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Yamaha Announces Returning 2020 Street Models

The VMAX is back among Yamaha’s 2020 returning models!

Begin press release:


 2020 Sport Heritage Motorcycles

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today announced several 2020 model-year Sport Heritage motorcycles. The powerful VMAX cruiser, Bolt and Bolt R-Spec urban performance bobbers, and the entry-level V Star 250 return to the lineup as key models that continue to deliver iconic design with advanced engine and chassis technology.

The Faster Sons Design Philosophy
Yamaha’s Sport Heritage motorcycle models draw inspiration from in-depth experience spanning seven decades of design and manufacture of famous and iconic motorcycles. During this time, the world of motorcycling has continually evolved, yet the unique emotions and intense excitement experienced when riding on two wheels have always stayed the same. The Faster Sons design philosophy fuses iconic style with modern technology to create enjoyable and exciting motorcycles that recall the past while featuring the performance of today.

2020 VMAX

The 2020 VMAX is the ultimate power cruiser, designed to deliver eye-opening performance from its thunderous 65-degree, 1679cc V-four engine. Astonishing-yet-controllable acceleration is achieved throughout a broad range of power, thanks to Yamaha’s Chip-Controlled Intake (YCC-I) and Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) fly-by-wire technology. The four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust system adds to the iconic VMAX look and delivers legendary sound.

A lightweight aluminum chassis places the engine low and forward for mass centralization, while huge cartridge-damper-type front forks and a link-type Monocross rear suspension with a fully adjustable remote-reservoir shock combine to make the VMAX handle curves and straightaways with ease.

The 2020 VMAX will be available from authorized Yamaha dealers in Matte Raven Black beginning in October for an MSRP of $17,999.

2020 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec

The 2020 Bolt and Bolt R-Spec are designed to offer the ultimate in urban riding fun and feature a 942cc air-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine for excellent power and low-end torque. Their stripped-down design epitomizes the “Urban Performance Bobber” look while a compact, stable chassis delivers light maneuverability with an upright riding position and low seat height.

The Bolt R-Spec takes performance and style to the next level, with twin piggyback rear shocks tuned for great comfort and handling, and 12-spoke cast alloy wheels for added strength and toughness.The 2020 Bolt will be available in Raven for an MSRP of $7,999, and the 2020 Bolt R-Spec will be available in  Matte Silver for an MSRP of $8,399. Both models will begin arriving at authorized Yamaha dealers in September (October delivery for California dealers).

2020 V Star 250

The light and nimble 2020 V Star 250 delivers smooth power and easy handling in a stylish, entry-level V-twin package. Powered by the only V-Twin in its class, the unique 249cc air-cooled 60-degree engine delivers plenty of bottom-end torque and smooth roll-on power. Lightweight and compact with a low 27-inch seat height, the V Star 250 offers easy handling and maneuverability for first-time riders. With its 2.5-gallon fuel capacity and estimated 78 mpg, there is plenty of time for riding fun between fill-ups. The 2020 V Star 250 will available in Metallic Silver and begin arriving at authorized Yamaha dealers in September (October delivery for California dealers) for an MSRP of $4,349.


2020 YZF-R3 and YZF-R6 Supersport Motorcycles

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced 2020 model-year YZF-R3 and YZF-R6 Supersport motorcycles, offering riders more opportunities to experience the exhilaration of  R World on the street and track. Today’s introductions, along with the previously announced Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition YZF-R3, and evolutionary YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M models, complete the company’s Supersport lineup for 2020.

Welcome to R World
Yamaha has a rich heritage of building the most sought after Supersport motorcycles designed to deliver the pinnacle of performance on and off the track. From the rider-friendly YZF-R3 to the competition-focused YZF-R1M, the Yamaha R-series model lineup provides options for riders of all skill levels to experience the pure exhilaration of R World.

2020 YZF-R3 – R World is Calling

The YZF-R3 (R3) is the ultimate entry-level Supersport bike with Yamaha’s iconic aggressive design and outstanding performance, making it the perfect choice for first-time riders or experienced sportbike pilots who prefer a lightweight, nimble machine.

