CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner Craig Dack has praised Luke Clout’s consistency in the Australian Supercross Championship ahead of the title decider at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, where the New South Welshman will don the red-plate for the first time in the series.
Clout’s bid to upset three-time defending champion Justin Brayton’s (Penrite Honda Racing) endeavour of claiming four successive titles has been strong, the number four securing victory at Wollongong before finishing runner-up at the S-X Open Auckland, which ultimately saw him clinch the points lead.
Dack has commended the efforts of Clout and his consistency in both the triple crwon formats and over the course of the series, putting him in the box seat for a maiden premier class crown.
“From a team point of view, we are up to our necks in this championship with Luke taking the lead after Auckland,” Dack explained. “He has proven to be so consistent not just at each round, but also within the round in the multi-race formats.
“His second in Auckland now gives him a one-point lead so it comes down to Melbourne and the final round to determine the winner, and Luke is in impressive form.”
Clout sits on 89 points, one-point ahead of Brayton, while Dan Reardon (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) remains in the hunt with 80 points to his name.
Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez to run new Husqvarna FR 250 GP
Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced their return to international road racing and the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Moto3 class where they will officially support the Max Racing Team.
Husqvarna return to Moto3 with the FR 250 GP and Max Biaggi’s Max Racing Team in 2020
Owned by four-time 250cc World Champion Max Biaggi who secured no fewer than 42 GP victories during an illustrious career and under the management of experienced German former-racer Peter Öttl, the team will field Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez in the 2020 season on the new Husqvarna FR 250 GP.
Max Biaggi – Max Racing Team Principal
“I am very happy that Husqvarna Motorcycles have chosen to support our team for their return to international road racing. Husqvarna’s re-entry into Moto3 is a very special and unique moment, one that personally I am very proud to be associated with. Everyone in the team is looking forward to 2020. We believe that with the support of Husqvarna Motorcycles we can achieve great things. Our two riders are both very motivated. With Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez, we have one experienced and one young rider, but both can deliver strong results. We will give our riders all we can to allow them to show their true potential.”
Max Biaggi
The Moto3 class replaced the 125cc category in 2012 and is restricted to single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke machines. In 2014 Husqvarna Motorcycles secured Moto3 class podium finishes, stepping away from the series at the end of 2015.
With a rich heritage in road racing, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ return to the hotly contested Moto3 category mirrors the brand’s wider expansion into the global street motorcycle market.
Husqvarna FR 250 GP
Peter Öttl – Max Racing Team Manager
“I am really proud to work with Husqvarna Motorcycles in the Moto3 World Championship. After my active racing career, I worked for Husqvarna in their Offroad Racing Department, so to be opening another chapter with the brand in 2020 is personally very special to me. We have a close relationship with the company for almost 10 years now and this project is another display of trust but also a huge responsibility for our team. With the signing of Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez, we will have two promising riders on the Husqvarna FR 250 GP. Fenati is one of the most successful Moto3 riders in recent years and he proved it already with 11 GP victories. We are convinced that he has the potential to fight for the podium right away. With Alonso Lopez, we rely on a young rider – he´s just 17 years old but already with two years’ experience in the FIM World Championship. During the last races he has produced some great performances in the category and we are confident he will evolve and improve in our team. I am more than satisfied with our rider line-up – with an experienced rider and a young talent both at a high level in the Moto3 FIM World Championship we’re looking forward to a very positive 2020 season.”
Husqvarna FR 250 GP
The experienced Romano Fenati finished the 2017 Moto3 World Championship as runner-up, showing himself to be a rider capable of delivering strong, season-long performances. During his time as a Moto3 campaigner Fenati has earned 11 GP victories, 24 podiums and four pole positions.
Romano Fenati – Image by AJRN
Alonso Lopez, at just 17 years old, is also keen to make his mark on the Moto3 series. 2020 will be the young Spaniard’s third year in the class having made his debut in 2018, claiming a recent third-place result at the Thai Grand Prix he has shown he is more than capable of fighting for top results.
