The Track Editor feature has been updated with new modules and stadium items, allowing players to customize tracks more fully than ever before. Multiplayer mode has been updated as well, with designers creating low-latency and lag-free gameplay. Race Director Mode gives players the chance to create online tournaments and handle everything from other players’ starting positions, infraction penalties, and directorial duties during the races.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
Four decades ago, Suzuki turned the motorcycle world on its head with the 1982 Katana streetbike. Featuring a smart and highly cutting-edge German-inspired design, this Japanese-built motorcycle developed a cultlike following. It also set the tempo for Suzuki sportbikes to this day. Now it’s looking to remake magic with the reintroduction of its 2020 Suzuki Katana ($13,499).
This time around Suzuki tasked Italian designer Rodolfo Frascoli to redefine the lines of Hans Muth’s original rendering. The 2020 Katana wears more curved and three-dimensional surfaces yet retains the Katana’s signature nose and neatly carved fuel tank (3.2-gallon capacity) area. Full LED lighting and a pleasing swingarm-mounted hugger-style license plate bracket make for a clean overall look.
Suzuki brings back a blast from its past with the 2020 Katana, a remake of the legendary 1982 Suzuki Katana.Suzuki Motor of AmericaSwing a leg over the new Katana and you’ll be greeted by a friendly upright cockpit design that is neither too sport nor too relaxed. The monochrome LCD instrument panel is a tad small, but replete with information, and features the original Katana’s signature J-hook-style swept tachometer. The position of the handlebar puts the rider in a commanding, but not overly so stance. The seat junction is slim so it will be easy for most riders to stand flat-footed at a standstill. We also appreciate the plushness of the rider and passenger seats.
Considering its dated underpinnings, the Katana takes a few more miles compared to more contemporary designs to break in. Once worn in, the powertrain offers typical Suzuki responsiveness. This is defined by responsive clutch action and excellent throttle response, despite not incorporating ride-by-wire throttle setup, like its 2017–2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R sportbike.
The 2020 Katana tastefully pays homage to Hans Muth’s original rendering, however it incorporates more three-dimensional surfaces.Suzuki Motor of AmericaHard on the throttle and this 999cc K5-spec GSX-R1000 engine (2005–2008) delivers a pleasing GSX-R-like induction growl with plenty of vehicle-passing torque. Engine vibration is minimal and it’s amazing how well this engine performs overall, despite being 15 years old—a testament to Suzuki’s original engineering effort.
Horsepower-wise the engine is good for nearly 140 ponies at the 190-series Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tire. There’s no quickshifter, so gear exchanges are made the old-fashioned way, however, the gearbox has a solid and precise feel, once broken in. The Katana comes outfitted with Suzuki’s older-style (non-IMU powered) three-way-adjustable traction control which helps prevent rear wheel instability over slick surfaces.
The 2020 Suzuki Katana is available in two colorways: Metallic Mystic Silver or Solid Black (pictured).Suzuki Motor of AmericaThe KYB suspension components provide a nice balance between sporty road holding in the twisties and everyday comfort over bumpy surfaces. The Katana also feels more lithe in motion than its 474-pound curb weight implies. Triple hydraulic disc brakes keep speed in check and fixed always-on ABS ensures tire lockup during brake application a thing of the past. Our only gripe is that you can’t manually disable ABS, say if you want to lay skids or ride a nose wheelie.
Limited fuel capacity and its relatively dim LED headlamp compromise everyday usability on the road, however, there are few retro-style motorcycles that look as authentic as this Katana. While we appreciate its trendy-again look and polished overall character, its $13,499 MSRP is hefty considering its older underpinnings. But if you want a slice of motorcycle history, without any oil stains on the garage floor, the 2020 Katana fits the bill.
Want a piece of motorcycling history, without the oil stains on the garage floor? Suzuki’s 2020 Katana will let you take a ride down memory lane…Suzuki Motor of AmericaSource: MotorCyclistOnline.com
News 7 Feb 2020
Section: Competition
Australia’s Miller winds up fifth fastest on the timesheets.
Image: Supplied.
Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) began the Sepang test strongly by topping the timesheets, the Frenchman was the first man into the 1m58s and his lap-time remained largely unthreatened thereafter, although some rain in the afternoon did stop play for a while and limit track time.
Teammate Franco Morbidelli was second overall on day one and came the closest to deposing him, only 0.051s off, with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) next up as the Spaniard completed the top three on Friday.
Quartararo did 41 laps on day 1, working on the 2019 Yamaha, with a best of 1m58.94s5 on lap 22 and any real pushes to try and teammate Franco Morbidelli was the only man able to get close, likewise on 2019 machinery, and he did 50 laps – ending the day just 0.051s off Quartararo’s best as the Petronas Yamaha duo proved the only two men able to dip under the 1m59s barrier.
