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Competition, Motocross, News

Championship-winning team DPH Motorsport in liquidation

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News 8 Nov 2019

Championship-winning team DPH Motorsport in liquidation

Section: Competition

MX Nationals and AUS Supercross team’s future cast into doubt.

Image: Foremost Media.

Double current Australian Motocross Championship-winning team DPH Motorsport has been ordered into liquidation just months after capturing the 2019 MX Nationals titles with Todd Waters in MX1 and Wilson Todd in MX2.

Public records indicate that the court order follows after a dispute with Yamaha Motor Australia, which was the manufacturer DPH Motorsport competed with prior to picking up official Husqvarna Motorcycles support at the beginning of last year.

While information remains limited, notes published publicly by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) have confirmed that liquidation status was appointed on 22 October 2019 by an order of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Reports of DPH Motorsport being in financial trouble had been widespread through the MX Nationals season, however, despite rumours that the team had folded mid-season, DPH Motorsport went on to complete all 10 rounds and deliver the elusive dual championship victories with Waters and Todd.

The team has been in attendance at the opening two rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship with both riders, although injuries sustained by MX2 World Championship-bound Todd have seen him sidelined for the season-remainder.

Despite maintaining close relations with DPH, Waters will continue in AUS Supercross this weekend at Wollongong riding a privately-entered Husqvarna FC 450 in SX1 with direct support from Husqvarna Motorcycles. It’s understood that the contract between Husqvarna Motorcycles and DPH Motorsport was made void by the company operating the team being in liquidation.

When contacted during the past week, DPH Motorsport team owner Dale Hocking acknowledged the liquidation order, but was unwilling to provide further detail on the matter. Yamaha Motor Australia representatives also chose not to make comment.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

American Miller to join Raceline KTM for supercross remainder

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News 8 Nov 2019

American Miller to join Raceline KTM for supercross remainder

Section: Competition

Factory-supported KTM squad drafts in SX1 rider for final three rounds.

Image: Foremost Media.

The Raceline KTM Thor team will revert to a three-rider structure in Saturday night’s third stop of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship when American Henry Miller joins the team as its SX1 entry from the Wollongong round.

Miller, 22, is a privateer in the US and scored a season-best of 11th position in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series at Indianapolis riding 250SX East. A 16th-place finish at the Las Vegas finals in 450SX was also a strong result.

“I’m very excited to be racing here in Australia and I want to thank the Raceline KTM Thor Team for this amazing opportunity,” Miller said. “I have always heard good things about the series down under and I jumped at the chance to race over here when I received the call from the team.

“Coming into the series at round three will not be easy, with my competition already into the swing of things, but I’m confident in my skills and feel very at home on the KTM 450 SX-F. We tested my race bike today and everything feels great – I can’t wait to go racing at Wollongong.”

Miller’s arrival comes after Raceline regular Hayden Mellross was injured during the MX Nationals and his initial replacement, Justin Rodbell, was forced to return home to America due to visa issues. The team has now confirmed the signing of another US rider in Miller.

“We are thrilled to have Henry signed for the remainder of the season,” explained Raceline KTM team manager Chris Woods. “Although he may be relatively unknown here in Australia, he has shown fantastic speed and results as a privateer in the AMA championships. I’m confident he will represent our team partners well and turn some heads with his results.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

DesmoSport co-owner Bayliss hails ‘world-class’ Jones

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News 8 Nov 2019

DesmoSport co-owner Bayliss hails ‘world-class’ Jones

Section: Competition

Triple Superbike world champion praises recently-crowned ASBK title holder.

Image: Foremost Media.

DesmoSport Ducati co-owner and triple Superbike world champion Troy Bayliss has hailed Mike Jones as a world-class rider after securing his second ASBK crown last weekend.

Just half a point separated Jones and outgoing champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) going into the final race of the season at Sydney Motorsport Park, where the Ducati pilot prevailed with victory following an incredible 13-lap tussle between the pair.

The championship marks the first Australian title that Bayliss has had direct involvement in, while it also represents the first national superbike crown for Ducati since the late 1990s.

“He’s fantastic rider with a good head on his shoulders,” Bayliss declared to CycleOnline.com.au. “It would be pretty hard for him to lose his way, and nothing really fazes him too much.

“He keeps calm and in control – we really saw the dog come out of him this afternoon, and it’s great when that happens. He’s a world-class rider, without a doubt. We’re really happy to have him with us.

