With the current break in racing activity, which hopefully will be over soon! We thought it a good idea to roll out this series that I dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time around it is Jed Metcher’s turn to answer the curly questions.
Jed Metcher
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Jed Metcher: “I would say everyone has pulled some rough moves in their time but I’m looking forward to seeing Wagner and Maxwell go at it!“
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
JM: “Not Maxwell, he is Siberia champion of the world.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
JM: “Maybe Bryan Staring, he could be a smiling Ninja!“
Jed Metcher leading Bryan Staring during testing at Wakefield Park in March – Image by TDJ Media
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
JM: “Glen Scott his green thumb could keep us fed.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
JM: “Ty Lynch.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
JM: “Arthur Sissis.“
Jed Metcher at the Phillip Island season opener – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
JM: “Pretty sure Cru Halliday with his fake tans.”
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
JM: “Wayne MMA Maxwell haha The Wayne Train!“
Jed Metcher testing at Wakefield Park in March – Image by TDJ Media
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
JM: “Winton in the winter.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
JM: “Turn One, Phillip Island.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
JM: “Turn Three, Wakefield Park.”
Jed Metcher at the Phillip Island season opener – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
JM: “Wagner going under Maxwell Turn 12 Phillip Island Round One in 2019, as I reckon there was enough space for one more Hahahah.”
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
JM: “Praying Mantis.”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
JM: “The NextGen lads.”
Jed Metcher at the Phillip Island ASBK Test back in January – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
JM: “Some kind of traffic offence.”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
JM: “Lucky to get this far!“
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
JM: “Driven. Mentor. Focussed.“
Jed Metcher on the T-Rex Honda at the 2019 Island Classic – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
JM: “A Slab.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
JM: “2014 Ducati Panigale FIM STK1000, was the best bike I’ve ridden by far!“
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
JM: “Refrigeration mechanic and race team owner.”
Jed Metcher smoking a rear bag up at Assen in 2014 while competing in the BSB Superbike race for PR Kawasaki that year. He finished seventh in race one and P13 in race two. Countryman Josh Waters won the opening BSB Superbike race that weekend. Source: MCNews.com.au
The COVID-19 induced break from racing has been a blessing in disguise for Yamaha Racing Team’s, Aiden Wagner.
At the Official ASBK Test at Phillip Island in January, Wagner was one of the fastest riders on track but an accident left the Queenslander requiring surgery to his left thumb.
While he raced at the opening round, he admitted after the event he lacked feeling in his hand trying to wrestle his Yamaha R1 around the Island at over 300 km/h.
Aiden Wagner during testing at Phillip Island early this year – Image by Rob Mott
Wagner’s results were also hampered by electrical gremlins which significantly impacted power delivery throughout the weekend that hampered his pace.
After the first round, Wagner again had surgery on his hand and is now eager to get back in the hot seat onboard the YRT YZF-R1M.
“I’ve had three surgeries on it now, it’s been fused and now unfused. While I’m still recovering it’s pretty good, it’s stronger now and I can ride my bike, and I definitely have feeling in it again. It’s great getting the strength back, its quite a powerful part of your hand and I’ve got no numbness or residual pain which I had previously, and I can move my thumb like normal.
“I’ve been training hard and am doing exercises on my hand to continue to build up more strength. I’ve been riding on our property through rough terrain and doing breaking exercises to strengthen my hand more every afternoon after work on the farm with the Yamaha YZ 250 and it feels really good. It (COVID-19) has been such a bad thing, but for me its been a bit of a blessing that I could heal and get my hand back to normal and be fit and ready for the next round.
“Jumping on the Yamaha R1 and just holding the thing wide open, I can’t wait to get that adrenalin rush again – power sliding on that beast I’m pretty keen to do that. I believe once restrictions are lifted and borders re-open, we will be able to do some testing. It’s hard at the moment, because some of the team and team-mate Cru Halliday are down south in NSW and the rest of the team are here in Queensland. I’ve got all the 2020 parts now so it’s just finding the right settings for me and I can’t wait to hit the track.”
Aiden Wagner during testing at Phillip Island early this year – Image by TBG
The downtime has also seen Wagner expand his business interests buying land to further develop his family macadamia nut business.
