Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News, News

Ixon 2020 Summer range arrives in Australia

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Get suited up for Summer with Ixon

Ixon is coming to the rescue as a bearer of good news after a long winter – spring is almost here, and Summer is on its way with the 2020 Ixon Summer range better than ever! It’s time to make the most of good riding weather on the horizon.

Ixon winter
Ixon 2020 Summer range arrives in Australia

Ixon is re-emphasising the importance of their crowned motto Ride Your Way as a pinnacle for all riders to embrace this summer. It’s more than a theme or a fancy slogan decided by a team of office workers sitting in a board room for a day.

It’s the essential spirit of freedom you have when you ride your bike, freedom to choose your routes, your directions, your pace, and your style. Ixon is committed to providing quality gear, so you can enjoy your ride with the best experience possible.

Ixon DPD
Ixon 2020 Summer catalogue out now

There is something for every rider, and Ixon has you covered. Now all your mates can join you on your journey or take their own path. Racing, Adventure, Urban, Heritage, and Roadster – take your pick of the 2020 range now, including some of the most advanced jacket technology of the modern motorcycle era.

Ixon Sparrow Jacket – $599.95 RRP

Ixon Sparrow noir blanc face
Ixon Sparrow Jacket

A sporty leather jacket, the Ixon Sparrow features flex leather around the shoulders and lower back, with a breathable stretch fabric under the arms and along the sides, and cow leather design.

A racing collar includes neoprene for comfort, with ergonomic zips at the cuffs, plus straps, with straps also found at the waist. A mesh lining helps breathability and comfort, with two external pockets and four internal pockets, plus room for a wallet. A 270-degree zipper for trousers is also included, while the Ixon Sparrow is CE approved.

  • Racing collar – back of collar and high neckroll in neoprene
  • Flex leather around shoulders and on bottom back
  • Resistant stretch fabric on sides and inside sleeves
  • Ergonomic zipped cuffs with tightening strap
  • Bottom tightening with buckle
  • Fixed mesh lining – Fitted, precurved and sportive cut
  • 2 external pockets + 4 internal pockets + 1 wallet pocket
  • Connection with trousers thanks to full zip 270° all around
  • CE Approved

Ixon Spark / Spark Lady Jack – $579.95 RRP

Ixon Spark Camel face
Ixon Spark Jacket

For those after a more classic or retro look the Ixon Spark or Spark Lady Jacket is available, with a soft cow-leather design with fixed lining for comfort and breathability. CE approved the jacket includes elbow and shoulder armour at Level 2, and there is also a pocket for back protection.

The collar includes a press-stud for easy closure, with zipped cuffs also including a press-stud, and the jacket is also adjustable at the waist with press-studs, and features a buckle to connect trousers.

  • Classic collar with press-stud
  • Internal linings in cotton
  • 2 external pockets, 2 internal pockets, 1 wallet pocket
  • Zipped cuffs with press-stud
  • Bottom adjustable with press-studs
  • Connection with trousers thanks to buckle on back
  • CE Approved
Ixon Spark Lady camel dos
Ixon Spark Lady Jacket

Ixon Filter Jacket – $299.95 RRP

Ixon Filter noir face
Ixon Filter Jacket

For those after a more casual but stylishing cut in a textile jacket,  the Ixon Filter includes plentiful mesh ventilation panels on the external shell, while a removable waterproof liner offers additional flexibility for a greater range of weather conditions.

The collar, cuffs and waist all feature press-studs, with an additional zip on each cuff. Plentiful external pockets, four in total, are joined by two internal pockets and a waterproof wallet pocket, with a trouser connecting buckle also featured.

CE approved shoulder and elbow armour is also standard fitment, with a back pocket ready for back protection.

  • Classic collar, neoprene high neckroll & press-stud tightening
  • Zipped cuffs with press-stud
  • Bottom adjustable with press-studs
  • Several pockets
  • Connection with trousers thanks to buckle on back
  • CE Approved

Ixon Bull WP Boot – $269.95 RRP

Ixon winter
Ixon Bull WP Boot

The Ixon Bull WP Boot offers a casual protective low cut motorcycle boot for those who want comfort on and off the bike. A metal cable and ATOP trammel system is featured on the Ixon Bull WP boot, with a anti-bacterial double internal sole, and anti-skid Michelin outer sole.