Alonso Lopez – Catalunya MotoGP 2019
Moto3 World Championship kicks off in Qatar on March 8th.
Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director at KTM / Husqvarna Motorcycles
“We’re really excited to be able to bring the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand back into road racing and the Moto3 World Championship. The Moto3 category is an excellent platform to nurture new Grand Prix talent and represents the first rung in MotoGP World Championship competition when it comes to developing rider potential. With the knowledgeable and experienced pairing of Max Biaggi and Peter Öttl heading the team, and riders Fenati and Lopez both more than capable of challenging for race wins, we are really looking forward to seeing what the Max Racing Team can do in the 2020 season with the Husqvarna FR 250 GP.”
Ride Sunday returned to the streets of Australia earlier this month, bringing motorcyclists together with the support of Yamaha Motor Australia to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer research, and men’s mental health on behalf of charity partner, the Movember Foundation.
The event welcomed all riders regardless of skill level or motorcycle style, and succeeded in its goal to unite Australian riders and motivate them to ride for a cause.
With 25 rides across Australia, Ride Sunday featured flagship rides in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast, and raised $35,000 for men’s health.
The nation’s leading ride was the Sydney flagship event, where over 450 riders connected from various riding groups around Sydney, to ride together for men’s health.
Ramsey Sayed, Ride Sunday’s events and marketing Manager, hosted the flagship ride in Sydney and was blown away by the turnout at their starting location inside the Royal National Park.
“This year was unbelievable,” Sayed stated. “It really was a humbling experience seeing riders of all different makes and styles, connecting over a shared love of riding – and in one of the most popular riding destinations in Sydney. We met at Audley Dance Hall, then rode through the iconic Royal National Park, meeting at the Australian Motorcycle Festival in Wollongong.
“The conditions were perfect, and the whole day exceeded all expectations. We were fortunate to have the support of Yamaha in putting this together, and are grateful to have had the Movember Foundation team there to chat to the riders.
“They do amazing work for men’s health, and having them on the ground to talk about the programs they’re able to fund through our fundraising is incredible. I’m grateful to be able to bring all these riders together and give back to men’s health. Thank you to all who rode and fundraised!”
Penrite Honda Racing duo Brett Metcalfe and Mitchell Oldenburg will wear an updated livery at Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne’s final round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship.
Australian owned and operated civil contract company, Delcon Civil, has increased its support of Penrite Honda Racing for the world-class international event in a primary partnership.
“Our new testing and training facility is integral to our racing results,” stated Penrite Honda team director Yarrive Konsky. “Delcon Civil provided all of the resources required to build the new track and we are grateful for their increased support.”
Image: Supplied.
Delcon Civil joined the team in 2016 and managing director David Harry said it has been a rewarding association: “The team and their riders emulate our values and we enjoy sharing our partnership with the community, clients and staff.
“We are also very proud to be aligned with Penrite Oil – it’s always a plus to be aligned with another Australian owned company.
“Combine that with Australia’s number one-selling motorcycle company in Honda, we really do feel privileged. The team continues to be very successful and we look forward to the final round of the championship and our future with the factory Honda team.”
Metcalfe’s CRF450R has major Delcon Civil branding as part of its traditional livery, while the CRF250R race bike of Oldenburg has been revamped for the occasion with a largely black appearance. His teammate Chris Blose has worn a number of brands this season, including Terrafirma Equipment Sales at Brisbane and Plus Fitness in Wollongong.
I might be in a bit of strife. This is one of two bikes that I’ve lusted after over the past few years, and after riding it for a couple of weeks I like it a lot (incidentally the other is Yamaha’s thoroughbred R1 I recently sampled).
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Actually… it’s more serious than that, I want to have its babies. I’m seriously starting to wonder if I can make room for another bike in my shed and scratch up the coin for one. It really is that good.
