Although the 2019 Ural lineup appears almost identical to the previous models (as a matter of fact, one can say the same thing about all Urals manufactured in the last 30 years), the new model year brings a few big (in Ural terms) changes to the family of sidecar motorcycles. An all-new EFI system and a modernized top end make Ural’s 749cc “boxer” engine run cooler, smoother and work more efficiently.
The new system utilizes a single ECU located under the driver seat and two Keihin throttle bodies, one per cylinder. Electronic idle speed control provides for better startability and a more stable idle speed (both of which we noted on our LA-Barstow-Vegas adventure back in 2016).
A new self-priming, in-tank fuel pump is integrated with the fuel filter and pressure relief system. Overall fuel pressure has been increased for improved fuel atomization, and the fuel injector location is optimized for increased combustion efficiency.
2019 Ural Gear-Up. Images courtesy Ural.
The 2019 Ural engine also features redesigned cylinders, cylinders head, covers and pistons. The surface area of the cooling fins on the heads and cylinders is increased by 20 percent for better cooling. The geometry of both intake and exhaust ports of the cylinder head is optimized for improved flow of gasses, and the exhaust port is also shortened to reduce cylinder head temperature.
New pistons have a teflon-inlayed skirt and a hard anodized crown and top ring groove. The top compression ring face is inlayed with plasma-sprayed molybdenum, while oil pan capacity is increased by 25 percent without sacrificing ground clearance.
You’re still not likely to win any races on a Ural, but the updates for 2019 should make living with one a bit easier. The 2019 lineup consists of two basic models, the 2WD Gear-Up (starting at $16,999) and the 1WD cT (starting at $14,999).
2018’s MotoGP championship titles may have been settled, in a season where records were broken and boundaries reset, however there’s still one final showdown to go.
Valencia MotoGP – Image by AJRN
The 4005m Valencian circuit is one of the shortest on the calendar – only Sachsenring is shorter – but it is still a track that needs special preparation due to its technical layout and tight configuration. The anti-clockwise design with its nine left- and five right-hand turns, all set within a stadium complex environment, makes this a very unusual circuit and one that requires Michelin’s asymmetric tyre solutions.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Marc Marquez arrives as a favourite, with the reigning Champion taking an impressive win at Sepang to bounce back in style, and he arrives as the home hero in form. Marquez also has a good record at Valencia – wrapping up two MotoGP crowns there since 2013, and winning from the back in Moto2 – and he’ll want to win again on home turf to cement his stellar season.
Marc Marquez
“It was great to celebrate the title a few days ago in my hometown with my family, people and fan club, and now I’m looking forward to celebrating it with all the fans in Valencia. Of course we won’t have the pressure we had last year, when the title was still at stake, but our mentality will be exactly the same because we want to finish the year in a good way. Now we’re very, very close to achieving the Team Championship, and we’ll try our best to get it so as to complete the Triple Crown, which is important for us and for Honda, and which would be the perfect end to this season. I don’t want to lose the momentum or the way I’m riding at the moment, so I’ll try and focus like always for the entire weekend, and to fight for the win on Sunday.”
Marc Marquez – Image by AJRN
This year, however, there may well be more eyes on the other side of the Repsol Honda box at the season finale, with teammate Dani Pedrosa, having a great record here and being back on song at Sepang. More importantly the three-time World Champion will be hanging up his leathers at the end of the season – in terms of competition at least, so will no doubt aim to end on a high note. On Thursday he will also become a MotoGP Legend as he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Dani Pedrosa
“Clearly, the next race in Valencia will be a bit special, as it will be my final race, so the feeling will be different than usual. It’s also going to be busy, because many of my people, friends and family will come there wishing to spend time together. Anyway, when I climb on my bike, my entire focus will be on riding. I like the track as it’s one of my favourites on the calendar, and of course I’ll try and get the best result possible on Sunday.”
Dani Pedrosa
Maverick Viñales is another home hero aiming high. After winning in Australia, Sepang was a tougher qualifying in difficult conditions that hampered the Spaniard slightly on race day, but Yamaha seem to be back in the fight at the front.
Maverick Viñales
“I arrive in Valencia in a very positive mood. After the last three rounds in Asia and Oceania I’ve spent some time at home, relaxing and resting a little bit, because the overseas races were very demanding. We’ve worked hard during the lasts months and the bike is competitive. The Ricardo Tormo Circuit is a track that I really like, it has a lay-out that suits my riding style very well. Last year it wasn’t a good race, but this year I will try to push and give my 100% to finish the season with another victory. I’m feeling very confident. My goal now is to get the third position in the World Championship and we are very close. Ending the season in the third position after such a difficult season as this one would be a small success for us.”
Maverick Vinales – Image by AJRN
Vinales want another win to end the season and his teammate Valentino Rossi, who came so close at Sepang, will want to win his first race of the year. Rossi’s incredible laptimes in Malaysia only came undone a handful of laps from the end, and although Valencia is traditionally a more difficult track for the ‘Doctor’, he was on fire at Sepang.
