The motorcycles may have a defect in the 10 amp circuit breakers.
What are the hazards?
A defective circuit breaker may cause the engine to unexpectedly stop running, increasing the risk of an accident and/or injury.
What should consumers do?
Indian Motorcycle will notify consumers of the recall by mail. Consumers should contact their preferred Indian Motorcycle dealer to arrange for their motorcycle to be repaired, free of charge. Repairs must be performed only by an authorised Indian Motorcycle dealer.
If you have questions please contact Polaris Customer Service on 03 9394 5610 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm, excluding Victorian public holidays).
Alpinestars will be showcasing over 55 years of class-leading product innovation in motorcycling and motorsports protection technology, including the all-new completely independent Tech-Air® 5 motorcycling airbag system. The new system is the latest addition to the Alpinestars Tech-Air® family, allowing more users to benefit from an independent, wearable garment featuring all the protection that the Tech-Air® airbag system delivers.
Tech-Air® 5 is a slim, self-contained wearable airbag vest designed to be worn under any textile jacket. The system provides unrivaled upper body protection uniquely covering the rider’s shoulders, critical in motorcycling accidents, in addition to the chest, ribs and full back, and offering the most comprehensive coverage of any motorcycling airbag available today.
The state-of-the-art Tech-Air® 5 airbag system features six integrated sensors which continuously monitor acceleration and the rider’s position. In the event of a crash, the system has a maximum inflation time of up to 40ms and the impact absorption while wearing the airbag results in a decrease of the impact force by up to 93% compared to a passive protector. The airbag has been designed to deploy before the first impact with an obstacle, and in addition, protects riders in the event of a rear-end collision.
The system includes Bluetooth connectivity and comes with the Tech-Air® App, which uses the rider’s phone to display the system’s operational status, battery status and provides detailed analysis of a ride, in addition to over-the-air firmware updates. The airbag has a battery life of 30 hours of riding time on a single charge and an LED display conveniently shows system status directly on the garment. The Tech-Air® 5 airbag system will be available on the market in March 2020.
The Consumer Electronics Show takes place from January 7th to 10th in Las Vegas. Alpinestars will showcase the Tech-Air® 5 airbag system and offer live airbag deployments to CES attendees. Please plan to visit our booth for the unveiling of the airbag on January 7th. Alpinestars exhibit will be in Hall D, Booth 46046, of the Sands Expo Center and our technical staff will be available to showcase the innovation on display, provide live airbag inflations, and meet with journalists and attendees on an individual basis.
The Ecommerce site puts customers in closer contact with their local dealers.
Begin press release:
Vespa is already known for blending classic style with modern technology, and today the brand increases its ability to interact with a contemporary and connected consumer. The Vespa USA online store offers customers the ability to browse existing vehicle styles, colors, displacements, as well as accessory and apparel offerings. Utilizing Vespa USA’s network of authorized Vespa dealerships, purchasers can consider stock availability, ongoing promotions, and delivery preferences in order to receive an official estimate and place an order directly, at any time, day or night, convenient to them.
As a tool to the dealership network, the Vespa Online Store will help pre-qualify interested parties for special financing and promotions, on the model of their dreams, ahead of their arrival. To better support the customer’s vision and interests, the online store allows consumers to consider popular performance and cosmetic accessories, as well as technical and lifestyle apparel, which in turn allows the dealership to better serve each customer’s style and quickly allocate restocking as needed.
Optimized for both desktop and mobile platforms, Vespa is pleased to announce its own e-commerce tool that streamlines the consumer journey, better supporting dealerships to manage and fulfill their expectations. The Vespa Online Store is developed to optimize the amount of information available online, which Vespa expects will bring more customers into authorized dealerships and continue to grow the amount of satisfied Vespa owners on the road.
Live And On-Demand Streaming Also Available For Roku
Begin press release:
MotoAmerica has announced that pre-sale pricing for MotoAmerica Live+, the series’ live and on-demand streaming service, is now available for the 2020 MotoAmerica Series. In addition to the service being available for IOS and Android apps, MotoAmerica Live+ will also be available on Roku streaming media players and smart TVs prior to the start of the racing season.
The pre-sale pricing of $54.99 will be available through March 1, 2020, and existing MotoAmerica Live+ customers will be renewed automatically on March 1 at the sale price, which equates to $5.50 per round. In addition to the season package, individual rounds can be purchased pre-race for $9.99.
MotoAmerica Live+ is comprised of four to six hours of daily live coverage of all five classes during the 2020 MotoAmerica Series via a paywall package that opens the series to anyone with a computer and/or smart TV/phone and internet access worldwide. MotoAmerica has partnered with ViewLift, a leading digital distribution and monetization platform, to power its digital and live-streaming experiences on web and mobile devices. The MotoAmerica Live+ features live coverage each day, including practice, qualifying and racing from every class, plus interviews, special features, etc., from all 10 rounds.
“Our MotoAmerica Live+ proved to be extremely popular in its first year and we’re pleased to be able to provide pre-sale pricing to our fans,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Last season we received a lot of requests from fans wanting to stream MotoAmerica Live+ through Roku so we’ve stepped up this year to make that possible. The coming season promises to be an exciting one and MotoAmerica Live+ makes sure that our fans don’t miss a minute of our on-track activity from green light to checkered flag.”
Roku now boasts of 30.5 million active accounts with viewers streaming 9.4 billion hours in the second quarter of 2019, up from 5.5 billion hours in the second quarter of 2018.
MotoAmerica fans who purchase the MotoAmerica Live+ package during the pre-sale will be eligible to buy tickets to five of the 10 events at a 50-percent discount. The tracks that are eligible for the discount are Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Virginia International Raceway, Pittsburgh International Race Complex, New Jersey Motorsports Park and Barber Motorsports Park.
