Massive discounts on Husqvarna 701 and 401

Husqvarna Australia is about to offer some massive discounts on the 401 and 701 Svartpilen and Vitpilen motorcycles.

And by “massive” we mean a massive $3000 to $7000, depending on the model!

The official announcement has not yet been made, but we have seen the ride-away prices announced to the dealers recently.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - controversial upgrade massive
Vitpilen 401

Husqvarna massive discounts

Model Old price (+ORC) New on-road price (New Zealand)
Svartpilen 701 $A15,995 $A10,495 $NZ11,500
Vitpilen 701 $A16,995 $A9995 $NZ10,999
Svartpilen 401 $A10,495 $A7495 $NZ8495
Vitpilen 401 $A10,495 $A7495 $NZ8495

Rebate

Riders who have recently bought one for the full price may be able to get a rebate.

While companies are not legally bound to rebate the difference as it a a case of “buyer beware”, offering a rebate would show good faith with their customers.

However, the only time we can recall a motoring company issuing a full refund after heavily discounting a big-ticket item was in 2004 when Holden slashed the price of its off-road Adventra wagon by $4000.

We have rarely seen such a massive discount in the motorcycle industry. And by comparison, this is much higher than the Holden discount.

Yet we would expect the distributor to be understanding about rebates and retaining customer loyalty.

They may offer cash, or free accessories or service to make up the difference. It could come down to your negotiating skills.

The motorcycles

We love the four models with their quirky looks and names.

Vitpilen means white arrow and is the road bike while Svartpilen means black arrow and is a scrambler semi-off-roader.

They are all fun and agile motorcycles with quality components.

For example, the 701 comes with a lot of standard “goodies” such as Bi-Directional Quick Shifter, Brembo Brakes with braided lines, LED lighting and WP Suspension.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 massive

However, we always said they would be a hard sell at the prices they were asking, especially for single-cylinder motorcycles.

Click on the following model names to read our full road tests: Vitpilen 701 and Vitpilen 401.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Top 20 seeded riders for the 2019 Senior Classic TT

2019 Bennetts Senior Classic TT

As in previous years, the top twenty is made of a combination of regular TT front runners and Classic Racing specialists on a variety of single cylinder machines such as Norton and Matchless, twin cylinder bikes including Honda and Paton, plus hi-revving triples and four-cylinder bikes from MV Agusta and Honda.

Classic TT Senior John McGuinness Jamie Coward Lee Johnston
2018 Senior Classic TT Race Results
John McGuinness – Paton 01:22:52.747
Jamie Coward – Norton 01:24:05.819
Lee Johnston – Honda 01:24:31.403

First away is 2018 and 2016 winner, John McGuinness, who lines up on the Team Winfield Paton once again. With the exception of 2017 when he was forced out by injury, the 23-time TT winner has campaigned Roger Winfield’s machine every year since the inaugural Classic TT in 2013. With 4 valves per cylinder, the twin cylinder Paton’s enjoy a significant power advantage over the rest of the field and with McGuinness onboard, will start as hot favourite for the race win.

Classic TT Practice Fri John McGuinness
John McGuinness (500 Paton/Team Winfield) at Ballacraine during Friday evening’s Classic TT qualifying session in 2018. Image by Dave Kneen

Dean Harrison, the reigning Dunlop Senior TT champion, returns to the 500cc class following his absence in 2018 and will start at number 2 on board the LSS Waste Management Norton for the first time, having previously won the 2015 encounter onboard an MV Agusta.

Dean Harrison, MV Agusta, Black Eagle Racing, first place
Dean Harrison, MV Agusta, 2015 Classic TT

He’s followed by the experienced pairing of 2015 race winner Ian Lougher (John Chapman Racing/MV Agusta) and Michael Rutter (Ripley Land Racing/Matchless) at number 3 and number 4 respectively.

Michael Rutter at the Gooseneck on his way to winning the Sure Junior Classic TT Race. Photo Dave Kneen
Michael Rutter at the Gooseneck on his way to winning the Sure Junior Classic TT Race in 2017. Photo Dave Kneen

James Hillier starts from number 5 with his regular CSC Racing team on their Honda 500-4 and is set to be followed by Michael Dunlop at his customary number 6, but the four-time Classic TT race winner has yet to announce what machine he will ride.

Number 7 is Maria Costello onboard the Beugger Racing Paton. Costello finished third in the 2017 edition of the race and was battling for a podium position in 2018, before dropping down the order and retiring on the final lap.

