Covid-19 could impact bike manufacture

Ducati and Piaggio (Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi) have closed their museums due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) in Italy, but their factories are still operating.

Chinese motorcycle factories were closed for a prolonged period over the Chinese Lunar New Year, but many, including Honda and CFMoto, have now restarted.

In the case of CFMoto, the factory is at around 80% due to workers still returning from extended new year celebrations with 100% production capacity expected over the next two weeks.

CFmoto factory coronavirusCFMoto factory

Supply chain

However, many component factories that supply automakers around the world have not reopened.

And now the virus has moved from a Chinese emergency to one that involves South Korea, Japan and Italy, three major manufacturers of motorcycles, cars and automotive parts.

The impact on motorcycle manufacture and supply of components could now be affected with Fiat-Chrysler the first to warn it could halt production at a European plant in weeks.

Data and analytics company GlobalData automotive editor David Leggett says this is an “inevitable consequence” on the automotive supply chain.

“Many factories in the Wuhan and Hubei province have been on lockdown since the start of the Chinese New Year holidays,” he says.

“The emerging problems for FCA outside of China are likely to be mirrored by other vehicle manufacturers and reflect both the long-run internationalisation of parts supply-chains and the predominance of ‘just-in-time’ lean manufacturing processes that keep inventory low.

“The next few weeks will be critical for automakers. The typical car is made up of 20,000 parts, and there is an elongated supply-chain of parts and sub-assemblies put together in complex sequence to create the finished vehicle.

“Korean manufacturers were the first to show up as impacted by China supply-chain disruption reflecting shorter shipment distances between China and Korea, but the FCA news indicates that impacts across the world are now coming over the horizon on shipment transit schedules.”

Museums close

moto guzzi factory museum V85Moto Guzzi museum’s big red doors will remain closed

As of yesterday, Italy had 374 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 12 deaths.

The epicentres of Covid-19 contagion in Italy are in Lombardy and Veneto regions where most of the auto factories are located.

Ducati’s factory in Bologna is just outside these central regions.

Public institutions and venues in these regions have been closed and mass meetings cancelled, including Ducati and Piaggio museum and factory tours.

The companies have notified the public that they have closed their museums for several weeks, but both confirm their factories are still operating.

We have not heard from MV Agusta which is near Milan in Lombardy, but their Facebook page has no reference to any closures.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Geneva Motor Show, one of Europe’s premier motoring events, have confirmed the event is still due to take place as scheduled next week despite the first case of coronavirus in Switzerland.

The Covid-19 virus has already had some impact on Australian consumer confidence and our January motorcycle sales.

Now it could have a longer-term impact on motorcycle production and the supply of parts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cru Halliday fastest in ASBK FP1 at Phillip Island

2020 ASBK – Phillip Island

With Chris Plumridge


Yamaha Racing Team’s Cru Halliday has laid down a marker at the start of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship season, quickest in Free Practice 1 at Phillip Island on the new 2020 YZF-R1. Halliday set the early pace of the weekend, his 1:32.500 a great start to a season where he is more determined than ever to break into the ASBK winner’s circle.

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Cru Halliday TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Cru Halliday TBG

Cru Halliday – Image by TBG

Grey skies greeted the teams and riders, with the notorious Phillip Island weather once again testing the riders. Offshore wind would ensure fast speeds through the speed trap down the main straight, with all the riders looking to get their weekends, and their seasons, off to a good start.

Riders had only done two laps in the session before a red flag stopped proceedings. Glenn Scott’s BCperformance Kawasaki had spilt fluid on the racetrack through turns 3, 4 and 5, requiring a lengthy cleanup for the session to continue. Once the session resumed Cru Halliday was the first rider to dip into the 1:32s, his 1:32.836 putting him to the top of the leaderboard with 15 minutes to go. Wayne Maxwell was the only rider daring to match him at that point, his best of 1:33.097 the next fastest.

With three minutes to go Josh Waters joined Halliday in the 1:32s with a 1:32.973, a great start for the privateer on his team’s first outing in an ASBK round. Maxwell improved on his best to a 1:32.988 leaving him third.

As the final flurry of laps came in before the chequered flag, Halliday further improved his mark to a 1:32.500, ahead of Maxwell (1:32.610) and Waters. When the chequered flag fell to end the session that’s how they stayed, Halliday fastest ahead of Maxwell and Waters, Aiden Wagner on his first outing as a factory Yamaha Racing Team rider in fourth (1:33.563). Glenn Allerton on the brand-new 2020 Maxima BMW S1000RR was an impressive fifth (1:33.806) while CAT Yamaha privateer Daniel Falzon was sixth (1:34.096).