When it comes to motorcycle sport-touring no other bike brand offers the wide array of motorcycling options as Kawasaki. And for those seeking an upright sport-touring rig that strikes an optimum balance between the two segments look no further than Kawasaki’s 2020 Versys 1000 SE LT+ ($17,999).
Equal parts sport and touring, Kawasaki’s 2020 Versys 1000 SE LT+ lives up to its “Versys” nomenclature.Adam Waheed
Last updated for the 2019 model year, the Versys 1000 SE LT wears more edgy-looking bodywork that’s slathered in a newly developed and scratch-resistant paint. Sophisticated LED lighting package with cornering headlamps brighten dark, moonless roads. More creature comforts come in the form of heated handgrips and a manually, tool-less adjustable windscreen. The plush, well-supportive saddle for rider and passenger and upright handlebar makes it easy to drain the 5.5-gallon fuel tank.
The Versys 1000 is powered by Kawasaki’s tried-and-true 1,043cc inline-four. The engine has been retrofitted with exquisitely calibrated ride-by-wire throttle control. This enables multiple engine/throttle response maps and cruise control.Adam Waheed
A set of well-engineered easy-to-put-on, easy-to-take-off color-matched hard cases are capable of swallowing nearly 15 gallons of cargo. We loaded them with a 100 or so Matchbox toy cars that we dropped off at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The Southern California hospital specializes in pediatric care, and treats more than 100,000 sick kiddos each year.
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ comes outfitted with a well-engineered set of color-matched hard cases. Both cases are lockable and can be easily removed from the motorcycle.Adam Waheed
Its tried-and-true 1,043cc inline-four has been retro-fitted with ride-by-wire throttle connectivity that facilitates selectable engine/throttle response maps (Rain, Road, Sport, and a customizable Rider setting). The setup also allows for ultra-precise cruise control. An up-and-downshift-compatible electronic quickshifter makes for fast gearshifts, and is especially helpful when downshifting at lean.
The rider and passenger saddle on the Versys 1000 is plush and well-supportive. If you’re seeking a comfy touring rig, this bike is it.Adam Waheed
These improvements go a long way to making this engine feel more modern than it is (remember, its architecture is based off the old Ninja ZX-9R). Still, with around 105 hp the Versys 1000 likes to boogie and delivers an especially raucous engine/airbox note inside the cockpit. As always, this powertrain can feel buzzy at higher rpm, but it’s easy to overlook considering how playful the engine is with especially well-sorted throttle response.
A color TFT display flanks the swept-face tachometer. The display offers crisp fonts and the settings are manipulated via handlebar-mounted switchgear. While we wish the display was touchscreen-compatible, the rider can use Kawasaki’s Rideology smartphone app to communicate with the motorcycle and make setting adjustments.Adam Waheed
The Versys 1000 SE LT+ now includes semi-active suspension that automatically adjusts damping settings based on road conditions and rider control input. The damping settings are linked to each riding mode. Furthermore, the rider can further tune the suspension to their liking via the Rider map. Handlebar-mounted switch gear offers great tactile function and the color display offers crisp fonts with a logical menu layout.
Rider’s select from four combined engine/throttle maps (Rain, Road, Sport, and a customizable Rider map). Semi-active suspension, with electronically adjustable shock preload, and cruise control are all touring-friendly features.Adam Waheed
With nearly 6 inches of suspension travel fore and aft, the Versys 1000 glides over the rough tarmac yet offers a pleasing degree of road holding during more spirited riding maneuvers. Triple-disc hydraulic brakes with cornering ABS functionality keep speed in check and helps mitigate loss of control when riding through turns. Lean-angle-sensitive and three-way-adjustable traction control helps ensure the Bridgestone Battlax T31 sport-touring rubber doesn’t excessively slip.
Kawasaki teamed up with Showa for its semi-active electronically adjustable suspension. The suspenders offer a good compromise between touring comfort and spirited-riding-friendly road holding.Adam Waheed
With an MSRP that’s nearly $5,000 more than the old Versys 1000, this 2020 SE LT+ edition certainly can’t be deemed cheap. However, for a rider seeking a regal touring experience that skates the fine line between sport and touring duties, the Versys 1000 SE LT+ delivers.
Bridgestone’s marvelous and well-rounded Battlax T31 sport-touring tires are OE fitment on the Versys 1000.Adam Waheed
2020 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ Price and Technical Specifications
MSRP
$17,999
ENGINE
1,043cc, liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE
6-speed/chain
CLAIMED TORQUE
75.2 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm
FRAME
Twin-spar aluminum
FRONT SUSPENSION
Showa 43mm inverted fork adjustable for KECS-controlled rebound and compression damping, manual preload; 5.9-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION
Showa piggyback reservoir shock adjustable for KECS-controlled rebound and compression damping, electronic preload; 5.9-in. travel
The Versys 1000 is outfitted with a sophisticated lighting package. The LED headlamps are some of the best we’ve sampled during night rides, and cornering lamps help illuminate the road through turns.Adam Waheed
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What happened this week
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
2020 Australian Track Championship
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
For what will be the 95th edition of the FIM’s longest-running motorcycle race, the 2020 FIM ISDE will be held in Rivanazzano Terme in northern Italy from 31 August to 5 September. A nation rich in Enduro heritage, Italy last held the FIM ISDE in 2013 on the island of Sardinia.
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
In 2020, it will be the Apennies region of Lombardy and Piedmont that will showcase the beauty of the country to off-road motorcycling enthusiasts from around the World. For race week Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip will turn into the headquarters for this iconic race.
Its buildings will offer full facilities to organisers and the World’s attending media, while the runaway itself will provide a spacious and hard standing working environment for all competing nations. There will also be room for a separate three-hundred-pitch camping area to accommodate competitors and spectators alike.
From Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip the race will lead riders out into the surrounding Apennies mountain region each day, with three unique courses to test both the World’s best Enduro riders and courageous amateurs.
As per tradition, the competition will sign off with a Motocross race on day six at Ottobiano Motorsport. With the circuit previously hosting the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship it will ensure a fitting and spectacular ending to the 2020 FIM ISDE.
