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LCR launch MotoE Team with DePuniet and Canepa

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Motorcycle racing welcomes a new era with the launch of the MotoE Championship (officially the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup) in 2019 and the LCR Team is pleased to announce its participation in the series with Randy De Puniet and Niccolò Canepa as official riders for the LCR E-Team.

Lucio Cecchinello (LCR Team Principal)

“This project is a new challenge in my career and I am very proud to be part of it with the brand-new LCR E-Team because this new series represents a part of racing’s future. I am also very happy to be back working with my former Chief Technician, Paolo Cordioli (who helped me to set up the LCR Team in 1996) and also Luciano and Thomas Betti, both former international champions of previous electric bike competitions. When Randy (De Puniet) accepted our proposal to be part of this new project, I was very happy because he lined up for the LCR Team for five years in the past (2003/2004 in the 250cc class and 2008/2009/2010 in the MotoGP class) achieving amazing results (18 times on the podium, including 4 victories in LCR colours). Niccolò has a very impressive career record also, including the 2007 Superstock World Title and the 2016/2017 FIM World Endurance Title, and is keen to start this new challenge aboard the MotoE”. 

The new championship, which will run alongside MotoGP, will feature low-noise, zero-emission motorcycles that are powered by renewable energy sources.

The inaugural calendar consists of five rounds that will take place during MotoGP events (Jerez de la Frontera, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano) and a first test on November 23-25 at Jerez.

The LCR E-Team is ready embrace the new challenge with a strong line-up that features highly-respected technical staff, talented former LCR rider De Puniet and the 2017 Endurance Champion, Canepa.

Randy De Puniet

“Of course I am very happy to be part of the first MotoE Championship and for me it is even better because I return to the LCR Team where I raced for 5 years in my MotoGP career. I had my best racing memories with this team so it’s amazing to be back with Lucio and his squad. Regarding MotoE World Cup, everything will be new for everybody, but thanks to this test in November in Jerez we will gather more information on the bike and the riding style. I think it’s going to be fun with 18 identical bikes using the same tyres, so I cannot wait to start this new challenge”.

KTM MotoGP Test - June 2016 - Jerez - Randy De Puniet
Randy De Puniet

Niccolò Canepa

“I am very happy to be part of this new project in its debut season and, most of all, doing it in LCR colours. I think this is one of the most high-level teams in the paddock and I have a very good relationship with Lucio. Now I can’t wait to try this bike for the first time in Jerez. I am actually training a lot to get ready for the start of the season and this first test in November will give us important information on the bike configuration. Lucio has put together a very professional crew and, from my side, I will do my best to reward the team with good results”.

Niccolò Canepa – GeeBee Image
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Anderson sweeps AUS-X Open, Brayton seals SX1 title

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American champion unbeaten in inaugural Triple Crown showdown.

Image: Supplied.

Reigning world champion Jason Anderson has made it back-to-back Monster Energy AUS-X Open titles in Sydney, as countryman Justin Brayton clinched a third-straight Australian Supercross Championship SX1 crown.

Penrite Honda’s Brayton shot off to a thrilling start in SX1 main event one, as Gradie Featherstone (KSF Suzuki) fell victim to nasty crash down the opening straight.

After winning his heat, Australian international Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) spun out on lap two, much to the crowd’s disbelief. Meanwhile, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Anderson laid down a hard pass on Brayton to gain P1.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Lawson Bopping and Dylan Long made the same mistake as Reed a number of laps later on separate occasions, while Anderson went onto secure the win. Brayton wound up second followed by Dean Wilson (DPH Husqvarna), Dan Reardon (Yamaha) and Luke Clout (KTM Motocross Racing Team), with Reed rebounding for seventh.

It was Reardon and Clout who led the field from the get-go in SX1 main event two, although Clout’s tenure in top two lasted less than a lap when he crashed ahead of the finish line. Wilson grasped his opportunity to take the shortcut lane, ultimately moving by Reardon and into the lead.

Anderson did the same one lap later to move into second, at the same time Brayton went down. A thrilling battle between Wilson and Anderson unfolded out front, but Reardon used the shortcut lane and made it a three-rider ordeal. In the end it was Anderson from Reardon, Wilson, Reed and title hopeful Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda).

Anderson took a narrow hole-shot in the final affair with Wilson and Reed capitalising on a mistake from Reardon. A number of riders crashed in seperate incidents, including Clout, Bopping, Metcalfe and Featherstone.

Reed took the shortcut lane for a second time, which meant he would incur a five-position penalty despite crossing the line in P1, demoting him to sixth. Anderson was credited the win with a top five completed by Wilson, Reardon, Long and Brayton, who secured his third-consecutive SX1 number one plate.

