Motorcycle racing has received a major boost at two Aussie tracks with a big cash injection into a second circuit at Bathurst and the reopening of Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway to motorbikes.
The Feds have now funded $12.5 million toward the $52 million FIM/FIA accredited “Velocity Park precinct” which would be suitable for MotoGP and World Superbike racing.
Bathurst second circuit design
The 668-hectare Velocity Park to the east of Conrod Straight will have capacity for up to 50,000 spectators.
It will also feature accommodation and hospitality facilities.
Bikes raced at Bathurst from the 1940s to the 1980s and it even hosted several pre-world-title Australian GPs.
Forrest’s Elbow is named after motorcycle racer Jack Forrest who scraped his elbow away after laying down his bike on the corner.
Motorcycle racing at Mt Panorama
Hell Corner is named after a tree stump at the apex where it was believed motorcyclists who misjudged the corner would die.
In the 1980s, the Easter Races were marred by riots until council imposed an alcohol ban.
Motorcycle racing at Bathurst finished in the late ’80s.
Since then, concrete safety barriers for car racing have made the existing circuit unsafe for motorcycle racing.
Barbagallo Raceway
Barbagallo Raceway (Image: Barnsiesphotos)
Motorcycle racing has returned to Perth with the Barbagallo track now re-licensed for competitive racing after significant safety upgrades.
The Wanneroo track last weekend hosted the first round of motorcycle racing for more than two years.
Motorcycle racing was suspended at the venue in November 2016 over safety concerns, after several fatal accidents and the publication of a safety audit which highlighted risks.
Since 2017, the WA Sporting Car Club, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling Western Australia have worked to formulate track realignment and resurfacing upgrades to improve track safety.
“The two main reasons are a reduction in tear volume and meibomian gland dysfunction which is where the glands of the eyelids produced a reduced quantity or poorer quality of oil,” she says.
“The oil from these glands is what keeps the tears stable on the eye and stops evaporation of the tear film.
“I have seen patients with dry and inflamed eyes from wind. It typically resolves quickly with treatment such as lubricating eyes drops or anti-inflammatory eye drops in severe cases.”
Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye, while pregnancy and menopause can lead to a lack of tears.
Eye disease
Emma says wind-burned dry eyes are also at increased risk of infection and disease.
“Wind affects the tear film of the eye which is important for maintaining the integrity of the ocular surface” she says.
“It can make a person more susceptible to eye issues such as conjunctivitis, corneal abrasion or corneal ulcer.”
Vision advice
Emma advises riders to wear eyewear both as protection from wind and foreign bodies.
“A routine to maintain a stable tear film can also help such as lubricating eye drops before and after riding.”
It has also been suggested eating a diet low in vitamin A, which is found in liver, carrots and broccoli, or low in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts and vegetable oils.
As they say, if symptoms persist, see your doctor or optometrist.
Riders are urged to take part in a major survey on attitudes to road safety strategies which has so far only received responses from four motorcyclists.
Dr João Canoquena of the University of Notre Dame Australia, says the final round of the survey now requires rider support to help balance the outcomes.
“There were only four people in the survey who nominated motorbike as the main means of transport to work, place of leisure or education,” João says.
“This small number limits the sorts of analyses one can conduct. I would like to have more motorcyclists in the sample.
“If this is so, I can then look at how the motorcyclists have answered the questions; what their thoughts are about the strategies I will be including such as RBT. I might also include wire barriers as I know they have caused some trouble to motorcyclists.
“If (riders) know of any other road safety strategies which have been controversial, please, let me know. I am working on the next version of the survey. It is not finalised yet. So, any suggestions are welcome.”
His project started with a pilot survey, following the analysis of 544 written public submissions to the former Australian Transport Council.
“The point the study seems to be making is that there are sentiments in the community that do not seem to be picked up by policy design,” he says.
“Those in charge of policy design do not seem to be aware that the negativity in the community has a wide range of nuances.
“It is not about people supporting or not a strategy. There is a wide range of emotions associated with some strategies, which may include disbelief, refutation, dissent etc.
“There are those who are not happy or resent certain policies, but will always be rather passive. There are others, however, who are starting to refuse certain policies. They will grow more disenchanted unless there is some sort of redress.”