Classic TT Senior Maria Costello Alan Oversby Practice
Maria Costello and Alan Oversby readying for practice at the 2018 Classic TT

Jamie Coward follows Costello at number 8, riding the Ted Woof/Craven Manx Norton on which he has taken three of his five previous Classic TT podiums. Coward has enjoyed a scintillating season so far, breaking the 130mph barrier for the first time at the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy, taking his first TT podium in the Bennetts Lightweight Race, and winning the 2019 TT Privateer’s Championship following a string of top ten results.

Classic TT Senior John McGuinness Jamie Coward Lee Johnston
2018 Senior Classic TT Race Results
John McGuinness – Paton 01:22:52.747
Jamie Coward – Norton 01:24:05.819
Lee Johnston – Honda 01:24:31.403

Dominic Herbertson, winner of the 2018 Locate.im Junior Classic TT, starts at number 8 for Davies Motorsport onboard the only Yamaha TX500 in the field. His team mate, Lee Johnston, is onboard a Honda 500-4 and is back to his usual start number of 13 having started from 11 for the TT Races in June.

Classic TT Junior Lee Johnston
Lee Johnston – 2018 Classic TT

The top ten is completed by Chris Swallow on the Flitwick Motorcycles Royal Enfield, who finished less than four seconds off the podium in last year’s encounter.

Classic TT Practice Chris Swallow Royal Enfield
Chris Swallow on the 500 Royal Enfield – Classic TT 2018

Numbers 11 to 20 feature further classic racing talent in Alan Oversby (Ireland Honda/Honda) starting at number 11, the vastly experienced Bill Swallow onboard the only 500 Ducati for Gleve Racing/John Poyner at 14, and Michael Russell (Izzard Racing/Norton) starting from number 15.

Alan Oversby (350 Honda/Davies Motorsport) at Ballacraine during qualifying for the Bennett'€™s Classic TT.
Alan Oversby (350 Honda/Davies Motorsport) at Ballacraine during qualifying for the 2017 Bennett’s Classic TT.

Danny Webb (Dunnell Racing) makes a return to TT Mountain Course action having missed the TT Races earlier this year and starts from number 12. Honda Racing’s David Johnson is at number 14 but, like Dunlop, has yet to confirm what machine he will take to the start line on. Horst Saiger (Egli Motorradtechnik) and Derek Sheils (Greenhall Racing) start at 17 and 18, with Rob Hodson (Geoff Bates Racing) completing the top 20.

Joey Thompson makes a return to Road Racing onboard the second John Chapman Racing MV Agusta, and slots in at 19.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Upbeat Vinales declares ‘nothing to lose’ entering Brno

News 2 Aug 2019

Upbeat Vinales declares ‘nothing to lose’ entering Brno

Spaniard hopeful of maintaining mid-season form following summer break.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales has ‘nothing to lose’ entering the back-half of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship season, confident he can maintain his recent upswing of form.

Vinales rode to a brilliant victory at Assen and then backed that effort up with second in Germany, boosting him to fifth in the point-standings entering the Czech grand prix.

“I am full of energy because I finished the last two races in a good way,” Vinales stated. “For me, this summer break was very long because I was waiting to be on the bike, the mood I had was really good. With the same mentality, we have nothing to lose and we will try to push at the maximum from the first lap on Friday.

“I feel good, calm and we need to keep trying to take the maximum from the bike, try and be at the front and understand and a learnt a lot. I think it will be very different, we will try a different way, as the bike is different to last year. I feel like we can profit from this layout and I am curious to see and I hope in the second half of the season we can prove our potential.”

Last year at Brno saw Vinales involved in a three-rider incident on the opening lap alongside Stefan Bradl and Bradley Smith. Pain in his shoulders on that occasion ultimately ruled him out of the post-race test one year ago.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Ducati Supermono | ‘Sounds of Singles’ Supermono

‘Sounds of Singles’

With Phil Aynsley


Ducati began its motorcycle history with a single cylinder motor, the Cucciolo, in 1946 – and they continued making them until 1974, although their Spanish affiliate Mototrans kept production going until 1982.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati ‘Sounds of Singles’ Supermono

Then, in 1992, a new single appeared – the Supermono!

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

The brainchild of Massimo Bordi the Supermono was intended for the highly competitive Sounds of Singles race class (there were however later rumours of a road going model being developed, even one with a supercharged motor! Sadly nothing came of this and the only road going Supermonos available are Alister Wager’s offerings (link).