Overall for the round it was Anderson untouched to repeat his result from one year ago, joined on the podium by Wilson and Reardon. In championship terms, Brayton’s fourth for the round was enough to be crowned, ahead of Metcalfe who was P6 tonight and Reardon.

Reed’s homecoming was an eventful one aboard the factory RM-Z450, ultimately claiming fifth overall following a mixed bag of results, but also leading Australia to victory over USA in the showdown feature race.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

The Rokon Trail-Breaker

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For over 60 years, Rokon has eschewed radical redesign in favor of careful evolution, constantly refining its two-wheel-drive Trail-Breaker. The result is a legend, a machine renowned for its sure-footed simplicity, embraced by enthusiasts, municipalities, and militaries. The tough-as-nails machine has endured by adhering to the core concepts that made inventor Charles Fehn’s design stand out in places otherwise inhospitable to wheeled travel.

Tom Blais, president of Rokon International, says there were only two real criticisms of the original Trail-Breaker: noise and comfort. The company addressed the first with the Ranger, using a four-stroke, 5.5-horsepower Honda engine, in 1994. Modern Trail-Breakers utilize a more powerful 7-horsepower Kohler engine, and they handle the second complaint with clever front suspension that works in conjunction with the front-drive system.

Timeline

The first Trail-Breakers were built by Neathercutt Industries in Sylmar, California, but production expanded in 1963 after manufacturing moved to Wilmington, Vermont. The factory would move a few more times over the decades before settling in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Engine

The Kohler engine in modern Trail-Breakers is a horizontal-shaft industrial power unit with both an electric and a pull starter.

“We’ve sacrificed speed for torque so that we offer more load capacity,” Blais says. “We can carry up to 600 pounds on the frame and tow up to 3,000 pounds on wheels, or dead-drag 800 pounds on level ground.”

Design

There are now five models, from the entry-level Scout to the survivalist-oriented Rokon for Preppers. Designed in conjunction with Dave Canterbury, author of Bushcraft 101, it features an onboard bike maintenance kit and survival supplies, including cookware, as well as nondirectional tires to discourage tracking.

Fusion

Rokon offers power takeoff and three-point hitch options, as well as generator, plow, and spreader attachments. The hollow wheels can each carry an extra 2.5 gallons of either fuel or water, potentially extending the standard tank’s range of 200 miles to 600.

Related Video:

Challenges

Blais admits that the company’s business model isn’t the most profitable.

“Today’s four-wheeler companies really price the vehicles in a way that the dealers don’t make as much money on the selling of the vehicle, they make more money on the repairing of the vehicle,” he says. “We’re the opposite of that. We know that our buyers don’t need us for, typically, five to seven years.”

Achievements

Local governments use Rokons for bike-trail maintenance or mosquito control. Farmers use them for row-crop inspection or to access remote fields. Search-and-rescue teams field Trail-Breakers to quickly reach lost or wounded hikers, and militaries turn to them for equipment relocation and reconnaissance.

They’ve been ridden to the snow line in the Chilean Andes and across the nearly impassable Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia.

“It’s freedom of movement. Freedom to explore. If you live in interesting country, the ability to move around and explore is intoxicating.”

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Wilson crowned SX2 champion as McAdoo wins in Sydney

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Quarter-litre title goes down to the wire in Triple Crown thriller.

Image: Supplied.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Jay Wilson is the 2018 Australian SX2 champion after American debutant Cameron McAdoo won the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Triple Crown round overall.

With the title going down to the wire, just 13 points separated the top four in the points entering tonight’s fifth and final round.

In final one, Jy Roberts (Husqvarna) kick-started the Triple Crown by securing the early lead, as Dylan Wills (DPH Husqvarna) and McAdoo soon followed. Wilson was caught up in an incident on lap two, but quickly recovered unscathed.

The battle for second heated up between Wills and McAdoo as they traded positions on multiple occasions, however the American import eventually held the upper hand on Wills. Roberts clinched the win over McAdoo, Wills, Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha) and title-challenger Hayden Mellross (DPH Husqvarna). Wilson returned to P8.

Richardson escaped opening turn mayhem in main event two, which ultimately claimed race one winner Roberts along with Hayes and Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing).

Image: Supplied.

Mellross utilised the shortcut lane to place himself ahead of championship rival Wilson, the manoeuvre replicated by Wills on the following lap. In the end it was Richardson, McAdoo, Mellross, Wills and Wilson.

