Team Honda HRC contender explains narrow main event loss.
Image: Supplied.
German Ken Roczen has explained he anticipated a manoeuvre from Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on the final turn at Saturday night’s seventh round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Arlington, Texas.
The Team Honda HRC ride led majority of proceedings, although admittedly struggling in the whoop section prior to the finish line, Roczen came under attack from Webb on the final lap, with the number two ultimately securing victory by a mere 0.028s.
Denied of his first win of the season, Roczen has downplayed the loss as a learning experience, ensuring there’s no animosity between himself and rival Webb.
“Being the last lap, I knew that was the only spot where I lost time,” Roczen revealed. “I knew it was coming, so that’s why I went high in that rut as well, and then coming out of it, he went to the right, I was on the left closer to the tough blocks and it was super soft there and I couldn’t get going.
“Things right there and then happen so fast, you don’t have that much time to really think about it, you just have to go with your gut. This was one of the spots I struggled with in the main event – the turn before the whoops, and in whoops actually – I was going side to side and getting off balance there.
“That’s where I felt I lost the most time – I feel like if I could’ve done that better and worked better with the bike, I could’ve kept my flow better and maybe had more of a gap between first and second. But, unfortunately, this is a thing to learn from. I’m using that as fuel obviously for the next race, but feel like each weekend I’ve been getting better, which is super important.
“This might’ve been the closest race – it was kinda crazy and fun at the same time. Finishing second after leading almost the entire race is not so fun, but we’re all healthy and still in the championship. I want the win – if it’s right there, I’ll be happy to take it. It was right there, and I didn’t.”
Roczen now sits second in the points standings, two markers shy of Webb as the series heads to Detroit for round eight this weekend.
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Australian makes factory Husqvarna debut at Hawkstone International.
Image: Supplied.
Jed Beaton has completed his first competitive hit out in eight months at the Hawkstone International MX in the United Kingdom after breaking both of his legs last year, making his debut with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
The Tasmanian utilised the popular pre-season event to prepare himself for the upcoming MX2 World Championship, lodging 10-14 moto scores for 12th overall, while he stormed to 15th in the combined Superfinal.
Believing he showed moments of promise, Beaton admits he needs more race time in the seat of his FC 250 in order to show his true potential.
“This was my first race after eight months and it felt good to be back behind the gate,” Beaton explained. “I had some good moments here in the UK, but overall I feel I need more time to show what I am capable of.
“I made some small mistakes and had a crash in the opening moto, but as the day went on I was able to control my pace. The season has just started and I have a good feeling on my bike. It’s onward and upwards from here and I’m looking ahead to the races to come.”
Max Anstie (Standing Construct KTM) took out top honours in the MX1 category Hawkstone ahead of Max Nagl (KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and Ivo Monticelli (Standing Construct KTM), while the MX2 class was topped by Jago Geerts (Kemea Yamaha), Adam Sterry (F&H Racing Team Kawasaki) and Mikkel Haarup (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing).
The Superfinal was taken out by Monticelli followed by Nagl and Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing). Round one of the MXGP World Championship is scheduled for 3 March at Neuquen in Argentina.
Camier and Kiyonari present WorldSBK-spec Honda CBR1000RR SP2.
Image: Supplied.
The all-new Moriwaki Althea Honda Team has unveiled its look for the 2019 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) in Australia, as the season-opener looms this weekend at Phillip Island.
The factory-backed Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) outfit introduced key team members and riders Leon Camier and Ryuichi Kiyonari to national and international press at the launch in Australia, and presented its world championship contender, the Honda CBR1000RR SP2.
“It’s a real honour to be involved in this project with the support of Honda, and the experience of both Moriwaki and Althea,” Camier stated. “It’s all new of course, and that means we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I think we have good potential and I’m excited to see what we can do.
“It will be good to get out on track with our rivals this week and understand where we are. There is a lot to work on as I’ve said, the bike having been developed in a different championship, but we’re ready for the challenge. Our main goal is to improve race by race.”
Kiyonari added: “I am very excited to have this opportunity to return to world superbike and I thank Honda, Moriwaki and Althea for putting their trust in me. A lot has changed since I was last in the championship, in 2009, and I think the level is now a lot higher with many fast riders.
“Having said that, I have worked hard in recent years and hope I can continue to grow this season with my new bike and new team – I am very motivated and believe we can work together to achieve some good results.”
