The 2022 Oceania Junior Cup is looking for racers to join Motorcycling Australia’s Junior Road Race Academy for 2022, competing on board an all-new Yamaha factory prepped YZF-R15, as part of Australia’s Road to MotoGP program.
Launched in 2019, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) provides some of the most spectacular racing in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK).
Oceania Junior Cup – Image RbMotoLens
The OJC provides 20 riders with identical race machines, and victory comes down to a rider’s ability to get the most out of themselves and their Yamaha YZF-R15.
The focus of the OJC program is the development of junior riders, both on and off-track, providing riders with the skills and knowledge about training, nutrition, media and bike skills.
Riders receive race weekend technical and coaching support on how to get the best out of your Yamaha and yourself.
Oceania Junior Cup – Image RbMotoLens
Full racing gear is supplied including OJC signature leathers by Ricondi, team uniform, helmets, boots and gloves.
A proven program, the OJC statistics speak for themselves:
50 different juniors have run through the OJC
5 have been selected for the Asia Talent Cup
1 has been selected for the Red Bull Rookies Cup
1 has gone on to be the Yamaha R3 Cup Champion
7 have competed internationally
11 Australian SS300/R3 Cup race wins
34 Australian SS300/R3 Cup Podiums
4 Australian SS300/R3 Cup Pole positions
12 Australian SS300/R3 Cup Front row starts
2020 ASBK bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – Image by RBMotoLens
Supported by the FIM, FIM Oceania and officially named a Road to MotoGP program with the support of Dorna Sports, the Motorcycling Australia Junior Road Race Academy, the Oceania Junior Cup is waiting for you.
Expressions of interest for 2022 are now being accepted online at the ASBK website (link).
Australian motorcyclists don’t find anything weird about signs that warn of kangaroos ahead as they are one of the biggest dangers on our outback roads for riders.
However, the signs are in the top 10 of the world’s “most baffling, confusing and downright weird road signs”, according to a new study commissioned by car rental company StressFreeCarRental.com.
The kangaroo, wallaby and pademelon (yes, that’s right!) are the biggest enemy of Aussie riders accounting for 70% of all crashes with animals.
Is it any wonder that there are many signs on our roads warning of kangaroos!
However, the signs are rated the fourth-most baffling roadsides in the world in the study which lists other animal warning signs for llamas, oryx and elephants.
The other Aussie mention is roadside quiz signs in Western Australia, although we know they are also present on many highways in Queensland.
They are used to test motorists’ trivia knowledge and keep them mentally active and awake on the long boring stretches of highways,
These are the world’s strangest road signs according to the study:
Darling I like you, India: Hundreds of driving related proverbs are sprinkled across the mountainous areas of India. They are seen as a humorous attempt at warning drivers of the dangers of drunk driving, speeding and recklessness on the roads.
Llama crossing, Bolivia: Many South American countries are home to a significant Llama population. They may appear cute but Llamas are notorious for being quite aggressive and spitting at humans. So it’s always best to know when they’re around.
Oryx crossing, Southern Africa: This type of antelope can commonly be found across southern African countries. Although they don’t pose any major threat to humans, if you hit one you could cause some serious harm.
Kangaroo crossing, Australia: According to insurance claims data, kangaroos account for 60% of motorcyclist crashes involving an animal and wallabies for 10%, followed by dogs at 8%.
Deaf Cat, Holland: This is a sign in a small town in the south of The Netherlands intending to keep their deaf feline friend safe from any oncoming traffic.
Roadside quiz, Western Australia: The study only acknowledges these signs on the 150km straight road between Balladonia and Caiguna, WA, appropriately labelled the Fatigue Zone. However, these quirky trivia questions are also used in Queensland and maybe some other states with long, boring highways.
No elephants, China: What looks to be a sign to prohibit the loading of elephants is actually just a warning to not load vehicles too heavily. Makes you wonder how you’d even get an elephant into the car!