Valentino Rossi
“We have already arrived in Valencia. For us it will be an interesting weekend because it’s a circuit on which we usually aren’t very fast, but in the last races we have seen some improvements. In Malaysia we were very fast during the whole weekend and also in the race. Unfortunately the race didn’t end well, but there remain positive aspects. In Valencia we will try to do our best. We would like to finish the season with a positive result. Then there will be tests in Valencia and those in Jerez. It will be very intense weeks.”
Valentino Rossi – AJRN Image
For the Ducati Team Valencia has also been a more difficult track at times. Last season didn’t quite put paid to that either as both men crashed out, but Jorge Lorenzo especially has an incredible record at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. He is determined to make it through the whole weekend this time and make his return from injury, and although he may well not be able to hammer home the kind of pace he’s previously shown at the venue, he can’t be counted out altogether.
Jorge Lorenzo
“We have arrived at the last race of the season and even though I still won’t be 100% fit, I would really like to finish my adventure in Ducati with a good result. It’s difficult to know what condition my left wrist will be in, but luckily I feel much better than in Sepang and on Friday morning I’ll go out on track with the hope that I won’t have too much pain and that I can be competitive. My two years in Ducati have been very intense and I’d really like to say goodbye to my team with a good race. For sure our fans, who always come out in force at Cheste, will also help to make this weekend special.”
Jorge Lorenzo – Image by AJRN
For teammate Andrea Dovizioso it’s sometimes been a more difficult venue but some incredible battles in the past mean ‘DesmoDovi’ can’t be counted out. On the podium at Phillip Island to underline the incredible progress made by the Borgo Panigale factory at every different type of track, Dovizioso has second in the Championship wrapped up and will have a few points to prove in the last race of the year.
Andrea Dovizioso
“Sixth place at Sepang meant that I finished second in the championship and we wanted to bring home this very important result at all costs. Now at Valencia we come up against a track where in the past we have struggled quite a bit: this year however I expect us to be fast and the race will also be an important test to understand in which areas we have to improve to be more competitive next year.”
Andrea Dovizioso
Team Suzuki Ecstar, meanwhile, are on form. Alex Rins showed once again last time out quite how competitive Suzuki now are as he took that stunning second place and equaled his best result in the premier class. Rins is on home turf and on a roll and can’t be counted out.
Alex Rins
“For sure we arrive in Valencia with a lot of enthusiasm, due to the improved performance and the podiums. Our target now is pretty clear and also obvious: we want to go for the top step of the podium! We’ve proved that we are ready for it, the bike has improved and so has my riding, we have to work well and try our best. The circuit is a good one, almost all the riders like Valencia, and our GSX-RR can be a good machine for this layout.”
Andrea Iannone has been on it despite a twitchy crash behind Marquez in Malaysia, and it’s his last race for the Hamamatsu factory.
Andrea Iannone
“Valencia is a nice track and it could be good for us. Last year we qualified on the front row and both Alex and I had a good race. If we consider how much we improved since 2017, we can definitely expect a positive weekend. We are in a really good moment now; I’m feeling positive and also in Malaysia I felt I could fight for the podium. Let’s try to give all we have, be consistent and always stay close to the top, that way we can aim for a good result. It would be a nice way to part.”
Andrea Iannone
The man Rins beat to second at Sepang was Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) as the Frenchman got back on the podium – and from pole after Marquez was penalised. After Zarco and Danilo Petrucci (Alma Pramac Racing) were both given the opportunity to make big gains on the injured Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) in Australia in the fight for top Independent Team rider and neither could, Malaysia was Zarco staking a serious claim on that title.
Johann Zarco
“With the podium I got in Malaysia I arrive in Valencia with a bright smile on my face and happiness in my head to get another great result. My main target is to be the first independent rider and maybe a little bit more. If I can conclude the season in Valencia on the podium in front of Alex Rins and Danilo Petrucci, would mean I can also be inside the top 5 of the final Championship standings, which could be a very nice target. But first of all, I hope for nice weather and a decent temperature in order to gain confidence on this circuit and I think the Yamaha can work well there. With my guys, we found some good things during these overseas races, so we need to make the bike work well again with all we understood and in case we succeed, I’m sure we can have a great weekend. My fingers are crossed to finish this 2018 season as well as possible.”
Johann Zarco – Image by AJRN
The 16 points for third put him one point above Crutchlow and five clear of Petrucci – with his form last season at Valencia marking him as the favourite to outrace the rest. Crutchlow will remain on the sideliness nursing his ankle injury from Phillip Island and will again be replaced by Stefan Bradl.
Cal Crutchlow
“First of all, I would like to say thank you for all the well wishes I have received since the Friday of the Philip Island GP. To all the medical staff at the circuit, my LCR Honda CASTROL Team, HRC and everyone who came to visit me while I was in hospital in Melbourne, especially my wife Lucy who travelled to be with me for the 12 days I had to stay. Also, Jake Harrison and Andy Roche for sorting everything out and, of course, our Team Manager Lucio (Cecchinello) who stayed with me every day until he went to Malaysia.