“I’ve been working with my Dad’s company but have also started my new macadamia farm. I’ve worked on my grandparents farm since I was born, and I do a lot of work over there to help them out. I always liked the idea of it and definitely wasn’t planning on doing it now, but the perfect opportunity came up to expand the family business while I’m racing. It’s something I can keep on top of while I’m racing and is a good long-term business. Funnily enough, while some businesses have suffered during COVID we have been really busy doing double time.”
Aiden Wagner during testing at Phillip Island early this year – Image by Rob Mott
COVID-19 restrictions still has season 2020 on hold, but ASBK management are working hard to find COVID-safe solutions under the current State Government restrictions and hope to as soon as practical get the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, under way soon.
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points
A quick guide to turn your street legal Yamaha YZF-R3 into a 300cc Supersport trophy hunting machine
The introduction of the 300cc Supersport and R3 Cup classes into the Australian Superbike Championship has produced a fun, competitive, yet relatively cheap form of racing that brings in new riders.
Young Jamie Port is all smiles with his YZF-R3 race bike – Image by Rob Mott
The grid of both the 300cc Supersport and the Yamaha R3 Cup have been bursting at the seams in recent years and the flow on effect is massive with more and more people attracted to the bar to bar racing that occurs at every round of the ASBK.
Starting Point
While the Yamaha YZF-R3 has received some updates, the majority of the racing components will retro fit onto almost every model of the R3. So, once you have purchased your Yamaha R3, it’s time to get started and transform it from street legal to racetrack ready.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Stripping the bike for racing can be a very time consuming process, especially if you plan to return the bike to road condition later in its life. If you do wish to be able to return it to street legal, then carefully remove, group and package each part so you can replace it when it comes time to sell. In most cases race bikes never return to the road so the stripping of road going parts can be achieved a lot faster.
Removing all the lights, cowlings, mirrors, upper chain guard is the beginning of the process, but before removing the side-stand, install a set of stand pickups on the lower rear swingarm tabs and sit the bike upon a race stand. Once the side stand and its cut-out switch is removed, it is necessary to install a loop where the cut-out switch joins the wiring harness – this part is also available (see list), and because the engine bolt that mounts the side stand plate is too long without the plate, a special spacer is also available for that bolt.
Yamaha YZF-R3 race bike
During the build it is best to also perform some services to the bike to ensure that when it hits the race track it is filled with quality lubricants and a new oil filter and to change these prior to each race meeting.
This is also a good time to perform the lock wiring operations on the engine oil drain bolt and filler cap, as required for racing. Also drain the coolant from the radiator and replace with water, then drilling and lock wiring the radiator cap and coolant drain bolt, this is also a racing requirement. A radiator guard is a handy precaution against damage and can be fitted now.
Remove the stock exhaust system and passenger foot pegs, the race exhaust will require a special mounting bracket made for it.
Remove the footrest assemblies and install the racing rearsets kit – most kits should give you the option to install either in ‘race’ shift pattern (1 up, 5 down) or the standard street shift pattern.
For racing it is a requirement to install engine case covers to prevent oil leakage in case of a crash, once you have selected your choice, install them now.
If you have decided to remove the ABS system and you have already purchased your racing brake line set, now is the time to start to strip off the ABS brake lines and pump, this can be quite a time consuming process especially if you intend to refit them at a later stage. The ABS unit itself is quite difficult to remove due to its location. Note that removing it and unplugging its connector will show an error light on the dashboard – this light will not affect the running of the bike at all. Install the racing brake line set and bleed up using quality racing brake fluid. Now you will also need to drill and lockwire the front calliper bolts as this is a rule requirement.
BlueCru Yamaha YZF-R3
Race Track Ready
Using a front centre lift race stand – this is a better option than the other type of front stands as it allows you to remove the forks as well as the front wheel. Once the forks have been removed, unless you have the equipment and training, it is best to send them to a suspension specialist to install the cartridge kit you have selected to improve the performance of your front suspension.
To remove the standard shock absorber and install the racing item you will need a set of foot peg stands, car axle stands work quite well for this task.
Once you have reinstalled your forks, the racing clip on handlebars can be fitted. These, along with the racing rearsets allow for a much more streamlined riding position when racing, and also allow a lot of adjustment for different rider heights. You may need to cut off the cable guide under the ignition switch as this may now route the cables incorrectly depending on the handlebar location.