Settle down Wayno, let’s go through this bit by bit and tell the good people why it’s so damn good…
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
I’m a big fan of the styling to start with. It’s aggressive and purposeful without being too over the top. I even like the headlight treatment. In the metal it’s a nicely balanced design.
In the white colour scheme shown here, the orange paint on the trellis frame highlights this feature even more and accentuates the overall angular based look. Loads of nice details and angles to take in while you’re standing around thinking about your next ride…
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Sitting on board is not actually what I thought it would be. I figured it would have a fairly aggressive riding position to match the styling, but it doesn’t. The 1290 Super Duke is actually quite upright and surprisingly natural.
A really comfortable position with a super comfortable seat – again, not what I expected. My buttometer approves. And that funky headlight is positioned nice and low so that its hidden from view completely, so you see nothing forward of the dash. It’s a very dirt bike-esque view which makes the bike feel shorter than it is.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
There’s nothing in the way of showing off that engine. 1300ccs of thumping V-twin goodness. It’s actually the largest capacity V-twin I’ve ridden – and the most powerful.
175 horses and 140 Nm of torque, delivered with such little fuss that is frankly astonishing. No matter which way you slice it, that’s a whole lot of shove. Yet far from being a wild animal that needs containing, this thing can be ridden around town and cruised about on with ease.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
And then the next minute you can go dial up warp power if you want to. That’s the genius of it to me. It’ll do whatever you want it to, and not break a sweat. Roll about on standard mode at low to mid revs and relish in the seamless torque. Or stick it in sports, turn off traction control and give it its head.
I didn’t ride the earlier models to qualify the ‘Beast’ moniker, but my old TL1000S took a shit-tonne more concentration compared to the big Super Duke. Just grip it and rip it.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Proper fast acceleration? You bet. Double tonne exiting high speed corners while pulling like a superbike. Ahuh. Fifth gear wheelies? No problem.
It’ll lift the front in third without the clutch if you want. It proper hauls. The more upright riding position and the fact that there’s no front screen to deflect the wind makes it feel fast too. That’s the bit I especially like.
On a fully faired race rep with your weight fully forward, you need to be doing double ton numbers to feel like you’re getting along at a decent pace. No so on this, which is a plus for me. A bit more wind and the need to hang on a lot more due to the more natural ride position makes it feel like you’re actually doing the speeds you’re doing.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
There’s no doubt it’s electronically hobbled in the first few cogs, which some folks will sneer at and start babbling about the good old days of full analogue motors, but it makes it dead easy to ride around town.
It’s deceptively quick too as a result as you’re more likely to get on it harder with confidence. Fuelling is amazing. The engine doesn’t cough or hiccup ever down low like you’d expect a big powerful V-twin to do.
It does have a nice pop on the over-run when you get up it which adds to the drama. I love it. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t feel like a high comp – high power engine either. The revs fall back down slower than you’d expect from something that makes 180 ponies and it doesn’t have the ‘big twin’ compression off throttle that you’d expect.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
So rolling off the gas and setting the bike up for a corner is a doddle. Even with the stock pipe and can it sounds tough too. With a proper open pipe they sound bonkers.
Surely it sucks the juice down? Range can’t be that great can it? Actually it’s pretty good. Over 350ks if you’re not being a complete lunatic. I could see 500 or 600 km days being pretty easy going on the 1290 Super Duke to be honest.
The box is awesome too. No quick-shifter, which was a bit of a surprise, but it’s not really needed. Excellent clean shifts, up and down even without the use of the slipper clutch. And that clutch has a nice progressive feel in the hand too. I found myself instinctively dragging a little clutch on hard down-changes, but that’s to make me feel comfortable. It doesn’t need it.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
The 65 degrees steering head angle is steep enough, which I was reminded of when I dropped down the first particularly long wheelie and it gave a bit of a wriggle. Nothing too dramatic as it would have been tamed somewhat by the steering damper no doubt, but enough to make me take notice.
