KTM report positive market developments after the end of the shutdown in various world regions
Pierer Mobility Group, comprising of KTM, Husqvarna and more recently Gas Gas and other subsidiary companies, are reporting that their motorcycle sales have developed surprisingly strongly, especially in the US.
They are also reporting that their E-Bicycle division with the brands Husqvarna and R Raymon have benefited from the bicycle boom in Europe and recorded double-digit growth in sales in comparison to the previous year.
KTM has fully restarted the production at its Austrian sites and are ending COVID-19-related short-time work at the end of May 2020.
Due to the positive market developments in Europe and the US, KTM will increase capacities and will hire 70 new employees at the Austrian sites at the beginning of June 2020.
Therefore, the global number of employees increases to more than 4,000, which is higher than at the beginning of short-time work in March 2020.
In the Austrian apprenticeship year which begins in autumn, 45 new apprentices will start their training with KTM towards a total number of 170 apprentices in 13 different specialisations.
Supplier – Husqvarna Traders who sold this product – Authorised Husqvarna Motorcycle dealers Where the product was sold – Nationally Dates available for sale – 1 May 2018 – 8 April 2020
During operation or while parked, it is possible that fuel can leak out of the fuel level sensor mounting area and/or the fuel pump mounting area of the fuel tank.
What are the hazards?
If a fuel leak occurs, leaking fuel could cause damage or may result in fire, which could increase the risk of injury to the rider, bystanders and risk of damage to property.
What should consumers do?
Consumers are recommended to stop riding the motorcycle until it has been repaired. If you previously experienced or are now experiencing a fuel leak, immediately contact an authorised dealer and do not ride the vehicle.
Consumers will be sent a letter advising them of the recall and that parts are not available for immediate repairs. A further letter will be sent once the parts have been supplied to dealerships and bookings can be made for the repair.
For further information, consumers can contact Husqvarna on 1800 644 771 or find their nearest authorised dealer using the dealer search option at https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/au/
Riders of 2018-20 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 701 motorcycles have been grounded over a potential fuel leak issue.
The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says owners should “immediately contact an authorised dealer and do not ride the vehicle”.
Since the parts to fix the problem are not yet available, riders are effectively grounded.
Grounded
Svartpilen 701
“During operation or while parked, it is possible that fuel can leak out of the fuel level sensor mounting area and/or the fuel pump mounting area of the fuel tank,” the ACCC notice says.
“If a fuel leak occurs, leaking fuel could cause damage or may result in fire, which could increase the risk of injury to the rider, bystanders and risk of damage to property.
“Consumers are recommended to stop riding the motorcycle until it has been repaired. If you previously experienced or are now experiencing a fuel leak, immediately contact an authorised dealer and do not ride the vehicle.”
Husqvarna Australia will send owners a letter advising them of the recall and that parts are not available yet for immediate repairs.
So they are basically grounded until they get a follow-up letter advising them of the arrival of the parts.
Then they can make a booking for the free repair.
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of the 175 affected bikes are listed at the end of this article.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Husqvarna’s LR (Long Range) variant of the 701 Enduro arrives in Australia next month priced at $18,345 +ORC. The 701 Enduro is the sister model of KTM’s 690 Enduro R and shares that monumentally strong, yet amazingly manageable, 692.7 cc single yet with the new Husky LR version the brand can now offer a single-cylinder model with a huge range thanks to its massive 25-litre fuel capacity.
This engine has redefined the single-cylinder with huge power and torque yet thanks to modern electronics is manageable and easy to ride.
