The Spaniard completed 37 laps on day two to preserve himself for the final day, ultimately waking up with a positive feeling that allowed him to continue carrying out testing, lodging 39 laps to wind up 11th on the timesheets during day three.
Easing back into riding after shoulder surgery, the Repsol Honda rider is satisfied with his progress so far as one more official test looms on 23-25 February at Losail International Circuit in Qatar.
“Day three was very positive, especially with my physical condition – I’m feeling much better,” Marquez admitted. “Yesterday I was a little worried about riding today, but I woke up and felt better. We were able to try many things for Honda today and I felt really good on the bike, comfortable and consistent.
“Everything we had planned to do this test, we have done. Of course I would have liked to ride more but we had to take it a bit easy. Even so, I’m happy because I was riding easy, not in my riding style but I was able to ride more. I didn’t crash and we tried the most important things for the Repsol Honda Team, I am happy because of this.”
The test was dominated by Ducati riders as Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati) topped Pramac Racing duo Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller.
To put some fears to rest, the Lightning Strike will have a more relaxed riding position than the LS-218. We know this because Lightning sent us the following image:
The accompanying text read as follows:
Since Lightning’s initial announcement for the upcoming launch of Strike, one of the top questions from customers has been in regards to rider position. In response to this, we wanted to clearly demonstrate Strike’s rider position relative to the ultra performance focused Lightning LS-218 Superbike. Strike is a motorcycle engineered for the track, but designed for the street.
So we still don’t know much else about the Strike in regards to its aesthetics or its performance, but at least we know the riding position will be more relaxed. This is surely a good thing for a street-biased motorcycle. We’ll post more information as we get it, and of course, the Strike’s official unveiling is set for March 2019, at which point we’ll provide all the details we can.
German talent regains 450SX points lead for the second time this season.
Image: Supplied.
Ken Roczen has expressed his desire to win his still there despite going winless six rounds into the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.
After injuries cut short his last two supercross campaigns, the Team Honda HRC talent has been taking a measured approach to his 2019 assault that has ultimately resulted in earning the red-plate on two occasions.
Despite feeling like Saturday’s encounter at Minneapolis was a missed opportunity, Roczen fought his way to second behind three-time main event winner Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
“I had a little wheelie on the start, and I came around in third,” Roczen explained. “I was just in third forever because it’s just really hard to pass out there – it gets rutty and we’re all kind of taking similar lines. I felt really good, but I couldn’t ever make the pass happen, and once Cooper [Webb] got by Joey [Savatgy], he gapped us.
“I wish I would’ve had a clear lap earlier because I feel like I could’ve done a charge toward the end, but with these turns and the intensity we brought, I didn’t want to just do a silly, aggressive move and bump up on the inside.
“I just took a little bit too long, but I’m happy with second place and back in the points lead. I still want to win, but it’s all good to get out of here healthy.”
The German ace leads Webb by one marker, while Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) are tied for third on 123 points.
Important distinction: the below applies to the superbike class only. The other categories are still TBA.
Begin press release:
MotoAmerica and FOX Sports are pleased to announce that FS2 is now the “Home of MotoAmerica Superbike Racing” with the network set to deliver 90 minutes of live or same-day coverage of the MotoAmerica Superbike class on both Saturday and Sunday from each of the 10 rounds of the 2019 MotoAmerica Series.
In addition to the live and same-day coverage of the MotoAmerica Superbike Series, there will also be 90-minute re-airs within seven days of each event on FS2 with a total of 45 hours of MotoAmerica action scheduled for the 2019 season. FS2 has a reach of nearly 57 million households, according to Nielsen Media Research.
“We’re very pleased to have FS2 as the home of MotoAmerica Superbike racing,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This is a big step forward for us as a series as nearly 57 million households will now have the opportunity to see what competitive, exciting racing we have in the MotoAmerica Superbike Series. We know that FS2 will do a great job of bringing our racing into the homes of our existing fans and it will also put our series in front of a lot of new fans as well.”