It only did it once – so I must have come down on a bump or a cats eye or something. That steering angle doesn’t translate to any nervousness on the go, but it does give it a nimbleness that belies the bike’s weight.
In fact, far from being just a wheelie bike, the big Super Duke loves the twisties. It feels just sublime on its side and is far more nimble than you might expect from a big 1300cc V-twin with an enormous crank. I reckon it’s just about the perfect modern road-sports bike chassis to be honest.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Now it’s obviously not as nimble as something like an R1. But it’s not as nervous either, or as much hard work. And way, way, way more comfortable. For eight or nine-tenths riding which is about the limit on the road – it’s bang on. You’d never out-run one in the twisties regardless of what you were on.
The brakes are great too. Dirty great big 320 mm Brembos that offer plenty of power and feel. They feel right on the money for the package which, by the way, comes in at a claimed 195 kilos dry. It washes off speed well – and the lean angle sensitive ABS throws some more confidence your way to drag the picks in a little deeper towards the apex.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
All helped by some quality WP suspension at both ends. I had not even bothered too much with the dials on the fully adjustable 48mm forks (left fork is compression, right is rebound), or the shock, which has controls for rebound and both high and low speed compression. Out of the box it was near perfect for me.
Trev tells me that some fella by the name of Jezza McWilliams has final sign off on chassis set-up and suspension and traction control and stuff on most of the bike KTM road bike. He must know what he’s doing that bloke.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
So styling, comfort, engine, brakes, chassis, suspension are all mega. There has to be something that could be improved?
Well the fuel range meter has the same issues that the 790 Adventure has. It’s a little all over the place when it gets down to the last tenth. I nearly ran out of fuel (it was coughing) on day five. So that’s not ideal.
The default dash display has room to show the remaining range but shows ambient temp instead. I don’t need to know that. I already know if its warm, cold, or bloody cold. Use that space to tell me something useful instead please.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
And the TC and ABS sensors seem to throw a hissy fit during the aforementioned shenanigans. Almost every time I dropped the front wheel from a proper fifth gear wheelie – the dash lit up like a Christmas tree.
The sensors seemingly lose their shit as the front wheel speed increased by a whole lot in the space of a few metres… It didn’t affect the ride at all, and sorted itself out when I turned it off and on a few times to reset it. So…
The adult in me thought it was a bit annoying. But the child in me started seeing it as a goal to be achieved each ride. Akin to an achievement award from KTM. The child in me generally wins, but I reckon a software update could be in order.
2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Final thoughts? I think you get the gist by now. This is probably the nicest modern sports bike I’ve ridden. Engine is epic. Handling is damn near perfect for road charging. And if wheelies are your thing, just get one already. Like I said earlier, I’m in trouble. I have a new benchmark.
If anyone has tips on how to convince the missus that a third bike in the shed is a really good idea then please let me know. As soon as possible.
Teenage sensation Jett Lawrence will return home to Australia for next weekend’s 2019 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, to be held within Marvel Stadium for the first time ever on Saturday, 30 November.
Lawrence, 16, is poised to make his highly-anticipated SX2 professional debut in the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship, which doubles as round two of the Monster Energy FIM Oceania Supercross Championship.
“I’m really excited to be making my pro debut in Melbourne,” Lawrence commented. “I’ve had my eye on these events for a while now and they’ve progressively grown into something that’s world-class. Being a proud Australian makes it pretty cool that I’ll debut there, in front of friends, family and a lot of riders I grew up with too.
“Winning Monster Cup was a real confidence booster for me, especially on a supercross track. I definitely think more gate drops and just being in that race environment will help me heaps as I get ready for 2020.”
Set to contest 250SX in next year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, Lawrence will be Geico Honda teammates with brother Hunter and arrives as one of the hottest properties in the sport after recording a dominant Monster Energy Cup Futures victory in Las Vegas last month.