ASBK Season Launch

Speaking at the launch event for the 2020 ASBK this morning, Halliday and teammate Wagner said they were impressed by the speed of their new 2020 Yamaha YZF-R1.

However Halliday said there’s also improvement needed in his riding to truly take the fight to Troy Herfoss, Maxwell and Mike Jones.

Cru Halliday

“This is the year I need to start winning races. I just think I need to get more aggressive in the races and understand where these other riders are faster than me at some of the tracks where I really need to pick up the pace- and this is one of them.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Cru Halliday TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Cru Halliday TBG

Cru Halliday – Image by TBG

Also speaking at the season launch, Desmosport Ducati’s Mike Jones was confident of getting his 2020 championship defence off to a good start.

Mike Jones

“The pace that we’ve got’s quite good, we finished up second quickest at the test and heading into this weekend we’ve got good race pace. I feel like the races are going to be just as hectic and intense as they were at the end of last year. It brought the level of the championship up, the depth of field’s getting more and more, the level of the championship’s getting higher and higher.”

Penrite Honda’s Troy Herfoss has plenty of new elements to his race package for 2020, with a new tyre in Michelin and a new Crew Chief in Paul Free. But the biggest change for Herfoss is still to come, with the 2020 Fireblade still on the way pending the import numbers to make the bike eligible for ASBK.

Troy Herfoss

“I’ve been watching the (WorldSBK) testing and all I care about is that the two fastest bikes (through the speed trap) are the Hondas! I’ve seen the bike, I’ve sat on the bike, I’ve started the bike, it’s got my name on it, it’s sitting there ready, the parts are ordered, they’re available, but we’re just waiting for the bikes to arrive in the country. Realistically it’ll be (here) the last half of the season.”

Boost Mobile Racing’s Wayne Maxwell has switched over from Suzuki to Ducati and has been impressed with the performance of the new-for-2020 V4R.

Wayne Maxwell

“It was really fast, that was the first impression! Just the way it accelerates, the bike is super-fast compared to the Suzuki, it accelerates a lot harder. Turning on the throttle… not only has it got a really strong engine the chassis also suited my style.”

Meanwhile over at Kawasaki BCperformance Bryan Staring says no news is good news.

Bryan Staring

“Nothing’s really changed for us, which is from my point of view a big positive. Same bike, same tyre, same team, same personnel. The racing (in ASBK) is really hard at the moment, and it’s also really good. Parity between the bikes is all quite good, and even with the tyre competition there’s a lot of brilliant things there.”

For Josh Waters this weekend marks his 100th race start in the ASBK, and his first with his own team. Waters announced his privateer effort officially only last Monday, and has been much more hands-on since departing Suzuki’s factory effort last year.

Josh Waters

“It’s a lot different for me this year because my program is back to the grass roots. A lot of late nights over the last month, but I’m doing it because I love it. I’m fortunate to have some great sponsors on board and we’ve got a good little team behind us so just try and enjoy it and try our hardest.”

Maxima BMW have also taken delivery of their 2020 S1000RR ready for Round 1. Glenn Allerton feels that while the team have been struggling to come to grips with the new machine, it’s only a matter of time.

Glenn Allerton

“We’re in a development phase with this new bike. I’m lucky enough to have a lot of support from BMW, but at the moment we’re on the back foot. It’s only going to get better from where we are. The potential of this new bike’s really high, we just haven’t been able to get the thing to handle in some of the corners especially on corner exit. It’s something that will only get better, and I’m looking forward to when we get on top of it.”

Round 1 of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship began today, February 27, and runs until March 1 at Phillip Island.

