Glendale runner-up confirms A1 performance a one-off.
Image: Supplied.
Jason Anderson’s 14th place result at Anaheim’s opening round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship became one of the biggest talking points of the week, however the defending champion silenced questions raised about his form by finishing runner-up at Saturday’s second round in Glendale.
Donning the number one plate aboard his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing FC 450, Anderson believes added obligations heading into A1 attributed to a poor head space for the night show, although he’s satisfied to be in the mix again after leading a number of laps in the weekend’s encounter.
“I’ve been riding good during the week, but last weekend was just crazy and there was a lot of stuff going on,” Anderson explained. “Not only from obligations and stuff like that – I had a horrible heat race, and then they wanted to do the ring presentation for the championship. It was just a lot, and I wasn’t really in the right head place to be racing, to be honest.
“When I was leading I was trying my best and I felt like I was riding really good, but I felt Blake [Baggett] right there, and honestly, I don’t think I had the pace of when I was leading the first few laps. Sometimes you have a comfortable pace and you’re able to gap, but I wasn’t gapping Blake.
“He got up on me and I didn’t put up too much of a fight – second this weekend is so good compared to how last weekend went. I’m just happy to be up here again and be battling.”
San Juan de Marcona > San Juan de Marcona – Jan 14th
American Ricky Brabec battled back to overall leadership as the Dakar Rally arrived at its seventh stage, one day ahead of the Super-Ica which should prove to be the longest and most gruelling stage of the current edition.
Sam Sunderland though was the most impressive on Monday’s seventh stage of Dakar 2019 as the 29-year-old Briton dominated the day to catapult up the outright leaderboard from seventh all the way up to fourth.
Dakar 2019 Stage Seven Video
With a short liaison of only 64 kilometres, stage seven of the 2019 Dakar Rally was all about the 323-kilometre timed special. The day’s racing was delayed and also halted momentarily midway through, due to fog causing safety issues for the competitors. The first looped stage of the event, riders covered terrain already used in the rally close to the town of San Juan de Marcona. Traces from previous stages only made navigation tougher and with fatigue starting to play its part, it was an exhausting day for all.
Capitalising on his start position of 12th, Sam Sunderland immediately set about making time on the front runners. By waypoint three, Sunderland was ahead and despite a small error in the latter part of the stage, went on to win by close to two-minutes at the line over Honda’s José Cornejo.
Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland – Stage P1 – Overall P4
“I’m pleased with today, it’s gone really well and it feels good to get some time back on the leaders. Obviously, yesterday I was really disappointed. I opened the stage well but lost time after damaging my rear brake. That upset my strategy a little but then today, I decided to use that frustration to my advantage and push as hard as I could right from the start. I did lose a little time right at the end when it took me a couple of minutes to find a WPC, but overall I’m happy with how I rode the stage. The guys made a few small changes to the suspension on my bike last night and I am really grateful for that. It seems to have helped because the bike felt great today. Tomorrow we start with the fastest cars and trucks, which will make things even more unpredictable again, so we’ll see how we go.”
Sam Sunderland
The best rider of the Monster Energy Honda Team bunch turned out to be Nacho Cornejo, who came within a whisker of clinching his first Dakar stage win. The Chilean set a cracking pace in the first part and had no difficulty in finding one of the more critical waypoints in the special whilst others doubted and which eventual led to the day’s second quickest time. Nacho lies twelfth in the overall standings, just over an hour behind the leader.
José Ignacio Cornejo
José Ignacio Cornejo – Stage P2 – Overall P12
“Today was a good day, but the stage was tough. At first we passed over tracks made on previous days, so we had to be careful in some parts, but in general it was a very fast stage. In the second part, there was more sand and dunes and I knew that there I would be able to push harder because the first riders have lost time looking for a waypoint in the middle of the dunes. I minimized errors and I was able to maintain a good pace, so I am very happy with today’s stage. I almost got the victory, but I think it’s better not to have to open the track tomorrow.”
José Ignacio Cornejo
Third on Monday was Ricky Brabec, although the American was more than happy to retake the overall lead. Brabec was comfortable over the terrain that included dunes and was fast enough to mark the third best time of the day some 6’30” off the stage winner. Ricky now holds a 7’47” advantage over the nearest second place rival Frenchman Van Beveren.
Ricky Brabec – Stage P3 – Overall P1
“I feel good. I need the day to go well. I knew I had messed up a bit yesterday. Tomorrow is going to be hard to maintain the gap. The day was more my style like where I live. It was fun and comfortable. We were all riding together and enjoying it. Tomorrow I didn’t want to have to open. So it’s good that people finished in front of me. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.”