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

After several years of development it was first displayed (with a 487cc capacity) at the 1992 Cologne Show and went into limited production the following year. Only 40 of original 550cc bikes were made in 1993-1994, with a further 27 572cc versions in 1995.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
The Ducati Supermono was only produced in very limited numbers and now fetch $200k at auction!

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

Bordi’s ingenious concept saw him basically using the bottom half of the 888 Corsa V-twin with the vertical cylinder’s (modified) conrod connected to a pivoting lever which rotated on a pin fixed to the crankcase.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
The powerplant was based on the bottom half of the 888 Corsa V-twin

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

He called it “doppia bielletta” (double conrod) and it provided perfect primary balance eliminating the single’s vibration without using counterweights. A small bulge in the top of the crankcase was the only exterior sign of the system. Unlike the 888 motor plain main bearings were used.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
It featured “doppia bielletta” (double conrod) providing perfect primary balance

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

The water pump was driven from the exhaust camshaft. A dry clutch, six-speed gearbox and Weber fuel-injection completed the engine specifications.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

Due to the camshaft timing being more radical than the 888’s the power band was much narrower – 8,000 to 10,500rpm – with the motor not really running under 4,000rpm.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Taken in the Ducati museum, 2000

Claudio Domenicali (now Ducati’s CEO) designed the tubular steel chassis which was constructed at Cagiva’s Varese factory. The swingarm was by Verlicchi and Pierre Terblanche penned the fabulous bodywork.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono

Unless you have the opportunity to stand next to one it is hard to comprehend how small the Supermono is. The wheelbase is 1,360mm and the seat height only 760mm. As a guide, with the bodywork removed, I measured the top of the rear shock as only knee high (about 550mm)!

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 572

The 550cc version made 78hp (crankshaft) at 10,000rpm and weighed 122kg dry, while top speed was 232km/h.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 550

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 550

The 572cc version used a 2mm larger diameter piston (102mm) with the same 70mm stroke as the earlier model. Power was up to 81hp at the same 10,000rpm.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 572

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 572

The 572cc model also used a twin outlet muffler, 10mm longer rear shock, slightly different front forks and modified electronics. The bike I photographed is No.02 of the second (’95) production run and was originally exported to the Netherlands before finding its way to the USA.

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 572

The Supermono was highly competitive in races around the world. Notable results were Robert Holden’s second at the IOM in 1994, followed by victory the next year (fastest lap 111.66mph).

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 572

John Barton finished second in 1997 and third in 2000. Well known bike journalist Alan Cathcart won both the Japanese and British Supermono Championships as well as the 1994 Singles event at Bathurst on the 550 seen here (No.09 – imported by Frasers and photographed in 1993 before it first raced in the hands of Roy Leslie).

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 550

Ducati Supermono PA Supermono
Ducati Supermono 550

The Supermono was eventually overpowered by larger engined competition but remains a very highly sort after bike with prices approaching US$200,000 when one makes a rare auction appearance!

Source: MCNews.com.au

Gomez takes charge on off-road day two | Romaniacs 2019

Off Road Day Two

The second day in the mountains at Red Bull Romaniacs saw competitors face the longest course of the week. The Gold class completed 151 kilometres, covering a mix of difficult rocky climbs in the morning and high-speed grassy trails in the afternoon. With over 100 kilometres of riding before the mid-day service, it would prove a physical and energy-sapping start to the day for all.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Wade Young Problems
Wade Young had technical problems early on

While Graham Jarvis led the field away at 6.30am, drama would quickly strike Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young (RSA) who followed behind him in second. A technical issue on the first climb saw the 2018 winner return to the start line for hasty repairs, hoping to fix a gear selector issue. Despite losing almost one hour, Young re-joined the race, but he was ultimately forced to retire and call time on his bid to defend his Red Bull Romaniacs crown.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Wade Young Climb
Wade Young rejoined the race but ultimately had to retire

At the head of the field, Jarvis looked strong through the morning’s Gold class sections and maintained his position as first on the road until service. Behind him, Gomez was on a charge and worked his way up to the wheel tracks of Lettenbichler, but was hungry for more.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Graham Jarvis
Graham Jarvis

Finding a second wind as they exited service, the Spaniard went on a charge. Catching and overtaking Jarvis late in the day, Gomez was first past the post to ultimately win the day, but more importantly take control of the race lead. Admitting to not having the pace in the afternoon on the faster going, Jarvis placed second on the day. Keeping a consistently fast pace going, Lettenbichler ended his day in third.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Manuel Lettenbichler
Manuel Lettenbichler

Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP)

“I was on the hunt today – chasing down the boys in front. I had a very good pace and really enjoyed my riding today. After the service it was a little bit scary going so fast on the grass, but all-in-all it was a very good day for me and I hope I can keep this pace up for the next couple of days.”