Pos Name Bike Time/Gap Speed
1 Cru HALLIDAY  YZF-R1 1m32.500 309
2 Wayne MAXWELL V4R +0.110 309
3 Josh WATERS GSXRR +0.473 303
4 Aiden WAGNER YZF-R1 +1.063 301
5 Glenn ALLERTON S1KRR +1.306 305
6 Daniel FALZON YZF-R1 +1.596 307
7 Matt WALTERS ZX10RR +1.692 303
8 Troy HERFOSS CBRRR +1.818 295
9 Mike JONES V4R +2.175 302
10 Bryan STARING  ZX10R +2.236 299
11 Josh HAYES  YZF-R1 +2.490 294
12 Jed METCHER GSXRR +2.871 298
13 Arthur SISSIS GSXRR +2.985 298
14 Sloan FROST GSXR +3.517 298
15 Max CROKER GSXR +3.596 301
16 Linden MAGEE S1KRR +3.711 298
17 Glenn SCOTT ZX10R +4.851 298
18 Beau BEATON V4R +5.124 298
19 Brendan McINTYRE  GSXR +5.367 287
20 Giuseppe SCARCELLA 1199 +6.440 290
21 Nathan SPITERI GSXRR +6.739 288
22 Dominic DE LEON ZX10R +6.910 285
23 Matthew TOOLEY YZF-R1 +6.991 278
24 Dean HASLER S1KRR +7.010 286
25 Adam SENIOR YZF-R1 +7.086 279
26 Evan BYLES ZX10R +7.362 287
27 Michael EDWARDS YZF-R1M +9.396 284
28 Hamish McMURRAY  ZX10RR +11.128 263

Thursday 27th February 2020
*Thursday session not open to public*
Time Class Program
13:10 Oceania Junior Cup FP1
13:30 Australian Supersport  FP1
14:05 Australian Superbike  FP1
14:40 Australian Supersport 300  FP1
15:15 Oceania Junior Cup  FP2
Friday 28th February 2020
Time Event Program
8:25 Oceania Junior Cup Qualifying
8:45 ASBK Supersport FP2
9:05 Australian Superbike FP2
9:30 ASBK SS300 FP2
9:50 FIM Medical Inspection
10:00 FIM Track Inspection
10:30 WorldSBK FP1
11:30 WorldSSP FP1
12:25 Pit Walk 1
13:00 Australian Superbike Q1
13:25 Australian Superbike Q2
13:50 Oceania Junior Cup R1 | 6 Laps
14:15 ASBK Supersport Qualifying
15:00 WorldSBK FP2
16:00 WorldSSP FP2
16:55 ASBK SS300 Qualifying
17:15 Parade Laps
Saturday 29th February 2020
Time Class Program
8:25 ASBK Oceania Junior Cup R2 | 6 Laps 
8:50 ASBK Supersport R1 |10 Laps 
9:30 FIM Medical Inspection
9:40 FIM Track Inspection
10:00 WorldSBK FP3
10:35 WorldSSP FP3
11:05 Australian Superbike R1 | 12 Laps
11:40 ASBK SS300 R1 | 8 Laps 
12:15 WorldSBK Superpole
12:55 WorldSSP Superpole
13:40 Pit Walk 2 & Safety Car Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R1 | 22 Laps 
16:15 Australian Superbike R2 | 12 Laps
16:50 ASBK SS300 R2 | 8 Laps
17:15 ASBK Supersport R2 | 10 Laps
17:50 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)
Sunday 1st March 2020
Time Class Program
8:20 Oceania Junior Cup R3 | 6 Laps
8:50 FIM Medical Inspection
9:00 FIM Track Inspection
09:30 WorldSBK Warm Up
09:55 WorldSSP Warm Up
10:30 Australian Superbike R3 | 12 Laps
11:05 Pit Walk 3 & Safety Car Laps
12:00 WorldSBK SP Race | 10 Laps
13:15 WorldSSP RACE |16 Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R2 | 22 Laps
16:15 ASBK SS300 R3 | 8 Laps 
16:45 ASBK Supersport R3 |10 Laps
17:20 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)

Source: MCNews.com.au

PI WSSP race shortened to 16 laps | Mandatory pit stop

2020 WorldSBK – Phillip Island

Race Direction at Phillip Island have announced that the Sunday afternoon World Supersport race has been shortened to 16 laps, with a compulsory pit-stop for all riders to change their rear tyre, no later than lap 10. In the event of a wet race the race duration will also be 16 laps, with no mandatory pit stop if using racing wets, however the maximum number of laps on a dry tyre still needs to be observed.

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island GeeBee Krummenacher

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island GeeBee Krummenacher

World Supersport at Phillip Island

The announcement mirrors a similar situation in 2019, where a mandatory pit stop was also added to the World Supersport race due to Phillip Island’s highly abrasive surface.

The World Superbike class is uneffected, and will race as normal.

Here’s the full release from Race Direction:


The World Supersport Race (Yamaha Finance Australia Round) will have a compulsory pit stop. The race distance will be 16 laps for a ‘dry’ race.

– No more than 10 race laps are allowed for any rear dry tyre.

– The Riders must enter pit lane to change tyre no later than the end of lap 10.

