Classic-styled leather motorcycle jacket available in Australia.
Link International, the Australian distributor of Merlin, has released its 2019 Heritage range, including the Chase leather motorcycle jacket.
With many years of motorcycle apparel manufacturing experience, Merlin has focused on combining the latest production technology and componentry with authentic heritage styling.
Whether you’re enjoying a Sunday morning tootle or your riding is hardcore, Merlin will keep you comfortable and well protected while providing class and style.
Image: Supplied.
2019 Merlin Chase jacket key features: – Premium full-grain 1.2-1.3mm grade AAA cowhide leather. – Removable 100g thermal gilet liner with leather detailing. – SW Level 2 armour pre-fitted to shoulder and elbows (removable). – Back protector prepared with internal pocket. – YKK zippers used throughout in antique brass finish. – Twin chest ventilation zippers with offset rear exhaust vent. – Expanding rear shoulder panels for enhanced fit and flexibility. – Accordion hem stretch panels for improved comfort. – Black Merlin branded snap studs. – Short YKK jacket to jean connecting zip.
Available in sizes small through to 3X-large, the Merlin Chase jacket is priced at RRP $499.95. For more information, visit www.merlinbikegear.com.au.
Webster relishing ‘dream’ Team Australia MXoN call up
Section: Competition
Australian MX2 runner-up set for Motocross of Nations debut.
Image: Foremost Media.
Kyle Webster has labelled his call up to represent the country at the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) as a lifelong ‘dream’, the Western Australian relishing the opportunity to make his debut at the prestigious event in Assen, The Netherlands.
The Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing rider, who stood on the podium six times in the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals with three overall victories to his credit, was named in the squad last week alongside triple Australian champion Dean Ferris (Raceline Recover8 KTM) and MX2 World Championship regular Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsport).
Webster is no stranger to racing internationally, contesting the MXGP of Indonesia in 2017 as a wildcard while also competing in this year’s New Zealand MX Nationals, however he’s yet to make a racing appearance in Europe.
“I’m so excited to have been chosen to represent Australia,” Webster stated. “Getting an Australian team ride has been a lifetime dream of mine and I’m stoked to now have the opportunity to represent Australia.”
“I’ve never raced in Europe before – I’ve only been to an Indonesian GP round in 2017, but it was a complete mudder. So I’m stoked to be alongside Dean and Mitch, as they both have a fair bit of experience in Europe and I will definitely be able to gain some knowledge from them and ways to approach the event and race weekend.”
“I honestly don’t know much about the Assen track, only what I have seen on TV and online. But I’m pumped that it’s a sandpit and I can’t wait to see how I go against the other guys. I have no idea of what to expect results wise at Assen, but as long as I can do my best and do Australia proud, I will be happy with that.”
Webster finished runner-up to Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in this year’s MX Nationals MX2 title fight, marking a career-best campaign since stepping up to the professional ranks. The MXoN is scheduled to take place on 28-29 September.
Coonalpyn AORC performance ‘interesting’ according to Higlett
Section: Competition
Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team rider records 4-3 scorecard in E1 class.
Image: John Pearson.
Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Fraser Higlett has described his performance as ‘interesting’ at the Coonalpyn stop of the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) after recording mixed results at the eighth and ninth rounds.
Higlett charged to fourth in the E1 category during Saturday’s eighth round, however found himself eighth in the unofficial outright classification. He refocused for Sunday, stepping onto the E1 podium in third while placing himself sixth outright.
Admitting he struggled in Saturday’s tests, the youthful talent was at home in Sunday’s more technical offering, which has ultimately strengthened his chances of earning a championship podium result at Hedley’s finals in two weeks.
“This weekend was interesting for me because I struggled a little bit yesterday when the track was really quick, but today was a bit more technical and I was happy to walk away with third,” Higlett explained.
“I felt more comfortable in those conditions, so it was nice to get back on the podium, and now we have to keep trying hard into the final rounds and look to land on the podium in the championship – hopefully we’re able to get it across the line.”
Higlett is positioned third in the E1 championship rankings, 15 points behind Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and five points ahead of Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing).
South Australian AORC wins place Milner closer to E2 title
Section: Competition
Factory KTM rider stretches points lead to 27 at Coonalpyn.
Image: John Pearson.
KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Daniel Milner has inched closer to securing the E2 title after earning a pair of victories at Coonalpyn’s eighth and ninth rounds of the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) in South Australia.
