MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Valentino Rossi considering his future in MotoGP

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Rossi to leave Factory Yamaha MotoGP Team

Valentino Rossi will complete his astounding 15-year run with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team at the end of the 2020 season.

Rossi has stated that will wait until mid-2020 to make the final call on whether he will remain an active rider in the MotoGP World Championship in 2021.

This time frame was requested by Rossi to evaluate his competitive speed compared to the MotoGP grid after completing the first seven or eight races of 2020.

Valentino Rossi

“For reasons dictated by the riders‘ market, Yamaha asked me at the beginning of the year to make a decision regarding my future. Consistent with what I said during the last season, I confirmed that I didn’t want to rush any decision and needed more time. Yamaha has acted accordingly and concluded the ongoing negotiations. It is clear that after the last technical changes and with the arrival of my new crew chief, my first goal is to be competitive this year and to continue my career as a MotoGP rider also in 2021. Before doing so, I need to have some answers that only the track and the first few races can give me. I‘m happy that, should I decide to continue, Yamaha is ready to support me in all respects, giving me a factory-spec bike and a factory contract. In the first tests I will do my best to do a good job together with my team and be ready for the start of the season.”

Jorge Lorenzo Retires Rossi

Jorge Lorenzo Retires Rossi

Valentino Rossi

Should Rossi decide to continue as a MotoGP rider in 2021, Yamaha assures Rossi of the availability of a Factory-spec YZR-M1 bike and full Yamaha engineering support.

Irrespective of the decisions for the future, Yamaha will provide full support and total focus for the 2020 season as Rossi commences his 25th motorcycle Grand Prix racing World Championship, his 21st season in the premier class, and his 15th year with Yamaha.

Lin Jarvis – MD Yamaha Motor Racing

“The totally understandable decision of Valentino to assess his competitiveness in 2020 before making any decision about 2021 was something that Yamaha respects and also wholeheartedly agrees to. While we have total respect for and confidence in Valentino‘s abilities and speed for the 2020 championship – at the same time Yamaha also have to plan for the future. These days, with six motorcycle manufacturers in the MotoGP class, fast young talents are greatly in demand, and consequently the riders‘ market begins ever earlier. So, it‘s a weird sensation to start a season knowing that Vale will not be in the Factory Team in 2021, but Yamaha will still be there for Valentino, whatever he may decide for the future. If he feels confident and continues to race, we will provide a Factory-spec YZR-M1 bike and full engineering support. If he decides to retire, we will continue and expand our collaborations off track with the young riders‘ training programmes of the Riders Academy and the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp, and with him as a Yamaha brand ambassador. Anyway, that is all speculation – right now we have a full season ahead of us and I can assure the fans that Valentino will have our 100% support every day until he eventually one day decides to hang up his leathers!”

MotoGP Phillip Island Australia Race Rossi Fans

MotoGP Phillip Island Australia Race Rossi Fans

Valentino Rossi waves to his fans at Phillip Island last year
Source: MCNews.com.au

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Fabio Quartararo to join Vinales in Factory Yamaha MotoGP squad

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Quartararo joins Yamaha Factory MotoGP

Quartararo starred during his debut season in MotoGP with seven podiums (5x second place and 2x third place) in his debut season with the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team. On the back of those performances the 20-year-old Frenchman will be promoted to the full Factory Yamaha MotoGP squad next season.

He will complete the second year of his current two-year agreement with the satellite Petronas Squad this season, however, this season he will be riding the factory-spec YZR-M1. Moreover, he will enjoy Yamaha’s full support throughout the upcoming season, as well as when he moves up to the Factory Team in 2021.

In 2021 and 2022, Quartararo will partner Maverick Viñales, whose two-year contract extension with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was announced yesterday.

Lin Jarvis – MD Yamaha Motor Racing

“We are very pleased that Fabio will be joining the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team line-up for 2021 and 2022. His results in his MotoGP debut year were sensational. His 6 pole positions and the 7 podiums in the 2019 season were a clear sign of his brilliance and exceptional riding skills. Inviting him to move up to the Yamaha Factory Racing Team after he completes his contract with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team was a logical next step.

“For the upcoming season he will be provided with a factory-spec YZR-M1 and he will receive full support from Yamaha.

“Fabio is only 20 years old, but he is already showing great maturity on and off the bike, and we are excited to have him join us in 2021. Fabio and Maverick will provide a big stimulus to all of us in the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team to continue to develop the YZR-M1 and leave no stone unturned in our quest for MotoGP World Championship victories.”