“Adding the MotoAmerica Superbike Series to FS2 continues a long history of exciting motorsports action available on the FOX Sports family of networks,” said Josh Oakley, FOX Sports VP Acquisitions & Programming. “FS2 is a destination for motorsports fans, and MotoAmerica delivers on the expectations of our viewers.”
Ducati riders lock out top four at Sepang MotoGP test.
Image: Supplied.
Andrea Dovizioso believes the strong presence of Ducati riders at the top of the timesheets on day three of testing at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is confirmation of a solid platform provided by the Italian manufacturer.
Dovizioso wound up fourth in the official MotoGP test, trailing Ducati counterparts Jack Miller (Pramac Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) and pace-setter Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati).
The Mission Winnow Ducati contender sampled a new fairing in the final outing that has drawn a positive review, although he admits it’s still too early to come to a conclusion on his final set-up.
“All in all, this test has been positive,” Dovizioso declared. “It was important to push to the limit again today because we only have another test before the season starts, and we managed to post a competitive time even on a flying lap after being really consistent in yesterday’s race simulation.
“Also, to see so many Ducati bikes at the front confirms that we have a good base. We also tried a new fairing, with positive feedback. It’s still early to draw conclusions, but I’m happy with the work done here and now we’ll look for more ways to improve ahead of Qatar.”
The MotoGP World Championship returns to testing at Losail International Circuit in Qatar on 23 February, while the season kicks off at the venue on 10 March.
The Sheene helmet will cost $899 when it arrives in March 2019, but you can pre-order now to ensure you don’t miss out on the limited-edition model.
It is part of the extensive X3000 range led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini. There are also 10 colour choices ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.
The Barry Sheene X3000 is highlighted by the iconic lucky number seven that became Barry’s trademark on the track as well as the quirky Duck on the crown of the helmet all tied together with the infamous black and gold graphic.
It also has the likeable larrikin’s signature painted on the back.
The fibreglass helmet is engineered in three shell sizes with a vented visor, leather and suede fabric, removable and washable interior, anti-scratch visor with micro-opening system and a double-D chin strap.
Barry Sheene history
Here is a history of Barry as supplied by Australian AGV distributors, Link International.
A true rockstar of the sport, Barry Sheene became a household name quickly taking the sport of motorcycle racing into the living rooms of people across the world. Even if you weren’t interested in motorcycle racing you were interested in what Barry Sheene was doing and his antics on and off the track. Known for his likeable demeanour and sex appeal Barry was envied by men and wanted by women, rarely ever photographed without a female companion by his side. He married a Penthouse cover girl Stephanie McLean who became his “lucky charm” as she attended nearly all of his races as a time keeper.
Barry went on to win two consecutive world titles in 1976-1977, a feat that had not been accomplished by a British rider at the time. A series of near fatal accidents threatened to derail his career but the attitude and determination that was Barry Sheene prevailed.
Barry was a dedicated showman who made time for his fans and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the people who supported him and came to watch his races. Barry’s larrikin personality lead to many headlines in the press over the years including the two fingers he used to show behind his back while racing again accomplished racer “King” Kenny Roberts.
Barry Sheene
In 1984 after unsuccessfully trying to reclaim his title as world champ Sheene retired to Australia in the late 1980’s seeking a warmer climate to aid his recovery from injuries and arthritis. It was here he pursued business ventures and even worked for the 9 Network as a commentator of the World Motorcycle Grand Prix and also appearing in Shell ads with the legendary Dick Johnson.
It was here that Australian riders and fans set in stone their love for Barry Sheene, as his sense of humour struck a chord with the Aussie population. His knowledge and opinions helped shape Australian motorsport today with many riders, racers and teams receiving a helping hand from the motorcycle racer including Mick Doohan and Garry McCoy. Sheene was inducted into the MotoGP hall of fame and in 2017 was inducted into the motorsport hall of fame with his former engineer and sister accepting the honours.
Australian earns top 10 result in Italian motocross championship finals.
Image: Supplied.
Queenslander Mitch Evans is continuing to learn and adjust to the increased intensity and aggression of racing on the European circuit, recently completing the three-round 2019 Internazionali D’Italia.