Beware of thin ice, Finland: To the locals of Rovaniemi in Finland, this sign seems like a perfectly normal warning. However, to unsuspecting drivers from across the world the picture does appear rather ominous and like something out of a horror movie
Secret Nuclear Bunker Next Left, United Kingdom: Now the name does appear to be a slight give away but this nuclear bunker, located in Brentford, was actually decommissioned in 1992. Not much of a secret anymore!
Beware of road surprises, United Arab Emirates: Surprisingly one of the least descriptive signs on the list. These signs can be found across the capital city of Abu Dhabi and certainly leave a lot to the driver’s imagination.
We can’t get enough of modular helmets here at Rider. The protection of a full-face helmet combined with the convenience of a flip-up chinbar is really hard to beat. Add in the premium features of a helmet like HJC’s RPHA 90S, and you cover all the bases: safety, comfort, aerodynamics, ventilation, versatility, and ease of use.
Based in Korea, HJC is the world’s largest helmet manufacturer. RPHA, which stands for Revolutionary Performance Helmet Advanced and is pronounced “arfa,” is HJC’s premium line of full-face and modular helmets. The 90S shell is made of HJC’s proprietary, lightweight Premium Integrated Matrix (P.I.M.) Plus that blends carbon and carbon-glass into a hybrid fabric. My medium-sized 90S weighs 3 pounds, 11 ounces, which is comparable to other premium modular helmets we’ve tested.
The interior is 3D-engineered to reduce noise, and combined with the aerodynamic shell, neck roll, and chin curtain, the helmet does a good job of dulling wind noise. The 90S has a plush, removable comfort liner, recessed ear pockets, and channels to accommodate glasses. The anti-scratch faceshield is Pinlock-ready (an anti-fog insert comes in the box), and a sliding lever on the lower left edge of the helmet deploys or retracts the drop-down sunshield. Vents on the chinbar, crown, and rear of the helmet are easy to open or close with gloved hands. Airflow through the helmet is decent but could be better (though that would increase wind noise; I wear earplugs most of the time, so it’s a trade-off I’d be happy to make). Sold separately are Sena-made Smart HJC 20B and 10B Bluetooth communication systems that integrate into a port inside the rear of the helmet.
HJC RPHA 90S on a 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour (Photo by Kevin Wing)
I’ve been wearing the RPHA 90S for about a month on bikes ranging from a Triumph Speed Triple naked sportbike to the Honda Gold Wing. There is no EPS padding built into the chinbar, but it does latch closed with metal pins and locks securely. The chinbar’s release tab and the center locking mechanism for the faceshield are both easy to find and use on the fly, though with the faceshield cracked open the mechanism ends up in my line of sight. Otherwise, vision is very good through the large eyeport. I appreciate the plush liner for the chinstrap, which secures with a traditional D-ring. The 90S was comfortable, quiet, and user-friendly during 12-hour days in the saddle with highs in the triple digits. Can’t ask for much more than that.
The HJC RPHA 90S is available in sizes XS-2XL. Pricing ranges from $459.99-$469.99 for solids to $499.99 for graphics (shown).
For more information: See your dealer or visit hjchelmets.us
Rumours of the death of the Harley-Davidson Sportster brand seem to have been greatly exaggerated!
Instead of replacing the 883cc and 1200cc Evolution-powered Sportster with a water-cooled 1250cc Revolution-engined Bronx, Harley has kept the 64-year-old model name alive with the new Sportster S.
It may be Harley’s attempt to keep fans of the Sportster happy after their experience killing off the Dyna range a few years ago when it merged with the Softail family, much to the chagrin of many Dyna devotees.
However, the new Sportster S is really a Sportster in name only.
It looks more like the short-lived Softail FXDR and, of course, it’s water cooled to meet tougher emissions standards and keep it selling in Europe.
The new model was expected to be called the Bronx Streetfighter, but in May last year it was revealed the company had listed a Sportster Streetfighter in its 2021 line-up.
We expect a 950cc model to follow to replace the current 883 models.
Pricing
Well, it’s now the Sportster S and is powered by a 121hp Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin engine that will no doubt power a whole new line of water-cooled Sportsters.
