Monthly Archives: February 2020

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Mike Jones set to kick off title defense at Phillip Island

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2019 ASBK Champion Mike Jones kicks off title defence

Defending Australian Superbike Champion, Mike Jones, is feeling confident and ready to fire for this weekend’s first round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The Queenslander aboard his DesmoSport Ducati V4R, believes he has struck the right combination following a successful test last month at Phillip Island and is ready to defend his championship title.

Mike Jones

“After the test I feel really confident heading into the race weekend. We were able to have good pace at the test, and now for me I’m preparing myself mentally to be able to come out on the race weekend and be firing straight away. I know everyone is amped up for the first round and ready to go.”

ASBK TBG JanTest PI Mike Jones TBG

ASBK TBG JanTest PI Mike Jones TBG

Mike Jones – TBG Image

It is the overall package of the new Ducati that has Mike excited.

“It feels like a completely different bike, but it’s probably been the most rider friendly bike I’ve ever ridden so that was a real positive, and it’s just been finding the right settings.”

Despite being “very happy” with the pace of the bike at the Official ASBK Test last month, Mike admits to keeping an eye on what Wayne Maxwell – also on the same model machine and who broke the Superbike lap record at the test – is doing.

“He did reel off a few quick laps, but as we saw last year it is not the be all and end all. Race pace is the most important thing and I feel like we got that at the test and something we are quite strong with.”

ASBK TBG JanTest PI Mike Jones TBG

ASBK TBG JanTest PI Mike Jones TBG

Mike Jones – TBG Image

Mike feels his biggest competition this year could come from 2018 ASBK Champion, Penrite Honda’s Troy Herfoss, who he battled for the championship win in the last race at Sydney Motosport Park in 2019.

“I believe it is going to be Troy Herfoss again, purely because of who he is as a person, and the drive and motivation that he has got. In my opinion that is what you need to be able to win, he’s going to be the strongest guy through the year again.”

It’s not only Australian superbike riders who want to upset the champ this weekend, but 4-time American Superbike Champion, Josh Hayes, will also be aiming to cause a few upsets when he joins the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship at the Island, which Mike thinks is fantastic for the championship.

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Mike JONES

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Mike JONES

Mike Jones – Image by Rob Mott

“I think it’s really exciting for ASBK for someone of his calibre wanting to race with us at Phillip island and I think it’s the perfect place for him to come and do it. All the riders are eager and keen to go racing so it should make for a really competitive first round and having Josh in the field will be really cool just to have another gauge of where the ASBK is. “I personally feel it (ASBK) is at a really high level.

“Having the first round of ASBK alongside WorldSBK is important because the motorbikes are based on the same type of production bikes. It’s a real asset for the riders and fans to see the world level and domestic level guys go racing on the same weekend.”

The 2019 ASBK Champion wants a big crowd at the Island this weekend.

“We all share the same passion and it brings everyone together, come down and watch. It will be a weekend of a lifetime with World Superbikes and ASBK on the same weekend with incredible action from both championships. But I know particularly here in Oz, the racing is fierce and it’s going to be close, so come and have some fun and get involved.”

ASBK JanTest PI TH Ben Henry Jones

ASBK JanTest PI TH Ben Henry Jones

Ben Henry prepping the DesmoSport Ducati for Mike Jones at Phillip Island

2020 ASBK Calendar

Mi Bike ASBK Motul logo Menu@x
Rnd Date Track
Rnd 1  Feb 27 – March 1 Phillip Island, VIC
Rnd 2  27-29 March Wakefield Park, NSW
Rnd 3 7-10 May The Bend, SA
Rnd 4 15-17 May Barbagallo, WA (SBK only)
Rnd 5 7-9 August Morgan Park, QLD
Rnd 6 11-13 September Winton, VIC
Rnd 7 2-4 October Phillip Island, VIC

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Razgatlioglu tops the timesheets on day one of Phillip WorldSBK test

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News 24 Feb 2020

Razgatlioglu tops the timesheets on day one of Phillip WorldSBK test

Section: Competition

Rookie Locatelli fastest in the WorldSSP category.

Image: Russell Colvin.

It was Pata Yamaha newcomer Toprak Razgatlioglu who topped the timesheets on the opening day of the Phillip Island Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) test, edging out Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) and Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha).

Razgatlioglu set a blistering lap of 1m30.740s to surge to the top of the times, while Sykes and Baz set times 1m30.762s and 1m30.777s respectively.

Five-time defending champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) was fourth with a time of 1m30.996s, while the top five was completed by Leon Haslam (Team HRC) with a 1m30.996s lap.

Sixth went to WorldSBK rookie Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), followed by Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha), Eugene Laverty (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK), Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team) and Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). Regular front-runner Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) was 15th.