Evans, who’s set to challenge the MX2 World Championship this year with Team Honda 114 Motorsports, put in a spirited performance at the weekend’s Italian motocross finale in Mantova, winding up 11th in the MX2 outing before lodging an impressive ninth in the Superfinal, which sees the best MX1 and MX2 riders combined.
A strong end to the mini-series has offered the youthful Australian a positive feeling heading into his next pre-season event, scheduled for 24 February at the Motocross Masters International in Lacapelle, France.
“Despite struggling with my starts, I had a lot of fun racing in Mantova,” Evans commented. “The speed and aggression of the racing is very different to what I am use to, but I am learning and feeling more comfortable with each race I get under my belt. I am looking forward to having two weeks back in France to work on my weaknesses before we go racing again in Lacapelle.”
The opening round of the MXGP World Championship will take place on 3 March at Neuquen in Patagonia Argentina.
Two KTM Adventure Rider Rallies, one in Colorado and another in British Columbia, Canada, will take place in September 2019.
The U.S. Adventure Rider Rally is set to return for its 16th year in 2019 for an adrenaline seeking weekend at the picturesque Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. Held September 13-15, the KTM Adventure Rider Rally offers participants the opportunity to explore the Rocky Mountains in its purest form–on two wheels.
Then two weeks later, September 26-28, at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, British Columbia, the Canadian Adventure Rally is coming back for its third year on the Canadian West Coast. Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy some of the most epic riding just north of the U.S. border. Nestled in the heart of the Columbian mountains, the Canadian rally will offer unique unspoiled backcountry riding conditions.
KTM’s Adventure Rider Rallies will include on-site training clinics. Participants will learn that this is NOT the correct way to pick up a fallen motorcycle!
Both North American rallies include spectacular riding opportunities, demo rides on KTM’s latest Adventure lineup, the opportunity to speak with KTM’s factory technicians, enjoy an awards dinner and take a first-look at the brand new KTM 790 Adventure. Open to all brands, KTM’s Adventure Rider Rallies are a place for likeminded enthusiasts to come together and share their passion for adventure riding in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
For participants of the three-day U.S. rally, an all-new element has been added in 2019 with an overnight camping option following a day-long off-road adventure. Participants will depart Beaver Run Resort’s basecamp on Friday morning to set out on a 100-150-mile ride, ending at the overnight campsite with dinner provided. The next day, participants will head out on another excursion that will bring them back to basecamp for Saturday night’s awards ceremony.
Participants will have the opportunity to ride various trails and back roads throughout the Rocky Mountains and there will be options for every skill level as routes will vary in difficulty and distance. Routes will be available on-site at the event and there will be an option for riders to go on self-guided rides with fellow enthusiasts. Participants will also have the option to “Ride With the Pros” on guided rides led by off-road legends and KTM Ambassadors Mike Lafferty, Scott Bright, Taylor Robert, Russell Bobbitt and Paul Krause. Jimmy Lewis Riding Schools will be on-site conducting lessons and hosting nightly activities along vendor row with a ton of adventure motorcycle aftermarket companies and KTM’s factory R&D team will be answering technical questions all weekend long.
At both North American Adventure Rider Rallies, KTM will host the Ultimate Race Qualifier events.
Canadian participants will also receive a new format for 2019 with a new two-day navigation rally, open to all motorcycle brands over 600cc. The two-day KTM Navigation Rally will be tailored to suit all rider abilities and interests–from long distance adventure touring, to off-road adventure enthusiasts. Teams of two to four riders will take on the challenge of navigating across the Canadian Western Mountains while following a GPS route and staying as close as possible to the total mileage. Red Mountain Resort showcases diverse and exciting routes for all types of riders. Participants will also benefit from the presence of the pros such as Chris Birch, access to KTM staff, dedicated adventure vendors and the ability to demo KTM’s latest Adventure lineup, including the new KTM 790 Adventure R.
KTM is pleased to welcome back the Ultimate Race Qualifier for the second-straight year at both rallies. More details will follow regarding the Ultimate Race Qualifier, but interested participants can sign up now to secure a spot as space is limited for this event.
