News Articles
LCR Honda Castrol eSports Team is pleased to announce that Piero Ricciuti will be the official rider competing in the 2021 MotoGP™ eSport Championship. Piero, or PieroRicciuti55_, who is supported by Pro2Be agency, the #1 eSports Agency in Italy, began his collaboration with the LCR team in 2020, when he was selected as reserve player.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
There’s a reason why Quartararo claimed the final spot on the French Grand Prix podium felt like a victory. First, it came just over a week after going under the knife to rectify the arm pump problem that robbed him of victory in Jerez. Secondly, and following on from that, it proved Jerez was merely a blip, a lucky escape for his title rivals. Finally, it put to bed the theory Quartararo needed everything to align for him to be at his best. The right conditions, the right circuit, the right time of year.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
After first launching to the Japanese domestic market last year the Honda ‘RC30 Forever’ replacement parts scheme expands to Europe this month, which of course means easier access for Australian consumers.
Honda started the ‘RC30 Forever’ programme after meetings with well-established RC30 owners’ clubs in Japan and Europe, during which the owners expressed their strong desire to keep these iconic bikes on the road and in the best condition by using genuine Honda spare parts.
Under the scheme, Honda produces approximately 150 genuine replacement parts for the RC30 that cover the engine, chassis, bodywork and electronics. These have been chosen based on owners’ requests and the experience of experts within Honda’s R&D and manufacturing facilities.
At the beginning of the ‘RC30 Forever’ project, an investigation through the RC30 archives undertaken in 2017 revealed that none of the original wooden models or moulds for the RC30 had been retained. It was clear that the original drawings would be needed to move the project forward. Like all motorcycles produced at the time, the manufacture of the RC30 was based on 2D hand-drawn wireframe blueprints, from which models and moulds were created. Compared with modern methods of 3D computer modelling and digital drawings, these blueprints contain far fewer specific details, which complicated the reproduction of the new parts.
The blueprints available were digitised, enlarged to a 1:1 scale and compared with existing parts borrowed from the remaining RC30s within the Honda family and owners’ clubs to ensure their accuracy. Despite this, there were still clear and obvious gaps in the detailed information needed to produce the quality of parts required for the scheme. To ensure the parts met these very high standards, it was vital to involve the original team members, many of whom were in their 60s, to share their knowhow, passion and experience when the project team re-created the new wooden models and moulds from scratch.
It is this combination of tangible elements like new digitised drawings and available parts, with longstanding unquantifiable factors like the experience of returning members of the Honda family, that ultimately led to the successful creation of the scheme in Japan.
The legendary RC30 was first revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1987, making its way to Europe in 1988. Limited to approximately 5,000 units worldwide, it was created to comply with the homologation rules required to compete in the newly formed World Superbike Championship.
Hand-built in the Hamamatsu factory, the RC30 was powered by a liquid-cooled 748cc 90° V4 and featured cutting edge race technology of the time – an approach unheard of hitherto. Honda’s development engineers made maximum use of exotic materials like carbon fibre, Kevlar and magnesium throughout the bike. The engine featured titanium connecting rods and a slipper clutch, that worked together with the tall race machine-style gearing. Wheels and brakes featured quick release mountings and the suspension was fully adjustable front and back. The bike prominently featured an unmistakable single-sided Pro-arm swingarm designed to help with rapid rear wheel changes during races.
The legacy of the RC30 was cemented when it won the World Superbike Championship in both 1988 and 1989 with Fred Merkel. It also notched up victories in multiple national and international races, including wins on the Isle of Man in the hands of celebrated riders like Joey Dunlop, Carl Fogarty, Steve Hislop and Philip McCallen.
Source: MCNews.com.au
For 2021 Adriaan_26 will run in the iconic Repsol colours, previously worn by his racing hero Dani Pedrosa, as the Repsol Honda Team aims to add a virtual Championship to their 15 Riders’ World Championships. The 2021 MotoGP™ eSport Global Series will run over four rounds, the first taking place virtually on June 11 as the 11 gamers chosen by MotoGP™ teams battle it out over eight total races.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Co-Founder, Guitarist, Songwriter and Lead Vocalist of one of “The Living End”, Melbourne’s Chris Cheney recently took up motorcycling and gained his licence at the ripe young age of 46.
Having lived in Los Angeles for the past few years, Chris and family recently moved back to Melbourne where he just celebrated his 46th Birthday and wife Emma surprised him with a voucher to attain a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit, a long time dream of Chris’. We asked him a few questions about his motorcycle and motorcycling and here’s what he had to say:
What was your first Motorcycling experience?