In WorldSSP, rookie Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) set the pace with a lap of 1ms33.336s, edging out reigning champion Randy Krummenacher (MV Agusta Reparto Corse), whose fastest time was 1m33.638s.

Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was third with a time of 1m33.671s, while the top five was rounded out by Isaac Vinales (Kallio Racing) and Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). Australian wildcard Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing) was 16th fastest with a time of 1m35.918s.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Toprak tops day one of WorldSBK Testing at P.I.

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WSBK Phillip Island Test Day One

While the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit remained dry for the afternoon WorldSSP session, unfortunately a few tiny drops of precipitation started falling around the circuit just as the final two-hour WorldSBK session got underway on schedule at 1540. It really was something of nothing, but changed the risk versus reward ratio in the balance of a very quiet track this afternoon.

With just under an hour remaining Loris Baz, Michael Rinaldi, Leon Haslam, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Alex Lowes, Scott Redding and Chaz Davies were amongst the first riders to break the Phillip Island silence. The ambient air temperature was around 20-degree celsius while the track temp’ was just under 30-degrees.

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Bautista TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Bautista TBG

Alvaro Bautista set the highest trap speeds in both sessions today on the new Fireblade

The track was obviously not in too bad a condition as Leon Haslam quickly bettered his morning time, as did Eugene Laverty.

Tom Sykes was the only man to dip under the 1m31s barrier in the morning but was joined in the 1m30s by Loris Baz on the Ten Kate prepared Yamaha with ten-minutes remaining in the afternoon session, the 27-year-old going top of the time-sheets with a 1m30.777s.

Tom Sykes returned fire a few minutes later to lower the benchmark to 1m30.762, besting the Frenchman by a narrow 15-thousandths of a second.

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Sykes TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Sykes TBG

Tom Sykes

Jonathan Rea then wound up the KRT bike and dropped in a 1m30.996 to go third quickest, he backed that up with a 1m31.194, cruised a lap then made another time attack, a 1m31.175 the result.

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Rea TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Rea TBG

Jonathan Rea

Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu saved his best for last and went top at the chequered flag, a 1m30.740 at the last gasp to top the days proceedings.

Alex Lowes had gone down at turn four late in the session, as did Federico Caricasulo.

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Bautista TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Bautista TBG

Alvaro Bautista set the fastest trap speeds in both sessions

Honda’s new Fireblade does is not short on mumbo. Alvaro Bautista hasn’t mustered any competitive lap-times on the Honda as yet, but the diminutive Spaniard is setting the fastest trap speeds, 317.6 km/h to top the morning session and then 314 km/h to also top the second session. HRC team-mate Leon Haslam was also in the top five speeds.

Alvaro Bautista – P15

“Today we were able to test some new items that the HRC engineers brought us. We are moving in the direction I requested, though we’re not quite there yet. Essentially, we are working to find a set-up that allows me to get better feedback from the bike and the tyres. We have actually improved front feeling to some extent, but not enough yet, and having good feedback from the tyres is particularly important at this track. Considering that this is still a brand-new project, I think it will be challenging for us this coming weekend, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time and we will get there if we continue to put in the work.”

Bautista’s 1m32.541 a long way from the 1m30.303 he set at the Phillip Island Test last year on the Ducati V4 R. Haslam though is competitive, his 1m31.196 was good enough for fifth quickest today.

Leon Haslam – P5

“To be honest, we were looking for more track time, but a red flag and rain meant we weren’t able to put in many fast laps. Luckily, we got the last 40 minutes or so this afternoon, and the lap times were not so bad. We’re quite consistent but there’s still a lot of work to be done. At this point, we also need to look ahead to the race weekend and work with that in mind, planning accordingly. With it being a new bike, and not having any references from last season, we need to be focused in our approach as we can’t do everything in a single test. A lot of my strengths suit this kind of track, so I’m confident in that regard, but right now the important thing is to develop, testing everything we have and starting to make some decisions. So, we’re trying to be methodical in our work during this test rather than focus on setting fast laps.”

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Haslam TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Haslam TBG

Leon Haslam ran competitive pace today on the new Fireblade

Scott Redding was the fastest Ducati in sixth ahead of Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark, BMW’s Eugene Laverty and KRT’s Alex Lowes while Chaz Davies rounded out the top ten.

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Redding TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Redding TBG

Scott Redding was the fastest Ducati in sixth

Testing continues tomorrow ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the Motul backed 2020 World Superbike Championship. Tuesday does present some probability of rain showers but hopefully riders can get in plenty of dry track time. The forecast for the race weekend is mostly sunny with expected temperatures in the low 20s.