That makes it the most powerful Sportster yet.
It’s also the most expensive.
Harley-Davidson Australia says it will be available late this year from $A26,495 ($NZ28,750) ride away for the Vivid Black model.
There has never been a Sportster that cost more than $20,000.
Harley says the new Sportster S has a “taut, lightweight chassis and premium suspension” and claims it will corner like no other.
They quote a 34-degree lean angle on both sides thanks to the high scrambler-style pipes and higher-mounted forward-mounted footpegs.
Harley boss Jochen Zeitz says the next-generation Sportster is “defined by power, performance, technology and style”.
“And it’s part of our commitment to introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson,” he says.
Styling
The bike is dominated by fat “balloon” tyres, a bobbed rear end, shorty front guard, upside-down forks and a slim solo seat.
Harley says it is inspired by their XR750 flat tracker, but those forward controls seem out of place.
However, a mid-mount conversion kit will be available as an accessory.
Images released show the bike in a matte black and a “Chocolate Satin” paint with bronzed engine highlights.
They say it all be available in Vivid Black, Stone Washed White Pearl and Midnight Crimson.
Technology
It will come with three ride modes (Sport, Road and Rain) and two rider-customised modes as well as traction control.
Harley says the round, 4.0-inch-diameter TFT screen will mirror the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth so it could have Apple CarPlay and the Android version.
That means music, hone calls and satnav on the screen.
All lighting is LED and the headlight is an oval shape more like a modern Fat Bob than a traditional Sportster.
Chassis
The engine is a central member of the chassis which keeps wet weight down to 228kg.
Harley says the stiff chassis and welded tubular steel trellis swingarm with stamped X-member provide sharp handling.
It comes with fully adjustable Showa 43mm upside-down forks and Showa Piggyback reservoir rear shock with hydraulic hand-adjustable pre-load.
The aluminium alloys are shod with high-profile Dunlop/Harley-Davidson GT503 tyres 160mm up front and 180mm at the back.
Brakes are supplied by Brembo with a radial monoblock four-piston caliper and a 320mm single disc up front and a two-piston caliper and a 260mm diameter disc at the rear.
Seat height is a low 752mm and the hand levers are adjustable, so it should suit shorter riders.
It comes pre-wired for accessory heated hand grips, has two power points for heated riding gear and a USB-C port for charging a phone or other device.
Cruise control and a proximity-based security system are standard.
Accessories
Harley says there will be a range of accessories available at launch, but we are not sure which will be available in Australia, although we expect most will be.
They include the mid-mount conversion kit, passenger pet, seat and backrest, a comfort rider seat, detachable windscreen and mailbag.
Sealed, maintenance-free, absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, 12V, 12Ah, 225 CCA at 0°F
Charging
Three-phase, 45 Amp system (300 Watts @13 Volts, 1200 rpm, 585 Watts max power @ 13 Volts, 2250 rpm)
Starting
0.9 kW electric with direct drive starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp
All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting
Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/Stop
All LED Tail/Stop lamp with signature tail lighting
Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal Lights
LED Bullet Turn Signals
Lights, Rear Turn Signals
LED Bullet Turn Signals
Gauges
4 inch viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)
Auxiliary Lamps
N/A
Electric Power Outlet
USB C-Type , Output 5V at 2.4 Amp
GPS System
N/A
Reverse Gear
N/A
Warranty And Service
Warranty
24 months (unlimited mileage)
7
Service Interval
First 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter
After the successful launch of the Pan America 1250, Harley-Davidson’s first-ever adventure bike that’s built on the all-new liquid-cooled Revolution Max platform, the Motor Company has announced a late addition to its 2021 lineup, the Sportster S. It will be in dealerships this fall with an MSRP of $14,999.
Visually similar to the 1250 Custom teased several years ago, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S represents a new era for the legendary Sportster line. Since the introduction of the XL model family in 1957, Sportsters have always been stripped-down motorcycles powered by air-cooled V-Twins.