Powered by a reliable 321cc engine, the R3 delivers excellent performance for navigating cross-town traffic, carving twisty roads, or participating in a track day. Featuring the latest combustion technology, lightweight forged aluminum pistons, and all-aluminum DiASil cylinders with an offset design, the smooth-running and quick-revving R3 engine produces easy-to-manage power.

A lightweight steel frame cradles the engine’s crankcase within the chassis, resulting in approximately 50/50 front-rear weight distribution for the perfect balance of rigidity and weight. An asymmetric swingarm efficiently delivers engine power to the rear wheel, while a preload-adjustable KYB rear shock mounted in a Monocross suspension design contributes to a mass centralization of weight. To help achieve the right balance of comfort and sport riding performance for both street and track, the R3 features a KYB 37mm inverted front fork to provide the rider with outstanding handling during cornering and braking. ABS is also available, adding to confidence-boosting stopping performance.

The 2020 YZF-R3 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue for an MSRP of $4,999. Models equipped with ABS will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Black, and Matte Silver for an MSRP of $5,299. Both ABS and non-ABS models will begin arriving at authorized Yamaha dealerships in November.

2020 YZF-R6 – Respect. Earned.

The YZF-R6 (R6) continues to be one of the most popular race-ready Supersport motorcycles ever built, succeeding as the number one choice for today’s racers who are looking to progress quickly through the competition ranks.

The 2020 R6 features Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) for a broad, tractable powerband. A class-leading four-cylinder 599cc engine provides excellent performance, utilizing 16 titanium valves, a high 13.1:1 compression ratio, and lightweight forged pistons to allow for smooth, high-revving power. Linerless, direct-plated ceramic-composite cylinder bores provide excellent heat dissipation and reduced friction, while magnesium engine covers minimize engine weight.

The R6’s Deltabox aluminum frame incorporates years of GP development in terms of geometry, engine positioning, and rigidity, resulting in lightning-fast handling agility with confidence-inspiring mid-corner stability on the road or the track. A magnesium subframe removes weight from the rear of the motorcycle for increased mass centralization, while the flat and narrow seat makes it easier to reach the ground and gives riders more room to maneuver during aggressive racetrack riding.

Thanks to traction control that provides six levels of intervention or can be turned off completely, D-Mode for adjustable throttle response, YZF-R1 derived suspension, ABS brakes, top-notch aerodynamics, and an aluminum fuel tank, the 2020 R6 is poised to continue dominating the track while remaining ever-popular with street riders around the world.

The 2020 YZF-R6 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, and Vivid Orange/Matte Raven Black for an MSRP of $12,199, and begin arriving at authorized Yamaha dealers in October.

Yamaha bLU cRU Road Racing Contingency
The 2020 Yamaha Supersport Lineup is eligible for Yamaha’s bLU cRU Road Racing Contingency Program. Registered riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a ten percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit at http://www.bLUcRUswag.com.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.












The post Yamaha Announces Returning 2020 Street Models appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

“This is Suzuki. When we win, everyone goes wild”

“It was a truly great day for us, and for all of Suzuki, both in Europe and Japan. And a good day for me as well because I was able to score some points. I felt good on the bike all weekend but I wasn’t really setting any expectations for myself, I just wanted to complete a good race. In the end I got a better result than I thought I would, and I’m really happy with the 12th place finish. Alex’s win was absolutely brilliant, I’m so happy I was there to celebrate with him and the team.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Simpson Mod Bandit Modular Helmet | Gear Review

Simpson Mod Bandit Modular Helmet in white with gold mirrored shield
Simpson Mod Bandit Modular Helmet in white with gold mirrored shield.

There’s really no beating modular helmets for convenience (though seldom are they described as “cool”), but if you’re a fan of Simpson’s signature aggressive look you no longer have to sacrifice convenience in the name of coolness – thanks to the new Mod Bandit. Ironically, it was Simpson’s ad here in the magazine that first drew my attention to the Mod Bandit (that’s how those things are supposed to work, right?), and I immediately requested one for review. 

The Mod Bandit is available in sizes XS to 2XL with two shell types: composite ($479.95), which comes in white, gloss black or flat black, and carbon fiber with a gloss black polycarbonate chinbar ($679.95). While it appears very similar to the full-face Ghost Bandit, the Mod Bandit sizing runs large, so Simpson advised me to order an XS instead of my usual Small, and it was the right call. However, the XS crown liner was too thick for my head shape so I swapped it out for a thinner Medium; it snapped right in and fits much better.