“I’m so happy with how Mike rode, he’s been riding good all year – that was one of the best races I’ve ever seen, and I’m so proud of him. It’s just really good to see Ducati win an Australian championship since 1999 I think it was with Steve Martin, so we’re all pretty happy – it’s just fantastic.”

Both Bayliss and Jones have indicated they’ll continue their partnership through 2020, where he’ll don the number one aboard a DesmoSport-prepared Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Metcalfe ‘on the attack’ while seeking redemption at Wollongong

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News 8 Nov 2019

Metcalfe ‘on the attack’ while seeking redemption at Wollongong

Section: Competition

Penrite Honda Racing challenger targeting podium result this Saturday night.

Image: Foremost Media.

Brett Metcalfe says he’ll be ‘on the attack’ tomorrow night at Wollongong’s third round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship as he seeks redemption from an admittedly disappointing home race in Port Adelaide.

The Penrite Honda Racing challenger has displayed strong form throughout the opening two rounds of the series, however a pair of crashes in both Brisbane and Port Adelaide have ultimately denied him of landing on the podium.

The South Australian is looking to turn his fortunes around at WIN Stadium tomorrow night, where he’ll bring an aggressive approach to the fast-paced triple crown format on offer.

“Adelaide didn’t work out very well for me, and that was really disappointing being my hometown race,” Metcalfe admitted to MotoOnline.com.au. “It was a struggle to get back up and going the week after because it was really disappointing.

“I’m looking forward to Wollongong, the track is full-sized and I think we’re going to get a really good crowd. I’m looking to get a little bit of redemption, but I’m going to focus on having a good result at the end of the night even though it’s a triple crown format, which are three races that will hold their own story.

“I’m going to try and be on the attack, be aggressive and go for it. I can’t try and think consistent results or whatever, I’ve just got to go for it.”

Metcalfe sits fourth in the championship standings, six points behind CDR Yamaha Monster Energy duo Dan Reardon and Luke Clout, and 14 points behind teammate and series leader Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing).


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Hill declares intentions ahead of AUS Supercross return

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News 8 Nov 2019

Hill declares intentions ahead of AUS Supercross return

Section: Competition

American contender set to shake up SX1 category.

Image: Foremost Media.

American Josh Hill has declared his intentions as he embarks on his Australian Supercross Championship return this Saturday at Wollongong’s third round.

Hill, who raced the 2013 Australian supercross series, will pilot a CDR Yamaha Monster Energy YZ450F throughout the next three rounds of the season.

The popular contender last raced supercross competitively in 2018 when he made a selection of appearances with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing in the AMA Supercross series, and following a strong lead-up to his return in Australia, he’s aiming to be as ‘competitive as possible’.

“It’s super refreshing to be back in Australia,” Hill commented. “It’s been a while since I was here, and I’m stoked to be getting back behind the gates and battling with the boys.

“While I’m here I want to be as competitive as possible, I’ve got a great bike – the CDR guys hooked me up with a ride and being on this team, there’s no sense in going out there and doing it halfway.”

Tomorrow’s night show at WIN Stadium will kick-off at 5:30pm local time, as the event runs alongside the inaugural Australian Motorcycle Festival.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

2020 Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel First Look Preview

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Moto Guzzi listened to the requests of its loyal Guzzisti and moved forward with the 2020 V85 TT Travel. An ADV touring motorcycle replete with all of the essential adventure touring accessories.
Moto Guzzi listened to the requests of its loyal Guzzisti and moved forward with the 2020 V85 TT Travel. An ADV touring motorcycle replete with all of the essential adventure touring accessories.Piaggio Group

Moto Guzzi has introduced the newest member of the V85 TT family as released at this year’s EICMA show. Meet the 2020 V85 TT Travel. Building off the success of the V85 TT adventure bike, the Travel will offer a compliment of touring accessories as standard equipment, including spacious panniers, a tall windscreen, heated grips, and LED driving lights. The Moto Guzzi MIA infotainment system offers smartphone connectivity and management of the electronic rider assist functions including three Ride Modes (Road, Rain, Off-road), and selectable traction control, all from the instrument panel.

