Motorcycles are not included in a NSW Government incentive package that includes a $3000 rebate to lure motorists into electric vehicles.
NSW is the only state so far to offer any incentives at all for electric vehicles, while overseas motorists are being enticed with free tolls and parking, cash rebates, tax incentives and more to go electric.
The NSW package includes the elimination of stamp duty on electric vehicles (EV) up to $78,000 from 1 September 2021 and all EVs including Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) from 1 July 2027, $151 million investment in EV charging infrastructure in metropolitan and regional areas, EV access to transit T2 and T3 lanes and cash rebates for EV customers represent some of the most significant reforms ever seen in Australia in support of new automotive technology.
Motorcycles are already able to use transit lanes but electric motorcycles and scooter are not included in the EV rebate carrot “at this stage”.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries say they will “continue to follow up with the Government into the future”.
FCAI boss Ton Webber says the package will show the direction for other states.
In Australia, most electric two-wheelers are cheap Chinese scooters, although Harley-Davidson has introduced a $50,000 LiveWire while the Australian-designed Savic C-Series electric bike has been delayed until the third quarter of 2022.
Denis Savic with Australia’s first electric motorcycle, the Savic
Savic Motorcycles founder Dennis Savic says the Australian electric motorcycle market is much smaller than cars and “adoption is lagging behind cars”.
“It would be great to see some rebates as the industry starts to mature and catch up to four-wheeled vehicles,” he says.
Dennis says has has informed all their first customers of the delay and posted on social media.
“Not one customer has asked for a refund,” he says.
“We’ve certainly seen some incredible support from our customer base.”
Kawasaki’s flagship motocross model, the KX450 has arrived in Australian dealers in 2022 form for $12,399 RRP plus dealer delivery costs.
The 2022 Kawasaki KX450 will be available for $12,399 RRP plus dealer delivery costs
Featuring a powerful liquid-cooled 449 cc four-stroke single-cylinder powerplant, electric start and a standard lithium-ion battery and weighing just 110.2 kg fueled and ready to ride, the KX450 is Kawasaki’s ultimate competition machine.
Last significantly updated in 2019, the KX450 improved top end power, torque and performance significantly, running large diameter valves and aggressive cams, a downdraft intake and redcued friction losses.
KYB provide the KX450 forks and shock, with a petal 270 mm rotor
Features include launch control, switchable maps for optimised feedback and performance, a hydraulic clutch for better feel and engagement and full KYB suspension. Tuning can be further fine tuned with the addition of the KX FI Calibration kit available as an accessory.
Forks are 49 mm inverted coil-spring units with a Kashima Coat, alongside a KYB shock unit, with the forks boasting compression and rebound adjustability, while the shock can be adjusted for high and low speed compression, as well as rebound and preload. Travel is 305 mm at the front and 307 mm at the rear.
2022 Kawasaki KX450
Brakes are a single semi-floating 270 mm petal rotor at the front, with dual piston caliper, while the rear runs a 250 mm rotor and single-piston caliper.
Wheels are based on those from the factory race teams, running black alumite coating with a larger 22 mm front axle for better traction.
2022 Kawasaki KX450
Controls are adjustable with two handlebar mounting slots on the upper triple, with bodywork specially designed to facilitate rider movement on the bike. This includes flush seams between bodywork, and a flat tank design.
The seat is 955 mm in height and features a slip resistant surface up top, with smooth sides further easing movement. The lightweight aluminium perimeter frame is also wider at the ankles for better grip. Foot pegs also offer two positions to further tailor the ergonomics.
Bodywork on the 2022 Kawasaki KX450 is designed for optimum movement on the bike
Other features include Renthal Fatbars as standard fitment.
The 2022 Kawasaki KX450 is available now in Australian dealers for $12,399 RRP plus dealer delivery costs.