At 25-litres, the 701 Enduro LR almost doubles the fuel capacity of the machines it is based on. The 13-litre underseat tank as seen on the other models, is joined with an extra 12-litre conventional tank to give a realistic touring range of 500 kilometres.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
That huge capacity is five-litres more than the 20-litre tank on the twin-cylinder KTM 790 Adventure.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Husqvarna are claiming a dry weight of 155 kg for the 701 Enduro LR. That compares to 189 kg for the 790 Adventure or Yamaha’s Tenere 700.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
With a smooth running 74-horsepower and 71 Nm of torque this current generation motor has redefined single-cylinder performance.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Unlike other singles from the KTM/Husqvarna stable the big-bore engine has long 10,000 kilometres service intervals and a solid two-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Despite it’s off-road focus the 701 also scores the full gamut of electronic safety aids that in their current generation work incredibly well. Seriously, forget what you know about ABS and traction control from earlier generation machines, we are now in a whole new world when it comes to the capability of these systems.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Switchable ride modes, ride by wire, lean angle sensitive traction control and ABS along with a quick-shifter gives the 701 a higher performance suite of electronics than most sportsbikes could offer only a few years ago. It is no longer a case of see a bit of gravel and turn everything off, the systems now are so well tuned that they really are more a help than a hindrance. For lesser experienced riders this level of electronic smarts will help get them to more places easier than they could manage otherwise.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
It must be said though that it is still distinctly more an off-road machine than the multi-cylinder adventure bikes. Thus travels that are predominantly tarmac based are always going to be better suited to the larger machines in the class, for both the longevity and obvious comfort benefits that the more touring oriented machines bring to the party.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
The other barrier for the 701 Enduro LR is going to be price… The new 701 LR will be available in Australia from May 2020 at $18,345.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
As a turn-key option as they roll off the showroom floor the Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR ticks so many boxes, it’s just a pity the box is a bit spendy in the first place…
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR arrives is expected in Australia from May
The PIERER Mobility Group achieved in the business year 2019 record revenues in the amount of 1,520.1 mEur (+4.0%). This corresponds to an increase of 57.9 mEur. The preliminary EBIT reached 131.7 mEur (+2.3%) after 128.7 mEur in the previous year.
The operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) increased from 211.0 mEur to 240.8 mEur (+ 29.8 mEur) corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 15.8%. The Free Cash Flow improved significantly and amounts to 91.6 mEur compared to -16.7 mEur in 2018.
KTM designers at work
For the growth in the business year 2019 approximately 121 mEur were invested in product development and around 44 mEur in facilities and infrastructure. All key earnings figures refer to the continued operation of the Group (previous year excluding Pankl Group). On December 31, 2019, the PIERER Mobility Group employed 4,368 people, 3,639 of them in Austria.
With 234,449 KTM motorcycles and 45,650 Husqvarna motorcycles sold in the financial year 2019, sales increased by around 7% compared to the previous year.
Husqvarna TE300i
Maintaining the dividend policy, it will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting that a dividend of 30 cents per share is paid out for the financial year 2019. This years’ dividend corresponds to the dividend of the previous year.
Sales volume: 280,099 motorcycles / + 7% compared to the previous year
Revenues: 1,520.1 mEur / + 4% compared to the previous year
EBITDA: 240.8 mEur / + 14% compared to the previous year
Free Cash Flow: 91.6 mEur / 6% of revenues
Conservative dividend pay-out of EUR 30 Cent per share maintained
Outlook (Guidance) for 2020 cancelled
KTM’s Stefan Pierer
Outlook 2020
The objective of PIERER Mobility Group is to further expand market shares in the global motorcycle markets despite the Corona crisis. The GASGAS motorcycle division will be integrated as a third brand into the group. Moreover, a strong focus is put on further development of the dealer network.
GasGas joined the PIERER Mobility Group
The e-bicycle activities (PEXCO) will be bundled in HUSQVARNA E-Bicycles GmbH, which was newly founded in January 2020. In this division, sales of more than EUR 100 million are expected for the 2020 financial year. Furthermore, the company also intends to develop in the electric two-wheeler segment to become a major international player in this field.
Risks to the company, the supply chain and the sales market resulting from the Corona crisis are being closely monitored. Any disruptions to business operations will be reacted to constantly by taking targeted measures. Among other things the short-term work program of the government is being used for the whole work force. The current development of the Corona crisis requires a daily reassessment of the situation.
PIERER Mobility AG confirms its sales target of 400,000 motorcycles for the 2022 financial year. In addition, KTM has set itself the goal of developing Husqvarna Motorcycles into the third largest European motorcycle manufacturer.
Key figures 2019 of PIERER Mobility Group (consolidated)
Husqvarna’s entry into the LAMS segment in Australia was heralded by two stylish and unique offerings – the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401. Original pricing for these exotic machines was over $11k on the road when they were first launched into the Australian market.
Now you can pick up one of these machines for as low as $7,495 Ride-Away thanks to a drastic pricing update from Husqvarna, so let’s take another look at the Svartpilen 401. Moto Hub in Sydney were kind enough to lend me the Svartpilen so I figured I’d see how it stacked up in the LAMS segment.