When replacing the throttle you will need to drill the locating pin hole for the throttle housing into the clip on bar tube, and now is a good time to install the quick action throttle tube allowed under our rules – the part number is 2CO-26240-00 (it’s from the R6 model).
Archie McDonald was very pleased with his efforts on his GTR Motostars YZF-R3 at the opening round of the 2020 ASBK Championship at Phillip Island – Image Rob Mott
It is possible to remove the LH handlebar switch however as part of this switch wiring affects the clutch switch it means the bike will only start in neutral, so to enable it to start in gear its necessary to introduce a loop into the vacant switch coupler – this information is available from the R3 Cup service team.
It is important to measure your installed fork length (centre of axle to bottom of lower triple clamp), before removing the forks from standard, as the modified forks could be longer (its best to start with standard geometry unless advised by your suspension supplier).
With your wheels out have your race tyres fitted – a list of homologated race tyres can be found within the ASBK competitors section http://www.asbk.com.au/competitors/
With the rear wheel out you can fit your preferred track gearing. We suggest not to refit the metal ring that encircles the sprocket bolts as it is not required for racing. It is desirable to purchase a selection of sprockets to allow you to set-up for each track you race at. A lower chain guard is mandatory and can be fitted at this time. The front sprocket cover can be left off to make for easier sprocket changes.
Young Kiwi Caleb Gilmore with his Yamaha YZF-R3 race machine – Image by Rob Mott
Remove the fuel tank and access the air induction system – this is not required for racing – the plate that blocks it off is a race kit part readily available. Install your chosen racing air filter, and, as ASBK rules allow you to remove the air intake snorkel from the air-box cap so this can be performed now.
Fuel metering devices such as Power Commanders can be used, as well as premium 98 petrol, but to get the maximum benefit from these it is best to have a knowledgeable engine tuning workshop install and map the ECU on a dyno.
The final task is to fit up the race fairing, seat unit and screen – once again this is quicker done by someone with experience, and easier if you have a spare set of hands to help. Some of the cheaper fairing sets require drilling holes for fittings and fasteners which adds time to the project. Generally, race fairings aren’t pre-painted and either matt black or white gelcoat finish, so paint and graphics is the last investment.
Serious competitors will want to purchase a spare set of wheels with discs fitted so that rain tyres can be fitted up already for wet races and having at least one set of tyre warmers is a necessity – racing tyres need to be brought up to temperature prior to leaving the pits every time. Now the bike is ready.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Road Bike to Road Race
Fairing kit
Rear sets
Exhaust system
Fork / shock kit
Crash knobs
Stand Pickups
Engine Case savers
Chain Guard
Fork Protectors
Radiator guard
Muffler Mount Bracket
Rear stand
Gearing sets
Compulsory Modifications The following items must be removed
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. Today we have a twisted chat with Lachlan Epis.
Lachlan Epis
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Lachlan Epis: “Glenn Allerton. We have the most bants so I know if he’s behind me on the last lap he’s sending it. EG Wakefield Park 2019, Turn Two, where I ended up in the dirt.“
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
LE: “Mike Jones. Because he called me a princess.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
LE: “Wayne Maxwell. I saw what he did in 2010.“
Lachlan Epis at The Bend during practice in 2019 – Image Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
LE: “Ted Collins. He knows how to build things.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
LE: “Yamaha Factory Boys. They are just a bit desperate.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
LE: “Arthur Sissis.“
Lachlan Epis – Image TBG
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
LE: “Bryan Staring. He never gives me a tow.”
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
LE: “Mark Chiodo – Crashtastic.”
Lachlan Epis at Wakefield Park in 2018 – Image by TBG
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
LE: “Wakefield Park. Inside a Bermuda Triangle of shit weather.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
LE: “Turn One, Morgan Park.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
LE: “First chicane at Winton would be great.”
Lachlan Epis has good reason not to be loving Winton… TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
LE: “Cru Halliday at turn five at Wakefield Park, if ever, then Marco Melandri around Turn 12 at Phillip Island.”