Ricky Brabec
With Monday’s stage seven being one of the most demanding of this year’s Dakar, Adrien Van Beveren made full use of his acute navigational skills in the dunes of Peru. The first rider to find the right tracks in one of the most crucial sections of the special stage, Adrien gained time to his rivals. Earning a strong fourth place result for the day, he added yet another top five stage performance to his 2019 Dakar Rally campaign. Van Beveren also managed to move up three spots in the provisional overall standings. Currently holding the runner-up spot in the overall standings, the WR450F Rally mounted racer is less than eight minutes behind the provisional race leader with just three more stages to go.
Adrien Van Beveren
Adrien Van Beveren – Stage P4 – Overall P2
“I’ve put it all on the line today for a good result and I’m happy I climbed a few places in the overall. I had a good day and really gave my best. I knew it would be a tricky stage in the dunes, so I decided from the start to be extra careful on my navigation. At one point I saw a big group of riders lost and searching for the waypoint. I remained calm and was the first one to find the waypoint. I thought I would be able to make up some good time there, but the other riders followed me in the right tracks. I am still in the game and the next few stages will be very important. I feel I’m on top of my game at the moment and I will continue giving it all here in Peru.”
Gaining confidence as the rally progresses, KTM’s team junior Luciano Benavides rode an excellent stage to place fifth. Having the opportunity to ride with stage-winner Sunderland helped to increase the Argentinian’s experience even further. Aiming for a top-10 result overall, Benavides is keen to maintain his impressive form to the finish.
Luciano Benavides
Luciano Benavides – Stage P5 – Overall P11
“Today was good for me, I finished fifth, which is another best result for me. My rhythm right from the start was good but I didn’t take any risks because I wanted to stay safe and make it to the finish. Sam caught and passed me in the dunes so I was able to follow him for about 100 kilometres. That was really useful as I was able to watch how he rides and I believe I learned a lot from that. I start from the front row on tomorrows stage so hopefully I can stay with the others and get a good result.”
Luciano Benavides
Continuing to demonstrate improved speed and consistency, Andrew Short rode most of the special stage alone. Posting the sixth fastest time for the day, the American racer is now ninth in the provisional overall standings and less than three minutes behind the rider in eighth place.
Andrew Short – Stage P6 – Overall P9
“My pace was good today. It seems that in this area of Peru the weather is a little extreme. There’s always something crazy over here and today we had some fog, a lot of wind and some parts with fesh-fesh. I rode most of the stage by myself and then towards the end I got caught by a couple of other riders. Racing alongside others, it’s much easier to know and control my pace. Overall, it was a decent day and the guys in front of me in the overall are now within seconds or minutes. It’s realistic for me to battle with the rider in front of me in the overall. I’ve made some big improvements this year with my navigation and my speed and I’m happy with that.”
Andrew Short
Catching up with the leading group inside the special stage, Xavier de Soultrait earned a seventh-place result on today’s stage seven. Picking up a small one-minute penalty for exceeding the limit in a 30 km/h speed zone, Xavier is now 10th in the provisional overall standings. The Frenchman now his eyes set on moving higher up in the overall rankings during the remaining three days of the Dakar.
Xavier de Soultrait
Xavier de Soultrait – Stage P7 – Overall P10
“It was a much better day for me and my speed was on point today. I was fast while also riding safely and not taking any big risks. I caught up with the leading group of riders in the special and decided to attack. Unfortunately, then I started feeling the effects of my sea sickness and was unable to give 100%. I took some more pills and I feel better now. Tomorrow we will have a different stage, with bikes, cars and trucks starting together in large groups. The stage will again be in the dunes so navigation will be the crucial factor.”
Xavier de Soultrait
Still suffering with his injury, Toby Price battles on. Eighth place on the day’s stage, and making up time on a number of his closest rivals, the Australian successfully defended his third place in the provisional overall standings. Determined to make the finish, Price will keep on fighting for a top result.
Toby Price
Toby Price – Stage P8 – Overall P3
“The day has gone well, it ended up with a lot of us riding in a group today. We did get lost at one point and lose a few minutes but all-in-all things are going ok. Obviously, my wrist is still giving me some pain, but we’re past the point of no return now – there’s no stopping. I’m still sitting in third overall with just a few stages left so I’ll continue taking each day as it comes and keep on fighting.”
Toby Price
Slovenian KTM rider Stefan Svitko continues to impress. The 36-year-old was ninth on Monday’s stage and is currently eighth outright.
Stefan Svitko
Matthias Walkner rode a solid stage seven. The third rider away from the start this morning, he navigated perfectly through the well-used route, ultimately catching a group of riders ahead of him. Successfully completing the day in 10th place, Matthias will enjoy an advantageous start position for tomorrows ‘Super Ica’ stage eight.