Milner once again rode commandingly throughout the weekend, maintaining his undefeated winning streak in the category to stretch his points advantage to 27.
The Victorian will have the opportunity to claim the championship as soon as round 10 at Hedley, which will host the final two rounds of the series.
“The tracks this weekend were so good and it was awesome to finally have a deep sand round,” said Milner. “Saturday’s track was pretty full-on because it was fast in whooped out sand, but today was different because it had a mix of everything including rocky sections and sand again.
“We had the KTM 450 EXC-F working really well though, which was fortunate for me, so I’m pretty happy to come away with the E2 wins both days. I will continue to focus from here, look to wrap up the championship at Hedley and I’m excited to get there already.”
Milner is currently followed by Josh Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing) in the points rankings as Hedley’s finals loom on 14-15 September.
After the recent bout of rough weather events and dusty venues one could not be well enough prepared for the sublime surface that presented itself on arrival at the Coonalpyn track in South Australia over the weekend.
Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 Australian Off-Road Championships
An abundance of pearlescent white beach sand mixed in with canola crops and some tight mallee scrub made for an amazing location that was universally enjoyed.
The Gawler Motorcycle Club had obviously put a lot of time and effort into this event and it was evident from the moment you drove onto the property. As far as racing spectacles were to go, there was only one real point of contention with the E1 class having the most potential for upset winners.
Nathan Trigg – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC
Both E2 and E3 were expected to run according to script as they had done all year. With the track marked out and riders primed for what was to be some epic riding the only thing holding everybody back was the starter’s gun.
Josh Green – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC
Saturday quickly evolved into a game of who could bury their bike the deepest in successive corners. The sand was fluffy and deep. It was reminiscent of a day at the Stockton Beach dunes. Don’t get me wrong, there was a little bit of rock and mallee scrub thrown in for good measure out the back but none of the spectators could see this so it didn’t matter.
Jesse Lawton – Coonalpyn Rounds 8 & 9 – 2019 AORC
In what was some of the most spectacular racing we’ve seen all year, there was sand being thrown far and wide, left and right. At the end of Round 8 the usual suspects had forged their way to the front in clinical displays of riding deep sand.
Husqvarna Offroad rider Daniel “Chucky” Sanders had walked away with the E3 points while KTM Offroad order Daniel Milner showed why he’s the man to beat in E2.
Threesix Motorsports Yamaha rider Luke Styke edged out KTM Offroad’s Lyndon Snodgrass for the E1 prize. In the women, Jess Gardiner pushed her way to the front beating Emma Milesevic and Yamaha compatriot Emelie Karlsson.
Sunday saw the tracks rotated giving the Vets, Masters, Womens and Clubman classes a look at the thoroughly flogged track ridden on Saturday by the pro classes. To say the whoops were large was a monumental understatement.
In scenes reminiscent of past Hattah Desert races there were whoops out there large enough to swallow bike and rider. The pros shifted to what was previously the Junior track that in one place contained a section of primo sand motocross track. This drew the crowd.
It soon became obvious that you could put your house on who was going to take out E3 and with the absence of Husqvarna mounted Beau Ralston – who had been sidelined late in the week after a training injury, Daniel Sanders had a real chance to wrap up the E3 championship at the end of the day.
He just needed to finish safely and glory would be his. As the Husqvarna crew held their breath in the pits, Sanders beat the Coonalpyn track into submission to claim the Round 9 and 2019 E3 championship honours in destructive fashion some six minutes clear of his nearest rival.
Daniel Milner was again victorious in E2 leading home Yamaha’s Josh Green by around 3 minutes. He will still need to fight to the end if he is to claim the E2 crown.
As far as E1 goes the final decision will be less clear with a number of different class winners throughout the season however Threesix Yamaha’s Luke Styke looks a strong contender if KTM’s Lyndon Snodgrass or Husqvarna’s Fraser Higlett can’t keep him honest in the final rounds.
Rounds 10 and 11 will take place on 14-15th September at Hedley in Victoria. The deep black dust and sand that makes up the majority of this track is always a good test of man and machine and at this time of year the weather can be capable of just about anything.
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 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 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 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
Connection with trousers thanks to full zip 270° all around
CE Approved
Ixon Spark / Spark Lady Jack – $579.95 RRP
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.
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 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 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 RS Cruise Air 2 Gloves
Find out more by viewing the Ixon Summer 2020 catalogue
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.
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.
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 pack
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.
Before
Compare pipes!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