“We are really pleased to have Jett under our wing for this final round,” general manager of Honda Motorcycles Australia, Tony Hinton, stated. “He has certainly made a name for himself overseas, so it will be fantastic for local fans to see him race on home soil. We hope for strong results and know he will do the CRF250R proud!”
Speculation mounted following Lawrence’s success at the Monster Energy Cup that he would be travelling to Australia for AUS-X Open, with today’s confirmation outlining that he will be part of the ‘Ride Red’ program with Honda Genuine support.
Fly Racing have announced their 2020 Patrol Racewear.
Fly Racing Patrol Racegear
The Patrol Off-Road racewear is designed to get you through all the elements mother nature can throw at you, with mesh ventilation to keep you cool and reflective materials to keep you visible.
A lightweight off-road race glove, the Fly Racing Patrol XC Lite offers a synthetic leather palm, with four-way stretch lucra finger sidewalls, and direct-inject knuckles and fingers for protection.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Lite Gloves
Adjustment at the wrist ensures fit, with a light neoprene cuff, reinforced thumb and silicone finger grippers. The overall fit is described as comfortable classic. The Fly Racing Patrol XC Lite glove is available for $49.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Lite Gloves features
Four-way stretch Lycra finger sidewall
Single layer perforated synthetic leather palms
Flexible direct-inject knuckles and fingers
Adjustable synthetic leather wrist closure
Embossed ultra-light neoprene cuff
Reinforced layer thumb
Silicone finger grippers
Comfortable classic fit
Fly Racing Patrol XC Gloves – $64.95 RRP
Taking protection to the next level is the Fly Racing Patrol XC glove, with impact resistant hard-knuckle construction, adjustable TPR wrist closure with neoprene cuff, Lyca stretch finger sidewalls, a reinforced palm and thumb, and TPR finger protection.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Gloves
Silicone finger and palm grips ensure feel, with a comfortable classic hit. The Fly Racing Patrol XC glove is available for $64.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Gloves features
Impact resistant, hard-knuckle construction
Mid-layer impact foam for increased protection
Adjustable TPR wrist closure system with hook and loop backing ensures proper fit
Four-way stretch Lycra finger sidewall for flexibility, comfort, and airflow
Reinforced layer palm and thumb
Embossed neoprene cuff
Direct inject, flexible TPR finger protection
Silicone finger and palm grippers
Comfortable classic fit: not too tight, not too loose
Fly Racing Patrol Jersey – $59.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Patrol Jersey features a durable mesh panel construction, with reflective print on the front and rear, as well as multi-panel construction to ensure a good fit.
Fly Racing Patrol Jersey
Short relaxed cuffs are joined by a tag-less colour, with Lycra and stretch-ribbing for comfort, while an extended tail makes tucking the jersey in easy. The Fly Racing Patrol Jersey is available fro $59.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol Jersey features
Durable mesh paneling
Short relaxed cuffs
Reflective detail prints front and rear
Multi-panel construction
Comfort-stretch tag-less Lycra collar with stretch-rib
Extended tail
Fly Racing Patrol XC Pant – $199.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Patrol XC pant features a 900D polyester construction, with ventilated internal mesh liner, six zippered vents on the front and back of the legs for airflow, while additional protection is offered by leather heat shields on the inside of each leg.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Pant
Reflective print ensures visibility, with two zippered padded pockets, zippers above the knee for additional airflow and an internal pocket inside the waist band.
Strategically placed stretch rib-panels ensure good fit and comfort, alongside a full-floating seat. Knees are ergonomically pre-shaped to suit most knee-guards and braces, while a ratcheting fly closure allows for adjustability, with silicone print inside the waist. The Fly Racing Patrol XC pant is available for $199.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol XC Pant features
Ventilated comfort mesh liner
Reflective prints
Leather heat shield panels located on the inside of each leg
Six large zippered vents front and back of the upper leg
Above-the-knee zippers
Two padded zippered pockets
Internal pocket inside the waistband
Ultra-durable multi-panel 900d polyester construction
Strategically placed stretch-rib panels
Silicone print around the internal waistband
Full-floating seat with stretch-rib material
Three-piece ergonomically pre-shaped knee
Ratcheting fly closure
Fly Racing Patrol Soft Shell Jacket – $199.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Patrol Soft Shell Jacket offers a lightweight shell with windproof, water resistant and breathable features, reflective prints front and rear, and can be converted into a vest thanks to zip-off sleeves, with internal mesh pockets to hold them.