Matthias Walkner – Stage P10 – Overall P7
“Things started off well today, up to around kilometre-200 my pace was strong. I caught up with the guys in front after that and we got a little lost trying to find one of the waypoints. Towards the end of the stage I had quite a big crash but was luckily able to get straight back on. It’s been a tough day, but I’ve done my best and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Matthias Walkner
Kevin Benavides started the day behind Quintanilla and, after catching him up on the track, continued until he experienced some trouble finding an awkwar dwaypoint. The Argentine rider arrived amid the main group posting twelfth best time and is now sixth in the provisional rankings.
Kevin Benavides
Kevin Benavides – Stage P12 – Overall P6
Today was the most difficult stage of this Dakar in terms of navigation. I came out in second position and caught Quintanilla, and between the two of us we opened most of the stage. But at the end of the special, in the dunes, many pilots arrived from behind and between us and it was hard for us to find a waypoint, where we lost several minutes. In the final few kilometres there was fesh-fesh, dust and a lot of wind and it was quite dangerous. I have finished twelfth but it is fine for tomorrow to leave behind. We will see how the stage goes, with the cars and trucks ahead; If there is a lot of fesh-fesh, it will be difficult to overtake.”
Kevin Benavides
The first rider to start the special stage, Pablo Quintanilla lost time trying to locate a number of waypoints. Posting the 14th best time for the day, the Chilean rally star is now less than 10 minutes behind the provisional overall leader.
Pablo Quintanilla – Stage P14 – Overall P5
“It was a very complicated stage and there were a few moments where we struggled to spot some waypoints. For me it seemed like a never-ending stage. I knew from the start that it would be hard for me to get a good stage result today, considering I was the first rider to start in the morning. It is what it is and I’m looking ahead to the coming stages. Tomorrow I will have a much better starting position from the second wave of riders. Everything is still open in the overall standings and my goal remains to battle for the win. It’s all to play for until the last day and the last few kilometres. I will continue giving my all until we reach the finish in Lima.”
Pablo Quintanilla
Maintaining her excellent run of form, despite not feeling 100 percent comfortable on the rough stage, Laia Sanz placed 22nd fastest. The multiple world champion continues to sit just outside the top 15 in the overall standings in 16th place and is keen to improve on that position as the rally comes to a close.
Laia Sanz – Stage P22 – Overall P16
“It was a tough day for me today, I didn’t feel strong so didn’t want to push too hard. We were crossing traces from previous days a lot and I don’t enjoy that so much, I prefer to navigate my way through the stage. I arrived safely at the finish with no crashes, which is important. I am hoping that tomorrow I will feel comfortable to push again and improve my result.”
Laia Sanz
Tuesday’s stage eight of the rally, the ‘Super Ica’ will see the top 10 bikes, cars and the top five trucks set off in their finishing order from the previous day. As the fastest competitor from all classes, Sam Sunderland will have the task of opening the track. The total distance travelled for the day will be 575 kilometres, 360 of which timed special.
2019 Dakar Rally Provisional Results Stage Seven
SUNDERLAND Sam GBR KTM 03:51’41
CORNEJO José Ignacio CHI Honda +01’51
BRABEC Ricky USA Honda +06’30
VAN BEVEREN Adrien FRA Yamaha +09’40
BENAVIDES Luciano ARG KTM +11’19
SHORT Andrew USA Husqvarna +11’29
DE SOULTRAIT Xavier FRA Yamaha +13’12
PRICE Toby AUS KTM +14’19
SVITKO Stefan SLO KTM +16’21
WALKNER Matthias AUT KTM +16’38
Sam Sunderland
2019 Dakar Rally Outright Standings after Stage Seven
BRABEC Ricky USA Monster Energy Honda 24:48’02
VAN BEVEREN Adrien FRA Yamaha Official Team +07’47
PRICE Toby AUS Red Bull KTM Rally Factory +08’28
SUNDERLAND Sam GBR Red Bull KTM Rally Factory +09’58
QUINTANILLA Pablo CHI Rockstar Husqvarna Factory +09’59
BENAVIDES Kevin ARG Monster Energy Honda +16’15
WALKNER Matthias AUT Red Bull KTM Rally Factory +16’16
SVITKO Stefan SLO Slovnaft Team KTM +37’09
SHORT Andrew USA Rockstar Husqvarna Factory +39’17
DE SOULTRAIT Xavier FRA Yamaha Official Team +40’08
Dakar 2019
Dakar 2019 Stage Seven
San Juan de Marcona > San Juan de Marcona – Jan 14th
Factory Kawasaki rider crashes out of opening heat at round two.
Image: Supplied.