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez

Behind the leading trio, Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman (ESP) rode a lonely race for fourth, while the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Jonny Walker (GB) and Taddy Blazusiak (POL) placed fifth and sixth respectively.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Mario Roman
Mario Roman

Building on his day one performance, Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) improved to seventh, while JD Gunnex KTM Racing’s David Cyprian (CZ) continued to impress with eighth. Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) enjoyed a strong day with the Classic Enduro specialist placing ninth, while TTR Officine Rigamonti’s Pol Tarres (ESP) was 10th.

Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP)

“I’m really happy to be here at the finish line once again. Today was a really hard day, we hit some rain in the mountains and it made the uphills really slippery and difficult. We’ve got two more days to go so hopefully the weather will be ok with no rain. I really enjoyed my riding yesterday, the course was tough but flowed quite well, today was tougher with a lot of pushing and that isn’t as much fun. Overall, I’m feeling good and making some steady progress, so we’ll see what happens over the next couple of days.”

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Josep Garcia Montana
Josep Garcia

Stepping up to the Gold class as the 2018 Silver class winner, Austria’s Dieter Rudolf (KTM) is fast adapting to the challenge. The Austrian backed up his 10th place on Off Road Day One with 11th on Day Two and currently lies 10th overall in the race.

His compatriot Michael Walkner (KTM – AUT), Silver Class runner-up in 2018, is also performing well in his debut Gold class ride. The 21-year-old has ended both days in 13th to sit 12th overall at the halfway point in the race.

The three Aussies taking on the Gold Class are led by Anthony Solar who was 25th on Day Two ahead of Adam Giles who was 29th on stage and Chris Perry who was 32nd. 


2019 Red Bull Romaniacs
Off Road Day Two Results

Gold Class

  1. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 5:41:00
  2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 5:46:58
  3. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 5:47:22
  4. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 5:49:54
  5. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 5:55:56
  6. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 5:59:37
  7. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 6:09:08
  8. David Cyprian (KTM – CZ) 6:19:32
  9. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 6:54:07
  10. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 6:57:28…

Silver Class

  1. Josu Artola (ESP) 5:02:54
  2. Josef Westgarth (GB) 5:16:02
  3. Alberto Aramburu (ESP) 5:16:35
  4. Sam Winterburn (GB) 5:17:04
  5. Marc Wulf (GER) 5:26:11…

Bronze Class

  1. Jean Michel Vigand (FRA) 4:29:58
  2. Eric Slominski (USA) 4:34:25
  3. Marius Muntean (ROU) 4:35:04
  4. Radu Sardarescu (ROU) 4:37:34
  5. Brent Brady (AUS) 4:38:11…

Iron Class

  1. Vadim Tagirov (RUS) 4:51:43
  2. Anna Schmolzl (GER) 4:59:44
  3. Eduardo Martinez (MEX) 5:09:33
  4. Oz Nehoray (ISR) 5:14:26
  5. Agostino Crema (ITA) 5:20:48…

2019 Red Bull Romaniacs
Overall Classificiation after Day Two

Gomez’ win on Off Road Day Two sees him move to the top of the Gold Class standings with two days still remaining. Jarvis slips down to second and is five-minutes behind his team-mate. Just over one minute behind Jarvis, Lettenbichler maintains third overall. With Roman in fourth, 10 minutes currently separate the top four.

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Manuel Lettenbichler
Manuel Lettenbichler

In the Silver Class it’s Spain’s Josu Artola who continues to set the pace securing his second victory of the week. Behind him Josef Westgarth (GB) took second, ahead of Alberto Aramburu (ESP) and Sam Winterburn (GB). Winterburn is second overall to Artola, with Westgarth less than two minutes behind in third.

Shane Moss (23rd) was the quickest Aussie to complete Day Two in Silver Class ahead of countrymen Adam Poole (27th), Tim Gibson (46th) and Sam Preece (55th).

Red Bull Romaniacs WESS Day Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker

The Bronze category saw France’s Jean Michel Vigand push through for victory. The win sees him take control of the standings ahead of Marcin Welglarz (POL) who placed sixth today. USA’s Eric Slominski holds third overall thanks to his second-place ride on Off Road Day Two.

