World title sinking in for Gajser ahead of Turkish MXGP
Section: Competition
Honda HRC contender refocused on this weekend’s penultimate round.
Image: Supplied.
Tim Gajser says his 2019 MXGP World Championship is sinking in after extended downtime between races, as the series heads to Turkey this weekend for the penultimate round.
The Honda HRC rider has been overwhelmed with media attention from his home country Slovenia, making for a busy month in Agust after claiming the title at the Swedish grand prix before travelling to Italy for the MXGP of Imola.
“Since Sweden we’ve had quite a busy couple of weeks because of all the Slovenian media who want to speak to me after winning the MXGP World championship,” said Gajser. “We had a cool parade too in Maribor with a lot of fans which was nice. A lot of fans have spoken to me and reached out to me and it is just amazing to be champion again, and I think it is finally sinking in that I have achieved the title.
“It’s all been crazy with Sweden the week after winning in Imola so now that I had a little bit of time to think, it has become real. However I was also able to train quite hard though so I’m feeling ready and I can’t wait to go to Turkey. I really liked the track last year as it was quite technical with some nice jumps, especially after a weekend off from racing.
“There are two races to go in the MXGPs and then the Motocross of Nations and then I’ll do Monster Cup so in total there are four races and I’m feeling really motivated to do well in each of them. A big thanks to my fans and now I hope to go out and have fun in these last four events.”
The MXGP series will wrap up in Shanghai, China, one week after the upcoming Turkish grand prix.
2019 British Superbike Championship Round 9 – Oulton Park
Crunch time: Who will remain in the Showdown six at crucial Oulton Park decider After eight rounds and 17 races, it’s crunch time in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this weekend (6/7/8 September) as the final three places in the crucial title-fighting Showdown six are decided over three races at Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire.
Josh Brookes, the double winner from Oulton Park earlier in the season, is already confirmed in the Showdown, making him the rider in the series with the most Showdown appearances. The Australian heads the pack into the three races this weekend and has a narrow two-point advantage in the podium points standings over his Be Wiser Ducati teammate Scott Redding.
Josh Brookes was victorious at Oulton Park early this season
The 2015 champion will be doing all he can to extend his advantage this weekend before the final Showdown fight for the 2019 crown gets underway at Assen later in the month.
Josh Brookes
“I’m looking forward to the weekend, Oulton Park isn’t particularly one of my favourite circuits but after my double win earlier in the year I’m more excited about the place. It’s an important round as it’s a triple header, that’s a good opportunity to get the edge over the competition being it’s the last round before the showdown starts. It was at the Oulton Park test early in the season that we first found a base set-up I was happy with, and I’m looking forward to see how recent changes to the bike feel going back to that circuit again.”
Josh Brookes claimed top Superbike honours at Oulton Park BSB earlier in the year
Redding however is fired up to battle for a return to the podium following a tough outing last time out at Cadwell Park, where he finished fourth in the opening race before crashing out when he was collected by Andrew Irwin in race two. The former MotoGP rider missed out on a podium finish at Oulton Park earlier in the season on his first visit to the challenging Cheshire circuit, but will want to put that right this weekend and regain the standings lead.
Scott Redding
The final rider whose place is already confirmed in the top six for the Showdown is Tommy Bridewell; the Devizies rider claiming the Oxford Racing Ducati team its first appearance in the Showdown after securing his spot at Cadwell Park. Bridewell and the team have achieved 10 podium finishes so far this season, but the first win has eluded the Winchester team so far – something they are focused on putting right this weekend in Cheshire.
Leading the chase for the remaining Showdown places is Danny Buchan and FS3-Racing Kawasaki, currently in fourth place. The former Superstock 1000 champion and the team have yet to feature in a Showdown and, with a 40-point advantage over Tarran Mackenzie in fifth, it could be another first for them this weekend after their debut win at Knockhill earlier in the season.
Danny Buchan – FS-3 Racing Kawasaki
“I did not think I would be 40 points clear of the next rider coming away from Cadwell Park. To have that is huge. Last year I was scraping around for points and I promised myself this year I wouldn’t be doing that again in the last race before the Showdown – I was quite adamant I didn’t want that to be me this year! I am going to treat Oulton Park like I have every race this season; I want to be on the podium again. It would be massive for myself and the team to make the Showdown for the first time.”