Phillip Island WorldSBK Testing
Monday Combined Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 T   RAZGATLIOGLU Yamaha YZF R1 1m30.740
2 T.   SYKES BMW S1000 RR +0.022
3 L.   BAZ Yamaha YZF R1 +0.037
4 J.   REA Kawasaki ZX-10RR +0.256
5 L.   HASLAM Honda CBR1000RR +0.456
6 S.  REDDING Ducati Panigale V4 R +0.496
7  M. VAN DER MARK Yamaha YZF R1 +0.700
8 E.  LAVERTY BMW S1000 RR +0.845
9 A.  LOWES Kawasaki ZX-10RR +0.925
10  C.  DAVIES Ducati Panigale V4 R +1.373
11 S.  CORTESE Kawasaki ZX-10RR +1.524
12 M. RINALDI Ducati Panigale V4 R +1.532
13 X.  FORES Kawasaki ZX-10RR +1.747
14 M. SCHEIB Kawasaki ZX-10RR +1.758
15 A.  BAUTISTA Honda CBR1000RR +1.801
16 F.   CARICASULO Yamaha YZF R1 +1.966
17 G.  GERLOFF Yamaha YZF R1 +2.089
18 L.   CAMIER Ducati Panigale V4 R +2.889

Phillip Island WorldSSP Testing

23-year-old Italian Andrea Locatelli topped both World Supersport test sessions at Phillip Island on Monday. The Bardahl Evan Bros Yamaha rider set a 1m33.362s in the morning session before narrowly besting that this afternoon with his 1m33.336s the benchmark for the day.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Andrea Locatelli TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Andrea Locatelli TBG

Andrea Locatelli topped both World Supersport test sessions at Phillip Island on Monday

Randy Krummenacher had left that team after winning the championship in 2019 and fronts this season with the #1 plate on the MV Agusta Reparto Corse entry and was second quickest today, three-tenths behind Locatelli while De Rosa rounded out the top three ahead of Vinales.

16-year-old wildcard Oli Bayliss acquitted himself well today on the Cube Racing Yamaha and recorded a best of 1m35.918 to end the day 16th out of a 22-rider field.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Oli Bayliss TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Oli Bayliss TBG

Oli Bayliss

At 258 km/h though Bayliss was the slowest through the speed trap. Spain’s Manuel Gonzalez set the fastest speed through the traps with the ParkinGo Kawasaki registering 271.4 km/h.

Oli Bayliss

“The day ended better than it started. Not so happy this morning. So we worked in the break, and I had a whole new bike set-up for the afternoon session and it came together from there. And that time was on an old tyre, and we had a few other issues, that we are working on. Tomorrow, I am aiming to break into the top ten. I’d be happy with that for the test,” he said of his bike, that was only prepared to world-spec in the last two weeks and was given its first run on the island circuit today.”

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Oli Bayliss TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island Oli Bayliss TBG

Oli Bayliss

Phillip Island WorldSSP Testing
Monday Combined Times

  1. Locatelli – Yamaha 1m33.336
  2. Krummenacher – MV 1m33.638
  3. De Rosa – MV 1m33.671
  4. Vinales – Yamaha 1m33.882
  5. Mahias – Kawasaki 1m33.896
  6. Cluzel – Yamaha 1m33.921
  7. Odendaal – Yamaha 1m34.426
  8. Oettl – Kawasaki 1m34.543
  9. Perolari – Yamaha 1m34.599
  10. Soomer – Yamaha 1m34.750
  11. Oncu – Kawasaki 1m34.862
  12. Fuligni – MV 1m35.131
  13. Gonzalez – Kawasaki 1m35.224
  14. Sebestyen – Yamaha 1m35.259
  15. Okubo – Honda 1m35.269
  16. Bayliss – Yamaha 1m35.918
  17. Bergman – Yamaha 1m36.006
  18. Hobelsberger – Honda 1m36.092
  19. Webb – Yamaha 1m36.218
  20. Cresson – Yamaha 1m36.326
  21. Verdoia – Yamaha 1m36.329
  22. Van Sikkelerus – Yamaha 1m36.419

Images by TBG

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

E1 leader Semmens surprised himself with Toowoomba performance

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News 24 Feb 2020

E1 leader Semmens surprised himself with Toowoomba performance

Section: Competition

Factory KTM rider lands 2-1 finish at Queensland’s opener.

Image: Foremost Media.

KTM Enduro Racing Team newcomer Mason Semmens admits he surprised himself in his maiden outing at Toowoomba’s opening rounds of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the Victorian exiting the Queensland stop with the E1 points lead.

Semmens, who’s transitioned from racing motocross this season, was highly-impressive in his factory KTM debut, finishing Saturday’s round one second in the E1 category for sixth outright.

He went one better on Sunday to capitalise on an error of two-time champion Luke Styke (Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing) to secure victory in the class, while he was once again ranked sixth on the outright timesheets.

“To get 2-1 results and take the points-lead over the weekend in my first race with the KTM Enduro Racing Team is a really good feeling,” Semmens commented. “I wasn’t sure where I was going to be at coming into the first round, but the hard work that we did in the off-season showed and I surprised myself a little bit.

