Motorcycling Australia (MA), have confirmed that motorcycle racing is set to return to Barbagallo Raceway in 2019. With the recent reinstatement of the circuit’s MA track license the circuit is once again accredited to host motorcycle racing events, effective March 1, 2019.
2016 ASBK at Wanneroo – Image Trevor Hedge
After a two-year hiatus, MA has given the green light for motorcycle competition to take place at the Wanneroo circuit after several upgrades were undertaken to improve track safety, including the addition of a brand-new chicane to the layout and the installation of Airfence safety barriers at key points.
Kings of Wanneroo 2014 – Image Steve Thibou
MWA CEO Joe McCarthy
“This is great news for motorcyclists and motorcycle fans in Western Australia, who now have the opportunity to enjoy motorcycling at Barbagallo once again. We would like to thank all those who helped to facilitate motorcycling’s return to Barbagallo, including track operators the WA Sporting Car Club and MA. We would also like to acknowledge Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon. Mick Murray MLA and the Government of Western Australia for supporting our desire to bring motorcycling back to this fantastic facility.”
Troy Herfoss leads ASBK race one at Barbagallo Raceway, Wanneroo – Image by Keith Muir – 2016
WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Mick Murray
“I’d like to thank the WA Sporting Car Club, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling Western Australia for their hard work in getting this result for motorsports competitors, fans and others involved in the industry.”
Daniel Falzon, Cru Halliday, Troy Herfoss – Wanneroo Raceway, 2016 – Image Keith Muir
MA CEO Peter Doyle
“It has been a long process, but we are happy to see a positive result” he said. “There have been a number of improvements made to the circuit recently and it will great to see racing return to Barbagallo.”
Mike Jones, Wayne Maxwell – ASBK 2016 – Barbagallo Raceway – Image by Keith Muir
Former world champion releases nerves ahead of Argentina.
Image: Supplied.
A string of European pre-season events have loosened Romain Febvre ahead of this weekend’s MXGP World Championship opener at Nequen in Argentina.
The former world champion believes he rode tight in the Italian championship, however felt back to his usual self in last weekend’s Lacapelle Marival International Motocross in France after securing victory.
“My feeling with the bike and on the team is really good at the moment,” Febvre explained. “Also my physical condition is good. Right from the beginning of the pre-season races I have felt good although I was riding a little bit tight in Italy but it got better and last weekend it was much better.
“I felt in the race last weekend that I was back, that I could race with the same feeling I have practicing. We have been working hard on the bike, we have made some good progress and we are still moving in the right direction to improve even more.
“For the first round of MXGP in Argentina this weekend, it is nothing special- I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. I just want to ride relaxed and enjoy it as it is my favourite track on the calendar.”
Febvre’s 2018 season ended prematurely when he suffered a heavy fall at the MXGP of Turkey, resulting in a concussion and s broken rib.
Edge grip a key area to work on for factory Yamaha contender.
Image: Supplied.
Setting the fastest time on the final day of MotoGP World Championship testing in Qatar this week, Maverick Vinales believes there’s still room for improvement ahead of the 10 March opener at Losail International Circuit.
Expressing a positive feeling out on-track, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider is adamant he’ll be adequately prepared for the race, however acknowledged a lack of grip on the edge of the tyres with his YZR-M1.
“Honestly, I have been riding really good on the track, I felt like I was going very fast with the amount of grip that the track provided today,” Vinales commented. “But we need to improve. I don’t have really good grip on the edge, so we need to keep working, especially in that area.
“On the acceleration side we improved quite a lot since Sepang, and at the moment I’m quite satisfied with what we have in the braking area. My race pace is not bad, I tried ten laps just to understand how the bike is doing, but it was very cold for the medium tyres.
“Anyway, I rode quite well, with quite a good rhythm. Maybe I could have pushed a little more. However, we still need to improve for the race. I think we are going to be ready. The race will be very important for us. Our bike has really positive points, but also a few negatives, so we now need to come to a conclusion and see where we can improve.”
The Yamaha squad has been highly-impressive throughout testing, posting improvements over last season, with multi-time world champion Valentino Rossi also winding up inside the top five at Qatar.
Popular Italian attempting to equal world championship record in 2019.
Image: Supplied.
Attempting to earn a record-equalling 10th MXGP World Championship in 2019, Antonio Cairoli has expressed that this weekend’s opening races at Nequen in Argentina isn’t key to the title hunt, however it is important to build a strong foundation.