Danny Buchan at Cadwell Park with Josh Brookes and Tommy Bridewell
Tumbling down the standings following his crash at Thruxton that left him sidelined with a wrist injury, Tarran Mackenzie left Cadwell Park last time out still clinging on to fifth place in the standings, with a slender six-point lead over Peter Hickman, who currently lies seventh and the first rider ready to try and overhaul the opposition ahead of him.
McAMS Yamaha’s Mackenzie is hoping the break since the last round will have aided his recovery after salvaging points at the previous round, as he also bids for a Showdown spot for the first time in his career.
Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha
“I am hoping that the wrist feels much better at Oulton Park than it did at the last round. I think that if my wrist is ok and I feel good there is no reason why I can’t fight for podiums or at least the top five so fingers crossed that would be good enough to get me in the Showdown. Anything can still happen and I just need to arrive as fit as possible and ready to roll. This year the goal was always to be in the Showdown and fight for the championship. I know I am quite a few points off from the lead in the standings with the Podium Points, but that is the beauty of the Showdown really because once you are in it you still have a good chance of being in the battle.”
Tarran Mackenzie
Holding the final place in the top six ahead of the three races this weekend is Honda Racing’s Andrew Irwin, but only by a single point from Hickman. The Thruxton race winner is another contender aiming for his first Showdown appearance, but he will be starting from the back row of the grid in the opening race following a penalty received at Cadwell Park for the incident with Redding.
Andrew Irwin – Honda Racing
“In my head, and I have always said that I have wanted to be in the Showdown this year. I wanted to be in a position to fight for a place in the top six, that is what we are doing, and now we have one round to go. At the minute we go to the next round in a better place than the riders in seventh and eighth if you look at it that way, looking at the points. I don’t feel like there is any pressure because I feel that people don’t expect us to get through because the last time at Oulton Park are rivals were much stronger than what we were. I don’t give up I never do. OK, I have to start at the back of the grid for the first race of the weekend, but you never know what is possible and anything can happen in the races.”
Andrew Irwin
Smiths Racing BMW’s Hickman has featured in two Showdowns previously and has also been in the position before of fighting to secure a place in the top six at the final hurdle. He’s the only rider to have scored points in every race so far this season and knows he needs to be ahead of Mackenzie and Irwin in the three races this weekend.
Peter Hickman
The second Honda Racing rider, Xavi Forés, is also heading to Oulton Park in contention for a place in the Showdown in his debut season. The Spaniard has only just dropped out of the top six, trailing teammate Irwin by just five points, and could still snatch his place in the closing stages.
Christian Iddon is 21 points adrift of Irwin ahead of the three races at his home circuit this weekend, but with a maximum 75 points available, the Tyco BMW rider has yet to give up on his hopes of sealing a place in the Showdown for the first time, after coming so close in recent seasons.
Jason O’Halloran is hoping for a return to full fitness and the chance to pick up three strong results on the McAMS Yamaha to boost his points tally.
The Australian rider who is based at Market Rasen has not had the best of luck this season and has struggled with his left shoulder since he crashed at Snetterton. He visited a shoulder specialist after the Cadwell races where detailed scans revealed he had a dislocated AC joint and fractured greater tuberosity (top of humerus bone). Fortunately these are injuries that will heal naturally and no surgery is required.
Currently O’Halloran is 10th in the rider standings, some 45-points away from a place in the end of season showdown where the top six riders go head to head in the race for the title of British Superbike championship 2019. Although unlikely it is not impossible for O’Halloran to make it up into the top six as there are three races at Oulton Park with 75 points on offer for the winner of the three races and you can guarantee the Australian rider will be not be giving up easily.
Jason O’Halloran
2019 British Superbike Championship Points Standings
If you have been fined for speeding based on a police officer’s estimate or “check speed”, there may be several defences, says NSW traffic and criminal law specialist Chris Kalpage.
Now, Chris follows up with information a lawyer seeks when defending a rider on a speeding fine based on an estimate:
Collecting information
As I stated in my previous article, photographs of where the incident occurred are a great help as it provides information about what may have obstructed the proper tracking of the vehicle.
Distances will also enable the calculation as to the distance over time and therefore the potential speed.
We usually attend the police station to see the police in-car video (ICV). That video will show in many cases what the officer could see and what you may have said when pulled over.
In a hearing, the officer may produce a transcript of what you said which is another reason to be wary of saying anything.
If it is an in-car radar breach, it provides us invaluable information of what speeds were registering, the time between observation of the vehicle and locking the speed, and any other matters that could potentially affect the Doppler beam or the reading on the radar, in addition to the patrol speed of the police vehicle.