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Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
With the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship less than a month away, the Australian contingent that’ll represent the green and gold will be the strongest it’s been in a decade.
Australian legend Chad Reed will sport the deuce deuce in his final A1 appearance, as he looks to conclude an illustrious career having earnt two World Supercross Championships.
Chad Reed – Image by AM
The Lawrence brothers of Jett and Hunter are meanwhile set to make their World Supercross debuts for Geico Honda in 2020. Jett is confirmed on the West Coast, however Hunter’s future in that regard is unclear, with either A1 or the East Coast opener inside Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium the destination for his Supercross debut.
Jett Lawrence – Image by AM
Luke Clout has teamed up with Australian backed Penrite Honda Racing to take on the 250 West Coast Supercross rounds as the team expands into the United States.
Luke Clout – Image by Michael Antonovich
Joining Clout on the West is his Serco Yamaha teammate from 2013, Jay Wilson, who’s put together his own Yamaha program to compete in the mostly Californian rounds.
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Stalwart young privateer Joel Wightman too will make the jump over in the premier 450cc Class, whilst Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti joins Wilson and co. in the opening 250cc West rounds.
Joel Wightman – Image by AM
The rapid rise of the Australian Supercross Championship is a major player in domestic Supercross development, with the 2019 series accelerating the professionalism of the sport within Australia, along with providing the springboard for young talent to pursue their dream on the world stage.
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Chad Reed has shouldered the load for Australia in Supercross for the last decade, however it’s apparent that the nation is once again on the map worldwide, with a barrage of riders lining up and prepared to take on the world’s best in 2020.
See below for the full 2020 AMA SX calendar.
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OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Australia’s 2020 Senior Solo Speedway Championship rounds, which will be held at Albury-Wodonga Speedway in Victoria, and Gillman Speedway in South Australia, will be live streamed to the world, following Motorcycling Australia securing the deal with NRGTV.
OZ Speedway to stream in 2020
A star studded 16-man field of former World and Australian Champions is set to kickstart the championship including 2016 under 21 World Champion Max Fricke and 2012 Speedway Grand Prix World Champion Chris Holder at Albury-Wodonga on January 6, and Gillman January 11.
The live stream will be available FREE at both events (stream times TBC) via www.australianspeedwaychampionships.com.au (link) and returning to the commentary box will be Kevin Williams and three-time World Speedway Champion Jason Crump.
With no brakes, gears or fear, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship at Albury-Wodonga and Gillman Speedways is expected to capture a significant worldwide audience particularly through Europe.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is one of the strongest championship fields we have produced which will guarantee spectators see some of the best racing of the new year both here in Australia and around the world.”
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
Motorcycling Australia have announced Yamaha Motor Australia as the major sponsor of the 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship, with 2020 marking the 15th consecutive year.
The partnership sees a significant expansion of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) which will feature 15 classes of competition, with new junior classes, the return of the 2 Stroke Cup, and Vintage class and continuation of all senior classes.
2019 AORC – Pro Race Start – Hedley, Victoria
The expanded competition will take championship rounds to Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and for the first time in history Tasmania and include sprint, cross country and enduro formats.
This 15-year partnership has produced a credible, sustainable and dependable championship for off-road racing enthusiasts that not only caters for grass roots motorcycling but has also produced talented riders that have gone on to the greatest of heights on the world stage.
Yamaha Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard, said Yamaha was dedicated to supporting the AORC and its expansion in 2020.
Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsport Manager
“Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to continue our substantial and positive relationships with Motorcycling Australia and the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship in 2020. 2019 was a sensational season and we believe with improvements to the 2020 calendar with new classes and adding Tasmania to the championship there will be even greater progress and improved development of off-road racing in Australia. We look forward to continue working closely with MA and local clubs throughout Australia to further develop the championship that has proven to be a fertile ground for producing international standard riders.”
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2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
The 2020 FIM Speedway of Nations world champions will be crowned at Great Britain’s National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, with German track Landshut and Latvian circuit Daugavpils confirmed to host the semi-finals.
Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations
The Finals of speedway’s world team championship will take place on May 8 and 9, with GB seeded through automatically as host nation.
This will be the first time Great Britain has hosted the Monster Energy SON Finals, while GB’s opponents will be decided at the two semi-finals, with Semi-Final 1 taking place at Bavarian track Landshut on April 25 and Semi-Final 2 being hosted by Daugavpils on May 2.
Three nations from each round will qualify for the Monster Energy SON Finals in Manchester, joining Great Britain.
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations Calendar
April 25: Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany
May 2: Semi-Final 2: Daugavpils, Latvia
May 8/9: Finals: Manchester, Great Britain
2020 Speedway of Nations Semi-Final Draw
Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany (April 25): Germany, Poland, Denmark, Slovenia, Czech Republic, France and Italy.
Semi-Final 2: DAUGAVPILS, LATVIA (May 2): Latvia, Russia, Australia, Sweden, Ukraine, Finland and USA.
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Motorcycling Australia have released the list of riders selected to compete in the 2020 Australian 125cc Solo Speedway Championship at Pinjar, Western Australia, with a 16-rider field selected, as well as the 125cc Teams Championship which will kick-off the Championship at Pinjar Park on the weekend of January 17.
Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager, Sam Redfern, said the 16-rider solo and seven teams fielded shows Australia’s speedway talent was flourishing.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is a fantastic field of Australian talent for the 2020 solo championship and 125cc teams championship. Australian speedway is in a very healthy state and we have the talent to represent Australia on the world stage. I would certainly encourage speedway fans to get to Pinjar on the weekend of January 17 for what will be a fantastic championship meet.”
Due to a lack of nominations in the 250cc class, it will not proceed.
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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have announced the signing of 2019 WESS Enduro World Champion Manuel Lettenbichler. The 21-year-old German joins the factory team with immediate effect as part of a two-year deal for 2020 and 2021.