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
LE: “Butterfly cause I don’t know WTF is going on.”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
LE: “I would ask Ten Collins cause he can build things. I would never ask Daniel Falzon, his hands are even cleaner than mine!”
Lachlan Epis inspecting the tarmac at Winton again – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
LE: “KFC robbery.”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
LE: “What the fuck he doing now! YouTube!“
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
LE: “Clumsy, classy, chaotic.”
Lachlan Epis – Wakefield Park 2019 – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
LE: “Cru Halliday an STD appointment.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
LE: “Top ten World Supersport bike.”
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
LE: “Own a street with my friends.”
Lachlan Epis at Morgan Park – Image TDJ Media Source: MCNews.com.au
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time it is Western Australia’s Bryan Staring answering the curly questions.
Bryan Staring
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Bryan Staring: “Not really anyone in the ASBK paddock. I haven’t had many run-ins over the course of my career.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
BS: “Honestly not anyone. I know that’s not the answer your looking for. Even if I was angry, drunk or otherwise I probably wouldn’t resort to that.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
BS: “My team manager Kelvin. He’s a big strong man but he’s soft on the inside like a teddy bear. I’d rather cop that than some of the others.”
Bryan Staring with Kelvin Reilly at The Bend last year, the most successful weekend ever in their partnership – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
BS: “Maxwell, Herfoss or Halliday. They’re the guys with big personalities and they’re pretty funny.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
BS: “I have no idea. Us older guys are all married or in long term relationships. Probably some of the supersport guys make a killing on racing weekends.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
BS: “mmm don’t know about the sister.”
Cru Halliday and Bryan Staring at the 2019 SMP finale – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
BS: “I don’t think there are too many pretentious riders.”
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
BS: “Hard Man Herfoss”
Bryan Staring at Phillip Island in 2019 – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
BS: “Wakefield Park”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
BS: “Turn three, Phillip Island.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
BS: “Not sure.”
Bryan Staring – Winton 2019 – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
BS: “Just the rider in front of me. I have no individual desire to pass any individual on any particular corner.”
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
BS: “Probably an old dog. Mostly happy but can be grumpy. Growls here and there but doesn’t bite.”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
BS: “Ducati for tools. They have a generous crew and top quality Gear Wrench tools like us.”
Bryan Staring at the 2020 season opener at Phillip Island – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
BS: “I’d be in jail for fraud, I think I’m a top cyclist but I’m not.”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
BS: “I’m not vain enough to have considered it.”
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
BS: “Experienced, Appreciative and Under-fulfilled.”
Bryan Staring and the BCperformance Kawasaki Team after a successful round at The Bend in 2019 – Image by TBG Sport
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
BS: “A beer.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
BS: “I have my ASBK championship bike from 2010, which I’m very fortunate for. The only other bike I’d like is any 2012 ZX-10R.”
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
BS: “I have a few ideas about life after racing although they could depend where the wind is blowing.”
Bryan Staring on the CBR1000RR Fireblade he won the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship on Source: MCNews.com.au
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time around it is Matt Walters turn to answer the curly questions.
Matt Walters
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Matt Walters: “Brad Swallow in our KLX110 Cup at home.“
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
MW: “Not too sure, but I will have a crack at any of the top five.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
MW: “Troy Herfoss, but if I reckon he got beaten at home (Wakefield) by myself it would be a good reason to have it out.”
Matt Walters – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
MW: “Cru Halliday, seen him drink at the Cessnock Postie Bike GP.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
MW: “Cru Halliday.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
MW: “Hmmm...”
The Cessnock Kawasaki team… Matt Walters and dad Carl….
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. Today we have a twisted chat with Josh Waters.
Josh Waters – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Josh Waters: “Markus Chiodo.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
JW: “Markus Chiodo.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
JW: “Matt Walters. I reckon he would go off if fired up..“
Josh Waters on the grid at the 2020 Phillip Island season opener – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
JW: “Bryan Staring. Easy going and cool bloke.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
JW: “Easy, Markus Chiodo loves to swipe.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
JW: “Most riders aren’t silly enough to bring their sisters to the track.”
Josh Waters on the grid at the 2020 Phillip Island season opener – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
JW: “Maybe Daniel Falzon..?“
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
JW: “Troy Bayliss – Baylisstic.”