– The race tyre that is fitted on the grid and will start the race MUST have a tyre sticker fitted.

The second tyre does NOT require a tyre sticker.

A race started as ‘wet’ the race distance will be 16 laps. No mandatory pit stop is required, provided the conditions below are met:

– A wet rear tyre is used for the complete race

– In the case of starting the race with a wet rear tyre, the team may decide to change to a dry rear tyre but must respect the maximum limit of 10 racing laps for that tyre.

Any rider doing more than 10 laps with a rear dry tyre will be black flagged (sighting, warm up and slow down laps are not counted).

In the case of a restarted race, the maximum number of laps to be covered will be 10.

The Superbike Races will remain at their originally published race distance.

– The RACE DIRECTION, Phillip Island 27/02/2020


Thursday 27th February 2020
*Thursday session not open to public*
Time Class Program
13:10 Oceania Junior Cup FP1
13:30 Australian Supersport  FP1
14:05 Australian Superbike  FP1
14:40 Australian Supersport 300  FP1
15:15 Oceania Junior Cup  FP2
Friday 28th February 2020
Time Event Program
8:25 Oceania Junior Cup Qualifying
8:45 ASBK Supersport FP2
9:05 Australian Superbike FP2
9:30 ASBK SS300 FP2
9:50 FIM Medical Inspection
10:00 FIM Track Inspection
10:30 WorldSBK FP1
11:30 WorldSSP FP1
12:25 Pit Walk 1
13:00 Australian Superbike Q1
13:25 Australian Superbike Q2
13:50 Oceania Junior Cup R1 | 6 Laps
14:15 ASBK Supersport Qualifying
15:00 WorldSBK FP2
16:00 WorldSSP FP2
16:55 ASBK SS300 Qualifying
17:15 Parade Laps
Saturday 29th February 2020
Time Class Program
8:25 ASBK Oceania Junior Cup R2 | 6 Laps 
8:50 ASBK Supersport R1 |10 Laps 
9:30 FIM Medical Inspection
9:40 FIM Track Inspection
10:00 WorldSBK FP3
10:35 WorldSSP FP3
11:05 Australian Superbike R1 | 12 Laps
11:40 ASBK SS300 R1 | 8 Laps 
12:15 WorldSBK Superpole
12:55 WorldSSP Superpole
13:40 Pit Walk 2 & Safety Car Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R1 | 22 Laps 
16:15 Australian Superbike R2 | 12 Laps
16:50 ASBK SS300 R2 | 8 Laps
17:15 ASBK Supersport R2 | 10 Laps
17:50 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)
Sunday 1st March 2020
Time Class Program
8:20 Oceania Junior Cup R3 | 6 Laps
8:50 FIM Medical Inspection
9:00 FIM Track Inspection
09:30 WorldSBK Warm Up
09:55 WorldSSP Warm Up
10:30 Australian Superbike R3 | 12 Laps
11:05 Pit Walk 3 & Safety Car Laps
12:00 WorldSBK SP Race | 10 Laps
13:15 WorldSSP RACE |16 Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R2 | 22 Laps
16:15 ASBK SS300 R3 | 8 Laps 
16:45 ASBK Supersport R3 |10 Laps
17:20 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)

Source: MCNews.com.au

WorldSBK season launches | Rea states “Consistency is key”

WorldSBK 2020 launches at Phillip Island

With Chris Plumridge


Five time World Champion Jonathan Rea has emphasised that consistency will be key to netting a sixth FIM Superbike World Championship, speaking at the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Season Launch at an overcast Phillip Island today.

Speaking at the launch, which also marked the 30th year of World Superbike at Phillip Island, Rea said he was happy to be back at the Island with Kawasaki.

Jonathan Rea

“I’m super excited, I think the biggest thing for me is the continuity with the Kawasaki Racing Team. It’s a long championship in Superbike now, with the addition of the Superpole race we have 39 races per year, so it means consistency is even more key than ever.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Rea TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Rea TBG

Jonathan Rea – Image by TBG

As dominant as the Northern Irishman has been in recent seasons, he’s still acutely aware of the need to stay one step ahead of his championship rivals, “It’s always exciting because there’s so many fast guys here, so many guys can step up on any given weekend and we’ve got to be ready for that.”


Championship rival Alvaro Bautista led Aruba.IT Ducati to a clean-sweep of race wins on his WorldSBK debut in Phillip Island last year. Now having moved across to HRC, he has played down chances of repeating his early 2019 season success, saying there is more work to do to get the Honda to the front of the WSBK field.