2022 Kawasaki KX450 Specifications
2022 Kawasaki KX450 Specifications
Engine
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Single
Valve system
DOHC, 4 valves
Bore x Stroke
96.0 x 62.1 mm
Displacement
449 cm3
Compression ratio
12.5:1
Fuel supply
Fuel injection (ø44 x 1)
Lubrication system
Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump
Starting system
Electric
Ignition system
Digital DC-CDI
Driving system
Chain
Transmission
5-speed, return
Gear ratios: 1st
1.750 (28/16)
2nd
1.412 (24/17)
3rd
1.188 (19/16)
4th
1.000 (19/19)
5th
0.875 (21/24)
Primary reduction ratio
2.727 (60/22)
Final reduction ratio
3.846 (50/13)
Clutch type (Primary)
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
Perimeter, aluminium, Tubular, Semi-Double Cradle
Suspension Front
ø49 mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable compression, and rebound damping
Rear
Uni Trak with adjustable dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
The 2021 Husky 701 Enduro Trek saw 47 riders and 23 support staff explore Northern NSW over four days earlier in June, as the Husqvarna Motorcycles customer experience events roared back into action, marking the second running of the event.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
It was a tumultuous lead-up to the event, with bushfires devastating the region in early 2020, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, before flooding threatened the re-scheduled Trek just one month before.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
Perseverance prevailed and riders were treated to an outstanding route set by the Wilkinson family (father Danny and sons Riley and Clay), starting at the seaside Discovery Park Emerald Beach and taking in overnights at Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Evans Head before returning to Emerald Beach.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
Featuring all types of terrain imaginable – from red clay just 5kms out of Emerald Beach, to single-track rainforest, beach sand, open flowing cattle-country dirt roads, challenging creeks, hills and multiple-‘chilli’ hard route sections – the Husqvarna 701 Enduro showcased why it is an ideal partner for adventure riding in Australia, with riders conquering the diverse track effortlessly.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
The 701 Enduro Trek boasts a unique aspect of being one of the only single-model adventure rides in Australia, meaning riders experience the thrills of the trail and nightly atmosphere with like-minded comrades, offering a rare and distinctive camaraderie.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
Even inclement weather with chilly mornings and rain on day two couldn’t dampen the spirit – the rain simply making conditions superb for days three and four!
Along with the route, riders were able to immerse themselves in the adventure experience with full support offered by the Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia crew – including luggage, technical and medical support, as well as lead riders clearing the track and sweep riders bringing up the rear to ensure all got to the nightly home base with a smile on their face.
2021 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek
Special guest rider Jemma Wilson – a five-time member of the winning ISDE Women’s World Trophy Team and multiple Australian Women’s Enduro Champion – came along on her first foray into the adventure scene and was completely hooked by the end of day one.
Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia thanked all riders for their support and for attending the event, as well as all staff and support crew who made it possible. For more information on Husqvarna Motorcycles and joining the 701 Enduro community, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.
2021 has been a momentous year already for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, with tens of thousands of dapper gentlefolk around the world coming together in all their finery to celebrate the event’s 10 year anniversary in May. The charity motorcycling event raised an incredible $4.1M USD in 2021, reaching the global total of funds raised since the event began to over $31.5M USD.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Image by Pete Cagnacci
Not only did the ride find its home for the first time in May, but it brought together over 65,000 classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts at a time where events and social connections have been impacted so heavily in 913 cities and 116 countries around the world.
Getting riders together and encouraging people to connect and communicate has never been more important. Since 2012, the event has connected hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists together from over 116 countries around the world and to date has raised over $31.5M USD for men’s health.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Image by Fabien Nissel
In 2021, the funds raised by the event have been donated directly to its global charity partner, Movember. Movember is the leading global organization focussed solely on men’s health, and in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the funds will be directed toward prostate cancer and men’s mental health research and programs.
Movember and DGR have worked strategically to help men in motorcycling live happier and healthier lives; so much to the point that they have allocated $1.15M AUD to pilot and deliver programs specifically directed at improving social connectedness, life satisfaction, and mental wellbeing of motorcycle riders.
Mark Hawwa – Founder & Director of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
“After 10 years of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, I still find myself in awe and wonder of the dedication of our incredible gentlefolk around the world. To make it through 10 years, raising over $31.5M USD toward men’s health and connecting literally hundreds of thousands of like-minded motorcyclists together – it’s unfathomable. I’m particularly proud of all our devoted ride hosts and their teams who work so hard to bring these rides to each and every city around the world, and I’m grateful to everyone who has shared their stories with us over the years. Behind the impeccably dressed riders are stories linking them to prostate cancer and men’s mental health, and only through the efforts of Movember are we able to make a difference to the lives of men living with and beyond these cause areas.”
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Image by MJ Studio
The event for 2021 boasted some of the most amazing prizes in its history, with four brand new motorcycles from major partner and industry heavyweight, Triumph Motorcycles. One of these motorcycles will be a custom, 1-of-1 DGR x Triumph Thruxton RS, made only for the winner of the 2021 Gentlefolk Competition.