A seventh-place finish was enough for Wilson to secure an emotion-charged 2018 SX2 crown in, while it was former champion Jackson Richardson (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) who once again positioned himself out front in the final encounter with Mellross and McAdoo in tow.

Wilson used the shortcut lane in the opening stages along with Josh Osby (Raceline Pirelli KTM), as did McAdoo the following lap to secure the lead briefly. Richardson hung on for the win ahead of McAdoo, Mellross, Osby and Hayes.

Overall on the podium it was McAdoo with the victory in his first Australian appearance, as second and third were credited to Richardson and Mellross. Sixth for the round was enough for Wilson to clinch the title, six points over Mellross with Osby in third.

In the 2-Stroke Cup it was Ryan Marmont who reigned supreme for KTM Motocross Racing Team, taking out all three finals with ease across the weekend including tonight’s final from Justin Carafa (Yamaha) and Taylor Potter (Honda).

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service

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GSX-R owners of the affected models and years should hurry to take part in the incentive program for the Suzuki GSX-R recall before it expires.

Begin Press Release:

Suzuki Announces Enhanced Incentive Program for GSX-R Recall Service

Customers with affected GSX-R models are eligible for free pick-up and delivery in addition to the $100 prepaid Visa card when recall is completed

Brea, CA (November 8, 2018) – Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is announcing that free pickup and delivery is now part of the trial incentive program announced in September to increase completion of the front brake master cylinder recall service on select GSX-R models. For a limited time Suzuki will arrange to have a customer’s affected motorcycle transported to a Suzuki dealership for the recall service and then returned at no charge. The free pickup and delivery offer is in addition to the incentive that provides eligible customers a $100.00 prepaid Visa card upon completion of their motorcycle’s recall service.

Suzuki’s goal is to reach customers who own or ride affected 2004 – 2013 GSX-R600/750 and 2005 – 2013 GSX-R1000 models, and to inspect and repair the front brake master cylinder on those affected models as quickly as possible. The eligible period for the Visa card incentive and the free pickup and delivery option runs between September 1, 2018, and November 30, 2018. The number of free motorcycle transportation opportunities and incentives are limited, and will be fulfilled on a first come basis.

“Safety is our number one priority and we want to ensure every affected GSX-R is repaired. We created this trial incentive program to bring additional attention to the brake master cylinder recall service on these GSX-R models.” said Steve Muthig, SMAI Vice President of Service. “We recognize that taking your motorcycle to the dealer for any recall service can be inconvenient and with the $100 prepaid Visa card we hope to offset that inconvenience to our valued customers. With free pickup and delivery we can help customers who may have weather concerns or other obstacles preventing them from getting their motorcycles to the dealership for the recall service.”

Customers who want to arrange transportation of their affected GSX-R to the dealership for the recall service can contact the Suzuki Customer Service Department at (714) 572-1490. A customer service representative will coordinate the transportation of the motorcycle to the dealer and its recall service.

Suzuki began notifying eligible customers of the trial incentive program on September 1, 2018. The program requires customers to get their affected motorcycles to an authorized Suzuki dealer for recall repair completion between September 1, 2018 and November 30, 2018. After the recall service is done, customers can register the repair at a special website and once that claim is verified from the dealer-submitted warranty claim, qualified customers will be sent the prepaid Visa card.

“Our dealers know of the importance of completing any recall service and have been briefed about the trial incentive program for the GSX-R brake master cylinder,” continued Muthig. “We will work closely with every dealer and customer to make sure their affected motorcycle receives all necessary recall service.”

Suzuki customers can check to see if their motorcycle, ATV or scooter have any outstanding recall or service campaigns by visiting the Safety Recall Information page on www.SuzukiCycles.com.

The post Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain

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We’d never have guessed that Ural would partner with Zero to produce an electric prototype, and now they have! We can’t wait to see what this looks like in person at the Long Beach IMS weekend.

Begin Press Release:

A TOTALLY NEW EXPERIENCE:

THE URAL ALL-ELECTRIC PROTOTYPE

FIRST PHASE

Ural Motorcycles finalized the first development phase of an all-electric sidecar motorcycle.  The electric prototype was built on the existing one-wheel drive cT chassis, utilizing Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary powertrain package (motor, batteries, controller and other components). California-based company ICG developed the overall design and was responsible for fabricating the initial prototype. Zero Motorcycles also provided the necessary engineering support during development and testing of the prototype that made this project possible.