Check speed
A “check speed” fine is based on the speed the police vehicle was travelling.
In this case, examining the ICV will show whether the officer had the ability to maintain a consistent distance and speed to provide an accurate reading.
In many of these cases I have observed the highway patrol (HWP) vehicle being baulked by slower vehicles that the smaller, lighter and more nimble motorcycle has been able to get around unaware they are being followed.
When the HWP vehicle gets around the obstruction, seconds have gone past and the police have to accelerate hard to catch up.
In the heat of catching up, it has, on occasion, been that the speed alleged is the speed of the HWP vehicle and not that of the bike.
Similarly, if the HWP vehicle is parked on the side of the road and the officer has to accelerate in pursuit, there is often a degree of hard acceleration involved.
The ICV may also show whether the officer was able to view the bike consistently during the test or lost sight of the vehicle, which would put the check speed or estimate in question.
Example case
A rider on the Old Pac (Image: YouTube)
I ran a case on the Old Pacific Highway where the officer passes the bike and the radar showed the bike was travelling at the speed limit of 80km/h, as shown in the ICV.
The bike pulls into Pie in the Sky cafe and a number of minutes later the HWP vehicle pulls in. The officer gets out and starts yelling at the rider and charges him with speed over 45.
When I examined the ICV it showed the bike had travelled past the HWP vehicle at 80km/h but more importantly the police vehicle had done a u-turn and did not see the offending motorcycle until it was pulling up.
So how was an estimate or check speed of more than 45km/h made in the absence of seeing the vehicle?
More importantly, why had the HWP been unable to catch up to the bike, which was the other issue, relied on by police seeing the PV had been hitting speeds of 140-150km/h.
On closer examination of the video it was seen that the HWP vehicle was held up when doing its u-turn by several cars pulling out of Brooklyn, including a learner driver who held up the police by a considerable amount of time.
As many riders are aware, if you give someone a 15-second rolling start at the track, it takes a long time and a lot of speed to catch up. We obtained scientific calculations relating to this, which established that the bike could not have been travelling at the speed alleged. Our client was successful at the hearing.
Chris Kalpage sets up for a track session
Officer’s estimate
A police officer’s estimate is the least reliable assessment of speed.
Observing the ICV may give us information as to time and distance that the officer had to make their assessment.
I ran a case where two bikes crested a hill on the Putty Rd at the same time as a police vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The officer saw the bikes and locked on to their speed within a second.
They did not allow for three seconds of observation and testing with the radar, nor did they allow for multiple vehicles in the beam.
When that was challenged, the officer relied on his estimate which was dubious because of the short observation time as the bikes went past.
At the hearing, the officer conceded a lesser speed and our client retained his licence.
The longer the observation, the greater the accuracy of the estimate.
If an officer is coming around the corner as you are tipping in going in the opposite direction we have to challenge the speed estimate over the length of observation time.
Often it is based on a momentary snapshot and preconceived ideas based on the rider’s posture on the bike, noise, etc, not hard facts. Therefore, it is subject to challenge.
Technology
Potentially more accurate forms of speed assessment such as lidar and radar needs more careful analysis which will be covered in a future article.
Disclaimer
This article is for reader information and interest only and is based on New South Wales law. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and does not constitute and must not be relied on as legal advice.
Please be aware that every case is different and the matters raised may not be of specific relevance to your situation but may have a general application. You must seek specific advice tailored to your circumstances. Chris is happy to talk to anyone needing clarification. He can bet contacted on 0418 211074.
Jones confident after strong lead up to Winton ASBK
Section: Competition
Ducati pilot gains valuable seat at local event and Winton test.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Mike Jones is feeling confident ahead of Winton’s fifth stop of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship this weekend, the points leader gaining valuable seat time at a Victorian state championship round while also experiencing a positive test at the round five venue.
The DesmoSport Ducati ace holds down a slender one-point lead over the ever-consistent Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team), with the former champion eager to clinch his first overall victory this season this Sunday.
“We had a few days testing at Winton a few weeks ago and although we still have some work to do to get a faster single lap time, I’m feeling really good about the weekend,” said Jones. “Ben and Paul continue to work hard behind the scenes to give me the best superbike in Australia, and although the competition is tough, I know I have what it takes to be there when it counts.
“It’s been two months since we raced at Morgan Park, and so we took the opportunity to race a state round at Phillip Island where Troy and I battled it out, which was a lot of fun to be honest. I love racing and I’m enjoying racing the Panigale FE, so I can’t wait to get on track Friday.”