“As far back as I can remember I always had an awareness and love for motorcycles. When My dad was in his 20’s he raced a 500 Manx Norton and travelled around Australia as well as Europe and Spain. He had given up racing long before he had kids but remained an enthusiast. We would travel to Mt Panorama every Easter to watch the motorbike races and they were some of the best memories growing up. The smell and deafening sound of the bikes hurtling around that mountain was incredibly exciting to watch. My hero was Roger Freeth and we always stayed at the same motel he did so I remember meeting him each year and we used to give him Easter eggs.”
Why did you choose the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?
“I’ve always liked the look and sound of old motorcycles, particularly the British 50’s and 60’s style. Motorbikes that actually look and sound like motorbikes, not all plastic and polite. Once I decided to actually get a bike I test rode a couple of Enfields at Mid Life Cycles in Richmond and loved them. The interceptor and GT were right up my alley. I’m a big fan of vintage guitars and Amplifiers and the Enfields just have that same style and feel to me as an an old 1950’s Gretsch guitar. They’re beautifully made but they growl when they need to.”
Why did you decide to get your Motorcycle licence at 46?
“Better late than never! I think because my dad had raced bikes and had seen first hand the danger attached he never encouraged me! I’ve always been interested in them though but I guess I just never got around to it until now. My wife bought me the 2 day license course and gave me the hand book and was like here you go, go and tick this off the bucket list.”
What are the plans for your Motorcycling future?
“It’s just a hobby really. I don’t plan on doing long distance travel trips. I like the idea that there’s a whole scene and lifestyle that goes with these bikes, particularly the Royal Enfields. There’s a really great community of like minded people who enjoy the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the cafe racer style.”
What is next for Chris Cheney and The Living End?
“The band is going great! We’re lucky to still be doing it and it blows me away that Scott and I started this band when we’re about 14 years old!! Despite not being able to play as much as we’d like due to restrictions etc We just started working on some new material when the pandemic hit so looking forward to getting back into that ASAP. I have a solo album that is getting geared up for release and I’ve been doing some touring with that which has been a blast.”
This strike a chord with you?
Tell us how you got into motorcycling in later life and what made you choose your first motorcycle
Source: MCNews.com.au
The first step in the Beta enduro range, the XTrainer, aims to be a an easy to ride and versatile machine and for model year 2022 the Italian models will feature a lower 910 mm seat height and tip the scales at just 98 kg.
The 250 and 300 cc engines are designed to offer smooth, manageable power delivery, with automatic oil injection and easy to access external power valve adjustment.
The 300 engine is completely revised, with a new larger bore cylinder, new piston and new power valve. The crankshaft is revised for the shorter piston stroke, while the cylinder head is all new to match the other updated components.
The engine control unit map is all new, ensuring smoother and more progressive throttle response and linear power delivery, tying into the aim of an easier handling and smoother overall machine.
Both the 250 and 300 models also feature a clutch with diaphragm springs for a lighter and more progression action, helping reduce rider fatigue. Engagement and disengagement has also been improved, with the clutch capable of transmitting more torque and three spring preload levels are available to further customise the setup.
A new starter motor also ensures easy starting even in the most difficult of situations where reliability is important. Electronics are also updated, making components easier to remove or replace, alongside boosted reliability.
Finally the XTrainer 250 and 300 feature new graphics and plastics to further differentiate themselves from the outgoing models.
The 2022 Beta Xtrainer 250 and XTrainer 300 are both expected from August, 2021. The Beta XT 250 will be available for $11,195 and the Beta XT 300 for $11,495. Pricing does not include pre-delivery or on-road costs. See the Beta Motor Australia website for more information.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Following the challenging circumstances that unfortunately plagued the opening round of the 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Extreme XL Lagares and then led to the subsequent cancellation of this year’s Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, the series is ready to bounce back strongly after this unprecedented double-disappointment.
With this chapter now closed, the FIM and WESS GmbH are now looking forward to the re-start of this year’s series, and to having the opportunity to deliver a diverse and exciting mix of events over the remainder of the season.
The next six events will ensure that the inaugural series is remembered for all the right reasons, whilst also being worthy of crowning the first ever FIM Hard Enduro World Champion. Next up, and re-starting the series, is the new Abestone Hard Enduro in Italy, which will welcome competitors to one of the most picturesque parts of the world.