Alvaro Bautista

“Last season was a new challenge, it was a new championship, new tyres, new tracks, so I enjoyed it a lot. It was incredible to start a new era (joining WorldSBK) winning the races. But this is a different situation. Everything is brand new and we have a lot of work to do. I will try to do my best, but I don’t think that will be like last season.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Fireblade Bautista TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Fireblade Bautista TBG

Alvaro Bautista – Image by TBG


At PATA Yamaha, Michael van der Mark will be coming to grips with his new 2020-spec steed.

Michael van der Mark

“It’s not a massive change, when we tested in Jerez and in Portimao we improved a lot, and it was good to see on this track which is completely different the bike was working well again. We just keep making small steps so I’m really happy so far.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Michael VanDerMark TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Michael VanDerMark TBG

Michael van der Mark – TBG Image


Moving up from winning the British Superbike Championship last year, Aruba.IT Ducati’s Scott Redding was quickly comfortable in the WSBK paddock.

Scott Redding

“It feels really good to be honest. We’ve had a couple of tests now so I’ve had time to settle with the team and my bike. Now going into a race weekend everything’s new to me for a race weekend so I just need to take it a step at a time.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Scott Redding TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Scott Redding TBG

Scott Redding – Image by TBG

One adaptation that Redding will have to make is getting used to the Tissot Superpole race, with the sprint format still a bit of an unknown for the Ducati rider.

Scott Redding

“I’ve kind of no strategy whatsoever! Just try and go behind somebody that’s going fast and see what happens!  Here I think it’s more difficult because tyre wear is quite a big factor, so going from the long race to the short race I’m not so sure. I’ll just go on the moment and see and try and battle it down to the last lap.”

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Redding TBG

WSBK TBG Test Phillip Island Redding TBG

Scott Redding – Image by TBG


BMW’s Eugene Laverty has been encouraged by the performance of the BMW so far but says there’s still a little bit of work to do to bridge the gap to the front runners.

Eugene Laverty

“I’m really pleased with the work we did in the Winter. I can see last year the bike with the chassis was steering really well. Especially at a track like this with fast flowing corners it’s really nice.  During the winter they worked a lot on the power delivery and the electronic strategy. I think a big step forward was made. It’s nice to have that factory involvement again, it’s a proper effort.”

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Laverty TBG

WSBK TBG WSBK Round Phillip Island Laverty TBG

Eugene Laverty – TBG Image


In Supersport, Australian Wild Card Oli Bayliss will make his World Supersport debut with Cube Racing this weekend, in addition to his regular ASBK duties. Bayliss Junior will have a busy weekend ahead, but he’s confident of a good showing in his first World Championship appearance.

Oli Bayliss

“So far it’s been really good, we’ve only had two days testing and all the riders are going so fast. If we can keep on improving then hopefully we can go a bit better. A top 15 would be really good, we’re not fighting for the podium or anything.”

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Oli Bayliss – Image by TBG


The 2020 event marks 30 years of World Superbike at Phillip Island, with the circuit is locked in to continue hosting the event until 2027.

Practice for the Yamaha Finance Round of the 2020 Yamaha Finance Round begins tomorrow (28 Feb) from Phillip Island.


Thursday 27th February 2020
*Thursday session not open to public*
Time Class Program
13:10 Oceania Junior Cup FP1
13:30 Australian Supersport  FP1
14:05 Australian Superbike  FP1
14:40 Australian Supersport 300  FP1
15:15 Oceania Junior Cup  FP2
Friday 28th February 2020
Time Event Program
8:25 Oceania Junior Cup Qualifying
8:45 ASBK Supersport FP2
9:05 Australian Superbike FP2
9:30 ASBK SS300 FP2
9:50 FIM Medical Inspection
10:00 FIM Track Inspection
10:30 WorldSBK FP1
11:30 WorldSSP FP1
12:25 Pit Walk 1
13:00 Australian Superbike Q1
13:25 Australian Superbike Q2
13:50 Oceania Junior Cup R1 | 6 Laps
14:15 ASBK Supersport Qualifying
15:00 WorldSBK FP2
16:00 WorldSSP FP2
16:55 ASBK SS300 Qualifying
17:15 Parade Laps
Saturday 29th February 2020
Time Class Program
8:25 ASBK Oceania Junior Cup R2 | 6 Laps 
8:50 ASBK Supersport R1 |10 Laps 
9:30 FIM Medical Inspection
9:40 FIM Track Inspection
10:00 WorldSBK FP3
10:35 WorldSSP FP3
11:05 Australian Superbike R1 | 12 Laps
11:30 ASBK SS300 R1 | 8 Laps 
12:15 WorldSBK Superpole
12:55 WorldSSP Superpole
13:40 Pit Walk 2 & Safety Car Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R1 | 22 Laps 
16:15 Australian Superbike R2 | 12 Laps
16:50 ASBK SS300 R2 | 8 Laps
17:15 ASBK Supersport R2 | 10 Laps
17:50 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)
Sunday 1st March 2020
Time Class Program
8:20 Oceania Junior Cup R3 | 6 Laps
8:50 FIM Medical Inspection
9:00 FIM Track Inspection
09:30 WorldSBK Warm Up
09:55 WorldSSP Warm Up
10:30 Australian Superbike R3 | 12 Laps
11:05 Pit Walk 3 & Safety Car Laps
12:00 WorldSBK SP Race | 10 Laps
13:15 WorldSSP RACE |16 Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R2 | 22 Laps
16:15 ASBK SS300 R3 | 8 Laps 
16:45 ASBK Supersport R3 |10 Laps
17:20 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)

