In the rest of Europe, other broadcasters like Sky Sport Italia, Canal + in France and DAZN in Spain will provide extensive coverage of the event. Among others, our newest broadcaster, NBC Sports, will allow MotoGP™ fans in the United States the opportunity to see the best action on two wheels. Make sure you don’t miss a single lap of the action from Misano!
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
In the UK, MotoGP™ fans can watch each session live with BT Sport, as Suzi Perry, Gavin Emmett, former SBK World Champion Neil Hodgson and other stars cover current events in all categories. In the rest of Europe, other broadcasters like Sky Sport Italia, Canal + in France and DAZN in Spain will provide extensive coverage of the event. Among others, our newest broadcaster, NBC Sports, will allow MotoGP™ fans in the United States the opportunity to see the best action on two wheels. Make sure you don’t miss a single lap of the action from Styria!
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The 2020 MotoGP™ World Championship season has been nothing short of box office. Hand the script of the opening five races to a film director and they probably laugh you out the building. It really has been a season full of shocks, twists, turns, relentless excitement and the rest – but it’s just beginning. Ahead of the upcoming triple-header that begins with two races at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, motogp.com recap five of the major talking points for the 2020 campaign so far.
It’s a crash we’re not going to stop talking about for the rest of the season, and probably beyond. Reigning eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) suffered an injury in the first race of the year at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España, after one of the most remarkable comebacks we’ve ever seen.
A monumental save at Turn 4 while leading put the World Champion outside of the points when he came back on track. Then, having reached the tailpipes of second place Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) with four laps to go, the number 93 was down. A vicious highside on the exit of Turn 3 would have serious consequences as the front wheel of his RC213V hit his right arm, causing his humerus to fracture.
An operation in Barcelona was followed by a staggering return to Jerez, with Marquez back on track in FP3. However, listening to his body later that day, Marquez pulled in after an out-lap in Q1 and withdrew from the Andalucia GP. But the worst was yet to come. An accident at home bent the metal plate that was inserted, and Marquez was forced to undergo a second operation. The result? Marquez and his team confirming he would miss a further “two to three months” of action.
After being on the verge of savouring glory in his rookie season numerous times, Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) announced himself as the leading heir to Marc Marquez’ throne at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. One win became two a weekend later in Andalucia as ‘El Diablo’ made history for France and Yamaha, becoming the first rider from one of their satellite teams to win in the MotoGP™ era.
Quartararo dominated the opening two Grands Prix of the season, but it hasn’t gone quite to plan since. That 50-point haul in southern Spain has helped Quartararo retain the title lead in the overall standings, with the Frenchman finishing no higher than 7th in the last three races – an indicator of how unpredictable 2020 is.
The absence of Marc Marquez saw Quartararo, Viñales and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) emerge as early favourites in the title race. But Sunday in Brno would see the beginning of MotoGP™ predictions being thrown out the window. In just his third race in the premier class, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) would conquer the Monster Energy Czech Republic Grand Prix in a way that shocked everybody – including Binder himself.
The South African led his country and KTM to glory for the first time in MotoGP™, bringing his name onto the list of three other well-known and rather successful riders who also won a MotoGP™ race in their first year: Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez. Binder now sits fourth in the Championship and is a genuine title contender in 2020.
In a weekend that was largely marked by Dovizioso’s announcement that he won’t be signing with Ducati for the 2021 campaign, Sunday afternoon witnessed one of – if not the – most terrifying crashes we’ve ever seen. Czech GP podium finishers Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) collided at around 300km/h at Turn 2, with their out of control bikes heading straight for Turn 3 like missiles. Somehow, no one was seriously injured as Viñales and Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) miraculously escaped disaster, with Dovizioso picking up his third win at the venue in the restarted race.
In the aftermath, Zarco was confirmed to have suffered a fractured scaphoid, but the Frenchman was back racing the following weekend. The images from the crash will remain imprinted on the minds of many for years and years to come, all we can do is thank the racing Gods that everyone walked away from the incident.