Of the two 401 options, the Svartpilen boasts dual-sport style tyres alongside the dark colour scheme. The Vitpilen rolls on road tyres and is available in white bodywork with a more aggressive seating and ‘bar position in comparison.
The Svartpilen 401 shares some familiarity with the KTM 390s
Looking over the Svartpilen 401 I couldn’t help but admire the styling. It won’t be for everyone, but it reminds me of the European or more specifically German custom scene, with a certain brutal artistic quality. These machines stand out from the LAMS crowd, and a deeper look reveals a very rare attention to detail.
The Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame
The bike is a bit raw around the engine where the wiring loom and piping has been hidden between that powerplant, trellis frame and exhaust collector, but that’s what you get on a nakedbike. The essentially one-piece tank to tail bodywork is what draws the eye.
Somewhat surprisingly for such an aggressively styled machine the Svartpilen includes pillion pegs and a flat pillion perch. The riders seat is sculpted and situated 835 mm from terra-firma. With an upright seating position and raised handlebars you’re offered a commanding view of the road ahead along with a relaxed seating position and plenty of leverage via wide ‘bars.
An 835mm seat height and minimalist seat height contribute to a compact look
That level of nice detail continues through to the triple-clamps, those stunning wheels and even across a host of details like the radiator shrouds, blacked out levers and fuel cap, along with an aftermarket style exhaust and much more.
You really have to check this bike out in person yourself to fully appreciate what’s on offer as images just don’t do it justice. Have a look at the RC 390 and compare that to the Husqvarna, there’s a big jump in finish, which is why the Svartpilen originally demanded that premium price and the component quality is a step up from similarly priced models.
Compared to the Harley Street 500, which is priced similarly to the 401’s original RRP and which looks clean with blacked out engine and components – from arms reach – the Svartpilen is a major step up. A closer look at the Street 500 reveals a basic build quality, with many components looking quite cheap. The Svartpilen 401 on the other hand backs up its attitude with top notch quality and componentry everywhere you look. It’s a harsh comparison for the Street 500, especially in light of the Husqvarna’s price drop, for those who may consider something a bit more roadster than cruiser.
The level of detail on the Svartpilen 401 is without equal in the LAMS category
Riding the Svartpilen 401
Setting off from Castle Hill a few points immediately strike me, the first being familiarity with the KTM 390s in how the bike feels, and secondly just how good that RbW throttle is, especially cutting through the remnants of early morning peak hour traffic.
I’m heading for Galston Gorge, a tremendous little section of road, especially for a small capacity machine – if you can get a clear run, and manage to avoid the many drivers incapable of sticking to their side of the road.
The ‘bars on the Svartpilen feel super-wide, while vision through the mirrors is exceptional. The dash is a simple and clear digital affair, so there’s everything I need at a glance, while ticking the street fighter theme of the bike.
The Svartpilen 401 offers wide ‘bars and an upright seating position, and feels compact but not small
A light clutch is operated via cable and there’s a slipper function as befits this sporty little offering. Blasting through traffic I’m reminded how good this single-cylinder powerplant is, with a torquey and responsive character – it’s the best fuelled LAMS machine I’ve ridden.
The engine easily matches the performance of Kawasaki’s 400, particularly around town. The twin-cylinder Japanese bike perhaps feeling a little more relaxed at highway speeds while the single-cylinder Austrian donk is always eager.
Being quite enthusiastic on the throttle did mean taking advantage of the brakes coming up to roundabouts and traffic lights, which also quickly showed off just how powerful that four-piston Bybre caliper is. The light Svartpilen has class leading bite and stopping power.
A powerful four-piston Bybre caliper is class leading
Knock open that throttle when the light goes green and you’re off with plentiful acceleration via a grin inducing surge of single-cylinder torque. Only a very keen cage driver in a performance vehicle will keep up. You can short-shift through the gearbox and enjoy that spectacular low to mid-range, or hold those gears and wait for the shift indicator to light up.
You can still lug the engine if you insist on upshifting early high or let the speed drop without really noticing, but keep the powerplant on the boil and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of urge.
For cutting through suburban traffic and hooning around town the Svartpilen is a gem.