The chase for the ABSK crown currently sees the top six riders separated by just 27 points.
The AGV ARK intercom costs $399, but you have to also buy a helmet-specific base at $29.95. However, for a limited time, riders can save money by buying the compatible helmets and SRK in “combo deals”.
Sena’s ARK intercom is a sleeker and more aerodynamic unit than their usual intercoms.
Instead of the handy “jog dial” rotating knob common to most Sena intercoms, it has buttons.
These may not be as easy to use as the jog dial, but there is also a handlebar remote available at $149.
Handlebar remote
ARK features
Australian distributors Link International say the ARK unit features 30 minutes of “quick charging” which equals four hours of intercom use.
It is compatible with the Sena SF Utility App which allows users to configure device settings and accessing quick guides and the Sena RideConnected App that allows intercom with a virtually limitless number of riders over an extensive range, so long as they are connected to a mobile network.
Other Sena features are: voice prompts for functions; FM radio; microphone noise control to reduce wind and background noise; music sharing with another intercom; multi-way conference intercom.
It also has audio overlay which allows phone calls, GPS instructions and intercom conversations to be heard over audio from the radio, music or GPS app instructions in the background with reduced volume.
Specifications
10 hours of talking time
Three-way conference phone call with intercom participant.
Microphone mute option
Smart Volume
Audio Boost
Voice activated phone answering and intercom start.
HD quality crystal clear and natural sound.
Bluetooth Audio Recording
SENA firmware upgradeable
Water resistant
Bluetooth 4.1 supporting profiles: Headset Profile, Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP).
Newly-crowned champion Waters injured in lead up to supercross
Section: Competition
DPH Motorsport Husqvarna rider sustains hand injuries at Queensland event.
Image: Supplied.
Newly-crowned Pirelli MX Nationals MX1 champion Todd Waters is recovering from multiple hand injuries sustained at last weekend’s Day in the Dirt event, which will sideline him for at least the next three weeks in the lead up to the Australian Supercross Championship opener.
Waters sustained a fracture to the fifth metacarpal in his left hand, while also fracturing the end of his right thumb in a crash at the Queensland-based event.
“I had a crash at Day in the Dirt – I just came up over a jump and my back end slid out on the up-ramp and I landed sideways,” Waters explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “Instead of high-siding, it pounded me into the ground – it capitulated me straight down.
“I put my arm out to roll, and it broke my left M5 which is the metacarpal bone in your hand that runs up to your little finger, and I broke the end of my right thumb off. They’re not big injuries and it’s pretty straightforward – they’re fractured obviously, but hopefully in three weeks the bones are mended and I can get back to riding heading into supercross.”
The DPH Motorsport Husqvarna rider managed to lodge a number of outings on a supercross track prior to the weekend, however he was due to visit Melbourne to commence pre-season testing this week. While acknowledging his preparation for the supercross series, which kicks off on 12 October, has been hindered, Waters is still confident of making the most the time he has available.
“I had a couple of rides on the supercross track, just feeling out the suspension,” he added. “I was planned to race Day in the Dirt and then head down to Melbourne to get testing, but that’s how it goes. Overall, I’m pretty confident in Kroozetune – I think we’re on target with our bikes, so heading into supercross I’m confident with the bike.
“Obviously it’s not the pre-season I would’ve liked – I believe in hard work and that’s what I strive for, so missing out on that is devastating, but in saying that, I’m sitting on the cycle bike right now putting in the work. I won’t be able to get on the track anytime soon, but I should be able to get a couple of weeks in before round one in Brisbane.”
Brisbane Entertainment Centre will host the season-opener this October, where a unique double-header format will be introduced.
Change of approach declares Bautista ahead of Portimao
Section: Competition
Spaniard aiming to conserve injured shoulder throughout Friday practice.
Image: Supplied.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Alvaro Bautista has declared he’ll need to change his approach this weekend as he endeavours to conserve his ongoing shoulder injury at Portimao’s 10th round of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in Portugal.
The Spaniard suffered the injury prior to WorldSBK heading into its European summer break, however it continued to hinder him while testing at the venue two weeks ago.
Bautista is confident the two tests at the circuit this year will enable him to find a suitable set-up while also resting his shoulder throughout Friday’s practice sessions.
“The two days of testing we did here last week were very useful, even though I preferred to rest my shoulder on the second day because it was the first time I had been back on the bike since my injury at Laguna Seca,” Bautista explained.
