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Technical problem forces van der Mark into Laguna Seca retirement

News 16 Jul 2019

Technical problem forces van der Mark into Laguna Seca retirement

Factory Yamaha rider holds onto fourth in WorldSBK championship standings.

Image: Supplied.

Overcoming a wrist injury sustained just three weeks ago, it was a technical problem that ultimately marred Michael van der Mark’s weekend at Laguna Seca’s ninth round of the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), prompting him to retire just four laps into race two.

Despite battling the injury, the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK contender lodged a 7-10 scorecard in the opening encounter and Superpole race, allowing him to hold down fourth in the championship standings.

“We made some changes for the Superpole race that didn’t quite work as we were expecting, which meant I missed out on the top nine by just one place and had to start race two from the fifth row of the grid,” van der Mark explained. “I had a really good start, made some early passes and was up to ninth at the end of the first lap.

“I felt so much better with the bike, a lot more confident and I could see the group ahead weren’t pulling away from me like they did yesterday. Once I managed to get past Loris Baz, I was feeling pretty comfortable and confident of gaining more places, but then we had a technical problem with the bike and I had to retire.

“It’s a big shame, because I was feeling better on my R1 than I had all weekend and we lost quite a lot of points. Anyway, we have a fairly long break now, of course including the 8hr race which is always a big challenge, and I’m sure we’ll be back really strong in Portimão – I love the track and I want to be fighting again to win.”

The WorldSBK now heads into an extended European summer break, resuming on 6-8 September at Portimao in Portugal.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Ride away on classic motorcycles

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.

The highlight for British motorcycle enthusiasts is a 1970 650cc Triumph Bonneville T120R (photo above), presented in restored condition and expected to sell in the $12,000-$16,000 range.

There are also two classic ‘intra-War’ BSA twin cylinder 500cc solos: ­a restored 1941 BSA WM20 and an unrestored, but complete 1946 M20. Each is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $7000-$10,000 range.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Unrestored 1943 BSA M20

As an alternative for British classic motorcycle enthusiasts, there is a single-cylinder, 125cc 1948 Royal Enfield ‘Flying Flea’ motorcycle. Presented in useable condition and offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $4000-$6000 range.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea

There are two great Japanese 1980s dirt bikes: a 1980 80cc Suzuki RM80T and a mighty 600cc 1983 Honda XL600R –  both fresh from similar ground-up restorations and neither being used since completion.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Honda XL600R

Each is offered with ‘no reserve’, with the Suzuki expected to sell for $2000-$3000 and the Honda for $3000-$6000.

Japanese collectors may be interested in an unrestored example of Yamahas first road model – the 650cc XS-1. 

This original classic is in good rideable condition and expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $9000-$13,000 range.

To view all Shannons August 26 Sydney Winter Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Race two clash denies Beaton of challenging for Semarang podium

News 16 Jul 2019

Race two clash denies Beaton of challenging for Semarang podium

Australian MX2 World Championship contender seventh overall in Indonesia.

Image: Supplied.

Finishing fourth in the opening moto at the MXGP of Asia, Jed Beaton was primed to challenge for a spot on the overall podium until a clash with a local rider on lap one of the second outing denied him of the opportunity.

The former Australian MX2 champion has been surging into form over recent rounds after injuries at the beginning of the year resulted in a slow start the season, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider finish just shy of the box in race one at Semarang.

In the incident in moto two forced Beaton to come from behind, ultimately salvaging 11th in the 17-lap encounter, granting him seventh overall.

“It’s certainly been a mixed GP for me and the team,” said Beaton. “I really felt like I could challenge for the podium today, but the second moto put an end to that. The track had some tricky places but generally I felt good and found a nice rhythm. There weren’t so many line choices, so keeping mistakes to a minimum was really important.

“I got a good start in the first moto and made my way through into fourth behind Thomas. I really wanted to catch him, but I just ran out of laps. But I finished the race feeling good.

“The second race was frustrating – a local rider fell in front of me on the first lap and I had nowhere to go. I certainly wasn’t able to show what I had after that. Now these two fly-away races are done it’s back to Europe and Loket.”

Beaton is ranked 10th in the championship standings despite missing two rounds, as the MXGP World Championship returns to Europe at Loket in the Czech Republic on 28 July.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Most Common Month to Buy Motorcycle Insurance

Over the course of a given year, more than a million UK riders elect to insure their bikes. A survey by Devitt Insurance revealed that, for most of the year, renewals are in steady decline, punctuated by an abrupt threefold rise in March, from 4.4% of respondents to just over 13.5%.