Premier class rookie Joey Savatgy was forced to sit out majority of Saturday night’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross round in Glendale after suffering a concussion in the opening heat race.
The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider made a critical error while challenging for position, and was later deemed unfit to ride following a post-race examination by the Alpinestars Mobile Medical Unit under strict concussion protocol.
“I was feeling really comfortable on the bike all day,” said Savatgy. “The team and I were prepared to redeem our results from last week, but unfortunately, I made a mistake in my heat race, which caused me to sit out the rest of the night. It’s only the second round of a long season and I’m looking forward to using the experience and improving each week.”
The number 17 is hopeful of a return this weekend at Anaheim 2’s third round, although he’ll have to undergo a further concussion test to ensure he’s safe to ride. It’s been a rough start to his maiden 450SX campaign, finishing 16th at the season-opener.
Brabec leads as Price maintains third in overall classification.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Sam Sunderland has taken out stage seven of the 2019 Dakar Rally, while the race for the crown has tightened with the event witnessing another change of lead, with Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda Team) shooting to the top of the standings.
Stage seven was all about the 323-kilometre timed special, although the day’s racing was delayed and also halted momentarily midway through, due to fog causing safety issues for the competitors.
Sunderland stormed through the day to record a 3h51m41s time, just 1m51s ahead top three newcomer Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Monster Energy Honda Team). Brabec was third ahead of Adrien van Beveren (Yamalube Yamaha Rally) and Luciano Benavides (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), while Australian Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was eighth in the stage.
Overall in the classification it’s Brabec from van Beveren, Price, Sunderland and former leader Pablo Quintanilla (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), who faced difficulties being the first rider out in stage seven to lodge a 14th place result.
Aussie Dakar rookie Ben Young (KTM) is now ranked 63rd after finishing up 70th in the stage, while compatriot James Ferguson (KTM) was able to re-enter the event, winding up 92nd for an 81st ranking. Rodney Faggotter (Yamalube Yamaha Rally) was ruled out of the competition earlier in the event.
Stage eight of the rally, the ‘Super Ica’ will see the top 10 bikes, cars and the top five trucks set off in their finishing order from the previous day. As the fastest competitor from all classes, Sam Sunderland will have the task of opening the track. The total distance travelled for the day will be 575 kilometres, 360 of which is a timed special.
Beta EVO Factory 2T & 4T range Arriving March 2019
The new Beta 2019 EVO Factory models will hit the market in March 2019, with pre-orders already being taken, and offer a styled racing look and special components that make these new offerings a must for trial riders who want to tackle the new race season with the best that Beta has to offer.
Beta EVO Factory 2T
There are three 2-stroke (2T) versions (125, 250 and 300cc) and a 4-stroke (4T) version (300cc), all of which have undergone meticulous technical development to make the bikes even better than the prior models. Beta, Italy’s only trial bike manufacturer, provides an engine with a distinctly “racing” character that, together with the first-class chassis set-up, provides high performance without diminishing the fun factor.
Beta EVO Factory 2T
Compared to the standard version, the Evo Factory models stand out due to the following features.
Beta 2-Stroke EVO Factory model features
Black magnesium covers – providing major weight savings.
Titanium manifold (with conical cylinder connector 125 cc only) – boosts performance significantly and reduces weight.
Profiled clutch discs – maintain clutch precision and control with a light clutch lever pull.
Cylinder with revised porting – provides a more powerful and consistent power delivery without removing the user-friendliness Beta is popular for.
Cylinder head with specially-designed volume and squish (300cc only) – considerable performance increase; the red color also offers a ‘racing’ look.
Optimised control unit (ECU) mappings to enhance low-rev power delivery and maintain performance at mid-high revs.
Black anodized engine oil plugs.
Beta EVO 300 4T Factory
The 300cc engine on the new 2019 Evo Factory 4 Stroke is equipped with a lighter, even higher-performing titanium silencer. A new electronic control unit boosts power to improve the stability of the ignition delivery creating a more clean-burning combustion throughout the rev range.
2019 Beta EVO Factory 300 4T
To make the new Evo Factory a true competition-ready bike capable of competing at the highest level across all categories, much of the design work has focused on the suspension. More specifically, the differences with respect to the standard versions are as follows.
2019 Beta EVO Factory 300 4T
Beta 4-Stroke EVO Factory model features
Re-calibrated fork valving.
Gold anodized, billet machined triple clamp – lets the rider shift the handlebar risers forwards or backwards to adjust bike set-up.
Rear suspension with longer wheelbase and adjustment of both compression and rebound – more progressive valving.
Linkage progression is more sensitive and progressive, ensuring better traction and push-off when faced with high obstacles.
Lanyard-type kill switch.