Manuel Lettenbichler
Lettenbichler recently completed his most successful season to date, with the young German clinching the 2019 WESS Enduro World Championship title following a winning ride at the final round of the series, the GetzenRodeo.
Throughout 2019 Lettenbichler established himself as one of the world’s leading enduro competitors. With victories at Red Bull Romaniacs and GetzenRodeo, plus podium results at Extreme XL Lagares, Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble and the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, he achieved a total of seven top-five results from eight championship starts, on route to securing his debut WESS world title.
Additionally, ‘Mani’ added further silverware to his 2019 trophy cabinet by winning the AMA Extreme Offroad Grand Championship when he became the first non-American rider to win the Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro.
Lettenbichler joins riders Jonny Walker, Josep Garcia and Nathan Watson for 2020, where he’ll aim to successfully defend his WESS Enduro World Championship crown. Additionally, the young German will also contest selected AMA U.S. Extreme Offroad events.
Manuel Lettenbichler
“I’m really excited to join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2020 and beyond. I’ve ridden KTM motorcycles since I started in enduro but joining the factory team really feels like the next chapter of my career is really beginning now. They are a team I’ve looked up to for a long time. We’ve worked closely together during the last two years, so I know how professional they are and I’m excited to make this an even closer relationship. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and know that racing to defend my title will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get started.”
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Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
Yamaha’s MX2 race team Serco Yamaha have announced the signings of Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to steer their YZ250F’s in 2020. Both riders are contracted to do the MX Nationals and the Australian Supercross Championships in the MX2 and SX2 (250cc) divisions and are out for nothing short of championship success.
Tanti returns to the team after laying solid foundations in 2019. Tanti finished fifth in the MX Nationals but was consistently in the lead group and unlucky not to finish higher in the championship standings.
He produced a break out season in Supercross, battling with the US stars on his way to fifth place in the championship, despite not finishing the final round. Although injured from a fall at the final round of Supercross, Tanti has taken to the US to keep racing and training as he prepares for the 2020 onslaught.
Aaron Tanti
“This is the first time in my career I have been with the one team for more than one season, so the stability is something that I like and allows me to make plans knowing that I have the support of Serco Yamaha for 2020. I have a great working relationship with Gavin and the Serco Yamaha team and we were quickly able to get something sorted for the 2020 season a little while ago so that allowed me to focus on my racing and training knowing that things are in place for next season. The YZ250F is an unbelievable bike and we already have a great platform to go ahead even further in 2020 as the team and myself have extensive knowledge and testing already done. It’s awesome to be able to continue with Serco Yamaha and look forward to another successful year with the team.”
Aaron Tanti – Image by AM
Joining Tanti for 2020 will be a new comer to Australian shores, Dylan Walsh. The New Zealand native has been competing in Europe for the past few seasons, highlighted with victory in the British MX2 Championship in 2019, but will return down under for the 2020 and make his debut in the Australian MX Nationals. Walsh will start his year racing in New Zealand before coming to Australia in March and begin the championship chase.
Dylan Walsh
“I would love to have stayed in Europe and continued racing as I felt that I would be a contender in MX2 this year but with the tight economy, my team shut down and I was left with nothing. Australia was the first place I looked when I got the news, and at the same time, Gavin has been doing some research on me, so it all worked out smoothly and here we are. Serco Yamaha have a great reputation and also a lot of success over the years in both motocross and supercross so its awesome to be part of such a strong and committed team. My plan is to stay in New Zealand and do the Nationals over here as a warm up for the MX Nationals in Australia. I will then base myself in South East Queensland to be near the team and get stuck into racing in Australia. I’m both exciting and looking forward to the new challenge and know that the level of racing in Australia is very good at the moment. I watched the racing regularly while I was in Europe and its no coincidence that many MXGP teams are looking at Australian riders. But I’m fit and ready to go and hoping for a great season both here in New Zealand and Australia.”
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GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
GasGas Factory Racing have announce the signing of Albert Cabestany, who will compete in the 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup, assisting GasGas to push forward with the development of electric powered machinery, aboard the GasGas TXE.
Albert Cabestany
“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity with GasGas Motorcycles. Winning this year’s Trial-E World Cup with the TXE gave me a real insight into the true potential of this exciting motorcycle. I was very impressed with its capabilities and know that moving forward we can raise the bar again in 2020. It’s going to be a lot of fun fighting to defend my crown and hopefully delivering GasGas a fourth consecutive title.”
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
Cabestany is a name that needs little introduction in trials. Arguably one of the sport’s most successful riders, Albert impressively achieved nine wins and over 80 podium results during his 21-year-long FIM Trial World Championship career.
Coming together with GasGas Factory Racing for a one-off outing at the 2019 FIM Trial-E World Cup, Cabestany instantly gelled with the TXE, winning both rounds of the series to clinch the title in style. With his experience and vast trials knowledge the Spaniard is a natural fit to assist GasGas with the ongoing development of its TXE machine.
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
The three-round 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup takes place in Andorra, Italy and France.
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
Following attendance across the five rounds polling at 70,000, the 2019 Australian Supercross championship has been heralded a major success, with each round – bar Adelaide – also having a broadcast presence, giving an even wider audience.
The International interest from riders year on year too is undeniable, with more and more world-class caliber riders making the trip Down Under prior to their World Supercross Championship assault.
2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM
General rider numbers were on the increase too, especially in Wollongong where riders in both the SX1 and SX2 Classes were required to qualify for the night show – which is something that hasn’t happened in the series for a number of years. Overall, rider participation in the Australian Supercross Championship for 2019 was the strongest it’s been in at least the last decade.
Planning is now well underway for the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship and with an increasingly solid foundation in place, is expected to continue it’s steady growth in viewer eyeballs, event attendance and incredible racing competition. Stay tuned for more details on the 2020 Australian Supercross season.