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, there was no Jorge Lorenzo out testing on day one, with the focus instead on Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi. They both had three bikes each in the garage including a 2019 version in order to test back to back. Vinales’ best was a 1m59.367s in sixth and Rossi’s a 1m59.569s in 10th.
Rins, meanwhile, put Team Suzuki Ecstar in third after a half century of laps for the Spaniard on Friday. There was aero on the agenda, and plenty under the covers for the Hamamatsu factory to work on – including another step forward for the engine and a new swingarm, chassis, electronics. Rins’ best was a 1m59.195s in P3 and teammate Joan Mir took P9 with a 1m59.968s after a similar amount of laps. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli was also out on track to add another 48 laps to the count.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was the fastest Honda on day one. The Brit leapfrogged up into the top three briefly before ultimately ending Friday in fourth after 33 laps, but it was a busy day for the number 35 as he spearheads much of Honda’s testing – with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) coming back from shoulder surgery, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) likewise, and Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) making his premier class debut. Crutchlow had three bikes in the garage, one of which was a 2019 machine for back-to-back comparisons.
Marc Marquez’ best, a 1m59.676s after 37 laps, put him in 12th – with the focus on trying only the essentials as his recovery limits his laps somewhat. Reigning Moto2 champion Alex Marquez did a similar number of laps though, and he faced a 0.242s deficit to his teammate by the end of play despite finishing Friday just behind him. Nakagami had a steadier start to the test – his best a 2m00.815s.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was the fastest Ducati man on day one. An improvement on his penultimate lap put the Australian up into fifth with a 1m59.236s, behind Crutchlow by just 0.002s. He had two new bikes as well as a few ‘small parts’ to try, with positive feedback coming from the Queenslander.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) put in a 1m59.666s and was just outside the top 10, doing 35 laps, with teammate Danilo Petrucci putting in a fastest lap of 1m59.939s after 42 laps. Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) was P17, Johann Zarco (Reale Avintia Racing) P19 and Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) P23.
Aprilia were ahead of the game early doors, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) top of the pile after the first hour and ten or so laps. After positive comments on the new 2020 bike following the shakedown test, that seemed to continue on the timesheets on Friday.
Espargaro ended the session on a 1m59.427s in P7 after 40 laps, the lap-time the same one with which he topped the timesheets earlier in the day. Lorenzo Savadori was also on duty for the Noale factory after the Italian likewise took part in he shakedown test, and he did 30 laps. Test rider Bradley Smith is expected to join the lineup as the test continues.
Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way for KTM on the first day. The Spaniard ended the test in P8 after a best of 1m59.536s, and he put in 50 laps. The Austrian factory worked with their new chassis – on both factory and Tech 3 machines – as well as some aero. And the engine, and there is more to do on the rear with a new swingarm…as always, it’s a packed program.
Test rider Dani Pedrosa was the next KTM on the timesheets in 15th, with the Spaniard doing nearly 50 laps. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was close though, just over a tenth off Pedrosa and doing a similar number of laps as he comes back from injury that dogged the latter half of his 2019. Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) just pipped fellow rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), but the two were just 0.008s apart in P20 and P21 respectively.
Riders return to the track tomorrow for day two of testing.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
It will be powered by the Thunder Stroke 116 V-twin, have three selectable ride modes, and a sophisticated infotainment system with 7-inch, glove-friendly touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, and features like traffic and weather overlays. It also comes equipped with a tank-mounted fuel gauge, voltmeter, LED lights, heated leather seating for rider and passenger, heated grips, adjustable windscreen, as well as more than 37 gallons of storage space.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
Since novice motorcyclists have one of the high rates of fatal crashes, have you ever wondered if rider trainers are teaching the right methods?
Last year, the UK struck off 100 motorcycle licence trainers and 18 training companies for a range of offences including granting licences without any training.
Other non-compliance issues were having too many students in a class, granting licences after less than three hours of training and using non-roadworthy motorcycles.
The breaches were uncovered in annual audit checks of licences trainers and facilities.
So we contacted the relevant departments in each state of Australia to find out if there were similar quality audits and any breaches.
However, only the Queensland and NSW transport departments bothered to reply after more than a week.
In October 2016, Queensland Transport and Main Roads introduced the standardised Q-Ride training curriculum and upgraded audit and monitoring program.
The following month, two QRide instructors were arrested for issuing motorcycle licences and 13 falsely licensed riders.
For the next two years, TMR conducted training and support for the industry before introducing compliance auditing in October 2018.
Up to the end of last year, TMR conducted 47 full compliance audits of rider learning facilities and has not cancelled any of the 85 accredited QRide trainers or 35 service providers.
“We use a range of investigative methods and compliance tools, including education, suspension and issuing corrective actions,” a TMR spokesperson says.