“I had excellent surgeons in Matthias Russ and Dr Evans who initially put an external fixator on my leg until the swelling went down and they could operate, which was 6 days later. The crash resulted in a Pilon fracture of my tibia, fibia and talus bone. The surgery was completed in three and half hours and, along with reconstruction with artificial bone, two metal plates and eight screws were inserted.
“The injury I have can take a recovery time of up to 12 months and, although as a typical motorcycle racer I thought I would be back in time for the Valencia GP, unfortunately this is not the case. I can’t put any weight on my ankle for six weeks, but am continuing to recover and having physiotherapy. This week I will start to try and cycle again and look forward to preparing for Sepang in February 2019.
“I have had a fantastic season again with the LCR Honda CASTROL Team and HRC and I look forward to making more great memories in 2019-2020. Good luck this weekend in Valencia to my team and to all the people on the MotoGP grid. I look forward to watching the best motorsport championship there is as a fan this weekend.”
Cal Crutchlow – Image by AJRN
Rookie of the Year is on the line, with Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) looking the favourite to wrap that up.
At Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, Aleix Espargaro races at home and they bid goodbye to Scott Redding after the race weekend, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing aiming to stay ahead of the Noale factory. KTM are two points clear as a constructor and a handful more as a team so there’s everything to race for – before they also begin a new era.
The Aprilia RS-GP machines ridden by Aleix Espargaró and Scott Redding will once again be all red for the final GP of the season. For the third year in a row, the (RED) livery will distinguish the Italian bikes on the day of the Valencia race to raise awareness with the large audience of MotoGP fans on the issue of AIDS, often overlooked or even forgotten.
Aleix Espargaro
“In recent races we have shown encouraging signs and I want to finish out the championship in the best possible way. It was certainly not an easy season, but we never stopped working and the final race is always a special opportunity because from Sunday on, we will officially begin our 2019 season with the first tests. We will also be racing in the (RED) livery. This is an important initiative and I am honoured to be able to provide my contribution to it.”
Aprilia to race in RED in support of AIDS awareness
The Ángel Nieto Team will also hope end the year with eighth place in the Teams’ World Championship and with a strong finish to the season for Álvaro Bautista and Karel Abraham. Bautista, who has been a full-time Grand Prix rider since 2003, has scored 16 wins and 49 podiums across sixteen seasons and he is aiming to check out with another top ten finish, which would be his eleventh from twelve races.
Álvaro Bautista
“It is always special to race at home, for me and the team, in Valencia. It is the last race of the season, my last race in MotoGP for now and it will be at a small track for the MotoGP bikes, where you hardly get chance to breath from one corner to the next and you can’t get the most out of the power. You need a bike that handles and turns well. It is another challenge for us but we will try and maintain the same positive curve we have been on. I would like to finish the season with an enjoyable weekend with the fans and the team, and let’s see if we can score a good result. With the material we have available we can fight for the top ten and that will be the main objective. After that, we’ll see.”
Álvaro Bautista
Alongside Bautista, Karel Abraham is hoping to return to the points for the first time since the Australian grand prix in his final race with the Ángel Nieto Team.
Karel Abraham
“It is time for the final round of the season at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. It will be a difficult race but I have good memories of this track because it is where I scored my first World Championship win back in 2010. I am going to Valencia with mixed emotions because I am looking forward to racing again but at the same time I don’t want the season to end because it will be my last race with the Ángel Nieto Team after two seasons and the last time with my crew.”
Karel Abraham
The 2018 chapter of the incredible story of the MotoGP World Championship draws to a close at Valencia, but the final race weekend of the season is far from an epilogue. The unique atmosphere of the amphitheater setting always makes it a race weekend to remember – and this time, that’s even more true than ever. Goodbyes and new beginnings start here – from the 16th to 18th November.
2018 MotoGP Standings
Pos
Rider
Team
Points
1.
Marquez Marc
Repsol Honda Team
321
2.
Dovizioso Andrea
Ducati Team
220
3.
Rossi Valentino
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
195
4.
Vinales Maverick
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
193
5.
Rins Alex
Team Suzuki Ecstar
149
6.
Zarco Johann
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
149
7.
Crutchlow Cal
LCR Honda
148
8.
Petrucci Danilo
Alma Pramac Racing
144
9.
Iannone Andrea
Team Suzuki Ecstar
133
10.
Lorenzo Jorge
Ducati Team
130
11.
Pedrosa Dani
Repsol Honda Team
106
12.
Bautista Alvaro
Angel Nieto Team
105
13.
Miller Jack
Alma Pramac Racing
91
14.
Morbidelli Franco
Marc VDS Racing Team
50
15.
Espargaro Aleix
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
44
16.
Syahrin Hafizh
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
40
17.
Rabat Tito
Reale Avintia Racing
35
18.