At a glance, it’s still a Ural, but the electric bike offers a totally new experience

We always knew our sidecar is the perfect platform to build an electric motorcycle because it can offer what regular two-wheeled motorcycles don’t: passenger comfort, stability and safety, not to mention more space for batteries. Electric Ural is very easy to control, thanks to a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. It’s very stable thanks to its three wheels. It doesn’t have clutch or gear shifter, twisting the throttle is basically all you need to operate the bike. And it accelerates very quickly – for a Ural … Overall it’s a fun and very versatile vehicle that you can use almost like a car.

Ural

PROOF OF CONCEPT

Proof of concept was the main goal for this project. We went through several iterations, searching for the best configuration of the electric powertrain package. One of the main challenges was to find the optimal location for the batteries while maintaining passenger comfort, storage capacity and stability distinctive to Ural sidecars.

We accumulated a lot of data to be used in the next phase of the project

WHAT’S NEXT

The company has no immediate plans to manufacture an all-electric model at this time. The decision will ultimately be based on market research, consumer and industry experts’ feedback. We estimate it would take approximately 24 months to ramp up serial production upon final design approval. Production bike design would incorporate the latest battery technology and charging options.

WHERE TO SEE

The Electric Ural will be displayed at the Progressive Motorcycle Show in Long Beach November 16-18, 2018. Ural Motorcycles is currently organizing demo-ride events. Locations and dates to be announced. Sign up here to be first in the know.

The post Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News

Villopoto confirms AUS-X Open Sydney absence

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Headlining American will not line-up inside Qudos Bank Arena tonight.

Source: Supplied.

Four-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto has confirmed he’ll be absent at today’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, citing personal reasons following his father’s passing last week, along with an unforeseen issue.

The Yamaha ambassador was set to join headlining riders Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing), Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in the prestigious event, although he’s vowed to make it up to Australian fans that will complete a sell-out crowd this evening.

“I just want to share a note with the S-X Open Supercross fans to sincerely apologise as I will not be there today,” Villopoto stated via a social media post. “As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years.

“I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realise a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon.”

The AUS-X Open Sydney will feature a unique Triple Crown format across both SX1 and SX2 categories, as the night show boasts an extensive entertainment schedule, including the 2-Stroke Cup, Celebrity Challenge, Best Whip, FMX Best Trick and more.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Marco Melandri & Cortese on GRT Yamaha for WSBK 2019

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GRT Yamaha Step Up to WorldSBK
with Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese in 2019

Yamaha has reached an agreement with Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese that will see the two riders campaign factory supported Yamaha YZF-R1 machines for the GRT Yamaha Team, who will step up to contest the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2019.

The move to the premier class for GRT Yamaha comes after two incredibly successful seasons in the FIM World Supersport Championship. In 2017 the team secured the world title with Lucas Mahias, who returned with the team in 2018 to finish as runner up to Cortese in the championship. GRT Yamaha also finished both seasons as the top team in the series, making a significant contribution to Yamaha’s domination of the class.

While GRT Yamaha will be new to the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2019, in Melandri and Cortese they have two riders with vast experience gained in both prototype and production racing. This experience will be critical as the team adapt to the demands of racing in the premier production class.

WorldSBK 2016 - Aragon - Marco Melandri
WorldSBK 2016 – Aragon – Marco Melandri

A former 250cc World Champion and MotoGP race winner, Melandri has claimed an impressive 72 podium finishes, including 22 race wins, since making his debut in the FIM World Superbike Championship aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1 back in 2011. The 36-year-old from Ravenna in Italy was second in the championship that year, his best result to date, but has finished inside the top five in every season he’s contested since. Since stepping away from MotoGP Melandri has ridden for every European manufacturer in WorldSBK, Aprilia, Ducati, BMW, and also was for a period of time the official test rider for MV Agusta’s WorldSBK campaign. 

WorldSBK 2016 - Aragon - Marco Melandri
WorldSBK 2016 – Aragon – Marco Melandri

Although 2019 will be Cortese’s first season in the FIM World Superbike Championship he also brings a wealth of experience with him to the GRT Yamaha team. The 28-year-old German took five race wins and 10 podium finishes on his way to being crowned as the first ever Moto3 World Champion in 2012. Cortese is also the reigning World Supersport Champion, having secured the title in his debut season in the class aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6 with a podium finish in the final round in Qatar.

Sandro Cortese – GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

“To win the WorldSSP championship and then step up to WorldSBK with the GRT Yamaha Team is like a dream come true for me. I’m super happy to be a part of this new project and, although it’s a big step, I am really looking forward to the challenge. I can’t wait to jump on the Yamaha YZF-R1 for the first time in Jerez later this month to start the familiarisation process. It will be like Christmas for me; I’ve never ridden such a big bike before and I am like a small kid who can’t wait to get his present! The bike will be more physically demanding to ride than the Yamaha YZF-R6 and, with three races every weekend instead of just one next year, I will definitely need to work on my fitness over the winter to ensure I’m ready.”