Just what you need to ride in stealth mode around the urban landscape.
And if you wear camo pants, jacket and helmet, the zombies won’t see you!
Camo paint
Camouflage paint is often used on prototype motorcycles so that when the manufacturers take it out on public streets for testing, it disguises the shape of the motorcycle.
Gannet designer Ulfert Jansson says their aim was to produce a completely new appearance mainly by changing the proportions and handlebar position.
So it seems a little strange that Gannet would hide its custom work that radically changes the shape of the Honda.
“The contemporary camouflage graphics on the tank and the paneling was created by precise painting work and was gradually built up in seven layers,” Ulfert says.
“By using paint layers, we could control each single element and place it without any deformation you would get by using foil. Therefore the result is very precise and you can clearly see the impeccable paint job by Walter (Oberli).”
Building process
The bike was built by Stefan Fuhrer, a former MotoGP racing mechanic and his crew at Fuhrer Moto and was fitted with422 Corse parts such as Rotobox carbon fibre rims and CeraCarbon carbon forks.
The project started with initial loose sketches and design studies by Ulfert.
“Many people underestimate the importance of balance and proportion in a custom build,” Ulfert says.
“Just by changing the stance, angles and position slightly, you get an entire new perception and attitude of a bike.”
“The front is incredibly beautiful and hot,” Stefan says.
“Through CNC milling, we have created a new fixation design for the front light and the mini windshield.
With the new three-piece CNC mechanism, we can now change the height of the headlight and adjust the windscreen to any angle.
“The front headlight has been moved forward by 60mm and slightly lowered.
“This new special fixation together with the Multiclip, the triple clamp, and the carbon fork give this bike a very technical and cool visual impression like in a Transformer movie.”
Light forks and wheels
The carbon forks also feature Dyneema and a unique patented Ceramic technology to make them stiffer, lighter and more durable.
A typical 43mm steel front fork inner tube weighs about 1kg, while the CeraCarbon is only 237g.
It is 75% lighter than the conventional steel front fork inner tubes, and reduces the unsprung weight by 1.5Kg on the complete forks.
Riders have been invited to celebrate the life of Rev Dr John “Bullfrog” Smith, the founder of the God’s Squad CMC, radical preacher and long-time social justice campaigner.
“Smithy” passed away from cancer at home on 6 March 2019 with his wife of 51 years, Glena, by his side.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday (23 March 2019) at 2pm at the Wave Baptist Church in Ocean Grove, corner of Wallington Rd and Lake Ave.
Rev Smithy was known and respected by many riders over many decades for his support, counsel, charity work and his vocal crusade against anti-association laws.
He even addressed the National Press Club on 5 August 2009, telling the press why the commonly called “anti-bikie laws”, wouldn’t work.
Many knew him as “Bullfrog” because he was “the loudest noise in the pond” says his wife, Glena.
Smithy documentary
His life story is told in the documentary film simply titled “Smithy”.
God’s Squad CMC formed in the late 1960s, but expanded under Smithy’s leadership from 1972.
The film synopsis says Smithy had agonised over the inability of the church to be culturally relevant and engaged with the important social and political issues of the day.
“In the twinkling of an eye, he went from strait-laced suburban preacher to sharing the stage at Hells Angels’ concerts to addressing a full hearing of the United Nations Human Rights Commission,” it says.
“Smithy has been jailed and nearly executed in the Philippines for defending the rights of rural peasants, and has been an advocate for the marginalised peoples of Mexico, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
“He has spoken around the world, making friends of like-minded crusaders such as Bono and Jimmy Carter. God’s Squad has also gone global with chapters now in New Zealand, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Germany, Ukraine, Netherlands and the USA.
“Across four frenetic decades, Smithy set up several flourishing community churches with associated welfare arms; completed a doctorate focussing on cross-cultural studies, corporate culture and globalisation; wrote five books; and with his wife, Glena, had three childrenand seventeen grandchildren.”
Contributed post on emergency supplies for our North American readers
Roadside emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Being prepared for any scenario can save your life — from hit and run accidents to flat tires on the side of the road, having the tools to deal with an unexpected emergency can save you a lot of time and headaches.