“I’ve had a few more days to recover, but during this weekend we might have to change our approach and try and rest the shoulder on Friday to be in a position to tackle the races in the best possible condition.
“Luckily, the two tests I’ve done at this circuit between January and now will be a great help, we have some markers, I know the track better and as a result it will all be a bit easier.”
The factory Ducati squad confirmed the former MotoGP rider will depart the squad at the end of the season, making way for British ace Scott Redding.
Yamaha’s 2020 Yamaha WR250F brings the heat to the enduro game.
Begin Press Release:
All-New 2020 WR250F Headlines Yamaha’s September Introduction
Flagship WR450F Model Returns as part of 2020 Dirt Motorcycle Lineup
CYPRESS, Calif. – September 4, 2019 –Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the remainder of the company’s 2020 Dirt Motorcycle models, headlined by an all-new WR250F Enduro machine. Along with the return of the larger-displacement WR450F, this introduction completes the 2020 Yamaha Dirt Motorcycle lineup.
Welcome to the victorYZone
Yamaha Off-Road competition bikes offer the very latest technology and performance features designed to make enthusiasts the best riders possible, win races and help them become one with their machine.
All-New 2020 WR250F
The 2020 Yamaha WR250F is closer than ever to the latest-generation, championship-winning YZ250F and arrives completely revised for precise performance in enduro competition. A combination of linear and tractable power throughout its rev range, pinpoint handling, and clockwork reliability has ingrained the WR250F as a favorite among fast trail riders and racers alike.
High Performance YZ250F-Based Engine
The new WR250F engine is based on the class-leading, fuel-injected YZ250F design, and features a rearward-inclined cylinder and reverse cylinder head. Its airbox is situated in front of the rider with the fuel tank located at the center of the bike – a unique configuration that contributes to the bike’s mass centralization and plays a pivotal role in achieving light and agile handling.
The 2020 WR250F features a new high compression forged aluminum piston, revised valve angle and exhaust cam timing with revised balance factor – all based on the current YZ250F, but with enduro-specific settings to provide enhanced off-road trail performance. That performance is further bolstered by the fitment of a dual electrode spark plug and revised exhaust for 2020.
Compared to the previous WR250F engine, the 2020 design is more powerful at higher rpm, and delivers stronger power through the rev range, making it a serious contender for top honors.
Free-Flowing Air Filter Contributes to Linear Engine Response
A new air filter element features improved airflow with increased reliability and, combined with a revised length of the intake funnel, contributes to an excellent feeling of traction and linear engine power characteristics during acceleration and deceleration. Rubber seals on the center positioning pin increase dust-filtering capability, and a model-specific sound-damping resonator design is also adopted.
Tougher Clutch with Lighter Pull
The 2020 WR250F is equipped with a 6-speed transmission that is designed to handle a wide variety of terrain, from technical rock climbs to full throttle blasting along forest trails. A new lighter and tougher clutch is now mated to the gearbox to match the extreme demands of enduro riding. Featuring new heat resistant friction plates, this durable clutch has a super light lever pull and is built to perform consistently and effectively for long periods in the toughest terrain.
Mass Centralized Starter System
A lightweight starter motor has been repositioned from the front of the engine to just behind the cylinder, contributing to mass centralization. The new system and redesigned one-way clutch reduce drag and horsepower loss – a 60% reduction in load compared to the outgoing model. The kick starter has also been eliminated to save weight.
Sharp Handling YZ250F Bilateral Beam Frame and Optimized Ergonomics
The 2020 WR250F now uses the same bilateral beam frame as the sharp-handling YZ250F. To achieve a rigidity balance with the amount of flex needed for enduro riding, the front engine mount brackets have been altered. Like the changes made to the 2020 YZ250FX, the upper-side engine mounts are the same used on the YZ250F, while two plate-type mounts are used for the front-side of the engine. The result contributes to the machine’s excellent feeling of contact with the ground and offers feedback about the riding surface while still providing a light feel.
Surrounding this fully redesigned chassis, the 2020 WR250F features a new lighter, compact body from front to back, including a larger, 2.2-gallon, mass-centralized fuel tank. The radiator shrouds incorporate a new air duct with a concave shape that not only improves styling but is also narrower for better knee grip and overall rider movement. To further aid rider movement and comfort, the seat height has been reduced and the aluminum tapered handlebars are four-way adjustable.