A week on from the Austrian GP, the Red Bull Ring hosted another weekend that will live long in the memory. A red flag after Viñales’ high-speed Turn 1 crash frustrated some – Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) the unfortunate parties – but handed a chance to others. And, once again at the Red Bull Ring, it all came down to the final corner.
A last lap duel between Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) played perfectly into the hands of Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The Portuguese star took advantage of Miller and Espargaro going toe-to-toe at the final corner to win his first MotoGP™ race. Tech3 also picked up their first MotoGP™ win in the premier class, with KTM losing their concession privileges – but gaining another MotoGP™ winner.
Misano and the rest of 2020: what have you got in store for us?
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Clarity arrives from series organisers following COVID-19 delays.
Image: Foremost Media.
AUS SX Holdings has confirmed that the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship has been cancelled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In a decision made by series organisers and Motorcycling Australia (MA), the focus has now been shifted to next year due to uncertainty surrounding travel and crowds.
“It’s really disappointing for us and all involved with Supercross in Australia to have to cancel this year’s series,” said AUS SX Holdings co-founder Adam Bailey.
“We wanted to hold out for as long as we could, to try and get some semblance of Supercross competition up and running for this year and actually things were looking great for a fantastic 2020 series only a few weeks ago. With the ever-changing situation we’re up against with COVID, however, evolving so rapidly recently, we have no choice but to cancel this year’s series.
“We just don’t have 100 percent certainty that we can safely and successfully deliver a calibre of a series that we expect of ourselves and that fans and competitors deserve.
“Supercross has been on a massive upward trend and we’re working tirelessly to ensure that this growth pattern continues. We are striving to create a sustainable, globally recognised platform for our Australian talent to showcase their skills and are committed to delivering this in 2021 and beyond.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle added: “It’s unfortunately a similar picture many sports face due the border closures, spectator restrictions and differing legislation in each state around COVID-19.
“The time, effort and large financial input required to run Supercross in this environment is a huge gamble and we thank and support AUS SX Holdings for their efforts and decision to cancel. Everyone can now focus on 2021 when hopefully this pandemic is behind us.”
It became evident late last month that AUS Supercross wouldn’t be going ahead for 2020 when MA’s latest plans for the Australian Motocross Championship indicated that it would potentially be running into December if restrictions are eased during the final quarter.
Supercross organisers have been largely silent on the matter throughout 2020, still yet to specifically address the future of the AUS-X Open Melbourne or S-X Open Auckland, which both formed part of the Australian and Oceania series last season.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
The continuing restrictions surrounding travel within Australia continue to play havoc with Motorcycling Australia’s attempts to successfully formulate a plan of action in regards to the running of the Australian Motocross and Supercross Championships.
While M.A. still retains the hope of running the Australian Motocross Championship, this afternoon they conceded defeat and officially cancelled the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship.
Organisers of the Australian Supercross Championship have now shifted their focus towards a bigger and better series for next year.
AUS SX Holdings Co-Founder and Director Adam Bailey expressed disappointment in the inability to run a series for 2020, however expects season 2021 to be one of the best championships that supercross in Australia has ever seen.
“It’s really disappointing for us and all involved with supercross in Australia to have to cancel this year’s series,” said Bailey. “We wanted to hold out for as long as we could, to try and get some semblance of supercross competition up and running for this year and actually things were looking great for a fantastic 2020 series only a few weeks ago. With the ever-changing situation we’re up against with COVID however evolving so rapidly recently, we have no choice but to cancel this year’s series. We just don’t have 100% certainty that we can safely and successfully deliver a calibre of a series that we expect of ourselves, and that fans and competitors deserve. Supercross has been on a massive upward trend and we’re working tirelessly to ensure that this growth pattern continues. We are striving to create a sustainable, globally recognised platform for our Australian talent to showcase their skills, and are committed to delivering this in 2021 and beyond,” concluded Bailey.
Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle, mirrored Bailey’s disappointment, however is confident the right decision was made and is equally committed to ’21.
