Change of class for talented duo in next year’s AORC and A4DE.
Image: John Pearson.
KTM Enduro Racing Team has revealed Daniel Milner and Lyndon Snodgrass will remain with the outfit in the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) and Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE).
Milner, who will pilot the KTM 350 EXC-F in E2 next year, is coming off of his most successful campaign to date that saw him clinch the A4DE title overall and AORC E3 crown with a perfect win rate, along with earning the elusive outright honours.
The popular Victorian also played an instrumental role in assisting Team Australia to the World Trophy at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Chile, where he ranked first in the individual standings.
“It’s really good to be back with the KTM Enduro Racing Team and to be riding the KTM 350 EXC-F is honestly really exciting for me as a rider,” said Milner. “Having the year that I had this year, hopefully we can carry that momentum into 2019 – that’s the goal! I’ve been on the new bike already and the agility of it, being so light, makes it so much fun to ride and my speed has been really competitive already.
“I almost rode the 350 when I first signed with KTM, but we went with the 450 back then and won on that, then won on the 500 this year and now I’m aiming to do the same on a different capacity bike again. It’s always good to change it up and I’m super-happy to be with KTM Australia for another year.”
Fellow Victorian Snodgrass, 20, also embarks on his third season with the in-house KTM Enduro Racing Team, putting a stellar year behind him after securing 10 podiums on his way to runner-up in the AORC E2 series rankings.
He was also alongside Milner as a member of the winning Australian ISDE World Trophy team. For 2019, he’ll challenge the E1 category aboard the KTM 250 EXC-F.
“I’m pumped to be part of the KTM Enduro Racing Team again in 2019,” Snodgrass commented. “We’ve had two good years together, so now to be part of the team for a third year is awesome – it’s a great environment to go racing in.
“Next year I will be on the KTM 250 EXC-F and aiming for that top step, so to be working with everybody from KTM Australia again is a real positive for my career and I’m looking forward to it.”
KTM Australia motorsport manager Glenn Kearney commented: “We’re certainly excited to re-sign Daniel Milner and Lyndon Snodgrass for 2019, which will be the third year that they ride with the KTM Enduro Racing Team. Obviously Milner has been very impressive since joining KTM, topping the AORC outright two years in a row and he’s been very dominant along with his success at the ISDE.
“Young Lyndon as well, he’s improved every year and is our young guy coming through that we really enjoy working with. Together and with our major partners back on-board – Motorex, Troy Lee Designs, Dunlop and WP – it’s all looking good for the season ahead. To have Daniel on the KTM 350 EXC-F in E2 will be great to see, while Lyndon will be on the KTM 250 EXC-F in E1 and we’re really happy with that decision also.”
The Lazarus of motorcycle companies, EBR, has risen once again, but only in limited edition high-performance machines.
In its the fourth incarnation, EBR (Erik Buell Racing) will be hand-built at Grand Rapids, Michigan by new owner Bill Melvin. He took over when EBR went into liquidation in June 2017.
Roller-coaster history
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for motorcycle innovator and former Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell.
MBW with Erik Buell in happier times
He started making sports bikes with Harley engines in Wisconsin in 1983.
His bikes included a number of innovations such as underlying exhausts, perimeter brake discs, fuel in the frame and oil in the swingarm.
Harley bought his company in 2003 and continued making Buell bikes until the GFC hit in 2009 when Buell was axed.
Erik reopened for business as EBR in 2010, first with race bikes, then 1190RX and 1190SX road bikes.
EBR 1190RX
EBR 1190 SX
Despite some racing success, sales were slow and they stopped production in 2015 and was bought out in 2016 by Liquid Asset Partners.
Ducati’s new Panigale V4 has had a traumatic introduction this year with its fourth recall.
The latest recall is over a timing chain tensioner that could become loose and leak oil through the adjustment bolt on to the rear tyre. The result could be dramatic!
Ducati Australia confirms that the recall announced recently in the USA will also affect Australian owners of all variants of V4.
However, the official recall notice has not yet been listed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
It’s an easy fix with dealers will only needing to tighten the tensioners to specification. Stay tuned for our official notice, along with VINs of those bikes affected.
