Strong finish on the agenda for Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing rider.
Image: John Pearson.
Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing’s Josh Green is targeting his first E2 class victory of the season this weekend at Hedley’s final two rounds of the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) in Victoria.
The New South Welshman has fallen short to points leader Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) all season long, earn runner-up result in the nine rounds so far.
“While our season draws to a close, there is still plenty of motivation to keep riding and training,” said Green. “I want to finish the AORC off on a strong note and try to win a round or two before the year is out.
“And also with the ISDE just around the corner, it presents another opportunity to fine-tune everything in race conditions.I will give it my all and see how it goes.”
Green currently sits 27 points Milner in the E2 championship standings, where a win in Saturday’s 10th round will take the title down to Sunday’s finale.
High-quality track boot now available across Australia.
Ficeda Accessories, the Australian distributor of Falco, has released the brand’s 2019 boot range, including the Eso Race model.
Falco has spent a lot of time and effort developing products that suit all types of riders. Direct innovation has led to exorbitant levels of innovation, style, design, comfort, but most importantly, safety.
Designed by racers for racers, the Eso Race boot is designed for track or street use, boasting excellent protective and comfort features.
Image: Supplied.
2019 Falco Eso Race boot key features: – Optimal ankle support due to a multi-integrated articulation system including rear-button unlocking system. – Superior ventilation performance for breathability, anti-bacterial, and quick-drying combined with Micro-Synth upper lining. – TechToe one-piece, moulded protection integrating toe-fingers shield, gear change pad and Alu-zinc replaceable slider. – Dual-density racing rubber dole with reinforced arch support.
Priced at RRP $449.95, the 2019 Falco Eso Race boot is now available at participating dealers and online retailers. For more information, visit www.ficeda.com.au.
Penrite Honda Racing uncovers international expansion plans
Section: Competition
Brayton making international Penrite Honda debut at Montreal Supercross.
Image: Supplied.
Penrite Honda Racing has uncovered plans to expand its efforts overseas, revealing three-time Australian supercross champion and recently-signed Team Honda HRC rider Justin Brayton will race the Montreal Supercross in Penrite colours this weekend in Canada.
Team owner Yarrive Konsky is understood to be assessing possible ongoing opportunities internationally, having spent considerable time in America over recent months.
“I have always wanted to explore overseas opportunities and Justin generously proposed a mutual venture,” Konksy explained. “Our primary partners were excited to get involved and this weekend will mark our first foray in international competition.”
Brayton, who races supercross-only, will return to Australia as he attempts to claim a fourth consecutive crown in the revamped series, which is set to take place over five rounds, visiting New Zealand for the S-X Open Auckland before the AUS-X Open Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Brayton will join Brett Metcalfe and fellow American Chris Blose on the domestic Penrite Honda Racing for the Australian series, while an additional rider signing is still to be revealed. The Australian Supercross Championship launches on 12 October at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Vinales confident useful developments will assist at Misano
Section: Competition
Monster Energy Yamaha rider targeting podium this weekend in Italy.
Image: Supplied.
Spaniard Maverick Vinales is confident that useful developments made with his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 at the Misano test will assist in his challenge for a podium at the Italian venue this weekend.
Vinales is coming off a podium result at the British grand prix, which combined with a positive test last month, as offered the MotoGP contender a strong mindest leading into the 13th round.
“We‘ve had a two-week break again, but we have never stopped working during that time,” said Vinales. “We‘ve been preparing in order to come to Misano in a good physical and mental shape. We are very happy with the positive results of the last races and we have to remain focused to finish the season in a good position in the general classification.
“Being the first Yamaha is my goal, as always. The test in Misano was useful because we tried many things, not only for next year but also for this current season. The San Marino GP is a kind of home GP for Yamaha and we will have many fans supporting us here, so I can’t wait to get back aboard my M1 and fight for the podium, spurred on by the amazing atmosphere.”
Vinales is currently ranked a distant fifth in the MotoGP World Championship standings.
Usually motorcycle riders are the victims in hit and run accidents but one trail biker is giving us a bad name after hitting a 77-year-old pedestrian and fleeing the scene.
Queensland Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Kin Kora, near Gladstone, around 5pm on 31 August 2019.
The local man was walking along the pathway that runs between Emmadale Drive and the soccer field at the end of Pioneer Drive when he was struck by a blue trail bike as it sped past him.
“The man fell to the ground while the rider of the bike failed to stop and render assistance,” police say.
The man was transported to Gladstone Hospital and treated for his injuries, then later discharged.
Sadly, the man passed away on Tuesday (September 10).
Police investigations
Police investigations are continuing to determine whether or not the incident contributed to the man’s death and the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
Gladstone Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who have seen a blue trail bike in that particular area at any time to come forward.
Police believe the trail bike has been seen in the area several times in the past, particularly along the roadway that leads from the end of Pioneer Drive to the soccer field.
The rider is described as wearing a dark coloured helmet with dark goggles.
Anyone who may know the rider of the bike is also urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
An 81-year-old rider is counting his blessings after hitting an oil spill and sliding his BMW until the front wheel hung over a precipitous drop into a deep gorge.