The squad will have one final opportunity to fine-tune its machine today and tomorrow at the Island for last official pre-season WorldSBK test.
James took over the business when brain cancer forced Brett into retirement.
He has similar outspoken views to his father about the motorcycle industry, so we thought it worthwhile sounding him out.
James says the industry is in a two-year slump because of a “multitude of factors that all hit at the same time”.
They include:
Tighter finance requirements that prevented many riders from securing finance to buy a motorcycle;
Young people did not want to take up the lifestyle. “It’s not an image they want to be a part of,” James says. “The whole VLAD consorting laws and anti-bikies PR couldn’t have helped, even though that’s not what 99% of riders are about.”; and
With a decrease in sales, dealerships could not attract the right staff, which affected customers’ dealership experiences.
Discounting war
James in his Windsor dealership
James says the result of the drop in new bike sales volume was that big dealership groups, such as MotorCycle Holdings (a publicly listed company that owns TeamMoto and many other dealerships), began aggressively discounting to increase sales turnover.
While that may sound like a boon for riders, James says it is devaluing their bikes and hurting the industry.
“The MotorCycle Holdings business model revolves around sales volume, finance and discounts,” James says.
“Customers are now able to buy a new bike at a really good price but it has no value on resale.
“So there is now a stack of cheap second-hand bikes on the market. Used bike sales are doing well, but at the expense of new bike sales.
“Customers now expect discounts on all new bikes which is a bubble that will eventually burst.”
James says even some of the prestige brands that never used to discount, such as Harley-Davidson, BMW and Ducati, are now discounting.
“Through no fault of their own they are forced by the rest of the industry into running aggressive sales campaigns,” he says.
For example, BMW is currently running a campaign through TeamMoto offering five free years of servicing.
James says the depreciation in the value of new prestige bikes is eroding the loyalty of riders to these brands and is causing long-term damage to the brand image.
He claims customers are now rebelling against the big dealership conglomerates.
“This is a passion-based industry and not big business,” he says.
He could be right. When MotorCycle Holdings went public in 2016, their share price started at $2.53 and reached a peak of $5.22 at the end of 2017. It is now down to just $1.46.
MotorCycle Holdings Ltd share price history
Solutions
Just as there were many reasons for the slump, James says there are many facets to solving the problem.
“We need a 10-year plan; that’s the amount of damage that’s been done to the industry,” he says.
James suggests that manufacturers, distributors and motorcycle industry organisations collectively fund motorcycle promotion.
“Everyone is scrapping over the last dollar and won’t put their hands in their pockets to pay to promote riding,” he says.
“More needs to be done at a higher level to make more people want to ride.
“The manufacturers are fighting over their share of a diminishing pie rather than trying to grow the pie.
“No one is actively marketing motorcycling in general to make the pie bigger.
“The whole industry is losing with everyone focussing on losing the least amount. We need to build value back into motorcycles.”
Dealers
James with his two demo Norton Commandos
James says the problem is too big for just dealers to solve.
“Dealers don’t control the market,” he says.
“All we can do is make the experience good for the customer so they tell other people.
“People want to be remembered when they come back to a dealership.”
James says a key ingredient for dealer success is to offer demo rides.
Showa SFF forks – Slipper clutch 6kg lighter – Arriving March 2019 in Australia
Honda Australia have announced that the 2019 CBR650R and CB650R will arrive in Honda dealerships in March, with pricing set at $9,999 MLP for the CB650R and $10,299 MLP for the CBR650R.
Both of the new 650s – the CB650R and CBR650R – are LAMs approved, with the full power version not to be available in Australia at this point in time. The CB650R is available in Graphite Black and Candy Chromosphere Red and the CBR650R is available in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red.
Honda’s CBR650F was launched back into 2014, along with its naked sibling the CB650F, offering a traditional four-cylinder offering with a sports-touring lean and strong value proposition. It would further evolve in 2017, with new styling, more power and improved forks and brake calipers.
2019 Honda CBR650R
For 2019 the model further evolves, and now claims the CBR650R moniker, with styling based on the brand’s iconic sportsbike, the 2018 CBR1000RR Fireblade, and comes in lighter, more powerful and with a revised chassis. The LAMS version coming to the Australian market in early 2019 will just boast the styling and chassis refinements, while retaining the 35kW output.