“Overcoming challenges is what enduro sport is all about. As much as everyone was looking forward to Extreme XL Lagares, an event that in any normal year would have given us an incredible start to the series, the situation is what it is. Disappointing and frustrating for all those involved, we have to move on and focus on the many positives that lie ahead for the series. Of course, the cancellation of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is also a huge loss, but this too cannot be changed, and again we must look forward. The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has six outstanding events remaining, and while we might have to wait a little while before we go racing again, in mixing well-established favourites with exciting new races, the series will unquestionably meet the expectations of the riders, media and Hard Enduro fans. We want to thank the riders for their understanding and are offering all organisers our full support.”
The Italian event will be followed by the established line up of: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, Red Bull TKO – USA, Hero Challenge – Poland (successor to Megawatt), Hixpania – Spain and finally GetzenRodeo – Germany.
“There was so much excitement and anticipation regarding this brand new FIM World Championship, so it was deeply disappointing due to circumstances beyond control of all involved that the start of the series has not gone to plan and has not allowed championship points to be awarded from the opening event. That said, collectively we are all ready to work hard and to move on and to ensure that the next six events that will now define the first edition of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will be a great success and will put this series firmly on the map. On behalf of the FIM I would like to thank our promoter and all the key stakeholders, including the riders, manufacturers, teams and sponsors for their kind understanding and continued support.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
O’Halloran holds off Bridewell by 0.037s to end Oulton Park Official Test on top
Images by Dave Yeomans
Jason O’Halloran set the pace in the final Bennetts British Superbike Championship Official Test session of the day overnight at Oulton Park, putting the McAMS Yamaha rider just a narrow 0.037s ahead of Tommy Bridewell in a final five-minute fight to end the test in Cheshire fastest.
The opening two sessions had been topped by reigning champion Josh Brookes and RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki rider Ryan Vickers, but the final 55-minute session of the day saw the times inevitably tumble in perfect conditions at the parkland circuit.
As fans returned to watch trackside for the first time since 2019, 577 days since the season finale at Brands Hatch, they were treated to a thrilling end to the day as several riders headed out for a time attack to end the test.
Brookes had held the advantage with 15 minutes to go, but O’Halloran had soon surged back ahead of his fellow compatriot as the Australian pair locked out the leading two positions. However, with six minutes remaining of the day Vickers had posted a time, which moved him back to the top, nudging McAMS Yamaha’s O’Halloran back into second place.
Peter Hickman was then on a sequence of flying laps and he moved into second position and just 0.196s adrift of Vickers’ leading time, however with three minutes remaining O’Halloran set a time which put him back into P1 as the final minutes ticked down.
Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Bridewell went into second position with just over a minute remaining of the day with Vickers moving back into third place, pushing Hickman into fourth at the chequered flag.
Brookes completed the top five for VisionTrack Ducati on his return to testing action after he missed the previous test at Snetterton following his crash at the Silverstone test. The defending champion moved back ahead of Gino Rea who led the Buildbase Suzuki charge in sixth.
Glenn Irwin ended the day in seventh place for Honda Racing as six different manufacturers featured in the top seven positions.
Kyle Ryde ended the session in eighth place after a crash at Island ended his day prematurely despite a strong showing from the Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW rider, who was second fastest in the opening two sessions.
Bradley Ray made his debut in 2021 on the second of the Rich Energy OMG Racing BMWs in ninth place on the combined times, just 0.005s ahead of SYNETIQ BMW rival Danny Buchan, who completed the top ten.
“What a day to have been at Oulton Park; the fans were back, the sun was shining and it doesn’t get much better than that! It has been fantastic to see the support today and we have had three good sessions. It has been a really positive day and to end up on top is always a nice feeling. We have got through plenty and I was quite surprised with how fast we were at the end of the day, as in each session we pretty much had a different bike where we had so many changes. We keep moving forward so we just need to keep working to evolve what we are doing in the final tests, ready for when we get back racing next month. We have gained a lot of information today and our race tyre pace was really good. We stayed on a SC0 tyre at the end of the day and it felt good. I feel like we are in a strong place for when we come back here for the first race of the season now.”