Fly Racing Patrol Soft Shell Jacket
Features include a water-resistant front zip, four front pockets, a fleece-lined interior, adjustable velcro cuffs, a shock cord waist band and a standard fit. The Fly Racing Patrol Soft Shell Jacket is available for $199.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol Soft Shell Jacket features
Lightweight tech shell construction – windproof, water-resistant, breathable
Reflective prints on the front and back
Easily converted into a vest
Water-resistant front zip
Four front pockets
One sleeve pocket
Fleece-lined interior
Adjustable Velcro wrist cuff closures
Shock cord waist band
Standard: not too slim, not too loose
Fly Racing Patrol Vest – $159.95 RRP
The Fly Racing Patrol Vest offers similar features to the Soft Shell Jacket, but does away with the sleeves, offering a lightweight tech shell that is windproof, water-resistant and breathable, alongside four external pockets, a fleece lined interior and ventilated back panel. A drop tail panel offers increased protection, with a shock cord waist band. The Fly Racing Patrol Vest is available for $159.95 RRP.
Fly Racing Patrol Vest
Fly Racing Patrol Vest features
Lightweight tech shell construction with windproof, water-resistant, breathable
The 2020 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) calendar has been announced, remaining a 13-round season for next year that will commence at Phillip Island between 28 February-1 March.
While Australian continues as the opening round, two circuits that won’t return next year are Laguna Seca in the United States and Chang International Circuit in Thailand.
Instead, added to the WorldSBK schedule have been Oschersleben, Germany, for round nine in August and then the famed Catalunya, Spain, when round 11 arrives in September. Qatar switches to round two, making way for Argentina to host the finale.
2020 Superbike World Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 28 February-1 March – Phillip Island, Australia
Rd2 – 13-15 March – Losail, Qatar
Rd3 – 27-29 March – Jerez, Spain
Rd4 – 17-19 April – Assen, The Netherlands
Rd5 – 8-10 May – Imola, Italy
Rd6 – 22-24 May – MotorLand Aragon, Spain
Rd7 – 12-14 June – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Italy
Rd8 – 3-5 July – Donington Park, United Kingdom
Rd9 – 31 July-2 August – Oschersleben, Germany
Rd10 – 4-6 September – Portimao, Portugal
Rd11 – 18-20 September – Catalunya, Spain
Rd12 – 25-27 September – Magny-Cours, France
Rd13 – 9-11 October – Circuito San Juan Villicum, Argentina
The MY20 V-Strom 650XT is now available from Australian dealerships sporting three updated colour schemes and for a limited time, customers can ride away with a bonus Genuine Suzuki aluminium top-case, valued at $1,000.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom bonus top-case
The bonus 38L top case is constructed from 1.5mm aluminium and powder coated black to protect against oxidation and abrasion whilst being easy to clean. Additional protection is offered by glass-fibre reinforced plastic covers at each corner top and bottom, the lid also features four large tie-down points integrated into the design.
The V-Strom name is synonymous with reliability and value for money amongst the motorcycling community. The perfect blend of capability, versatility and comfort ensures many stress-free kilometres for owners whether commuting daily or embarking on a long-distance adventure.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
The highly refined 645 cc 90-degree V-twin is tuned to deliver robust low to mid-range torque for whilst maintaining an exhilarating top-end, the full-powered variant produces 70 horsepower at 8,800 rpm with 62Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Maximum output of the Learner Approved variant is limited to 47 horsepower in order to comply with the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) requirements. The Learner Approved version is only available in the Glass Sparkle Black colour scheme.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
A traction control system can be switched to either of two modes, or turned off completely. Differing in terms of sensitivity, mode one allows modest rear wheel spin for more advanced, exhilarating riding, whilst mode two activates traction control at the slightest loss of rear-wheel grip giving the rider greater confidence on slippery surfaces or challenging conditions.