Maxwell, Halliday and Waters on the podium at 2020 Round One – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
JW: “Toss up between Morgan Park and Wakefield.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
JW: “Turn 12 at Phillip Island.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
JW: “Morgan park the bit out the back. Fast right. It is that rough, it’s like riding Finke desert race track.”
Josh Waters testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
JW: “Troy Herfoss on any of the turns at Wakefield because he is bloody good there. Be good to out-brake him into the final turn.”
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
JW: “Koala.”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
JW: “Ben Henry is a nice bloke and would always try helping you out. Everyone is pretty nice. Although if you were in a battle with someone at the end of the year I don’t think any teams would go out of there way to help you try beat them. I woudn’t ask for something off Kelvin Reilly (BCperformance) haha.”
2020 ASBK Race One Podium – Image Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
JW: “Maybe speeding because Mildura is quite away from most places and the roads are pretty boring.”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
JW: “Too nice, or something like that.”
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
JW: “Kind-hearted, happy, good cook.”
Josh Waters testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
JW: “A race-track.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
JW: “2012 Suzuka 8 Hour bike. It was a Yoshimura Suzuki bike and the times I rode it that year ( testing before race and race weekend ) brought the best out of me ever riding a bike.”
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
JW: “I’m fortunate that I’ve got a trade, I’d love to still be involved in racing though. I really enjoy cooking too so maybe that.”
Josh Waters on the Yoshimura Suzuki at the Suzuka 8 Hour in 2012 Source: MCNews.com.au
Yamaha’s evocative YZF-R1 has been an iconic and flag-ship model for the brand as it represents the company not only on the road in the sports-bike market, but also on the race tracks around the world in major championship events.
It is a bike designed for performance, designed to be at the cutting edge of technology and yet, it is something you can use to commute to work daily on if you so desire. It is as fast as it is versatile and continues to be one of the most recognisable models in the Yamaha line-up.
In Australia, the bike has been a major player in the Australian Superbike Championship. In the hands of the experienced and knowledgeable YRT crew, led by Kevin Marshall, he transforms the bike from road bike to race weapon at his Brisbane based work shop and then lets Cru Halliday loose on it as the team contests the ASBK championship around the country.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1M as a not quite so blank canvas
Getting Comfortable
Yamaha offer two versions of the R1, the base model and then the up spec’d, R1M that offers a higher performance suspension and ECU package. YRT start with the R1M just like any Yamaha dealer could have on their floor, and then gets to work on making the changes required to make it competitive at ASBK Superbike level.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R1 standard instrumentation
Not needing to be used on the road, the majority of ADR gear is stripped from the bike, leaving them with just the bare essentials to build a race bike. The weight savings here are around 20 kg and certainly noticeable on the race track.
Aerodynamically the bike needs to be equipped to handle the high speed and G Forces created by a professional rider so race fairings are fitted, race foot-pegs are mounted to position the rider better and increase ground clearance, an adjustable race seat is added so the rider can further tailor the bike to his liking.
Cru retains the standard handlebars and grips. Over the years, the team and riders have often tested or tried different bars and grips but nearly always return to the OEM units.
Cru Halliday on the grid at the 2020 ASBK season opener – Image by Rob Mott
The Need for Speed
No one needs a faster bike than an R1, do they? The answer for you and I is no, but on the racetracks of Australia, the team can massage the power several ways to give Halliday exactly what he is looking for. But these can’t be wholesale changes, as the ASBK rulebook dictates only certain components of the motor can be changed, in the aim of keeping costs down and a more even playing field.
For the most part, the head, pistons, cams and throttle-bodies must remain standard. The compression can be changed via a gasket, but not via adding or removing metal. The cam timing can be altered, but the cams themselves must be OEM. So, riders and teams can’t cut loose with the porting tool, can’t go crazy with high comp pistons or lumpy cams. Just refine the OEM package and hit the track.
Cru Halliday during testing in January – TBG Image
So the YRT crew focus on what Cru wants and use the following to fine tune the power to his needs. A GYTR ECU is used that allows Kev to tune the bike better and gives a broad range of adjustability in the motor. The cam timing can be altered and depending on the rider or the circuit, it may well be to reduce power to make the bike more rideable or less aggressive than OEM.
