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Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Latest ASBK developments and plans discussed

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ASBK 2020

An on-line press conference was held earlier today with members of the media, Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle and ASBK Sporting Director Simon Maas, discussing the latest developments and challenges being negotiated in an effort to run a successful 2020 Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Champioship.

Obviously a lot of the conversation surrounded the current difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that will be in place in regards to numbers control etc. for the recommencement of ASBK with a two-day race meeting to be staged at Phillip Island with no spectators at the end of July.

Riders will be limited in regards to how many people will be able to work with them over the weekend. Superbike riders will be allowed four team personnel, Supersport three and some of the other categories will be limited to only two.

Pit garage entry will also have to be limited. If ten people are in a pit garage, and the garages at Phillip Island measure roughly 40 squre-metres, then one person will have to exit before another can enter to maintain protocol.

M.A. have advised the tyre services attending the round that they will have to give some thought to the way they set-up their tyre-changing areas and interact with customers.

M.A. will also reduce the numbers of their own personnel at the track working in race direction and will stage the traditional mandatory rider’s briefing by video link. Many other discussions over the weekend amongst M.A. personnel will also be conducted on-line.

I asked if the new outbreaks of community transmission in some areas of Melbourne had put the Phillip Island round of the championship in doubt at all.

M.A. indicated that they continue to monitor the situation in Victoria on a day-by-day basis but their latest advice from the Victorian Government, received this week, was that authorities are still comfortable with the event going ahead and that planning should continue for the event. M.A. indicated that a final call will be made by July 1st and also highlighted that Phillip Island is not one of the areas identified as a hot-spot.  

I also asked if Queensland based riders would be required to self-isolate on arrival back in to QLD after the Phillip Island round and M.A. advised that after consulting with the Queensland Government, assuming they do not enter any of the officially recognised infection hot-spots in metropolitan Melbourne, they will not be required to enter any 14-day quarantine period when returning to QLD after the event.  There is an existing exemption area around Tullamarine Airport thus Queenslanders will be free to fly in, pick up a rental car and drive directly to Phillip Island without breaching protocols. 

ASBK is scheduled to go to Winton on the weekend of September 13th with the hope that spectators will be permitted at that event. A final decision on spectator attendance is to be made on September 1. The fact that Winton allows people to drive their cars to certain viewing spots, where they could potentially remain within their vehicles in a drive-in theatre style scenario, was highlighted along with the wide expanse of viewing areas that the circuit affords, that will in-turn help social-distancing protocols to be easily maintained.

M.A. also highlighted to some of the Central Victorian mainstream media participating in today’s conference the economic benefits that an ASBK round brings to the Benalla, Wangaratta and Shepparton regions.  People coming from all over Australia to their area and staying in the locale for days, filling their pubs and restaurants and spending money at various retailers while attending the ASBK round.

Wakefield Park is then scheduled to host round four in mid-October while round five is still up in the air at the moment due to the extra restrictions in Queensland.

M.A. indicated that the smaller and more crowded pit areas at Morgan Park present a significant extra challenge in trying to meet social distancing protocols.

The pit areas at Morgan Park are all open without any walled pit garages. Unlike Phillip Island or Winton, where those physical barriers will help organisers create social distancing parameters and zones, the open lay-out of the Queensland circuit makes achieving the required social distance practices incredibly complicated. For now M.A. have been unable to reach a satisfactory solution that will meet those guide-lines.

Queensland Sport have told M.A. that those guidelines will change over the next few months as restrictions likely ease, but at the current moment it is just not practical to confirm the event there. M.A. indicated that if the situation comes about where Morgan Park can not prove viable, they do have alternative venues that can possibly host that fifth round of the ASBK Championship. This would likely involve one of the other circuits already scheduled on the calendar potentially hosting an extra round of the series.

The finale is slated for the weekend of November 22 at the expansive new Bend Motorsports Park in South Australia where all race categories will have their championships decided.

While personally I have no particular preference or barrow to push for a summer series, I did bring up the question of how seriously a switch to a summer schedule was considered when M.A. were going through the whole COVID-19 saga of shifting dates and trying to make a calendar work. And asked them what prevented them from making that leap to a summer series? I know riders are generally contracted to a certain date, but in reality there are only a few ‘contracted’ riders in our series, thus I asked if that really was much of a problem that people could not work around easily enough?

Both Peter Doyle and Simon Maas indicated that the rider contracts are one area that are an issue, the other issue is the commercial partners and the way those budgets are set in relation to their agreements with Motorcycling Australia and ASBK, and with their own race teams. They also indicated that while there is some support for a summer series concept, there is perhaps not as much support as most people might expect, and that some of the larger teams in particular were not at all receptive to the idea of a switch to a more summer oriented calendar.

Well there you have it boys and girls, an up to the minute situation report on how the troubled waters are currently being navigated. Unless we have some very serious escalations and developments in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, I think we can look forward to a very interesting 2020 season of the Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship.