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S liquid cooled Revolution Max MSRP $14,999
Harley-Davidson calls the new Sportster S a “sport custom motorcycle,” and at the heart of the machine is a 121-horsepower Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin, a lightweight chassis, and premium suspension.
“The Sportster S is the next all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a new performance standard for the Sportster line,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “This is a next generation Sportster defined by power, performance, technology and style. And it’s part of our commitment to introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson.”
The new Sporter S has a stocky, muscular profile and fat tires that look like balled-up fists. Its minimalist front fender evokes the front end of a classic bobber, while its tail section, high-mount exhaust, and olo seat draw inspiration from Harley-Davidson’s legendary XR750 flat tracker. The engine’s lightweight magnesium engine covers stand out with a Chocolate Satin finish.
“Every visual design element of the Sportster S model is an expression of the motorcycle’s raw power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of styling and design. “This is a wolf in wolf’s clothing.”
Displacing 1,250cc just like the Pan America’s engine, the Revolution Max 1250T in the Sportster S makes less peak horsepower and is tuned for a broad spread of torque. The riding experience can be tailored to conditions or preferences with selectable ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain, plus two Custom modes) and H-D’s Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements.
Like on the Pan America, the Revolution Max engine is a stressed member of the Sportster S chassis. It has a welded tubular-steel trellis swingarm with a braced design and stamped X-member to further stiffen the chassis.
Suspension is made by Showa and is fully adjustable at both ends, with a 43mm USD cartridge fork and a piggyback-reservoir rear shock with a remote preload adjuster knob. Likewise, the Sportster S has Brembo brakes at both ends, with a single 320mm rotor up front squeezed by a radial monoblock 4-piston caliper and a 260mm rear rotor with a 2-piston caliper. Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with a staggered, five-spoke design are shod with wide Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tires.
Forward foot controls and a low handlebar put the rider in an aggressive posture, and seat height is 29.6 inches. Cruise control and a proximity-based security system are standard equipment. With its 3.1-gallon peanut tank full of fuel, Harley-Davidson says the Sportster S model weighs just 502 pounds.
A round, 4-inch TFT screen displays all instrumentation and supports Bluetooth-enabled infotainment. All-LED lighting includes a Daymaker Signature LED headlamp. A wide range of accessories will be available.
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S will be offered in Vivid Black, Stone Washed White Pearl, and Midnight Crimson.
Yamaha’s MT-07 naked bike ($7,699) has been a home run hit for the Tuning Fork brand since its 2015 MY introduction. Pairing fun, versatility, and ease of ownership, this parallel-twin powered street bike has 25,000 happy owners to date. For ’21, Yamaha adds a level of refinement making it a more worthy choice for novice and more experienced riders alike.
Yamaha’s parallel-twin-powered MT-07 naked bike adds refinement for the 2021 model year. (Joseph Agustin/)
Swing a leg over the 406-pound MT and you’re welcomed with a slim riding position courtesy of its ultra-compact 689cc CP2 engine. The ergonomics are a tad taller rider-friendly courtesy of a wider and higher-positioned aluminum handlebar. Still, the bar bend is a tad conversative for our tastes with considerable rearward sweep. The seat affords above average level of comfort and the foot controls are neither too high, nor too low.
We love the big bike look and feel of Yamaha’s Japanese-built MT-07 ($7,699). (Joseph Agustin/)
Release the well-weighted cable-actuated clutch and the torque-rich twin pulls off the line without fuss. This engine delivers 87% of its peak torque (46 pound-feet) from upwards of 3,500 rpm. This makes for plenty of passing power in any of the six gears. Speaking of the transmission, the second and third gears have been massaged for smoother shifts. Unlike the R7, the powertrain doesn’t include a slipper clutch.
The MT-07 offers a low rider’s seat height. We were pleased with its level of comfort for day rides around town. (Joseph Agustin/)
Despite not employing a ride-by-wire throttle (and associated electronic throttle adjustment maps), the twist grip offers a pleasing response that’s neither too aggressive, nor too soft. Combined with its punchy twin and well-balanced chassis make for a ridiculously easy street bike to wheelie. We also noted a deeper intake roar and still pleasing overall engine character, with just the right amount of engine vibration.