And the final key to power delivery is the gearing. Faster tracks like Phillip Island where top speeds are in excess of 300 km/h down the front straight, a taller gear ratio like 16 / 43 might be used as opposed to a tighter circuit like a Wakefield Park where a larger rear sprocket might help deliver some bottom-end grunt when pulling out of turns. The team run an Akrapovic exhaust which offers good gains across a wide range of rpm.
Cru Halliday testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image
Overall, the team deliver a significant power gain in Halliday’s bike and with a focus on broad, potent mid-range. The R1M comes standard with a CCU (Communication Control Unit) and allows the team to get data from the machine after each session. This will give the team vital information and allow them to make changes from track to track and even session to session depending on the rider and track conditions.
And for a race bike that pumps out over 200 horsepower, you would think that some potent rocket fuel is required to drive it along, but as per ASBK rules, riders and teams must use readily available pump fuel, so the 98 octane bower at the servo can often have the YRT truck parked up alongside it.
Cru Halliday testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image
Chassis and Suspension
The standard Ohlins suspension on the R1M is high quality stuff and a great starting point for any serious racer. Like all race teams, the suspension is fine-tuned via valving and spring rates to suit the rider requirements. Even in a two rider team like YRT, riders can be different in their set ups with Halliday and Wagner running similar fork settings but they vary greatly in the shock set-up.
Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott
Dialling in the suspension is a never ending process and Cru works with the team throughout testing to get the feel and comfort he is after on the track. The team use the external adjusters to fine tune to conditions but its not uncommon to see Marshall revalving a shock or set of forks between sessions. Again, it is a matter of listening to the rider feedback and making the right changes.
Cru Halliday – Image Rob Mott
As a general guide, racers prefer a firmer set up than standard. The firmer suspension allows riders to push harder in race conditions. They don’t want the front end to collapse under heavy braking, or the rear to wallow on corner exit. It might not feel comfortable picking up the milk and bread, but you aren’t doing 260 km/h in the Coles car park either.
Speaking of brakes, Cru retains the standard rear brake but uses a Brembo front brake rotor, master cylinder kit and pads matched to a braided Goodrich brake line for extra power and better feel on the front. Racers often complain of brake fade throughout a race, but this combo has eliminated that, and the stopping power of Cru’s bike is alarming.
Pirelli tyres are fitted and there is a range of options available to Cru depending on the track. He has two options up front and three different variations on the rear and again, this can change from track to track and session to session.
Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott
The Guru’s View
“The top four things we look at when building a race bike are the aerodynamics, rider comfort, suspension and producing a rideable power delivery,” explains Kev Marshall. “Even in road racing, outright power isn’t the biggest determining factor in a race, power delivery is more important than the amount a motor produces.
YRT’s Kev Marshall
“The R1 already performs at such a high level that our job is made so much easier these days. And for someone like Cru who has been on Yamaha for so long, we know what he wants and needs from his suspension, we know where he likes his bars and seat, so for us, it’s just a matter of working with him and the data to fine tune power delivery and what compound Pirelli tyres he wants.
“That in itself is almost never ending as conditions change so much and at the speeds these bikes do, we really need to listen to the rider and study the data to ensure we might the right calls. Then Cru just has to ride the wheels off it when he hits the track. Simple, isn’t it!”
Cru Halliday at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test – Image TDJ
YRT Spec Check Cru Halliday’s YZF-R1M
Cylinder head: stock – can only recut valve seats slightly **
Piston: stock **
Cams: stock **
Clutch: stock
Throttle body: stock **
ECU: GYTRSparkplugs: NGK racing
Exhaust: Akrapovic
Airfilter: DNA
Fuel: PULP 98 **
Gearing: varies track to track
Engine Covers: GB
Lubricant: Yamalube Y4-GP
Forks: Stock but with Ohlins FKR cartridges added **
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time around it is Aiden Wagner’s turn to answer the curly ones…
Aiden Wagner
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Aiden Wagner: “Depends on what track, few fighters in the paddock that can fight really well at some different locations and not so good at others. Like to think I trust everyone around me in the Superbike class, but for a fierce fight I have had a good fight with Maxwell, obviously.”
