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2020 Yamaha MT-07 Preview

The 2020 Yamaha MT-07
The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 features a peppy 689cc, liquid-cooled, inline twin-cylinder, DOHC engine with fuel injection utilizing the crossplane crank technology to create a unique sound and plenty of low- to midrange torque.Yamaha Motor Corporation

Think of the Yamaha MT-07 as the gateway motorcycle for the dark, exciting realm of the Hyper Naked class. With a consumer-friendly MSRP of $7,599, a new rider can get a tuned fun twin-cylinder engine that pumps out 50 pound-feet of torque, nestled within a steel trellis-style frame and wrapped in good-looking bodywork. Oh, it also comes with standard ABS.

Since most new riders don’t tend to fiddle with the suspension too much, Yamaha has elected to utilize a nonadjustable 41mm telescopic fork on the MT-07. A horizontally mounted Monocross rear shock offers compression and preload adjustability to accommodate changes necessary to carry a passenger or gear. The goal was to keep the MT-07 simple to own, easy to use, and fun to ride.

Part of the fun is a result of the comfortable riding position that comes courtesy of the tall one-piece handlebar, cozy seat, and relaxed riding position. The bodywork is all Hyper Naked style as well thanks to a large, bright headlight, the signature intake vents and slim design of the fuel tank. The twin-cylinder engine is slim and compact which allows the MT-07 to feel even lighter than it is despite tipping the scales at just 403 pounds full of fluids.

The appeal of the MT-07 is its simple combination of a lightweight, fun, powerful engine and modern good looks. It’s no secret that the MT-series is targeting these aspects of the riding experience, and from this vantage point, it seems to be paying off. The MT-07 will be offered in Ice Fluo, Matte Raven Black, and Team Yamaha Blue, and is available now at Yamaha dealers across the US.

The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 is built around a lightweight, high-strength steel frame that provides a combination of rigidity and balance that helps this Hyper Naked handle with very little effort.
The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 is built around a lightweight, high-strength steel frame that provides a combination of rigidity and balance that helps this Hyper Naked handle with very little effort.Yamaha Motor Corporation

2020 Yamaha MT-07 Specifications

Front suspension on the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 comes courtesy of a 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel.
Front suspension on the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 comes courtesy of a 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel. Although it is nonadjustable, Yamaha has selected spring rates and damping settings to optimize the bike’s handling.Yamaha Motor Corporation
An LCD instrument panel includes a bar-type tachometer display with gear position indicator, digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, fuel reserve tripmeter, clock, instant and average fuel consumption, plus an array range of warning an
An LCD instrument panel includes a bar-type tachometer display with gear position indicator, digital speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, fuel gauge, fuel reserve tripmeter, clock, instant and average fuel consumption, plus an array range of warning and indicator lights.Yamaha Motor Corporation
The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 engine makes 50 pound-feet of torque which helps it offer plenty of usable power in real-world situations.
The 2020 Yamaha MT-07 engine makes 50 pound-feet of torque which helps it offer plenty of usable power in real-world situations.Yamaha Motor Corporation
The MT-07 features a similar angular headlight, intake scoops, sleek fuel tank cover, and a layered tail design with a bright LED taillight.
The MT-07 features a similar angular headlight, intake scoops, sleek fuel tank cover, and a layered tail design with a bright LED taillight.Yamaha Motor Corporation
A slim 3.7-gallon fuel tank is compact but also provides plenty of comfort around the knee grip area.
A slim 3.7-gallon fuel tank is compact but also provides plenty of comfort around the knee grip area. The rider can cling to this bike like spider monkey as they dart in and out of traffic, or navigate tight turns in the canyons.Yamaha Motor Corporation
The riding position on the MT-07 is a balance between sporty handling and rider comfort. It doesn’t hurt that the wide, flat two-piece saddle and passenger seat are nicely padded.
The riding position on the MT-07 is a balance between sporty handling and rider comfort. It doesn’t hurt that the wide, flat two-piece saddle and passenger seat are nicely padded.Yamaha Motor Corporation
The side intake covers, angular bodywork, and narrow chassis are all appealing pieces of the incredible overall package that is the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 motorcycle.
The side intake covers, angular bodywork, and narrow chassis are all appealing pieces of the incredible overall package that is the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 motorcycle.Yamaha Motor Corporation
Wheelbase, seat height, fuel tank width, rake, and other dimensions of the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 are designed to work with the compact twin-cylinder engine to create a riding experience that is bigger than the bike itself.
Wheelbase, seat height, fuel tank width, rake, and other dimensions of the 2020 Yamaha MT-07 are designed to work with the compact twin-cylinder engine to create a riding experience that is bigger than the bike itself.Yamaha Motor Corporation
The MT-07 engine is used as a stressed member of the chassis which allows the frame design to be very lightweight. It tips the scales at just 403 pounds.
The MT-07 engine is used as a stressed member of the chassis which allows the frame design to be very lightweight. It tips the scales at just 403 pounds.Yamaha Motor Corporation
Front brake components include a pair of wave-style 282mm discs with four-piston calipers. ABS comes standard on the 2020 MT-07 as well.
Front brake components include a pair of wave-style 282mm discs with four-piston calipers. ABS comes standard on the 2020 MT-07 as well.Yamaha Motor Corporation
One of the overlooked components of the Yamaha MT-07 is the lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels.
One of the overlooked components of the Yamaha MT-07 is the lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels. Their light design reduces unsprung weight, which improves the neutral handling.Yamaha Motor Corporation