Industry Leading KYB® Coil Spring Suspension with new Settings
The all-new WR250F runs the same industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB®, SSS coil spring-type forks with speed sensitive damping as the YZ250F, but with model-specific enduro settings to provide optimal comfort and compliance. This suspension is acknowledged to be the best available on a production dirt bike, and responds particularly well during the transition between the compression and rebound strokes.
The outer tubes are the same as the YZ250F and contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact. The diameter of the cartridge cylinder and piston have been increased compared to the outgoing model (24 mm to 25 mm) as has the flow rate of the fork oil. The mid-speed valve (MSV) that provides damping in the mid-speed range has been changed from a coil spring type to a leaf spring type. This mechanism responds to even the slightest amounts of oil flow and delivers excellent damping feel at low speeds.
The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ250F and features enduro model-specific settings. It features a coil spring with a higher fatigue strength than the current model’s and with an 11.5mm wire diameter achieves a weight reduction of approximately 350 grams. The capacity of the shock reservoir has been increased by 30cc to run cooler and achieve a more stable damping force.
More Protective Skid Plate
The 2020 WR250F features a more protective plastic resin engine guard to help prevent damage to the frame, engine, water pump and hoses when running through ruts or from impacts by kicked up rocks. Also, reducing the size of the open space at the front limits the amount of mud and rocks entering thus reducing additional running weight.
Larger Capacity Fuel Tank
A newly-designed 2.2-gallon plastic resin fuel tank is featured to reduce the frequency of refueling during long-distance rides. The current YZ250F’s tank was used as the developmental base, and the lower portion has been extended downward, toward the center of the bike to improve mass centralization, and to increase the tank’s capacity by 0.5 gallons. A compact fuel pump is another new feature. These changes have made it possible to achieve a slim, compact body design that is identical to the YZ250F without any additional bulk or interference with the riding position.
Flatter, Lower Seat
A redesigned seat with stiffer seat foam is fitted to aid rider maneuverability and to make getting on and off the bike easier. A slimmer design through the shroud/knee contact area helps further improve rider ergonomics.
New Forged Aluminum Side-Stand
A lighter and less obtrusive forged aluminum side-stand is positioned to ensure plenty of ground clearance when riding through ruts. The new stand sits higher and the amount it protrudes from the chassis is reduced which helps prevent snagging. The weight of the stand has also been reduced by about 100g. This is the same as the 2020 model YZ250FX stand design
Sleek New Headlight Cowl
The WR250F’s new headlight cowl sits lower and closer to the rider. It contributes to centralization of machine mass, reducing steering effort and helps to create a light, agile impression for the machine.
Lightweight Speed Sensor with High-Precision Display
A new lightweight front wheel speed sensor connects to a highly precise, fully featured enduro meter display and, without a speedo drive, makes front wheel changes easier. The system features a pulse wheel and sensor system known for excellent reliability and provides detailed speed information essential for enduro riding and racing.
18-Inch Rear Wheel
The WR250F uses an 18-inch rear wheel for improved comfort and better pinch-flat resistance in rocky and root-filled conditions. Dunlop MX3X tires provide excellent performance and durability, making this new bike ready to race right off the showroom floor.
Main Features Carried Over from Existing WR250F
Rearward-slanted cylinder design featuring optimized weight distribution
Wet sump lubrication
18-inch rear wheel
Sealed O-Ring chain
Lightweight switch free starting system
Radiator cooling fan
Lead battery resistant to effects of changes in ambient air temperature
The 2020 WR250F will be available from Yamaha dealers in October in Team Yamaha Blue for $8,599 MSRP.bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency All 2020 WR, YZ, YZ-X and YZ-FX models are once again eligible for Yamaha’s bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, with nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. Yamaha riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10% rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com.For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross/pages/yamaha-off-road-contingency-program.
In the late 90s Yamaha Australia staff built the enduro bike before taking that TT-R based machine to Japan where they then pleaded with Yamaha HQ to build them a new type of truly high-performance four-stroke enduro bikes.