In many cases, being able to help yourself or others in a roadside emergency situation can be vital to your own and others’ survival. When help is still far away, knowing what to do in an urgent situation and having the proper supplies right with you in your storage box can make all the difference.
Just ask the legal experts from Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. about the advantages of having the proper roadside emergency supplies for your motorcycle. In the case of accidents caused by either poor weather conditions or by another vehicle, being able to take action right on the scene can save you money and hassles later on.
Every rider should have the barest emergency supplies packed in their storage box at all times. Take a look at our comprehensive list of the most important items that you should keep with you when out your motorcycle, just in case of emergency.
First Aid Kit
Touratech first-aid kit
Purchase a pre-packaged first aid kit to keep in your storage box at all times. Bandages, ointments, and medications should be included in the bare essentials of each kit.
Duct Tape
This fix-all product has nearly unlimited uses in any emergency situation. Treat wounds, make small repairs or tape up broken parts with ease. Make sure to have at least one full roll of duct tape in your emergency supplies.
Tire Repair Kit
Getting a flat can be a real pain. If you are near an urban area, you may be able to get away with a temporary fill up on the roadside or have your tire patches at a nearby garage. Carry a tire gauge with you to check your tire pressure before you head out on any longer trips. A low tire may not blow on you, but it can affect your mileage and performance.
Multi-Tool
A good quality multi-tool can be a literal lifesaver. Make sure that you have at least one blade and as many utility blades as possible for the best protection and service.
Victorinox SwissTool
Spare Light Bulbs
If there’s one thing that keeps you safe on the road, it’s your taillights, headlights and turn signals. These components are crucial to making you visible to other vehicles on the road, especially once the sun goes down. Make sure to keep a couple of spares in your storage box so you can replace a burnt-out bulb as soon as possible, keeping your motorcycle at its most visible.
Thermal Blanket
Accidents can happen in any type of weather, but the consequences can be harsher when there’s rain or snow. Make sure you have a thermal or fire blanket packed in your storage box at all times — you never know when you might need it.
Water
There is no way to tell when you may become stranded on the roadside. Staying properly hydrated can be the key to your survival and comfort. Make sure to keep several bottles of water or a reusable water bottle (full of water, of course) with your supplies.
Food
Protein bars and meal supplements can be a lifesaver when you run into a roadside emergency situation. It could be hours until you have a chance to eat, so pack some high protein snacks with your supplies to tide you over until you can have a proper meal.
New roads and roadworks in Australia are falling into disrepair too soon while short warranty periods are allowing contractors to avoid fixing their mistakes.
Australia has “defects liability periods” (DLP) from as little as three months to seven years, but mainly around two years.
This follows a move in Britain to hold road contractors to account for potholes and other road failures from the current two-year period to five years.
Apart from the misuse of taxpayer funds, the lack of decent warranty periods poses a danger to motorcyclists as potholes are a significant hazard for motorcyclists.
Victorian Motorcycle Council chairman Peter Baulch says another example of failed road surfaces is the Peninsula Link Freeway which opened in February 2013.
He says the “whitish discolouration” in this composite photo he supplied is sand and clay from the subsoil under the road being forced up through cracks in the asphalt surface.
“Ultimately these cracked sections will break up completely and become flying missiles as cars and trucks pass over them,” he says.
“To date there has not been any remediation undertaken to halt or repair this problem, which will only get worse, particularly as winter approaches and water penetrates the subsoil.
“It is worth noting that this problem first became visible and noticeable in late 2018; exactly five years after this freeway was opened.”
There are no doubt many other examples in other states, including recent cases in Queensland and NSW where new roadworks started melting in the heat.
Melting tar
Rider reps agree
Peter says contractors should definitely be held accountable for failed roadworks and South Australia’s Ride to Review spokesman Tim Kelly agrees that a five-year warranty is “a great idea”.
“There would be general contractual obligation to repair defects but I would be surprised if anyone would agree to a guarantee for five years,” Steve says.
It should be noted that any extension to the defects liability period would be likely to result in a higher cost for roadworks contracts.