Allan Shephard of Brisbane says he was enjoying a midweek ride on his old R 80 RT on the Sunshine Coast hinterland when the frightening incident occurred.
He says he reported the oil spill to the Main Roads Department and was surprised at how quickly they responded to fix the dangerous spill and warn other road users.
How it happened
Obi Obi Rd is bitumen uphill and gravel downhill
“I left Mapleton after a pie and coffee at the bakery and approaching the unsealed divided down section on Obi Obi Rd I was being pushed by a four-wheel-drive ute in a hurry,” Allan says.
“I pulled over and let him go, then proceeded fairly slowly down the gravel section.
“Midway down the top section there is a sealed section through some tight down hill corners. On a left-hand turn a bit tight and steep I hit a lengthy oil spill that covered the left hand side of the road all around the corner.
“In the instant I saw it I thought it was water on the road.
“I was under gentle brakes just to steady my speed. The old R 80 had a very quick lie down, losing the front wheel.
“The left crash bar dug in and spun the bike across the road ending with the front wheel hanging over the drop into the gorge below!
“I bumped along behind the bike, covered my left side in oil and severely scratched my new Shoei visor. I said a big ‘bugger’, I think.”
Allan says he was pleased that about 10 vehicles stopped to help.
One woman helped him pull the bike back on to the road and a truckie helped him stand the bike up in a safe place and bandaged his right hand.
Oil spill
Contractors clean oil spill
Allan says that on his ride home he noticed many more streaks of oil all the way to Kenilworth where “the offending vehicle turned towards Imbil”.
Concerned that another rider may not be as lucky as he was, Allan rang 000 to report the spillage.
“The 000 lady was concerned that I was ok and said she would report the hazard,” he says.
“One of the guys who witnessed my fall reported the hazard to the off-duty police officer at Kenilworth.
“He reported to me that he had gone to the Council Depot at Kenilworth to report the hazard and was told that it was not a matter for the council but for the Main Roads Department.”
Main Roads action
Allan says he is pleased to find that Main Roads had a team on site by 3.30pm to deal with the spill and erect warning signs at the top of the range.
“Well done, I would think,” he says.
“I’ve put the Main Roads Traffic Hazard reporting number (13 19 40) in my wallet for future reference.”
A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says they “responded immediately” and their maintenance contractor applied an absorbent treatment to the oil.
“Hazard warning signs were put in place and a message published on the QLDTraffic website to advise road users of works underway,” the spokesperson says.
“We are continuing to monitor the site.
“All state-controlled roads are regularly inspected to ensure they are safe and traffickable, however, road conditions can change quickly.
“We encourage the public to report safety hazards on the road, so they can be urgently assessed.
“We had not received a road hazard report for this location before this incident.”
Report hazards
Riders are urged to report hazards on roads by contacting the relevant authority.
The problem is that it can be difficult to ascertain whether the road is controlled by a local council or the state department.
If emergency services are required due to a crash with injuries, call 000.
If Triple Zero doesn’t work, call 112. You don’t need credit on your mobile phone to call 000 or 112 as it is free.
Team Honda HRC signs Brayton and Sexton in unique 2020 deal
Section: Competition
Sexton to make 450 switch for outdoors in multi-year deal.
Image: Supplied.
Team Honda HRC has signed Justin Brayton and Chase Sexton for the 2020 season in a unique deal that will see the latter remain with Geico Honda in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX series before stepping up to the premier class with the HRC squad for the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
Brayton has spent the last four years as a supercross-only rider, using the regular off-season to race the Australian Supercross Championship – a title he’s won three consecutive times and will attempt a fourth crown this year with Penrite Honda Racing.
The number 10 has been a member of the Smartop MotoConcepts Bullfrog Spas Honda over the last three seasons with the support of HRC, and will now return to the factory squad.
“I’m beyond excited to be riding for factory Honda in the 2020 supercross season,” said Brayton. “Riding with the team in 2012 was the achievement of a dream for me, and I had my best season so far that year. Now I feel like I’m living my dream all over again, just a little older and more experienced to be able to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Sexton, the 2019 250SX East champion, has signed a multi-year agreement with Team Honda HRC that will see him through the 2023 season, although he will not defend his crown next year, and will instead race the 250SX West series with Geico Honda before his premier class graduation in the outdoors.
“I’m super excited to be joining Team Honda HRC,” Sexton commented. “Factory Honda is a team that I’ve wanted to ride for since I was a kid, so to have this opportunity is honestly a dream come true. I’m looking forward to starting this journey with them, and I think it will be a successful one.
“I think the CRF450R suits me because I’m a bigger guy and I ride it well. Still, 2020 is going to be a learning year for sure. I’m just getting my feet wet in the 450 class, and it will be good to have an outdoor series under my belt to get me ready for a full 17-round 2021 Supercross series.
“I’m also looking forward to being teammates with Ken. We’re pretty close friends and train together every day, so I think this will push us both and take us to the next level. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to have under the tent, with his speed and knowledge.”