Source: MCNews.com.au

Race wins the target for Halliday in 2020 ASBK title bid

News 27 Feb 2020

Race wins the target for Halliday in 2020 ASBK title bid

Factory Yamaha rider looking to start strongly at Phillip Island.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Yamaha Racing Team’s Cru Halliday has expressed the importance of earning race wins this season as the 2020 Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) kicks off this weekend at Phillip Island.

The 2018 Supersport champion finished fourth in the championship standings last season, however fell narrowly shy of earning victory on a number of occasions.

With another highly-competitive field for this year, the New South Welshman – who led the series at one point last year – is targeting race wins to boost his title chances.

“Last year, I proved that I could be consistent and stay on the bike and that was a goal coming into the season,” Halliday explained. “This year, that goal remains in place, but I also need to grab some race wins when the opportunity presents itself.

“With the depth now in the ASBK, a race win is gold not just in terms of the points but also the confidence it brings. Let’s get the championship off to a good start this weekend and I can’t wait to get back into racing.”

The ASBK opener at Phillip Island kicks off today with the opening practice sessions. The round will run in conjunction with the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Rider dies three weeks after crash

A 34-year-old male rider died in hospital yesterday (26 February 2020) from injuries sustained in a crash near Warrnambool, Victoria, three weeks ago.

Victorian Police say the Kensington man was riding his bike on Illowa Road when he collided with a vehicle near the intersection of Princes Highway about 9.30pm on Saturday, 8 February, 2020.

He sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital in a serious condition where he died yesterday, almost three weeks later.

The driver of the vehicle, a 74-year-old man and his 71-year-old female passenger stopped at the scene.

The Jancourt East pair were un-injured.

Victorian Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Jones in a positive frame of mind as ASBK title defence commences

News 27 Feb 2020

Jones in a positive frame of mind as ASBK title defence commences

Number one to make racing debut aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R this weekend.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Reigning champion Mike Jones says he’s in a positive frame of mind as he commences his Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) defence this weekend at Phillip Island.

The DesmoSport Ducati rider, who’ll make his racing debut onboard the Panigale V4 R at round one after taking the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition to the crown in 2019, is highly-confident after a strong pre-season campaign.

The move to the V4 R has added a level of excitement for the Queenslander, who’ll don the number one plate throughout the 2020 season.

“I’m super excited for this season with the aim of defending the championship with the DesmoSport Ducati team on the V4 R,” Jones commented. “The off-season has been great with the transition to the new bike going smoothly and I’m confident we’re in a good position heading into round one.

“It’s very motivating having many people supporting me with the challenge ahead, it’s a nice feeling and it puts me in a positive frame of mind. I will continue with the same mindset as last year with the goal to ride my best and win races.”

The opening practice sessions of Phillip Island’s opener kick off today, with this weekend to feature the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

GOMA exhibit celebrates motorcycles

We all know motorcycles are works of art and now that is being recognised with a special exhibition in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) later this year.

The Motorcycle: Design: Art, Desire exhibit will be a “one-off, world exclusive” at GOMA from 28 November 2020 to 26 April 2021.

It will include more than 100 motorcycles from the 1860s to the present day, drawn from private and public collections across the globe. 