Espargaro Pol
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
35
19.
Smith Bradley
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
30
20.
Nakagami Takaaki
LCR Honda
23
21.
Redding Scott
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
15
22.
Abraham Karel
Angel Nieto Team
10
23.
Kallio Mika
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
6
24.
Bradl Stefan
Honda Racing Corporation
3
25.
Nakasuga Katsuyuki
Yamaha Factory Team
2
26.
Simeon Xavier
Reale Avintia Racing
1
27.
Pirro Michele
Ducati Team
1
28.
Luthi Thomas
Marc VDS Racing Team
0
29.
Torres Jordi
MV Agusta Reparto Corse
0
30.
Jones Mike
Reale Avintia Racing
0
31.
Guintoli Sylvain
Pata Yamaha Official WSBK Team
0
32.
Ponsson Christophe
Ponsson C.
0
MotoGP Team Standings
Pos
Team
Points
1.
Repsol Honda Team
427
2.
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
388
3.
Ducati Team
363
4.
Suzuki MotoGP
282
5.
Alma Pramac Racing
235
6.
Monster Yamaha Tech 3
189
7.
LCR Honda
174
8.
Angel Nieto Team
102
9.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
65
10.
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
59
11.
Estrella Galicia 0,0
50
12.
Reale Avintia Racing
36
Moto2
Francesco Bagnaia was back on the podium in Sepang, and although key rival Miguel Oliveira finished just ahead of him, the 16 points for second were more than enough for the Italian to wrap up the crown. Teammate Luca Marini also won the race – his maiden Grand Prix victory – making it an incredible day to remember not just for ‘Pecco’ but for the team. It caps off an incredible season, and sets up the perfect swansong in Valencia.
Francesco Bagnaia – Image by AJRN
Bagnaia has been a serious force to be reckoned with this year, taking control of the standings pretty early and hammering home that advantage in the latter half of the season. So will his final race in see him back on the top step? Or can Oliveira – last year’s winner – or Fabio Quartararo take another Moto2 win to also leave for the premier class on a high and another addition to their CVs?
Bagnaia will surely feel the most confident heading into Valencia, but the spring in Marini’s step will likely mirror that of his compatriot; fresh as he is from a maiden win. Meanwhile Brad Binder is looking for more of a bounce back after a tough Malaysian GP, but the South African did wrap up P3 overall in the standings at Sepang. The likes of Marcel Schrötter want to move back towards the front, too – with the German still looking for that maiden win and maiden pole.
Alex Marquez was another who, like Binder and Schrötter, didn’t get the results he’d wanted on race day last time out. The 2014 Moto3 World Champion dominated practice and qualifying – half a second clear on pole – but it didn’t become his first win of the year. He has chance to take that in Valencia, however, at a track that holds good memories for him and where he’s racing in front of a home crowd.
Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS)
His teammate will also be doing that and is one who will graduate to the premier class next season. With just two points between them as is stands, can the Rookie of the Year strike for his first – and only – Moto2 win before he moves up? Or will experience play in Marquez’ favour?
There’s one last race for this era of Moto2, with more than simply the names changing next year: 2019 sees the debut of Triumph power for the intermediate class. Someone will take the honour of the last win of the year before the next era begins – for man or machine. Find out who from the 16th to 18th November at Valencia.
Moto2 Championship Standings
Francesco Bagnaia (ITA) KALEX 304 points
Miguel Oliveira (POR) KTM 272
Brad Binder (RSA) KTM 201
Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) KALEX 162
Alex Marquez (SPA) KALEX 157
Moto3
As we head back to shores closer to home for those who fought for the Moto3 World Championship this season, there’s one final set of bragging rights on the table for the riders graduating to Moto2.
Jorge Martin
Can Jorge Martin seal another win before he moves up as reigning Champion? Or can Marco Bezzecchi or Fabio Di Giannantonio bounce back from losing the crown to take to the top step one final time?
Valencia is a very different track to Sepang; likewise the conditions and temperatures. Add to that a little more experience of the venue for many and it’s sure to be another corker. Martin took his first win there in 2017 and will surely arrive as the favourite, but the motivation of those on the losing end in Malaysia can’t be underestimated.
The cast of those with everything to gain doesn’t stop there, either. Enea Bastianini is moving up too, as is Philipp Oettl. Then there are home heroes like Aron Canet, Albert Arenas, Marcos Ramirez… and the likes of his teammate Jaume Masia, who’s fighting for Rookie of the Year and will be hoping to be fit to race on home turf.
Marco Bezzecchi – Image by AJRN
The time has come! The final stand and the last fiesta of the season rolls in to Valencia on the 16th – 18th November, make sure to tune in to see if more records can be broken and who’ll close out 2018 on top.
The two-part Dynamoto motorcycle stand is an amazing invention designed, engineered and built in Australia to make your bike easy to clean, maintain and move around your garage.
They now have a thriving business with export sales to countries such as the USA and Taiwan.