“I’m learning every time I go out and really tried to minimise mistakes, so it was good and I’m really fortunate to be teammates with Milner. Everything has been awesome and I’m definitely feeling comfortable on the KTM 250 SX-F.”

The youthful talent holds a two-point advantage over Styke as the series heads to Dungog in New South Wales on 14-15 March.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

ASBK tyre war set to erupt at season opener

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Five-way ASBK tyre manufacturer war set to erupt at Phillip Island

For the first time in recent ASBK history, a five-way tyre manufacturer war is set to light up the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Wayne MAXWELL Bike

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Wayne MAXWELL Bike

Ducati Panigale V4 R – Image by Rob Mott

Pirelli have been dominating the ASBK paddock for the past few years and have clearly set their sights on Dunlop, Bridgestone, Michelin and Shinko, who will all compete for supremacy in the ASBK paddock in the rubber war, which is set to add another element to the 2020 championship.

New kid on the block – Michelin – have called in a big gun of the sport with Jeremy Burgess – former crew chief to Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan, and Valentino Rossi – to be Michelin’s expert technician in the pitlane this year.

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Troy HERFOSS bike Jeremy Burgess

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Troy HERFOSS bike Jeremy Burgess

Jeremy Burgess overseeing the Michelin rubber for Penrite Honda at the ASBK Test – Image by Rob Mott

At the recent Pre-Season Official ASBK Test at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, several riders had changed not only teams and bike manufacturers, but also tyre brands, meaning there was a whole new learning curve to get their head around.

After burning off their Christmas pudding, the top 11 Superbike riders were covered by two seconds, and the top five by less than one second, running Pirelli, Dunlop and Michelin tyres during the 2020 Kawasaki Superbike Class test.

ASBK JanTest PI TH Pirelli

ASBK JanTest PI TH Pirelli

Pirelli runners were fastest at P.I. – Image TH

But it is the YMI Supersport 300 and YMF R3 Cup class where all tyre manufacturers will go head to head, with all five manufacturers vying for top place amongst riders, teams and on the podium.

Some riders may even choose to do a repeat of last year where some mixed front and rear tyre brand combinations gained what they felt was the greatest advantage.

Good race results, and a championship win, can produce a massive shift in tyre sales, but also allow the Australian tyre suppliers to influence parent companies to invest more in tyre development for the ASBK. The tyre war – while friendly at the moment – will heat up and could “boil over”, as the season progresses.

ASBK JanTest PI TH Dunlop

ASBK JanTest PI TH Dunlop

Dunlop tyres

All manufacturers agree, the tyre competition is great for the 2020 ASBK and is further evidence of the recent growth and strength of the championship.

Garry Crilly – Link International – Pirelli

“I think 2020 will be similar to 2019 with a very tight series, a lot of riders and bikes with new tyre combinations and I certainly think it will make an exciting series in all classes. I think it (the tyre war) will give ASBK a new dynamic based on results from the Official ASBK test at Phillip Island in January and obviously the main three brands in Superbike are very close, and it will be a hard-fought battle. And in the 600s and 300s I think it will also be tight as well between the brands. We are all competitive, it’s part of the DNA in racing, whether its motorcycle riding, tyre company, oil company, we all want to win. The main thing we want to see is tight competition in all three classes, top, good, hard, tight racing that’s what I want to see and that’s what Pirelli wants, and that’s what spectators want to see.”ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK R Wayne Maxwell Tyre

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK R Wayne Maxwell Tyre

Garry Crilly said the main advantage for Pirelli ASBK riders was that the tyre technology it produced is fed down from World Superbikes.

“Our Superbikes are different to the worlds, but we have the same basic characteristics and I think Pirelli have tyres that suit multiple brands, and riders can adapt easily to our tyre on any given motorcycle. Wayne Maxwell is a perfect example of that. I think we’ve got a range of tyres in each class that can run and be used at any of the circuits we visit throughout the season.”

Robert Bugden – Ficeda Accessories – Dunlop

“Obviously, it’s been quite some time since Michelin have been in the championship and Pirelli are obviously strong, but we feel we’ve put together the best range possible for our circuits and conditions and we are really confident with our new range. We’ve got all the pieces of the puzzle to go up against the other brands and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s great for the championship, it will really intensify and could boil over in 2020. We have some guys in the 300s on the brand-new tyre that we’ve put forward for homologation and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Again, Pirelli are really strong in that sector, but we also believe we have the answer to that and in Supersport we have been involved in for a long time and we believe we have everything we need to win races.”

ASBK TBG Round SMP BC Performnace TBG

ASBK TBG Round SMP BC Performnace TBG

The Dunlop shod BCperformance Kawasaki in 2019 – TBG Image

Craig White – McLeod Accessories – Bridgestone

“The number of manufacturers coming into the ASBK is great for the sport, as it shows the manufacturers are interested in the championship, and it will lead to healthy racing at the end of the day.”