Adding to the incredible prize pool, are custom top 50 fundraiser helmets courtesy of Hedon helmets with a very special design to commemorate the event’s 10th year anniversary. Returning to 2021 are Belstaff, taking the mantle of the event’s motorcycle outfitter partner, providing classic motorcycle outfits for top fundraiser and sprint prizes for event fundraisers, and ELF lubricants as the official lubricant partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
2021 DGR Triumph Thruxton RS
Funds raised from the previous events are being invested by Movember in prostate cancer research and mental health programs that will save the lives of men. DGR is particularly excited by the continued investment into initiatives focussed on supporting social connections of men in motorcycling, and the first responders who have worked tirelessly to keep their communities safe.
To register your interest in DGR 2022, view the research programs that are funded, and support the work that DGR does; head over to www.gentlemansride.com and celebrate riding dapper in the world’s most stylish motorcycle event!
2021 Pro Motocross Championship Round 3 – High Point
Images by Jeff Kardas
In the 450 Class a hard-fought, consistent afternoon was enough to put Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis atop the podium for the second time this season.
In the 250 Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll extended the parity in the division and broke through with his first professional victory as Jett Lawrence increased his lead in the 250 Championship.
In 2021 Montova, Italy will play host to the year’s edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Commencing on 26th September, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has called for all interested competitors to submit their applications to join Team Australia.
Kyle Webster – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN
There are three classes available for riders to nominate for: MX1, MX2 and Open. Riders are advised that they can nominate for more than one class. Applications must be submitted by no later than COB Friday 16th July.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team have confirmed that reigning 450MX Champion Zach Osborne will miss the remainder of the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in order to fully recover from an ongoing back injury.
Zach Osborne will now be out of action until 2022
Osborne, who sustained the back injury mid-way through the 2021 AMA Supercross Championship, worked hard to get himself ready for the opening round of the outdoor season but he unfortunately re-injured himself at the second round in Colorado. Upon further review with the team, Osborne made the tough decision to sit out the rest of the season to fully recover for 2022.
Zach Osborne
“I’m bummed to say the least. This injury has been a big setback with no clear path to 100% but I feel I’m on a good path now and I just need to give my body the time to heal itself. Myself, along with the team, made the decision to pull the plug and be ready for 2022. It was a tough decision in an already-trying year but I believe I can be back to 2020 form with this time away to heal up. Thanks to my team and fans for the support through this!”
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will return to racing this Saturday, June 19 in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.
Sherco hotshot Jonte Reynders has completed an ideal build-up for the 2021 Hattah Desert Race by dominating the latest round of the Tasmanian enduro series at Bakers Beach, north-east of Launceston, on July 19.
The 24-year-old was a class above on his Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team 300 SE Factory two-stroke, easily winning the three-hour event ahead of great rivals Kyron Bacon and Seton Broomhall – even after an extra fuel stop!
Jonte Reynders
“I’m rapt with the result on a circuit that was quite difficult, but I made it a little hard for myself – just when I had a decent lead I made a silly mistake of refuelling when I didn’t need to. So I topped up the 300 Factory three times instead of two, which obviously cost me a fair bit of time. But I was able to regroup and take a strong win to extend my lead in the series.”
Jonte Reynders
Five rounds remain in the state title, but Reynders’ focus will now switch to the mainland for the Hattah Desert from July 2-4 where he will be one of the favourites in the open two-stroke class.
He’ll have some exalted guest company in the Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team: Ben Grabham – fresh from his two-stroke-winning heroics at the 2021 Finke Desert Race – on a 450 SEF Factory and Justin Carafa on a 500 SEF Factory.
Nathan Trigg, who lives just up the road from the Hattah epicentre at Ouyen, will also be looking to bounce back from his knee-twisting prologue crash at Finke, which put him out of the main game. Trigg rides a Mallee Motorcycles-backed 450 SEF Factory.
The circuit is 37km long, with the senior riders to complete eight laps.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Daniel Sanders and GasGas ready for Silk Way Rally 2021
The 11th edition of the Silk Way Rally will get underway in less than one month. Setting off from Omsk (Russia), the second town of the Urals, on 1 July, the race will feature 10 varied and technical stages. Crossing Siberia before traversing Mongolia from West to East, the event passes through the famous Gobi Desert before reaching Ulaanbaatar on 11 July.