Dynamoto front and rear stands cost $785, or you can just buy the rear for $540.
However, the real beauty of this invention is that, with both stands, you can push the bike sideways. That makes it so easy to store your bike if you have limited garage space.
It’s all thanks to the use of Australian-designed and manufactured omni-directional Rotacaster wheels.
It may sound like a lot of money, but the versatile, elegant, quality product also shows off your bike. So you can spend hours in the garage with a beer just admiring it.
Dynamoto test
I’ve been testing the Dynamoto stand with my Triumph Street Scrambler and it simply makes my life so much easier.
I can ride into the garage, put it on the stand, turn it around and it’s ready to ride straight back out.
No need to back into or out of the garage and no multi-point turns to manoeuvre is in tight spaces.
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In fact, it’s so secure yet light to move, your kids could even move the bike for you. Plus, there is no fear of anyone bumping your pride and joy and knocking it off the stand.
If your floor is slanted, you will need to chock the wheels s it doesn’t roll.
I’ve used paddock stands before, but none has ever been as versatile as the Dynamoto.
While it’s on the rear stand, you can maintain the chain and clean the back wheel.
Front stand ‘genius’
But here’s the genius; you can also clean the front wheel, then simply pull it forward a couple of inches to clean were the forks were in the way.
What other stand will allow you to do that without the fear of your bike toppling off the stand?
This is safe and secure because the handle relocates to the side to act as a brake. That stops the rear stand from tipping up and dropping the bike.
“Brake” in place
Handle in place
So why would you need to also buy the front stand? Well, you may not if you don’t need to move the bike sideways, but Stephen says they have had few buyers so far opt for the rear stand only.
Front stand
“We have had a great response from people who have purchased the stands, with many being repeat customers,” he says.
Dynamoto stands will fit most bikes wth pick-up bobbins on the rear.
They are currently working on a solution for cruisers and a rear-wheel stand for bikes without pick-up bobbins.
Dynamoto stands are manufactured in Brisbane using high-quality steel precision tube, CNC laser cutting, CNC bending and robot welding.
“We decided to manufacture in Australia because we have direct access to and close relationships with our suppliers and we can be assured of the quality,” Stuart says.
New Ducati V4 R hits track for the first time alongside WSBK competitors
Reigning WSBK champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has put in a strong opening day on track around MotorLand Aragon, ending the first day of winter testing fastest as unofficial times were recorded at the Spanish circuit. But it was Ducati stealing the headlines, with the debut of the V4 R.
Beginning 2019 with an all new ZX-10RR, Rea was able to use the opening day to work on different settings as he looks at which direction to take for what is set to be a competitive season, putting in 72 laps and the fastest unofficial time.
New team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) prepares for his debut with the Provec squad, and has been working on getting the first kilometres under his sliders. With 67 laps put in on his opening day, it has been about working on set-up of the championship winning machine.
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made his all-important first steps with the Panigale V4 R, taking to the track in the morning he began to understand his new beast. The Welshman completed 61 laps in total, with a personal best of 1:51.180. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team will resume action tomorrow with Davies for another day of testing ahead of its first collective outing, with Alvaro Bautista alongside Davies, at Jerez (Spain) on November 26 and 27.
Chaz Davies – Panigale V4 R
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7) – 1:51.180
“It was really exciting to take the Panigale V4 R out on track for the first time, it felt like Christmas, when you get a wonderful new toy to play with. Usually it takes me a bit of time to learn and understand a new bike, but honestly it felt the opposite today. I was really comfortable straight away, after the first out lap I felt like I wanted to push immediately, which is pretty cool. Overall, it was a really positive day, we’ve made a lot of steps forward and finished most of the work on the ergonomics. We have plenty of new things to evaluate and lots of data to process. The main goal today was to get progressively more comfortable with the bike and start tailoring it to our needs. Tomorrow, we’ll keep the same approach, working on the basics and refining little things before we start to push harder and understand the full potential of the bike a little bit better.”
Chaz Davies – Panigale V4 R
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team had their duo of Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes out on track, as they spent day one of 2019 evaluating some key components in the chassis, working on suspension with Ohlins and working with some new electronics hardware. Lowes set the second unofficial fastest lap time, and with 76 laps recorded he wasn’t wasting the track time he was offered. Whilst van der Mark recorded 72 laps throughout day one.
It wasn’t only Davies who got the first test of the V4 R, as Michael Ruben Rinaldi (BARNI Racing Team) was out on track with the powerful beast. Getting used to the sensational new bike, he spent his day working with the Aruba.it Ducati squad as well as his new BARNI team and put in 74 laps around MotorLand.
With the winter season fast approaching, it’s only practical that we make the necessary preparations for the onset of snowfall and slippery roads. While the white flakes are a joy to have, in excess they can be really harmful to motorists, especially those who prefer motorcycles to cars.
Vehicular accidents happen frequently enough during ideal road conditions, but they are more likely to happen during the winter season because of many reasons. These reasons include slippery roads and poor visibility. Sometimes even the cold itself is going to cause harm to your motorcycle if it isn’t stored properly.