Aiden Wagner and Wayne Maxwell clashed at Phillip Island Turn 12 in 2019, and Wayne came off second best… – Image Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
AW: “Whoever I am battling with at that point in time.”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
AW: “Glenn Allerton. Got a bit of ginger in him.”
Aiden reckons Glenn might be a bit of a goer…. – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
AW: “Troy Herfoss, because he seems quite peaceful.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
AW: “Cru Halliday, all day long.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
AW: “Probably, I think Arthur Sissis.”
Aiden Wagner during testing at Phillip Island early this year – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
AW: “Daniel Falzon.”
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
AW: “Mad Mike, for the most unlikely one.”
Aiden Wagner during testing at Phillip Island early this year – Image by TBG
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
AW: “Wakefield or Winton.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
AW: “Turn 12, Phillip Island.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
AW: “Wakefield Park Turn One, or Turn Three.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
AW: “Wayne Maxwell, up the inside at turn 12 at Phillip Island, again LOL.”
Aiden Wagner wins – Wayne Maxwell tumbles – Image Rob Mott – ASBK Round One 2019
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
AW: “Cornered snake.”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
AW: “Would never ask Kev Marshall, definitely ask Adrian Monti.”
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
AW: “Street Racing or driving my tractor everywhere on the road.”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
AW: “Superbikes and farming.”
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
AW: “Caring. Crazy. Giving.”
Bit of crazy behind those eyes ya reckon….? – Image Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
AW: “Land to build MX tracks on, or a mini-moto track or something, or more land to keep farming on.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
AW: “My CR250 from 2007.”
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
AW: “More farming and soil testing.” (and that is actual soil testing not crashing soil testing, Aiden’s family have a soil testing business for agriculture.)
Aiden Wagner – 2014 Australasian FX Supersport Champion Source: MCNews.com.au
With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’.
This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.
Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone.
A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time around we sit down with South Australian Superbike privateer Daniel Falzon.
Daniel Falzon – TBG Image
MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?
Daniel Falzon: “Any rider who does a ‘one off’ round trying to prove a point without championship considerations.. They are the dangerous ones!”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?
DF: “Do rider’s team member’s count? haha”
MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?
DF: “We’ve all seen Wayne Maxwell’s signature right hook, no one would like to be on the receiving end of that.”
Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ
MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?
DF: “Gotta be a country bumpkin, us city slickers wouldn’t survive a night alone… Let’s go with Josh Waters.”
MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?
DF: “My Mechanic, Liam – He has an RSI in his index finger.”
MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?
DF: “Sorry, Nic Liminton!”
Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ
MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?
DF: “I’ll take the fifth for this one.”
MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?
DF: “Mad Mike – Mad that there’s another Ducati now ;)”
Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ
MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?
DF: “Morgan Park!”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?
DF: “T12 Phillip Island, nothing comes close.”
MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?
DF: “T7 Morgan Park.”
Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ
MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?
DF: “A late inside dive in to T12 Phillip Island to overtake Maxwell for the win….without contact.”
MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?
DF: “Dog!”
MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?
DF: “I’d ask YRT for tools, but I’d most definitely never ask myself. I’ll search for a left handed screwdriver for 20 minutes.”
Falzon banked good points at the series opener at Phillip Island despite never playing a starring role – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?
DF: “I’d be in jail for pulling an (absolutely massive) wheelie on public roads with a pillion…. Not speaking from experience or anything! Haha”
MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
DF: “#25 hours in a day.”
MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?
DF: “Positive, Determined, Empathetic.”
Daniel Falzon – Image by Rob Mott
MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?
DF: “An investment property, it’s not enough money to justify a supercar, but that would definitely be the next purchase.”
MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?
DF: “We still have one of each category racebike stored away, their sentimental value is worth more than what we’d sell for. We’ll definitely keep a Cat bike forever though, that’s going to be stored in the dining room. Georgia just doesn’t know it yet!”
MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?
DF: “This is easy, my life is already set! Paramedics is my forever job, but I plan on going back to Uni to study few more years shortly to be qualified as an Intensive Care Paramedic then eventually more training for a Rescue Paramedic in the helicopter doing retrieval and high acuity trauma. That’s the only job I can align the same level of adrenaline to racing with!”
Daniel Falzon testing at Phillip Island earlier this year – Image by Rob Mott Source: MCNews.com.au
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!