“It’s unfortunately a similar picture many sports face due the border closures, spectator restrictions and differing legislation in each state around COVID-19. The time, effort and large financial input required to run Supercross in this environment is a huge gamble and we thank and support AUS SX Holdings for their efforts and decision to cancel. Everyone can now focus on 2021 when hopefully this pandemic is behind us,” commented Doyle.
The 2019 Australian Supercross season proved to be the most successful to date, with over 75,000 fans in attendance across the five round series, along with live broadcasts available for both the Auckland and Melbourne rounds. For the first time ever, 35,000 race fans packed into Marvel Stadium for the season finale in the heart of downtown Melbourne, and witnessed Penrite Honda’s Chris Blose (SX2) and Justin Brayton (SX1) wrap up their respective championships in empathic fashion over a nail biting triple header format.
The Australian Supercross Championship has grown exponentially over the past five years, with fans, riders and brands alike from all over the world, interested in what the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Series 2021 promises to be bigger and generate more interest than ever before following this year’s layoff.
Earlier today M.A. had also announced the cancellation of the 2020 Australian Speedway Senior and Junior Sidecar Championships which were scheduled to be held at Olympic Park, on November 6 and 7, this year, and that the 2020 FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship which was due to run on October 31, at Gillman Speedway, South Australia, will now be delayed until 2021.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Ducati have until recently never really played up the off-road chops of the Multistrada, they didn’t pretend that they were gunning for the sort of off-road ability BMW GS aficionados have come to expect. Instead Ducati concentrated on pushing the road performance and all-round touring ability and comfort provided by the Multistrada platform throughout much of the model’s history. Things do seem to be changing in this space though….
That first 992 cc Multistrada in 2003 was a little half-baked in regards to its touring amenity (that seat!), and performance (84 hp), but the model started to hit the mark a little more accurately with the introduction of the S version complete with Ohlins suspension in 2005.
A 620cc version was also introduced at a much lower price point in 2005 and used an improved version of the 618 cc Monster engine and the by now discontinued 600 SS model. That year (2005), the Multistrada 1000 DS retailed for $18,995 while the 620 Multistrada was a much more affordable $14,495. The smaller bike had a 20 mm lower seat and weighed more than 13 kg less than big brother. A 15-litre fuel tank held five-litres less than big brother but both models sported improved seats (hallelujah) and taller screens. The 620 also had a conventional swing-arm while the larger capacity machines had always sported single-sided swing-arms.
2007 saw the engine grow to 1078 cc and longer service intervals start to be adopted by Ducati via engineering improvements that were aimed at changing Ducati’s reputation for high servicing costs. This factor was obviously very important for machines that would be expected to clock up plenty of touring kilometres.
These improvements signalled Ducati’s intention to evolve the Multistrada into a more up-market offering and the model continued to make leaps forward in all round performance and road manners. The model also took on more importance in the Ducati line-up with the discontinuation of the ST range of sports-tourers in 2007.
With the arrival of a new decade the Multistrada grew to 1200 cc in 2010 and the option of electronically controlled suspension was adopted. This was the first time that Ducati even mentioned any semblance of ability away from sealed roads in regards to the Multistrada.
2014 saw the arrival of the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine which then also gained variable valve timing. The Superbike derived engine was modified to be more malleable in its touring role but could still be a little recalcitrant in stop-start riding, it still begged to be flogged. Variable valve timing was the introduced to further tame the beast and make the engine much more flexible and more suitable for touring. It was now starting to become a much more polished performer.
In the most recent decade Ducati really started to put more significant resources and efforts into the robustness of the model and at 15,000 kilometres the service intervals are now equal to best in industry. Valve clearances are still a little more involved than required on conventional engines but are now required only every 30,000 kilometres.
2016 saw Ducati start to put a little more of an off-road slant with the introduction of the ‘Multistrada 1200 Enduro’ variant that was much taller, offered much more ground clearance and sported a huge 30-litre fuel tank.
The rims were spoked and the front increased to 19-inches in diameter for more off-road stability. This was the first time Ducati really started to use more seriously off-road specific shots in their marketing for the Multistrada.