Black anodized bar end plugs – protect the grips and ensure smooth, long-lasting throttle performance.
New black anodized chain adjusters – for more precise adjustment of chain tension.
Billet machined foot pegs with non-slip steel pins.
Racing brake discs – more powerful braking and weight savings.
BrakTec brake and clutch master cylinders – improved feel and power.
Black anodized brake and clutch master cylinder covers.
Rear brake caliper with brake pad anti-vibration system.
Gold rims and Michelin X-light tires.
New design – introduces gold to match the classic Factory red white and blue.
2019 Beta EVO Factory 300 4T
The Beta EVO Factory range will be available from March 2019 in Australia, with pre-orders being taken now. See below for individual model pricing, retail prices listed do not include freight or dealer pre-delivery costs.
Bridgestone’s new BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 enters the ring looking ready for some serious off-road adventure riding.
Begin Press Release:
Bridgestone Launches BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41
Adventure Touring Motorcycle Tire Made specifically with the adventure enthusiast in mind
TOKYO (January 10, 2019) — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced the launch of the BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tire, a new addition to its lineup of adventure touring motorcycle tires. The newest offering in the BATTLAX tire line features superior off-road performance and durability. Scheduled for release in the U.S. and Canada in January 2019 and in other regions in February 2019, the initial lineup of BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tires will include four front tire sizes and five rear tire sizes.
The BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tire is engineered for predominantly off-road driving. This tire’s superior off-road performance is the product of a high-rigidity compound as well as large blocks on the tire’s perimeter that enable the tire to exhibit strong traction on muddy surfaces. In addition, the BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 front tire employs a new technology that optimizes the block wall angle for added durability.
Technological Highlights
1. Tread Pattern
(1) High cross-section area block (rear tire) The BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tire boasts a block cross-section area roughly 30 percent larger than the previous generation tire. This gives the new offering high grip and traction.
(2) Block wall angle optimization technology (front tire) Bridgestone utilizes a block wall angle optimization technology in the design of the BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tire. Tire engineers used this technology to optimize the block shapes in the tire’s tread pattern to limit uneven wear. This technology is also utilized in front BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tires to prevent uneven wear and improve durability.
Tire blocks viewed from the side
2. Compound
(1) High rigidity and durability Rear BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41 tires use a compound that contributes to an increase in rigidity and durability of approximately 30 percent when compared to rear BATTLAX ADVENTURE A41 tires. This enables greater traction.
About Bridgestone Corporation – Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. In addition to tires for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.
In the market for a Bluetooth headset? Check out the Cardo Freecom lineup.
Begin Press Release:
CARDO SYSTEMS ADDS NEW VALUE TO THE BLUETOOTH CATEGORY WITH AN ENTIRELY REDESIGNED FREECOM+ LINEUP
Company Continues Its Industry-Leading Rate of Innovation, Delivering Best-in-Class Features to FREECOM 4+, FREECOM 2+ and FREECOM 1+
Plano, Texas (Jan. 14, 2018) – Cardo Systems, the global market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcyclists, today unveiled the redesigned FREECOM+ line. Available at specialty retailers and Cardosystems.com. The Cardo FREECOM 4+, FREECOM 2+ and FREECOM 1+ deliver new premium features to the four-way rider-to-rider, rider-to-passenger and single-rider categories while maintaining an affordable price point for the best-performing Bluetooth communication systems in the world.
Announced at EICMA in November, the FREECOM 4+ adds new value to midrange Bluetooth motorcycle communication systems, with premium features such as Natural Voice Operation and JBL Sound. Utilizing a new, redesigned shell, FREECOM 4+ sports a cutting-edge aerodynamic and ergonomic design with a razor-thin and clickable roller wheel.
FREECOM 4+ single sound profile offers the purest audio experience designed and perfected in JBL’s Los Angeles audio labs. Natural voice-command operation allows riders to simply say, “Hey Cardo” without having to press any buttons, and the always-on device reacts instantaneously. Additionally, the technology seamlessly integrates with Apple’s Siri and “OK Google” voice-command platforms.
Cardo FREECOM 2+ adds range to the two-way rider-to-rider category with a 500m/0.3mi bike-to bike intercom. Cardo FREECOM 1+, the redesign of the world’s best selling single rider Bluetooth headset, adds rider-to-passenger capabilities at the same price point for an incredible entry-level package.
“Our goal is to enhance the riding experience through advance technology across all product lines and offer the best-in-class Bluetooth communication system, at a reasonable price” said Dr. Abraham Glezerman, founder and CEO of Cardo Systems. “The redesigned and reloaded FREECOM+ lineup offers riders improved way to communicate with a product they already know and trust.”