WSBK Losail WSSP Sandro Cortese celebrating the title
Sandro Cortese celebrates the 2018 World Supersport title

Melandri and Cortese will get their first opportunity to test the Yamaha YZF-R1 they’ll campaign in GRT Yamaha colours in 2019 during a two-day test at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, which gets underway on 26th November.

Filippo Conti – GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Manager

“I am really delighted to be stepping up to the WorldSBK championship with Yamaha, it’s like a dream come true. We started this project in WorldSSP and now we are moving up to WorldSBK, which is very important for the team but also for Yamaha’s production racing program. It’s a big step for us and we know we will be facing a steep learning curve in our debut season, but our two riders bring with them a wealth of experience. Riders don’t come more experienced than Marco, who has been a frontrunner in WorldSBK since he came to the championship in 2011. And while 2019 will be Sandro’s first season on a WorldSBK machine, he’s the reigning WorldSSP champion and a former Moto3 World Champion, so I expect him to adapt quickly to our Yamaha YZF-R1. We need to learn a lot in this new category, but our target is clear; we want to be as competitive in WorldSBK as we have been in WorldSSP. Maybe this isn’t possible in our debut season, but that’s the goal for the future.”

News

Riders urged to check motorcycle spokes

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Riders have been urged to check the spokes on their motorcycle wheels more frequently in the wake of one rider finding his badly handling bike had 10 loose spokes.

The result of loose spokes can be poor handling and can cause rapid tyre deflation on tubeless tyres.

Brisbane rider Mark Taylor says he had loose spokes on his four-month-old BMW R 1200 GS tightened during a tyre change at 3000km.

He had only ridden another couple of thousands kilometres before 10 spokes came loose again, causing the rear end to slide around.

Loose spokes
Mark and his GS

“The bike nearly bucked me off coming down a mountain road and started to oversteer in the corners,” he says.

“It scared the life out of me. I thought I was going to buy the farm.

“The dealer confirmed it’s a faulty wheel with 10 loose spokes.

“BMW Motorrad Australia have no replacements, so my bike will be off the road for up to five weeks until a new wheel comes from Germany.”

Other riders on BMW internet forums have also complained of the same issue.

BMW R 1200 GS spokes
BMW R 1200 GS spoked wheel

We contacted BMW Motorrad Australia who advised there is no safety recall on this issue.

“However, there is a service campaign and owners are encouraged to contact their dealer if there are concerns,” a spokesman says.

Mark is not happy and has contacted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission seeking a safety recall on the model.

“My main issue is that these bikes are not safe to ride and should all be recalled straight away to be checked for potential deadly faults,” Mark says.

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding says that if an owner finds a safety related problem with their motorcycle they should always alert the manufacturer and ask for it to be investigated.

“Not only is this a safeguard against continuing to ride a bike with a potential safety risk but it may also give an early warning to the manufacturer of a possible defect affecting a wider group or riders.”

All riders whose bikes have spoked wheels should periodically check them for loose, broken or rusted spokes.

It’s a simple process.

Just lightly tap each spoke with a screwdriver or metal object.

They should all make a similarly pitched “ping” sound. If they make a lower, dull “thud”, then they are loose.

To tighten a spoke, turn the nut or “nipple” on the end closest to the tyre in a clockwise direction.

Like tuning a piano or guitar, you need to get the spoke to make the same tone as the surrounding spokes. Don’t over-tighten.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/riders-urged-check-spokes/

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AUS-X Open’s Saturday schedule to air live on Fox Sports

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News 10 Nov 2018

 

AUS-X Open’s Saturday schedule to air live on Fox Sports

Free-to-air replay to be televised on 10 Boss this Sunday afternoon.

Image: Supplied.

The 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney will be aired live on Fox Sports once again this Saturday night, with a free-to-air replay scheduled for 10 Boss.

Fox Sports 506 will televise the night show live between 7:00-10:00pm AEDT (local time), including the Triple Crown main events to decided the Australian SX1 and SX2 championships.

Also factoring as the opening round of the inaugural S-X Open FIM Oceania Championship, a highlights replay will be broadcast on the new-look 10 Boss from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday, 11 November.

Of the international markets, only New Zealand has been confirmed by organisers so far, also due to air live at Sky Sports 1 on Saturday evening from between 9:00pm-12:00am.

MotoOnline.com.au will feature updates from trackside within Qudos Bank Arena via our regular Racefeed feature, including updates and results as they happen throughout the title-deciding weekend in Sydney.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au