Yamaha’s naked bike continues to be powered by its fantastic 689cc CP2 parallel-twin. The engine is compact with loads of grunt. Engine character is improved for 2021. (Joseph Agustin/)
Horsepower-wise the engine is good for 67 ponies at the rear tire. Traction control is also absent. But considering how smooth and connected-feeling the engine is with the 180-series Michelin Road 5 we don’t consider it a deal breaker. We noted a 37.5 mpg average during mostly high-speed riding.
The 2021 MT-07 is clearly at home in the city with its bright LED lighting and punchy powertrain. (Joseph Agustin/)
Chassis-wise, we’re big fans of how nimble this MT is. We are also pleased with its overall balance. The suspenders perform well at a casual street pace, but you feel larger bumps through the controls. At an elevated pace, the suspension doesn’t feel as planted as other bikes in this segment with odd damping response, especially over anything but smooth pavement. Suspension adjustment is limited to spring preload and rebound damping at the shock body.
The Tuning Fork brand bestows the 2021 MT-07 with a new mechanical ignition key that looks more premium than before. (Joseph Agustin/)
Larger diameter front brakes do a fine job of slowing down the MT-07 and we like the responsive feel of the rear brake, too. Fixed, always-on ABS prevents instability during brake application.
A clean-looking LCD keeps tabs on vehicle vitals and is easy to read at a glance. We appreciate the ability to adjust screen brightness– a plus for riding after dark (in the brightest setting, the display creates a lot of glare). Full LED lighting not only looks good but performs excellently during night rides.
The instrument package is easy to read day and night. We like that screen brightness can be adjusted for night riding. (Joseph Agustin/)
Suspension woes aside, the MT-07 continues to impress with its versatility and ease of use, especially in urban environments. We adore its powertrain— and its LED lighting package is a game changer for night rides. Factor in its extended maintenance intervals, (6,000 mile oil changes, 12,000 oil filter changes, and 26,600 valve adjustment intervals) and the MT is a worthy option for urban-focused riders.
Yamaha’s MT-07 naked bike is a hoot to ride around town. It’s a versatile little street bike that offers good value for its $7,699 asking price. (Joseph Agustin/)
Gear Box
Helmet: Shoei RF-SR
Jacket: Unbreakable Denim Shearling Collar
Pant: Saint Unbreakable
Gloves: Racer Guide
Boots: TCX X-Cube Air
The MT-07’s cockpit is more tall rider friendly with its taller and wider handlebar. (Joseph Agustin/)
2021 Yamaha MT-07 Technical Specifications and Price
Yamaha’s parallel-twin-powered MT-07 naked bike adds refinement for the 2021 model year. (Joseph Agustin/)
We love the big bike look and feel of Yamaha’s Japanese-built MT-07 ($7,699). (Joseph Agustin/)
The MT-07 offers a low rider’s seat height. We were pleased with its level of comfort for day rides around town. (Joseph Agustin/)
Yamaha’s naked bike continues to be powered by its fantastic 689cc CP2 parallel-twin. The engine is compact with loads of grunt. Engine character is improved for 2021. (Joseph Agustin/)
The 2021 MT-07 is clearly at home in the city with its bright LED lighting and punchy powertrain. (Joseph Agustin/)
The Tuning Fork brand bestows the 2021 MT-07 with a new mechanical ignition key that looks more premium than before. (Joseph Agustin/)
The instrument package is easy to read day and night. We like that screen brightness can be adjusted for night riding. (Joseph Agustin/)
Yamaha’s MT-07 naked bike is a hoot to ride around town. It’s a versatile little street bike that offers good value for its $7,699 asking price. (Joseph Agustin/)
The MT-07’s cockpit is more tall rider friendly with its taller and wider handlebar. (Joseph Agustin/)
Updates to brakes provide noticeably more stopping power
Downs
New styling can be controversial
Verdict
The MT-07 continues to give riders what they really need, while nixing things they don’t. It’s raw, it’s fun, and it has a broad appeal.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 (Grey). (Yamaha/)
Overview
With an ultraversatile engine, low price point, and nimble handling, the Yamaha MT-07 leaves very little to be desired. It was introduced in 2014 under the FZ name and has been easy to love ever since. Yamaha has hit many of the MT-07′s components with updates for the 2021 model year for what we called “a brilliant job of engineering editing.”