The riding position has further been adjusted to move the rider’s weight more forward, and downward, while all lighting is LED and the new LCD instrument display now includes a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator.
2019 Honda CBR650R
6kg has been shaved from the chassis compared to the CBR650F, thanks to revisions to the frame, fuel tank and footpegs. A 41mm Showa SFF USD fork, radial-mount four-piston calipers and floating discs are new additions. The wheels are also redesigned.
A new intake and exhaust, plus cam timing change and increased compression ratio are responsible for the engine’s 5% peak power boost and smoother, stronger torque delivery through the mid-range. It also now revs to 12,000rpm, an extra 1,000rpm.
2019 Honda CBR650R
For 2019 an assist and slipper clutch is now fitted to ease upshifts and manage fast, successive downshifts, while Honda’s Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) maintains rear wheel traction.
2019 Honda CBR650R features
Aggressive sports styling of the CBR1000RR Fireblade
Lighter frame plus other savings shave 5.6kg from kerb weight
41mm Showa Separate Function Fork (SFF) USD front suspension
Radial-mount brake calipers and floating discs
Full LED lighting and new LCD instruments
Clip-on handlebars now mount below the top yoke
5% more power above 10,000rpm, 1000rpm higher redline
Torque delivery smoothed and boosted
New intake and exhaust designs flow more gas, and enhance the engine note
Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) feature
Assist/slipper clutch
LAMS legal 35kW model for Australia – Early 2019
Lighter, sportier and more stylish
While its four-cylinder power unit is still firmly on display, the CBR650R’s new wrapping ramps up the sporting appeal, with dual LED headlights emit a penetrating, uncompromising stare, and the upper and extended lower fairings blending with sharp, slim lines and angles.
2019 Honda CBR650R
The seat unit, too is more compact and truncates the rear of the machine, adding to the harder-edged sense of purpose. The aggressive riding position starts with clip-on handlebars that now mount beneath the top yoke; they’re 30mm forward and lower than the CBR650F, and footpegs are 3mm further back and 6mm higher. Seat height remains 810mm.
2019 Honda CBR650R
The steel diamond frame is updated for 2019 with pressed (rather than forged) swingarm pivot plates; it’s 1.9kg lighter than the previous design and uses twin elliptical spars with a rigidity balance specifically tuned (stiffer around the headstock and more ‘flexible’ in the spar sections) to deliver balanced handling characteristics with high levels of rider feedback.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Kerb weight is reduced at 207kg thanks not only to the lighter frame, but also savings to both fuel tank and new super sport-style footpegs.
Also new is the 41mm Showa Separate Function front Fork (SFF) USD fork. Adjustable for 7-stage spring preload the single-tube monoshock operates directly on the curvaceous gravity die-cast aluminium swingarm. Rake is set at 25.5° with trail of 101mm and wheelbase of 1,450mm.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm wave-pattern floating discs, matched to a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm disc. Two channel ABS is fitted as standard. The cast aluminium wheels are a brand-new design and mount 120/70-ZR17 and 180/55-ZR17 front and rear tyres.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Honda’s development engineers wanted to create the most enjoyable mid-sized four-cylinder performance possible for the rider. So the 649cc, DOHC 16-valve engine has been tuned to eliminate a slight torque dip at 5500rpm, and deliver 5% more power above 10,000rpm with a redline raised 1000rpm. Peak power of 70kW arrives at 12,000rpm with peak torque of 64Nm delivered at 8500rpm.
2019 Honda CBR650R
The net result out on the road is a motor that spins harder, and for longer at high rpm, with a smooth, linear torque delivery that builds strongly as revs rise, and sounds great in the process. A 35kW version is also available in some markets, and will be coming to Australia as a LAMS model, so it remains to be seen how the engine refinements translate into restricted performance.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Direct cam actuation makes for a compact cylinder head; bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 46mm with compression ratio raised to 11.6:1 (from 11.4:1) and combustion chamber shape optimised by use of a revised piston design. The valve train has been reinforced and valve timing revised; iridium spark plugs are also now employed.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Asymmetric piston skirts minimise bore contact and reduce friction. Ferrous spines on the outer surface of the cylinder sleeves reduce oil consumption (and friction) with improved heat transfer, and a silent SV cam chain reduces frictional losses by using a Vanadium coating on its pins. Internal water channelling from cylinder head to cylinders does away with most of the exterior hoses.