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MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
The following official Information Bulletin has been released by Motorcycle Australia, advising of a number of changes for the 2020 Dirt Track and Track seasons, regarding classes and competition.
Information Bulletin #2003 : 18/12/2019
Affected Disciplines: Dirt Track and Track
Information Pertains to: Dirt Track and Track Chapter Combination and Alterations to the 2020 MoMS
Updated: It was a directive from MA and the MA Board to combine the Dirt Track and Track Chapters. The intention with combining these chapters is for equality and fairness, safety and simplifying the rules as these disciplines are similar, but not the same.
Major changes implemented for 2020
15.2 Junior class age brackets
Slider and MX bikes and classes are separated. (As per new rule 15.5.0.6)
Standard Wheel and Big Wheel bikes in classes will compete together.
15.5.0.6 Rule deletion
The Commission and the Rules and Technical Committee have approved this Chapter and these updates as they are presented. We understand that in doing this there will be teething problems and not everyone will be satisfied with all rules. If you wish to propose a change to these rules they can do so by following the Rule Change Process as outlined on Pages 6 & 7 of the MoMS.
Current Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship Classes; (as will appear in the printed 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Pro 450 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke
MX Open 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke
250 Slider 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke
500cc Slider Up to 500cc
Slider Open Unlimited 460cc and over
Pro Open Women Unlimited
Sidecar Up to 1100cc
ATV Open Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship
7-u9 – 65cc
9-u13 – 65cc
7-u10 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
10-u14 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
9-u1211 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
11-u1613 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4strokeStandard Wheel
11-u13 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke &
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
New/Updated Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship & Competition Classes; (as will appear in the online 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro 450 – 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke (MX)
MX Open – 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro Open Women – Unlimited (MX)
250 Slider – 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke * removed due to lack of competitors
500cc Slider – Up to 500cc
Slider Open – Unlimited 460cc and over
Sidecar – Up to 1100cc
ATV Open – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
4-u9 – 50cc Demo Division 1 Non Competitive
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship * rationale for change below
9-u1311 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke * 2 class options for 12 year olds
1211-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only * removed due to insufficient entries
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke * removed due to duplication
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke & * removed as several other class options
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Rationale for the 7-u9 50cc Divi 2 class being changed to a Non Championship class is to ensure the children are here for development and fun with as little pressure and stress on them to win as possible. We do not want children to be pushed prematurely. These are young children and should not be stressed to race and win an Australian Championship, they will have the rest of their riding lives to chase titles if they choose to do so. It is also the hope this will bring bike costs and affordability down.
New Rule
15.5.0.6 Slider and MX machines are to compete separately, in their specified classes. Rationale being the Commission and the Rules & Technical Committee advise this is because they are different machines, with different styles, performance, machine requirements etc.
Rule removal
The below rule is to be removed;
15.4.1.2 Riders are eligible to enter one class above capacity of the machine entered (senior riders only).
Rationale for this rule being removed, is that capacity machines should be racing with comparable machines as they were designed. This will reduce over subscribed combined classes and in turn will come back to competitors as more of their class events on track.
Number Board Colours for Juniors
Tips to understanding and using the correct number board colours for your child. Understand child’s age as at 1st of January of that race year (2020). For Example, my child turned 12 on the 20th of June 2019, so as at the 1st of January 2020 my child is 12 years old, and can compete in this class all year. If my child decides to move up to a 13 year old class throughout the year, they can no longer go back down and compete in 12 year old classes.
Chose a racing class (for example 9-u13 85cc 2stroke or 9-u13 65cc etc)
Identify the age bracket on the number board colour table (15.9.3.2) which is most suitable and colour will be Canary Yellow boards with black numbers)
You can only compete in one age group class.
Wheel Sizes;
Several corrections and duplications have been identified and updated.
Current Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 17” [381 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
New/Updated Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 85cc80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 19”17” [381 to 482432] 14” to 17” [356 to 432] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
Effective from: 1/1/2020
Note: As rules can be changed throughout the year, please view the most up to date MoMS at www.ma.org.au. Please see the MA website for Rule Change Request processes and documents.
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2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
Motorcycling Australia and Williams Event Management have announced the 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship calendar. The series will be conducted over six weekends with nine rounds and three double header events.
Australian Motocross Championship – Image by
A number of factors have required changes to the 2020 calendar particularly around community, rider and spectator safety.
Original plans had the MX Nationals Pro Am at Traralgon in February for the Australian Women’s Vets and Under 19’s. But due to the extreme dry weather conditions and high fire danger risk the Traralgon event was cancelled, with a hope to reschedule it in the coming months.
There have been some major changes to the championship over the last five years, and riders and spectators will see changes again next year to fit within the current climate.
2020 Australian Motocross National Championship dates
Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23
The series will see several changes in order to ensure the future development and progress of the sport. All rounds will have two moto format only, and other changes are being considered. The supplementary regulation will be release in the first week of February.
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
Motorcycling NSW have announced the 2020 King of MX calendar, with the series heading into its third year and continuing to encourage local racers in each of the six state regions to enter their local qualifier.
The King of MX was designed to revitalise the NSW State Motocross Championship, supporting regional clubs and their members by bringing a larger scale open event to them, where local club racers can throw down against those choosing to travel.
King of MX
2020 will see new partners combined with some long-term supporters to not only maintain the overall prize pool, but also tailor more prizes to those who do well at a qualifier, not just the final.
As with previous years, the King of MX will consist of six qualifying events, where the first six or seven (depending on the gates available at each qualifier) riders in each class will earn a ‘golden ticket’ to the final. Once a golden ticket is earned, riders don’t have to race any other qualifiers unless they want to, however each rider is only eligible to earn one golden ticket per class.
At the final, in a location that will be announced in due course, State Title Champions will be decided on the June long weekend, over three motos for each class, with the Prince and Princess of MX crowned from the 13 to under-16 years 250F (128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years) and 13 to under-16 years girls’ class (100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years, all female) winners.