Doug Sharp – Gas Imports – Michelin

“It has to strengthen the Championship, and when you are passionate about racing, like I am you want to see it improve. Being a part of the ASBK is good for us, hopefully we can sell tyres and grow the series along with everybody else. Most of our work has been testing with Honda and Troy and even so that’s been limited. We would still like to have a reasonable amount of people on them. This year will be a fairly steep learning curve to what works and what doesn’t, and Troy (Herfoss) has been quick, I’m sure he likes them and likes the way they feel.”

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Troy HERFOSS bike Jeremy Burgess

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Troy HERFOSS bike Jeremy Burgess

Jeremy Burgess

Jackson Collins – Bruce Collins Enterprises – Shinko

“In our first year it is definitely a friendly rivalry, and I’m sure whoever is winning races will have the bragging rights, and if you can steal a couple of results it might not become so friendly. For us in our first year to get some good results on track and further develop the tyres, we’d be stoked to pick up some good results and challenge the majors would be the ideal outcome as our first go at it. We (at a recent test) moved the tyres across a range of bikes with different set ups, Yamaha and Kawasaki and are really happy with how that went.”

While new entrants like Shinko and returning manufacturer, Michelin, admit to starting from ground zero, recent testing has shown that all the brands will be a force to be reckoned with, especially the more established Pirelli, Bridgestone and Dunlop.

In 2019 it was Pirelli who took out the championship tyre war winning with Mike Jones in the Superbike class and Tom Toparis in the Supersport class. In the Supersport 300s it was Senna Agius, who was on Pirelli for a bulk of the year before changing his front to Bridgestone for the last three rounds.

The 2020 war begins in only a few days as ASBK Round 1 blast into action at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

2020 ASBK Calendar

  • Round 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 27 Feb – 1 March
  • Round 2 – Wakefield Park Raceway – Goulburn, NSW 27 – 29 March
  • Round 3 – The Bend Motorsport Park – Tailem Bend, SA 7 – 10 May *4 day
    • *with Asia Road Race Championship (ARRC) & IATC
  • Round 4 – Supercars – Barbagallo Raceway, Perth WA 15 – 17 May
    • (Superbike Class Only)
  • Mid-Year Official Test – Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 28 – 29 July
  • Round 5 – Morgan Park Raceway – Warwick, QLD 7 – 9 August
  • Round 6 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC 11 – 13 September
  • Round 7 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC 2 – 4 October

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Dobson joins Ferris at new-look Recover8 KTM Thor squad

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News 24 Feb 2020

Dobson joins Ferris at new-look Recover8 KTM Thor squad

Section: Competition

Raceline Motorsport-operated squad to field Dobson in MX2 this year.

Image: Foremost Media.

A new-look Recover8 KTM Thor team has announced Jesse Dobson will join triple Australian champion Dean Ferris for the 2020 MXstore MX Nationals, the long-time premier class contender set to make a maiden assault in the MX2 category.

The Raceline Motorsport-operated outfit will revert to a two-rider squad for this upcoming season, with the signing of Dobson completing the team after Ferris previously declared his intentions to go racing with the KTM team.

Dobson, who graduated straight to MX1 from MXD in 2014, will pilot a KTM 250 SX-F for his first-ever campaign in the quarter-litre division.

“It’s actually so refreshing, and I’m so excited to go racing,” Dobson explained on the Inside Dirt podcast, which hosted the team announcement live on the Gold Coast over the weekend. “When this deal first came about, I thought about the 250 and I was like ‘ah’, but I had a couple of weeks to sit on it, and then I was like ‘yep, I want to do this’.

“It’s refreshing you know, because now I’m going to the start line and I want to line-up and win every single race. I’ve always trained to win, but these guys in the 450 class – Dean [Ferris], Todd [Waters], [Kirk Gibbs] Gibbsy, [Brett] Metcalfe – these are world-class riders.

“On a 250, I’m now going to the line to win – and I want to win everything and I believe I can win, and I’m going to loud and clear about it – I’m not going down to a 250 to come second, I’m going there and I want to win. It’s refreshing and I’m really looking forward to the year.”

The announcement indicates the departure of MXD champion and Australian MXoN representative Regan Duffy, who’s tipped to pilot Husqvarna machinery alongside MX1 champion Todd Waters. The Recover8 KTM Thor team will debut its new riders and look at Horsham’s season-opener on 4-5 April in Victoria.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Sykes tops shortened opening session at Phillip Island

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WSBK Phillip Island Test

Ahead of the Australian opening round of the 2020 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, 34-year old Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) has topped a shortened opening session at Phillip Island, after Takumi Takahashi (MIE Racing Althea Honda) left oil on track through turns three and four, forcing a halt of the proceedings.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Tom Sykes led the morning session

Tom Sykes was the only rider to drop into the 1:30s, boasting a 1:30.938, with Pata Yamaha’s Michael Van Der Mark nearest on 1:31.252 with teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu only 0.023s further off the leading pace.