2020 mi-bike ASBK Calendar

  1. Round One – Phillip Island, VIC – March 1
  2. Round Two – Phillip Island, VIC – July 25-26 (Two Days)
  3. Round Three – Winton, VIC – September 11-13
  4. Round Four – Wakefield Park, NSW – October 16-18
  5. Round Five – TBC
  6. Round Six – The Bend, SA – November 20-22

2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points

  1. Wayne Maxwell 76
  2. Cru Halliday 60
  3. Josh Waters 51
  4. Bryan Staring 49
  5. Troy Herfoss 48
  6. Daniel Falzon 41
  7. Arthur Sissis 37
  8. Mike Jones 35
  9. Jed Metcher 33
  10. Glenn Allerton 31
  11. Linden Magee 25
  12. Matt Walters 24
  13. Max Croker 23
  14. Aiden Wagner 22
  15. Sloan Frost 21
  16. Beau Beaton 17
  17. Glenn Scott 16
  18. Brendan McIntyre 14
  19. Josh Hayes 11
  20. Matthew Tooley 5

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Victorian coronavirus spike could jeopardise ASBK restart

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News 24 Jun 2020

Victorian coronavirus spike could jeopardise ASBK restart

Section: Competition

Final decision to be made by Motorcycling Australia at beginning of July.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is closely monitoring the current coronavirus spike in Victoria, set to decide at the beginning of next month if the Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) will be able to resume at Phillip Island in July as scheduled.

Cases of COVID-19 have risen in double-digits for eight consecutive days in Victoria, including an additional 20 new cases recorded overnight – many of which are locally transmitted. The state has recorded 128 new cases in the past week.

It was announced last Wednesday that the ASBK would be resuming at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit without spectators next month for round two of the reduced six-round season, which could now be jeopardised as this newest outbreak causes new concerns in Victoria.

Multiple local government areas have been designated as hotspots within Victoria, however, the Bass Coast Shire is not currently being regarded as such. That is a factor that could ultimately enable the event to go ahead as planned by the ASBK Management Team with COVID-safe protocols implemented.

“We continue to monitor at the moment the situation going on in Victoria,” ASBK sporting director Simon Maas explained during a virtual media call earlier today. “For now, our latest correspondence as of Monday with the Victorian government was that they were comfortable that our event would still go ahead and we should continue to plan.

“But, we will monitor this on a day-by-day basis and then on the 1st of July we will correspond further to our teams and riders to let them know what our final position is. Fortunately, the Phillip Island location geographically is not a hotspot in terms of the areas identified in Victoria at the moment.

“That still allows our teams and riders to attend Phillip Island and conduct our race, but it is something that we are going to continue to monitor. If the identification of a hotspot becomes to the Bass Coast Shire or Phillip Island, absolutely that would be a huge problem.

“The whole topic is very complex, but lets be mindful that we’ve still got over four weeks or thereabouts between now and then to see what happens with contact tracing and the work of the Victorian health department to see where the numbers ultimately head.

“We’ve drawn a line in the sand for July 1st. We’re going to continue to review and if we get to July 1st and think that it’s just impractical or difficult for the championship to run successfully, that’s when we will consider what we do as a plan B.”

Both rounds two and three of the updated 2020 ASBK calendar are scheduled to be hosted in Victoria, including Phillip Island on 25-26 July and the third round to be staged at Winton Motor Raceway in central Victoria between 11-13 September. Discussions to have fans be able to attend Winton are ongoing, to be determined by 1 September.

“Winton is an enormous outdoor area and does actually create quite a relevant environment for safety,” Maas said. “There are concepts that we’ve discussed already. We’ve spoken about people coming in and doing a park and view concept, where they can park their cars and watch almost like a movie theatre type format.

“We think that Winton also provides a number of sector areas within the race-track, where they can be zoned off if necessary. So, we remain quite optimistic that by September, not withstanding any further changes or developments, that we should be able to welcome the fans back.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Enhanced 2021 KTM SX-F and SX motocross models unveiled

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News 24 Jun 2020

Enhanced 2021 KTM SX-F and SX motocross models unveiled

Section: General

Make adjustments with advanced myKTM app using Connectivity Unit kit.

Image: Supplied.

KTM has taken the covers off its 2021 motocross range, featuring enhancements that have flowed through from research and development of the Austrian brand’s factory racing teams that make for the most technically-advanced, ‘Ready To Race’ range to date.

The feedback collected by racing achievements globally helped KTM R&D update the KTM SX model range for 2021 with clear core objectives, to create the lightest, best-handling, most powerful, usable and well-equipped motocross bikes.

Improvements for 2021 across the full-size range focus on suspension and chassis modifications, tweaks to engine architecture to further enhance reliability, new Dunlop tyres and a reworked graphics aesthetic.