  • Closing/opening by metal cable
  • ATOP trammel system
  • Doble density internal sole
  • Gel reinforcement
  • CE Approved

Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves – $79.95 RRP

Ixon winter
Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves

A stylish set of leather gloves, the Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Glove offers integrated finger reinforcements for an eye-catching look and good flexibility, with a screen touch system on the index finger tips. Perforated knuckle protectors are supple and comfortable, with a perforated leather outer also boosting air flow. The RS Cruise Air 2 is a short cuff glove, with tightening strap and CE approved.

  • Integrated finger reinforcements
  • Screen Touch System : index compatible with touch screens
  • Supple and integrated knuckle protector
  • Fully perforated leather
  • Short cuff with tightening strap
  • CE Approved
Ixon winter
Ixon RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves

Find out more by viewing the Ixon Summer 2020 catalogue

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Ongoing pain ends Misano testing early for Lorenzo

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News 2 Sep 2019

Ongoing pain ends Misano testing early for Lorenzo

Section: Competition

Spaniard completes just 21 laps in two-day test last week.

Image: Supplied.

Repsol Honda’s Jorge Lorenzo was forced to cut short two-days of testing at Misano as he continued to experience significant pain in his return from back injuries sustained in June.

The Spaniard returned to racing at Silverstone’s British grand prix, however only managed to complete 21 laps in the opening session of testing at the Italian venue last week.

Lorenzo elected to sit out the remainder of the test in order to improve his condition ahead of the Misano grand prix, scheduled on 15 September.

“Unfortunately I didn’t feel great and I had quite a lot of pain on the bike, even more than in Silverstone,” Lorenzo admitted. “We were able to make 20 laps in Silverstone and everyone was very pleased, but it took a lot of effort from me physically and I had some more inflammation and pain after the race.

“It improved a bit, but I am still hurting too much on the bike so we decided together with the team to finish the test early and to arrive at the Misano race in the best condition possible. Even with the limited running we were able to try some new parts like the chassis.”

Injuries during both the season and pre-season have prevented Lorenzo from taking part in valuable testing this year, contributing to his delayed progress with the RC213V.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Dovizioso ‘back into good shape’ at Misano test

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News 2 Sep 2019

Dovizioso ‘back into good shape’ at Misano test

Section: Competition

Italian ace returns after frightening British grand prix crash.

Image: Supplied.

Andrea Dovizioso says he was ‘back into good shape’ at Misano’s MotoGP test last week, just days after being transported to hospital following a heavy first turn crash with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas SRT Yamaha) at the British grand prix.

The Ducati Team rider used the two-day test in Italy to ease his way back onto the bike, completing 37 laps on day one before putting in a strong 81 laps on Friday.

Despite not utilising the extra-soft rear tyre, the Italian ace set the 17th fastest time as he gained valuable data for the Misano grand prix in two weeks’ time.

“Luckily I managed to do a day and a half of testing, and physically I’m okay,” Dovizioso explained. “In the last few days we did a good job at home – I was able to get back into good shape and here I managed to lap on track, even though I still feel a bit knocked about.

“It was very important to test here, because we found a track that was quite different to last year, with not so much grip and because there were also all the other riders. We were able to do a lot of interesting tests in view of the race, both with the material available and with the set-up.

“I’m not entirely satisfied with our speed but it was important to get out on track in this test; we did it so now we’ll prepare well to get ready during the race weekend.”

Misano’s 13th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship is scheduled for 15 September.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed

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An American inventor who has been working on a “miracle” exhaust pipe cleaner for several years has revealed his secret formula on YouTube after it was “stolen” and marketed by a rival.

Neil Stern contacted Motorbike Writer in 2015 after we published an article in which the World Patent Marketing issued a patent for his “Rid a Blue”, a quick-cleaning product designed to take the bluing out of stainless steel or chrome exhaust pipes.

It was claimed to comprise detergent oil, white diamond Polish and an “anti-oxidiser chemical”.