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Clout drawing upon experience for Wollongong race format

News 7 Nov 2019

Clout drawing upon experience for Wollongong race format

Factory Yamaha rider playing it smart for this weekend’s AUS Supercross.

Image: Foremost Media.

Luke Clout is drawing upon his experience for Wollongong’s triple crown this Saturday night, learning from the crash that cost him victory during the same format at Geelong in 2018.

Clout enters the third round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship ranked second in the SX1 standings, and is aiming to put a halt to Justin Brayton’s (Penrite Honda Racing) dominance over the first two rounds.

Reflecting on his mistake from last year, the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy rider acknowledges it will take consistency and a calculated approach to earn a maiden premier class main event victory this weekend.

“Last year I was actually winning a main event and threw it away,” Clout told MotoOnline.com.au. “There are three races, and obviously you want to go out and win each one, but you need to take each race as it comes.

“The sprint speed is definitely going to be a factor – there are three short races, but supercross is a bit different – you’ve got to sprint but also play it smart, because supercross can catch you out.

“If I can get a good start, I’ll definitely be sprinting. I need to keep it on two wheels as well and play it smart, because there are three races.”

This weekend’s third round of the Australian Supercross Championship will be accompanied by the Australian Motorcycle Festival, which will take place at Lang Park on 9-10 November.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Surge in form the result of extensive pre-season says Tanti

News 7 Nov 2019

Surge in form the result of extensive pre-season says Tanti

SX2 points leader targeting trio of consistent results in Wollongong triple crown.

Image: Foremost Media.

Aaron Tanti says his surge in form throughout the opening rounds of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship has come as a result of an extensive pre-season, the Serco Yamaha rider set to don the red-plate this weekend at Wollongong’s third stop of the series.

Tanti, who holds a two-point advantage in the SX2 standings over American Josh Osby (Raceline KTM Thor), has recorded a pair of podium results at Brisbane and Port Adelaide, finishing second and third respectively.

This weekend’s stop at WIN Stadium marks a home round for the New South Welshman, and with the triple crown format coming into play for the first time this season, the number 18 is targetting a trio of consistent results to strengthen his title chances.

“I’ve just learned over the last year – and through motocross – and it’s really come down to that I’ve put in a lot of hours on the bike with a lot of ride time before round one,” Tanti explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “We had a fair few weeks, and it seems to be paying off. I’m comfortable, and working with the team, I have the best setting I can.

“I just want to place myself in the best possible position, stay on the bike and be consistent – especially in the triple crown, I want to have three good races and hopefully end up on the podium. I want to get some really solid points – I don’t want a bad round or DNF or something like that.”

This weekend’s third round of the Australian Supercross Championship will run alongside the Australian Motorcycle Festival, which will take place at Lang Park on 9-10 November.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

SP the lone 2020 CBR1000RR-R coming to Australia

News 7 Nov 2019

SP the lone 2020 CBR1000RR-R coming to Australia

Highly-anticipated Superbike set for 2020 Q2 arrival.

Image: Supplied.

Honda Motorcycles Australia has confirmed the SP variant of the 2020 CBR1000RR-R will be the sole model brought into the country, with an anticipated delivery during Q2 next year.

The all-new Superbike was revealed this week at EICMA in Milan, where the CBR1000RR-R and up-spec CBR1000RR-R SP versions were unveiled.