The WP XACT front forks and rear shocks have been overhauled with new components as well as being reconfigured with a slightly firmer standard setting to increase confidence and comfort across a wider spread of surfaces. Dunlop’s Geomax MX-33 is the rubber of choice for the KTM SX models thanks to its versatility and race proven performance.

As the flagship model in the four-stroke range, the KTM 450 SX-F benefits from modifications to the piston, crankshaft, engine casing, rocker arms and shift locker to further hike the bike’s excellent reliability, shave more weight and aid practicality in terms of general maintenance.

In addition, the 2021 KTM 450 SX-F together with the new KTM 350 SX-F and KTM 250 SX-F machines can connect with the advanced myKTM app using an extra Connectivity Unit kit, available in the KTM PowerParts catalog.

With the bar pad-integrated Connectivity Unit fitted and the myKTM app installed, riders can personalise their KTM SX-F according to their preferences and track conditions without technical assistance. Offering the finest technical touch, the myKTM app allows for a wide spectrum of adjustability on the fly, a privilege that was limited to elite KTM factory riders until recently.

As a towering example of power-to-weight ratio excellence in the KTM two-stroke range, the 2021 KTM 125 SX is boldened with a fresh piston and clutch internals, with the treatment extending to the 250cc-challenging KTM 150 SX.

KTM treats its Sportminicycle roster with the same ground-up priority for development as the full-size bikes. The KTM 85 SX, KTM 65 SX and KTM 50 SX and KTM 50 SX Mini therefore count on a new throttle assembly for better and smoother throttle action.

For the KTM 85 SX, braking potential is much higher thanks to larger discs and a completely new front and rear brake system made by Formula. All three junior motocrossers now have a tapered handlebar allowing fitment of ODI lock-on grips. For the KTM 50 SX and KTM 50 SX Mini, the new tapered handlebar allows fitment of thinner grips.

The 2021 KTM SX range will become available at KTM dealers worldwide from June 2020 onwards. For more information, visit www.ktm.com.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motocross, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

SX riders turn focus to Pro Motocross

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2020 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Following a historic seven-round stay in Salt Lake City to close out the 2020 FIM/AMA Supercross Championship, a trio of newly crowned titleholders will now set their sights on continued success in this summer’s Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship which will kick off in Indiana in a matter of weeks, on July 18, with the Circle K Ironman National.

As the reigning three-time Pro Motocross 450 Class Champion, it was only a matter of time before the success Tomac has achieved in the grueling conditions of the world’s most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series eventually parlayed into a championship on the prolific stadium circuit.

AMAMX RNd Ironman Tomac Podium MX JK IronmanEli Tomac celebrating on the top step of the podium at the Ironman National in 2018

Tomac is now the winningest active rider in supercross, tied for sixth all time with Ryan Dungey at 34 wins, and has been the dominant force in the discipline for several seasons. Despite all that success, a championship had managed to elude Tomac, but as the 2020 season soldiered on, even withstanding a global pandemic, many of the lessons learned over the course of his Pro Motocross three-peat paid big dividends in his pursuit of a first supercross title.

Eli Tomac and Monster Energy Kawasaki will carry the momentum of a supercross title into the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, where Tomac will seek a fourth consecutive 450 Class crown.

No matter where he started, Tomac found a way to overcome adversity and claw his way through the field, ultimately finishing no worse than seventh, with an average finish of 2.5, over the course of 17 rounds. His series-leading seven wins, including two in Salt Lake City, were more than enough to finally get the job done, making Tomac the 14th rider in the history of the sport to possess both a supercross and Pro Motocross championship. He’ll now shift his focus on making a clean sweep of both U.S. championships in a single season, something 12 others have done before him.

Eli Tomac – 2020 Monster Energy Supercross 450 SX Champion

“Consensus around the world over the past several years has held Eli Tomac as one of the absolute best, if not the best motocross racer on the planet, which is attributed to all of the success he’s had across two distinctly different disciplines,” said Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing. “While his journey to earn that maiden supercross championship was longer than expected, we all knew he was destined to win this championship as well. We in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship have bear witness to Tomac’s greatness en route to back-to-back-to-back 450 Class titles, and we’re delighted to see that he and Monster Energy Kawasaki have finally prevailed in supercross. While significant congratulations are in order for this accomplishment, there’s still more history to be made this summer, where Tomac is in a position to join Ricky Carmichael as the only riders in Pro Motocross history to win four in a row.”

AMA MX Tomac JK MX BuddsCreekTomac will seek a fourth consecutive 450 Pro Motocross crown.

More often than not, the supercross regional championships feature unpredictable, hotly contested title fights. This season’s championship battles were no different, with single-digit margins separating the title hopefuls in both the East and West regions coming into the finale. What followed was arguably the wildest round of the entire season, from which both Ferrandis and Sexton were able to secure rare repeats.

With a second straight supercross title, Dylan Ferrandis enters the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship as a favorite to capture the national title in the 250 Class.