FREECOM 4+ ($249.95 MSRP Single)
The FREECOM 4+ represents all of PACKTALK’s premium features in a Bluetooth system to create the best Bluetooth communication device in the world. Connect one to four riders with up to three-fourths mile range, experience Sound by JBL and easy-to-use natural voice operation, Bluetooth 4.1, and universal connectivity.
FREECOM 2+ ($169.95 MSRP Single)
FREECOM 2+ adds more punch with true rider-to-rider capabilities. Connect one to two riders with one-third mile two-way intercom, Bluetooth 4.1, immersive sound from 40mm HD speakers, and universal connectivity.
FREECOM 1+ ($139.95 MSRP Single)
FREECOM 1+ is the world’s most advanced single-rider Bluetooth headset now with rider-to-passenger functionality. The system features immersive sound with 40mm speakers, Bluetooth 4.1 and universal connectivity.
Cardo Connect is Cardo’s new intuitive mobile app for setting and controlling the entire FREECOM+ and PACKTALK line of devices on the road. Its clean, clear and contemporary design make it easy to use and the riding mode includes all essential functions for a smooth user experience.
All Cardo units are IP-67 waterproof, not simply water-resistant like lesser communicators, and all feature a two-year warranty and a U.S.-based customer-support system.
Shoei is the first major motorcycle helmet manufacturer to join the growing smart helmet revolution with the announcement of their IT-HT helmet.
The IT-HT helmet will include Bluetooth intercom and head-up display which includes a translucent screen that shows vital information to the rider without them having to take their eyes off the road.
Shoei IT-HT screen
Information can be customised by the rider to include bike data such as speed and revs, but also navigation, incoming phone calls, etc.
Revolution
The revolution is yet to get off the ground.
While there are many start-ups with smart helmets and aftermarket add-on devices such as Hudway, Nuviz and Seemore, few have made it to the market or proved their reliability.
HUdway
Nuviz-770
Seemore
Shoei has a long history of making safe and quality helmets, so their addition to the smart helmet revolution is welcome.
The three steps for powder application are surface prep to remove contaminants, protection of sensitive areas and careful application of the product. Photos by the author.
Powder coating is a durable and protective surface treatment that has become ubiquitous in automotive and motorcycle restorations. Applied correctly, it resists UV, moisture and moderate impact. For me as a resto-guy who routinely rides my 1960s Brit bikes, it’s worth the investment.
In a process called electrostatic spray deposition, a specialized spray gun applies electrically charged powder to grounded parts. The parts are then placed in a curing oven, where the coating chemically reacts with heat to form long molecular chains with high cross-link density, making it tougher and more durable than paint.
Unlike paint, powder coating does not rely on a liquid solvent or carrier fluid, so it emits few volatile organic compounds. Applied dry, it can be applied thicker without sagging or running.
Electro Tech Powder Coating in San Marcos, California, did my recent work and owner Adam Mitchell gave me the lowdown on the process and what customers can expect.
After blasting, the sensitive areas are protected with Teflon plugs or special high-heat tape.
First, all grease, oil, dirt and loose rust must be cleaned away. Greasy areas like swingarm abutments, steering necks and chain guards need particular work to avoid risk of porosity failure due to contamination. Some parts will need protection from build-up including threads, tight clearance areas, structural connections, bearing locations, etc. Mitchell insisted that his crew would protect any areas like these.
In the past, I’ve used all-thread rod, assorted washers and even sacrificial bolts to protect crucial areas myself, but Mitchell’s crew are “all car and bike people with years of experience” so I degreased as well as I could and let them protect as necessary with high-heat tape and Teflon plugs.
In house, parts are surface-prepped with an abrasive blast, but excessive grease or oil will contaminate their blast media, so I pressure washed the parts at a car wash to remove the majority of the contamination. Some powder coaters may provide additional cleaning, perhaps baking the parts to burn off greasy residue, but they will charge for that time. Clean parts make everyone happy.
Once the parts are cleaned and prepped, the powder is electrostatically applied. Some parts may get preheated to aid in this application depending on their physical size and thermal mass. Once powder is applied, the parts are oven baked for specific times and temperatures (usually 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes), causing the finely milled thermo-plastic powder particles to melt, bond and flow smoothly.
The powder material is applied by an experienced worker with an electrostatic gun, assuring a good even coat of correct thickness. Then it’s off to the oven for melting, flowing and a chemical cure.
Thickness of application can be critical. Typically, powder coating is a thicker process than painting, so build-up at contact points on frames must be dealt with. I use a 2-inch diameter Scotch-Brite 120-grit pad in a die-grinder to get clean steel-to-steel contact on important areas like swingarm abutments, frame assembly points and any close tolerance areas like steering neck bearing locations. Failure to remove coatings in these areas may lead to vibration-induced fretting and ultimately, a gradual loosening of fastener torque.