Originally launched as a 2001 model, the high performance quarter litre enduro racer was developed for Australian conditions by legendary ISDE competitor Geoff Ballard alongside YMA enduro riders Steven Cotterell and Peter Payne. The current model retains its antipodean connection by continuing development under Peter Payne with assistance from former world MX rider Josh Coppins.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
And now for 2020, WR250F is closer than ever to the industry leading YZ250F and the cross-country racing YZ250FX. All three models are based on the same platform but with significant differences that suit the type of riding for which they have been designed.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
The goal for the new WR250F was to provide superior handling and increased steering precision while retaining high speed stability. And to create a slimmer and lower machine that inspires more confidence with a lighter feeling.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Thorough testing has revealed that the new machine has surpassed this goal by allowing super easy direction changes with high levels of manoeuvrability. Power is stronger at all levels and delivered in a linear fashion with excellent traction characteristics.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
2020 Yamaha WR250F at a glance
New engine based on current YZ250F motocrosser but with specific enduro settings
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New free flow air filter, reduced resistance with increased reliability
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New smartphone tuning – On board WiFi allows engine to be tuned to different track conditions
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New engine map switch – Map button allows mid-ride changes to power delivery
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New lighter, tougher clutch – Easier lever pull with greater longevity
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Wide‐ratio 6‐speed transmission
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Mass centralised starter system – Lightweight starter motor
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Frame is based on all conquering 2019 YZ250F but flex-tuned for enduro riding
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Lower, flatter seat and slimmer ergos
2020 Yamaha WR250F
YZ250F spec KYB air-oil-separate upside-down front fork and rear shock sport model-specific enduro settings
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Bigger bashplate – Increased protection for water pump and hoses
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Larger fuel tank – 7.9-litre plastic resin fuel tank (up by 400 ml)
2020 Yamaha WR250F
115kg wet weight including full fuel tank (down 3 kg)
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New forged aluminium sidestand
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Sleek new headlight cowl
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New stronger front axle brackets
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Lightweight speed sensor with high-precision display inlcuding fuel level
2020 Yamaha WR250F
High performance YZ250F-based engine
The YZ250F has proved to be one of the most competitive motocross bikes at every level. US rider Aaron Plessinger won the 2018 AMA Pro National 250MX series and the model once again dominated in AUS by scooping both the 2018 MX2 Nationals with Wilson Todd and the MXD class with Bailey Malkiewicz. This success is reflected in the off-road racing world with Luke Styke the reigning 250cc class Australian Off Road Champion.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
The new WR250F engine is based closely on the winning fuel-injected YZ250F design, and features a rearward-inclined cylinder and reverse cylinder head. Its airbox is situated in front of the rider and the fuel tank located at the centre of the bike – a unique configuration that contributes to the bike’s mass centralisation, which plays a pivotal role in achieving light and agile handling.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
In addition, the WR250F’s reverse cylinder head allows the use of a straight air inlet for higher levels of intake efficiency, and by locating the fuel tank centrally, this innovative design permits the use of a long and flat seat that allows the rider to shift their body weight quickly and easily.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
The 2020 WR250F features a new high compression forged aluminium piston, revised valve angle and exhaust cam timing with revised balance factor – all based on the current YZ250F, but with enduro specific settings to provide a high level of winning performance. That performance is further boosted by the fitment of a dual electrode spark plug and revised exhaust muffler for 2020.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Compared to the former WR250F engine, the 2020 design is more powerful at higher rpm, and also delivers stronger power right through the rev range.
The filter element features reduced airflow resistance and intake noise combined with increased reliability. The new filter and the length of the intake funnel contribute to an excellent feeling of traction and linear characteristics during acceleration and deceleration. Plus, dust filtering capability is increased by adding rubber seals to the centre positioning pin.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Lighter, tougher clutch
The 2020 WR250F is equipped with a 6-speed transmission that is designed to handle a wide variety of terrain, from technical rock climbs to full throttle blasting along forest tracks. A new lighter and tougher clutch is now mated to the box to match the extreme demands of enduro riding. Featuring new heat resistant friction plates, this durable clutch has a super light lever pull and is built to perform consistently and effectively for long periods in the toughest terrain.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Mass centralised starter system
A lightweight starter motor contributes to mass centralisation. Also, a garter spring is adopted for the spring of the one-way starter clutch in order to reduce horsepower loss – a 60% reduction in load compared to the outgoing model.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New smartphone tuning
On board WiFi means that you can tune the new WR250F to different track conditions using your smartphone. A downloadable Power Tuner app allows you to make fuelling and ignition timing changes instantly and upload/share them for the ultimate in track-side tuning. The free Yamaha Power Tuner app also allows owners to record ride/race log information and monitor a range of data such as maintenance and system diagnosis, engine run time and more.
The on board WiFi is available thanks to a Command Control Unit (CCU) that contacts the ECU and forms part of the free competition kit offered to Australian customers.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Engine map switch
A bar-mounted dual engine map switch has been adopted and positioned next to the left lever to enable changes in the engine power delivery characteristics mid-race. This switch allows the rider to select one of two engine maps on the fly at the press of a button to cater for changes in the riding environment.