While heartbreak befell one of the championship contenders, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner, both Sexton and Ferrandis answered the call, even though neither rider enjoyed a stress-free afternoon. Sexton overcame a crash in his heat race to grab the bull by the horns in the main event and storm to his fifth win of the season, clinching the title in emphatic fashion, while Ferrandis survived a trip to the LCQ to stay out of trouble and bring home a second championship.

All three AMA Supercross Champions, Sexton, Tomac and Ferrandis

As they make the transition to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, dramatically different opportunities await this duo. For Sexton, he’ll make an anticipated move up into the 450 Class, joining forces with former two-time champion Ken Roczen at Team Honda HRC. As for Ferrandis, he’ll enter his final season in the 250 Class as a major title favorite, following a breakout season in which he finished runner-up to 2019 class champion Adam Cianciarulo.

Chase Sexton will make his anticipated move into the 450 Class for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, joining Ken Roczen at Team Honda HRC.

“There’s no doubt both Chase Sexton and Dylan Ferrandis are leaders of the sport’s bright future,” added Coombs. “We’ve been privileged to witness the growth of both riders into budding stars, and while they’ll be headed on different paths this summer, they both have the talent to carry the torch for years to come. We applaud them for fending off all challenges to once again prevail as supercross champions and look forward to seeing what they’ll accomplish during the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.”

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX IronmanEli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National

Young Australian competitors Hunter and Jett Lawrence are eager to make their mark on the outdoors series after some great rides in supercross competition.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

2021 KTM SX and XC Models Announced

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KTM announced its 2021 motocross and cross country lineup, confirming updates across the SX and XC range plus a new 125 XC two-stroke model.

North American 2021 KTM Off-Road Range Announced

All 2021 SX and XC models get revised WP XACT forks and rear shocks. The updated forks received a new mid-valve damping system, with KTM claiming improved control and feedback. The updated fork also have increased air bypass slots on the air-leg, and new oil bypasses on the outer damping leg. The rear shock received new settings to work with the updated forks. The entire 2021 SX range also comes with Dunlop’s Geomax MX-33 tires.

The 450 SX-F receives engine modifications to improve durability and reduce weight, plus a new mapping to increase bottom-end power. The 125 SX also receives a new piston and an updated clutch.

 

The new 125 XC joins the 250 XC TPI and 300 XC TPI in KTM’s two-stroke cross country lineup.

For the youth-sized motocross models, KTM updated the throttle assemblies and added a tapered handlebar, allowing for thinner grips for smaller hands.

Begin Press Release

THE 2021 KTM SX AND CROSS-COUNTRY RANGE REACHES NEW LEVELS OF TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE

Drawing on feedback from elite racers, the 2021 KTM SX and XC introduce carefully considered refinements and performance updates across their range. To further build on KTM’s success in GNCC Racing, the KTM 125 XC is proudly unveiled for 2021.

All of the laps, victories, trophies and technical research through Motocross, Supercross and Cross-Country races have flowed into the enhancements and upgrades found in the 2021 KTM SX and XC range: the widest and most technically-advanced pool of READY TO RACE machinery available on the market to date. The XC lineup is more potent than ever with the introduction of the 2021 KTM 125 XC, a fully-outfitted cross-country weapon that’s READY TO RACE right off the showroom floor.

In 2019, the brand secured its fourth AMA 450SX Supercross Championship with Cooper Webb’s triumph aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team made a valiant effort to repeat their success in 2020, as Webb recently finished runner-up in the 450SX Championship after taking the title fight down to the series finale in Utah. With four Main Event victories and a total of 13 podiums – the most of any 450SX rider this season – Webb’s speed and consistency are a true testament to the bike’s overall performance and durability. In the 250SX division, the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team made big strides aboard the KTM 250 SX-F with two podium appearances by Brandon Hartranft, who sealed up a career-best fourth overall in the 250SX Western Championship with consistent top-10 finishes all season.

The feedback collected by racing achievements globally helped KTM R&D update the KTM SX and XC model range for 2021 with clear core objectives: to create the lightest, best-handling, most powerful, usable and well-equipped bikes available and to ensure that riders of any age or ability will find the exact technical package they require.

For 2021, improvements across the full-size range focus on suspension and chassis modifications, tweaks to engine architecture to further enhance durability, new Dunlop SX tires and a reworked graphics aesthetic. The WP XACT front forks feature a redesign of the internals including a new mid-valve damping system for improved control and feedback, an increase to the air bypass slot on the air-leg to enhance initial comfort and a new oil bypass in the outer damping-leg tube to reduce pressure peaks. The fully-adjustable WP XACT rear shock features new settings for improved pressure balance and to compliment the updates to the front forks. Both ends have been reconfigured to increase confidence and comfort across a wider spread of surfaces. Dunlop’s Geomax MX-33 is the rubber of choice for the KTM SX models thanks to its versatility and race proven performance.