An ever important feature on an adventure touring motorcycle is a comfortable seat, the V-Strom 650XT’s seat design works in unison with the front cowling and will continue living up to its reputation for being an ultra-comfortable touring machine.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
For controllable and dependable stopping performance the 650XT is equipped with 310mm twin discs with twin piston calipers up front and a 260mm single disc with a single piston caliper on the rear. A compact and lightweight Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) unit features advanced settings for a more natural feel and secure activation.
Wire-spoked aluminium-alloy rims as standard on the V-Strom 650XT absorb shock effectively at low speeds to promote friendly handling character and are shod with Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A40 tyres.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
Hand guards and protective engine under cowling are fitted as standard equipment to support harsh riding conditions.
For user convenience a 12V DC outlet is positioned directly below the instrument cluster as standard equipment.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
The Suzuki Low RPM assist system reduces the chances of an unexpected engine stall by automatically raising the idle speed when releasing the clutch or when riding at very low rpms. Proving particularity helpful in frequent clutch work situations such as navigating through congested city traffic.
The MY20 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 650XT Learner Approved are available now for a Manufacturer’s suggested price of $13,490* Ride Away including the bonus 38L aluminium top case.
2020 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
*Advertised Ride Away prices include 12 months registration costs (6 months registration for NT) and dealer pre-delivery charges. Available on V-Strom 650 MY18 & V-STROM 650XT MY19/MY20 models from participating Suzuki Motorcycle dealers, during the campaign period.
Team Honda 114 Motorsports has officially announced Australian duo Nathan Crawford and Bailey Malkiewicz will form its MX2 World Championship line-up entering the 2020 season.
“I like the Australian spirit, as everyone knows!” Lancelot said. “I am happy to announce that Nathan Crawford and Bailey Malkiewicz will be racing for Honda 114 Motorsports in 2020. They both arrived one week ago and have already started working hard.
“It was their first day on the bike today and I am happy to finally see them on the 2020 Honda CRF250R. They are looking fast and motivated, so we will see what the new MX2 season will bring for them. Eric Sorby will be with us full-time to help take care of the riders, so I cannot wait for the season to start.”
Both Crawford and Malkiewicz have long been rumoured to be joining Team Honda 114 Motorsports, each sitting out the current Australian Supercross Championship in order to focus on the challenge ahead in Europe. This year saw Crawford claim fourth in the Australian MX2 championship, winning the overall at Maitland’s eighth round.
“I am pleased to announce my plans with Honda 114 Motorsports for the 2020 MXGP season,” commented Crawford. “Riding for such an established team in Europe is something that I have always worked towards and dreamt of!
“When my agent informed me about the possibility of joining Honda 114 Motorsports, I believed it was a great combination to give me the best opportunity to have a successful 2020 campaign.”
Malkiewicz put himself on the international radar by winning the 125cc Junior Motocross World Championship at Horsham in 2018, also capturing the MXD crown that season. This year he claimed seventh as a rookie in MX2 at the national level.
“I am really excited to have this excellent opportunity to ride for Honda 114 Motorsports in MX2 in 2020,” he explained. “My manager, parents and I have been working on creating this ride for the past two years and I am grateful that Honda 114 Motorsports are supportive and giving me this opportunity. I believe it will be an excellent start to my MXGP career.”
Since its formation as a MX2 World Championship team in 2018, Team Honda 114 Motorsports has been led by Australian talent, firstly with Hunter Lawrence before he transferred to the US and then this year with Evans as he established himself on the world stage.
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