Fabio Quartararo

“I‘m delighted about what my management has achieved in the last few months together with YMC. It was not simple to establish, but now I have a clear plan for the next three years and I‘m really happy.

“I will work hard, like I did last year, and I‘m extremely motivated to achieve great performances.

“I feel like the winter period is too long – I‘m really excited to go to the Sepang test next week to ride my new YZR-M1 and meet and work with my crew again.

“I want to thank YMC and Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, who have given me the opportunity to enter the MotoGP class in 2019. I will give my all to do them proud again this year.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Quartararo

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Quartararo

Fabio Quartararo
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Backing Up Science With a ‘Sanity Escape Loop’

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Horsetooth Reservoir BMW motorcycle dog carrier
This overlook of Horsetooth Reservoir near the tiny town of Stout (population 47 1/2) is a convenient place to pause about three miles into the trip if I have to adjust my gear or if George needs a nature break. The “dogtote” shown was my original design, since updated. Photos by the author.

When winter comes and your motorcycle is parked in the garage with the cover on, and you have not been on a ride for some time, do you get restless? I know I do. I find myself dreaming of spring and planning long summer rides. I start reviewing packing lists, pouring over maps and reorganizing my gear. This helps, but it is not the same as riding. So, I also obsessively watch the weather for the chance to layer up and get in a quick ride. Where I live, I can get out once or twice per week during most of the winter months – ice in the canyon corners permitting. 

When time and weather are limiting factors but I still need to get out and ride, I have a short 40-minute loop I like to do. I call this my Sanity Escape Loop since it allows me to escape to the foothills west of town when I feel winter (or life) closing in. My escape route is only 30 miles or so, but that is often enough for me to relax. The ride takes me into the foothills west of Fort Collins, past Horsetooth Reservoir, through Masonville, and along Bobcat Ridge to the outskirts of Loveland, and back along Glade Road. Along the route, there is a roughly 10-mile loop allowing me to circle Bobcat Ridge and Glade Road if 40 minutes is not enough to relax. 

Masonville Colorado
Turning from Larimer County Road 38 to County Road 27, I pass antique farm machinery in Masonville as I head south along Bobcat Ridge.

A recent study funded by Harley-Davidson demonstrates motorcyclists are happier, their brains are more focused and their stress levels are lower after a 20-minute ride. I guess this makes my 40-minute Sanity Escape Loop twice as good! But seriously, this research backs up my belief that riding helps me maintain some semblance of sanity. And, it’s not the only study that’s been done that supports my experience. 

Research published in the International Journal of Motorcycle Studies explored why motorcyclists choose to ride, despite the dangers associated with it. Ten experienced motorcyclists ranging in age from mid-thirties to mid-seventies, with an average riding experience of 18.6 years, participated in this university-approved study. Responses collected in semi-structured interviews were analyzed for common themes.

All participants stated they ride primarily for leisure, because they enjoy it and it makes them feel better. Study participants shared that riding allows them to relax and escape their worries, with many stating that riding lifts their spirits and makes them happy. The participants also shared they are much more focused and aware of their surroundings when motorcycling compared to driving. The study participants credited their experiences riding in complex, dangerous situations, such as heavy commuter traffic, with helping them develop increased focus, situational awareness and road survival skills. These motorcyclists are keenly aware of the dangers posed by motorcycling and yet they choose to do it anyway because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Most riders also preferred to ride on less crowded, rural or country roads than in crowded, urban and commuter settings.

Stout, Colorado
Stout, Colorado, has a claimed population of 47…and a half?

Though, if you do commute by motorcycle, you can take solace in the fact that it is helping keep your brain young. Research funded by Yamaha shows riding a motorcycle daily for two months improves several cognitive functions, including processing speed and visuo-spatial attention. These improved cognitive functions are utilized for rapid hazard detection and avoidance, skills that are essential to safe motorcycling. The improvements from daily motorcycle riding were similar to cognitive gains observed with the playing of daily brain training games. Such brain games are often used to help keep the brain young and delay the onset of dementia. 

Exercise science shows riding a motorcycle counts as healthy exercise too. Research shows off-road motorcyclists are more fit than the general public. Riding 2-4 times a week for six weeks increased participants’ aerobic capacity and muscle mass and lowered their blood pressure, blood sugar and body fat. The demonstrated health gains were greater than those usually obtained from walking 2-4 times a week. Wow – motorcycling can help keep your brain young and is healthier for you than walking! Who knew?