Silk Way Rally 2019
A total of 5250 km, of which more than 2850 are against the clock, offering the perfect mix of technical difficulty, variety and scenic beauty. From the Altai Mountains to the capital of Mongolia via the Gobi Desert and the endless Mongolian steppes, the 2021 edition of the Silk Way Rally will be quite simply exceptional.
Two years after Sam Sunderland (KTM) in the bikes, who will be the new white tigers to go down in the Silk Way Rally history books at the end of this incredible journey in the land of Genghis Khan?
For its second edition with a bike category, the Silk Way Rally 2021 has once again attracted the major factory teams on what is one of the highlights of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. This second round will benefit from a 1.5 coefficient thanks to its status as a marathon event with over six days of racing.
Sam Sunderland – Silk Way Rally 2019
The titleholder, the British rider Sam Sunderland, Dakar winner in 2017, will defend the colours of Red Bull Ktm Factory Racing alongside his Austrian teammate Matthias Walkner.
Their sister team Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing will enter the Argentinian Luciano Benavides and their latest recruit, the American Skyler Howes, one of the revelations of the last Dakar.
Another rider to make a splash in Saudi Arabia with his fourth place, the Australian Daniel Sanders will have the honour of flying the flag for GasGas Factory Racing.
Daniel Sanders
Over at the Monster Yamaha Rallye Team, the Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren will be accompanied by another recent revelation, the Botswanan Ross Branch and ex-Supercross Champion, the American Andrew Short.
The Hero Motorsports team will be pinning their hopes on an eclectic trio of Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodriguez, the Argentinian Franco Caimi and the young German Sebastian Bühler.
The quad category is also back on this 11th Silk Way Rally and promises us a splendid duel between the ever young, five times world champion and ex-Dakar winner, the Pole Rafal Sonic and the Russian Alexander Maksimov, both riding Yamaha Raptor 700s.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Herlings on form at Arnhem International
Jeffrey Herlings took the two moto wins over the weekend at the Arnhem International in Holland to claim the overall from Brian Bogers and Max Nagle, with Cyril Genot finishing fourth overall, just over the podium.
The event served as training for Herlings, between GP events, who admits he’s still working on his starts, with an aim to do better than in Russia.
Jeffrey Herlings
“I really enjoyed myself and it was a good training for the GP. Starts have to be better, but I can get a podium, and I will try and do better than I did in Russia.”
Herlings brought home 40-championship points in the MXGP opener last weekend, after finishing 4-2, and sits second overall in the standings, behind Tim Gajser, who won both races.
Dylan Ferrandis tops High Point ProMX
Images by Jeff Kardas
Following its first break of the 2021 season the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returned to action with its East Coast debut from legendary High Point Raceway. The third round of the summer campaign marked the sport’s return to the famed Pennsylvania venue for the first time since 2019 with the GEICO Motorcycle High Point National, where the threat of rain loomed over the afternoon but never really materialised.
High Point 2021
In the 450 Class a hard-fought, consistent afternoon was enough to put Dylan Ferrandis atop the podium for the second time this season. In the 250 Class, Jalek Swoll extended the parity in the division and broke through with his first professional victory as Jett Lawrence increased his lead in the 250 Championship.
450 Moto1
Light precipitation was present when the gate dropped on the opening 450 Class moto, where Adam Cianciarulo prevailed with the MotoSport.com Holeshot ahead of Chase Sexton and Christian Craig, who soon gave up the position to Ken Roczen, the championship leader. As Cianciarulo sprinted out to an early lead the Honda teammates engaged in a battle for second place.
450 Start
As the moto surpassed the 10-minute mark, the lead trio solidified their hold on those positions as Ferrandis gave chase from fourth. As the minutes continued to tick away the distance between the top three continued to shrink. Sexton soon closed in to within a couple bike lengths of Cianciarulo, but a mistake by Sexton not only caused the Honda rider to lose some ground, it forced Roczen into a mistake when he briefly went down and gave up third to Ferrandis.
Ferrandis and Roczen
With the threat defended, Cianciarulo gradually built a multi-second advantage over Sexton, who in turn built a comfortable margin over Ferrandis. As time ran out on the moto clock with just over three laps to go, Sexton tucked the front of his Honda and went down. As he looked to remount, both Ferrandis and Roczen were able to get by, which placed Sexton in fourth when he resumed.