Along with the removable/interchangeable/washable liner and cheek pads, fit and finish on the ECE- and DOT-certified Mod Bandit is impressive. The chinbar raises and lowers with one hand and locks solidly with metal hardware, and I love the spacious feeling of the large eye port. Two crown vents are easy to operate with gloves on but their small openings don’t flow much air; the six chinbar vents flow it directly onto the rider’s face but open and close via levers inside the chinbar that are tough to access with the chin curtain installed.

Simpson Mod Bandit Modular Helmet
The Mod Bandit comes with the standard clear main visor/tinted inner sun shield combo, but both can be swapped so you can maintain the signature aggressive Simpson look during the day.

The Mod Bandit comes with a clear, Pinlock-ready main visor and tinted inner drop-down shield, but I opted to swap the tinted inner shield for a clear one, and the clear main visor for a cool gold-mirrored one (both of which took only seconds and required no tools). This allows me to maintain that aggressive Simpson look for day rides, and if I’m caught out after dark I can raise the dark main visor and use the clear inner shield. 

My carbon fiber Mod Bandit is a relatively featherweight 3 pounds, 7 ounces, and while aerodynamic in a headwind it gets pushed around in a strong crosswind. It’s also a bit noisy, although I ride with earplugs so that’s not a deal-breaker for me. Overall this is a quality lid that proves it really is possible for a modular helmet to be cool. Makes me wonder why anyone would buy a standard full-face.

For more information, call (800) 654-7223 or visit simpsonraceproducts.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Gabriel Rodrigo prepare his year two with Gresini

It has been a difficult year so far, first with the collarbone injury and then with the arm pump. It was also difficult to get to the races in perfect condition in this first half of the season. When I finally got back to full fitness, I then injured my pelvis and collarbone – which hit me hard confidence-wise. Of this 2019 there is very little to save, apart from an incredible team, an extremely-high performing motorcycle and the awareness that I can be quick at every track. This step forward should have been accompanied by important results, which didn’t come due to some bad luck.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Rodrigo prepares for his second season with Gresini

It has been a difficult year so far, first with the collarbone injury and then with the arm pump. It was also difficult to get to the races in perfect condition in this first half of the season. When I finally got back to full fitness, I then injured my pelvis and collarbone – which hit me hard confidence-wise. Of this 2019 there is very little to save, apart from an incredible team, an extremely-high performing motorcycle and the awareness that I can be quick at every track. This step forward should have been accompanied by important results, which didn’t come due to some bad luck.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Sam Lowes joins Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS for 2020

Sam Lowes will join the Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS in 2020, which will be his sixth season in the intermediate category. Born in Lincoln (England) on September 14, 1990, the Briton arrived in the MotoGP World Championship in 2014 after being crowned World Supersport Champion in 2013 with Yamaha. After three seasons in Moto2, Lowes made the leap to MotoGP with Aprilia in 2017 before returning to the intermediate category one year later. He has raced a Kalex chassis during the 2019 campaign, which saw the introduction of the new Triumph 765cc three-cylinder motor.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Maxwell tops rain-affected Friday practice at Winton ASBK

Toparis and Shaw fastest in Supersport and Supersport 300 classes.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia’s Wayne Maxwell has ended a rain-affected Friday practice on top of the timesheets at Winton’s fifth round of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), the premier class managing just one session under reasonable conditions.

Former champion Maxwell, who won last time out at Morgan Park, lodged the fastest time of 1m21.499s in session two, edging out Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) and defending champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) in the top three, the duo recording times of 1m21.724s and 1m21.851s respectively.

Points leader Mike Jones (DesmoSport Ducati) was fourth with a 1m21.995s time, followed by Josh Waters (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia), who recorded a best-lap of 1m22.649s.

Bryan Staring (Kawasaki BCpeformance) was sixth ahead of Alex Phillis (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia), Glenn Allerton (Maxima BMW), Matt Walters (Kawasaki Connection) and Aaron Morris (Maxima BMW).

Image: Russell Colvin.