2019 King of MX Final winners
The 2020 King and Queen of MX will once again battle it out across their respective feature races, with racers selected based on the results of the senior class races. For more information on the 2020 King of MX, head to the brand-new website www.kingofmx.com.au
2020 King of MX Calendar
Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 5 – April 18-19, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Sydney – Top 7 qualify for final
Final – June 6-8, Undisclosed Location
NSW State Motocross Championship Classes
Nippers 4-u/7 years – Demonstration Only
50cc Division 2 – 7-u/9 years
65cc 7-u/10 years
65cc 10-u/12 years
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 9-u/12 years {standard wheel}
85cc 2st /150cc 4st 12-u/14 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 14-u/16 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 12-u/16 years All Female {standard & big wheel}
100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st 13-u/16 years All Female
100cc-125cc 2st 13-u/16 years
128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st 13-u/16 years
MXW All Powers
MX1 A-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
MX1 B-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
C Grade Open
MX2 A-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
MX2 B-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
C Grade Lites
+35 Vets All Powers
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
You only get 1,440 minutes in a day and it’s a shame when any of them are wasted. Especially stuck in your car in traffic on the way to work. You instantly turn those minutes (or hours for some) into quality time when you hop on a motorcycle. You can still get in your morning podcast, or rock out to your favorite tunes if you’re dialed with a Bluetooth headset, but you also get the satisfaction that’s only provided by covering some miles on two wheels.
There are a lot of motorcycle types out there that can do the trick, but one of the best you might not have considered is an adventure bike. Comfortable and capable, adventure motorcycles can easily weave through congested traffic, carry cargo, and deliver you to the office without a sore back. Plus, if you decide to play hookey instead of clocking in, an adventure bike will allow you to get some off-road miles far from where anyone might spot you. It’s a win-win all around. So we picked seven adventure bikes that are also ideal commuters for those of you looking to shake the dust off your daily routine.
BMW R 1250 GS
The R 1250 GS is a great commuter despite its size.BMW
The BMW R 1250 GS is the latest iteration of a line of top-spec GS motorcycles that over the years have become many riders’ go-to, do-anything machine. For 2019 it made the jump to 1,254cc and added ShiftCam technology, so performs even better throughout the rev range. More pull down low, better power up top. The mill is silky smooth, the chassis is refined, and the amount of creature comforts are plenty. Even though it looks a little bulky at a standstill, the bike goes exactly where you want it in nearly any environment. There’s also a GS riders club somewhere near you, so you’ll be able to join and have a brand-new group of friends to get together with after the workday ends.
Honda Africa Twin
If you really want to have the option to explore off-road terrain after work, get an Africa Twin.Honda
It may look like its sole purpose is tackling a transcontinental rally, but the Honda Africa Twin is also a remarkably adept machine on the asphalt. It’s even garnered the endorsement of the Redondo Beach Police Department as a steed for its motorcycle force. The 2020 model is more powerful and more comfortable than previous iterations, making an already capable all-round machine even better. It feels light and slim while riding, has responsive handling, and plenty of usable power, so dodging traffic or blasting ahead of the masses when the light turns green is no sweat for the AT. Perfect for turning the drudgery of morning rush hour into something to look forward to.
Honda NC750X
The NC750X is a practical commuter with some notable creature comforts.Honda
The Honda NC750X is an awesome addition to the list because it is far more amenable to the demands of commuting than it is to heavy adventuring. The 745cc parallel-twin-powered bike has decent low- and midrange pull so you can easily weave ahead and through traffic, its ergos are neutral, there’s a bit of wind protection, and the underseat fuel tank means there’s a big ol’ storage compartment where the fuel tank typically sits. It’s also available with an automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, which means you don’t have to shift gears, which might be nice if the morning coffee hasn’t quite kicked in yet. The DCT model also features ABS and Honda Selectable Traction Control for additional safety coverage.
Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+
The recent upgrade to the electronics suite make the Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ more attractive than ever.Kawasaki
If you want a little more punch and sophistication than the NC, roll up to the company parking lot on a Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+. This 1,043cc inline-four has fully adjustable suspension, a raft of electronic amenities like cruise control, cornering management, a quickshifter, traction control, and engine power modes. It’s a really comfortable bike too, with plenty of wind protection and a well-appointed seat. Plus, for a little bit extra money Kawasaki will include saddlebags designed to incorporate seamlessly into the lines and color scheme of the bike. This will let your coworkers know that you really care about the details.
KTM 790 Adventure R
It may not have the brawn of its 1290 or 1090 V-twin engine equipped brothers, but when it comes to practicality, or off-road, the 790 Adventure is one of our favorites. Its ultra-compact parallel-twin-powered engine makes for a slim motorcycle, yet with the engine’s purposeful firing order it has the punch and feel of a larger-displacement twin. Equipped with modern electronics, a big windscreen and fuel tank, not to mention the ability to fit factory-installed hard cases, the 790 Adventure is certainly a bike that would fit the bill for commuting to work, while still being a motorcycle we’d choose to play on during the weekend.
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
The KTM 1290 Super Adventure R has power and performance in excess, and is a bike that will turn heads.KTM
If you want to command respect when you pull into the parking lot in the morning, roll up on a KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Non-riders will be piqued by the look and sound of the thing, while those in the know will understand you appreciate a machine that impressively balances high-performance and versatile capability. The 1,301cc twin is a monster of an engine and the chassis was designed to excel in off-road situations. But it’s also a fantastic machine on the asphalt, and even got one of our long-term testers asking whether this was the ultimate commuting machine back in 2015. No matter how long or short your commute, on a 1290 Super Adventure R you will be comfortable. You will be capable. You will be able to take that shortcut over the mountain to be home in time for dinner.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure
Stand out from the crowd with a Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure.Moto Guzzi
Being seen when you’re on a bike is a huge part of getting to work and back home safe, and no one is going to miss you on the Moto Guzzi V85 TT Adventure. But it’s also well-designed, particularly in terms of comfort and engine performance. The 853cc engine was updated for 2020 and is noticeably more responsive than previous iterations, and its chassis contributes to intuitive handling characteristics that make the bike go where you want without any fuss. It also has a range of more than 200 miles thanks to its 6.1-gallon fuel tank. Even though it’s not the highest-performance machine on this list, it has arguably the most character and that combined with its on-road prowess makes it a great option if you’re looking to get an ADV machine for your commute.