Defending world champion Jonathan Rea was fourth overall for the morning, 0.557s off the leader, with the Kawasaki Racing Team rider 0.446s faster than new teammate Alex Lowes, who was seventh and clocked in the 1:32s.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Ten Kate Racing – Phillip Island WorldSBK Test

Ten Kate Racing Yamaha’s Loris Baz was fifth fastest, while Scott Redding was fastest Ducati on the Aruba.it Racing V4 R. Teammate Chaz Davies was eighth, with 1:32.117.

Completing the top ten was Leon Haslam (Team HRC) and Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing).

Alvaro Bautista, riding the Team HRC Honda CBR1000RR-R was 11th as he comes to terms with the new Honda machinery at Phillip Island, where he dominated in 2019 on board a Ducati.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Eugene Laverty joins Sykes with BMW Motorrad WorldSBK

Second BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Eugene Laverty was 12th with a 1:32.893, almost two-seconds off leading pace, with Sandro Cortese (Outdo Kawasaki TPR) in 13th.

Federico Caricasulo made the move up to the premiere class in WorldSBK in 2020 after finishing second overall in WSSP in 2019, joining the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team for the new season, along with American Garrett Gerloff who was 17th posting a 1:34.184.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Leon Camiere were 15th and 16th, both on Ducati Panigale V4 R machinery, with Team GoEleven and Barni Racing Team respectively.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Team GoEleven – Phillip Island WorldSBK Test

Maximilian Scheib was 18th on the Orelac Racing Vednatura Kawasaki, while Takumi Takahashi was 19th on the MIE Racing Althea Honda.

Despite overcast conditions and rain north of Phillip Island, competitors remain hopefully for dry conditions for afternoon sessions, as activities recommence on track.

Phillip Island WorldSBK Testing – Monday FP1

Pos. Rider Nat. Team Gap
1 T. SYKES GBR Motorrad WorldSBK Team 1’30.938
2 M. VAN DER MARK NED PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK 0.314
3 T. RAZGATLIOGLU  TUR PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK 0.337
4 J. REA GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 0.557
5 L. BAZ FRA Ten Kate Racing Yamaha 0.671
6 S. REDDING GBR ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati 0.85
7 A. LOWES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 1.111
8 C. DAVIES GBR ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati 1.179
9 L. HASLAM GBR Team HRC Honda 1.29
10 X. FORES ESP Kawasaki Puccetti Racing 1.476
11 A. BAUTISTA ESP Team HRC 1.731
12 E. LAVERTY IRL  BMW Motorrad WorldSBK 1.955
13 S. CORTESE GER OUTDO Kawasaki TPR 2.406
14 F. CARICASULO ITA GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team 2.594
15 M. RINALDI ITA Team GOELEVEN 2.736
16 L. CAMIER GBR Barni Racing Team 3.159
17  G. GERLOFF USA GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team 3.246
18 M. SCHEIB CHI ORELAC Racing VERDNATURA 4.64
19 T. TAKAHASHI JPN MIE Racing 5.408

World Supersport

Andrea Locatelli, who joined the BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team for the 2020 World Supersport season, led the morning World Supersport Free Practice 1 results, ahead of the MV Agusta Reparto Corse duo of Randy Krummenacher and Raffaele De Rosa, with the pair +0.276 and +0.309s off the leader’s pace.

Isaac Vinales (Kallio Racing) and Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the top five , with Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) sixth.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Oli Bayliss

Top Honda was Hikari Okubo on the Dynavolt Honda, while Australian Oli Bayliss was 19th on board the Cube Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

Phillip Island WorldSSP Testing – Monday FP1

Pos. Rider Nat. Team Gap
1 A. LOCATELLI ITA BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team  1’33.362
2 R. KRUMMENACHER SUI MV Agusta Reparto Corse 0.276
3 R. DE ROSA ITA MV Agusta Reparto Corse 0.309
4 I. VIÑALES ESP Kallio Racing 0.52
5 L. MAHIAS FRA Kawasaki Puccetti Racing  0.534
6 J. CLUZEL FRA GMT94 Yamaha 0.559
7 S. ODENDAAL RSA EAB Ten Kate Racing 1.173
8 P. OETTL GER Kawasaki Puccetti Racing 1.181
9 H. SOOMER EST Kallio Racing 1.626
10 C. PEROLARI FRA GMT94 Yamaha 1.715
11 M. GONZALEZ ESP Kawasaki ParkinGO Team 1.862
12 H. OKUBO JPN Dynavolt Honda 1.926
13 P. SEBESTYEN HUN OXXO Yamaha Team Toth 2.35
14 F. FULIGNI ITA MV Agusta Reparto Corse 2.384
15 C. ÖNCÜ TUR Turkish Racing Team 2.64
16 C. BERGMAN SWE Wójcik Racing Team 2.644
17 D. WEBB GBR WRP Wepol Racing 2.874
18 J. VAN SIKKELERUS NED MPM Routz Racing Team 3.057
19 O. BAYLISS AUS CUBE Racing 3.358
20  P. HOBELSBERGER GER Dynavolt Honda 3.79
21 L. CRESSON BEL OXXO Yamaha Team Toth 4.008
22 A. VERDOÏA FRA bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing 4.021