This is the first Moto Guzzi small block engine that revs to 8,000rpm and it is the heart of the V85 TT Travel.
This is the first Moto Guzzi small block engine that revs to 8,000rpm and it is the heart of the V85 TT Travel.Piaggio Group

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel chassis and engine give the bike its unique character and feel with it shaft-driven 853cc air-cooled opposed Twin attached to a tubular steel frame. This combination creates a light and connected riding experience that is at the core of the allure of owning a Guzzi. It doesn’t hurt that the bike looks great in a retro-cool style.

The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is offered exclusively in the Sabbia Namib color with its gray frame matched nicely with the tank and side panels that feature the flat dark earth paint and TT graphics.
The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is offered exclusively in the Sabbia Namib color with its gray frame matched nicely with the tank and side panels that feature the flat dark earth paint and TT graphics.Piaggio Group

The TT Travel bodywork and fuel tank are painted in Sabbia Namib colorway which, combined with the exposed frame and engine components, create a visually appealing ADV bike that is built to withstand the rigors of both off-road riding and long distance travel. The removable side cases are built from ABS plastic with aluminum inserts. They can be easily removed and are lockable using the same ignition key. Storage capacity is the highlight of these units with enough room within the right side (37-liters) to hold a full face helmet and another 27.5 liters of storage on the left.

Moto Guzzi has developed the V85 TT tubular steel frame to work along with the powerful 853cc engine in an effort to create a riding experience that is pure Guzzi.
Moto Guzzi has developed the V85 TT tubular steel frame to work along with the powerful 853cc engine in an effort to create a riding experience that is pure Guzzi.Piaggio Group

Rider comfort starts with a well padded, one piece seat that is contoured to keep the rider in place while making it easy for them to touch the ground. The seat height is relatively tall as 32.6-inches but the narrow convergence of the tank, frame and seat make up for the reach. The dirt bike style handlebar is tall and wide and comes standard with full coverage brush guards that shield the riders hand from the elements and debris.

The emphasis behind the V85 TT was to develop a motorcycle that was equally prepared to pull duty as a daily rider as well as an adventurous off-road machine.
The emphasis behind the V85 TT was to develop a motorcycle that was equally prepared to pull duty as a daily rider as well as an adventurous off-road machine.Piaggio Group

Even though the Travel is not a revolutionary model for Moto Guzzi it does offer an excellent option to its adventure touring line-up. No price or availability has been announced at this time.

Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Competition, Motocross, News

MXGP return for Covington with Yamaha-backed squad

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News 8 Nov 2019

MXGP return for Covington with Yamaha-backed squad

Section: Competition

American to be joined by Vlaanderen and Lupino at Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha.

Image: Supplied.

After one season on the AMA circuit, American Thomas Covington will end his time with factory Husqvarna in favour of a return to the MXGP World Championship in 2020, where he’ll make his premier class debut with the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Supported MXGP Team alongside Calvin Vlaanderen and Alessandro Lupino.

Covington, who started his professional career in the MX2 World Championship, returned home to contest both the AMA supercross and motocross championships with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, however a luckless year battling Epstein-Barr virus saw him struggle to reach his potential.

“I’m super excited to be coming back to MXGP for the 2020 season,” said Covington. “Especially with a great team like Gebben Van Venrroy with the support from Yamaha. I’m looking forward to a fresh start to show what I can do in the premier class.”

Vlaanderen, who recently assisted Team Holland to victory at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN), will also step up the MXGP class after previously holding down a MX2 spot with Honda HRC.

“I am really excited to have signed with Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Supported MXGP Team for 2020 and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity,” Vlaanderen explained. “I’m really motivated to move up to the 450cc and although everything will be new to me and it will definitely be a learning year.

“I feel I have had some incredible experiences in MX2 that I can carry with into the bigger class and I feel like I can get some good result. The team is awesome and extremely motivated especially with the switch to Yamaha, and I get a good feeling from that. I know that we will work very hard for the upcoming season.”

Lupino will remain on the Gebben Van Venrooy team for a third season. The Italian is excited to enter his fifth season inside the premier class with the familiar support of the Dutch squad, along with Yamaha support.

“I’m really happy to be back on Yamaha,” Lupino commented. “I made my world championship debut on Yamaha and I was a part of the Yamaha family for many years, so it is really nice to be back on a blue bike especially with this team because they have worked so hard over the last two years that I have been with them.

