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Rossi: “We come to Assen with fire in our bellies”

Rossi has ten wins to his name around the legendary Dutch layout, eight of those coming in the premier class, the last of which came in 2017 – the nine-time World Champion’s last MotoGP™ victory. 2013 and 2015 were his other two victories during his second spell at Yamaha, so can the ’13, ’15, ’17 two-year pattern continue into 2019?

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Find out who was fastest in Challenge #1!

Due to irregularities with their lap times, Cristianmm17 and XxBoMbeR_45xX have been disqualified from this challenge by event organisers. The lap times for both riders were cancelled as they did not comply with the competition’s fair use policy. Both riders can, however, participate in future challenges without issue.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Hunwick Hallam X1R Racer

Hunwick Hallam X1R

With Phil Aynsley


One of the most exciting ‘could have beens’ I ever shot was the Hunwick Hallam X1R.

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Hunwick Hallam X1R – Australian businessman Rod Hunwick and engineer Paul Hallam

The concept of the X1R was to be a 1000cc sportbike aimed at pushing the limits of Hallam’s engine and chassis design with a machine that would be eligible for competition in World Superbike.

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Hunwick Hallam X1R 

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Hunwick Hallam X1R – Extensive use of carbon-fibre made for an eye catching machine

Most of these images were taken at the bike’s launch at Phillip Island during the 1997 round of the WSBK. It was the first time it had turned a wheel!

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Hunwick Hallam X1R 

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Hunwick Hallam X1R

 

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Hunwick Hallam X1R

The bike subsequently went on to compete (as a prototype, thus not eligible for points) in the Australian Superbike Championship for the next two years as a development/publicity exercise.

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Hunwick Hallam X1R 

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Hunwick Hallam X1R

A proprietary engine design of a liquid-cooled V-twin with four valve heads and DOHC. Finned cylinders helped with heat dissipation and 141 rear wheel horspower was claimed at 9500rpm.

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Hunwick Hallam X1R 

Hunwick Hallam XR PA XR
Hunwick Hallam X1R

A very full and detailed history of the  Hunwick Hallam / Hunwick Harrop saga can be read at www.odd-bike.com (link).

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Hunwick Hallam X1R 

Hunwick Hallam XR PA XR
Hunwick Hallam X1R

This image was taken at Eastern Creek in 2002.

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A shot of the Hunwick Hallam XR1 at Eastern Creek

It is certainly a shame that the project didn’t reach its potential!

Hunwick Hallam XR PA XR

Hunwick Hallam X1R 

Hunwick Hallam XR PA XR
Hunwick Hallam X1R – Australian businessman Rod Hunwick and engineer Paul Hallam

Source: MCNews.com.au

Aleix Espargaro confident of returning to action in Assen

“This week, I went through some intense rehabilitation, with all possible techniques and equipment,” commented Espargaro. “I am pleased with the results because I feel rather well, despite still having some difficulty with lateral movement due to the bone edema. In any case, I am highly motivated to get back on the track in Assen, one of my favourite circuits on the MotoGP calendar.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

BMW uncovers electric-powered Vision DC Roadster concept bike

Image: Supplied.

BMW Motorrad has put its foot forward in the electric-powered motorcycle market, unveiling the Vision DC Roadster concept bike to mark a new generation for the German manufacturer.

While in a conventional motorbike the size of the engine is mainly determined by its capacity, it is the battery that takes up most space in the case of an electrically powered vehicle.

Starting from this new basis, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is able to make this transfer – retaining the iconic appearance of a boxer while filling it with a new function. This is why the Vision Bike is instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle, revealing its electric nature on closer inspection.

Replacing what would previously have been the engine, there is now a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery. For cooling purposes, two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators. As in the boxer engine of the BMW R 32 – the development of which was masterminded by Max Friz in 1923 – the cooling elements are placed in the air stream.

The cylinder-shaped electric motor is positioned underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster thus demonstrates a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW Motorrad while at the same time taking it a step further.

In the side view, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster presents a highly dynamic gesture with clear front-wheel orientation. The low front section and the short, high rear convey a sense of agility. Instead of the fuel tank, a flat, finely-wrought tubular structure spans the vehicle corpus. Its further shaping integrates the seat in a modern form, thereby creating the flyline of a sporty roadster. The frame structure is a key factor in defining the dynamic side view.

The large battery with its laterally protruding cooling systems is positioned at the centre of a frame milled from aluminium. The three-dimensional surface finish on the battery trim conveys a contemporary aesthetic appeal with its precise contours. The cooling elements echo the slight forward tilt of the battery silhouette, giving the side a dynamic momentum. When starting the electric motor, these cooling elements move out slightly, indicating that the bike is ready to go.

A key element of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster’s captivating overall appeal is the elaborate finish to be found in all its details. Within the mainly dark colour concept, it is the mechanical elements such as the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork that add striking accentuations. In this case, the two classic BMW features are re-interpreted and elaborately showcased.