So, how exactly do you ride your motorcycle safely during the winter? Read on, dear readers.
Reduce Your Speed
While this may be one of the more obvious things to take note of, many of us seem to forget this simple tip because, whether we admit it or not, going fast on a motorcycle is part of the fun. Any rider can speed up, but the real test of skill is being able to maintain control of your motorcycle even at low speeds.
Wear The Proper Gear
Donning the proper gear not only helps prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident, but it also helps you keep warm. Consider investing in thermal pants, gloves, and jackets. Riding in freezing weather is going to greatly impede your movements if you’re unable to keep warm. As an added bonus, wearing the proper gear not only looks cool, it keeps road rash away too.
Check Tire Pressure More Often
When you ride your motorcycle, your tires heat up after some time spent riding. This heat results in tighter traction, allowing you to control your motorcycle better (because heat causes your tires to expand). However, during winter, the heat that you generate from use dissipates faster than it is generated when you come to a full stop (and trust me, if you’re going to ride safely, you’re going to have to do this often). You’re not going to have the innate advantage of having your tires heat up as you ride, so it’s best to check and maintain your tire pressure regularly during the colder months. Alternatively, you can also invest in winter tires for your motorcycle.
Keep A Few Key Contacts Handy
Preparation has two aspects to it. One is in being able to prevent motorcycle accidents from occurring, and the other lies in how to react properly to an accident. With the latter in mind, keeping a few key contacts handy is going to save the time and effort of having to search online for the services that you need. These key contacts can be your local towing service, your lawyers, and your local motorcycle repair specialists.
Never Ride Through a Snowstorm
Riding through a bad storm is not recommended, and the main reason is that visibility is going to be reduced to nil. And while you can say that you’re going to be able to navigate through the blinding white, there are many other factors that might cause an accident, the most common of which are incapable drivers, sharp turns, and black ice. Seek shelter and wait it out. Wherever you’re going, it can wait. The important thing is that you get there safely.
Ficeda Accessories have announced the new Ixon Falcon one-piece race suit which is available for $899.95 RRP, and offers an ideal entry level option for young racers and track day riders.
Ixon Falcon Race Suit available in SM to 3XL
Made from quality cowhide, the Falcon features all the safety features a rider would expect with tough stretch panels for extra comfort, an aerodynamic hump, zipped cuffs and CE protectors throughout.
The lining’s also fully removable, which is ideal for keeping the suit clean and fresh. The Falcon features hook & loop panels for the optional knee sliders, with the Slider Race 2 recommended for $69.95 RRP, purchasable separately.
The Ixon Falcon Race Suit is available for $899.95 without sliders, in sizes SM to 3XL in Black/White. See your local Ixon stockist or the Ficeda Accessories website for more information.
Ixon Falcon Race Suit for $899.95 RRP excluding sliders
Ixon Falcon Race Suit features
Flex leather on sides up to the back of armholes, on bottom back and over the knee
Panels in resistant stretch inside sleeves, at crotch and behind calves
External rubber patches on shoulders
Sporty preformed and fitted cut
Aerodynamic hump
Anatomic zipped cuffs + tightening strap
Zipped calves
Removable mesh lining
Sliders ready (sold separately)
Elbow-shoulder CE protectors. Level 1
Knee-hip CE protectors. Level 1
Cow leather – Securised stitching
Stretch – 87% Nylon – 13% elasthane
Removable lining – 100% polyester
Sliders sold separately – Slider Race 2.0 (RRP $69.95)
Our friends at Westx1000 have released the latest episode of their new travel show, Perpetual Motion Tejas. Take a load off, kick back and check it out.
Begin Press Release:
WESTx1000 Releases Second Episode of New Moto-Travel Show
Stetson, Steers and Lone Stars… Welcome to Tejas!
In the last four years, Justin and Kyra have ridden more than 60k miles, explored 15 countries and been lucky enough to see the world from behind the handlebar of a motorbike.
With the help of friend, filmmaker and fellow motorcyclist, Nathan Slabaugh, they’ve decided to create a new moto-travel series called #Perpetual_Motion. First, they toured Baja California. Now the duo finds themselves in the Lone Star State asking anyone who’ll listen why they’re so proud of being from Texas.
This episode is packed with insight and excitement as they shake hands with rodeo royalty, smoke cigars with a mystery man, dine on tacos, ribs and giant turkey legs, and seek guidance from Yoda.
Grab a seat and push play to see what a half-million-dollar steer looks like, if the pair can withstand a Texas-sized hail storm, whether Kyra can rope a dope, and to learn about the most iconic cowboy hat company in the world!
Norton has unveiled a surprise with not one, but two Atlas 650cc models – the cafe racer Nomad and the Ranger scrambler.
The bikes go on sale as early as this weekend in the UK for £9995 (Nomad) and £11,995 (Ranger).
