now slimmer where they come in contact with the rider’s legs and positioned closer to the frame. Engine covers have been redesigned and are smooth in order to not impede rider movement.
Meanwhile, the Kawasaki KX450 returns as the flagship model in the line-up for 2021 and boasts several new updates to maintain its edge as a leader in its class. For 2021 the KX450 receives engine updates for increased performance and a new 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebar.
Those engine updates include a dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt, while larger diameter clutch plates and revised friction material have also been utilized. A coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch offers improved clutch performance.
The championship-proven technology of KX race machines has now been purposely tuned for off-road competition, as Kawasaki announces all-new race ready off-road KX XC models with the all-new 2021 KX250XC and KX450XC models. These are in addition to the KLX450R, which remains as the brand’s registrable model.
These models share many winning traits with their motocross counterparts including the engine, frame, chassis and styling, paired with unique cross-country tuning and settings such as suspension settings, gearing, off-road 21/18-inch wheel combination, Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, brake components, skid plate and kickstand. Softer suspension settings and shorter gearing ratio help to create the optimal handling off-road race package for the KX XC line-up.
Complete information on the entire 2021 KX motocross and off-road range is available now at www.kawasaki.com.au. Models are due to arrive in Australia during the third quarter of this year.
Extent of Forkner’s internal injuries from SLC7 revealed
Section: Competition
250SX West contender outlines injuries sustained at series finals.
Image: Octopi Media.
An extensive list of internal injuries have been detailed by Austin Forkner after his title-ending crash at the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross finals in Salt Lake City.
Forkner had been in contention or the 250SX West championship when he went down in the Showdown main event, effectively enabling Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Yamaha) to cruise to a second-straight crown.
“It’s about two weeks out from my crash now and basically, what happened was where I went over the ‘bars and got smashed into the berm, I actually ended up breaking my pancreas in half,” the 21-year-old said.
“I broke like a third of my pancreas off and basically damaged a bunch of my internals – my liver and kidney – just basically damaged all of my insides and messed up my spleen really bad to the point they had to take part of my pancreas, that like third of my pancreas and my whole spleen completely out.
“A lot of just internal damage, didn’t end up having anything broken, but the pain from that was… I feel like I have a pretty good knowledge on pain – I’ve hurt myself a few times – but this was by far the most painful thing I have ever experienced.
“It was brutal, definitely the toughest six or seven days I was in the hospital, they were horrible. I feel a lot better now, just getting to the point where the pain is settled down and my body is started to settle down.”
Serco Yamaha team makes signing of Dobson official
Section: Competition
Transition from Recover8 KTM to factory-backed YZ250F now confirmed.
Image: Supplied.
Queenslander Jesse Dobson has been confirmed at Serco Yamaha for the remainder of 2020 after exiting the Recover8 KTM team last week.
Dobson, 23, will join Aaron Tanti aboard the factory-supported YZ250Fs after initial signing Dylan Walsh parted ways with Serco.
“2020 has been a crazy year already, but I’m glad to have found a home for the remainder of the year,” Dobson said. “I have test rode the bikes and met everyone in the team and racing can’t happen fast enough for me as I’m desperate to fly the Serco Yamaha flag and be surrounded by a great race team.
“This year I hit the reset button a little on my career and knew I had to change a few things to reignite my racing. This led me back to the MX2 class and now to Serco Yamaha and I have a really positive vibe about it all and look forward to being apart of such a successful and long established team.”
Serco Yamaha owner Gavin Eales said that it was a logistical challenge to continue with New Zealand-based Walsh considering the coronavirus pandemic that has so far put a pause on competition domestically in 2020.
“First of all, I would like to thank Dylan for his efforts during the start of the year and racing the New Zealand Motocross Championships with our support,” Eales explained. “When the COVID lockdown came and international travel proved difficult, we acknowledged that it would be difficult to continue and Dylan has since left to explore options in the US.
“We then assembled a bit of a list of the available riders and Jesse Dobson was the stand out. He has great speed and experience, is Queensland-based and very determined to get his career back on track.
“Our initial test with him proved successful so now we are full-steam ahead with him and hoping to get some local racing under our belts before the Australian Motocross Championship kicks off in the coming months.”
BMW Motorrad confirm van der Mark signing for 2021
Section: Competition
Transition to German-based factory in WorldSBK now made official.
Image: Supplied.
Dutch star Michael van der Mark’s future has been made official after signing with the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in the 2021 Motul Superbike World Championship.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael to the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team,” said Shaun Muir, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team principal. “He brings a wealth of experience and is one of the youngest, most talented riders on the WorldSBK grid.
“Securing Michael’s services emphasises the focus and determination we have to compete for top honours and we will give Michael every chance to reach that goal.”
BMW first entered WorldSBK in 2009 as a factory manufacturer, but it wasn’t until 2010 that they got a podium with Troy Corser at Monza. The took a first victory in 2012 with Marco Melandri, before 11 more victories followed on from the Italian and Chaz Davies.
Last year saw the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team formally return to the grid with the latest S 1000 RR, as Tom Sykes rode to eighth position in the championship standings after achieving four podiums during the middle section of the year.
Revised MXGP calendar to include MXoN in Great Britain
Section: Competition
Season 2020 to restart with three-straight rounds at Kegums next month.
Image: Supplied.
A heavily-revised 2020 MXGP World Championship calendar has been unveiled, which could now include a point-scoring round at the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Great Britain.
The new-look schedule could feature up to 18 rounds – two already held and a further two to be confirmed – when it resumes at Kegums on 8-9 August.
There will be three-straight rounds in Latvia to reopen the season, while Faenza in Italy and Lommel, Belgium, will also play host to multiple events later in the year.
Both the MXGP of Russia and the MXGP of Portugal remain part of the 2020 world championship calendar as TBC, depending on the ongoing national conditions.
In order to provide the riders with a longer recovery period, the MXGP and MX2 race action will be concentrated on one day, with free/timed practice taking place in the morning and the races starting from midday into the afternoon.
Infront Moto Racing and the FIM have confirmed that Ernee, France, will no longer host MXoN this year, instead delayed until 2023 due to severe restrictions in relation to COVID-19.
Instead, Matterley Basin in the UK will be the likely location of MXoN on 26-27 September, coinciding with round nine of the season. The format of that combined event remain a work in progress, according to organisers.
2020 MXGP World Championship calendar (revised): Rd1 – 1 March – Matterley Basin, Great Britain (Women) Rd2 – 8 March – Valkenswaard, The Netherlands (Women) Rd3 – 9 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd4 – 12 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd5 – 16 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd6 – 6 September – Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Women) Rd7 – 16 September – Faenza, Italy Rd8 – 20 September – Faenza, Italy Rd9 – 27 September – Matterley Bassin, Great Britain (TBC – MXoN) Rd10 – 4 October – Mantova, Italy Women Rd11 – 11 October – intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos, Spain Rd12 – 18 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd13 – 21 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd14 – 25 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd15 – 1 November – Pietramurata, Italy Rd16 – 22 November – Neuquen, Argentina TBC – Orlyonok, Russia TBC – Agueda, Portugal
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