Horsetooth Colorado
A nice straight stretch between Horsetooth Mountain Park and Masonville, where I can open up the throttle and relax a little. Though, I need to keep my head on a swivel for wildlife. I have encountered free range cows, deer and turkeys along this stretch.

So, what does this mean? That you need to get out there and ride! You already knew that, but now you have science to back you up! Motorcycling is good for you – both physically and mentally. The physical benefits of motorcycling include increased endurance, increased lung capacity and increased core strength. Mental benefits include decreased stress, decreased anxiety and a younger brain. Overall, motorcycling can make you smarter, stronger, more relaxed and – best of all – happier. Motorcycling can even help you keep dementia at bay. But you cannot be complacent. You need to stay alert so you can continue to improve. You also need to practice and train to refresh your skills and then train and practice some more. 

So, the next time someone worries about you riding a motorcycle, you can tell them not to worry, science proves riding a motorcycling is good for you. Then hand them this article and invite them to take a motorcycle training course with you.

On a lighter note, when I want to further enhance the benefits of motorcycling, I bring along my Australian Cattle Dog, George. He has fun, I have fun and we make lots of people smile. I already know motorcycling is good for me, and I also know that having a dog is good for me – and riding with George proves it! Now go do your sanity ride. I just did mine twice. First on my own, and then with George.

You can find more information about George’s motorcycle travels, the author’s training of George, Opal and Ollie to ride, as well as hints, tips and tricks on training your dog to safely ride your motorcycle at: https://DogOnMotorcycle.com

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle News, News

Yamaha Motor Racing Signs Quartararo to 2021-2022 Rider Line-Up, Hints at Rossis Future Plans

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As Quartararo signs his Factory Yamaha contract for 2021-2022, we’ll be curious to see what the future has in store for Valentino Rossi. 

Begin Press Release: 

YAMAHA FACTORY RACING MOTOGP TEAM ADD QUARTARARO TO 2021-2022 RIDER LINE-UP

It is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces the signing of Fabio Quartararo with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team for the 2021 and 2022 season.

Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 29th January 2020 – The Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team are delighted to welcome Fabio Quartararo to their line-up for the 2021 and 2022 season.

Last year‘s results showed that Quartararo is a unique talent and a rider with a bright future in MotoGP. The 20-year old from Nice, France, scored seven podiums (5x second place and 2x third place) in his debut season with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, which at the time was a brand-new Yamaha satellite team. He came tantalizingly close to his first premier class win on a number of occasions. Though it wasn‘t to be, his exceptional performances impressed many in 2019. Ultimately, he secured fifth place in the overall MotoGP standings, earning him the Best Independent Team Rider honour by 27 points, as well as the Rookie of the Year title with a 100-point margin to the runner-up.

In 2020 Quartararo will again be a PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team rider, completing the second year of his current two-year agreement. However, this season he will be riding the factory-spec YZR-M1. Moreover, he will enjoy Yamaha’s full support throughout the upcoming season, as well as when he moves up to the Factory Team in 2021.

In 2021 and 2022, Quartararo will partner Maverick Viñales, whose two-year contract extension with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was announced yesterday.

“We are very pleased that Fabio will be joining the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team line-up for 2021 and 2022. His results in his MotoGP debut year were sensational. His 6 pole positions and the 7 podiums in the 2019 season were a clear sign of his brilliance and exceptional riding skills. Inviting him to move up to the Yamaha Factory Racing Team after he completes his contract with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team was a logical next step.

“For the upcoming season he will be provided with a factory-spec YZR-M1 and he will receive full support from Yamaha.

“Fabio is only 20 years old, but he is already showing great maturity on and off the bike, and we are excited to have him join us in 2021. Fabio and Maverick will provide a big stimulus to all of us in the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team to continue to develop the YZR-M1 and leave no stone unturned in our quest for MotoGP World Championship victories.” – LIN JARVIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING

“I‘m delighted about what my management has achieved in the last few months together with YMC. It was not simple to establish, but now I have a clear plan for the next three years and I‘m really happy.

“I will work hard, like I did last year, and I‘m extremely motivated to achieve great performances.

“I feel like the winter period is too long – I‘m really excited to go to the Sepang test next week to ride my new YZR-M1 and meet and work with my crew again.