Neil told us he was the inventor of Rid a Blue and was working on getting it to market.

He asked if we would like to try it and we accepted.

Dodgy packExhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern

When it arrived in some dodgy looking bottles with hand-written directions and an old rag, we were immediately dubious.

It didn’t work on an old bike we had and Neil said it was probably not real chrome or stainless steel.

So he sent another dodgy package and suggested we try it on the badly oxidised pipes of our Triumph Street Scrambler.

This time the results were amazing and immediate.

With only a small application of the solution and without much rubbing it immediately removed the ugly oxidation spots.

In fact, he emphasises you have to be quick and not leave it on for long as it is “strong and fast acting”.

He said it consisted of an “activator” to shift the stain and a deactivator to stop the process. You then use a normal chrome polish such as purple to finish the job.

Neil ran in to all sorts of dramas in getting his product to market, so he gave up.

However, when he found someone selling his formula this year at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, he decided to reveal the secret formula in this crude video on YouTube.

Secret ingredients

It turns out the secret ingredients in the formula are one-third muriatic acid to two-thirds plain old polish.

Now, muriatic acid (HCL) is a form of hydrochloric acid which is poisonous and highly corrosive. It is also known as spirits of salt.

I can imagine most riders immediately recoiling at the prospect of putting corrosive salt-based acid anywhere near their pride and joy.

In fact, I never would have agreed to use it had he revealed his secret ingredients.

However, it does work.

Warning

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern
Only a small amount is needed

Neil advises “be careful, it’s strong” and to only use a small amount.

It also has a strong odour and we recommend that if you are brave enough to try it on your pipes, make sure you do it in an open space.

We would also suggest you wear gloves even though we weren’t advised to and didn’t.

Also, be very careful not to get any on any other surfaces, especially paint!

We have not seen any adverse reaction in the pipes which have not oxidised again.

Exhaust pipe cleaner secret formula revealed Neil Stern
Still non-oxidised

“Never let the activator stay on long and hit it with a polish to deactivate and polish,” he says.

“Never do it on hot pipes, always cold.”

He says it can be used to clean all oxidation on stainless steel and chrome.

Neil says some chrome pipes are “plated under solution with no oxygen which is unstable”.

“When in the air and heated up, the molecules in the chrome fall apart and allow oxidation and bluing,” he says.

“What this cleaner does is force the particles together,” he said.

Neil no longer plans to market his cleaner and has now turned his attention to health care products.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Stolen bike ridden on wrong side of road

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A 38-year-old man has been arrested after feeing police on a stolen motorbike, riding on the wrong side of the road at Pomona on the Queensland Sunshine Coast overnight (1 September 2019).

Police will allege that at 9.17pm they spotted a stolen motorcycle on Pomona Connection Road at Pomona and activated their lights and siren.

The rider crossed double lines to the wrong side of the road on a corner and accelerated away, turning into Bakers and Enchelmeier roads before heading on to a track and hitting a wire fence.

“The man fled on foot and was subsequently located by a police dog and arrested,” police say.

The Torquay man has been charged with one count of dangerous driving, burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, receiving tainted property, unlicensed driving, possession of dangerous drug (amphetamine) and evade police.

He has also been charged with two counts of assaulting police and four counts of obstructing police.

The man suffered non life-threatening injuries to his neck and was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he remains.

He will appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court at a later date.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1901707869

It follows another crash involving a stolen motorcycle on Thursday night in Granville, NSW.

Fatal crashnsw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail wrong

In another motorcycle incident last night, a man has died after a motorcycle crashed int a tree in Sydney’s west.

NSW Police say the accident occurred about 6pm at the end of Grafton Place, near Cobb Place, Jamisontown.

The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly, he later died.

Our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Police are yet to formally identified the man but is believed to be aged 35.

Officers from Nepean Police Area Command established a crime scene and the circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Discount on first Tibet tours

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Extreme Bike Tours is offering a 10% discount on its first tours of Tibet and Nepal, the Mt Everest base camp and the Forbidden City of Lhasa in 2020.

Riders will be aboard Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure motorcycles  which were tested in the Himalayas.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet invests camo
Royal Enfield Himalayan

We toured Sri Lanka last year with Extreme Bike Tours and found them to be top value, professional and honest.