Marketing shots of the earlier models were pretty much all strictly on bitumen but the introduction of the Enduro model saw Ducati actually start to market the bike as being off-road capable.
In recent years the sporting potential of the Multistrada has been pushed by Ducati through their involvement at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which they won in 2018 with Carlin Dunne victorious on a Multistrada 1260. Sadly, Dunne was killed the following year while trying to repeat that feat on the new Streetfighter V4.
The latest off-road oriented version is dubbed the Multistrada 1260 Enduro and is powered by the full-monty 1262 cc Tesastretta DVT engine that puts down 158 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque. The semi-active Sachs suspension gains more travel compared to its road going siblings with 185 mm of stroke at both ends but in the market it is still not largely seen as a genuine off-road option in the adventure-touring segment.
This year Ducati entered the 2850-kilometre Transanatolia Rally with factory test rider Andrea Rossi on a Multistrada 1260 Enduro. While the top places were predictably all taken by pure competition based 450 enduro bikes, with rally legends Xavier De Soultrait (Husqvarna FE450) and Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha WR450F) finishing first and second respectively, at the end of the seven-day competition the first larger capacity machine home was Rossi on the Multistrada 1260.
The Italian was ninth outright in what was a 25-rider field, somewhat lower in numbers than normal due to travel restrictions caused by the current global health crisis. Still, an impressive achievement, and the first twin-cylinder machine home after a serious week-long competition that is a true test of man and machine.
It would be interesting to know just how modified the machine was for the trek but Ducati did note that the bike sported options from their Performance Accessories range that included protection bars, radiator guards and higher muffler. Ducati also stated that ‘the configuration was standard with the exception of a high saddle more suitable for extreme off-road, suspensions adjusted according to the type of route and side number plates required by race regulations.‘ Thus it seems they are claiming that very limited modifications were made for the competition.
“Since 2016 I started working with Ducati on the development of the Multistrada Enduro project, so I know very well its potential, its robustness and its countless qualities, which is why it was decided to participate in a demanding rally like the Transanatolia with a practically standard bike,” explained Andrea Rossi.
“The rally proved to be even more challenging and complete than I thought. We had to tackle exhausting stages of slow, stony and technically punishing mountain, very fast stages on the Anatolian dirt tracks and stages on the sand of the Black Sea beaches. The Multistrada 1260 Enduro overcame all adversities in an excellent way. For me it was a great joy to take it to victory in the Twin-cylinder category and in the top 10 of the overall classification“.
Ducati now also run a DRE Enduro Academy in Europe, a riding course that helps riders refine their off-road riding technique on Multistrada models.
This more recent focus towards off-road performance and exhibiting that potential publicly could mean Ducati will take even more steps towards being more competitive in the harder side of the adventure segment.
There are spoked rim versions of the Scrambler 800, including the retro styled Desert Sled that sports a 19-inch front and 200 mm of suspension travel. We are yet to see any real off-road styled or suspended variant of the new 1100 Scramber range though…
Could we see Ducati do a more hard-core version of the lighter 178-kilogram 950 Hypermotard complete long travel suspension and a 21-inch front…?
The Hypermotard lay-out doesn’t exactly cosset the rider, but it does highlight how Ducati can do light. The current 950 version of the Multistrada is only a few kilograms lighter than the 1260, thus it would seem that if they wanted to offer a more hard-core model in the adventure market then the chassis would have to be derived from something more minimalist.
Of course this recent focus towards the more off-road persona of the Multistrada, and Ducati pushing some Multistrada marketing along those lines could be, and probably is, simply an effort to promote the Multistrada brand as a whole. Still, the shift in marketing towards these aspects does fill me with hope that Ducati might indeed surprise us with something very dirty in due course.
And at EICMA last year they did show off this Scrambler DesertX concept bikes….
Did you know a Ducati engined bike won the 1990 Paris-Dakar…? Read about it here. They won Dakar again in 1994.