Cairoli, who finished runner-up to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jeffrey Herlings last year, dominated the pre-season events he contested, setting himself up positively for the grand prix season.
“I’ve never had great results in Argentina and I’m still searching for the win but it’s a really nice GP for me,” Cairoli explained. “The location is great, as is the track and the atmosphere made by the fans so I look forward to going there.
“Of course the season is really long and this is just the first race but we will all see ‘where we are’ and how things will run. The first races are not really the key to the whole championship – and I have seen this in my years in GPs – but it is important to build a good start and momentum from the beginning.”
Reigning champion Herlings will miss this weekend’s opener due to a foot injury, while his return to riding and racing is still to be determined.
Highly-anticipated Adventure models due for June 2019 arrival.
Image: Supplied.
KTM Australia has confirmed domestic pricing of the highly-anticipated 790 Adventure R and 790 Adventure models, along with the 2019 range of Adventure motorcycles.
Following the official unveil at Milan’s EICMA show last November, both bikes are scheduled to arrive in Australia during June 2019. The KTM 790 Adventure R represents exceptional value at $22,695 ride away, while the KTM 790 Adventure will retail at $21,195 ride away.
Developed using KTM’s illustrious racing DNA, the KTM 790 Adventure R has been designed for the hardcore adventurer, equipped to take-on extreme off-road terrain.
A tubular CroMo steel frame and lightweight steel trellis sub-frame are engineered handle harsh conditions, paired with high-performance WP suspension – a WP XPLOR 48mm fork and WP XPLOR shock – with 240mm of travel front and rear.
A steering damper aids stability, plus the heavy-duty spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels with Metzeler Karoo 3 tyres are specifically developed for off-road performance. It boasts twin 320mm diameter brake discs with four-piston, radially-mounted calipers up front, as well as a 260mm diameter brake disc actuated by a double piston floating caliper in the rear.
A bold and aggressive KTM design has been developed in parallel with the Dakar Rally-dominating factory racing rally contender, weighing in at 189 kilograms dry.
Utilising the compact 799cc twin-cylinder, four-stroke LC8c engine specifically adapted to meet the needs of serious off-road adventure riding, it boasts 70 kW, a six-speed sequential gearbox and KTM’s ride-by-wire system that electronically translates throttle commands of the rider into optimum throttle valve positions.
A special effort was made to have the air-filter easily accessible for cleaning and servicing while on a ride, plus thanks to the KTM 790 Adventure R’s design and advanced cooling technology, riding for hours in hot conditions is possible.
Rider aids are there to assist you in variable situations, featuring KTM’s MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), cornering ABS, off-road ABS (deactivating ABS at the rear while front wheel ABS intervention is reduced and data from the lean angle sensor is not considered), an off-road ride mode and the more advanced Rally mode which enable the rider to adapt the character of the bike more freely.
Optional add-ons include Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control, while smartphones can be connected via the KTM MY RIDE system for a variety of functional purposes. In addition, take full advantage of the 20-litre fuel tank as the main volume is placed as low as possible, improving handling via a low centre of gravity and also enhancing ergonomic comfort.
Riders will benefit from features such as ergonomic adjustability, a single-piece off-road style seat, all-terrain foot-pegs, a low-profile windshield specific to the R model that offers an unobstructed view directly in front of the bike, a customisable five-inch TFT display, as well as LED lights including the main headlight, taillight and indicators.
Alongside, if you’re seeking a high-performance motorcycle that’s lightweight and compact, specialising in adventure touring with the ability to explore further off-road when the tarmac ends, then look no further than the KTM 790 Adventure. Whether it’s in the desert, on remote mountain trails or a transcontinental crossing, no other twin-cylinder travel enduro bike can match it, also weighing 189 kilograms dry.
Including much of the technology that makes up the R model, the sporty 790 Adventure is differentiated by by its Avon Trailrider tyres, WP’s APEX 43mm open cartridge upside-down fork and WP APEX shock each with 200mm of travel, a height-adjustable two-part seat, high windshield for maximum wind protection on long rides, and in terms of electronics, the Rally mode becomes an additional optional pack.
KTM Australia can now also confirm ride away pricing that will make up the 2019 KTM Adventure Range: The all new MY19 690 Enduro R is $17,595 ride away, MY19 1090 Adventure R at $24,295 ride away, MY19 1290 Super Adventure Super Adventure S at $28,395 ride away, and the MY19 1290 Super Adventure R comes in at $29,195 ride away. For more information, visit www.ktm.com/au.