As the flagship model in the 4-stroke range, the KTM 450 SX-F benefits from new mapping as well as modifications to the piston, crankshaft, engine casing, rocker arms and shift locker to further refine the bike’s excellent performance and durability, and to further shave weight from this already incredibly-light machine. The new mapping provides increased bottom-end power and enhances the performance of Map 2, making it the clear choice for “aggressive” engine character.

As a towering example of excellent power-to-weight ratio in the KTM 2-stroke range, the 2021 KTM 125 SX features a fresh piston and new clutch internals for increased performance and durability, with the treatment extending to the 250 cc-challenging KTM 150 SX.

The Cross-Country line has been equally updated for 2021 and has expanded its range of innovative XC models with the introduction of the 2-stroke KTM 125 XC, the newest stablemate of the KTM 250 XC TPI and KTM 300 XC TPI. The all-new addition to the KTM XC model family, the KTM 125 XC, is the most compact and lightweight of the full-size Cross-Country machines. Matching a lightweight Cross-Country specific chassis up with the most competitive 125 cc 2-stroke engine in the class, it delivers superior agility and power to fulfil the demands of any young and aspiring offroad racer. Throw in an oversized tank and electric start, and you have a machine ready to dominate right out of the crate.

Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Jesse Ansley has led the KTM 125 XC to championship-proven merit in the east coast-based GNCC Series, where he consistently bested the competition to earn back-to-back XC3 Pro-Am Championships in some of the most demanding three-hour cross-country races.

KTM treats its Sportminicycle roster with the same ground-up priority for development as the full-sized bikes. As a result, the KTM 85 SX, KTM 65 SX, KTM 50 SX and KTM 50 SX MINI can now count on a new throttle assembly for better and smoother throttle action. For the KTM 85 SX, braking potential is much higher thanks to a larger rear disc and a completely new front and rear brake system made by FORMULA. All three junior motocrossers now have a tapered handlebar allowing fitment of ODI lock-on grips. For the KTM 50 SX and KTM 50 SX MINI, the new tapered handlebar allows fitment of thinner grips for a confidence-inspiring hold by smaller hands.

First introduced to beginner riders and young racers alike in 2020, the innovative, electrically powered KTM SX-E 5 with adjustable height and power returns in 2021 with new WP XACT front fork tubes that shave 240 gr of weight off the remarkably light chassis, providing that much more confidence and performance for young riders.

To intensify the updated 2021 KTM SX, XC and Sportminicycles, look no further than the KTM PowerParts range. Designed by the engineers in Austria, these premium components can take any KTM machine to new heights.

In addition, adult and junior riders alike can stay READY TO RACE with the KTM PowerWear collection. High-quality riding gear, premium protection and casual clothing are included in the KTM PowerWear lineup.

The 2021 KTM SX and XC range will become available this summer at all authorized KTM dealers. For more info visit www.ktm.com/us.































The post 2021 KTM SX and XC Models Announced appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Miguel Duhamel Shot In Head With BB Gun While Bicycling

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Retired motorcycle racer and champion Miguel Duhamel is, not surprisingly, an avid bicyclist. This past Saturday, while cycling in Red Rock, NV, Duhamel was shot with a BB gun from a passing car. He heard the shot and immediately felt the impact as the BB penetrated the EPS of his bicycle helmet before hitting his head. Then he noticed the blood. No worries, though, Duhamel is recovering nicely.

To read more and see a video interview, go to the Fox 5 Las Vegas website.

The post Miguel Duhamel Shot In Head With BB Gun While Bicycling appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

KRT set up for two-day Misano test

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KRT WorldSBK testing at Misano

This forthcoming test staged over Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June will be unlike any other due to the ongoing pandemic. All KRT team members have been tested and will be health tested and checked during the period of track testing. There will be no regular hospitality unit as such on-site at Misano, with the team getting meals supplied at the track by team staff. For the entire duration team staff will be practicing social distancing and putting in place numerous anti-viral protocols such as facemasks, frequent hand sanitation and adhering to demarked working zones.

Even the confirmed arrival of the team members into Italy just in time to prepare for the Misano test has been a challenge, right up to the last minute. This has been an evolving process considering that the fluid nature of lockdown restrictions are being eased in little-by-little by governments and national bodies, and the team itself features several nationalities in its largely Barcelona-based makeup.  A few other MotoGP and WorldSBK teams will be also on track at Misano this week.

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager

“This test is our real starting point after the long Covid-19 delay. We have to restart again mainly to get into the rhythm with the riders. It is also especially important to understand the health and safety conditions we will find in the next rounds of the championship, and refine our working conditions. We will take all of this very this carefully to not spread the virus inside the paddock. We will need to work in a very calm way, trying to keep our distance and still make a good test. We will have antibody tests every time we meet together. All of this has led to extra jobs and extra difficulties to operate the team but all of it is necessary. We know our riders have been working a lot since Australia, although with some limits of course, so we need to know how they will be when they arrive at the tests. In general we need to organise everything particularly well and with a short calendar after the re-start we have a smaller margin for error. We want to keep winning to the end of the year. We are calm also that both riders are confirmed with KRT for next year now, so we are all fully focused on this championship season. We need to make an especially good job because Kawasaki and our sponsors, like Monster Energy, Motocard, Showa and Elf, understand the present difficulties and they have kept up their support in the project and in their own human inputs. A lot of success and coverage is needed right to the end of the year to repay all their support!”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaJonathan Rea leading Alex Lowes at the 2020 WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island

Rea has even travelled to the Misano test in a small panel van he normally uses to transport his motocross bikes in.