2019 Honda CBR650R
New twin ram air ducts feed the airbox from either side of the fairing with a larger volume of air, as opposed to the single, central duct of the CBR650F. They also produce a throaty intake roar. The exhaust now features a larger bore tail pipe – from 35 to 38.1mm – inside the muffler to flow more gas and, with its exit pipe angled upwards, to transmit the evocative howl more directly to the rider.
2019 Honda CBR650R
The engine uses a compact internal architecture, stacked six-speed gearbox and starter layout with the cylinders canted forward 30°. An assist/slipper clutch is a new addition and eases upshifts (with 12% less lever load) while managing rear-wheel lock up under rapid downshifts. Also, for 2019 #honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is fitted to manage rear wheel traction; it can be turned off should the rider choose.
2019 Honda CBR650R
Fuel consumption of 20.4km/l (WMTC mode) gives a range of over 300km despite the 15.4L fuel tank.
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories is available for the CB650R, including Front Fender Panels, Side covers, Seat cowl (aluminium parts or aluminium inserts), Wheel Stripes, Tank bag and seat bag inherited from the CB1000R, Quick shifter, High Screen (2 versions: clear, smoked), 12V socket, Heated grips.
(Sponsored loan article for our North American readers)
Today, motorcycles are more popular because of their fuel efficiency and the cost advantage. Kelley Blue Book estimates the average cost of a new car to be $US36,270. In comparison, you can bring home a new motorcycle for less than $5000.
Motorcycles are a cost-effective mode of transportation. However, securing a motorcycle loan can be more difficult than it appears at first glance and you may like to examine the financing options you have.
Motorcycle loans and auto loans
Even though purchasing of a motorcycle is not different from buying a car as far as the process is concerned, you need to look for financing alternatives available for a motorcycle loan. In most scenarios, you can’t avail an automobile loan to buy a motorcycle. Rather, you have to seek a loan that is specifically meant for motorcycles, or other categories of similar vehicles such as recreational or specialty vehicles.
Often, the terms for motorcycle loans are different from auto loans, especially in the repayment period and interest rates.
For example, you can get a car loan for a rate as low 3.09% from SunTrust as of April 6, 2018. But SunTrust puts motorcycles in the category of boats and motor homes and treats all of them as recreational vehicles. The lowest rate on which SunTrust can give you a motorcycle loan is 4.44%.
Loan options
Since motorcycle loan is a lot different from auto loan, it is not a bad idea to examine different financing possibilities to make sure that you get the best deal in the market.
No matter whether you are going to use your motorcycle for primary transportation purposes or for weekend joyrides, you can take out a loan to buy your motorcycle under four main financing choices.
1. Manufacturer financing
You can directly get a motorcycle loan from some manufacturers. For example, Harley-Davidson offers such loans in association with Eaglemark Savings Bank. Depending on your credit history and other factors, you can find a loan at a meager 3.99%. Chances are that you may not be required to pay even a down payment.
Here an important thing to bear in mind is that the manufacturers offer lowest rate loans on select models and under short-term repayment plan. If you are planning to buy a low-priced model or wish to choose a repayment plan longer than 36 months, you are likely to attract higher rates.
2. Dealership financing
You can also get the financing from the motorcycle dealership. Some of them offer loans under a special scheme with the manufacturers but they also partner with multiple lenders. Loans from these lenders usually are available at less stringent conditions than manufacturers, so chances are that you will qualify for a loan if you have poor credit.
However, it can be more expensive to avail a loan from the dealership than from other sources. There is a possibility that you might have to pay more in interest if you did not consider other options, for example, a credit union.
3. Credit union and bank loans
You can make some saving by taking out a loan on your own before visiting the dealership. Motorcycle loans are available at several banks and credit unions and they tend to charge lower rates than the dealerships.
If your credit score is low or don’t have an impressive credit history, seeking a loan from a credit union can be an intelligent option. Credit unions, unlike banks, are nonprofit financial entities and might offer loans on easy terms. You can visit MyCreditUnion.gov to locate a credit union near you if you are not already a member of one such organization.
4. Personal loans
You can also consider personal loan as one of the options to buy your motorcycle. Contingent on your income and history of financially responsible behavior, you could find a loan at rock bottom interest rate of 4.98%. If your credit is in excellent condition and if you can easily make monthly repayment, you will be able to save money by choosing a personal loan.