Honda, which currently sells standard, SP, and SP2 versions of the 2019 model, has indicated a HRC-inspired Grand Prix Red  and Matte Pearl Black colourways will be made available locally.

Heavily inspired by the RC213V MotoGP machine and its street-legal RC213V-S counterpart, the 2020 CBR1000RR-R SP is powered by the most powerful inline four-cylinder engine that Honda has ever made.

Sharing the same bore and stroke as the RC213V-S, the 2020 CBR1000RR-R SP delivers maximum power of 160kW at 14500rpm and peak torque of 113Nm at 12500rpm while tipping the scales at only 201kg.

It utilises a cutting-edge aerodynamic package – also influenced by HRC’s multiple championship-winning RC213V – works in tandem with a new Bosch six-axis IMU.

The SP model boasts a new 43mm Ohlins NPX front fork that replaces the NIX fork of the previous model and second-generation Ohlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) offers finer control of settings front and rear. The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding.

For more information, visit www.motorcycles.honda.com.au.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Husqvarna Shows Us Its Adventure Machine

Apart from mirrors, the Norden appears to be a fully developed bike. Interestingly, Husqvarna has wrapped the bodywork in crash protectors, fit luggage perfectly onto the rear, and designed a skid plate to protect the internals. These may be minor elements when considered against more relevant mechanical details, but it seems telling, to me at least, that designers have gone so far as to build what are likely accessory add-ons for a project that remains in the concept stage. It may just be wishful thinking, but it feels like this bike is destined for production.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Measured approach for Team HRC in Evans MXGP transition

News 7 Nov 2019

Measured approach for Team HRC in Evans MXGP transition

Team manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas confident in youthful Australian signing.

Image: Supplied.

Team HRC is taking a measured approach with Australian Mitch Evans as he graduates to the premier MXGP category in the world championship next year, according to team manager Marcus Marcus Pereira de Freitas.

Evans’ signing with the factory squad alongside reigning world champion Tim Gajser was made official this week during a Honda Racing Corporation presentation at EICMA in Milan.

The Queenslander is no stranger to riding a 450, racing to runner-up honours in the 2018 MX Nationals before representing Team Australi at RedBud’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) during the same year.

With a season under his belt on the world championship circuit in the MX2 category, Marcus Pereira de Freitas explained the team will completely support him in his transition to the MXGP class.

“We are also very excited to have Mitch join us for the 2020 season on the Honda CRF450RW,” said Marcus Pereira de Freitas. “We know that he can ride a 450 well, after his showing at the Motocross of Nations in RedBud when he was just 19 years old, so it is great to have him under our awning for next year.

“However, while the world championships start in March, he knows he has to do a lot of training to do before that in order get ready for the 20 round series on this bigger machine.

“His rookie season last year had some positive results and he now knows a little of what to expect with the tracks and the conditions so that will help, but of course he will have a whole team around him, supporting him and making sure he is able to go out there and deliver some good results for Team HRC.”

Evans scored a pair of podiums in maiden MX2 World Championship campaign this year, completing the series with a ranking of 11th despite missing almost a third of the season.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Husqvarna announces 2020 TE 300i Jarvis Edition

News 7 Nov 2019

Husqvarna announces 2020 TE 300i Jarvis Edition

Limited edition two-stroke anticipated for 2020 Q1 Australian arrival.

Image: Supplied.

Husqvarna Motorcycles has introduced a 2020 TE 300i Jarvis Edition to its line-up, which is anticipated to arrive in Australia during the first quarter of next year.

A fitting tribute to the legend Graham Jarvis, the new TE 300i Jarvis Edition is the perfect machine to explore new ground and go where few have gone before.

The trusted two-stroke is exceedingly simple to manage. Combined with electronic fuel injection, smooth power delivery and an extremely nimble chassis, this limited edition TE 300i delivers class-leading performance to match its official Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics.

The Jarvis Edition boasts a black frame, black seat cover with additional ribs, Supersprox blue rear sprocket, front disc protector, blue chain guide, Grey grips, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics.