Jonathan Rea

“I am super-excited to get back on the bike – not just to ride again but to see all the team and simply enjoy the working together. I missed that during lockdown. I think this is probably the longest period I have been off the bike! Misano is a great track to get back into the swing of things at. I know our ZX-10RR very well and I know Misano well too. We will have four hot races at the beginning of the re-started season this summer, in Spain and Portugal, so it is perfect to come and test at Misano at this time, as the weather should be similar. The track itself at Misano has a bit of everything – fast corners, both fast and slow changes of direction, and some stop-and-go corners. Because of the lockdown and the quarantine restrictions in the UK I have driven here to Italy in my MX van. I am in here with my bikes, my training gear – pretty much my life is in a van at the minute! I am excited by the journey and getting to test again. It should be a great two days if we keep on working, because we were one of the strongest in Australia. It is really nice to go into this test on the back of securing my future with KRT beyond this season as well. The atmosphere should be pretty nice and we can focus on this year completely. It was great for the team to have been able to get us to this test despite the global situation and I am grateful to Dorna and the circuits for working out the new calendar for us. I cannot wait for the lights to go out on the grid at Jerez on the 1st of August. I will be ready.”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaGBRea leading the WorldSBK Tissot Superpole race at Phillip Island

Lowes travelled to Italy last Saturday, with his Moto2 racing brother Sam and their respective partners. They will stay in a house rather than a hotel close to the circuit itself for the duration of the test.

Alex Lowes

“I am really, really excited to get back on my bike! Obviously I am living my dream job so it has been frustrating not to be able to ride, so to get back out this week? I will be like a kid at Christmas the night before we test! I just want to get back out on my ZX-10RR now. In terms of work and what we are trying to achieve, I am looking forward to picking up where we left off with a good feeling on the bike. The number one target of this test is to get the feeling back with the bike and team, and also enjoy it! This is my first season on the ZX-10RR so is going to be nice to try the Kawasaki at another track with Marcel and the guys. Hopefully by the end of the tests we will be up to a good speed and working on that base setting that worked so well in the winter. I am happy if we get hot conditions at Misano because it will be important for me to work with the bike in that way. I am already out in Italy, getting some training in the sun and riding little bikes. It is red hot right now!”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday Lowes ReaGBKRT 1-2 in WorldSBK Race Two at Phillip Island – GeeBee Image

After two days at Misano the team will relocate back to Spain for another two day test at a circuit all new to WorldSBK racing – Montmelo – just a stone’s throw from the team’s headquarters in Granollers. With one full WorldSBK round already completed in Australia in early March (during which Lowes and Rea won a race apiece) the season restarts at four Iberian circuits – Jerez, Portimao, Aragon (twice) and then Montmelo – in what will be a busy period for all involved in the exciting 2020 WorldSBK championship fight. The season is set to restart for real at Jerez, with racedays scheduled for Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Milestone 450SX win caps off strong finish of Osborne

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News 23 Jun 2020

Milestone 450SX win caps off strong finish of Osborne

Section: Competition

Final round result comes following a major scare in practice.

Image: Octopi Media.

Leading an all-Husqvarna podium in Salt Lake City 7 marked the first victory of Zach Osborne’s 450SX career to complete what was a solid final seven rounds in Utah.

The two-time 250SX East champion has battled injury since transitioning into the premier class last year, but managed to achieve four podiums across the final stretch at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Osborne overcome a major scare by crashing heavily in final qualifying – cleared of internal injuries prior to the main program – and then was able to win the final round of Monster Energy Supercross despite losing a side-plate in the final stages.

It was an emotional result for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team after Husqvarna Motorcycles employee Scott Burtness sadly lost his life earlier in the week. Osborne and the team dedicated their result to Burtness.

“I feel amazing,” Osborne beamed. “That was a good race for all three of us Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing bikes. I actually lost a side panel about six minutes ago, so I was done if Jason didn’t lose the seat there. I got a little bit lucky, but man, it feels amazing to get some results here at the end of the season for my team.

“I just have to give it up to the good lord for keeping me safe. I had a big one in practice this morning, basically missed the whole second practice. That’s normally a game-changer on race day, but I was able to turn it around. And we lost a really valued co-worker at Husky yesterday – this one’s for him.”