“I want to thank YMC and PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, who have given me the opportunity to enter the MotoGP class in 2019. I will give my all to do them proud again this year.” – FABIO QUARTARARO, PETRONAS YAMAHA SEPANG RACING TEAM RIDER

YAMAHA AND VALENTINO ROSSI AGREE TO TAKE TIME TO DECIDE FUTURE PLANS

Valentino Rossi AGV

Nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi will ride his last full season as a Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team rider in 2020. Following discussions together, Yamaha and Rossi have mutually agreed that the personal decision whether the Italian will remain an active rider in the MotoGP World Championship in 2021 will be taken mid-2020.

Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 29th January 2020 – Grand Prix racing legend Valentino Rossi will complete his astounding 15-year run with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team at the end of the 2020 season.

Following discussions between Yamaha and Rossi, the Italian will take until mid-2020 to make the final call whether he will remain an active rider in the MotoGP World Championship in 2021. This time frame was requested by Rossi to evaluate his competitive speed compared to the MotoGP grid only after completing the first seven or eight races of 2020.

Should Rossi decide to continue as a MotoGP rider in 2021, Yamaha assures Rossi of the availability of a Factory-spec YZR-M1 bike and full Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. engineering support.

Irrespective of the decisions for the future, Yamaha will provide full support and total focus for the 2020 season as Rossi commences his 25th motorcycle Grand Prix racing World Championship, his 21st season in the premier class, and his 15th year with Yamaha.

“The totally understandable decision of Valentino to assess his competitiveness in 2020 before making any decision about 2021 was something that Yamaha respects and also wholeheartedly agrees to. While we have total respect for and confidence in Valentino‘s abilities and speed for the 2020 championship – at the same time Yamaha also have to plan for the future. These days, with six motorcycle manufacturers in the MotoGP class, fast young talents are greatly in demand, and consequently the riders‘ market begins ever earlier. So, it‘s a weird sensation to start a season knowing that Vale will not be in the Factory Team in 2021, but Yamaha will still be there for Valentino, whatever he may decide for the future. If he feels confident and continues to race, we will provide a Factory-spec YZR-M1 bike and full engineering support. If he decides to retire, we will continue and expand our collaborations off track with the young riders‘ training programmes of the Riders Academy and the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp, and with him as a Yamaha brand ambassador. Anyway, that is all speculation – right now we have a full season ahead of us and I can assure the fans that Valentino will have our 100% support every day until he eventually one day decides to hang up his leathers!” – LIN JARVIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING

“For reasons dictated by the riders‘ market, Yamaha asked me at the beginning of the year to make a decision regarding my future. Consistent with what I said during the last season, I confirmed that I didn’t want to rush any decision and needed more time. Yamaha has acted accordingly and concluded the ongoing negotiations. It is clear that after the last technical changes and with the arrival of my new crew chief, my first goal is to be competitive this year and to continue my career as a MotoGP rider also in 2021. Before doing so, I need to have some answers that only the track and the first few races can give me. I‘m happy that, should I decide to continue, Yamaha is ready to support me in all respects, giving me a factory-spec bike and a factory contract. In the first tests I will do my best to do a good job together with my team and be ready for the start of the season.” – VALENTINO ROSSI, YAMAHA FACTORY RACING MOTOGP RIDER

The post Yamaha Motor Racing Signs Quartararo to 2021-2022 Rider Line-Up, Hints at Rossi’s Future Plans appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

“My goal is to continue my career as a MotoGP rider” – Rossi

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“For reasons dictated by the riders‘ market,” said the nine-time World Champion. “Yamaha asked me at the beginning of the year to make a decision regarding my future. Consistent with what I said during the last season, I confirmed that I didn’t want to rush any decision and needed more time. Yamaha has acted accordingly and concluded the ongoing negotiations.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Quartararo joins Viñales at factory Yamaha for 2021-2022

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Last year’s results showed that Quartararo is a unique talent and a rider with a bright future in MotoGP™. The 20-year old from Nice, France, scored seven podiums (5x second place and 2x third place) in his debut season with PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, which at the time was a brand-new Yamaha satellite team. He came tantalizingly close to his first premier class win on a number of occasions. Though it wasn‘t to be, his exceptional performances impressed many in 2019. Ultimately, he secured fifth place in the overall MotoGP™ standings, earning him the Best Independent Team Rider honour by 27 points, as well as the Rookie of the Year title with a 100-point margin to the runner-up.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