For more information or to register for the KTM Adventure Rider Rally in Breckenridge, Colorado, visit the official page. To register for the KTM Adventure Rally Canada in Rossland, BC, visit the official page.
2019 ASBK Supersport 300 YMF R3 Cup Oceanic Juniors Cup
With Mark Bracks Images by TBG and Rob Mott
Mark Bracks gives MCNews.com.au the inside scoop on the Supersport 300, R3 Cup and Oceania Juniors Cup categories, following their appearances at the official ASBK test at Phillip Island last weekend.
Seth Crump topped the weekend’s testing on his KTM
YMI Supersport 300 & YMF R3 Cup
Early signs at the test for the Supersport 300 and R3 Cup were that there hasn’t been too many departures from the ranks in 2019.
24 riders participated at the test, but by the time the race action happens in a few weeks the grids will swell to have nearly 40 riders vying for position.
Tom Bramich was in attendence, but testing his WSBK machinery and not counted in the official time sheets
Two that did leave are Tom Bramich who is off to compete in the Supersport 300 World Championship in Europe, while Oli Bayliss steps up to the Supersport 600 class. Apart from these two, the class will have a lot of the same players for the year racing with the same insane intensity that we have become accustomed to.
Seth Crump
Honestly, no. It will probably be more intense and competitive, as each year the action rises to another level. Casting an eye over the entry list there is no doubt it will be a dynamite season.
Harry Khouri
This year also oversees the introduction of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 to the category, albeit with some limitations, primarily of which are the restrictions on suspension changes for the 400, compared to the more extensive hardware based suspension tuning allowed for the smaller capacity Yamaha YZF-R3, Ninja 300 and KTM 390.
Locky Taylor
Tom Bramich was at the test but was not included in the official times as he was testing a Ninja 400 that he will use in the Supersport 300 World Championship in Europe this year. The bike he will race for Carl Cox Motorsports is allowed a lot more extras than what is allowed in the corresponding category here, so Tom was out getting accustomed to a Kawasaki and the extras that come with it.
Tom Bramich
The ever improving Seth Crump was fastest over the two days, but again, testing times mean little as every one of them are contantly improving their riding skill. His usual combatants were there in attendance including 2018 GP Juniors Cup Champion Max Stauffer, Locky Taylor and Harry Khouri.
Max Stauffer
One interesting note is that BCPerformance Kawasaki have drafted in one of Australia’s fastest lady racers in Tayla Relph, who joins the team alongside West Australian Callum O’Brien. Relph is one of the most determined and gutsy competitors you’ll find and has deepened her intensity and determination since joining the ranks of the 300s after a number of years racing a Moto3 machine.
Tayla Relph
O’Brien, another one of the graduates of the GP Juniors meanwhile is a very quiet unassuming young kid who knows what he wants and goes about the task with a minimum of fuss but a truckload of determination. Watch him come of age as a rider under the tutelage of the BCPerformance Team.
Callum O’Brien
As for Tayla now that she has a professional team environment around her, she may well take that little extra step to be a regular on the podium.
With Ninja 400’s allowed in the class, limitations include having to use standard suspension
Adding spice to this already ultra-competitive line-up will be Senna Agius and Ben Baker, who both competed in the Asia Talent Cup last year. Their seasons were compromised by injury but both will gleefully jump into this cauldron of young talent and no doubt put to use their experiences of the competition with the best youngsters of Asia last year.