It was a 1-2-3 podium sweep for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, with Osborne leading 2018 champion Jason Anderson and Dean Wilson. After entering the SLC rounds ranked 14th in the standings, Osborne climbed to sixth overall by the series completion.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Yamaha MT-03 Review

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Yamaha MT-03 Test

Motorcycle Test by Wayne Vickers – Images by Rob Mott

I’m the first to admit that as a relatively seasoned rider I do find it challenging to get excited about entry level bikes. They generally don’t stir my nether regions like their full sized big brothers can – nor should they be expected to really… that said, I did thoroughly enjoy my time aboard the little MT03. It’s got quite a bit going for it and would make an excellent mount to learn the ropes on and start pushing the boundaries. I must say I’m liking the direction that Yamaha has taken their product line of recent years with the focus on fun and usability.

Yamaha MT-03

Like the rest of the MT range – it’s a funky looking bit of kit. Lots to like, especially from the side profile, that headlight assembly is a little transformer like, but I quite like the overall look. Nice materials and finish overall too. It doesn’t look cheap, or entry level. Plenty of nice little details to admire.

Yamaha MT-03

First things first. Yes, it’s small, but not cramped. In fact I felt as comfortable on this as I recall feeling on the KTM Duke 790 last year, which is saying something as that was a bit of a tardis. Sure – there isn’t a lot of room to move forwards or back, but the sculpted tank shape does a terrific job of letting your legs tuck in.

Yamaha MT-03

Even at my height of just shy of six-foot (181 cm), I actually really enjoyed the riding position and the snugness of that tank shape. Great for teaching newcomers the importance of keeping those legs in for that little bit more feedback from the bike. Seat is also surprisingly comfy even for extended boring highway hauls. Big tick for ergos.

Yamaha MT-03

The dash is one of Yamaha’s better ones. Nicely laid out LCD, clear and simple, but no distance to empty meter.. *cough* (I’m just going to keep saying that now, sorry if it gets repetitive, but they should be standard. It’s 2020…) Switch-gear is also nicely positioned and simple. No complaints here – nothing felt cheap or fragile – just simple. And I’d much rather simple and solid over complex and cheap. Another tick.

Yamaha MT-03

On take off, you notice the clutch feel is smooth and progressive, but man that first gear is low. I felt it was probably a little unnecessarily low and found myself often starting in second gear. Idling along in first gear was just barely faster than Rob’s walking speed on our photo shoot day… Nonetheless, with six cogs, it happily zips about and when on the go you can explore its limits with ease and confidence. And peddling the box when having half a crack on it was a true joy. I don’t think I missed a single shift and the shift feel itself is nice and solid too.

Yamaha MT-03

That little parallel 320 cc mill is a nice thing too. Obviously it’s no torque monster, but it’s almost impossibly linear in its delivery. Once off idle there’s barely a surge or dip all the way to the 14,000 rpm limiter. It’s a happy little vegemite at almost any revs to be honest. In fact.. I wonder what a Tenere 300 would be like… bored out to closer to 400 for some more midrange.. something to challenge the new KTM 390 Adventure… and drop it into a WR based frame with.. Hmmm … Sorry.. I digress.

Yamaha MT-03

ABS at both ends with twin-piston calipers up front provide the stopping power and never feel wanting. Good bite and plenty of feel through the levers. This thing just keeps getting ticks.

Yamaha MT-03

The real strength of the MT-03 is its handling though. That chassis and suspension work together in near perfect harmony. Helped no doubt by its light weight too (tipping the scales at just under 170 kg), there’s plenty of fun to be had on a twisty road aboard the little MT. It’s a proper corner carver in its own right, not just compared to other entry level bikes. Capable of surprising corner speeds. One particular set of tight esses that I ran a few times stood out. Even though it was near blind line on entry, I was gradually getting faster. And faster. And faster… to the point where I was running out of brave pills, not the bike. My corner speed gained about 40 km/hr in about four or five runs. I’d keep adding speed, the bike wouldn’t raise a sweat. Plenty of grip and feedback and never once felt like it was approaching the limits. Even though the road had plenty of ripples and dips both pre and mid corner. I like the steering too. Super agile yet not overly light, sharp or flighty in the front end. Very predictable and precise. It’d be proper fun on a flowing twisty road with super sticky tyres on…

Yamaha MT-03

There’s not a doubt in my mind that it’d be a great platform for a beginner to explore the limits and get the knee down for the first time on the right stretch of road. It took me back to my first bike actually. A CBR250RR four-pot screamer. I had a ball on that bike on roads like the black spur and Great Ocean Road – it only made a half dozen or so more hp at the top than the little MT03 does and the MT has a much better bottom end… It’s a solid package.

Yamaha MT-03

And to top it off the MT-03 barely uses any fuel.. I was seeing a bee’s dick over 3.5-litres per 100 kilometres. Given it has a 14-litre tank that puts it well past the 300 km tank range. It wouldn’t cost much to run, light weight and gentle power delivery means tyres and pads etc would last big kilometres too.