This means that when the going gets loose, steep or muddy – high traction can be accessed at the press of a button.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Sharp handling YZ250F bilateral beam frame
WR250F now runs the same bilateral beam frame as the sharp handling current model YZ250F. To achieve a rigidity balance with the amount of flex needed for enduro riding, the engine mount brackets have been altered. The upper-side mounts are the same as on the YZ250F, while two-plate type mounts are used for the front-side mounts.
The result contributes to the machine’s excellent feeling of contact with the ground and offers feedback about the riding surface while providing a light feel to the handling.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Industry leading front and rear suspension
WR250F runs the same KYB air-oil-separate closed chamber upside-down front fork as the YZ250F but with model-specific enduro settings to provide stable damping force. This suspension is acknowledged to be the best available on a production dirt bike and responds particularly well during the transition between the compression and rebound strokes. And because the suspension holds up well in the stroke, ground clearance is improved over the outgoing model.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
The outer tubes are the same as the YZ250F and contribute to a secure feeling of ground contact. The mid-speed valve (MSV) that provides damping in the mid-speed range has been changed from a coil spring type to a leaf spring type. This mechanism responds to even the slightest amounts of oil flow and so delivers excellent damping feel at low speeds.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
The rear shock absorber is also based on the YZ250F unit and features enduro model-specific settings. It features a coil with a higher fatigue strength than the current model’s and with an 11.5mm wire diameter achieves a weight reduction of approximately 350 grams. The capacity of the reservoir has been increased by 30cc to run cooler and achieve a more stable damping force.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
More protective bashplate
The new WR250F features a more protective plastic resin engine guard to help prevent damage to the frame, engine, water pump and hoses when running through ruts or from impacts by kicked up rocks. Also, reducing the size of the open space at the front limits the amount of mud and stones entering and so reduces additional running weight.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Larger fuel tank
A newly designed 7.9-litre plastic resin fuel tank is featured that reduces the frequency of refuelling during longer distances. The current YZ250F’s tank was used as the developmental base, and the lower portion has been extended toward the centre of the bike to improve mass centralisation, and to increase the tank’s capacity.
A compact fuel pump is another new feature. These changes have made it possible to achieve a slim, compact body design comparable to the YZ250F that also results in minimum interference with the riding position.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Flatter, lower seat
A redesigned seat with stiffer seat foam is fitted to aid rider manoeuvrability and to make getting on and off the bike easier. A slimmer design through the shroud/knee contact area helps further improves rider ergos.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
New forged aluminium sidestand
A lighter and less obtrusive forged aluminium sidestand is positioned to ensure plenty of ground clearance when riding through ruts and the like. The new stand sits higher and the amount it juts out from the chassis is reduced which helps prevent snagging. The weight of the stand has also been reduced by about 100g. This is the same as the 2019 model YZ250FX stand design.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Sleek new headlight cowl
The WR250F’s new headlight cowl sits lower and closer to the rider. It contributes to centralisation of machine mass and helps to create a light, agile impression for the machine.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Lightweight speed sensor with high-precision display
A new lightweight front wheel speed sensor connects to a highly precise speed display and with no more speedo drive, makes front wheel changes easier. The system features a pulse wheel and sensor system known for excellent reliability and provides the detailed speed information essential for enduro riding. Display includes low fuel warning light.
2020 Yamaha WR250F
Off road competition kit
For the Australian market, the new WR250F is supplied fully ADR compliant and in road registerable condition. A free competition kit is supplied and can be easily fitted for closed course use. The kit includes:
CCU for smartphone tuning capability
Lightweight LED tail light/ and licence plate holder
The death of a 61-year-old West Rockhampton man in a crash involving four motorcycles on the Moonie Highway yesterday highlights the risks of riding in a group.
Several riders were travelling west on the highway, about 20km west of Westmar, when one motorcycle collided with two others around 1.30pm.
Queensland Police says their preliminary investigations indicate a fourth motorcycle, which was also travelling with the group, crashed as the rider attempted to avoid the initial crash.
The West Rockhampton man was transported to St George Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
A 50-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man were also transported to St George Hospital where they remain in a serious condition.
Our sincere condolences to families and friends and our best wishes for a full and fast recovery for the two injured riders.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.
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: QP1901726246
Group riding risks
The incident is similar to a group riding crash in July in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane.
Police said one rider ran into a vehicle while overtaking another and the four other motorcycles crashed while taking evasive action.