Suzuki V-Strom 650
The V-Strom 650 is reliable and approachable.Suzuki
If the KTM and BMW leave your coworkers with the impression you’re a person of fine taste, the Suzuki V-Strom 650 will convey the message that you are infinitely practical. The long-popular machine provides a comfortable ride, handles well, and keeps up with traffic easily. It’s 645cc twin engine isn’t going to raise the hairs on the back of your neck, but it will provide enough snap to leave dawdlers on the highway far behind. It’s got some practical amenities like easy start, low-rpm assist, traction control, and ABS, plus there is a huge aftermarket for storage and other bits of farkle that will allow you to really proclaim the nature of your identity.
The 2020 Australian MX Nationals series has been reduced to six events, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has formally announced with series promoter Williams Event Management (WEM).
In a bid to stabilise the championship from next season in an increasingly difficult sponsorship climate, MA is expected to further increase its involvement from the following season.
WEM has been a mainstay as the Australian Motocross Championship organiser for over two decades and has established the globally-recognised MX Nationals brand, however, that reign could end at the conclusion of 2020 as a club-managed model is being evaluated.
MA currently promotes both the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) with involvement from affiliated clubs, which could serve the basis of a new-look motocross championship as of 2021.
“Motorcycling Australia and Williams Event Management are working together to ensure the the sustainability of the championship series into 2020 and beyond,” a statement distributed to teams this week revealed. “A number of factors have require a number of changes to the calendar and events.
“We had planned the MX Nationals Pro Am at Traralgon in February for the Australian Womens, Vets and Under 19s, [however] due to the extreme dry conditions and high fire danger forecast, we have cancelled the event and will make an announcement in January. We are looking at were we can fit the classes in the MXN calendar.
“The model we have been running over the last five years has had to see some major changes to fit within the current climate. The series will be conducted over six weekends and nine rounds, [including] three double-headers.
“The series will see several changes in order to ensure the development of the model for sustainability and club management into the future. We will be dropping all back-to-back races, so all rounds will have a two-moto format only. There are a number of other change we are looking at and these will be announce in January.”
New Zealand international a surprise signing for factory-backed team.
Image: Foremost Media.
Serco Yamaha has re-signed Aaron Tanti for the 2020 Australian motocross and supercross season, set to be joined by incoming New Zealander Dylan Walsh.
After finishing fifth in the MX2 class of the MX Nationals and was also P5 in supercross after holding the SX2 red plate three rounds in.
“This is the first time in my career I have been with the one team for more than one season, so the stability is something that I like and allows me to make plans knowing that I have the support of Serco Yamaha for 2020,” Tanti said.
“I have a great working relationship with Gavin [Eales] and the Serco Yamaha team and we were quickly able to get something sorted for the 2020 season a little while ago, so that allowed me to focus on my racing and training knowing that things are in place for next season.”
The team has also signed Walsh, 22, for both motocross and supercross, the current British MX2 champion due to contest his first year in Australia. He also has extensive MX2 World Championship experience.
“I would love to have stayed in Europe and continued racing as I felt that I would be a contender in MX2 this year, but with the tight economy my team shut down and I was left with nothing,” Walsh explained.
“Australia was the first place I looked when I got the news and, at the same time, Gavin has been doing some research on me, so it all worked out smoothly and here we are. Serco Yamaha have a great reputation and also a lot of success over the years, so its awesome to be part of such a strong and committed team.
“My plan is to stay in New Zealand and do the nationals over here as a warm up for the MX Nationals in Australia. I will then base myself in South East Queensland to be near the team and get stuck into racing in Australia. I’m both excited and looking forward to the new challenge.”
The King of Every Kingdom – Around the world on a very small motorcycle
With J. Peter “The Bear” Thoeming
In Part 3we completed our Nullabor journey and sailed over to Singapore. Now it’s time for more fun with Annie, and then a parting of the ways. But we know it turned out well, don’t we? You can find Part 1 and Part 2here.
Singapore
Most of our fellow passengers were on a Sea-Jet tour to Britain, which included a hotel stopover in Singapore and then a cattle jet to London. The driver of the bus taking them – and us – to their hotel was an optimist and pulled the old, ‘Whoops, we just happen to have stopped outside the shop of my brother, why don’t you just look in,’ routine.
I spotted a little Chinese hotel across the road and we ducked off the bus, leaving my camera case behind. After checking in at the Tong Ah, I discovered my loss quickly enough – and nearly had a heart attack – but the case had been offloaded at the tour hotel and I had no trouble getting it back.
Before Annie flew out to London, we had a couple of marvelous days together. We shopped, sightsaw and, of course, dined. Down by the harbour we discovered the statue of the ‘Merlion’, Singapore’s heraldic beast. It bears a plaque reading ‘The Merlion is a mythological beast created by the Singapore Tourist Board in 1971.’ Don’t laugh; at least they know the difference between mythological and mythical (and mystical), which is more than most people seem to.
With Annie gone, it was time to tame the Paper Tiger, so we went down to the insurance office for Third Party insurance, valid in Singapore and Malaysia; to the Singapore AA for an import licence and a circulation permit; to the shipping office for a delivery order, and to the wharf for… the bikes?
The stevedores in Singapore enjoyed unloading our bikes.