Powder is tough to remove and difficult to touch up, so be careful if you want to keep perfect results. Layers of blue masking tape will help to protect that perfect gloss-black finish from errant “whoops” mistakes.
Some through-holes for bolts may need to be chased with an appropriate drill bit. Careful use of a file aids in detailing visible areas. A few threaded holes may need freshly cadmium-plated bolts run in a few times to clear debris. Taps and dies are expensive for arcane Brit bike threads so I use a MacGyver work-around with patience and careful wrenching. I’ve used brass gun-cleaning brushes in a drill motor to clean blind bolt holes.
Powder coating should be removed at hard contact areas to resist fretting caused by inherent lubricity of the powder material on the mating surfaces. Careful use of Scotch-Brite pads in a drill motor or grinder will easily clean the parts back to bare steel.
Useful suggestions to keep the finish fresh include WD-40 to detail the bike once it’s ridden and when it requires cleaning of road grit. It removes road grease without marring the powder, according to Mitchell. I learned to not use my regular brake-cleaning aerosol after an unannounced reformulation caused it to streak the black powder on the 10-year-old restoration of my 1968 Triumph T120 frame.
Simple Green and warm water will remove most dirt with minimal physical abrasion. I avoid scrubbing any powder-coated parts until all grit is removed. It is durable but it can scratch and it can’t be easily polished back. Even chrome will scratch if improperly cleaned, so protect your investment.
“If you wouldn’t use a cleaner on the door of your car, don’t use it on your powder coat,” says Mitchell.
Costs vary depending on the number of parts, amount of handwork and type of finish or specialty colors. Discuss what you want to see and rely on your powder pro to provide it. Treat it well, respect it and it will remain bright and glossy for years.
Special stage six has had a detrimental impact on many competitors during Dakar 2019.
Begin Press Release:
Racers Barely Stay Afloat During a Punishing Special Stage Six
As a Tidal Wave of Sand Washes Away the Competition
839 kilometers extending from Arequipa to San Juan de Marcona, zig-zagging inland to the coast, were lined with spectators. Their vehicles scattered across an open desert – raising the earth as they sped with purpose to catch a glimpse of the coming challengers. Some of those racers never appeared, however. While others rolled in bruised and battle worn – still unsure they could continue over the coming days.
“I’m very sad, and disappointed, to say that this is the end of my Dakar. On Special Stage Six… I guess it all started after Special Stage Three…There was a little kid on a moped…and he didn’t look…he just turned in front of me. And there’s nowhere to go; there’s nothing I could do, so I just grabbed as much brake as I could grab, and it threw me to the ground, hard. Which in hindsight is probably the best thing that could have happened, because if I would have hit the kid, I’m certain I would have killed him.” – Rookie Skyler Howes #72, Garrett Off-Road Racing team, USA
Anyone following Dakar might know, Howes’ race didn’t end after SS3. He rested his injured shoulder – which he’d suffered from the aforementioned crash, took some pain pills and woke up the next day for the Marathon Stages. Part One, his performance was respectable, but not up to his liking. Part Two, though, blew everyone out of the water, as the privateer is not only exceeding expectations for his third rally effort, ever, but he managed to place in the Top Ten during Special Stage Five. As is the case when competing with a fresh injury, Skyler’s shoulder wouldn’t stay in place for long. Within 30 kilometers of entering Special Stage Six, a minor crash caused his shoulder to dislocate. He reset it and continued onward. It was a sharp ledge in the unforgiving dunes which ultimately ended his ride, subsequently dislocating his shoulder for the second time.
Those first off the line were flummoxed by the complicated navigation. Errors allowed the latter top tier to catch up – possibly following or learning from their freshly laid tracks. Alas, the race on Sunday was difficult for everyone. Treacherous waves of soft, unruly sand, fickle weather and lacking visibility, plus, the pièce de résistance: a daunting ascent up a steep, Everest-sized cliff made of khaki-colored granules which don’t pack down but part ways like the Red Sea. (Poignant…? More like frustrating.) Before racers had a chance to reach the climax, they endured sand hills relatively smaller, but apparently not much less difficult to overcome. Even Xavier de Soultrait (#18), dubbed the “King of Dunes” among comrades, struggled to ride over some of those obstacles – making two or three passes at a climb. Still, a few challengers came out victorious. Pablo Quintanilla (#6) nabbed a stage win sneaking him just passed Monster Energy Honda Team rider Ricky Brabec (#15) in the General Standings where Pablo now sits at Number One just four minutes ahead of the American.