Now, we should state at the outset that, beyond these extremes, the spread is fairly even, with each month enjoying a healthy fraction of overall renewals. Still, we’re left with the question: what’s driving this trend?

What’s so great about March?

The most obvious influence is financial. After Christmas has been sorted, we all have a little more disposable income to draw upon. And thus, it’s unsurprising that many of choose to treat ourselves to a bike and the accompanying insurance. This one-time decision might then tick over year-upon-year, making many of us March-renewers for life.

Price, according to the survey, is the most popular factor when making the decision to purchase at 40.72%. It’s closely followed by the benefits of the cover in question (39.83%). Given that the latter remains roughly constant throughout the year, it can’t explain the change from month to month. 

The reputation of the company in question was most important only to 12.5% of respondents. Only three out of 1,908 people think that a free gift is the most important thing, which, in case you’re wondering, makes these people statistically fewer than those who believe that the earth is flat. 

March is also among the cheapest months to renew. The most expensive is December – and by quite some distance. Providers are aiming to wind-down for the Christmas period. There are fewer call centres available, and a lot more IT work to do. To cover their costs, insurers respond by temporarily raising prices. These forces are at work just as much in the world of motorcycle insurance as they are in that of car insurance.

So, when the Christmas period is finally done with and the administrative slack has been addressed, things return to normal – and prices fall.

What about the cold?

We should also consider the change in the weather. While the roads are all icy, we’re not likely to want to hop into the saddle. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to the cold than other road users, as we lack the luxury of a heating system. 

But this isn’t just about comfort. Motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in road accidents than other users. Wintry conditions – like icy roads and fewer daylight hours – contribute to this likelihood. Now, we should say that with the proper precautions and experience it’s perfectly possible to ride a bike safely during winter – but most bikers are aware of the increased risks, and thus less keen to renew and start riding again. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Unique launch for Harley’s electric LiveWire

As you read this I am flying to Portland, Oregon, for a unique media launch of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle.

There are many things that make this launch unique.

Unique bike

For a start, this is the first full-size electric road motorcycle from a traditional motorcycle manufacturer.

The now-axed Victory Motorcycles slapped their brand name on an electric Brammo in 2015, but it wasn’t their product. (When we tested it on a Colorado racetrack, at least we got to see it being recharged.)

Victory Empulse TT electric motorcycle dial poised historic events
MBW rides the Victory Empulse TT electric motorcycle

Honda and BMW have produced electric scooters, while Yamaha and KTM have a couple of small electric trail bikes.

Oliver van Bilsen living with an electric BMW C evolution scooter electric motorbike historic
BMW C evolution electric scooter

Other major motorcycle companies such as Triumph are feverishly working on electric motorcycles.

Unique guest list

The usual motorcycle media will not be present.

Magazines that usually attend Harley product launches have not been invited.

Why?

Maybe because Harley has identified electric motorcycles as appealing to a different market.

In fact, it may not appeal to any current (‘scuse the pun) Harley owners and lovers.

Instead of the motorcycle mag crew, there are newspaper, TV journos, “influencers” and, of course, websites like ours.

Unique rideHarley-Davidson poised for historic events history unique

Most global motorcycle model launches feature quite a long ride, sometimes even track time.

It is not unusual for rides to go over more than one day so journos get a good feel for a motorcycle.

In this case, the ride is a mere 60km through downtown Portland and out into a little bit of country.

This is not only unique but surprising, given one of the biggest hurdles to electric motorbikes is the lack of range.

Harley recently released details that claim city range of up to 235km and 152km of highway range. (Click there for the LiveWire specs.)

They also claims their Fast Charge (DCFC) technology will recharge a flat battery to 80% in 40 minutes and full in 60 minutes.

So why not ride 60km, charge them over lunch, then head back?

Maybe it’s because they fear moto journos will “give it the berries” which will flatten the batteries faster than the selectable economy mode.

After all, I know I will be testing their claim it goes from 0-100km/h in a mere three seconds!

At least it’s better than our 2014 ride around the block in LA on the LiveWire prototype.

Harley-Davidson greenies eight electric motorbike Alta sporty poised historic event
MBW riding the LiveWire prototype in LA in 2014

Unique soundtrack

Harley launches are usually accompanied by the “potato-potato” roar of big V-twins.