Out front, Cianciarulo looked to close out his first moto win of the season with ease but was dealt with one last obstacle as a slower rider went down exiting the final corner. With nowhere to go, Cianciarulo ran over the downed motorcycle and fell over.
Adam Cianciarulo
He kept his Kawasaki running, got up, and pushed his bike across the finish line to win in unconventional fashion. Ferrandis followed five seconds behind in second as Roczen rounded out the podium in third. Sexton recovered to finish fourth as Aaron Plessinger completed the top five.
450 Moto 2
The deciding 450 Class moto kicked off as Justin Barcia emerged with the MotoSport.com Holeshot out of a gaggle of bikes. He was quickly passed by Plessinger for the early lead, while Eli Tomac and Cianciarulo followed through.
450 Start
Cianciarulo put the hammer down and made an aggressive push that carried him all the way around Plessinger and into the lead. He continued to ramp up the pace and established a multi-second advantage after just two laps. Behind him, Tomac’s first opportunity to run at the front of the field in 2021 saw him surge around Plessinger into second to put the Kawasaki riders at the top of the running order.
As the battle up front took shape the class’ title contenders made moves as well, as Ferrandis worked his way from fourth and Roczen from sixth. Both riders were urgent in their push and successfully moved into third and fourth, respectively. By the time they finished their early charge, the Kawasaki teammates were more than five seconds ahead. From there, Ferrandis and Roczen went head-to-head for third and traded the position before Ferrandis got the upper hand and asserted control of the spot.
Ken Roczen
Up front, Tomac closed onto Cianciarulo’s rear fender and a battle for the lead ensued. Tomac was able to get by, but Cianciarulo fought back and reclaimed the position. However, Tomac didn’t give up and kept the pressure on. The two came together, which pushed Cianciarulo out of a rut and allowed Tomac to move into the lead for the first time this season.
Once out front Tomac started to build an advantage over his teammate and was soon in control of the moto. As the moto surpassed the 20-minute mark Cianciarulo found himself under pressure from Ferrandis and Roczen in third and fourth. All three riders then duked it out for second and used every inch of the track in search of an advantage.
Dylan Ferrandis
As the crowd cheered them on, both Ferrandis and Roczen bullied their way around Cianciarulo, who dropped from second to fourth. That thrilling sequence also changed the battle in the overall classification, as Ferrandis moved into control of the afternoon.
For Tomac it was a dominant ride indicative of his three-year championship run. He stormed to his first moto win of the season by 3.2 seconds over Ferrandis, who was able to fend off Roczen for the entirety of the moto.
Although he missed out on a moto win, Ferrandis’ consistency was enough to vault him to the second overall victory of the season and his career via 2-2 moto finishes. Cianciarulo’s drop off the podium in the final moto relegated him to the runner-up spot by a single point (1-4), while Tomac made his first appearance on the podium this summer in third (6-1), which bumped Roczen (3-3) off the podium via tie-breaker.
Dylan Ferrandis – P1
“What a race. I don’t know (what to say), I got a good start and was able to get by Ken (Roczen), which was good because he was so fast today. It was a war (after that). Ken kept pushing me and we were able to come to Adam (Cianciarulo). It was crazy how competitive it was with them. We were going so fast and the track was so difficult. It’s just amazing to get a win here today and get a hold of the red plate again.”
Dylan Ferrandis
Adam Cianciarulo – P2
“It sure feels good to get that first moto win under my belt. I thought I had a decent sized gap in the second moto, but Eli was flying and caught me a bit off-guard. Fair play to him and the others, they rode amazing. I’m stoked with how awesome my bike has been feeling lately. I honestly believe with a little more endurance, I can be a regular winner this season. Thanks to everyone at Monster Energy Kawasaki for giving me a great bike to ride and always supporting me. We have another break coming up, but I’m ready to build off of this and get back to racing.”
Adam Cianciarulo
Eli Tomac – P3
“This was a big one for us. I’ve been in a bit of slump these last two races, so to get a win and feel like myself on the bike again is huge. After I got off the gate in Moto 2 and saw I had a good jump, I knew it was going to be a good moto. I was able to catch Adam rather quickly and once I was in the clean air, I rode my own race and started pulling away. This was an exciting race, and I can’t wait to keep this momentum rolling into RedBud. Thanks again to the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki squad for all the hard work this weekend.”