Fourth recall
This is the fourth recall affecting the new Ducati flagship model, not all of which affected bikes delivered to Australia.
Ducati Australia says an American recall for the Ducati SuperSport over mirrors that work loose from engine vibration does not affect local riders.
There is also an American recall over a faulty gear shift knob which could fall off the lever on the SuperSport and the Monster 821 and 1200.
“No gear lever campaign has been launched for our market at this stage,” says Ducati Australia.
If/when it does, we will publish the recall notice.
Ducati Monster 821
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Husqvarna Australia currently plan to bring this new electric entry level competition off-roader to Australia at some point late in 2019.
Husqvarna EE 5
The EE 5 is Husqvarna Motorcycles’ first step in electric mobility and draws on the brand’s rich motocross history. The number 5 represents the kilowatt output and while CC refers to cubic centimeters on fuel-driven bikes, EE stands for ‘Electric Engine’ on this model.
The EE 5 is a fully-fledged competition machine that Husqvarna say is capable of rivaling its 50cc fuel-powered counterparts, offering more for young riders starting out in the world of dirt biking. Fully adaptable and adjustable, it is an easy to use motorcycle with the ability to evolve with a rider as he grows in size and ability.
It features the latest high-quality componentry and a design that clearly identifies with Husqvarna values. Apart from being environmentally friendly, the low noise emission makes the motorcycle less intimidating to younger riders and offers the possibility to learn in the comfort of a familiar environment, like at home.
Husqvarna EE 5
Husqvarna EE 5 features
Six different ride modes, easy to select
907 Wh lithium-ion battery
Quick charging
High-end chassis with race proven technology
Modern, Swedish inspired design
Ergonomic bodywork & adjustable seat height
WP suspension – XACT air fork and a WP rear shock
Drivetrain & Motor
Producing a peak power of 5 kW, the permanent magnet motor features an extremely compact and slim design that is well suited to the smaller chassis. Due to its dust and waterproof layout the aircooled motor is wear and maintenance-free.
The motor is powered by 84 Li-Ion cells, which provide a capacity of 907 Wh in a low 48V configuration, good enough for more than two hours of riding for a beginner, and 25 minutes for the fastest riders, depending on the terrain and conditions. The integrated battery management system (BMS) ensures the safety and longevity of the battery pack.
A state-of-the-art control unit is integrated within the package and guarantees a spontaneous, but controllable power delivery. The use of an electric motor means there is one permanent drive, eliminating the need for a clutch or gearbox. This results in a simple and uncomplicated riding experience for young riders.
Husqvarna EE 5
The EE 5 is fitted with 84 modern lithium-ion cells, in a robust die-cast aluminium casing mounted just above the motor.
Husqvarna EE 5
EE 5 Technology
A multi-functional instrument panel located between the steering head and seat allows the user to select six different ride modes, with different power characteristics available to suit pure beginners and experienced racers alike. In addition, the instrument panel displays the remaining charge of the battery.
Husqvarna EE 5
The external worldwide charger supplying up to 900W can be connected to any 110 or 230 Volt socket and plugs directly into the battery pack for easy charging. The charging time of 45 minutes will provide 80%, while a full charge requires 70 minutes.
The EE 5 is also fitted with a roll-over sensor kill-switch that cuts off the power when needed. A lanyard attached between the rider’s wrist and the kill switch stops the motor when removed, or in the event of an unexpected fall by the rider. The ride modes can be saved with a dongle located below the seat, which prevents younger riders from changing to more powerful ride modes on their own.
Husqvarna EE 5
Styling & Chassis
The bodywork of the EE 5 is modelled on the successful full-size motocross range. This allows smaller riders to experience the same ergonomic feelings, instilling confidence and comfort in all riding conditions.
The high strength chromoly steel frame is slightly adapted to house the electric drivetrain and integrates carefully calculated parameters of longitudinal flex and torsional rigidity to benefit handling and suspension functionality. It guarantees easy handling and precise cornering, along with outstanding stability.