Brent Brady was the leading Aussie in the Bronze category on Day Two with a fifth place result ahead of countrymen Cameron Bice (32nd), Raymond Borg (45th), Christian Barrett (50th), Jason Beaton (55th), Marc Grillis (64th), Nicholas Kirk (68th), Robert Kingston (81st), Brendon Cousins (93rd), Paul Mapperson (96th), Dwayne Affleck (105th), Craig Roberts (115th), and John Cockings (165th).

In the Iron class it was Russia’s Vadim Tagirov who won the day to move into the lead in the overall classification. Germany’s Anna Schmolzl continues to show great form, second on Off Road Day Two moves her up to the second overall. Mexico’s Eduardo Martinez ended day two in third. Placing fifth on day two, day one leader Agostino Crema (ITA) slips to third position.

Aaron Mcfadzen is 36th in the Iron Class ahead of countrymen Domenic Dercole (43rd), Aaron Panozza (44th), Brenden Murphy (72nd), Andrew Donnelly (80th), Josh Devine (84th) and Christopher Withers (96th). 

Gold Class

  1. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 10:15:42
  2. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 10:19:45
  3. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 10:21:42
  4. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 10:26:37
  5. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 10:44:39
  6. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 10:50:40
  7. David Cyprian (KTM – CZ) 11:13:33
  8. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 11:34:51
  9. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 11:53:36
  10. Dieter Rudolf (KTM – AUT) 12:17:58…

Silver Class

  1. Josu Artola (ESP) 9:23:16
  2. Sam Winterburn (GB) 9:51:20
  3. Josef Westgarth (GB) 9:53:00
  4. Alberto Aramburu (ESP) 9:53:24
  5. Emmanuel Gyenes (ROU) 10:04:20…

Bronze Class

  1. Jean Michel Vigand (FRA) 8:55:01
  2. Marcin Weglarz (POL) 9:02:15
  3. Eric Slominski (USA) 9:14:10
  4. Brent Brady (AUS) 9:17:54
  5. Marius Muntean (ROU) 9:22:06…

Iron Class

  1. Vadim Tagirov (RUS) 8:19:36
  2. Anna Schmolzl (GER) 8:24:45
  3. Agostino Crema (ITA) 8:37:56
  4. Eduardo Martinez (MEX) 8:40:52
  5. Danny Melvin (USA) 8:51:20…

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moree incident ends season for MX1 revelation Rykers

News 2 Aug 2019

Moree incident ends season for MX1 revelation Rykers

Injuries cause Suzuki rider to sit out this weekend’s final rounds.

Image: Foremost Media.

MX1 standout Jayden Rykers has confirmed his Pirelli MX Nationals season is over following a crash in moto one at Moree last Sunday, ruling him out of Coolum’s double-header finals this weekend.

Rykers, 22, has been exceptional aboard a Byrners Motorcycles Suzuki-supported RM-Z450 through his rookie campaign in the premier class, challenging for a top five championship ranking prior to Moree.

The incident saw Rykers suffer bruised lungs and multiple rib fractures, however, he has since been cleared of any further back injuries. Further scans will determine the extent of any other injuries he may have sustained.

“Due to last weekend’s accident I’ll be unable to finish the remainder of the championship,” Rykers has revealed. “Further testing revealed bruising on my lungs and multiple fractured ribs in my back.

“I still have some scans pending a report, but I’m so fortunate to have been cleared of any back issues as this was our main concern on the day of the crash. Thanks to the Racesafe crew and anyone else that helped out over the last week to get me back home.”

The highlight of Rykers’ season came at Murray Bridge’s fourth round in May, sprinting to third in the opening MX1 moto and then going on to claim a career-best result of fourth overall.

Rykers won’t be the only Suzuki rider absent from the MX1 start-line this weekend, as KSF Racing Suzuki rider John Prutti has opted to step away from the team in a low-key announcement made earlier this week.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Seely announces retirement from professional racing

News 2 Aug 2019

Seely announces retirement from professional racing

Long-time factory Honda ride calls time on lengthy career.

Image: Supplied.

Team Honda HRC’s Cole Seely has announced his retirement from professional racing, which comes off the back of two injury riddled seasons.

Seely, who’s been sidelined in Pro Motocross after dislocating his shoulder while training in Florida, has dedicated nearly his entire professional career to the Honda brand, riding for a Honda satellite team throughout most of his 250 tenure before spending five years aboard a factory CRF450R.