Company part-owner Ben Lloyd says there is already so much interest in their 15-day, 2277km tour that they have scheduled two tours next year from 5-20 September and 22 September to 6 October.

Their tours have a cap of 10 riders to keep them intimate and safe.

Prices are $US5895 (about $A8800) for riders, $US4950 ($A7350) for a pillion and $US695 ($A1000) for a single room.

If you book before the end of October 2019, they will take 10% off.

That’s good value as they stay in good quality hotels and all meals are included. In fact, everything but your flights, health insurance, alcohol and tips is included.

Tibet treasures

The tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and climbs to 5220m to Mt Everest base camp and on to the spectacular Tibetan Plateau.

Tibet Lhasa
The Forbidden City of Lhasa

They even include free oxygen cylinders for those find the altitude hard going.

Despite the adventure, it’s still only rated at “intermediate” skill level, so there will be some rough riding involved.

Highlights of the tour include stunning mountain scenery, challenging roads, spectacular waterfalls, sacred caves, ancient monasteries and temples, and jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest from old Tingri if the weather is kind.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Mike Jones on form heading into Winton ASBK Round 5

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2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

Winton Motor Raceway – Round 5 Preview

Mike Jones has announced he’s all set for the return of the Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship to Winton Motor Raceway next weekend (September 6-8), where the rider will be looking to extend his one-point championship lead on the DesmoSport Ducati, with three remaining rounds left to run.

Mike Jones currently sits on 184-points, a point ahead of Cru Halliday, while Bryan Staring sits in third on 176-points. Troy Herfoss currently sits fourth with 169-points, with Wayne Maxwell a further 11-points behind completing the top five, with Josh Waters a single point further back.

ASBK Rnd Winton Preview Mike Jones
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

Championship leader Jones is upbeat heading into Round 5 at Winton, sharing, “I’m riding better than I ever have.” Here’s what he had to say ahead of Round 5.

What’s been the reasons behind your good form that sees you sitting atop the ASBK Championship table?

MJ: It’s a combination of things, but it’s mostly down to DesmoSport Ducati team’s effort because I’ve got a group of guys who are just as committed and passionate as I am. I think I’m riding better than I ever have and I put that down to the past two seasons riding in the Spanish Championship. It’s helped me develop as a rider and I’m at the top of my game. Additionally, in my opinion, I believe I’m on the best bike in the field.

How tough has the competition been in the ASBK Championship in 2019?

MJ: It’s the toughest it’s ever been! I didn’t foresee the Championship being so close and it’s one of the closest Championships we’ve had in Australian Superbikes. It’s great for the riders, and the spectators, too.

ASBK Rnd Winton Preview Mike Jones
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

What do you need to do well for the remainder of the season to give yourself the best chance of winning the Championship?

MJ: I just need to be on top of my game every time I hit the track because everyone is really racing well. Both the team and I need to give 100 per cent, and I believe we’ve done that, so we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.

What does the future hold for you?

MJ: Ultimately, my goal is to race in the World Superbikes, and it’s been a goal since I was a kid. Winning the Australian Championship is very beneficial for assisting me to get a ride overseas. Right now, though, the market is very tough over there and there’s not a lot of positions available, so I’m just taking one step at a time. The way I’m riding in ASBK I’m very comfortable here in Australia, but we’ll see what the final result is in the Championship. We’re in a results-based industry, so we’ll see how we go at the end of the year.

ASBK Winton Test RMimage Mike JONES
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship – Image by Rob Mott

What do you do away from the track in your personal time?

MJ: When I’m away from the track my focus is still heavily on racing. I spend my time training on a bicycle and at the gym trying to stay fit. I also love to have fun with my girlfriend, family and friends because they ease my mind and take my entire focus off the motorbike.

Tickets are now on sale for Spokes.com.au presents Round 5 of 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship at Winton Motor Raceway from September 6-8. Head to ASBK.com.au (link) for more info or to purchase.