There is no word of export schedules or overseas pricing yet.
Since the Norton Commando 961 starts at £15,995 in the UK and $A29,990 in Australia, we can expect the pricing to be just under $20,000 for the Nomad and just over for the Ranger.
Atals Ranger
Atlas Nomad
All Nortons are handmade in the UK and these will only be available in small numbers in the UK. So it might be some time before they are exported in significant volumes.
They draw inspiration from Norton’s original 750cc Atlas of the 1960s.
Both new Atlas models are powered by a 650cc twin engine. It is basically half of the 1200cc V4 they are working on for their flagship V4 model expected to be released next year.
Norton V4 RR
The liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine in the Atlas models has a 270-degree firing order like the new Triumph Bonnevilles.
It has 62kW of power at 11,000 revs and 64Nm of torque.
In cafe racer form, the Nomad features an 18-inch front wheel, 180mm rear tyre, wire wheels, straight bars, suede and vinyl bench seat, single headlight and twin pod instruments.
The scrambleresque Ranger has a 19-inch front wheel, high front guard, 50mm higher suspension, a 43mm higher seat (867mm), sport screen, headlight protection and dual-sport tyres.
Both come in a choice of grey, light blue, maroon, black or white.
Norton Atlas Ranger
Engine: Norton Designed 650cc parallel twin. 270 degree firing order. Chain driven double overhead cams with idler gear.
Wheels: 19-inch front spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 120/70 R19 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with Titanium coloured aluminium rim and 170/60 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.
Bodywork: High mudguard, brushed aluminium rear panels.
Wheels: 18-inch front spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 110/80 R18 Avon Trekrider tyre; 17-inch rear spoke wheel with polished aluminium rim and 180/55 R17 Avon Trekrider tyre.
Bodywork: Aluminium polished low front mudguard. Polished aluminium rear panels.
Seat height: 824mm
Brakes: 2 x 320mm full floating Brembo discs. Radially mounted twin Brembo monoblock callipers with ABS. Brembo master cylinder; single 245mm Brembo disc. Brembo twin piston rear calliper with ABS. Brembo master cylinder.
Suspension: 50mm diameter Roadholder USD forks. Preload, compression and rebound adjustable. 150mm wheel travel; Roadholder monoshock with rising rate linkage and piggyback reservoir. Adjustable preload. 150mm wheel travel.
The SoCal BDR (CABDR-South) route will be available January 1, 2019. Photo by Ely Woody.
Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), a non-profit adventure riding organization, has released the trailer for its upcoming Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-South) documentary film. The CABDR-South is the ninth route developed by the BDR for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel, and the first BDR designed to be ridden in the winter.
Free GPS tracks and travel resources, and a waterproof Butler map and feature-length documentary on DVD or video on-demand, will be available on January 1, 2019, on RideBDR.com.
The film features 4-time Baja 1000 Champion and Dakar Rally racer Quinn Cody of KTM, taking a first run on the new Southern California route. The spectacular, yet challenging, 820-mile ride across the southeastern region of California, starts in Yuma, Arizona, and ends in Benton, California.
The CABDR-South route takes riders across deserts and mountains, including the famous Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve. Photo by Ely Woody.
Primarily using rugged two-track and remote dirt roads, the route leads riders through the majestic canyons, rocky riverbeds and sandy washes of California’s famous deserts and national preserves. You’ll experience quirky desert enclaves and ghost towns, visit historic mines, see ancient petroglyphs and intaglios, dip in healing mineral hot springs and ride among the unique Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve.
A film tour presented by MotoDiscovery is being planned in more than 40 cities across the country. Dealerships and motorcycle clubs interested in hosting the film event locally are encouraged to contact BDR by January 1 to reserve their date on the tour.
The project is presented by KTM North America and BMW Motorcycles of Riverside, with additional support from Touratech, KLIM Technical Riding Gear, Rottweiler Performance, Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage, SENA, Arizona Motorcycle Adventures, Trailmaster Adventure Gear, PYI, CORVA and James Howard Creative Group.
Everyone’s been harping on about the death of sportbikes for so long that it’s become accepted wisdom: No one—especially “the youths”—wants uncomfortable, single-minded sportbikes anymore. Well, everyone must be wrong (thank goodness).
When we look at dwindling sportbike sales, we have to look at what’s available at dealerships. Sportbike riders like progress. If a model is lingering on the showroom floor, is it because it’s in the seventh year of production? No one wants that. Supersport machines aren’t irrelevant; it’s just that there’s nothing totally new or exciting out there. Until now(-ish).
At EICMA, the most exciting machines were sportbikes. Surprisingly. And there weren’t just a couple of them. It’s clear the OEMs are finding new ways to make sportbikes exciting without watering down their raison d’être. Clip-ons, ultimate performance, and full fairings remain. Dime-a-dozen inline-fours and the characterless pursuit of speed are on the way out.
Sportbikes still represent the frontier of technological progress. Designers and engineers rely on the sportbike form to experiment with big ideas and new ways forward. And many riders will respond with enthusiasm.