Senna Agius
Supersport 300 & R3 Cup combined testing
Seth CRUMP (QLD) KTM RC 390 1:49.249
Locky TAYLOR (QLD) Yamaha R3 321 1:49.429
Senna AGIUS (NSW) Kawasaki Ninja 400 1:49.581
Max STAUFFER (NSW) Yamaha R3 321 1:49.617
Callum O’BRIEN (WA) Kawasaki Ninja 400 1:49.939
Luke POWER (VIC) Yamaha R3 321 1:49.939
Zac LEVY (QLD) Yamaha R3 321 1:50.109
Ben BAKER (NSW) Kawasaki Ninja 300 1:50.823
Harry KHOURI (NSW) Yamaha R3 321 1:50.829
Zylas BUNTING (NSW) Yamaha R3 321 1:50.917
Kyle O’CONNELL (QLD) Yamaha R3 321 1:51.117
Peter NERLICH (VIC) Kawasaki Ninja 400 1:51.179
Bronson PICKETT (WA) Yamaha R3 321 1:52.840
Tayla RELPH (QLD) Kawasaki Ninja 400 1:52.952
Jesse WOODS (TAS) Yamaha R3 321 1:53.055
Cameron AGOSTINI (NT) Honda CBR 300 1:54.575
Joseph MARINIELLO (VIC) Yamaha R3 321 1:55.758
Jeremy CZMOK (VIC) KTM RC 390 1:57.141
Hayden STIFF (NSW) Kawasaki Ninja 300 1:57.247
Kristian AGOSTINI (NT) Yamaha R3 321 1:57.706
Lachlan O’BRIEN (NT) Yamaha R3 321 2:00.319
Ben ANGELIDIS (ACT) Yamaha R3 321 2:00.537
Andrew DE KUYPER (VIC) Kawasaki Ninja 300 2:04.298
Carter Thompson
bLU cRU Oceania Juniors Cup
bLU cRU Oceania Juniors Cup
The weekend also saw the debut of the Oceania Juniors Cup for the young tackers. All on Yamaha YZF-R15s, the series is a step forward from the GP Juniors Cup with Motorcycling Australia taking over the running, and already it has shown great promise with over 25 riders turning up for the turn-key competition series.
bLU cRU Oceania Juniors Cup
It harps back to the very early days of production racing where a rider (or families in this case) pay an amount for the year which includes bike, riding gear, bike transport and all the rest, with the bikes being transported by MA and Yamaha.
Max Gibbons
Turn up. Pick an ignition key. Go race.
It’s going to be hard to recognise the young racers as all bikes and leathers are identical so it will be subtle markings like numbers – that normally are hard to decipher at the distance, as well as helmet design that will identify them to the masses of onlookers that will witness their antics during the year.
bLU cRU Oceania Juniors Cup
Keep an eye out for names like Glenn Nelson, Angus Grenfell, Max Gibbons, Cros Francis, Reece Oughtred, Marianos Nikolis, Tom Drane, Zak Pettendy and Jamie Port. All will no doubt become part of an ever growing list of, ‘Names for the Future’.
Derived from Suzuki’s popular GSX-R litre-bike, the GSX-S1000 offers a street focused nakedbike package, with iconic styling and a host of technology, with 2019 models arriving next month in new colour schemes – Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Matte Black (Z-model).
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 – Metallic Triton Blue
Powered by a modernised version of the same long-stroke engine that drove the legendary K5 GSX-R1000, the GSX-S1000 is tuned for the streets with a fatter bottom-to-mid while still retaining a stonking top-end, and the in-line four-cylinder boasts 110kW power and 108Nm of torque. A back-torque-limiting clutch also contributes to smoother downshifts, through the six-speed gearbox.
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 – Metallic Matte Black
High-end Brembo monobloc calipers are the same specification as those featured on the GSX-R1000R. The calipers each have four opposed 32mm pistons acting on a 310mm floating-mount disc for strong stopping power. The antilock braking system (ABS) helps the rider stay in directional control even during hard braking.
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 – Metallic Triton Blue
43mm KYB inverted front forks provide a sporty yet plush ride. Featuring fully adjustable compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload. A single KYB rear shock features adjustable rebound damping and spring preload.
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 – Metallic Matte Black
A lightweight LCD instrument cluster provides a wealth of information to the rider. Readouts include speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position, coolant temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control, and a clock. The white backlight gives great night-time visibility and also features 6 different rpm display settings.
2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 – Metallic Triton Blue
The 2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000 will be available in March for a special promotion price of $15,490 Ride Away under the “Own The Street” campaign and is backed by Suzuki’s two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.
For further information on the GSX-S1000 and the rest of the GSX-S street sports range, interested customers should visit their local Suzuki dealer, who can be found through the Dealer Locator on www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au (link).
