The Devin MCN Festival will return in 2021. It will be held in May on the 15th and 16th in the East of England Arena. This will be one killer event, and it’s cool to see one being offered in the wake of COVID-19.
While at the event patrons will have the opportunity to take in some fantastic spectacles, ride and get up close and personal with some of the latest and greatest motorcycles, and generally have a lot of fun.
According to Motorcycle News, there will be plenty to do, including a Moped Mayhem event. There will also be all sorts of new models at the event, dirt track racing, a motorcycle stunt show, plenty of gear and clothing vendors, a classic two-stroke display, and so much more.
While it will be interesting to see how all this is pulled of with COVID-19 still being a concern, it’s great to see it being offered. Tickets for the event cost £55. If you want to participate in the Moped Mayhem event or take a more active role in the event you can reach out to the organizers.
2004 Australian Superbike and Supersport Champion Adam ‘Krusty’ Fergusson has been sentenced to a prison term of four years and nine months, with a minimum of two years and ten months.
Fergusson and his partner were found to be growing more than 100kg of Cannabis in their Geelong home via a sophisticated hydroponic operation.
Police raided the rented property more than 12 months ago and Fergusson had been charged and bailed, but in a recent appearance in the County Court that bail was revoked while he awaited sentencing. That sentence was handed down earlier this week.
I did know that Adam had gone through some challenges after retiring from racing and had been left with injuries that continued to plague him long after hanging up his leathers. The most serious injuries were sustained at Symmons Plains where he suffered major damage to his legs and hips in 2007 that he never fully recovered from.
I hope that the now 45-year-old Krusty can successfully rebuild his life after serving his sentence.
Adam Fergusson was a very talented road racer with multiple Australian Championships under his belt
Claudio Domenicali, Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding: “To be successful, it is essential to continue investing in research and development and not be afraid to innovate and renew. For this reason I am very happy with the arrival of young and talented drivers who make us look to the future with optimism and with a constant desire to improve. Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia this year have shown that they can harness the potential of our Desmosedici GP and have earned this opportunity. Their arrival to the official team from the Pramac Racing Team, where they have both grown up, is proof of the efficient collaboration that unites us with Paolo Campinoti’s team, whom I want to thank.
Moto3™ Junior World Championship leader Xavier Artigas (Leopard Impala Junior Team) comes into Aragon with a 21-point cushion over Pedro Acosta (Team MT-Foundation 77) after a dramatic Jerez weekend. Both Spaniards have now been confirmed as Moto3™ World Championship riders for 2021, so it’s full gas for the remainder of 2020 to see who moves up as Champion. But it isn’t just those two in the title race, Jerez winner Jose Julian Garica (SIC58 Squadra Corse) sits P3 in the standings, 33 shy of Artigas and will be ready from the off after taking part in the Catalan GP. Rookie Izan Guevara (Openbank Aspar Team) will also fancy his chances, the reigning European Talent Cup Champion bagged his first Junior World Championship win in Jerez to move to just 34 points from top spot. With three races taking place in Aragon, anything can happen.
KTM introduces limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model
Section: General
Hardcore upgrades applied to new off-road bike released for 2021.
Image: Supplied.
KTM has introduced a limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model for 2021 as a tribute to the international enduro series and boasting an assortment of upgrades.
Featuring WP XACT air forks for the first time on a KTM EXC, along with an impressive list of extra components, it’s a limited edition bike that will set you apart on the trail.
Based on the incredibly versatile KTM 350 EXC-F, which has become a favourite among enduro riders worldwide, the WESS edition features a celebratory livery that pays homage to the diverse challenges of WESS competition.
Using the key elements from KTM’s best-selling four-stroke competition enduro machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS enhances the production model’s package by including factory wheels with hubs anodised in orange, a radiator fan and protectors, CNC machined triple clamps in orange, a plastic skid plate, and a grippy factory seat.
The biggest enhancement on the WESS model is seen with the inclusion of WP XACT 48mm air fork technology. Specifically designed for high-performance off-road use, the lightweight innovation from WP allows for easy and quick adjustments via the air pressure valve for pre-load (on the left) or the easy-access clickers for damping (on the right), optimising suspension settings.
Built for those looking for the ultimate racer, the 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS comes with further additions in the forms of a floating front disc with guard, a solid rear disc, a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket, an orange oil plug, grey ODI grips and a standard map select switch. The all-new WESS graphics and orange frame make this unique machine stand out with a close-to-factory look.
“There is exclusivity with each one of our special edition machines and with the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS we set out to provide hardcore enduro fans with a technical upgrade that will help them thrive on in competition or further enhance their general feeling while riding,” said Joachim Sauer, KTM senior product manager off-road.
“With the addition of the WP XACT fork technology for the first time on a KTM EXC, the bike is a fantastic tribute to the skills we see in the WESS championship. For WESS fans and enduro riders that want unique looks and class-leading four-stroke performance then this is another unmissable off-road bike that we at KTM are really proud of.”