Transport for NSW accredits five Registered Training Organisations (RTO) across the state and monitors the safety of operations, staff professionalism, compliance with road law and processes around misconduct.
TNSW has so far carried out 18 quality assurance checks this financial year.
They did not say if there were any breaches, but 18 checks on five facilities seems rigorous.
“Continuous improvement and professional development is provided during the sector’s mandatory annual forum,” a spokesperson says.
Reader comments on this website and our social media pages seem to suggest that novice riders are not getting the right training.
However, statistics show that over the past 25 years, as rider training has become more regulated and licensing more difficult, fatality rates for novices have actually reduced.
While still high, riders under 30 have been surpassed in recent years by those aged over 50, mainly due tothe rapid rise in “returning riders”.
| Age group | 1995-99 | 2000-04 | 2005-09 | 2010-14 | 2015-19 |
| <30 | 562 | 454 | 477 | 337 | 312 |
| 30-39 | 227 | 275 | 292 | 231 | 186 |
| 40-49 | 113 | 163 | 206 | 230 | 238 |
| >50 | 30 | 100 | 183 | 280 | 323 |
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
News 7 Feb 2020
Section: Competition
Unique Superbike boasts completely composite chassis.
Image: Supplied.
Ducati has uncovered its limited edition Superleggera V4 that will be available in just 500 units, the unique motorcycle being the only street-legal Superbike featuring a completely composite chassis.
Many components are made of carbon fibre, moulded into advanced aerodynamic shapes. These include the fairing, which ensures a level of aerodynamic efficiency that matches and exceeds that of current MotoGP bikes.
Thanks to the ‘biplane’ aerofoils inspired by the 2016 Ducati MotoGP, with the highest performance in this field, it can guarantee a downforce of 50kg at 270kph, 20kg more than that created by the aerofoils on the Panigale V4 MY20 and V4 R. This downforce improves acceleration, by countering the tendency to wheel-up, and increases braking stability.
Beneath the carbon skin lies the Desmosedici Stradale R engine, lighter and more powerful than ever. The 998cc 90-degree V4 that powers the Superleggera V4 weighs, in fact, 2.8kg less than the 1103cc V4.
Thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, titanium and magnesium components and others machined from solid aluminium, the Superleggera V4 has a dry weight of just 159kg (16 kg less than the Panigale V4), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 1.41hp/kg – a record-breaking figure for a road-legal sports bike. Mounting the supplied Racing kit and switching the bike to its track configuration boosts power to 234 hp, dropping the weight to 152.2 kg and raising the power-to-weight ratio to 1.54hp/kg.
Other standard items include a lighter Ohlins suspension system, with a pressurised fork and lighter machined aluminium fork bottoms, a titanium shock absorber spring and GP-derived valves that improve the damping of road bumps during the initial compression stage.
The braking system is the best in the Brembo production range, with an MCS calliper featuring a remotely adjusted lever gap and Stylema® R callipers, exclusive to the Superleggera V4, to provide greater front-brake stroke consistency in long track runs.
The exclusiveness of the materials and technical solutions is reflected in the limited number of bikes: just 500, all individually numbered and provided with a certificate of authenticity. The bike ID number (XXX/500), which matches the VIN, is displayed on the frame, fork yoke and ignition key. The start of deliveries is planned for June 2020 in Europe and, given the extreme complexity of the production of so many components, the rate is limited to only five bikes per day. However, all the bikes will be produced within 2020.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
News 7 Feb 2020
Section: Competition
Team presentation staged at Kawasaki’s European headquarters in Barcelona.
Image: Supplied.
Kawasaki Racing Team has launched the 2020 ZX-10RR that will be piloted by five-time reigning champion Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).
The well-attended team presentation took place at Kawasaki’s European headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, where both riders donned their 2020 look for the first time.
“We have had a solid pre-season where I felt fast and consistent and the target is to win another championship – for the team, Kawasaki and myself,” Rea commented. “Tonight is the start of another great year together.”
“This is the time when it all becomes real and it is really fitting to do it in our team workshop where all the hard work goes in preparing our bike and our season. It has been particularly nice to do it in front of many of our sponsors and the family and friend of our mechanics. Not long until the season starts now!”
Proven WorldSBK race winner KRT newcomer added: “I have been with the team for a few months now but we have had the chance to show our supporters and sponsors the final colours for our championship challenge tonight.
“It has been great to be part of this team and it was really nice to be seen in Kawasaki green for the first time. This has been a fantastic event, especially with all the team here in their own regular working environment. After this, it is down to Australia for the first race of the season.”
The WorldSBK head to Phillip Island on 27 February-1 March for the opening round of the series.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
News 7 Feb 2020
Section: Competition
Updated colour scheme celebrates Suzuki’s 60 years in racing.
Image: Supplied.
Team Suzuki Ecstar has rolled out a new-look GSX-RR for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship, the squad launching its new colours with Alex Rins and Joan Mir.