The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is a visionary symbol of the future of BMW Motorrad with alternative drive forms. It showcases the electrically powered driving experience in honest, authentic form, in particular creating a new, distinctive aesthetic appeal that is still firmly rooted in the finest BMW tradition.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Scooter fatality prompts wet roads warning

Police have warned riders to be wary of wet roads after a long dry spell in the wake of a scooter rider fatality over night.

The 58-year-old woman was riding her scooter on Linden Avenue in the North Boambee Valley about 10pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 June 2019) when she hit a road sign.

The woman was from the scooter.

“Despite the efforts of emergency services on site, the woman was unable to be revived,” police say.

Far Northern Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Peter McMenamin said the cause of last night’s crash was still under investigation.

“Given it hasn’t rained for some time the roads will be covered in grime which will become slippery to drivers as well as bicyclists, riders and pedestrians,” Inspector McMenamin says.

“Visibility is important – that means headlights on and if you are on foot or a bike of any kind – make sure you have a bright jacket or umbrella.

“Driving to the prevailing weather conditions is so important and this starts with slowing down and leaving a little more room between your vehicle and the one in front.”

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.

Wet roads warning

After a long dry spell, the first rain can bring embedded oil and diesel in the road back to the surface, making it very slippery.

Running water can also bring debris and mud on to the road.

If you are riding in the current east coast wet, read these expert tips from2003 World Supersport champion, 10-time World Superbike race winner and MotoGP winner  Chris Vermeulen.

Wet weather riding Chris Vermeulen
Chris Vermeulen

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Beaton inspired by rise in form at German MXGP

Image: Supplied.

A strong showing at the MXGP of Germany has inspired Australian Jed Beaton, his sixth overall placing indicating a rise in form.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider was on the back foot in the opening half of the series after suffering a back injury just a week prior to season-opener, forcing the Tasmanian to race himself back into shape throughout the following rounds.

Continuing to find his feet, the former Australian MX2 champion lodged a respectable 6-5 scorecard at the challenging Teutschenthal circuit, promoting himself to 11th in the standings despite missing two rounds.

“I’m really happy with the way things have gone this weekend,” Beaton commented. “To get sixth overall is another very important step forwards. I felt like both races were pretty similar really, just with a fall in the first moto that cost me some places.

“I didn’t get the best of jumps from the start in either race, but I held a tight line around the first turn and made up some places. That put me around 10th and I just pushed hard from there. Falling in the first race cost me some places but overall I was pleased with my riding.

“Fifth in the second race was good – it’s been a while since I’ve been racing with the guys near the front so it’s just good to be back racing there. It’s a really positive way to the end the GP. To be hitting some good form mid-way through the season is great. I’m looking forward to the overseas races now, and hope I can build on today’s results.”

The MX2 World Championship resumes on 7 July at Palembang in Indonesia.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

BSB heads north to Scotland for round five

2019 British Superbike Championship

Round Five – Knockhill


Tommy Bridewell tops the Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings ahead of Knockhill this weekend (June 28/29/30) and his Oxford Racing Ducati team is aiming for its first victory in the series at the Scottish circuit.

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It was a three-way battle at Donington between Bridewell, Redding and Mackenzie at round three

There have been four different race winners so far this season, with a further four riders claiming podium finishes from the opening four rounds. However as Bridewell targets his first 2019 victory, Brands Hatch double race winner Josh Brookes will have all eyes on him as he arrives in Scotland with a fighting chance of scooping the incredible £75,000 Integro Triple Crown prize.

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Bennetts British Superbike Championship
Brands Hatch, Race 2 Results
Josh Brookes (Be Wiser Ducati)
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Racing Ducati) +0.238s
Scott Redding (Be Wiser Ducati) +10.248s

The new incentive offers a rider the chance to bag £50,000 for winning all six races at the Brands Hatch, Knockhill and Snetterton rounds, plus a £25,000 three-circuit win bonus. Brookes completed the double in Kent, which means he is the only rider who can still net the top prize. And if he manages to secure five of the six race victories, he can still scoop a £40,000 prize and the £25,000 three circuit bonus.

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Josh Brookes – Donington Park BSB 2019

If the Be Wiser Ducati rider scores the double win at Knockhill this weekend then he is guaranteed to take home at least £30,000 for claiming four of the six victories. However if another rider stakes his claim to the Integro Triple Crown and takes a double win at Knockhill, then it will mean a head-to-head battle at the final round of the competition at Snetterton between Brookes and the Knockhill double race winner to try to secure a £30,000 prize for winning any four of the six races.

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Josh Brookes

Bridewell has netted three second places on his ascendency to the top of the table and is determined to overhaul his rivals this weekend, but the circuit has previously been a happy hunting ground for the Kawasaki teams with Team Green winning 11 of the last 13 races in Scotland.