The new KTM 350 EXC-F WESS will be available in limited numbers at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from January 2021 onwards. For more information on pricing and availability, contact your local KTM dealer or visit www.ktm.com.
Concussion forces Tonus out of remaining Mantova GPs
Section: Competition
Monster Energy Yamaha rider withdraws from Wednesday and Sunday.
Image: Supplied.
A minor concussion sustained in Sunday’s first of three MXGP rounds at Mantova will force Arnaud Tonus out of the Wednesday and Sunday races, Monster Energy Yamaha has confirmed.
After going down in the opening moto of the weekend, Tonus sat out the second moto as a precaution and he has since returned home to Switzerland to ensure a full recovery.
“It’s a shame I can’t race,” Tonus said. “The plan is to have three days really easy to let the brain recover as much as possible and, by the end of the week, I will start some brain training to reactivate the system. Normally I should be able to ride in 10 days it will all depend on the symptoms and how I recover.”
Over the next week, the health of Tonus will be monitored and his return to racing will be decided only after consultation. Following the Citta di Mantova and Europe rounds, the next event will be on 11 October with the MXGP of Spain. He is currently 19th in the standings.
A trick limited production version of KTM highly popular 350 EXC-F is heading to Australia early next year and will be available for pre-order on the same basis that the popular Six Days models are generally released and in similar numbers.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
The WP XACT air forks sets it apart from the rest and are exclusive to the WESS edition model and the first time they have been fitted to a KTM enduro machine.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
Specifically designed for high-performance offroad use, the latest innovation from WP allows for easy and quick adjustments via the air pressure valve for preload (on the left) or the easy-access clickers for damping (on the right), optimizing suspension settings for different tests or the changing conditions of a long riding day.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
In addition, the WP XACT fork introduces big weight savings compared to the alternative systems.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
Using key elements from KTM’s best-selling 4-stroke competition Enduro machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS augments the serial production model’s package by including factory wheels with hubs anodized in orange, a radiator fan and protectors, CNC machined triple clamps in orange, a plastic skid plate, and a grippy Factory seat.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
Built for those looking for the ultimate 4-stroke race machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS comes with further additions in the forms of a floating front disc with guard, a solid rear disc, a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket, an orange oil plug, grey ODI grips, and a standard map select switch.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
The all-new WESS graphics and orange frame make this unique machine stand out with a close-to-factory look regardless of the depth of the rut or the size of the rocks.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS
Joachim Sauer KTM Senior Product Manager Offroad
“There is exclusivity with each one of our special edition machines and with the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS we set out to provide hardcore Enduro fans with a technical upgrade that will help them thrive on in competition or further enhance their general feeling while riding. With the addition of the WP XACT fork technology for the first time on a KTM EXC, the bike is a fantastic tribute to the skills we see in the WESS championship. For WESS fans and Enduro riders that want unique looks and class-leading 4-stroke performance then this is another unmissable offroad bike that we at KTM are really proud of.”
Sunday September 27th 2020 was a record-breaking day for Team Suzuki Ecstar in the motorcycle racing premier class as Joan Mir and Alex Rins powered their way through to a double podium at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya.
The thrilling 24-lap race saw stellar performances from the home riders, Mir and Rins, as the pair precisely picked their way through the field, taking advantage of their confidence and feel with the GSX-RR until the chequered flag.
Mir took second place, with Rins following closely in third. The last time two ‘boys in blue’ stood on the rostrum together was back in 2007 with Rizla Suzuki’s John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen, when they did the double at the Misano World Circuit.
2007 Misano MotoGP Podium – Casey Stoner P1, Chris Vermeulen P2, John Hopkins P3
As well as matching this achievement, there were yet more records to be broken in Catalunya on Sunday: Mir’s excellent run of form in MotoGP’s triple-header rounds, where he snatched podium positions from his rivals three weeks running, meant he became the first Suzuki rider to score a hat-trick of podiums in the premier class for 20 years. The last rider to do so was Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000, the year he went on to become World Champion for Suzuki.
But the achievements did not stop there and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s talented squad added another accomplishment to the illustrious Suzuki success record, reaching 300 podiums in the premier class!
This comes at a particularly momentous time as the brand celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2020.
Barry Sheene
Kiwi Keith Turner was the first Suzuki rider to stand on the rostrum in the 500cc class back in 1971 at the Austrian Grand Prix. Since then, an amazing 54 different riders have put the Suzuki name on the podium in the premier class, with some perhaps unexpected names inhabiting the prestigious list, such as Graziano Rossi.
The rider with the most appearances on the box for Suzuki is Kevin Schwantz with a whopping 51, followed by Barry Sheene with 31, and Randy Mamola with 21.
Kevin Schwantz scored 51 podiums with Suzuki
With so many reasons to celebrate, Team Suzuki Ecstar were in high spirits after the close of the Catalan Grand Prix, in the mood to reflect on their distinguished past while very much rejoicing in their current success with Mir and Rins.