Husqvarna EE 5
Featuring the latest in suspension technology, the EE 5 is fitted with WP XACT forks. Besides being very light weight, the 35mm USD air forks feature exceptional damping and comfort characteristics, allowing the rider to push their limits with complete confidence. With 205mm of wheel travel, the air unit in the left fork leg can also be adjusted easily with the use of an air pump. This allows for quick adjustment due to rider preferences, weight or track conditions.
Linked directly to the swingarm, the WP monoshock is matched to the front forks for the balance and damping characteristics. Additionally, the rear shock offers 185 mm of suspension travel, is fully adjustable and can be tailored to rider preferences or track conditions.
Featuring the same level of technology offered on the full-size motocross range, the EE 5 is fitted with hydraulically operated brake callipers and waved front and rear brake discs, alongside lightweight, black anodised, aluminium rims that provide the highest levels of strength and reliability. The standard MAXXIS tyres ensure progressive grip on a variety of different terrain.
Husqvarna EE 5
Modelled on the full-size motocross bikes, the EE 5 features striking graphics in white and yellow, with light blue to differentiate its electric drive. Additionally, the graphics are applied using an in-mould process to ensure the best durability and quality.
Ergonomics
The EE 5 allows the seat height to be adjusted at multiple levels. The standard model comes with a seat height of 698mm, which can be easily reduced in two steps to 653mm. This is done by lowering the bodywork/seat and then mounting the rear shock in an alternative position, together with lowering the front forks in the triple clamps.
In addition, with a Suspension Lowering Kit from the Husqvarna Motorcycles Accessories catalogue, the suspension units can be further lowered for a minimum seat height of just 556mm, which accommodates four-year-old riders, or younger.
Husqvarna EE 5
The tapered NEKEN handlebars are made of high-quality aluminium alloy for strength and safety. From a central diameter of 28mm to 18mm at the ends, the bars are fitted with a lock-on ODI left side grip, while a newly developed throttle assembly for the electronic drive, with a volcanized ODI grip, is mounted on the right side. The thinner diameter of both grips increases control and reduces fatigue for younger riders with smaller hands. A new handlebar pad offers chest protection.
Scott Sports’ 450 Podium Gear is available now, including the 450 Podium Jersey and 450 Podium Pant, with both boasting great breathability and ventilation, as well as lightweight construction and ideal comfort.
Scott Sports 450 Podium Jersey
The Scott 450 Podium Jersey is highly ventilated and features superior moisture wicking for increased comfort, thanks to a 91% polyester, 7% polyurethane, 2% polyamide blend material. Taped cuffs are joined by a no-slip rear panel, while venting is strategically integrated into the design. A low profile collar reduces potential for discomfort under a neck brace.
Scott Sports 450 Podium Jersey
The Scott 450 Podium Jersey is available for $59.95 RRP in sizes Small to XXL.
Scott Sports 450 Podium Pant
The Scott 450 Podium Pant is all about lightweight breathability and features a mix of lightweight and breathable panels combined with durable 900D abrasion resistant nylon.
Buffalo leather knee reinforcement is specially shaped for an aggressive riding stance and is ready to take all MX knee braces, while features like a 1/2- length inner mesh liner and adjustable Velcro waist tabs make the 450 pant comfortable to ride in.
Scott Sports 450 Podium Pant
There’s also laser cut perforated ventilation across the thigh panels, and silicon grip on the inner waistband to ensure the pants stay in place, regardless of what’s being ridden.
The Scott 450 Podium Pant is available in sizes 28-38 for $199.95 RRP. See your local Scott Sports stockist or the Ficeda Accessories website for more information.
By Victoria Chase: freelance writer and digital marketer*
Sometimes a superbike comes along, and you can’t imagine how anything that comes after could ever possibly be better. These bikes are amazing feats of engineering with a whole bucketload of passion thrown in.
It’s always difficult to narrow down the list of the top 10 superbikes, even harder still to whittle that list down by half. Read on to find out some of the best superbikes you can buy today – if you’re very lucky.
Ducati 1299 Superleggera
Ducati Superleggera
A bike truly bursting with new tech, and with the high price tag, you’d expect it to be! But, don’t get on the phone to your local superbike dealer just yet. Only 500 were built and they all sold out before they went into production. If you keep your ear to the road you may be able to snap one up – don’t expect to get it for the original asking price though.