Eli Tomac
Ken Roczen – P4
“Today started off really good. I felt comfortable on the track, but we had a slightly different bike setup so in the first moto it really beat me up. I wasn’t that comfortable out there so I really couldn’t do that much. I still rode okay, but it wasn’t the best and I ended up third. In the second moto I was pinched off and had a really bad start. We did some adjustments to the bike that helped me out and I charged forward hard in the first half of the race and ended up having a good battle with Dylan [Ferrandis]. I ended up with another third place for fourth overall, which is kind of weird, but in the end, I’m okay with it because we rode really well and charged hard. That’s all we can do.”
Aaron Plessinger – P6
“This weekend had some ups and downs. I was really happy with my riding in the first moto. I got a really bad start but had a really good flow going and came back to fifth place. I went into the second moto really confident and got an awesome start, but I couldn’t really find that flow that I had in the first moto, and I dropped back to eighth. The track was really tough. There were some spots that were dry and some spots that were soft. So it was definitely weird, but we have a weekend off and will get back to work and get ready for RedBud!”
Justin Barcia – P7
“It was a little bit of a tough day. I just didn’t jive with the track that much and I never felt super comfortable. I think we’ll go back to California and work on a few things and try to be a lot better for RedBud in two weeks. All we can do is keep level-headed and be better for the next race.”
Justin Barcia
Marvin Musquin – P8
“In the first moto, the start was decent but the riding was not good enough and the feeling was not good enough so we decided to go back to some old settings on the shock and it shows, it was definitely better in the second moto. I didn’t get a good start but I was able to fight back, attack and race hard to come back to seventh place, so that was a lot better. Overall, I’m obviously not happy because we’ve been working hard and it didn’t pay off for this weekend, so we need to keep going.”
Cooper Webb – P10
“It was a bit of a struggle today. I felt like I put up a good fight in the first moto and ended up seventh. In the second moto, I got tangled on the start and I ended up crashing three times coming through the pack, so that was pretty unfortunate. Now we’ve got a weekend off and all we can do is try to improve.”
Cooper Webb
Christian Craig – P11
“I didn’t have the best day at High Point. I seemed to struggle to find good lines and had a couple of crashes, but I was able to get through with some points. We’re going to go back to work and look forward to a better RedBud.”
With the win Ferrandis also reclaimed control of the red plate as 450 Class point leader for the second time this season. He currently has a slim three-point advantage over Roczen, while Plessinger, who finished sixth on the afternoon (5-8) maintained his hold on third, 30 points out of the lead.
We tested the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa for two days on the street and track. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
We test the third-generation 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa, a 1,340cc, 188-horsepower sportbike received its first major update since 2008.
Compared to the previous model, peak horsepower and torque are lower — 188 horsepower at 9,700 rpm (down from 194) and 111 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm (down from 114) — but there are sizable gains in the heart of the rev range. Suzuki claims the new Hayabusa goes 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, a couple of tenths faster than its predecessor.
The Hayabusa has updated styling, new instrumentation, and a new IMU-based electronics package called the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. Six riding modes (three presets, three customizable) adjust power, engine braking, traction control, and quickshifter mode. SIRS also includes linked cornering ABS, a speed limiter, launch control, slope-descent control, hill-hold control, and cruise control.
We tested the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa for two days on the street and on the track in Utah. It’s insanely fast, makes a ton of velvety smooth power at all times, and handles well for a 582-pound sportbike. Check it out in our video review:
Riding the 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Centenario (photo by Larry Chen Photo)
Moto Guzzi is celebrating 100 years of continuous production this year. Its updated V7 Stone is available in a special Centenario edition for 2021 that’s a tribute to Moto Guzzi’s Otto cilindri V-8 GP racer, which went over 170 mph in 1955. The Centenario livery, with a silver tank, green fenders and side panels, a brown seat, and special badging, is also available on 2021 Moto Guzzi V85 TT and V9 Bobber models for an extra $200.
For 2021, the V7 Stone ($8,990) and V7 Special ($9,490) have a larger 853cc V-twin that makes 65 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 54 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, measured at the crank. Other updates include reduced effort from the single-disc dry clutch; a stiffer frame and a bigger swingarm with a new bevel gear for the cardan shaft drive; revised damping and a longer stroke for the preload-adjustable rear shocks; an updated ABS module; a wider rear tire (now 150/70-17); vibration-damping footpegs; a thicker passenger seat; an updated styling.
The 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone is solid, predictable, carefree. Find out more by watching our video review:
To find a Moto Guzzi dealer near you, visit motoguzzi.com.