After turning pro in 2009, he signed with the then-Honda-backed Troy Lee Designs team in 2010. During his five-year stint with that team, Seely captured five 250SX victories and finished runner-up in the 2014 250SX West title chase.

In 2015, he was awarded 450SX Rookie of the Year honours after finishing third overall in the AMA Supercross series, highlighted by his first 450 victory at the Houston supercross. Seely also represented Team USA at the 2017 Motocross of Nations.

“These past two years have been very difficult,” he said. “Last year’s injury was severe and very tough on me both mentally and physically. I fought hard to return this season, but it was much more challenging than I anticipated. Now with this recent shoulder injury, it’s just another setback.

“This decision definitely wasn’t easy, but I think it’s the right choice. I’m grateful for having been given the opportunity to do something I’ve loved since I was a kid and to make it into my career. I’m grateful for the support from my fans and many sponsors throughout the years.

“I’d especially like to thank Honda, who has been behind me for my entire career, supporting me through the ups and downs. I’m grateful to have been partnered with such a great brand. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and to seeing where the future takes me.”

Team Honda HRC manager Erik Kehoe added: “I was a little surprised at first when Cole mentioned retirement, but after speaking to him, I could see where he was coming from. It makes sense, and I think he’s making the right choice for himself at this time. It’s been such a pleasure working with Cole.

“I can still remember the first time I saw him riding supercross out at the old Red Bull facility back in 2009, and I thought, ‘man, that kid is talented!’ So now it’s very special to have worked with him and seen how his career has grown, particularly with Honda over the past 10 years.

“Cole is so talented that his abilities on a bike are only part of what he’s capable of, so I think that’s going to carry into every aspect of his life. I know he’ll be successful in whatever he decides to pursue next.”

It’s understood Seely will compete one more time at the Red Bull Straight Rhythm event aboard a Honda CR250 two-stroke.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Erik Buells FUELL Ebike Seems to Be Really Happening

Our favorite motorcycling iconoclast is at it again, along with a few other engineering heavyweights, and we’ve just been informed the first of their very interesting ebikes, the FUELL Fluid, is set to begin deliveries beginning this month. Or September. We’re talking an internal-hub 8-speed gearbox, carbon-belt drive, hydraulic brakes, 3.2-inch IPS color information display – and 125-mile range at up to 28 mph via not one but two removable batteries, with 1008 watt-hours of juice.

So far, FUELL has raised over $1 million over here at crowd-sourcing site INDIEGOGO, where there’ s a bunch more information, and where if you place your order before August 6, you’ll be looking at 30% off the $3,999 list price for the Fluid 1. Ahhhh, when will our test unit be available, Erik?

 

The post Erik Buell’s FUELL Ebike Seems to Be Really Happening appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Massimo Tamburinis Personal 916 Now Lives At The Ducati Museum

The Ducati 916 is arguably the most iconic motorcycle ever made. Now the example owned by its creator, Massimo Tamburini, will temporarily take residence at the Ducati Museum to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the launch of the 916.

Begin press release:


As part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the Ducati 916’s production launch Ducati Museum now features a new, incredible piece of its history: Massimo Tamburini’s 916. An authentic masterpiece “owned” by the legendary designer.

This exhibition, made possible by the precious collaboration of the Ducati Museum with Simona Tamburini, Massimo’s daughter and the owner of the motorcycle, allows to reveal some secrets behind a legendary bike. The 916 on display is one of the three prototypes from which Tamburini developed the bike until its industrialisation in 1994.

Massimo Tamburini, who had already developed the Paso 750 for Ducati, with the 916 developed a bike that was a real revolution in the motorcycle world. The 916’s aerodynamics and chassis were developed exclusively on the roads of Rimini and at the Misano and Mugello circuits. For six, long years Tamburini meticulously studied every detail, without ever using the wind tunnel.

The bike in the museum features details that are more similar to those of the 916 SP series, the highest performing model of the 916 series. The bike is almost completely made of fibreglass, while the air conveyors, front mudguard, airbox, tailpipes and number plate holder are made of carbon fibre. Moreover, the bike is embellished with racing components like the five-spoke magnesium rims and the lightened single-sided swinging arm. Worthy of note is the absence of turn indicators and an odometer: the only instrumentation is a tachometer and a water temperature indicator.

The bike is on display at the Ducati Museum until 15 January 2020.








The post Massimo Tamburini’s Personal 916 Now Lives At The Ducati Museum appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Best Affordable Used Motorcycles Any Beginner Can Buy

Best Affordable Used Motorcycles Any Beginner Can Buy | Motorcyclist


Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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