Or that another Ducati engined rally special was brought in to Australia to compete in the 1994 Australasian Safari…? The Cagiva 906 Elefant SP.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Limited to only 400 units and due to arrive in-store this December.
Image: Supplied.
Yamaha Motor Australia will release a unique ‘Aussie Edition’ WR450F for 2021 as a tribute to the model’s importance in the domestic market.
The exclusive model will be limited to 400 units, featuring custom graphics with a kangaroo motif and a range of locally-sourced accessories.
Since its release in 1998, Yamaha’s WR450F has dominated the retail charts and earned the title of Australia’s favourite motorcycle – a fact that Yamaha Motor Corporation has both recognised and appreciated.
With its winning combination of high performance, precise handling, bulletproof reliability and ADR compliance, the WR450F appeals to Australia’s large contingent of off-road riders. Australia sells more WR450Fs than any other territory in the world.
“The retail success we have enjoyed with this model is down to a number of factors,” explained Matthew Ferry, Yamaha Motor Australia national sales and marketing manager. “First of all, we have a big brown land covered in fast, flowing trails that is perfectly suited to this model.
“Plus, since its inception, both Aussies and Kiwis have been instrumental in the development of this model, so you can say that the WR450F is a machine created for our unique conditions. Now it is gratifying to see the factory recognise the importance of this model for our market with the release of the limited Aussie Edition.”
The Aussie Edition model is based on the all-new 2021 Yamaha WR450F and each model is stamped with its own unique collector’s number. It has custom anodised aluminium radiator guards and bashplate, developed locally by Force Accessories. Fellow Aussie firm Barkbusters supplies the handguards and an Akrapovic muffler has been fitted.
Pricing is set at $17,099 ride-away, including 12 months registration, with availability due for December 2020. Visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au for further information on the 2021 Yamaha WR450F Aussie Edition.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Hot on the heels of revealing an essentially all-new WR450F for 2021 (Full reveal of changes and specifications here), Yamaha Australia have now taken the covers off a new ‘Aussie Edition’ limited-edition.
This is a similar approach that KTM have taken with their up-spec ‘Six Days’ variants and is one that will no doubt prove just as popular with Aussie enduro enthusiasts.
The unique Aussie Edition comes with striking blue graphics featuring a kangaroo motif and a range of Australian sourced accessories. This special will only be available in Australia, in recognition that our market sells more WR450Fs than any other territory in the world.
“The retail success we have enjoyed with this model is down to a number of factors. First of all we have a big brown land covered in fast flowing trails that is perfectly suited to this model. Plus since its inception, both Aussies and Kiwis have been instrumental in the development of this model. So you can say that the WR450F is a machine created for our unique conditions,” explains Matthew Ferry, National Sales and Marketing Manager. “Now it is gratifying to see the factory recognise the importance of this model for our market with the release of the limited Aussie Edition,” he adds.
The Aussie Edition model is based on the recently announced all new 2021 WR450F and will be strictly limited to 400 units.
Each model is stamped with its own unique collector’s number.
The look is pure antipodes with a kangaroo motif featuring in the embedded graphics as well as the custom anodised aluminium radiator guards and bashplate – developed locally by Force Accessories.
Fellow Aussie firm Barkbusters supplies the handguards and an Akrapovic muffler is specified for this special model.
Pricing is set at $17,099 inc GST ride away including 12 months registration, the Aussie Edition WR450F will be available this December, 2020.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Australia’s perennial favourite off-road bike, Yamaha’s WR450F, has undergone yet another reinvention for the 2021 model year.
The new WR450F is set to be available from Australian Yamaha dealerships his December at $15,499 ride away, including 12 months full registration and ADR compliance. The specially developed Australian off-road kit also comes as part of the package, see further below for full details.
As per is the norm in regards to WR model progression the latest updates have already been proven on the most recent YZ range of four-stroke motocross bikes.
A lighter and more powerful engine with a higher compression ratio (from 12.8 to 13:1), revised cylinder head with magnesium components, relocated camshafts and much sharper valve angles. The engine is also more compact with a reduced distance between the crank and cams.