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Tommy Bridewell at Brands Hatch – 2019

Tommy Bridewell – Oxford Racing Ducati

“I didn’t expect to be leading the championship going to Knockhill, but it has been so positive so far this season and we have been up there fighting for podiums and wins. I thought the new bike would be strong but we are where we are because we have been consistent and that makes the difference. If I am honest, I feel a bit unsure about Knockhill and how the Ducati will be there; ultimately every circuit we have been to so far have had different characteristics, but we haven’t ridden the bike on such a short, intense circuit yet. Every round so far we have gone to feeling confident of fighting for wins but we will have to see what the Ducati goes like there. From the past, Kawasaki have been really strong there and our bikes are very different so I think qualifying will play a massive part because it is that kind of circuit. We have been so close but never quite close enough to the win so far! It’s always about winning; at Brands Hatch I was giving it everything. It certainly isn’t through the lack of trying that we haven’t won one yet this year! It’s the podium points that matter and so I have to be finishing in the top three every race. Anything outside of that is almost irrelevant because they will be what is important in the Showdown. So if I am say in fourth on the final lap you can bet that I will be going for third that’s for sure!”


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British Superbike 2018
Round Five – Knockhill

No rider on the current Bennetts BSB grid has previously won a Superbike race at Knockhill, but FS-3 Racing Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan will be confident of success in Scotland after scoring a double podium finish in 2018; sharing the top three steps with eventual champion Leon Haslam and runner-up Jake Dixon.

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British Superbike 2018
Round Five – Knockhill

The weekend marks another new circuit for Donington Park triple race winner Scott Redding; the Be Wiser Ducati rider had a taste of the track at a recent test and he will be looking to add to his tally of podium points.

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Tommy Bridewell and Scott Redding at Brands Hatch – 2019

Home-grown favourite Tarran Mackenzie is set to return to action at Knockhill with McAMS Yamaha after he was side-lined at Brands Hatch. The 23-year-old still holds fourth place in the overall standings and has fond memories of the circuit where he began his racing career.

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2019 BSB – Rnd 3 – Donington – Race 1 Results
Scott Redding (Be Wiser Ducati)
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.824s
Xavi Forés (Honda Racing) +1.666s

Buchan holds fifth in the standings, with Honda Racing’s Xavi Forés locking out the final place in the top six ahead of this weekend as he prepares for his first races at the circuit. The Spanish contender looking forward to the Knockhill event after a test earlier in the season.

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Danny Buchan – Oulton Park 2019

Christian Iddon leads the BMW charge for the Tyco team in seventh as he bids to claw his way into the top six for the first time this season.

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Christian Iddon – Oulton Park 2019

After recording a fifth and seventh place in the two races at Brands Hatch last time out Hickman is now sitting in eighth position in the rider standings, just two positions away from the top six who go through to the end of season showdown to challenge for the title.

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Peter Hickman’s BMW S 1000 RR

Now settled back into short circuit racing after his excursion to the Isle of Man TT races where he recorded three wins, a second and a third place, the fastest road racer in the world is hoping for two strong results from the Knockhill round on the Smiths Racing BMW to move him nearer to the elusive top six.

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Andrew Irwin and Tommy Bridewell tussle at the BSB opener earlier in the year

Andrew Irwin on the second of the Honda Racing Fireblades is in ninth place on the series leaderboard with a two-point edge over Jason O’Halloran. The Australian rider based at Market Rasen was testing at the Scottish track a couple of weeks ago so should have found the ideal settings for the McAMS Yamaha to challenge for race wins this weekend  and move himself closer to the top six who go through to the end of season showdown to challenge for the title.

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Jason O’Halloran
Bennetts British Superbike Championship Points
Pos Rider/Bike Points
1 Tommy BRIDEWELL (Ducati) 145
2 Scott REDDING (Ducati) 131
3 Josh BROOKES (Ducati) 124
4 Tarran MACKENZIE (Yamaha) 108
5 Danny BUCHAN (Kawasaki) 94
6 Xavi FORÉS (Honda) 75
7 Christian IDDON (BMW) 63
8 Peter HICKMAN (BMW) 61
9 Andrew IRWIN (Honda) 59
10 Jason O’HALLORAN (Yamaha) 57
11 Josh ELLIOTT (Suzuki) 54
12 Keith FARMER (BMW) 54
13 Dan LINFOOT (Yamaha) 47
14 Luke MOSSEY (Suzuki) 41
15 Luke STAPLEFORD (Suzuki) 34
16 Glenn IRWIN (Kawasaki) 26
17 Bradley RAY (Suzuki) 22
18 Héctor BARBERÁ (Kawasaki) 18
19 Ryan VICKERS (Kawasaki) 18
20 Claudio CORTI (Kawasaki) 13
21 James ELLISON (BMW) 8
22 Dean HARRISON (Kawasaki) 4
23 Ben CURRIE (Kawasaki) 3
24 David ALLINGHAM (Yamaha) 1

Images by Dave Yeomans

Source: MCNews.com.au