Pricing for the 2020 Husqvarna TE 300i Jarvis Edition is still to be determined. For more information, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/au.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

2019 GEICO Motorcycle Adventure Rally & Camp

In addition to the spectacular views and incredible network of trails surrounding Stagecoach Trails RV Resort, you can test your mettle by taking part in the individual skills challenges, maybe take a test ride on a BMW adventure bike or if you’re feeling lucky, throw some axes alongside the folks from Axe Lair. There will also be gear demo opportunities from Alpinestars, Adventure Bros. ADV Skills Classes, a showing of the CABDR-South film on Friday at 7 p.m., featuring 4-time Baja 1000 Champion and Dakar Rally Racer Quinn Cody of KTM, or simply sit back and enjoy a live concert from Redneck Rodeo on Saturday night.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Brookes re-signs with Be Wiser Ducati for 2020 BSB season

News 7 Nov 2019

Brookes re-signs with Be Wiser Ducati for 2020 BSB season

Runner-up signs on for next year’s British Superbike Championship.

Image: Supplied.

Australian Josh Brookes has re-signed with Be Wiser Ducati for the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB), where he’s set to be joined by Christian Iddon.

Brookes finished just five points shy of the crown this season with 10 race wins to his name, losing out to teammate and WorldSBK-bound rider Scott Redding.

The former BSB champion, who piloted the all-new Panigale V4 R throughout 2019, is grateful to continue developing the package into his campaign next season.

“I’m very pleased to receive another chance of success with the PBM team,” said Brookes. “We came so close this year that it gives me more motivation to come back again. This time with a year of experience on the bike I will be better prepared for the task and my ideas on how to improve the package are already flowing.

“For Christian, I think joining the team is a great opportunity for him. As a rival I recognise his potential and I believe the team can supply everything needed to bring him to the front and be a championship contender.”

The 2020 British Superbike Championship kicks off on 10-12 April at Silverstone.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Metzeler Introduces Four New Tires For 2020

Sport tires, touring tires, race tires, even scooter tires are new from Metzeler!

Begin press release:


METZELER, always at the forefront of research and technological innovation, announces that, in 2020, it will broaden its range with four new tire models. SPORTEC™ M9 RR, ROADTEC™ 01 SE, RACETEC™ TD Slick and ROADTEC™ Scooter are the new products strengthening the brand’s range in their relative segments.

SPORTEC M9 RR

SPORTEC™ M9 RR is the successor of the multiple award-winning SPORTEC™ M7 RR, which is still considered a benchmark in the Supersport segment. ROADTEC™ 01 SE represents the evolution of ROADTEC™ 01, available in radial sizes for owners of naked, supersport and sport-touring bikes who are looking for improved handling and sportier performance. RACETEC™ TD Slick is a new slick tire for track-day lovers and club racers. Finally, ROADTEC™ Scooter, the chosen heir of the FEELFREE™ family, is designed for urban mobility, commuting and sport-touring use typical of the ROADTEC™ product family.

SPORTEC™ M9 RR is without a doubt the most keenly awaited release for all supersport riders who have had the chance to appreciate the already excellent experience offered by the SPORTEC™ M7 RR, with SPORTEC™ M9 RR bringing further performance improvements across the board. SPORTEC™ M9 RR, as you may guess from the name, has a strong connection to its predecessor and its roots. The name SPORTEC™ identifies the range of sports road tires designed for day-to-day use and to guarantee a great riding experience, safety and versatility. RR stands for Road Racing and immediately brings to mind the iconic Isle of Man TT competition, won this year by champion Dean Harrison on METZELER tires. Road racing competitions bring to mind not only performance but also the typical characteristics associated with the use of road bikes, which generally include unpredictable weather and road-surface conditions. This is the concept behind the claim for the new product, “Ride the Unexpected.”

SPORTEC™ M9 RR perfectly combines the typical versatility of day-to-day use with the brand’s competitive experience in road racing, building on the important legacy of the SPORTEC™ M7 RR, a tire that boasts an impressive list of awards and recognitions. This is completed with the most recent technological advances from the German brand’s research and development pursuits.

One of the most pervasive innovations in motorcycle technology from the introduction of the SPORTEC™ M7 RR has been the development of electronic rider-assist technology, supported by sophisticated sensors that offer riders greater security, regardless of the type of motorcycle. In this context, tires play a fundamental role in allowing the electronics to interpret the true behavior of the vehicle and calibrate it to offer the best riding experience and optimum performance. The biggest challenge for the METZELER Research and Development Center was to adapt the dynamic performance of the SPORTEC™ M9 RR to a wide range of motorcycles, allowing electronic rider assistance systems to function properly.

SPORTEC™ M9 RR has been designed for motorcyclists, primarily owners of supersport and naked bikes, with a sporty riding style and who use their bikes almost every day in conditions from the urban jungle to the winding weekend roads. These riders are looking for improved performance and want a great riding experience with sporty performance even in wet conditions, but also with the option to take their bike on the track as well. These riders need a sports tire that provides precise and reliable feedback while they enjoy their bike’s performance.