Antipodean highlights will be a Brisbane-designed and built 1906 Spencer and the Kiwi-designed 1991 Britten V1000.

work of artBritten Motorcycle Company Ltd, Christchurch, 1991 Britten V1000 purchased 1995 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds (Collection: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa)

GOMA exhibit

work of art1922 German Megola 640cc touring model (© Bonhams Auctioneers)

The GOMA exhibit has been curated by American physicist Professor Charles M. Falco and US filmmaker Ultan Guilfoyle in collaboration with GOMA. 

They were co-curators of the landmark 1998 Guggenheim Museum exhibition in New York, ‘The Art of the Motorcycle’ that ran for three months.

It was subsequently seen in Chicago, Bilbao, Spain, and Las Vegas, with a total attendance of more than two million people.

GOMA director Chris SainesGOMA director Chris Saines

At the launch in Brisbane today Prof Falco described himself as a passionate motorcyclist who had his first motorcycle at 15, his first crash at 15.5 and last year rode a 90-year-old motorcycle across the USA.

“For a sustainable future, the world needs motorcycles fr personal transportation,” he says.

Hi co0curator says motorcycles are an example of how “design drives everything”.

GOMA director Chris Saines says the exhibit will include the earliest 19th century steam-powered motorcycle, right through to electric motorcycles and future designs.

work of art1930 Majestic 349cc (Photographer: Olivier de Vaulx)

“Over its 150-year history, the motorcycle has undergone extraordinary reinvention, from steam power, to petrol-fuelled internal combustion engines to battery, and from humble backyard creations to custom-made, high-tech chrome speed machines,” Chris says.

work of art1869 Michaux-Perreaux steam-velocipede, collection du musee du domaine departmental. (Photograph: Olivier Ravoire)

“More than just a means of transport, the motorcycle is a design object, with forms and styles that reflect innumerable cultural and societal influences.”

The exhibit will include bikes, films and interactive displays to appeal to “anyone curious about social history, popular culture, design and technology”.

Tickets are available now on the GOMA website.

GOMA marketing head Bronwyn Klepp says they are looking at extending motorcycle parking opportunities around the centre at least for the duration of the exhibit.

Goma parkingGOMA parking?

Electric exhibit

Meanwhile, Melbourne will host Australia’s largest collection of electric cars, motorcycles ands scooters this October at the annual Electric Vehicle Expo.

The Electric Vehicle Expo, hosted by the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), will have more than 100 EVs, from high-end Teslas through to electric bikes and scooters, on display at Flemington Showgrounds on 9 October 2020.

They expects more than 10,000 visitors who will be able to test drive some of the vehicles.

AEVA National President Chris Nash says electric vehicles had “a huge jump in popularity in the past year”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dungey withdraws from Geico Honda partnership

News 27 Feb 2020

Dungey withdraws from Geico Honda partnership

Former multi-time champion makes shock exit from Factory Connection Racing.

Image: Foremost Media.

Multi-time Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross champion Ryan Dungey has withdrawn from his partnership with Geico Honda, which comes less than three months after he was named as a part-owner of the Factory Connection Racing squad.

Dungey cited the commitment required to the role was larger than what he could offer at this point in time, prompting him to part ways with the factory-backed Honda team halfway through the current

“After months spent with the Factory Connection Racing team and discussions with the team owners, it’s tough to say we will be discontinuing our relationship,” Dungey said in a statement. “I found this is to be a larger commitment than I can give it at this stage in my life.

“It’s not in my style to do a job halfway, nor is it fair to the team to not get the full efforts that they deserve. My overall impression of the team is very high. I’m grateful for the time they gave me and how much Jeff Majkrzak and Rick Zielfelder helped me in my life journey. I hope for continued success for the team and the Honda organization.

Team owner Richard Zielfelder added: “When we joined with Ryan just under three months ago, we had high hopes for our partnership, and we’re sorry to see it end prematurely. That said, we understand the significant travel and time commitments that come with team ownership, and we respect Ryan for recognizing that it wasn’t something he was prepared to do long-term.

“In addition to being a great champion, Ryan is a true professional, and it has been a pleasure to work together during this brief period. We wish him all the best going forward, and we look forward to seeing him at the races.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ showcase in Brisbane

150 years of iconic motorcycles to be celebrated at GOMA

In a world exclusive, ‘The Motorcycle’ promises to showcase one of the most spectacular and priceless collections of motorised two-wheel travel to be seen under one roof anywhere in the world.

More than 100 motorcycles drawn from private and public collections across the globe will go on display at GOMA when ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ opens at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 to 26 April 2021.