Pricing confirmed for 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition
Section: Competition
Limited edition premier class contender in dealerships this April.
Image: Supplied.
Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia has confirmed pricing of the 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition, which is based upon the title-winning factory race bike of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson.
Due for delivery in Australia this April, the limited edition premier class contender will be priced at RRP $14,995 at Husqvarna dealers around the country.
The pioneering new Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition has been developed using experience and data gained through the iconic Swedish brand’s factory racing program, this 2019 model forming the basis of what Anderson and teammate Zach Osborne are competing aboard this season.
Development carried out by Husqvarna Motorcycles engineers has resulted in the sharpest FC 450 yet, bolstered by technological advancements and class-leading components that add to the up-spec platform which pays tribute to the manufacturer’s international partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink.
Featuring distinctive bodywork and graphics to provide an elusive factory appearance, the 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition SOHC engine package is enhanced by a new CP forged box-in-box piston and Pankl con-rod. Collectively resulting in reduced friction, these provide maximum performance and reliability.
An FMF Racing Factory 4.1 RCT silencer has been fitted, including a blue anodised titanium body and carbon end-cap. It’s shorter than the base production model’s exhaust, aiding to mass centralisation and reducing chances of damage.
CNC-machined triple clamps are made from high-grade aluminium, featuring optimally-tuned steering stem stiffness and perfected fork tube alignment to increase responsiveness. The off-set can been easily adjusted between 20mm or 22mm.
In addition, the hydro-formed frame has premium black powder-coating, as well as anodised D.I.D DirtStar rims and machined hubs that offer maximum weight savings and strength. The 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition also has a carbon-fibre reinforced engine protector, mechanical hole-shot device and a front brake disc protector fitted as standard.
These features come on top of the usual Husqvarna FC 450 features, which include a composite two-piece sub-frame design, fully-adjustable 48mm WP split air fork, WP rear shock absorber, ProTaper handlebars, precise Magura hydraulic clutch system, selectable map switch that activates launch and traction control, electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery and the potent Brembo braking package.
De Puniet and Hernandez join regular Gimbert in factory team.
Image: Supplied.
Honda Endurance Racing has signed former MotoGP contender Randy de Puniet for the remainder of the 2018-2019 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in a new-look line-up where he’ll join Yonny Hernandez alongside regular Sebastien Gimbert aboard the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.
De Puniet has a strong history with Honda, for the LCR Honda team from 2008-2010 in MotoGP where he stood on the podium, and he helped F.C.C. TSR Honda France secure third place at the Suzuka 8 Hours (2016-2017). The 38-year-old has also finished on the EWC podium a further five times, and was the French 125cc Champion in 1998 and a race-winner in the 250cc class of MotoGP.
“I am very happy to return to Honda and ride in EWC for the rest of the 2019 season,” said de Puniet. “I have had past successes in the championship and I think with Honda, and Sébastien and Yonny we will be a very strong team indeed. I am looking forward to the first test and to get going with the Fireblade at Le Mans.”
Hernandez is no stranger to the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 and the championship, having ridden for Honda Endurance Racing on two occasions, where he and the team finished third at the prestigious Bol d’Or 24-hour and the Suzuka 8 Hours. A rider of wide experience, he has raced at world level in MotoGP, Moto2 and WorldSBK.
Gimbert has played an integral part of the Honda team since joining in 2014. Working on the development of the Fireblade, he has helped secured a win and podiums, as well as taking the squad to their highest championship result in third place in the 2017-2018 season.
The opening round of the 2018-2019 EWC got underway last September with the Bol d’Or, and the Honda squad is looking ahead to the remaining four rounds where they will re-focus the strategy to challenge for the championship title. Round two is scheduled on 20-21 April for the 24 Heures Motos in France.
KTM have confirmed that the eagerly anticipated new 790 Adventure will arrive in Australia this June with 790 Adventure retailing for $21,195 ride away, while the slightly more up-spec 790 Adventure R will sell for $22,695 ride away. This week KTM also clarified the pricing of the complete 2019 KTM Adventure Range.