However, a short warranty and low contract price may be false economics as it would possibly cost a higher rate to get contractors to return to fix faulty roadworks after the warranty period.
Warranty periods in states
Electronic sign (difficult to read with the sun on it!)
We contacted roads departments in all states and territories to ask about their roadworks contract warranty periods.
A NSW Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson says they require all road works to be delivered “defect free, fit for purpose and in accordance with contract requirements and specifications”.
“As per industry practice, contracts also specify a defects liability period during which contractors warrant the works and return to remedy any defects identified.”
They did not specify the warranty period.
“Warranty periods vary across contracts and from maintenance to construction projects,” the spokesperson said.
“The duration and terms of warranty periods are confidential under the respective agreements entered into with Roads and Maritime Services contractors.”
VicRoads Director of Procurement Services, Felicity Roberts, says all their contracts include a defect liability period, which requires any issues arising shortly after a project is complete to be repaired.
“For current contracts, the DLP is between one and two years, depending on the size and scale of the project delivered,” she says.
It is believed there are no current plans to change this time period.
A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says most of their construction contracts have a defects liability period of just three months.
“However some major projects may have longer defect periods,” the spokesperson said.
“With any project involving the use of asphalt, the supplier provides an additional warranty of up to two years.
“If additional infrastructure such as service utilities are installed, we generally require these works to be carried out without disturbing the road surface.
“When this isn’t possible we require the installer to warrant the integrity of the site for two years.”
WA Main Roads says their contracts include provisions for the correction of defects caused by poor construction processes.
“The length of the defects liability or corrections period will vary depending on the form of contract, but typically ranges from one year to seven years,” they say.
“In addition to these contractual requirements, Main Roads has resources in place to provide a timely response to maintenance issues on its network, including repairing potholes.”
None of the roads departments was able to provide details of the number of call backs for warranty works “as this information is subject to confidential obligations under relevant contracts”.
In other words, the taxpayer never finds out!
Other states and territories have not yet replied to our request for information.
UK warranty
UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says their proposed specifications on highway roadworks would demand the contractor returns to bring the road surface back to normal in five years.
“Potholes are the biggest enemy for road users and this government is looking at all options to keep our roads in the best condition,” he says.
“Road surfaces can be made worse by utility companies, so imposing higher standards on repairs will help keep roads pothole-free for longer.”
The fastest-growing sector of the motorcycle clothing market is leisure safety gear while traditional Cordura and leather suits are decreasing in demand, says a British motorcycle clothing brand.
The trend mirrors growth in retro and naked bikes and the decrease in sportsbike popularity, says Merlin major shareholder Steve Franklin.
He and his Yamaha-loving sons, James and Patrick, flew out from Manchester recently to meet Australian retailers and distributors Link International.
Merlin execs (from left) Patrick, James and Steve Franklin
The Merlin executives also claim modern riders want clothing made with sustainable materials by manufacturers with integrity.
Steve says Merlin products are CE-approved, materials are sourced directly from experts and each manufacturer is inspected frequently for quality control.
“I want to be able to sleep at night,” he says, claiming they have only 0.97% returns on faulty gear and that one-third of that is down to user error.
Merlin flanno leisure jacket has DuPont kevlar throughout
They say the biggest market for motorcycle gear is now “moto leisure”.
Steve explains that it is like Nike’s “athleisure” range which appeals to people who want to look like an athlete but be comfortable.
“Similarly, moto leisure has all the safety gear but riders are able to go into a pub and not look like they’ve just had their knee down,” Steve says.
“It’s something you can wear all day.”
Heritage rider gear that reflects neo-classic motorcycles, such as the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle that Steve rides, represents 45% of the market.
Steve says tech wear such as Cordua adventure suits and leather race suits are only 37% of the market and decreasing while the other two sectors are in “double-digit growth”.
That adds up to more than 100% of the market, but Steve says there is a lot of overlap where riders wear items from each section.
He says their women’s range was greater than 20% of their stock, but they pulled back.
However, James says they are now expanding their women’s range again.
“It’s a small part of the market but there are many more women’s groups emerging,” he says.
“They don’t all want to wear pink. They don’t want traditional riding gear but something that is a bit fashionable.