This time it will be a subtle “whoosh”as the bikes roll along in near silence.

I found a muted turbo-jet sound on the prototype which was achieved by “meshing” the drive gear.

Speaking of gears, there won’t be any. It is a “twist-and-go” throttle like a scooter.

Just another unique feature in a totally unique event!

Harley-Davidson Livewire electric motorcycle specs strikes diverse
Harley-Davidson Livewire

Unique price

The LiveWire goes on sale shortly in the USA at about $US30,000.

It will arrive in Australia late next year probably at more than $A40,000 which is more than some of their Touring models.

Harley-Davidson Australia say they won’t have a definite figure until closer to our launch.

Stay tuned for our ride test later this week.

(Harley-Davidson is paying for our flights, hotels and meals.)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M | First Look Review

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M (left) and YZF-R1 (right) benefit from engine refinements, new electronics and suspension upgrades. Photos courtesy Yamaha.

Yamaha has taken the wraps off its latest-generation flagship sportbikes, the 2020 YZF-R1 and the track-ready YZF-R1M, with both featuring refinements to their CP4 crossplane crankshaft engines, an augmented electronic rider aids package, enhanced suspension and redesigned bodywork.

Check out our Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Motorcycles for 2019 here!

The 998cc inline-four powering the R1/M was already potent, and for 2020 it gets new cylinder heads, fuel injectors, finger-follower rocker arms and camshaft profiles. Controlling the beast is an all-new Accelerator Position Sensor with Grip (APSG) ride-by-wire system with Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) that eliminates throttle cables and reduces weight while providing smoother throttle operation.

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
The 2020 YZF-R1/M’s crossplane crankshaft inline-four is mostly unchanged, with a few refinements like cylinder heads, injectors and finger-follower rocker arms.

A robust electronics package centered around Yamaha’s proprietary six-axis IMU now lets riders choose between two intervention modes for enhanced Brake Control (BC): BC1 is optimized for upright, straight-line braking and BC2 increases intervention timing deeper into the lean, for enhanced braking into corners.

A new Engine Brake Management (EBM) system also allows the rider to select between three levels of engine braking force. Both the BC and EBM are adjustable through the onboard Yamaha Ride Control and Yamaha’s Y-TRAC smartphone (Android only) and tablet app (Android and iOS).

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
Full-color TFT display includes Yamaha Ride Control, where the rider can make adjustments to various electronic systems.

Premium Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) has been a staple of the R1M’s chassis performance, and a new NPX pressurized front fork with a gas cylinder built into the front fork axle bracket, along with revised rear shock settings to complement the performance of the front fork, are features of the new 2020 model.

The 2020 YZF-R1 also receives suspension performance enhancements courtesy of a new KYB front fork with a new internal shim stack design and a KYB rear shock with revised internal settings. Together, the changes result in smoother suspension dampening paired with an improved feeling of contact and grip with the street or track surface.

Lastly, redesigned bodywork creates a claimed 5.3-percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency while reducing wind noise and pressure on the rider when in a tucked position, and improved comfort comes from smoother side section where the rider’s legs contact the bike. The R1M also gets a new carbon fiber tail cowl.

The 2020 YZF-R1M will initially be available in limited quantities exclusively through Yamaha’s online reservation system in a Carbon Fiber color scheme for $26,099. Dealerships will begin receiving reserved orders in September. To place a reservation, click here.

The 2020 YZF-R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue or Raven for $17,300, and will begin arriving in dealerships in September.

2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 in Team Yamaha Blue.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M and YZF-R1
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M in Carbon Fiber.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916 | First Look Review

Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916
The limited-edition Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916 celebrates the silver anniversary of Ducati’s most iconic motorcycle. (Images courtesy Ducati)

On any list
of iconic motorcycles of the 20th century, Ducati’s 916 holds a place of
prominence. Delivering the 1-2 knockout punches of stunning good looks and
blistering performance, the 916, which debuted for 1994, is considered one of
the most beautiful motorcycles ever designed. The beauty was also a beast,
winning 120 races, eight constructors’ titles and six rider championships in
World Superbike during its 10-year production run, which includes the
larger-displacement 996 and 998 models. Closely associated with the 916 is
British racer Carl “Foggy” Fogarty, who won 43 World Superbike races and four
championships on the 916 and 996.