This breath-taking superbike is built with enough carbon fibre that its kerb mass is only 167kg. The 1299 Superleggera is one of the best superbikes on the market – if you can get your hands on one.
Spirit GP Street R
Spirit GP Sport R
A limited edition, handmade superbike built in Britain. What’s special about this superbike is that it was designed for the racetrack but then built for the road. This uber-modern model features a wonderful selection of handmade bespoke touches, including a swingarm made to MotoGP specs.
If you want your chance to take one of these stunners for a spin, you’ll need some very good connections in the bike world, only 50 were made.
Kawasaki Ninja H2
Kawasaki H2
If speed is what you’re craving, then this hunk of madness is what you need to ride. Even though the electronically-limited speed only reaches the standard 186mph (300km/h), you can feel how fast this bike wants to go. That missile-like power is thanks to the supercharger that’s been added to the 998cc inline-four engine.
This isn’t a bike for a beginner, or even an intermediate rider – if you don’t know what you’re doing the Ninja H2 will leave you behind in a cloud of tyre-smoke and asphalt.
MV Agusta F4CC
MV Agusta F4CC
This could be the most controversial choice in this list, but the F4CC is very much able to hold its own here, so is definitely deserving of its place. It’s also deserving of the hefty price tag; only 100 were made and almost immediately they were all sold to collectors. This bike can boast to almost all of its components being handmade, and with a top speed limited to 195mph (314km/h), it’s easy to see why they were all bought up so quickly.
Claudio Castiglioni, who was in charge of MV at the time the bike was built, loved it so much he put his name on it.
Aprilia RSV4 RF
Aprilia RSV4 RF
On a lot of superbikes, there is always the problem of sacrificing pure, unadulterated power for the latest in tech. This isn’t the case with the RSV4, which delivers both in bucketloads. This machine is built with some of the smartest electronics available, and the sole desire to be the fastest superbike in its segment. And with over 50 championship titles under their belt, Aprilla know what they’re doing.
Riding this bike is something all superbike lovers should aim to do at least once – although, once you speed away, we can’t guarantee you’ll ever want to get off.
Victoria has written for numerous publications in the business, automotive and motorsports spheres. She has a keen interest in anything on two wheels.
Muchas gracias! Sois los mejores!
Thanks! You are the best! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Official Fan Club Marc Marquez 93
📸 Os dejamos con algunas de las mejores imágenes de la cena de socios. ¡Nos vemos el año que viene! Here you can find some of the best pictures from last night’s members dinner. See you next year! #IAM93 #Level #MM93 Marc Márquez Box_Repsol HRC – Honda Racing Corporation
Source: Marc Márquez on Facebook
Estos tres ya han hecho el aperitivo, granizado de barro jajajaj..
Ponts – Moto Club Segre
MX1 – P.2 #jl20martinez
MX2 – P.2 #RaulSanchez5
MX2 – P.3 #AlexMarquez73
Police have issued a warning to motorists not to cross flooded roads and even to be on the lookout for crocs.
And they don’t mean those Crocs shoes or crocodile-skin motorcycle seats!
Heavy rain and flash flooding are expected on the Queensland and northern NSW coasts in the next couple of days.
Police and emergency services have reiterated their call: “If it’s flooded, forget it”.
Riders are particularly vulnerable to being swept away in fast-flowing creek crossings.
Police say they will fine motorists hundreds of dollars for negligent driving if they attempt to cross flood waters and get stuck, requiring rescue.
Crocs warning
But there is also a unique problem for riders in Far North Queensland … crocs!
With North Queensland well-known ‘croc country’ police near Tully came across a crocodile sitting near the middle of the road last night. Officer’s fortunately were able to avoid the animal however with heavy rains still falling from ex-tropical cyclone Owen wildlife can be expected to be displaced and may wander onto roadways.
If you think hitting a roo is a problem, try tangling with a croc!
You may have crossed this particular crossing before and think that the water is just a little higher than normal. However, there could be a sink hole underneath and you could lose your bike and then be swept away in the fast-running waters.
Flooded water is unpredictable. Is the level still rising, how fast is the water flowing, is it flowing at different rates in different parts of the crossing, is a sudden surge of more water on its way, what objects have been washed down and are now submerged underneath such as barbed wire?