It was confirmed in May that Ken Roczen will remain with Team Honda HRC through the 2022 season.
Gardner confirmed for 2020 Moto2 campaign with SAG Racing
Section: Competition
Australian to be joined by current teammate Nagashima next year.
Image: Supplied.
It’s been confirmed Australian Remy Gardner will continue on with SAG Racing in the 2020 Moto2 World Championship following a breakout season with the squad.
Gardner will once again be joined by current teammate Tetsuta Nagashima next year, where they’ll both endeavour to challenge for the world title.
Son of former motorcycle grand prix world champion Wayne Gardner, the youthful talent has scored the best results of his career in 2019, including a maiden podium in Argentina.
After finishing fourth at the British grand prix last month, Gardner arrives at Misano for this weekend’s grand prix with the goal of landing on the podium.
“I am looking forward to this weekend,” said Gardner. “After the good result in Silverstone, I want to build on that and keep moving forward. I can’t wait to arrive to Italy and start working with my team.”
What the? It’s a Qooder, that’s what, “the only four-wheeled tilting street vehicle in the world, and an all-new, one-of-a-kind product category that combines the road handling and safety of an automobile with the fun and riding dynamics of a motorcycle.”
Quadro Vehicles Press Release:
SWISS VEHICLE MAKER QUADRO VEHICLES S.A. ANNOUNCES ENTRY TO US MARKET AT 2019 AIMEXPO PRESENTED BY NATIONWIDE
Swiss brand introduces a new and unique category of products: QOODER
“Everybody at Quadro Vehicles S.A. is thrilled to announce our entry into the all-important US market with the QOODER brand and the establishment of our subsidiary, Qooder USA,” said Paolo Gagliardo, Quadro Vehicles’ visionary CEO and Chairman.
This will be the Swiss company’s first appearance in the US where it will display QOODER – a new and unique product category – in booth #833 at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide, which takes place on September 26-29 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. “The United States is the single most important market in the world, and we are ready to bring our innovative, fun and groundbreaking mobility solutions to a new audience,” Gagliardo said.
“We’re so excited to be in Columbus at the heart of the American powersports and mobility industry,” Gagliardo continued. “Introducing QOODER to American enthusiasts for the first time, in conjunction with meeting the best business partners, is sure to be the beginning of an exciting adventure in personal mobility for all of us.”
The company’s flagship – the QOODER – is the only four-wheeled tilting street vehicle in the world, and an all-new, one-of-a-kind product category that combines the road handling and safety of an automobile with the fun and riding dynamics of a motorcycle.
The QOODER is as agile as a scooter and as rugged as an all-terrain vehicle. The headline feature of the QOODER is the internationally patented HTS (Hydraulic Tilting System), which is a revolutionary independent suspension system that allows all four wheels to tilt simultaneously. Fun, smooth and precise, the QOODER delivers confident road manners while maintaining superior road traction. With an automatic transmission, twinned rear wheels with dual rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent HTS suspension, the QOODER blends advanced technology, superior safety and riding excitement.
Also on display is the three-wheeled QV3 – characterized by its lightweight, bold oversized wheels and the patented HTS suspension. The QV3 is built to overcome the challenges of urban mobility.
Since its restructuring in 2018, Quadro Vehicles S.A. has seen tremendous success and volume growth of its new and unique product category. In just one year it has seen rocketing growth in Europe with approximately 4,000 vehicles sold, 2,000 of which were the four-wheel QOODER. And the company forecasts 6,500 unit sales for 2019.
“Our primary motivation during this first appearance in the US at AIMExpo is to introduce ourselves to other professionals in the industry, tell our story to the media, introduce the exciting new 2020 product line-up, and meet the best distribution partners in the United States,” Gagliardo said. “Our goal for moving forward includes creating a great distribution network in key regions and cities. Please visit us at booth #833 where we can chat about our unique QOODER products and the opportunity for your business.”
“We’re very happy Quadro Vehicles has taken advantage of everything AIMExpo presented by Nationwide has to offer to achieve its goals of establishing its business in the USA and building a distribution network. Having local and international brands trust our show and use it as a tool to achieve their goals solidifies our position as North America’s most important powersports trade show,” said Andre Albert, Director, Sales and Marketing.
We hear from the guys who started it all, Mike and Grant, the original founders of Born-Free, about how their passion for motorcycles and good times keeps custom bikes at the heart, avoiding commercial takeover and staying relevant. Then we hear from Bill Davidson, great-grandson of the co-founder of Harley-Davidson, about how he perceives Born-Free and what it’s doing for the motorcycle scene. Lastly, Jenna from Stellar Moto Brand gives us a look at how the show has changed to become more encouraging and welcoming for everyone who isn’t a guy on a chopper.
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(Hydraulic Tilting System), which is a revolutionary independent suspension system that allows all four wheels to tilt simultaneously. Fun, smooth and precise, the QOODER delivers confident road manners while maintaining superior road traction. With an automatic transmission, twinned rear wheels with dual rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent HTS suspension, the QOODER blends advanced technology, superior safety and riding excitement.