The powerplant in the Svartpilen 401 is a gem, and the application of RbW flawless
Galston Gorge gave the Svartpilen 401 a real opportunity to shine. This tight and windy section of road with endless tight hairpin corners is a great hunting ground for small nimble motorcycles. The Svartpilen 401 rails through the bends with razor sharp handling that actually surprised me a little at times.
Even the Ninja 400, which makes my own Daytona 675R feel heavy, isn’t as responsive and fast turning as the Svartpilen 401. The meaty single-cylinder engine and Bybre brake set-up is ideal for blasting between corners before washing off speed in the hurry, only to blast back out towards the next, rinse and repeat. Aggressively knocking down through the gearbox onto the slipper clutch is also an option for washing off speed, but even for my lazy riding style the Svartpilen demands rider engagement and rewards it in spades.
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres on the spoked wheels are an interesting styling choice
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres also look the business, but through the tight low speed corners in the Gorge I could feel the blocks on the tyres start to move around when really pushed. Dedicated road riders might choose some more sporting road rubber after wearing the original tyres out.
The gorge also gave the opportunity to test out the Svartpilen’s strudy looking WP Suspension. 43mm forks and a mono-shock bolted straight to the swing-arm via the brand’s well-known PDS set-up. I’ll admit I was a little surprised that there wasn’t adjustability on the forks considering the initial asking price, but it’s not a normal expectation in this segment.
WP suspension does an exceptional job and is a sporty setup, but does not offer adjustability
The ride itself on the WP springers was sporty, leaning towards the hard-nosed café racer theme that the bike portrays externally. Not having time to play around with the rear preload, at 70 kg the overall setup was still exceptional, with good feel from the front and plentiful support – that’s important with that big stopper up front. The rear could be a little better controlled when it cops the big hits, but still responds better than most of the competition in this segment of the market.
The Svartpilen 401 is really like nothing else out there, apart from the Vitpilen 401…
The Svartpilen is in many ways a no compromise option in a segment that revolves around compromises for everyday life, commuting while still having fun. I could easily commute around Sydney on a Svartpilen on a daily basis.
At the end of the day that amazing powerplant, WP suspension and Bybre braking package are a great match for the out-there styling. Paying over $11k for one of these machines would be a hard sell to me, however at $7,495 out the door for an MY18 Svartpilen 401 or Vitpilen 401 that seems like a steal.
With a pretty massive drop in pricing on these machines, it’s definitely time to take a look if you’re looking for a LAMS machine and something special
With that said, you’ve got to know what you’re after in a motorcycle, particularly a first motorcycle. If you’re just after a run-around and something a bit softer, slower and more forgiving, this may not be for you. There’s nothing wrong with that either. Different strokes for different folks and all that….
Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced the availability of the Additional Fuel Tank Kit – a complete set of parts that offer a fuel capacity of 25 litres when fitted to 701 Enduro machines. This extended fuel range ensures long distance adventures and confidence when exploring remote areas.
Husqvarna Enduro 701 Additional Fuel Tank Kit
The Additional Fuel Tank Kit features technology taken from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s rally machines and is designed to guarantee rider optimised ergonomics and to integrate easily with any 701 Enduro model.
Husqvarna Enduro 701 Additional Fuel Tank Kit
The Additional Fuel Tank Kit boasts strong and durable rotationally moulded tanks with leak proof closure. Ensuring optimal weight distribution and with easy switching between front and rear tanks thanks to the supplied electronic switch, the kit also features an additional fuel pump for uninterrupted fuel flow.
Husqvarna Enduro 701 Additional Fuel Tank Kit
The Additional Fuel Tank Kit comes with a new seat and graphics kit and is available at all authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers from mid-May in Australia for $3,290 RRP.
There is no such thing as a one size fits all adventure bike. For some the big jiggers with their cosseting comfort, great two-up ability and luggage options are the one-stop shop.
BMW R 1250 GS is the big daddy of the adventure tourers and quite often the bar against others are judged
BMW’s R 1250 GS and KTM’s 1290 are the established big daddies in the field with machines like the F 850 GS and 790 Adventure, Triumph’s 800/900 Tiger and Honda’s Africa Twin treading the middle ground so to speak.
Honda’s updated new Africa Twin lands shortly.
Then we have the new Tenere 700 from Yamaha that takes a more spartan approach to twin-cylinder adventure riding that is proving a big hit here in Australia.