1994 Ducati 916 Stradale
The bike that started it all–the 1994 Ducati 916 Stradale.

To celebrate the 916’s 25th anniversary, Ducati has unveiled a limited-edition Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916. Based on the Panigale V4 S, the 25th Anniversary edition has been upgraded with racing content from the Panigale V4 R such as the Ducati Corse Front Frame, the dry clutch and even more track-specific electronics, such as Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2 and “predictive” Ducati Traction Control EVO 2.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R | First Look Review

The special
Panigale’s livery is inspired by the Ducati 996 SBK (winner of the 1999 World
Superbike Championship) with forged magnesium Marchesini Racing wheels, a titanium
type-approved Akrapovič exhaust and a wish list of carbon fiber and billet
aluminum components. Limited to just 500 examples, each bike comes with an
authenticity certificate that matches the laser-engraved ID number (XXX/500) on
the top yoke with the engine and frame serial number.

Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916
Four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty with the limited-edition Panigale V4 and his 1999 Superbike race machine that provided inspiration.

Dedicated
equipment for the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916:

  • “916 25° Anniversario” color scheme
  • Numbered (xxx/500) machined-from-solid aluminum top yoke
  • Front Frame with Ducati Corse specifications
  • Two-tone rider’s seat
  • Forged magnesium Marchesini Racing wheels
  • Dry clutch
  • Titanium Akrapovič type-approved silencer
  • Ducati Traction Control EVO 2 (DTC EVO 2)
  • Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2 (DQS EVO 2)
  • Racing screen
  • Carbon fiber front mudguard
  • Carbon fiber rear mudguard
  • Carbon fiber heel guards
  • Carbon fiber/titanium swingarm cover
  • Racing grips
  • Adjustable billet aluminum rider footpegs
  • Billet aluminum folding clutch and brake levers
  • Brake lever guard (supplied)
  • Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) kit with GPS module (supplied)
  • Open carbon fiber clutch cover (supplied)
  • Special “25° Anniversario 916” bike cover (supplied)
  • Billet aluminum racing-type filler cap (supplied)
  • Plate holder removal cover (supplied)
  • Billet aluminum rear view mirror plugs (supplied)
  • “Shell” and “Foggy” logo stickers (supplied)
Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916
Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916

The Panigale
V4 25° Anniversario 916 is powered by the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale. A
MotoGP-derived 90-degree V4 with Desmodromic timing, it features a
counter-rotating crankshaft and a Twin Pulse firing order, and it produces 214
horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 91 lb-ft of torque at 10,000 rpm. The engine is
enhanced with the adoption of a dry clutch and type-approved titanium Akrapovič
silencers.

Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916
Foggy hasn’t lost his edge. He look right at home on the Panigale V4.

From a
chassis viewpoint, the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 has it all. The front
frame, which exploits the Desmosedici Stradale engine as a structural chassis
element, is the same as the one on the Panigale V4 R but differs slightly on
account of the lighter, machined sides. The frame is coupled to an Öhlins
NIX-30 fork, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock and an Öhlins steering damper, all
managed by the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 control system. This gives the rider access
to next-level dynamic bike control, augmenting on-road safety and shortening
on-track lap times. Ultralight forged magnesium Marchesini Racing wheels carry top-drawer
brakes, with two 330mm Brembo discs with Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers
and a single 245mm disc with a 2-piston caliper at the rear.

Ducati Panigale V4 25th Anniversary 916
In addition to the special livery and limited-edition numbered plate, the racing screen includes a nod to Sir Foggy.

The Panigale
V4 25° Anniversario 916 has a latest-generation electronics package. Based on a
6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), it features controls designed to
manage every aspect of riding. The electronic package includes:

  • Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
  • Ducati Traction Control EVO 2 (DTC EVO 2)
  • Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
  • Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO)
  • Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
  • Ducati Quick Shift up/down EVO 2 (DQS EVO 2)
  • Engine Brake Control EVO (EBC EVO)
  • Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO (DES EVO)

Furthermore,
the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 comes with the Ducati Data Analyser+
(DDA+) kit with GPS module. DDA+ is a telemetry system. Similar to those used
in competitions, it consists of a data acquisition device (via CAN line) and
analysis software that takes its inspiration from professional programs. The
device records ride parameters such as cornering lines, RPM, gear, throttle
aperture angle, front brake pressure, DTC intervention etc. and geo-locates
them on the track. Once disconnected from the bike and connected to the PC via
the USB port, the software lets the user upload the acquired data feeds and
analyse on-track performance.

For more information, visit ducati.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com