“It was a hard stage. I attacked from the beginning, caught Kevin [Benavides] and overtook him. At KM 290, I had a problem with the road book and was unable to read it, so I had to follow Kevin. We were near the finish when I got a fuel running. In the end, it was a blessing in disguise to have to ride behind because, if I’d kept on attacking at the same pace, I would’ve run out of petrol. In the end, it was a tough and stressful day, but it’s a fantastic finish.”– Stage Six Winner, Pablo Quintanilla #6, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team, CHL
Anything can happen during a special stage. Something miraculous or catastrophic. Out the gate or moments from the finish, even a minuscule incident can change a competitor’s destiny in an instant. Something every man and woman coming to Dakar know: all their efforts – the training, prepping, raising money, competing – could be for nothing. But can they ever really know what’s coming until they learn it the hardest way? Today, one unfortunate fellow flew up over a dune and landed so abruptly, he broke both of his ankles. And a front runner, Lorenzo Santolino (#63), sustained a bad crash early on, which took him out of contention, though he is said not to have any fractures.
There are those who experience this fate before they even set rubber onto the racecourse. And others, seconds from victory. It’s how this rally business goes. The name of the game. It’s enough to break a man’s spirit. To bring those who are toughest to tears. But after the dust settles and the fallen pick themselves back up, the true test of character is in the grace with which one moves on. Because if we’ve learned anything from rally racing, the greatness of man is not measured by the number of his successes, but in how he conducts himself when facing failure. To sum it up, as eloquently stated in the novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain: “There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
KEY POINTS:
Ø [Jose Ignacio] Cornejo [Florimo] (#10), who moved up to second place after race authorities returned the time that he had spent assisting fallen rider Paulo Gonçalves in stage five, ended up opening the way for several kilometers. As a consequence of this disadvantageous position the Chilean dropped time but managed to keep pace with his adversaries. (Statement courtesy of the ASO.)
Ø A recent injury to Toby Price’s right wrist hasn’t seemed to slow him down over these last six specials. Though it’s supposedly “…getting worse. It’s going to be hard, but we’re just trying to keep pace. We’ve still got four days to go. We’ll see what happens.” Still positive, for good reason, Price (#3) has managed to hold onto his third overall position.
Ø Reportedly, Laia Sanz (#17) and teammate Price had waged a bet at the 2019 Dakar Rally. If Toby finishes in the top five, he will receive a five-second kiss from Laia. While Laia can cut Toby’s “ungainly” mullet if she ends in the top 15.
Ø The Dakar Rally’s Quote of the day: “Yet another stupid mistake. The first special wasn’t too bad until I saw Nani stuck five kilometers from the finish. He didn’t signal for help, but after he helped me out two days ago, I felt compelled to rush to his aid. As a result, I ended up in a sand basin and lost twenty minutes. It wasn’t a mistake, it was a real blunder. Victory’s slipping away after too many mistakes.” – Stéphane Peterhansel #304, X-Raid Mini JCW Team, FRA
Ø Rankings of Americans after SS6
MOTO
6th Ricky Brabec #15 – 03h 58’ 17”; 2nd in the General Classification
8th Andrew Short #29 – 04h 04’ 41”; 10th in the General Classification
47th Garrett Poucher #71 – 06h 41’ 50”; 46th in the General Classification
54th Nathan Rafferty #104 – 07h 23’ 33”; 53rd in the General Classification
DNF Skyler Howes #73
CAR
TBD Blade Hildebrand, Bill Conger #367 – –h –’ –”; TBD in the General Classification
TBD Robby Gordon, Kellon Walch #316 – – –h –’ –”; TBD in the General Classification
DNF Cole Potts, Max Eddy #346
SIDE-BY-SIDE
3rd Casey Currie #343 – 04h 29’ 04”; 6th in the General Classification
Ø Top Ten Stage Finishers in Motorcycles
1st Pablo Quintanilla #6 – 03h 50’ 47”; 1st in the General Classification
2nd Kevin Benavides #47 – 03h 52’ 39”; 4th in the General Classification
3rd Matthias Walkner #1 – 03h 55’ 08”; 6th in the General Classification
4th Toby Price #3 – 03h 55’ 35”; 3rd in the General Classification
5th Adrien Van Beveren #4 – 03h 56’ 18”; 5th in the General Classification
6th Ricky Brabec #15 – 03h 58’ 17”; 2nd in the General Classification
7th Stefan Svitko #11 – 03h 59’ 07”; 8th in the General Classification
8th Andrew Short #29 – 04h 04’ 41”; 10th in the General Classification
9th Luciano Benavides #77 – 04 06’ 00”; 11th in the General Classification
10th Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo #10 – 04h 12’ 34”; 12th in the General Classification
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