Enduro specific intake and exhaust tuning help smooth the sharper edges from the motocross bikes aggressive power delivery and a much larger cooling system is employed to help the WR keep its cool in the bush. The five-speed gearbox and clutch have also both been made more durable for enduro use. Third and fourth gears have a special treatment applied to further harden their surfaces while the shift drum and selectors have reduced the shifter throw for more positive engagement.
Regular Yamaha WR development rider Josh Coppins largely leads the Yamaha engineering teams in the right direction for Australasian use with the Kiwi helping to tune both the engine and high-spec’ KYB suspension response for our southern hemisphere demands.
Sporting a new aluminium bilateral beam frame, Yamaha claim the new WR450F feels lighter, is easier to turn in tight situations and has improved stability both in the bumps and in the air. Thinner main spars are joined to thicker bottom tubes to further tune response. Even the bolt shape and torque on the engine mounts , triple clamps, wheel axle and bar mounds has changed to help further chassis flexibility.
Larger pistons in the front brake caliper increase stopping performance and the caliper body is now 30 per cent more rigid.
• New YZ450F based, forward-positioned, straight intake, rearward-inclined cylinder and rear exhaust port engine format for powerful output
• Smartphone tuning
• Bar-mounted engine map switch
• Lightweight electric starter motor
• Tool-free airbox access
• Tougher five speed gearbox with model-specific clutch featuring heat-resistant friction plates
• New controlled fill aluminium bilateral beam frame tuned for enduro
• Industry leading KYB speed sensitive forks and shock absorber tuned for enduro
• Lighter, more powerful brakes
• New compact instrument display with fuel consumption indicator
• New lighter footpegs
• Lighter and stronger front axle shaft, top triple clamp, handlebar clamps – from YZ450F
• Large plastic engine guard
• Large capacity radiator and cooling fan
• 18 in rear wheel designed for excellent performance in enduro riding and wide tyre choice
• Four-position adjustable handlebars
• Sealed chain
• 7.9-litre plastic fuel tank and compact fuel pump
• Forged aluminium kickstand sits close to the bike
• Meets global emissions standards
• Sold fully ADR compliant and road legal in AUS and comes with free off-road kit for closed course competition use
All WR450Fs come with full ADR compliance and so can be road registered to ride in Australian state forests where permitted. Each bike also comes with a free off-road kit for closed course competition use which includes:
• Lightweight LED tail light/and licence plate holder
• High quality braided steel front brake line
• Competition larger diameter GYTR exhaust muffler outlet
• Full power/full movement throttle stopper screw
• YZ air filter holder guide
• Brake snake rear foot brake protection
• Wiring connector for rear brake light
• Barkbuster handguard set
• Front and rear brake line Banjo bolts
• Tail light undercover
• Original side stand bolt
• Original engine stop switch
• Original engine start switch
• Communication Control Unit
• CCU map switch
• 5 x 100mm zip ties for speedo sensor line attachment to brake line
Source: MCNews.com.au
News 4 Sep 2020
Section: Competition
Surgery a success after arm causes problems during Ironman National.
Image: Octopi Media.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson will miss the upcoming stretch of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after undergoing surgery to have a plate removed from his arm.
Anderson pulled out of moto one at the Ironman National after aggravating the injury that ended his Monster Energy Supercross defence last year.
After evaluation by the Alpinestars Mobile Medical Unit, x-ray results discovered that the plate and screws in his forearm had backed off the bone and surgery was immediately scheduled.
“Jason is a tough rider, so when his hand and arm started to lose feeling during the first moto at Ironman, he made the smart decision to pull off and get it looked at,” said Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Stephen Westfall.
“It’s unfortunate that he will be out for the next few rounds, but we will evaluate his healing progress and determine if he’s able to return to the Pro Motocross Championship this year.”
Anderson started the season strongly by winning the opening moto of the season and finishing third overall at Loretta Lynn’s 1, however, it’s unclear if he will be fit in time to return by the end of the shortened series.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au