“The day was positive in as much as the finger injury didn’t really affect me, but regarding the actual test, I felt the track was a little slower than last year as it hadn’t been used very much. We put last year’s settings into the bike and straight away I was fastest but then we tried a few different things, including the new SCX tyre, and the changes didn’t really help us go faster. I learned a lot about the new tyre which was one of the main objects today so that information was invaluable. But we know we have a good base setting on the bike and these tests are to experiment a little but the whole idea is to evaluate our package. Even though I wasn’t fastest overall, I’m happy with where we are at and we got plenty of dry laps in.”
| Round | Location | Races |
| – | ||
| Official Test | T4 – Donington Park (National) – 08 June | – |
| Round 1 | Oulton Park – 25 – 27 June | Triple Header |
| Round 2 | Knockhill – 09 – 11 July | Triple Header |
| Round 3 | Brands Hatch Gp – 23 – 25 July | Triple Header |
| Round 4 | Thruxton – 30 – 01 August | Triple Header |
| Round 5 | Donington Park (National) – 13 – 15 August | Triple Header |
| Round 6 | Cadwell Park – 20 – 22 August | Triple Header |
| Round 7 | Snetterton 300 – 03 – 05 September | Triple Header |
| Round 8 | Silverstone National – 10 – 12 September | Triple Header |
| Round 9 | Oulton Park – 24 – 26 September | Triple Header |
| Round 10 | Donington Park Gp – 01 – 03 October | Triple Header |
| Round 11 | Brands Hatch Gp – 15 – 17 October | Triple Header |
Source: MCNews.com.au
Check out our video review of the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special, an all-new adventure bike powered by the 150-horsepower Revolution Max V-twin. We hammered the Pan America 1250 Special for two days in the mountains and desert, on- and off-road, and it never gave up or reacted in an unexpected way or felt out of its depth. And its Adaptive Ride Height option is a game-changer, lowering ride/seat height by 1 to 2 inches when the bike comes to a stop. Whatever the metric — power, performance, handling, durability, technology, weight, price — the Pan America 1250 Special can compete head-to-head with well-established players in the ADV segment.
To find a Harley-Davidson dealer near you, visit harley-davidson.com.
The post 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special | Video Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
Riders are now being discriminated against by at least one Sunshine Coast service station with signs demanding they pre-pay for fuel.
The practice of pre-paying for fuel is designed to stop fuel driver-offs and is widespread in the USA.
In Australia, we are aware that only Costco requires pre-payment for fuel, but it is a requirement of all motorists.
This sign at the Ampol Nambour, on Bli Bli Road, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, is the only one we are aware of that discriminates against riders.
Riders are already vilified by the media and generally in society without signs like this inferring that riders are criminals.
We have contacted the servo owners, Procon Developments, to ask why the sign was deemed necessary, whether they believed they had discriminated against and vilified all riders and whether they plan to roll it out across their Ampol network.
We will update this article if/when they reply.
Motorcycle Riders Association Australia Regional Spokesperson Cate Grace has also contacted Procon advising them that it is a discriminatory practice targeting legitimate road users.
“Motorcycle riders are also car and truck drivers and can/will take their custom elsewhere, while advising as many of their family, friends and colleagues to do likewise,” she warns Procon.
She also warns that riders may raise a class action under the Australian discrimination laws.
Cate has asked Procon about the perceived risks of rider “ride-offs” and what other steps, if any, were taken to mitigate this perceived risk.
She suggests appropriately located security cameras need to be installed to capture the number plate which is on the rear of motorcycles.
Incidences of fuel theft can be reported to local police by servo operators or the public at Policelink on 131 444, or online by clicking here.
Queensland Police have also launched a fuel drive-off SMS (text) email initiative.
If a vehicle has left a service station without paying for fuel, a text or email will be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner advising them to contact the service station.
Cate says that if fuel drive-offs are a problem, they should make it a requirement for all road users to pre-pay, not just riders.
“The broader implication of this discriminatory action inferring motorcycle riders can’t be trusted, further cements a lack of respect for, or regard for their safety, encouraging drivers to make even less effort to look out for, and safely share our roads with motorcycle riders,” she says.
“Commuter motorcycle and scooter riders contribute greatly to the reduction in urban road and parking congestion, and recreationally contribute millions of dollars annually to regional/rural economies.
“They also contribute in a voluntary capacity in many community roles, and donate substantial amounts to charities annually. Of course they are also taxpayers, ratepayers and voters.”
We have asked police for figures on fuel drive-offs and will update when they are available.
I don’t know if it’s rampant, but when our car was stolen last year the thieves used it twice in fuel drive-offs within a week.
If it is an issue, surely riders who don’t pay for fuel would be easier to catch than other motorists.
All the servo has to do is require them to remove their helmets before switching on the fuel pump as many already do.
If the rider starts putting their helmet back on before paying, the servo attendant would surely have time to stop them!
Many service stations now have credit card facilities at the pump so you can fuel up and pay without even having to remove your helmet. Problem solved!
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