“The team started out as a small team and they have improved year after year, so I am happy that next year we will line up with a very strong team. I think that with my teammates Thomas Covington and Calvin Vlaanderen, we can do a lot for the team, and I know they will do a lot for us. I am looking forward to training with them and I think it will be a great and fun season.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

MotoGP debut at Valencia for Lecuona in place of Oliveira

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News 8 Nov 2019

MotoGP debut at Valencia for Lecuona in place of Oliveira

Section: Competition

2020 signing to make first MotoGP outing sooner than expected.

Image: Supplied.

Iker Lecuona will make his MotoGP debut with Red Bull KTM Tech3 sooner than expected after being called into replace Miguel Oliveira at Valencia’s season-finale.

Lecuona signed with the Tech3 squad for his rookie premier class season in 2020, and will experience his first taste of the RC16 on 15-17 November for round 19.

Oliveira crashed heavily in high winds at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and recently underwent successful shoulder surgery that will keep him sidelined until February next year.

“To have this opportunity in my home grand prix is a proud moment for me,” said Lecuona. “We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future.

“All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Herve Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my teammate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.

Red Bull KTM Tech3 regular Hafizh Syahrin will race with the squad for the last time at Valencia.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

American Sean Dylan Kelly To Get Moto2 Wildcard Ride At Valencia

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Iker Lecuona getting an early bump to MotoGP, giving Kelly an opportunity to fill his Moto2 seat on The American Racing Team KTM.

Begin press release:

Iker Lecuona to ride MotoGP class in Valencia and the American Team to have second American rider at the last race of the season.  

Iker Lecuona, The American Racing Team KTM rider, will ride in the MotoGP class at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

The Valencian Grand Prix was going to be the last race for Lecuona with the American Racing Team, but Miguel Oliveira’s injury opened the opportunity for Iker to debut in the MotoGP category that offered by Tech3 Team and as a reward from American Racing team for all the hard work he has done in last 3 season and especially in 2019.

As a replacement rider the 17-year-old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly will join the American Racing team for his Debut at the Moto2 World championship. The American Racing Team will be participating with 2 American riders Joe Roberts and Sean Kelly in the world championship race in Valencia.

Eitan Butbul:

“The team was approached by Tech3 team to offer the option to have Iker to replace Olivera on the MotoGP bike at the last race in Valencia, we were very happy for this opportunity and though it would show our appreciation to Iker after 3 seasons and we fully agreed to release him to participate at his home race on a MotoGP bike.

As a Replacement rider for the Valencia race the team will have the 17 Years old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly to have his debut at the Moto2 world championship, Sean rode 3 years at the Red Bull rookie cup until 2018 and in 2019 season he finished 4th place at the Moto-American Super sport with Team Hammer,  we thought it will be an amazing opportunity to let him try the Moto2 bike in a race weekend and at the same time have 2 American Riders.

This debut and Wild card to follow is a result of a corporation between the American Team and Team Hammer to work together when possible to create career opportunities for young American racers.”

Iker Lecuona:“To have this opportunity in my home Grand Prix is a proud moment for me. We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future. All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing Crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my team mate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.

Sean Dylan Kelly, Team Hammer Rider:

“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole career and I have a good idea of what I am getting into. I am just going to learn and enjoy the competition and do my best. I’m really grateful to Eitan with American Racing Team KTM for believing in me, for giving me this chance. Also, thanks to John and Chris Ulrich of Team Hammer for not just having me race on their team, but for also helping me along the path.”

Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Racing Operations:

“Team Hammer has a reputation for finding, developing, and winning with talented young American racers, then launching them on the next step in their professional careers. We have helped Sean understand how to ride a 600, use data, and set up a motorcycle during the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport season, his first on a 600 after competing on Moto3 bikes for three years in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. So we are happy that Sean’s performance while racing for our team has earned him an opportunity to ride as a fill-in Moto2 World Championship rider at Valencia in a little more than a week. This is just the first step for SDK, and we have agreed to explore potential future opportunities with American Racing Team owner Eitan Butbul. I’m proud to be a part of it and will be in Valencia to cheer SDK on!”

The post American Sean Dylan Kelly To Get Moto2 Wildcard Ride At Valencia appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News

2021 Harley-Davidson Bronx Streetfighter Preview

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Deemed a “middleweight” motorcycle by The Motor Company, the Bronx model uses the smaller 975cc version of the all-new Revolution Max liquid-cooled engine that claims will make more than 115 hp and more than 70 pound-feet of torque on the production model. For those needing more oomph, the 1,250cc Pan America adventure-tourer will produce more than 145 hp and 90 pound-feet of torque.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com