There are too many unknowns.
Don’t be that idiot that goes playing in flooded waters and ends up losing their bike, forcing emergency services personnel to risk their lives trying to save you.
That was my mistake
One of my water crossing failures was in a low-flooded causeway. I was riding a big Yamaha Super Tenere through on the clear wheel tracks but the water was flowing faster where there was a gap in the weeds upstream.
Even though it was a low level and the bike substantial, the water velocity was enough to push my front wheel slightly off track, into the slime and down I went.
I was lucky not to be swept off the causeway into the fast-running creek.
It was a stupid thing to do and I acknowledge that.
After the storms have passed and the skies turn blue, there will be an enormous temptation this weekend to go out and play in the waters.
However, flood waters can take a lot of time to subside, so remain vigilant and cautious.
UK brand LDM is a relative newcomer to the market with a range of affordable riding gear including this LDM ExoFlex all-weather jacket with a trendy hood.
Lorenzo, founder of LDM, says he set up the company three years ago as an online retailer of well-known motorcycle clothing brands including helmets, gloves, and accessories.
“After a couple of years, I was finding people including myself were getting fed up with the lack of innovation that’s going on among the budget-mid level motorcycle clothing brands,” he says.
“As a slightly younger biker I could see the potential to make exciting new motorbike gear using newer materials in more casual clothing items. Which is how LDM was born.
LDM ExoFlex jacket
“The whole mission is to provide good value motorcycle clothing that is more than just your normal textile or leather jacket or gloves. Everything we do is designed to be different but also practical.”
The LDM range is still quite small, but is experiencing a lot of growth in the UK and is planning to expand into European distribution next year.
You can also buy their gear through their online presence at LDMotorcycles.co.uk.
Lorenzo sent us their new ExoFlex all-weather jacket which has been inspired by the success of their softshell and leather gloves.
It’s a smart-looking and comfortable jacket that sells for £114.99 (about $A200 plus postage), but is currently on discount at just £89.99 (about $A157).
This is not a jacket for touring or racing, but a comfortable and fashionable urban jacket.
It features CE-approved impact armour in the back, shoulders and elbows with abrasion-resistant DuPont 220GSM Kevlar aramid lining.
(The back protector is level 2 EN1621 while the elbow and shoulders are level 1, but they are upgrading to level 2.)
When LDM claim it is an “all-weather” jacket, they are probably referring to UK summers. With its windproof shell and no venting, it’s too hot over about 30C on a non-faired bike.
There is no zip-out liner for winter riding, but you could easily fit a thermal underneath for cold conditions.
With some recent milder weather as well as some torrential rain courtesy of Cyclone Owen, we have been able to put the jacket to the test.
ExoFlex is a bomber-style jacket with elasticised cuffs and waistband like I used to wear when I started riding too many years ago.
It’s extremely comfortable, but I’m a bit concerned about the elasticised sleeves and bottom of the jacket riding up if I slide along the ground.
Waterproof claims
The soft-shell outer and main YKK zip are waterproof, although the elasticised sections can slowly suck in some water.
YKK zips
But you can make it properly waterproof if you overlap waterproof gloves with the cuffs and wear waterproof pants under the waistband.
Three deep, outside pockets also have waterproof zips to keep moisture off your wallet and other contents.
I proved it by carrying a tissue in each pocket to see if they became wet while riding in heavy rain. When I pulled them out later, they were still dry.
There is only one internal pocket, but it is conveniently the same shape and size as most modern plus-size phones. It also has a hole for an earphone cord.
Many modern urban motorcycle jackets now come with a drawstring hoodie section which is not only trendy but practical as it keeps the rain off your head when you take off your helmet.
It would be nice if it was detachable as the drawstrings and hoodie section flap around annoyingly at highway speeds.
Unlike many motorcycle jackets, it doesn’t feature a lot of ugly shapes, panels and labelling. That makes it suitable casual wear off the bike.
It doesn’t have any reflective material, so you might think about wearing some when riding at night.
If you need an affordable comfortable and protective jacket for urban riding and commuting, check out this LDM ExoFlex.
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