The full SPORTEC™ M9 RR range includes 3 front and 9 rear tires sizes.

ROADTEC 01 SE

Following the success of the multiple award-winning ROADTEC™ 01 that debuted in 2015 for the sport-touring tire segment, METZELER has decided to introduce the new ROADTEC™ 01 SE.

The ROADTEC™ 01 SE radial range completes METZELER’s catalog, consolidating the strengths of the ROADTEC™ 01 – with its exceptional performance in wet conditions and high mileage – and enhancing the sporty characteristics in terms of the grip and agility needed by supersport, naked and sport-touring riders.

To meet sports requirements that imply high performance at sharp lean angles, the tread design for the ROADTEC™ 01 SE builds on that of the ROADTEC™ 01, with an evolution towards a tire with a slicker shoulder, optimizing drive with a greater surface area coming into contact with the asphalt.

The front models of the ROADTEC™ 01 SE inherit the latest version of the full-silica compound used for the ROADTEC™ 01 and feature the same tread pattern in the middle section, a key aspect of its exceptional grip on low-friction surfaces. The shoulders are slicker, and the relative structural refinement optimizes performance through half and full lean, improving agility and steering stability.

The rear models of the ROADTEC™ 01 SE use a bi-compound and, as with the front, feature a sportier evolution of the ROADTEC™ 01 tread pattern, aimed at offering greater drive at sharper lean angles together with comfort and driving pleasure capable of satisfying even the most demanding riders, both on long routes and winding roads. ROADTEC™ 01 and ROADTEC™ 01 SE: two products perfect for any adventurer with a sports attitude.

RACETEC TD Slick

RACETEC™ TD Slick joins the range of METZELER™ racing slick tires, dedicated to riders and club racers with a focus on competition and training use.

RACETEC™ TD Slick is a slick tire for the track that is quick and easy to use. It can also be used without tire warmers and does not require any special bike set-up to offer optimal performance. The key features of the RACETEC™ TD Slick include optimal performance, uniformity of yield even after several sessions, versatility for different track surfaces and operating temperatures, high resistance to abrasion and the option to reverse the direction of rotation of the rear tires between sessions if the circuit configuration generates more wear on one side.

RACETEC™ TD Slick has been designed for riders that want the advantages of a slick product but without the need for additional racing equipment (stands, tire warmers, generators, etc.) or a highly tuned bike set-up and suspension, as are normally needed with slick racing tires.

RACETEC™ TD Slick is therefore aimed at all riders who do not want to go without slick tires on the track, expert riders who want a plug-and-play product for long free sessions, and club riders who need a tire with endurance mileage and an excellent quality/price ratio that allows them to focus on improving lap times for the entire race weekend.

The new tire will be available in four sizes at 17 inches: 120/70 front and 180/55, 190/55 and 200/55 rear.

ROADTEC Scooter

ROADTEC™ Scooter is the new tire developed by METZELER for all types of scooters with wheels from 10 to 16 inches. ROADTEC™ Scooter boasts extreme flexibility and versatility, meets the broadest range of weather, temperature and road-surface conditions, in urban areas and beyond.

The development of the ROADTEC™ Scooter naturally took inspiration from the ROADTEC™ 01, while optimizing its features for scooter use. The full range includes 51 sizes, and ROADTEC™ Scooter will gradually replace the current METZELER catalog, including FEELFREE™, FEELFREE™ WINTEC and ME 7 TEEN™, with a single product offering optimum performance.

More specifically, ROADTEC™ Scooter, compared to the products it will replace, guarantees greater grip on wet and low-friction surfaces, along with use under a greater range of temperatures and improved handling.

The tread design of this new tire is directly based on the ROADTEC™ 01, specifically developed to allow the use of a system partially based on siping. The primary benefits of this help with warm-up and comfort, as the siping contributes to the deformability of the tread, and first-class grip on low-friction surfaces, guaranteed by the recognizable ROADTEC™ 01 groove pattern.

Compared to its predecessors, ROADTEC™ Scooter features a rounder profile to increase the tread contact area, and a more rigid structure to support the profile and improve handling.

Finally, the ROADTEC™ Scooter compounds feature a high percentage of silica for greater control in wet conditions and use at a greater range of temperatures. All ROADTEC™ Scooter rear radial tires use a bi-compound.

The post Metzeler Introduces Four New Tires For 2020 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.