“Our feedback is that most brands just do dumbed-down versions of men’s gear.
“We recognise that women’s fit is different, even in women’s boots.”
Merlin employs fashion industry expert Melanie Field to help with women’s sizing so “it’s not just a small version of men’s gear”.
“She also has an eye on what colours and styles are currently fashionable,” James says.
Sustainability
Merlin Maple gloves with organic cotton denim panels
Riders are now seeking sustainable, organic materials directly sourced from reputable manufacturers, Steve says.
“The speed of development in organic materials is really gathering pace,” he says.
James points out that 76% of the materials they use is bought directly from “the experts in the field”.
“This ensures we have control of the quality,” he says.
Merlin also employs local inspectors in each of the countries where their products are manufactured to guarantee integrity and quality control.
They produce 60% of their gear in Pakistan and the rest in Portugal, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and India.
“We don’t manufacture anywhere that we don’t don’t have someone on site to make regular inspections,” Steve says.
He and his sons also spend 16 weeks a year doing inspection tours of manufacturing sites.
They say 75% of profits are turned back into the company to improve quality.
Safety standards
Merlin Holden leather jacket
Steve says rigid European CE approval standards are “both a curse and a blessing”.
“The cost of gaining CE approval is onerous at $10,000-$15,000 per product,” he says.
“We have to test the smallest and largest sizes and one in the middle, plus each different colour.”
Link International Merlin brand manager Ron Grant also points out that Merlin doesn’t just use high-quality safety materials in the impact areas specified for CE testing, but throughout their garments.
However, James says CE is also a blessing by making it “really difficult to get into this industry”, so it is “flushing out the bad quality and those operating in the black market”.
He says gaining CE approval was easy for them because they were exceeding the full testing process before CE became mandatory last year for manufacturers operating in Europe.
About Merlin
Merlin Chase heritage jacket
Merlin was registered in 2011 and started trading in 2012.
The name and logo come from “merle” which is French for blackbird.
It is 100% owned by the company’s 200 full-time staff who become shareholders after six months.
Steve’s background was in turning around ailing businesses.
“I just wanted to start a business then get someone to take it over,” he says.
“But once my sons entered the business, we found we had a passion for making good products and not just for business,” he says.
“We don’t cut corners. We wanted to make the best quality product we could with the technology and materials available.
“We’re always improving the product so it is relevant and exceeds customer expectations.”
If you think talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, a new trend of taking selfies has emerged to further endanger riders’ lives.
A US study has found more than 15% of drivers say they take selfies while driving. And 5% “go live” while driving, possibly imitating James Corden’s enormously popular Carpool Karaoke.
The Simply Insurance study, based on United States Department of Transportation data and a survey of American 1430 drivers, found 88% use their phones while driving, which includes handsfree.
Phone stats
It may not be as big in Australia where it is reported that only 1.5% of Aussie drivers illegally use their phones.
However, those statistics could be much less than the reality.
In NSW, about 40,000 drivers are fined each year for illegal use of a mobile phone.
Yet in a one-month trial of just two fixed special detection cameras on the M4 motorway and Anzac Parade and one mobile device, more than 11,000 offences were recorded. (They were not fined during the trial and there was no breakdown on talking, texting or taking selfies.)
In the same month only 1999 NSW drivers received mobile phones fines.
The cameras will be rolled out across the state later this year.
Misdiagnosed crashes
The problem is that many of the deaths occurring from illegal mobile phone use such as selfies go unreported, are “misdiagnosed” (possibly as speeding) or are categorised as distracted driving.
The US study found one in every four car accidents was caused by texting and driving. That does not include using the phone to make a call!
We wonder how many crashes in Australia could be attributed to illegal mobile phone use if only that was a category in the statistics and properly investigated by police, rather than just added to the “speeding” column.
And don’t think Aussies aren’t doing it, even though most support the tough penalties. In the US study, 94% of drivers support a ban on texting while driving, yet 98% claim they still do it.
So drivers seem to think it’s ok, so long as they get away with it.
However, it should be noted that US phone penalties are scant and low (see details further on in this article).