2019 KTM Adventure Range Pricing
2019 KTM 790 Adventure – $21,195 Ride Away
2019 KTM 790 Adventure R – $22,695 Ride Away
2019 KTM 690 Enduro R – $17,595 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1090 Adventure R – $24,295 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure / S – $28,395 Ride Away
2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R – $29,195 Ride Away
Tam Paul – KTM National Brand Manager
“We have been faced with many external pricing pressures; the Team at KTM Australia has been working hard to minimize the impact to the Rider. In review of currency comparisons we are priced in line with our European counterparts and all models represent exceptional value.”
KTM 790 Adventure
The main differences between the 790 Adventure and its 790 Adventure R siblings are 40mm less suspension travel at both ends, 200mm versus 240mm. Predictably, this also affects seat height, with the 790 Adventure perch at 830-850mm, while the 790 Adventure R is fixed at 880mm.
The 790 Adventure suspension is of the WP APEX specification, while the 790 Adventure R is of XPLOR specification. The differences in those specifications relate to the focus of the suspension tuning, with XPLOR damping and spring rates more focussed on the off-road end of the spectrum. WP also recently released XPLOR PRO and APEX PRO shocks and forks for those that want to take their suspension towards race level performance, these are complete replacement items that can also be purchased from KTM Australia when they become available later in the year.
Along with the aforemention height-adjustable two-part seat, the standard KTM 790 Adventure also gets more wind protection. However the user configurable ‘Rally’ mode that is standard on the R model is an optional extra on the standard Adventure.
Optional add-ons for both models are Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control.
KTM quote 95 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 88 Nm at 6600 rpm for both 790 Adventure models. This is 10 hp down on the stomping 790 Duke streetbike that first utilised this new parallel twin from KTM, but the claimed 88 Nm torque of the 790 Adventure is marginally higher, and at 6600 rpm, that peak twist arrives 1400 rpm earlier than the 790 Duke, which itself boasts prodigious mid-range punch.
LC8c cylinder head
The incredibly small engine packaging (only fractionally larger externally than the 375cc single in the 390 Duke), gives KTM the room to fit a long swingarm and more space for the fuel cell. A special effort was made to have the air-filter easily accessible for cleaning and servicing
Fuel tank extends down the sides of the KTM 790 Adventure
The small engine dimensions also allow for plenty of ground clearance while maintaining a reasonable seat height.
KTM 790 Adventure
Clearance on the 790 Adventure is 233 mm while the 790 Adventure R has 263 mm of clearance.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Seat height on the Adventure is adjustable between 830 and 850 mm while the saddle on the 790 Adventure R is a taller 880 mm.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Both are also claimed to tip the scales at 189kg without their 20-litre fuel cells being topped up.
KTM 790 Adventure Fuel cell
Thus we can extrapolate that the 790 Adventure weighs in at 204kg fully fuelled and ready to ride.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Again those slim and compact engine dimensions have played their part in keeping the fuel low with the tank extending down alongside the engine, similar to what we once saw in the 990 Adventure models some years ago.
KTM 790 Adventure R
KTM claim a fuel range as high as 450 km from the new bikes and while this might be possible when being nursed, realistically a rider will more likely able to count on a 350+ km range in most touring duties.
KTM 790 Adventure
Predictably, KTM owned WP provides the suspension for both bikes.
KTM 790 Adventure WP Shock
Inverted 43 mm forks on the Adventure grow to more premium 48 mm XLPOR forks in the R.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R forks (Right)
Suspension travel at both ends is 200 mm for the Adventure and 240 mm on the R.
KTM 790 Adventure
Both bikes roll on an 18-21 inch spoked rim combination.
KTM 790 Adventure R
Easily adjusted from the left bar-mounted menu switch, the KTM 790 Adventure has different ride modes to enable riders to explore the full potential of the bike.
KTM 790 Adventure
Street, Offroad and Rain riding modes, along with the optional Rally mode (standard on the R), alter the behaviour and feeling of the engine.
KTM 790 Adventure and Adventure R feature radial mount four-piston calipers and 320 mm discs up front and 260 mm rear
Changing a ride mode changes the throttle response, the traction control level and, depending on the mode, the peak power. Rider aids are there to assist you in variable situations, featuring KTM’s MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control), cornering ABS, off-road ABS (deactivating ABS at the rear while front wheel ABS intervention is reduced and data from the lean angle sensor is not considered), an Offroad ride mode and the more advanced Rally mode which enable the rider to adapt the character of the bike more freely.
KTM 790 Adventure
The KTM 790 Adventure is also equipped with the state-of-the-art TFT display. Easily readable in all conditions, the full color, 5″ screen’s configuration is variable and automatically adapts to changes in environmental light.