Updates for 2021
Updates start with making the CP2 engine Euro 5 compliant, and this entails revised ECU specs, a new intake system with shorter intake runners, and a new 2-into-1 exhaust with repositioned catalytic converter, among others. Other powertrain updates include exhaust valve seats with increased heat tolerance and tightened dog spacing on second and third gear. Bigger front brake discs (that are now round rather than wave-rotor shaped) are also new to aid with stronger stopping power. Ergonomics have been revised with the new taller and wider handlebar. The MT also experiences a face-lift with new styling, LED lighting, with a new LCD display and rearranged handlebar cluster.
Pricing and Variants
The MT series is well known for its affordability. The MT-07, of course, represents well with a $7,699 price tag.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The MT-07′s 689cc parallel-twin engine now meets Euro 5 regulations with changes, but what hasn’t changed is its easy-to-ride character. Contributor Steven Anderson wrote: “With relatively short gearing and a torque curve that stays above 40 pound-feet from 3,500 to 8,800 rpm, the MT-07 rockets away from traffic lights. It’s a machine that feels strong anytime 4,000 shows on the tach; a machine that you can ride like a supersport, keeping the rpm high, or relax a little and let the torque pull you along with less engine speed.”
On our in-house dyno the 2021 MT-07 produced 67.02 hp at 8,720 rpm and 46.28 pound-feet of torque at 6,240 rpm.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 (Grey). (Yamaha/)
Handling
Anderson further commented: “The MT feels like you can place it anywhere on the road at any time. It’s quick and responsive and agile, a motorcycle that will make any rider feel as if his skills have improved just by hopping on.”
Suspension remains the same as year’s past with a 41mm KYB fork and a link-type KYB shock, the latter of which is adjustable for preload and rebound. Sharp-edged bumps may have you wishing for more sophisticated suspension, Anderson said, but generally it works well.
Brakes
The brakes have seen some refinements to the front rotor shape and its size. The full package includes a four-piston caliper with 298mm discs (front) and single-piston caliper with a 245mm disc. ABS is standard, though it does not see the upper-spec cornering ABS as seen on its MT-09 sibling.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 (Blue). (Yamaha/)
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Yamaha estimates 58 mpg for the middleweight MT-07.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
In order to make the middleweight MT comfortable for a range of rider sizes, Yamaha has made the handlebar 32mm wider and 19mm taller. This also contributes to a slightly more upright riding position with an increase in steering leverage. A passenger seat is included, but other comforts like a fly screen or cowl would have to be purchased separately. Cycle World staff measured the seat height at 31.7 inches and a fully fueled wet weight of 407 pounds.
2021 Yamaha MT-07 (Grey). (Yamaha/)
Electronics
The MT-07 has ABS as standard, LED lighting, and information is located on the multifunction negative LCD display.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Yamaha has a one-year limited factory warranty for the MT.
Quality
Look up “most bang for your buck” and you will find the MT series listed. The MT-07 has an easy-to-love engine, agile chassis, and improved brakes for a price that will be approved by the wallet.
This weekend saw the breaking of a couple of records at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca by none other than Loris Baz, who broke the record for the weekend’s fastest lap – his best this season.
Baz also did his team proud, challenging Yamaha’s Jake Gagne for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati.
“It’s been a great weekend; the best we’ve had so far,” Baz says. “We’ve had no real issues all weekend; besides the small fumble on Friday, we’ve been strong all weekend. I think since Road America, race one, we finally found a bass setup that I like on the bike, so I’m riding better and better.”