If you build it, they will come.
We’re disappointed we didn’t see a new Suzuki Hayabusa or a V-4 Honda superbike, but EICMA 2018 was still the year of the sportbike. Here, we take a look at the most intriguing and exciting machines on display—from innovative concepts, to small-batch kit bikes, and ready to-go production models.
2019 BMW S1000RR
We’ve been anticipating the new S1000RR for some time. Even before its official debut at EICMA, the webs were full of spy shots and design patents. Now that the Germans have taken the wraps off, we can say with some confidence that this thing is going to be awesome. It has 204-hp at the crank and 83 pound-feet of torque all in a 434-pound package (wet). That’s 25 pounds less (at the curb) than the outgoing model. Naturally, there’s a full suite of electronics managed by the six-axis IMU. When the S1000RR debuted in 2009 it crushed the competition. That may be more difficult to do now, but the Bavarian inline-four still means business.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R
Homologation-spec Ducatis are always worth getting excited about, but the 2019 Panigale V4 R feels like the denouement of season one of the V4 story. Most of us figured the 998cc R version would put up similar numbers to the 1,103cc road-going model, not exceed it. But that’s not the Ducati way. The V4 R pumps out 221 hp with the stock cans, or 234 hp when fitted with “track-only” Akrapovics. And it’s 4 pounds lighter than the V4 S with a 379-pound claimed dry weight. And it redlines at 16,500 rpm. And it has MotoGP circa 2016 winglets. And track-inspired bodywork, adjustable swingarm pivot, the list goes on.
Even Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco got in on the sportbike action. The Kymco SuperNEX is an electric supersport concept the company claims can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, all the way up to 155 in 10.9 seconds. Okay, so it has a super-cheesy “Active Acoustics Motor” (read: a speaker) that plays a fake engine soundtrack, and there’s an unnecessary six-speed “transmission,” but we like that Kymco is dreaming bigger than budget scooters. Who knows if this thing will ever make it to market (or if there’s even a working prototype—the promo video shows only a computer-generated version in motion), but Kymco is savvy enough to know that as far as halo models go, nothing beats a sportbike.
Aprilia RS 660
Aprilia’s RS 660 is one of the most exciting concepts displayed at Milan, and proves that supersports can be just as exciting as anything with a 1,000 (or more) cc. The 660 RS is powered by a parallel-twin engine based on the current RSV4 platform. Other than missing the rear bank of cylinders, details are scant re: firing order, counterbalancer, etc. The concept teases some version of a future production middleweight, but it also gives the Noale factory a chance to display new thinking in terms of aerodynamics. Aprilia Active Aerodynamics (A3), from the sound of it, represents a new frontier for motorcycles. Even without such trickery, this concept’s got legs.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
When Ducati unveiled the Panigale V4 with a too-big (for production racing) 1,103cc engine, it made comparing it with other literbikes a challenge. Ducati cheated. Aprilia strikes back, saying, “two can play at that game.” By increasing bore to 81mm, Aprilia boosted displacement to 1,078cc (the same as the Tuono 1100) for a claimed output of 217 hp to Ducati’s 214. To top it all off, Aprilia gave the Factory version MotoGP-inspired winglets. Game on.
MV Agusta Super Veloce Ottocento
We’re big fans of the Varese factory’s three-cylinder platform. Even though the 800cc triple isn’t the newest thing on the block, it’s still an enticing platform with room for development. The Super Veloce takes a great bike and wraps it in retro-futuristic bodywork that looks fresh and familiar. If it appeals to a new generation of would-be sportbike riders, we wouldn’t be surprised. Hopefully MV ditches that boomerang thing on the windscreen on the production model though.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Aero
Once again, Husqvarna tempts us with an alluring concept. In 2016, Husky brought out the 401 Aero, and now further explores the design scheme with the 701 Aero. It doesn’t have any lights, and the lack of windscreen sways a bit too far toward form over function, but in general, the thing is a looker. Like the Vitpilen and Svartpilen production models, the Aero has a design language that transcends the conventional genres we’re used to seeing. Anything to reach a larger audience, right? Husqvarna has been flirting with this sportbike thing for a while. We think it’s time for Husky to pull the trigger. Or maybe wait to give us a sportbike with the Herculean motor from the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. Yes, do that. Please, do that.
Pierobon X85R
While the world moves on from V-twin Ducati superbikes, Italian frame specialists Pierobon gives new life to the Superquadro, the last of the great Italian racing twin engines. The centerpiece of the X85R is the trellis and CNC frame, which replaces the monoscocca unit from the Panigale 1199/1299/899/959. Pierobon also offers a single- and double-sided swingarm, load-bearing aluminum tank, carbon-fiber bodywork with aerodynamic winglets, and a carbon-fiber intake system. The whole thing is enough to make any sportbike enthusiast swoon.
What’s your favorite sportbike at EICMA 2018? Comment below.
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