News

Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Preview

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If this sounds like an upgrade you’re willing to perform, you’ll be happy to hear the Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Crate Engine runs $6,195 for the oil-cooled version, and $6,395 for the Twin-Cooled. The Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 engine will be available in two finish options as well: Black and Chrome or Black and Gloss Black. However, it will not fit any H-D Trike models

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Warming-up: MotoGP™ riders continue their 2020 preparations

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Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) has been at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar doing some laps on a superbike as he tries to sharpen up ahead of the test in Malaysia. He’s not been the only MotoGP™ star on two wheels too, with Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir doing laps together at the Circuit Mallorca. Plus, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) has been at the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya in the past few days.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Maxwell goes fastest on day one of ASBK testing at Phillip Island

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News 29 Jan 2020

Maxwell goes fastest on day one of ASBK testing at Phillip Island

Section: Competition

Hyde and Khouri top the timesheets in Supersport and Supersport 300.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Former champion Wayne Maxwell has topped the timesheets on day one of the official Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) test at Phillip Island, the McMartin Racing rider making a strong public debut aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Maxwell set a 1m32.366s in the final session of the day, comfortably edging out Yamaha Racing Team newcomer Aiden Wagner, who set a 1m33.006s in the third session.

Reigning champion Mike Jones, who also rode the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time against his rivals, was a fraction behind in third, posting a time of 1m33.062s in the fourth session.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss showed the Michelin tyre is on pace after setting the fourth fastest time with a 1m33.136s, followed by Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) in fifth – the 2018 Supersport champion lodging a 1m33.354s fast-time.

Kawasaki BCperformance’s Bryan Staring was sixth ahead of Daniel Falzon (Yamaha), while the top 10 was completed by Josh Waters (Suzuki), Glenn Scott (Kawasaki BCperformance) and Glenn Allerton (Maxima BMW).

In the Supersport category, Jack Hyde (Yamaha) edged out reigning champion Tom Toparis (Kawasaki) for P1, setting a time of 1m36.469s to defeat Toparis’ 1m36.964s. Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing) was third ahead of Nic Liminton (Yamaha) and Jack Passfield (Yamaha).

The Supersport 300 category saw Harry Khouri (Yamaha) edge out Luke Jhonston (Kawasaki) and Luke Power (Kawasaki) for the top spot, while the Oceania Junior Cup class was topped by Lucas Quinn (Yamaha), Marianos Nikolis (Yamaha) and Cameron Swain (Yamaha). Riders return to the track tomorrow for the final day of testing.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

MX Nationals champion Waters denies AORC rumour

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News 29 Jan 2020

MX Nationals champion Waters denies AORC rumour

Section: Competition

Queenslander to remain aboard Husqvarna machinery in 2020.

Image: Foremost Media.

Reigning MX1 champion Todd Waters has put an end to speculation of a possible campaign in the Australian Off-Road Championship alongside the MX Nationals this season.

The number one has spent time riding enduro aboard his own Husqvarna FE 501 throughout the off-season, prompting rumours to circulate of the Queenslander taking on double-duties across the two disciplines.

Waters denies the rumour, simply stating it’s an alternative way to train in the summer months – an idea he’s drawn inspiration from the Europeans in the MXGP World Championship.

“That’s just a rumour,” Waters declared to MotoOnline.com.au in a recent interview. “I’ve obviously been riding off-road a bit – in Europe those guys like Stefan Everts ride off-road at Christmas time – just getting out on the bike and having some fun. It’s nothing really.”

The 29-year-old, who was part of the DPH Motorsport squad that went into liquidation late last year, has remained tight-lipped on the deal that will see him defend his premier class crown, however he has indicated he’ll remain aboard Husqvarna machinery.

“We’re just bringing it together,” he said. “We don’t have much to share at the moment. We’re just doing our thing behind closed doors. I’m pretty excited to come out at round one, we have some good competition with Ferris coming back, Gibbsy will be on point and Clouty has changed teams. But yeah, there’s not really much share, to tell you the truth.

“We’ve got some good people to race against, but in saying that, we’ve got a good team of people behind us this year. I’m on the same bike, so it’s straight off a championship-winning bike and program, so we’re excited to carry that on and better it.”

The opening round of the MX Nationals is scheduled to take place at Horsham on 4-5 April.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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