Yamaha Ténéré 700 has had a brilliant debut that shows little sign of slowing down – Have they hit the right recipe…?
For others that want to follow the even more minimalist theme, with much lower weights and more spartan accoutrements, along with a much less intimidating presence, and price tag…. the DR650 is always a popular choice.
Suzuki’s DR650 still wins plenty of wallets each year
I can see the appeal of all those options but there is somewhat of a hole in the middle for a very high-performance single-cylinder option that really feels like a proper dirt bike.
The first generations of the KTM 690 Enduro I was not a fan of. In standard form they lacked grunt and as they came out of the box always felt, well a little bit half-done. The latest 690 Enduro R though is an epic ride, but when testing (Link) the model I did have a bit of a sook about its lack of its longer range viability due to a small fuel tank and lack of tie-down points.
KTM 690 Enduro R is now a true weapon with 74 horsepower and 71 Nm of torque and tips the scales at only 146 kg – But when it comes to fuel range, luggage and strapping luggage to the bike…
It was like it was on the cusp of being the perfect light and manageable adventure machine complete, only for a few oversights that, in standard form at least, restricted its broader amenity.
Now for 2020 Husqvarna have added an LR (Long Range) variant to the 701 Enduro. The 701 Enduro is the sister model of the 690 Enduro R and shares that monumentally strong, yet amazingly manageable, 692.7 cc single.
This engine has redefined the single-cylinder with huge power and torque yet thanks to modern electronics is manageable and easy to ride.
At 25-litres, the 701 Enduro LR almost doubles the fuel capacity of the machines it is based on. The 13-litre underseat tank as seen on the other models, is joined with an extra 12-litre conventional tank to give a realistic touring range of 500 kilometres.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
That huge capacity is five-litres more than the 20-litre tank on the 790 Adventure.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Husqvarna are claiming a dry weight of 155 kg for the 701 Enduro LR. That compares to 189 kg for the 790 Adventure or Yamaha’s Tenere 700. There is no question though that the 701 feels like much more of a dirt-bike than the aforementioned twin-cylinder machines.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
With a smooth running 74-horsepower and 71 Nm of torque this current generation motor has redefined single-cylinder performance. It has truly changed the game.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Unlike other singles from the KTM/Husqvarna stable the big-bore engine has long 10,000 kilometres service intervals and a solid two-year warranty.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Despite it’s off-road focus the 701 also scores the full gamut of electronic safety aids that in their current generation work incredibly well. Seriously, forget what you know about ABS and traction control from earlier generation machines, we are now in a whole new world when it comes to the capability of these systems.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Switchable ride modes, ride by wire, lean angle sensitive traction control and ABS along with a quick-shifter gives the 701 a higher performance suite of electronics than most sportsbikes could offer only a few years ago. It is no longer a case of see a bit of gravel and turn everything off, the systems now are so well tuned that they really are more a help than a hindrance. For lesser experienced riders this level of electronic smarts will help get them to more places easier than they could manage otherwise.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
It must be said though that it is still distinctly more an off-road machine than the multi-cylinder adventure bikes. Thus travels that are predominantly tarmac based are always going to be better suited to the larger machines in the class, for both the longevity and obvious comfort benefits that the more touring oriented machines bring to the party.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
The other barrier for the 701 Enduro LR is going to be price… Husqvarna Enduro machines are all priced as premium options in the market place. That doesn’t seem to hurt their sales in the two-stroke hard enduro side of the market, or with their high-performance four-stroke enduro bikes. By the time their competition based enduro bikes are registered they are up on the wrong side of the 15k barrier. It is highly likely that the 701 Enduro LR will be priced a little higher again…
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
For the same money you will probably be able to take home two DR 650 Suzuki machines! Or fully farkle up a DR650 complete with a fuel tank that would give it a range to rival the 701 Enduro LR. Performance wise though it would be like comparing a Royal Enfield with a Ducati.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Despite weighing about the same, the 701 Husky makes almost twice as much power as the venerable best selling Suzuki and is of a much higher specification throughout suspension, brakes, instrumentation, electronics etc. I guess it just depends on what price you put on performance…?