Yamaha MT-03

Time to wrap up. Bearing in mind that this is a low budget entry level bike (a smidge over 7k ride away!!!), it has a lot to offer. Upside down forks, ABS, a bullet-proof twin-cylinder engine and a chassis that encourages you to have fun. There’s no wonder I see quite a few of these on the road… that’s a lot of smiles per dollar right there.

Yamaha MT-03

Why I like it

  • What a fun little package
  • Doesn’t actually feel small. Surprisingly good ergos, great tank shape
  • Agile yet predictable handling. It likes corners! And won’t bite.

I’d like it even more if

  • Exhaust note is w-h-i-s-p-e-r quiet. Barely hear it on the highway over wind noise.
  • Gearing is perhaps a little short down the bottom. It happily starts in second.
  • I’d sacrifice some top end for a little more mid-range

Yamaha MT-03

Yamaha MT-03 Specifications

Engine
Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 2-cylinder
Displacement 321 cc
Bore x Stroke 68.0 mm × 44.1 mm
Compression Ratio 11.2 : 1
Lubrication Wet sump
Fuel Management Fuel Injection
Starter System / Ignition Electric / TCI
Fuel Capacity 14L
Transmission Chain / Constant mesh 6-speed
Chassis
Frame Diamond
Front Suspension Telescopic forks, 130 mm travel
Rear Suspension Swingarm, 125 mm travel
Front Brakes Hydraulic single disc, 298 mm – ABS
Rear Brakes Hydraulic single disc, 220 mm – ABS
Front Tyres 110/70-17M/C (54H) Tubeless
Rear Tyres 140/70-17M/C (66H) Tubeless
Dimensions
Length 2090 mm
Width 755 mm
Height 1070 mm
Seat Height 780 mm
Wheelbase 1380 mm
Ground Clearance 160 mm
Wet Weight 168 kg
RRP – $7299 Ride Away

Yamaha MT-03 Images

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Indian introduce new seat with both heating and cooling

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Indian’s new ClimaCommand Classic Seat

Indian Motorcycle today announced what they claim is a revolutionary new technology geared to improved rider comfort through a patent-pending system that delivers superior cooling for a more pleasant riding experience in warm weather.

The all-new ClimaCommand Classic Seat delivers both heating and cooling to riders and passengers and raises the bar for cooling thanks to three key elements:

  • A proprietary thermoelectric module that pumps heat away from the rider
  • A patent-pending ducting system for cooling the thermoelectric module
  • Graphene, a highly conductive and flexible material that optimises the distribution of heating or cooling while maintaining superior comfort

Indian claim that their thermoelectric technology is much more effective than the automotive market standard of HVAC convection systems. A critical performance benefit of the ClimaCommand technology is that it actually produces a surface that’s cold to the touch, rather than merely pushing cool air through perforations in the surface in the manner that HVAC system offerings operate.

“Despite advancements in heating and cooling for seats, we had yet to see a cooling technology that truly eliminated the discomfort of hot-weather, and with ClimaCommand, our engineering team has finally solved this problem,” claimed Ross Clifford, Vice President of Parts, Garments, and Accessories at Indian Motorcycle. “Our thermoelectric technology paired with graphene material is truly a gamechanger, and another example of Indian Motorcycle bringing difference-making innovation to the market.”

To accomplish conduction heating and cooling, a thermoelectric module located within the seat directly regulates the temperature. Electricity is applied to a thermoelectric module to the graphene material, causing one side of the material to absorb heat and the opposing side to dissipate heat. By reversing electrical flow, the hot and cold temperatures alternate sides. A graphene material, which is a nanomaterial created from 100% carbon atoms, is then used to ensure the heating and cooling is dispersed throughout the entire seat.

ClimaCommand Classic Seat

The well-cushioned ClimaCommand Classic Seat delivers unprecedented comfort with Thunderstroke models. Independent rider and passenger controls (low, medium, high) allow the rider and passenger to remain in command of their heating and cooling levels. With no perforations, the seat’s vinyl cover is highly-durable and water and UV-resistant. Passengers can add more comfort with Armrest Pads and a Trunk Backrest Pad, both designed and developed to seamlessly pair with the new ClimaCommand Classic Seat.

ClimaCommand Classic Seat

It’s important to note that the ClimaCommand Classic Seat is not Ride Command-integrated. However, Ride Command-integrated versions of the ClimaCommand Seat will be available for the 2020 Chieftain and Roadmaster later this year.

The ClimaCommand Classic Seat is now shipping to dealers and available at Imcaustralia.com

In addition to the all-new ClimaCommand Classic Seat, Indian Motorcycle is introducing an array of new parts and accessories for FTR 1200 models. FTR 1200 riders can select from high or low mount carbon-fibre Akrapovič exhaust options, several new air-box tank cover options, new billet aluminum Rizoma mirrors, and a carbon-fibre nacelle to enhance the high-performance design of the FTR 1200.

Source: MCNews.com.au