KTM 790 Adventure
The main information is arranged in a position where the rider can immediately see it, while additional displayed information can be chosen by the rider with the integrated KTM MY RIDE system is integrated. This allows pairing with a smartphone for receiving (or rejecting) phone calls, listening to music and, using the optional app, navigating with on screen turn-by-turn directions along with audio prompts.
2019 KTM Adventure R Technical SpecificationsKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure with luggageKTM 790 AdventureKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure RKTM 790 Adventure R
Giovanni Parrilla was born in southern Italy in 1912 but later moved to Milan to begin work as a mechanic working on diesel injection pumps. In 1946 he went into the motorcycle business (dropping one of the ‘r’s from his name) with two new OHC 250cc racing bikes, designed by Guiseppi Salmaggi (ex-Rumi).
1963 Moto Parilla 250 Wildcat
1953 saw the famous “high-cam” motor introduced in 175cc capacity. This had the chain driven cam at the level of the combustion chamber, with very short pushrods operating the overhead valves (some factory race bikes used a gear drive instead of a chain).
The 175 was extremely successful both in Europe, and later in the US where one won the 1958 Daytona 250GP.
1959 175 Gran Sport, the motor of which formed the basis for the 250cc Wildcat
By the beginning of the ‘60s the demand for decent off road competition bikes was growing in the US which resulted in Parilla’s importer Cosmopolitan Motors requesting a bike to fill that void. The company produced the Wildcat in 1961 as their response. This US only model used the high-cam motor enlarged to 250cc.
1963 Moto Parilla 250 Wildcat
Despite costing twice as much as its common class competitor, Triumph’s Tiger Cub, the Wildcat sold well. The lights and tachometer were factory accessories. 26hp at 9,500rpm joined with a weight of 114kg, created a top speed of 135km/h.
California Heat brings heated gear to the Western Power Sports Lineup.
Begin Press Release:
WPS Announces New Distribution With Heated Gear Manufacturers California Heat
Pylesville, Maryland, February 26, 2019 – California Heat, LLC, a leading manufacturer of heated clothing, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS) to distribute its diverse catalog of 12V powersport and 7V battery powered heated gear.
Over the last 59 years, WPS has become the fastest growing distributor in powersports due to their outstanding service and product offering coupled with outstanding delivery and distribution.
“We knew from the moment we met the WPS team that the partnership was meant to be,” said Jennifer Ambrose, Director of Corporate Relations. “Both companies have built a family business based on customer care and with consumer feedback driving their solutions. It’s that family feel combined with superior service that makes this partnership successful.”
California Heat offers a lifetime warranty on their heating elements and plugs. Finewire heating elements are composed of interwoven, highly conductive microfibers that have a heavy-duty coating applied. This superior craftsmanship creates an extremely durable product that heats up quickly, ensuring comfortable warmth during any cold weather activity.
“WPS loves the entrepreneurial spirit that companies like California Heat embodies,” National Sales Manager, Ronnie Wehr, explained. “California Heat saw a need in the industry for comfortable heated equipment, developed it, and now with WPS, will be able to distribute it quicker and easier to dealerships throughout North America.”
WPS will begin distributing California Heat’s clothing and accessories throughout the United States and Canada.
About California Heat After accumulating over 20 years of combined experience working for the industry’s leading heated clothing manufacturer, the team realized people were in need of a quality, affordable brand they could trust. A clothing line was designed that incorporated the most Cutting-Edge Technology and Superior Craftsmanship, confidently backed by a Lifetime Warranty. By listening to customer feedback on qualities they enjoyed in a heated brand, then combining it with a passionate belief in personable customer care…California Heat was born. Learn more about California Heat by visiting www.california-heat.com.
About Western Power Sports Boise, Idaho based Western Power Sports (WPS) distributes over 130,000 products; including off-road and street motorcycle, ATV and UTV, snowmobile, and watercraft parts and accessories to dealers nationwide. Currently one of the fastest growing nationwide delivery systems of powersports industry products, WPS distributes products through its regional warehouse network; with locations in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; Ashley, Indiana; and Midlothian, Texas. Learn more about WPS by visiting www.wps-inc.com.
heating elements are composed of interwoven, highly conductive microfibers that have a heavy-duty coating applied. This superior craftsmanship creates an extremely durable product that heats up quickly, ensuring comfortable warmth during any cold weather activity.