The Supersport category saw championship leader Tom Toparis (Landbridge Yamaha) set the fastest over Yamaha-mounted Ty Lynch, as Aiden Hayes (Yamaha) locked out the top three. Fourth and fifth were credited to Rhys Belling (Yamaha) and Chris Quinn (Yamaha).

Yannis Shaw (Kawasaki) was fastest in Supersport 300 ahead of Luke Jhonston (Kawasaki) and Luke Power (Kawasaki), as Max Stauffer (Yamaha) led Luke Jhonston (Yamaha) and Ben Baker (Yamaha) in the Yamaha R3 Cup.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Rodbell indicates Raceline KTM Thor switch for AUS Supercross

News 6 Sep 2019

Rodbell indicates Raceline KTM Thor switch for AUS Supercross

American receives call up in place of injured Mellross.

Image: Foremost Media.

Justin Rodbell has indicated he’ll transfer to Raceline KTM Thor in place of an injured Hayden Mellross for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship, the American previously fielded by KSF Suzuki in the Pirelli MX Nationals.

Rodbell, who earned his ride with KSF Suzuki by winning a pre-season competition hosted by the outfit, is understood to have been on a motocross-only deal, however following his campaign in the MX Nationals, discussions and preparation for him compete in supercross aboard a Suzuki were being made.

The 19-year-old received the call up by the factory KTM team last month to pilot the 450 SX-F made vacant by Mellross, who suffered a season-ending knee injury at Moree’s penultimate stop of the outdoor series before being operated on after Coolum’s finals.

“Nothing’s official yet, but I’m obviously filling in for Hayden Mellross,” Rodbell explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ve made the switch to KTM, and I’m loving the bike so far – I’ve spent about a week and a half on it, and everyone at Raceline is treating me well.

“I have another chance in 2019, and it was really cool what KSF did this year, but I’ve got to move onto bigger things. It was just a motocross-only thing at first – I raced motocross and it was brought up if I wanted to race supercross, so I planned on racing supercross for them.

“I had some supercross suspension done and started riding the Suzuki, but then Chris from Raceline called and said ‘hey man, would you be interested in riding a KTM for supercross?’ Hell yeah, I’d love to. It’s a great opportunity.”

The KSF Suzuki team has since signed Gradie Featherstone for supercross, who competed for them in last year’s championship.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Maxwell tops mixed conditions on Friday at Winton

2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship

Winton – Round Five – Friday Practice

Things are tight at the top ahead of this weekend’s fifth round of the Australian Superbike Championship. Less than 30-points currently separate the top six in the championship with Mike Jones leading Cru Halliday by a single point.

After the conclusion of this weekend there will be only two rounds remaining and this fifth round will make or break the championship aspirations of a few of the prime contenders. 

ASBK Rnd Winton RbMotoLens Bryan Staring
Bryan Staring – Image by Rob Mott

First practice this morning saw the heavens open just prior to the 1040 start time. As a result most of the field kept themselves and their powder dry for the remaining 2 x 30-minute sessions this afternoon. Only Bryan Staring and Lachlan Epis bothered to head out to get wet in the deluge, and both ended up crashing in the sketchy conditions.

ASBK Rnd Winton RbMotoLens SBK Lachlan EPIS
Lachlan Epis found the limits of grip in the wet morning conditions

Things were dry early in the afternoon for the second session and this time around the Superbike field got down to business proper/ They knew that there was chance that this could be the only dry track time they would get before Sunday’s 2 x 16-lap races. 

ASBK Rnd Winton RbMotoLens SBK FP Troy HERFOSS
Troy Herfoss was quickly on the pace when FP2 got underway

Troy Herfoss was quick out of the blocks as was Cru Halliday and Wayne Maxwell.

ASBK Rnd Winton RbMotoLens SBK FP Cru HALLIDAY
Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott

Ultimately it was the #47 that ended the session on top with a 1m21.499s today’s benchmark. 

ASBK TBG Round Winton Wayne Maxwell TBG
Wayne Maxwell

Halliday’s quickest time of 1m21.724s came on the final of his 17 laps during the session to displace Herfoss from that second spot on the leader-board. 

ASBK TBG Round Winton Mike Jones TBG
Mike Jones – TBG Image

Mike Jones was the only other rider in the 21s and had more than half-a-second on fifth placed Josh Waters. 