“I’ve really enjoyed riding the V4 R at Laguna Seca. I was able to put pressure on Jake during race one and race two. We put on a great show in front of the many fans around the track. Considering how new this project is, we are getting better and better, so I look forward to the future.”
The results won Baz two second-place podiums, punting him into fifth place.
Toni Elias isn’t far behind either. His battle at the Panera Bread Ducati boosted him from 8th to 7th as he subbed in for Kyle Wyman, who broke his left arm at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on June 13.
“I am really happy to come here and have the opportunity to ride Kyle’s bike,” says Elias. “I felt what it was like to be racing again, feeling the pressure, the nervousness, and battling all the way up until the last corner. It’s been amazing. We worked on improving every session to get better and better. We suffered with traction, and that’s what made me suffer a little, but in general, we made good steps forward.”
“I felt super great with Kyle’s team – a lot of good people. They were very open and listened to my opinion, which can be difficult when coming into a new team. Overall, it was a good experience, and now I have more information on the Ducati, so I look forward to the future to hopefully continue riding for the brand.”
Here are the official specs of the weekend’s results: 2021 MotoAmerica Superbike Standing – Top 5
P1 – Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 225
P2 – Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 160
P3 – Josh Herrin (Yamaha) 145
P4 – Cameron Petersen (Suzuki) 137
P5 – Loris Baz (Ducati) 122
P10 – Kyle Wyman (Ducati) 49
Best of luck to these young men in the continuation of the season.
Two of the speakers at select Progressive IMS Outdoors stops in the Adventure Out! area will be Paul Pelland (Longhaulpaul, left) and Bret Tkacs.
At select U.S. cities through November of this year, the Progressive IMS Outdoors series is hosting three-day powersports festivals for enthusiasts and potential riders of all ages and skill levels. You can see the latest models from motorcycle manufacturers and products from aftermarket vendors, and get demo rides on motorcycles, ATVs, e-bicycles, e-scooters, and other powersports vehicles, both on- and off-road. There will also be local artisans, musical performances, and craft food and drinks available throughout each weekend.
Returning attractions include the Marketplace, IMS Vintage, Discover The Ride, the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and an expanded Adventure Out! area, a space to learn, explore, and share the adventure of life on two wheels. A central campsite, surrounded by exhibitors, acts as a place for education and discovery with experienced riders and RVers sharing their stories and tips. While there, be sure to enter Explorify’s and Rider Magazine’s sweepstakes for a chance to win a free 3-day motorcycle rental and a lifetime subscription to Rider Magazine. And pick up a copy of Rider Magazine, your source for touring, travel, and adventure on two wheels.
Guest speakers at Adventure Out! include:
Longhaulpaul (Paul Pelland), a long-distance motorcyclist with multiple sclerosis who is riding 1,000,000 miles to raise money and awareness for MS. Longhaulpaul will be at the Northern California (July 16-18), Chicago (August 20-22), and Southern California (November 19-21) shows.
Bret Tkacs, a world traveler, professional trainer, writer, and YouTuber who gives dynamic presentations about the physics and psychology of riding. Bret will be at the New York (September 3-5), Pennsylvania (September 10-12), Texas (October 1-3), Nashville (October 8-10), and Florida (October 15-17) shows.
Lucinda Belden, a motorcycle and RV travel writer who has a column in Ride Texas. She is an avid sidecarist and documents her travels on Facebook for Direction Wide Open and Twist Your Throttle. Lucinda will be at the Chicago (August 20-22), Pennsylvania (September 10-12), Texas (October 1-3), Nashville (October 8-10), Florida (October 15-17), and Atlanta (October 29-31) shows.
Andrew Muse, is a professional multisport athlete and adventure filmmaker who’s lived on the road for the better part of the last decade out of many different kinds of vehicles. Andrew is known for his aptitude for actions sports, wild lifestyle, and his series “Tiny Home Adventure.” Andrew will be at the Northern California (July 16-18) show.
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