Even if if your credit isn’t all that great, chances are you will qualify for a personal loan more easily than a motorcycle loan. But if the credit standards are relaxed, personal loans can come at higher interest rates compared to other types of financing.
Also, personal loans are to be repaid in much shorter duration than motorcycle loans. A motorcycle loan can be repaid in up to 84 months while the repayment plan for personal loans is often limited to only 60 months.
Some lenders also give student loan for buying motorcycle. You should also check them out if you qualify for a loan in that category.
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Forkner earns second-consecutive 250SX East main event victory.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb has clinched is fourth victory of the season at Arlington’s seventh round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and FIM World Championship.
Webb, who now leads the standings, edged out Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen by a slender 0.028s with a desperate last corner pass, denying the former points leader of his first win of the year following a thrilling encounter.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin closed out the top three, ensuring he remains third in the standings, while the top five was completed by Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM) and Joey Savatgy (Monster Energy Kawasaki). Australia’s Chad Reed (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) was 11th.
In the 250SX East category, Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Austin Forker earned his second win in as many rounds to extend his points lead to eight, comfortably defeating Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha) and Chase Sexton (Geico Honda).
The top five was rounded out by Jordon Smith (TLD Red Bull KTM) and Martin Davalos (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki). The AMA Supercross series now heads to Detroit next Saturday night for round eight.
Defending champion team of Rea and Haslam uncover latest Ninja ZX-10RR.
Image: Supplied.
The new-look Kawasaki Racing Team unveiled its 2019 Motul Superbike World Championship contender in San Remo, Victoria, on Saturday night ahead of next week’s opening round of the season.
Reigning four-time champion Jonathan Rea was joined by incoming teammate and current British champion Leon Haslam to take the covers off their Ninja ZX-10RR race bikes.
In launching its final line-up and livery in Australia this year, rather than at their home base in Barcelona as in previous seasons, KRT has already put a fresh spin on its approach as the excitement builds towards another new season at the highest level of production-derived racing.
Managing director of Kawasaki Motors Australia, Shigemi Tanaka, led the speakers on the night as the latest product of KHI’s passion for racing was unveiled to a waiting world, both on site and to the world through live streaming online.
“It is indeed an honour to have the unveiling of the 2019 Kawasaki Racing Team here at Phillip Island and for Kawasaki Motors Australia to be hosting this important event,” Tanaka commented. “Three times in the past it has been my pleasure to speak at these launch events on behalf of both Kawasaki Motors Europe and Kawasaki Heavy industries.
“Now with Jonathan Rea as a four-time world champion on the Ninja ZX-10RR it is a nice coincidence that this is now my fourth time to speak, this time on behalf of Kawasaki Motors Australia and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The theme today is Ganbarou – we will face our challenges and try harder.”
With winter testing ended in Europe at the end of January, there will now be two days of official tests for all WorldSBK competitors at Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday. With a new format to race weekend in 2019, featuring three WorldSBK races and not two, the first round of the new season will be truly historic.
“KRT always push the boat out when it comes to launching the new colours and it is the first time you see your final bike in the flesh,” Rea explained. “Everything is real and now we turn the page to 2019. Alpinestars have done a great job with my leathers as well. I changed my number one plate a little bit too, incorporating some new logos. It is nice to do the launch here in Australia and so close to the first race weekend.”
Haslam added: “To be part of such a professional team and to see the manufacturer itself and Kawasaki Australia putting on such a massive show is fantastic – they are really getting behind it. I just want to get going now. The launch and all the things around it are exciting but now I just want to get on track to ride the new bike.”
With Showa joining returning major partners Monster Energy, Elf and Motocard, KRT team manager Guim Roda has also welcomed in the new season.
“Last year we faced the challenge of new technical rules that we feel constrained our performances,” Roda stated. “Nevertheless, we succeeded in winning the riders, manufacturers and teams world titles in a very successful year. For this year these rules are still maintained, but we’re prepared.
“We have a bike with a new more capable engine and we have reinforced our technical and human assets to take advantage of this. We also welcome a new rider in Leon Haslam, who has been making big steps in the winter tests. We think makes a great pairing with Jonathan Rea, who has offered us so much in all terms.”
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