MegolaccTouringModel Bonhams

MegolaccTouringModel Bonhams

Megola Sport , Germany 1922
Courtesy: Guggenheim Museum, New York
Photographer: David Heald


Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
Director Chris Saines

“The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ includes the earliest 19th century steam-powered motorcycle, right through to electric motorcycles and exciting design propositions for the future. Over its 150-year history, the motorcycle has undergone extraordinary reinvention, from steam power to petrol fuelled internal combustion engines to battery, and from humble backyard creations to custom-made, high-tech chrome speed machines. More than just a means of transport, the motorcycle is a design object, with forms and styles that reflect innumerable cultural and societal influences. We look forward to presenting this comprehensive survey of a universal machine designed to inspire freedom and escape through affordable mobility. At this turning point in the way the world thinks about powered transport,‘The Motorcycle’ will be a timely celebration of exquisite design and a look at what the future holds. The exhibition will include interactive experiences for visitors, and appeal not only to bike and motor sport enthusiasts but to anyone curious about social history, popular culture, design and technology.”

Velocipede OR

Velocipede OR

Michaux – Perreaux steam vélocipède 1869
Collection du musée du domaine départemental. Photograph: Olivier Ravoire


Situated in the now very trendy Southbank precinct of Brisbane, GOMA is surrounded by restaurants and hotels that draw tourists and locals alike.

Gallery of Modern Art GOMA

Gallery of Modern Art GOMA

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Next summer they will also be able to enjoy a visual feast that showcases many of the most iconic, innovative and influential motorcycles created over the last 150 years.

‘The Motorcycle’ is curated by renowned design curators, physicist Professor Charles M. Falco in conjunction with writer and film maker Ultan Guilfoyle, in collaboration with QAGOMA.


A snapshot of highlights

A 1868 Michaux-Perraux, the first steam powered velocipede and oldest known motorcycle in the world.

The earliest Australian designed and built machines including a Spencer produced in Brisbane in 1906.

VincentccBlackLightning Bonhams

VincentccBlackLightning Bonhams

Vincent Black Lightning, Australia 1951
Image courtesy: Bonhams

A 1951 Vincent Black Lightning that set an Australian land speed record in its day and more recently a world record for the highest price paid at auction for a motorcycle…

Symbols of speed from a 1930s Triumph Speed Twin to a 1970s Ducati 750 Super Sport to the 1990s Britten V1000.

BrittenV TePapa

BrittenV TePapa

Britten Motorcycle Company Ltd , Christchurch.
Britten V1000 motorcycle 1991. Purchased 1995 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Collection: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Off-road motorcycles highlighting a rich history of bikes built for dust and dirt.

Customised motorcycles at the intersection of art and design.

Ultra-modern electric motorcycles, demonstrating the future of transportation in the age of renewable energy.


Majestic ODeVaulx

Majestic ODeVaulx

Majestic 350 , France 1930
Photographer: Olivier de Vaulx

The exhibition will be accompanied by a public program, Up Late program and specially curated film program, along with a major hardcover publication. ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art Desire’ is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland. Minister for Science and the Arts Leeanne Enoch officially announced the show to the press at GOMA.

MegolaccTouringModel Bonhams

MegolaccTouringModel Bonhams

Megola Sport , Germany 1922
Courtesy: Guggenheim Museum, New York
Photographer: David Heald


Minister for Science and the Arts Leeanne Enoch

“The Queensland Government is providing funding of $4 million over two years (2019-20 and 2020-21) to support QAGOMA to show exclusive exhibitions like this in Queensland, attract visitors to our state and enhance our reputation as a globally significant visual arts destination.”

Leeanne Enoch

Leeanne Enoch

Minister for Science and the Arts Leeanne Enoch


Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones

“We invest in events because they support local jobs. Tourists want to experience something they can’t get anywhere else when they’re on holiday. Bringing this exhibition exclusively to Queensland will be a major draw card for thousands of tourists. We expect this exhibition alone to generate more than 63,000 visitor nights for local businesses. To date, the Palaszczuk Government’s support for exclusive exhibitions through QAGOMA has generated almost $85 million, with close to 78,000 people travelling to Queensland specifically for these events. When it comes to major events, we’ve got the runs on the board. We’ve more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar which will generate around $880 million for our state in 2020.”

Majestic ODeVaulx

Majestic ODeVaulx

Majestic 350 , France 1930
Photographer: Olivier de Vaulx

Tickets to ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ are now on sale at www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/themotorcycle

Source: MCNews.com.au