ASBK Rnd Morgan Park RbMotoLens SBK Race Mike JONES pit lane after race
Mike Jones – 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship – Image by Rob Mott

2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championships Calendar

  • Round 5: Winton Motor Raceway, VIC – 6-8 September 2019
  • Round 6: Phillip Island GP Circuit, VIC – 4-6 October 2019
  • Round 7: Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW – 1-3 November 2019

Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship Standings

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Rider, 64, dies after crashing into ditch

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A 64-year-old male rider has died after crashing into a ditch near Kempsey on the NSW mid-north coast about 12.15pm yesterday (Saturday 31 August 2019).

NSW Police say he was riding his Ducati along Gowlings Hill Road towards the intersection of Dondingalong Road, Dondingalong.

“As the man attempted to negotiate the bend, he appears to have lost control, leaving the roadway, and crashing into a ditch,” police say.

“The man was thrown from the motorcycle and was seriously injured. The man was assisted by members of the public until emergency services arrived.”

He was taken to Port Macquarie Hospital where, sadly, he died.

Our condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Concern about police crash reports

NSW motorcycle police - scrooge
MBW comment

Since police will prepare a brief for the Coroner it is presumptuous of them to assume the circumstance of this crash.

There are many other possible explanations including stray livestock or wildlife, or another vehicle.

Our concern is that references to riders “losing control” creates the impression in the public’s mind that riders are reckless or careless.

Statistically, riders are the most likely motorists to be involved in a crash.

However, statistics also show that at least half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle.

And it could be much higher.

If another vehicle causes a motorcyclist to crash, but then leaves the scene, it is considered a single-vehicle accident.

We have recently reported on a number of hit-and-run crashes involving motorcycles, so what about those incidents where another vehicle caused the crash, but did not hit the rider?

This sort of scenario is difficult to prove, but if police make reference to the possibility another vehicle or animal is involved, then it is a fairer assessment of a motorcycle crash where the cause is not known.

It would also provide the public with a fairer view of motorcycle crashes and may educate them to look out for vulnerable riders.

Currently, biased police reporting of motorcycle crashes such as this only serve to demonise riders in the eyes of the public.

How can we expect other motorists to look out for riders or be concerned about our vulnerability if they think we are careless or have a death wish?

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Victory in void helmet sticker fine

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Police have waived a Bribie Island rider’s $400/3point infringement for having a void helmet sticker in a test case that proves riders can legally remove the external sticker.

Ian Joice, 63, says he was pulled over by police on Bowen Rd, Glass House Mountains, on 12 August 2019 at 11.38am.

He says the officer noted the external sticker had the word VOID across it from age and sun damage while the internal label was faded due to wear.

Helmet fine void sticker
Internal label

A week later he received an infringement notice in the post for “fail to wear helmet”.

So he contacted Motorbike Writer after reading our article which advised riders that is legal to remove the external sticker.

Click there to read our full article.

We contacted Queensland Police to ask why an erroneous fine was issued and how many other similar fines had been issued.

They replied:

The infringement in this matter will be withdrawn. This is an isolated incident and the officer has been given guidance regarding the matter.

Ian was greatly relieved when we passed on the news of his fine waiver.

“I have been very distressed with this situation and am greatly relieved that the notice has been withdrawn,” he says.

“I have had some black days since the notice arrived.”

Australian Motorcycle Council helmet law expert Guy Stanford says he believes police are not aware of the rules and standards that apply to helmets.

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void
Guy Stanford

“This is a good result from a commonsense complaint,” he says. 

“The facts were clear, the rider had been issued a fine for an offence he did not commit.

“This sort of fraud reflects badly on all police.”

Void sticker

Guy says the external sticker on a motorcycle helmet is only an indication of compliance and not a legal requirement.

In fact, the Australian Road Rules and standards do not even mention an external sticker.

They only say the helmet has to be “permanently and legibly marked”.

“So long as the mark of certification appears somewhere on the helmet that’s all you need, which means the label inside,” Guy says.

AS/NZS 1698 external stickers show VOID due to fading in the sun or if they have been removed.Helmet fine void sticker

“This is only a manufacturer’s device to recommend to riders when they should update their helmet,” Guy says.