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

MXstore named as 2020 MX Nationals title sponsor

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News 24 Feb 2020

MXstore named as 2020 MX Nationals title sponsor

Section: Competition

Dirt bike retail giant elevates support for this season.

Image: Foremost Media.

MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams has revealed Australian dirt bike retail giant MXstore will be the title sponsor of the 2020 series.

Williams made the announcement at the store’s all-new showroom at the Gold Coast on Saturday, where a special grand opening was hosted for the public.

MXstore’s move as naming rights sponsor comes after multiple years as a partner of the series, the company taking the position vacated by Pirelli.

“We’re delighted – the guys have been partnering with us over a number of years already,” Williams stated on the Inside Dirt podcast. “Clearly the market at the moment is tight, but you look here today, there are several hundred people at a time coming through.

“They’re investing heavily [in the sport], sponsoring the AORC and Motocross of Nations – they’re well committed and they’re connected to so many brands.

“They’re a great fit for us – they’ve continued to support a lot of clubs across Australia – not only are they delivering products all around Australia, but they’re [also] supporting the sport all around Australia.”

The 2020 MXstore MX Nationals will consist of nine rounds hosted over six weekends, with the season-opener scheduled for 4-5 April at Horsham in Victoria.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Aprilia Racing signs Savadori as MotoGP test rider

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News 24 Feb 2020

Aprilia Racing signs Savadori as MotoGP test rider

Section: Competition

Italian ace to boost development of the newly-introduced 2020 RS-GP.

Image: Supplied.

Aprilia Racing has signed Lorenzo Savadori as an official test rider for the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season.

Savadori will play a role in the development of the newly-introduced 2020 RS-GP, while also racing in the CIV Italian Championship aboard the Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory.

The Italian was already on the new V4 prototype during the Sepang MotoGP tests, the strong outcome of that test and the big job of development that awaits the new bike were the key elements in the decision taken by Aprilia Racing and Lorenzo in launching their collaboration.

“I am truly very happy to continue racing for Aprilia Racing,” said Savadori. “The role of MotoGP tester lets me get close to this category, which is the maximum expression of world motorcycle racing. I am honoured and pleased to be part of this project.

“I wish to thank all of Aprilia Racing and everyone who made this opportunity possible. Now I can’t wait to get started – the Italian championship will also be at a very high level this season. Along with Nuova M2 Racing, we’ll be working very hard and passionately to hold the new RSV4 Factory 1100 high.”

With Andrea Iannone still provisionally suspended, speculation has linked current test rider Bradley Smith to assume his role in the championship alongside Aleix Espargaro.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special review

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Ducati is running out its current Scrambler 1100 models which will be replaced later this year by the restyled PRO and PRO Sport.

As is often the case with the introduction of new models, the current models are being run out at very attractive discounts.

And they are such a good buy because the only real differences in the coming PRO models are cleaner brake cabling, a remote rear fender, twin-stack pipes, new bars and different paint and graphics.

Ducati debut Scrambler 1100 ProsDucati Scrambler 1100 PrRO models

Scrambler 1100 models

The current 1100 series consists of the base model, Special and Sport.

All are powered by the 1079cc, 90-degree L-twin from the old Monster 1100, detuned slightly for emissions reasons to 64kW of power (86hp) and 88Nm (65lb-ft) of torque from 4750rpm.

It’s the same formula Ducati has used with the 803cc Scrambler powered by the old Monster 800 engine detuned to meet new emissions regulations.

Ducati Scrambler IconMBW’s Scrambler Icon

Ducati’s 800 Scramblers are the Italian company’s top sellers, while the more powerful, sophisticated and expensive 1100s have not been as popular.

I’ve been riding an 800 Scrambler Icon for some time now and love it. But the bike is a toy and has its limitations.

So I recently tested a Scrambler 1100 Special from Brisbane Motorcycles to see if the extra weight, height, length and expense was worth it.

The Base model comes in yellow with mag wheels and black seat, Special is grey with black wire wheels, chrome pipes, brushed swinging arm, gold anodised forks and brown seat and the black and yellow Sport has Öhlins suspension and mag wheels.