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
Then there is Honda’s CRF450L which is a huge step up in performance from the DR650, especially with a few little tweaks, and can also be fitted with a long-range tank along with a more comfortable seat and has very long intervals between major services. The Honda sits somewhere in the middle, both price-wise and on a performance basis between the DR650 and something like the 701 Enduro, but is a fair bit lighter than both.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR
As a turn-key option as they roll off the showroom floor though the Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR ticks more boxes than any of its rivals. Just a pity the box is going to be a bit spendy in the first place… The actual price is yet to be set but we are reliably informed that first stocks of the new machine are expected to arrive in May.
2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR arrives is expected in Australia from May
Aussie Toby Price has whittled a little off the lead of American Ricky Brabec with a strong second place in the 410km ninth stage of the Dakar Rally.
The 410km stage across rocky terrain was won by Chilean Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarana) less than two minutes ahead of Toby who is chasing his third win and a 19th consecutive victory for KTM.
Toby says with the stage being so fast it was difficult to make up any time up as riders were able to follow each other.
Brabec finished fourth with Toby shaving two minutes from the American’s overall lead.
With a 26-minute gap and only three stages to go, Toby has a real fight on his hands.
It comes two days after Toby stopped to help fallen rider Paulo Goncalves and stayed with him until the helicopters arrived. Sadly Paulo later died and the eighth stage was cancelled in his honour.
“Now I can really focus on the small number of remaining days to try and close this gap up to the lead,” he says.
Toby is dedicating his race to the loss of his friend, Paulo or “Speedy”.
We didn’t know Toby could speak French! (Sorry, no English video yet.)
Top 5 rankings
1
9
MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020
31H 59′ 29”
2
5
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING
32H 20′ 22”
+ 00H 20′ 53”
3
1
RED BULL KTM FACTORY TEAM
32H 26′ 12”
+ 00H 26′ 43”
00H 02′ 00”
4
12
MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020
32H 27′ 45”
+ 00H 28′ 16”
5
17
MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 2020
32H 28′ 58”
+ 00H 29′ 29”
00H 01′ 00”
Other Aussies
Queensland veteran competitorRodney Faggotter (Yamaha) is proving consistent with yet another top 20 finish.
He came in 18th and remains in 12th outright.
He says his bike is down on top speed from the factory bikes and he had to ride hard in the rough stuff.
“Last few stages have been pretty boring track/racing wise and super fast, but the scenery is magic! Like moonscape in places.”
Rodney Faggotter
Fellow Aussie Ben Young (KTM) finished 73rd despite a minor fall on the first part of the special stage.
It should be remembered that he rode half of his debut rally last year with a broken hand after a fall on stage 5. He drops back five places to 63rd.
The only other Aussie competing in the bike category is Matthew Tisdall (KTM) who finished 104th and moves up three spots to 99th.
Like many Aussie sports stars and celebrities, Toby is raising money for the bushfire appeal.
He is auctioning his starting jersey and pants for firefighters
Toby is also doing his bit for the current critical bushfire situation by auctioning his starting jersey and pants with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
It is open worldwide, just send in your bid in Australian dollars on his Facebook page or Instagram.
Husqvarna Australia has confirmed they will import the production version of the Norden 901 Concept model unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last month.
That was a quick move from concept to production confirmation.
However, Husqvarna Motorcycles say the concept was so well accepted by consumers they took no time in announcing their decision to go ahead.
Husqvarna Australia has not yet released a scheduled arrival date or pricing, but we expect it some time in 2020.
The Norden will be only their second attempt at the street/adventure market since the company became part of the KTM group in 2013.
While specifications have not yet been released, it will be powered by an 889.5cc parallel-twin engine.
Like the 401 and 701 models, it will likely be a reworked KTM engine, possibly the new 799cc motor powering the 790 Duke and Adventure.
Also, like the the Husky street models, it will be suspended by premium WP suspension which is also part of the KTM group.
If the concept is anything to go by, it will be shod with a 21-inch front Pirelli Scorpion Really STR front tyre for off-road ability with an 18-inch rear.
We are not sure how much of the attractive concept will make it into production.
However, these images show it will be set up for adventure touring with lots of luggage and protection options.
Husky promises the slim and light adventure tourer will have comfortable ergonomics and “confidence inspiring handling”.
If it’s as successful as the KTM 790 Adventure, it will be another great option for adventure riders … so long as they get the pricing right!
KTM’s Stefan Pierer 
Rodney Faggotter
Jack Miller’s MotoGP helmet