Shinichi Sahara – Project Leader
“It was a great feeling to see both Joan and Alex on the podium in Barcelona, and I know this result wouldn’t be possible without the hard work from all the staff involved. Realising that we got Suzuki’s 300th podium in the premier class brings a very emotional feeling to us all, to be part of Suzuki’s history in this 100th Anniversary year is something really special. But I view this as just another step for us, we are already looking to the future and focused on achieving victories – we want to continue making history.”
Davide Brivio – Team Manager
“We are very proud to give our small contribution to Suzuki in achieving this great result. Three hundred podiums is a very important number, I’m happy that both Alex and Joan at the same time contributed to that. Now we feel an extra drive to keep representing with such a vast history behind us. I just want to say thank you very much to all our team staff, to the Suzuki engineers in the Factory, to the whole company behind us and of course to all the fans; thank you for supporting us. I promise that we will give everything and try our best to continue like this and to increase this number!”
That’s World Enduro Super Series, a thing they’ve got going on in Europe with all those Blazusiaks and Graham Jarvises and other gluttons for punishment. In any case, the guy leading the points is one Manuel Lettenbichler, and this special KTM is in his honor. It’s pretty swell.
KTM Press Release:
Based on the incredibly versatile KTM 350 EXC-F, which has become a favorite among Enduro fans worldwide, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS features a celebratory livery that pays homage to the diverse challenges of WESS competition. With Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Manuel Lettenbichler enjoying success aboard the KTM 350 EXC-F on multiple occasions, the reigning WESS Champion also unveiled the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS in a special video that is now available on KTM’s digital platforms.
The KTM 350 EXC-F is a highly desirable solution for offroad riders of all ages and backgrounds that combines the agility of a smaller-cylinder machine with the power and torque of a far larger bike. Its advanced 350 cc fuel-injected DOHC engine that weighs less than 28 kg works with the state-of-the-art chromoly steel frame to offer the perfect balance between power and handling.
Using the key elements from KTM’s best-selling 4-stroke competition Enduro machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS augments the serial production model’s package by including factory wheels with hubs anodized in orange, a radiator fan and protectors, CNC machined triple clamps in orange, a plastic skid plate, and a grippy Factory seat.
The biggest enhancement on the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS is seen with the inclusion of WP XACT 48 mm air fork technology for the first time on a KTM Enduro machine. Specifically designed for high-performance offroad use, the latest innovation from WP allows for easy and quick adjustments via the air pressure valve for preload (on the left) or the easy-access clickers for damping (on the right), optimizing suspension settings for different tests or the changing conditions of a long riding day.
In addition, the WP XACT fork introduces big weight savings compared to the alternative systems.
Built for those looking for the ultimate 4-stroke race machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS comes with further additions in the forms of a floating front disc with guard, a solid rear disc, a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket, an orange oil plug, grey ODI grips, and a standard map select switch. The all-new WESS graphics and orange frame make this unique machine stand out with a close-to-factory look regardless of the depth of the rut or the size of the rocks.
Well, I mean, anybody could do that on this bike…
Joachim Sauer, KTM Senior Product Manager Offroad: “There is exclusivity with each one of our special edition machines and with the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS we set out to provide hardcore Enduro fans with a technical upgrade that will help them thrive on in competition or further enhance their general feeling while riding. With the addition of the WP XACT fork technology for the first time on a KTM EXC, the bike is a fantastic tribute to the skills we see in the WESS championship. For WESS fans and Enduro riders that want unique looks and class-leading 4-stroke performance then this is another unmissable offroad bike that we at KTM are really proud of.”
The new KTM 350 EXC-F WESS will be available at authorized KTM dealers internationally from October 2020 onwards.
For more information on pricing and availability, please contact your local KTM dealer or visit www.ktm.com.
What Goes Hand-in-Hand With Open-Face Helmets and Classic Cafe-Racer Bikes? Moustaches of Course.
Movember has been a huge success since its inception in 2004. They have provided millions of dollars in funding to raise awareness for men’s health.
This year, they are partnering with Triumph to bring you ‘The Disguinshed Gentleman’s Ride‘. What started on the 27th of September has become a solo event for riders to register, fundraise, and take a ride through downtown taking photos on your classic bikes showcasing your glorious facial hair to support the men’s health initiative.
This installment in specific is geared towards supporting the mental health of veterans and first responders in Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Ireland, and the USA.
In the event that you crash your bike, who’s there to save you? First responders put their own lives in danger every single day they suit up for work to ensure citizens like you and I are safe and out of harm’s way.
Unfortunately, they are disproportionately affected by suicide and other mental health issues when compared to the rest of the population. In 2019, record numbers of US police officers died by suicide; a spike from 172 in 2018 to 228 in 2019 according to ABC news.
An initial investment of 4.34 million dollars has already been secured over the next two years to support these heroes, and now you have the opportunity to partake in the event this year and make a real impact.
The organization states, “Applications for grants are open until 23 November 2020. For more information about the grants program, eligibility, how to apply, and process, visit movember.com/vfrgrants”.