The livery takes a nod to Suzuki’s history as they celebrate 60 years in racing, the colourway featuring the familiar blue mixed with a more traditional slate silver.
“I will carry the special livery for the 60 years in racing and this makes me proud,” said Mir. “One of the best things about being with Suzuki is that I feel a real family atmosphere, I don’t know if it was also like that in the past, but to me it feels like something they have in the Suzuki DNA, together with constantly striving to win, and I think this really makes a difference.
“Now in 2020 we have to stay focused and get good results, more podiums for sure and hopefully also more wins. This is the path to success, I believe; little by little, step by step, with hard work all together.”
Teammate Mir commented: “I’m really eager to get on my MotoGP machine again in Sepang and start to improve further. It’s going to be an important year for Suzuki and the blue-silver livery looks amazing on my GSX-RR, I’m proud to be part of this historic year and carry such racing heritage on my fairing.”
Both riders are on-track today and this weekend in Sepang, Malaysia, for the opening pre-season test of the year.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
After months of drought and bushfires, much of eastern Queensland and northern NSW are experiencing flash flooding with emergency services urging motorists: “If it’s flooded, forget it”.
The police are pretty serious about the current situation and warn motorists to “stay informed and be prepared”.
Monitor regular media sources, including the SES website, Police facebook pages, the Bureau of Meteorology website, Livetraffic.com in NSW, Road Conditions in Queensland as well as local TV and radio.
It’s important to remember the dangers flooded waters can pose, especially after bushfires in these regions.
Roads may be especially slippery from excessive erosion due to less leaf coverage in bushfire-ravaged areas.
Many roads may be closed and riders should be aware it is illegal to ignore road-closed signage.
Police can fine motorists hundreds of dollars for negligent driving if they attempt to cross flood waters and get stuck, requiring rescue.
But don’t be that idiot that goes playing in flooded waters and ends up losing their bike, forcing emergency services personnel to risk their lives trying to save you.
It’s just not worth it when a water crossing is flooded.
You may have crossed this particular crossing before and think that the water is just a little higher than normal. However, there could be a sink hole underneath and you could lose your bike and then be swept away in the fast-running waters.
Flooded water is unpredictable. Is the level still rising, how fast is the water flowing, is it flowing at different rates in different parts of the crossing, is a sudden surge of more water on its way, what objects have been washed down and are now submerged underneath such as barbed wire?
There are too many unknowns.
One of my water crossing failures was in a low-flooded causeway. I was riding a big Yamaha Super Tenere through on the clear wheel tracks but the water was flowing faster where there was a gap in the weeds upstream.
Even though it was a low level and the bike substantial, the water velocity was enough to push my front wheel slightly off track, into the slime and down I went.
I was lucky not to be swept off the causeway into the fast-running creek.
It was a stupid thing to do and I acknowledge that.
After the storms have passed and the skies turn blue, there will be an enormous temptation this weekend to go out and play in the waters.
However, flood waters can take a lot of time to subside, so remain vigilant and cautious.
Click here for more details about road hazards after heavy rain.
In the meantime, maybe just for the next few days think carefully about taking the bike out!
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
News 7 Feb 2020
Section: Competition
Vinales and Rossi on hand at the official team launch.
Image: Supplied.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team staged its team presentation event at Sepang this week, introducing its 2020 YZR-M1 alongside riders Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi.
The colour scheme of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike remains the same for 2020, the M1 also featuring subtle blue stripes that add a further dynamic to the sleek design.
“At the end of last season we were in decent shape, so I‘m really excited to start working again on our goal to get the title and as many wins as possible,” Vinales explained. “For sure, I‘m looking forward to riding my M1 again. The last time I rode it here in Malaysia was during the 2019 season and we won.
“It‘s a really positive memory and it also means we have a good starting point here in terms of set-up, so we should be able to get straight to work tomorrow on Day 1 of the Sepang Test. I‘ve used the winter months really well.
“I‘ve done a lot of physical training and riding to make sure my body and mind are in top shape. We need to work hard and be focused on our goal right from the start, so that‘s exactly what we‘ll do!”
Rossi added: “For some reason the winter months always seem a lot longer than the summer months during the MotoGP season – those seem to just fly by! Anyway, I‘m happy to be on track and to start riding again.
“I‘ve been able to relax during the stop and also do some fun riding events, but now it‘s time to get serious about 2020. I‘m very curious to see what steps we can make during the Sepang Test.
“For sure, Yamaha have prepared some new things for us to try, and anyway the first laps of the year on a MotoGP bike after the winter break are always a unique sensation – it‘s always something I really enjoy. For sure we have a lot of work ahead of us, but the team and I are ready for it.”
The squad will be in action today and this weekend at Sepang for the first official pre-season test.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au