They used to cost $19,790, $21,990 and $22,990, but are now $15,999, $17,590 and $18,200.

The coming PRO and PRO Sport are also differentiated mainly by Ohlins suspensions in the latter. Read more details here.

Scrambler 1100 SpecialDucati Scrambler 1100 Special

The 1100 models are slightly longer than the 803cc Scramblers with a more substantive new upper “trellis” subframe.

So at 206kg (454lb) in running order, it weighs about 20kg more than the 800 Scrambler.

However, the weight is really not evident, even when pushing the bike out of the showroom.

It still has light handling and steering like the smaller bike thanks to a similar 24.5 degrees of rake and short 111mm trail.

The seat is 20mm higher at 810mm, but again it doesn’t feel any taller in the saddle.

Yet the 1100 is so much more bike with a more powerful and refined engine that is easier and forgiving to ride thanks to its 30% increase in grunt.

It also now has the ability to do some touring with the stronger rear subframe allowing luggage and a pillion.

But most importantly the fun is retained.Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

In fact, the fun is amplified by the fact that the front end now handles properly.

The 800 Scramblers have a single spring in the 41mm Kayaba upside-down forks. It’s crass and crashes through any road irregularities. Under braking the front wheel will chatter and lose vital grip.

Fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks on the Special add a whole new level of steering and handling that make this a much more fun, safe and comfortable bike to ride.

Comfort is also improved by the quality seats compared with the hard, plastic seats on the 800 models.

While the 800s are fun, they are also simplistic with rudimentary instrumentation which was last year updated with a fuel gauge!2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 dashboard

The Scrambler 1100 models have comprehensive twin-screen LCD instruments with a host of information, plus self-cancelling indicators and three engine modes with adjustable four-level traction control.

While you may not need all this to have some fun on a motorcycle, they are the sorts of creature features you wonder how you ever did without.

Another feature you will wonder how you did without is the substantial upgrade in brakes.

From a single 330mm disc to twin 320mm semi-floating discs with cornering ABS it is a major increase in safety and rider confidence.

Despite being heavier, higher and longer, the bike is surprisingly competent on dirt roads, mainly thanks to the traction controls and switchable ABS.

Conclusion

I love my fun little Icon. But it lacks in brakes, handling, comfort, touring ability and creature features.

The 1100 is still great fun, but increases your ability to tour the back roads and trails in comfort and safety.

I love it so much I’ve ordered the Sport as I feared the damage stones would do to those attractive chrome pipes!Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special tech specsDucati Scrambler 1100 Special

Price

$17,590 

Engine

1079cc, air-cooled L-Twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder

Bore x stroke

98 x 71mm

Compression

11:1

Power*

63kW (86 hp) @ 7500rpm

Torque*

88Nm (65lb-ft, 9kgm) @ 4750rpm

Fuel injection

Electronic fuel injection, 55mm throttle body with full Ride by Wire (RbW)

Exhaust

2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, twin stainless steel muffler with aluminium covers and end caps

Gearbox

6 speed

Ratio

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24

Primary drive

Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1

Final drive

Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39

Clutch

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Front suspension

Marzocchi fully adjustable 45mm USD fork

Front wheel travel

150mm (5.9in)

Front wheel

10-spoke in light alloy, 3.50″ x 18″

Front tyre

Pirelli MT 60 RS 120/80 ZR18

Rear suspension

Kayaba monoshock, pre-load and rebound adjustable

Rear wheel travel

150mm (5.9in)

Rear wheel

10-spoke in light alloy, 5.50″ x 17″

Rear tyre

Pirelli MT 60 RS 180/55 ZR17

Front brake

2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 callipers, 4-piston, axial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Rear brake

245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Wheelbase

1514mm (59.6 in)

Rake

24.5°

Trail

111mm (4.4 in)

Total steering lock

34°

Fuel tank capacity

15L – (3.96 US gal)

Dry weight

189kg (417 lb)

Kerb weight*

206kg (454 lb)

Seat

810mm (31.9 in)

Height

1330mm (52.4 in)

Width

895 mm (35.2 in)

Length

2,190 mm (86.0 in)

Number of seats

Dual seat

*Kerb weights indicate total bike weight with all operating consumable liquids and a fuel tank filled to 90% of capacity (as per EC standard 93/93).

Standard equipment

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS + DTC), RbW, LED light-guide, LED rear light with diffusion-light, LCD instruments with gear and fuel level indications, Steel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, Machine-finished aluminium belt covers, Under-seat storage compartment with USB socket

Colours

62 Yellow

Shining Black

Warranty and Maintenance

Warranty

24 months unlimited mileage

Maintenance service intervals

12,000km (7500mi) / 12 months

Valve clearance check

12,000km (7500mi)

Emissions and Consumption

Standard*

Euro 4

Consumption*

5.2L/100 km – CO2 117 g/km

* Only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com