Oh, no! First the bikes had to be lifted out of the hold. They were covered in a stinking film of lanolin from the sheep with which they’d shared their home. Then the wharfage had to be calculated. A clerk measured the bikes over the extremities, and arrived at a figure of two cubic metres each. This was transmuted, by the magic of Singaporean arithmetic, into a weight of two tonnes each. Just wait, I thought, until Soichiro Honda hears about his new two-tonne 250cc trail bikes.
Clutching a form given to us by the measurer, we then had to queue for a delivery list. A very thorough questionnaire with three copies, this form actually demands the time of day- in two places. Is this some way of measuring how fast you fill out forms? Is there, perhaps, a prize? ‘Most Improved this month goes to Charlie and The Bear, who have come up…’ A very kind Indian fellow-sufferer helped us wade through this.
We paid the wharfage and got the bikes, which refused to start. After a lot of pushing, swearing and checking of spark, we located the trouble. The carburetors were blocked by muck no doubt settled out of the petrol by the vibration on board. Red faced and still puffing, we ran the gauntlet of Customs and police, who checked all the papers.
The sergeant in charge, a large Sikh, had a brother in Sydney who was stationmaster at Coogee. There’s no railway station at Coogee, but I was not about to tell the sarge that. Singapore traffic, here we come.
We took full advantage of the city’s attractions over the next few days: eating in Coleman Street; watching Chinese opera in Sungei Road; eating in Arab Street; delicious roti pratha across the road from the Tong Ah for breakfast; drinking the superb fruit juices made from real fruit in front of your eyes.
This bloke was one of the very few people with a big bike in Singapore.
It’s a bike city, but most of them are 50 and 70cc tiddlers. Suzuki was advertising the ‘power alternative’, an 80cc step-through. We saw a well-preserved Norton and two Gold Wings as well as a number of ex-War Department BSAs with girder forks, and large sidecar boxes, which the Japanese had obviously disdained to take home after WW2. Even some of the 50s had boxes on the side and delivered everything up to lengths of angle iron.
Singapore is a clean city. It might be more accurate to say that it’s quite compulsively spotless, except for the waterways. Fines for littering are astronomical. I could well imagine living there for a while, but only for a while. It’s all a bit too heavily regimented and conformist for comfort. When the time came for us to leave, we rode out on Changi Road and back around the reservoir to the border post at Woodlands.
Venerable but highly useful – a leftover from World War 2. The bike.
Malaysia
Dr Mahathir also said that Malays are lazy. Perhaps, perhaps. I think that Malays just like to choose their own methods and priorities. Leaving Singapore, out on the Causeway, was much easier than coming in. The gentleman processing us at the Malaysian border was in civvies, and we had a little argument.
I maintained that a Carnet de Passage was necessary for Malaysia and he disagreed. ‘Perhaps I’d better see a Customs officer,’ said I. He drew himself up to his full four feet ten inches, threw me a withering glare and replied, ‘I am a Customs officer!’ What else could I do but accept his ruling? I was to regret that later.
Charlie tries to work out the timing of the road up to the Highlands.
We rolled out into Johore Baharu and soon found the way to Tinggi. A good if slightly bumpy road took us up into the hills and the rubber and palm oil plantations. With rain threatening, we stopped for a moment to don wet-weather gear and saw a chilling tableau. Up the hill towards us, into a blind corner, came two trucks side by side having a drag on the narrow tar. I was very glad we weren’t out on the road…
In the little hotel in Tinggi I renewed my acquaintance with the dipper that takes the place of the shower in most South-East Asian countries. You just ladle water over yourself out of a large cement trough. It’s marvelously refreshing after a hot, sweaty day. A little farther up the coast we filled our tanks for the first time in Malaysia and discovered that a full tank cost about as much as a hotel room and three meals put together, which is to say bugger all. This proportion was to hold true in most places; half your daily expenses go for petrol, leaving half for you.
We rode on up the east coast, jungle swamps alternating with hill plantations. I cashed a traveler’s cheque at Mersing in a bank guarded by a little bloke armed with an enormous shotgun. Bit dangerous being a bank robber here, you could get hurt.
Lunch was consumed at the harbour, overlooking the colourful fishing fleet. All the boats had eyes painted on their bows to enable them to find their way through the shallows. People were only too happy to be photographed and I snapped some enormous grins.
The little village of Nenasi, where we had intended to stop for the night, didn’t have a hotel, so we went on to the regional capital, Pekan. Dinner of excellent kway teow, boiled and fried noodles, rounded off the day and we retired under the gently rotating ceiling fan. We left the luggage in the room next morning and rode the unburdened bikes up the beach. It was great fun and pleasant to be out of the traffic.
Loved the beaches on the east coast of Malaysia. Practiced opening coconuts.
The South China Sea looked so inviting in the heat that we stopped for a dip, but the tepid water made it less refreshing than it might have been. When we came out, our feet had suffered a sea change—not into something rich and fine, as Bill Shakespeare has it, but into something black and sticky. The beach was full of blobs of half-solidified oil, no doubt washed from the bilges of passing giant tankers.
There was a fresh coconut lying on the ground near the bikes, and after a struggle I managed to get it open with my clasp knife. We found the milk refreshing and the meat delicious. By the time we rode back to town, the sun was high and very sharp. Fortunately we still had our shipboard tans and didn’t burn. Despite my tan, I was feeling pale and fat alongside the slim, beautiful Malays.
The Sultan’s museum provided quite a bit of amusement. All his possessions seemed to be kept there, from the stunning collection of Kris knives to his old toothbrushes. You could even admire his used underwear, lovingly labelled.
Charlie shows off some of his Bear-inflicted wounds.
We also found that Malaysian TV wasn’t very Malaysian. After the news, they showed The Osmonds, and that was followed by Combat—dubbed. It was fascinating to see Vic Morrow opening his mouth and fluent—if badly synchronised—Malay coming out.
That all sounds good, doesn’t it? Tune in again next time when there are tears before and after bedtime!
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