Phil with his trusty Honda Aero 1100 near the St. Johns River in Florida, not long before he had to say goodbye.
On April 8, 2021, at 8:47 p.m. near Sarasota, Florida, my 2001 Honda Aero 1100, a trusted traveling companion for the last 14 years, met its unceremonious end when the driver of a car ran a red left-turn arrow and crossed my lane of travel.
I bought my Aero in 2007, and ended up owning it longer than I’ve owned any other motorcycle. To say that it was a great bike is a major understatement. The Aero was steadfast, reliable and enjoyable for many magnificent motorcycle tours. Recently I had the thought that it might be the last motorcycle I’d ever own. Drawn to its classic styling, even after a decade and a half owning the bike, I would still smile when I looked at it parked in the garage.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2008
Yeah, okay, so I loved the bike.
When I bought the Aero in 2007, it already had a windshield, auxiliary lights and highway bars, and within a short time I added a Corbin seat, Champion hard saddlebags and a throttle lock. Once outfitted, the bike was completely comfortable and suited for long-distance travel. I rode many 12-hour-plus days without complaint. Together, we logged nearly 100,000 miles from coast to coast.
Some of the best of these rides have been documented in the pages of Rider. Riding the Aero the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway culminated in my first article published in the magazine, “A Ride on the Ridge,” in the July 2009 issue. Living in the Atlanta area for many years, we explored well-known roads, like Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway, and hidden gems throughout the Southeast.
When I moved to Seattle, Washington, in 2010, I rode the Aero through the Ozarks, on Route 66 west of Flagstaff, over the Hoover Dam and through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While living in the Pacific Northwest, new routes up and around Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and the Cascades, as well as east into the high desert around Yakima took us through some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen. More unforgettable memories and and more features in Rider, such as “Olympic Peninsula, Motorcycle Heaven in the Northwest” (May 2012) and “The Cascade Loop” (January 2014).
Mount St. Helens, Washington, in 2011
One of my most memorable rides was taking the Aero the “back way” to Idaho on the Brownlee-Oxbow Highway, along the Snake River and into Hells Canyon. On all these rides, through hundreds of hours and countless miles through some of the most deserted roads in America, I never doubted that the Honda would get me there and back. Many times I patted its tank like a cowboy pats his horse.
In 2016, at a career dead end and financially tapped out, I moved to southwest Florida, where my extended family lived. With no income, hustling to find a job and get back on my feet, the logical thing to do was sell the bike. Sadly I did, but I told the buyer, “When you buy your Harley” — everyone rides them here — “I want first call on buying it back.” Fourteen months later, my Aero came back home.
Near Harmony, Washington, in 2012
Our last tour was just a few weeks ago, a whirlwind five-day, 1,000-mile ride around northern Florida, with overnight stays in Cedar Key, Apalachicola, Jacksonville and Crescent Beach. A lovely ride.
But now it’s gone. Due to a split-second error by an impatient driver, the Aero suffered terminal front-end damage. It’s never easy to say goodbye to those we love. My Aero will be missed, but I’ll always have great memories of our years and miles together.
Harley-Davidson provided this teaser image when announcing the upcoming global reveal.
Harley-Davidson has announced a new mid-season motorcycle reveal, “From Evolution to Revolution.” The virtual launch event will be held July 13, 2021, at 10 a.m. CDT, and is open to anyone who registers.
“Following the successful launch of our first adventure touring motorcycle, the Pan America, we are excited to reveal another all-new motorcycle, built on the Revolution Max platform in the sport segment, showcasing unmatched Harley-Davidson technology, performance, and style,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO Harley-Davidson.
In 2018, when H-D rolled out its “More Road to Harley-Davidson” strategic plan, it provided prototype images of the Pan America as well as the Bronx streetfighter and 1250 Custom, all to be powered by a new modular engine platform, which we now know is the Revolution Max. The Bronx was said to be a 975cc motorcycle, while the Custom was 1,250cc. The teaser image for the new motorcycle says “1250” and looks similar to the 1250 Custom.
Prototype image of the Harley-Davidson BronxPrototype image of the Harley-Davidson 1250 Custom.
The reveal event will preview details of the new motorcycle and include presentations by Harley-Davidson leadership, product experts, and riders. To take part in the “From Evolution to Revolution” virtual launch event, you can register at H-D.com/JulyReveal.