Tougher penalties
Motorcycle riders are particularly keen on increasing mobile phone penalties.
We are endangered by mobile phone use as motorcycles are more difficult to spot in a driver’s periphery vision when it is glued to a phone.
Drivers who illegally use a mobile phone while driving should have their licence suspended, says the Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce.
NSW last year increased the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving in from four to five demerit points following reports of drivers being fined for not only talking on their phones, but updating their social media profiles and taking selfies.
However, Steve says the MCCNSW believes that licence suspension for illegal mobile phone use should be mandatory.
Australian penalties
The National Transport Commission amended the Australian Road Rules to make it illegal to touch a mobile phone at any time while driving or stopped in traffic, unless it is “secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle” or “the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press anything on the body of the phone or to otherwise manipulate any part of the body of the phone”.
Most states have adopted this ruling.
Mobile phone fines vary across the nation:
Fines around the world
Fines vary around the world from no fine in many Asian countries to thousands of dollars and licence suspensions in Canada.
New Zealand has a low $80 fine which matches their low fines for speeding. Consequently 3.5% of Kiwi drivers use their phone while driving compared with the reported 1.5% in Australia.
Almost half (24) of American states have no hand-held phone ban. Some states only issue fines if the driver is in a school zone or committing some other traffic offence such as speeding. Arizona and Montana even allow drivers to text!
The toughest measures in the USA are in California. The state has a $US150 fine (about $A205) for the first offence and more than $US250 (about $A345) for a second violation and one point.
Canada has a distracted driving offence which attracts a $1000 fine and three demerit points. A second conviction could mean a fine of up to $2000 and a seven-day licence suspension. A third offence could mean a fine of up to $3000 and a 30-day suspension.
Fines in Europe vary from less than €50 (about $80) and one point in eastern Europe to €420 (about $A675) in the Netherlands and up to six points in the UK.
Most people only use their TomTom GPS to guide them to a destination they don’t know, but there are advantages to putting in the destination even if you know which way to go.
I’ve recently been riding around with the TomTom Rider 550 tuned into destinations I know, and I reckon the various alerts have not only helped me to get around quicker, but probably saved a few demerit points on my license.
That’s because TomTom Rider 550 includes relevant alerts about traffic jams, roadworks, speed cameras and even on adverse weather ahead of you. It will also tell you how long a particular hazard might hold up your ride.
These alerts flash up on the screen and if you pair the device to your phone and/or helmet intercom, there are also audible warnings.
This has allowed me to concentrate more on the road rather than worrying about looking out for speed cameras, roadworks and hazards.
Services alerts
But wait, there’s more. It also shows important information about upcoming services such as petrol stations, rest areas, tollways and ferries.
And when you reach your destination, it will even guide you to the closest parking areas. Just press the parking button on the route bar.
It takes a lot of guesswork out of negotiating through heavy traffic and around traffic snarls and roadworks.
The GPS could also save your licence with reminders about where and when fixed and mobile speed cameras are located.
Custom displays
The information is displayed on the map and/or the route bar down the side.
It also displays your estimated time of arrival, distance and/or time remaining to destinations, upcoming events and services, as well as current time or distance to the next event, depending on how you set it up.
Now that’s a wealth of information that could easily be distracting were it not for the audible alerts.
You can actually customise the Rider 550 to just display only the alerts that are most important to you. That makes it a much simpler and less distracting screen display.
The GPS can give you an alternative route by just tapping on the icons on the route bar. However, I suggest you pull over to do this. It won’t take more than a few seconds.
You can even help other riders using the TomTom MyDrive app by adding updates to the vast network of important information.
Just tap on the speed panel at the bottom of the screen and a menu comes up with options: “Report speed camera, mark location, change speed limit and avoid blocked road”.
Data usage
To access all this information, you just need to set up a personal hotspot on your paired smartphone which accesses your data as the GPS doesn’t have a SIM card.
That keeps the GPS affordable at $599.
But don’t worry about blowing all your data.
TomTom says it will only use about 7Mb a month even if you run your GPS on it an hour every day. That’s less than downloading two songs and certainly wouldn’t blow the budget on most people’s mobile plan.
It might also save your life, save you time and save your licence!
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