“It has nothing to do with any legal requirement and is not mentioned in the Australian Road Rules. There is no expiry date on motorcycle helmets.”

Ian says he didn’t realise his helmet was so old and has now spent the $400 he would have spent on paying the fine to buy a new helmet.

  • We suggest you keep a copy of this article and/or our previous article to show police if you are ever threatened with a similar erroneous fine.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Quartararo tops the timesheets in Misano for day two of testing

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News 31 Aug 2019

Quartararo tops the timesheets in Misano for day two of testing

Section: Competition

Petrucci and Morbidelli in the top three as Miller sets fifth fastest time.

Image: Supplied.

On Friday Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was once again top of the pile at Misano’s MotoGP test, this time ahead of the Ducati of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) by nearly half a second, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the top three after another impressive day for the Italian.

Once more it was a scorcher on the Riviera de Rimini as the sun beat down on the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the second and final day of the two-day test. And as Petronas Yamaha SRT continued their almost-dominance at the top, Yamaha overall continued their solid showing.

For Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Valentino Rossi was seen leaving pitlane with what looked like a carbon covered front brake on one of his YZR-M1s. Teammate Maverick Vinales was on track with the double exhaust again today as well, seemingly doing a comparison with the ‘normal’ Yamaha exhaust.

The Spaniard was also back to using the usual tail on both of his bikes on Friday as he ended the test P6, just under a second back from Quartararo. ‘The Doctor’ had climbed into the top three in the closing stages, only to be displaced by Petrucci’s late time attack to end the day fourth at his home track.

Ducati shot up the timesheets on the second day with Petrucci. He and teammate Andrea Dovizioso were out testing with one of their two bikes having the swingarm attachment. In addition, the two Italians were both using the wheel covers on their GP19s, with test rider Michele Pirro displaying a slightly different looking Ducati belly pan. Pirro finished 15th on the timesheets, Dovizioso was 17th.

Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), meanwhile, was the lunchtime leader and he even ended his test at midday, the Australian encountering an issue with his number one bike during the morning. The number 43 was mainly working on his race pace and stability in the high-speed corners, something he says he struggled with a bit at Silverstone.

Miller also said he and the team had found a little bit of direction in that department – good news ahead of the grand prix weekend. Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was also mainly working on race setup, and the rookie had a positive-looking test onboard his GP18 as the Pramac duo finished up fifth and seventh respectively. Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) also put his Ducati in P12 after a solid day’s work.

Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was the fastest Honda rider at the Misano test, the Japanese rider putting in his fastest laps towards the end of Day 2 to sit P8 on the timesheets. In the Repsol Honda garage, as well as having two Repsol liveried bikes, championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had HRC test rider Stefan Bradl’s bike at his disposal on Friday as he ended the test P10.

Marquez rode a blacked-out Honda on Thursday and today it was the turn of Bradl to have a go, with Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) also having a black Honda on his side of the garage on day two. Five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) didn’t ride on day two as he continues to recover from injury.

Meanwhile at Team Suzuki Ecstar, Joan Mir finished the test in P11 as the Spaniard continued to get back up to speed following his huge Brno test crash. ‘Some new parts’, settings and grip was Mir’s main aim, and the rookie ended the test ahead of British GP winner Alex Rins, who had a low key time on the timesheets at least.

Aprilia ended the second day in the top ten. Aleix Espargaro was ninth quickest on his Aprilia Racing Team Gresini machine as the Italian brand continue working towards 2020, although the Spaniard suffered two crashes during the morning session on day two. Teammate Andrea Iannone confirmed the team were working more in the direction of next year’s package and the Italian ended the test in P14.

Some of the headlines, however, remain reserved for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. MotoGP Legend Dani Pedrosa got a full day of testing done for Austrian factory KTM, with the three-time World Champion trying a tail unit that was similar to what Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco used at the opening round of the season, something Pedrosa also used at the Barcelona Test earlier in the year.

KTM did confirm they tested things they think they will use in the coming races and Pedrosa finished the day as the quickest KTM rider, with Dovizioso splitting him from Espargaro on the timesheets. Espargaro also crashed in the morning. Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was behind the number 44, and his teammate Miguel Oliveira remains absent to recover from his Silverstone crash.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au