ASBK Rnd Winton RbMotoLens SBK FP Josh WATERS
Josh Waters – Image by Rob Mott

Alex Phillis pretty much destroyed a GSX-R1000R today, he is fine but his wallet took a hefty impact… 

Alex Phillis Crash Winton
An expensive afternoon for Alex Phillis…

A heavy shower then completely soaked the entire Winton venue ahead of the third and final practice session of the day. Even if riders get back on track late this afternoon none of them are going to better the times set in FP2.

Superbike Friday Times

  1. Wayne Maxwell – Suzuki 1m21.499s
  2. Cru Halliday – Yamaha 1m21.724s
  3. Troy Herfoss – Honda 1m21.851s
  4. Mike Jones – Ducati 1m21.995s
  5. Josh Waters – Suzuki 1m22.649s
  6. Bryan Staring – Kawasaki 1m23.060s
  7. Alex Phillis – Suzuki 1m23.888s
  8. Glenn Allerton – BMW 1m24.505s
  9. Matt Walters – Kawasaki 1m24.908s
  10. Aaron Morris – BMW 1m24.985s
  11. Mark Chiodo – Honda 1m25.059s
  12. Arthur Sissis – Suzuki 1m25.114s
  13. Kyle Buckley – Kawasaki 1m25.124s
  14. Daniel Falzon – Yamaha 1m26.724s
  15. Damon Rees – Honda 1m27.165s
  16. Lachlan Epis – Kawasaki 1m27.244s
  17. Brendan McIntyre – Suzuki 1m30.101s
  18. Ted Collins – BMW 1m31.399s
  19. Hamish McMurray – Kawasaki 1m32.677s

Supersport Friday Times

  1. Tom TOPARIS (NSW) Yamaha 1:27.677
  2. Ty LYNCH (SA) Yamaha 1:33.425
  3. Aidan HAYES (NSW) Yamaha 1:33.910
  4. Rhys BELLING (VIC) Yamaha 1:35.129
  5. Chris QUINN (NSW) Yamaha 1:37.650
  6. Ryan SELLEN (NSW) Kawasaki 1:42.926
  7. Andrew EDSER (NSW) Kawasaki 1:44.296
  8. Avalon BIDDLE (NZ) Yamaha 1:44.638
  9. Chandler COOPER (VIC) Yamaha 1:55.043

Supersport 300 Friday Times

  1. Yannis Shaw – Kawasaki 400 1m35.481s
  2. Luke Johnston – Kawasaki 400 1m38.383s
  3. Luke Power – Kawasaki 400 1m39.118s
  4. Brandon Demmery – Yamaha 1m39.612s
  5. Senna Agius – Kawasaki 400 1m39.640s
  6. Reece Oughtred – Yamaha 1m39.941s
  7. Peter Nerlich – Kawasaki 300 1m39.989s
  8. Harry Parker – Yamaha 1m40.605s
  9. Ben Burke – Kawasaki 400 1m41.280s
  10. Hunter Ford – Yamaha 1m41.396s
  11. John Lytras – Yamaha 1m41.627s
  12. Stephany Kapilawi-James Yamaha 1m43.324s
  13. John Quinn – Kawasaki 400 1m43.382s
  14. Seth Crump – KTM 1m44.078s
  15. Ryan Smith – Yamaha 1m44.168s

YMF R3 Cup Friday Times

  1. Max Stauffer 1m36.486s
  2. Luke Johnston 1m36.624s
  3. Ben Baker 1m37.107s
  4. Locky Taylor 1m37.857s
  5. Hunter Ford 1m38.715s
  6. Brandon Demmery 1m39.482s
  7. John Lytras 1m39.542s
  8. Harry Parker 1m40.442s
  9. Jacob Roulstone 1m41.604s
  10. Tristan Adamson 1m41.855s

bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Friday Times

  1. Angus Grenfell 1m50.592s
  2. Lucas Quinn 1m51.060s
  3. Archie McDonald 1m51.327s
  4. Tom Drane 1m51.568s
  5. Cros Francis 1m51.746s
  6. Jacob Roulstone 1m51.914s
  7. Reece Oughtred 1m52.046s
  8. Jamie Port 1m52.124s
  9. Zak Pettendy 1m52.674s
  10. Carter Thompson 1m54.392s

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