The pacesetter after the first three days of testing was One Energy Racing’s Bradley Smith, as the British rider competes in the 2019 MotoE™ Championship alongside his new testing role with Aprilia Racing Team Gresini. Smith finished over three tenths clear of second fastest Niki Tuuli (Ajo Motorsport MotoE) with the Finn, in turn, finishing ahead of 2008 125 World Champion Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS). Elsewhere, fellow 125 Champion Nico Terol (Angel Nieto Team) ended the test in P17 on the combined times, with teammate Maria Herrera just behind him – the latter becoming the first women to compete in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.
Seguimos mejorando! De momento nos quedamos un día más en el Hospital! Gracias Dr. Xavier Mir, Dr. Victor Marlet y Dr. Teresa Marlet por hacerme sentir como en casa!💪🏼
Retro-designed AGV X3000 full-face and X70 open-face helmets are now available in Australia with two race legend tribute helmets.
The X3000 range is led by a $999 limited-edition tribute to the legendary 15-time world motorcycle champion, Giacomo Agostini (pictured above).
Top of the open-face X70 range is the $499 Pasolini which is a tribute to GP legend Renzo Pasolini who died in the Monza GP in 1973.
AGV X70
The X70 range has six colours ranging from plain black or white at $299, to silver and matte black at $329, a three-shade maroon at $399 and the Pasolini.
The profile of the X70 jet helmet is compact, owing to the three fibreglass shell sizes.
It is also light, has a fully removable and washable interior, double shell fastening and a double D-Ring retention system.
There is a range of peaks and visors available, that attach via the three classic press studs.
AGV X3000
There are 10 colour choices in the X3000 range ranging in price from $599 in solid colours to $699 for multi-colours and $799 for the Gloria.
AGV X3000 Gloria
AGV founder Gino Amisano worked closely with Ago to develop the full-face helmet for racing.
The X3000 series replicates the profile of the original helmet with a low chin guard and tapered bottom.
It also includes the contoured chin piece that Ago requested so he could lean his head on against the tank.
In true classic design, the visor mechanism has a dual-button snap shut that can be opened with the left hand alone.
But unlike some of the other retro helmets around, it appears to have a better wind seal for lower noise.
The interior features leather and fabric with breathable, replaceable and washable padding.
There are only 3000 of the ASGO tribute helmets available worldwide. It comes in a luxury leather bag in sizes 56-59.
The Ago is made of carbon fibre and weighs just 1290 grams in the smallest size.
The rest of the X3000 range is made of fibreglass.
The former Campbell Newman Government not only disrupted Queensland’s motorcycle industry with discriminatory VLAD laws, but may also have contributed to the state’s skyrocketing motorcycle theft rate.
RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding says the state’s rising car and bike theft rate is a result of the former government’s decision to pull out of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) about five years ago.
Consequently, Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has risen the most of any state. In the past 12 months it is up 10.2%, while the national rate is down 3.5%.
“It cost $200,000 a year to be part of the council,” Steve says. “But it gave us access to a lot of research, detailed analysis and effective programs such as the young offender program.”
Police Minister Mark Ryan has not replied to our request for comment about the current government rejoining the NMVTRC.
The massive rise in Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has prompted a police and RACQ “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign to remind riders to secure their bike.
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ wth a motorcycle disc lock
Theft campaign
In Queensland, the motorcycle theft hotspot is Brisbane where 232 bikes were stolen from 2012 to 2017.
Half were stolen from parking bays, 108 (47%) were taken from a residence and eight (3%) from businesses.
Only 48% of stolen motorcycles are partially recovered. Most are disassembled and sold for parts.
Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign leader Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich says 96% of stolen bikes were not fitted with a security device.
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign
“The best way to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen is to take significant measures by using anti-theft devices like disc locks with audible alarms or tracking devices,” the Yamaha R1 fanatic says.
“With a loud motion sensor alarm in them they cost from about $50 and act to deter would-be thieves as well as alert the community who are witnesses to the crime.”
Steve, who is a keen Suzuki Bandit rider, says disc locks would make a “relatively inexpensive” Christmas gift for a rider.
If riders see or hear suspicious behaviour involving motorcycle theft, they can contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.
The Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign consists of leaflet drops on bikes and at dealerships, as well as posters at carparks and social media.
Theft hotspots
State/Territory
Local Government area
Previous 12 month
Past 12 months
% change
QLD
Brisbane (City)
2,436
2,632
8.0%
QLD
Gold Coast (City)
1,655
1,879
13.5%
QLD
Logan (City)
1,056
1,288
22.0%
VIC
Hume (City)
1,025
1,113
8.6%
ACT
Greater ACT
1,199
1,098
-8.4%
QLD
Moreton Bay (Regional Council)
860
915
6.4%
NSW
Blacktown (City)
790
810
2.5%
VIC
Casey (City)
789
731
-7.4%
VIC
Moreland (City)
663
706
6.5%
VIC
Whittlesea (City)
780
695
-10.9%
The national decrease in motorcycle theft in the past 12 months is a big turn-around.
The biggest change since then has been a marked decrease in theft in Western Australia which had been the worst performing state for some time. In the past 12 months, WA thefts are down a massive 21.3%.
As well as initiatives to make motorcycles safe from theft in Western Australia, the decrease has also been the result of a decline in the state’s economic fortunes since the mining downturn.
Here’s how you can protect your bike
Use a secure disc lock with an alarm and a reminder cord attached to your handlebars so you don’t ride off with it still in place.
Buy a secure chain so you can anchor your bike to an immovable object such as a lamp post.
If you park your motorcycle outside your house, consider installing wireless outdoor security cameras or a motion sensor light near the bike.
Also, use the steering lock if your bike has one.
Even when parked in a secure location such as your garage or behind a locked gate, consider the extra security of using the steering lock, a disc lock or chain as well.
Pull out a spark plug or fuse, or have an immobiliser fitted.
Avoid parking your bike in railway or shopping centre car parks as these are notorious for theft.
Park in a locked carpark. If you have to park in the open, leave it where you can see your bike or in view of a security camera and/or under a light.
Otherwise, keep your bike out of sight, maybe parking it behind your car. If parking in a garage, block the bike with your car and ensure the garage is locked.
Use DataDot, DNA+ or a security tag to identify your bike.
When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and relay your bike’s speed, location and direction.
The final day of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) official tyre test came to a close yesterday evening at the Chang International Circuit.
25-year-old Yamaha Thailand ace Anupab Sarmoon knocked Kawasaki’s Thitipong Warokorn out of top spot in the penultimate session on Wednesday afternoon with a 1m36.003.
Anupab Sarmoon
Glenn Allerton improved his pace markedly to end the two-day test fifth quickest on 1m36.713.
The hot Thailand conditions were once again hard to deal with, Allerton finding the temperature and humidity so oppressive and physically draining, that his stints were not as long as otherwise he would have preferred.
“To end up as close as we did to the fastest time was good work by everyone and a credit to them.”
Glenn Allerton
Allerton’s goal for test was to produce a 1m36s lap time around the 4.554km circuit, which he was happy to achieve, but the 37-year-old also suffered a low-side crash at turn eight.
“I managed to pick the bike up and get it back to the pits and the guys got the bike fixed. I was back on track in the same session and we went faster again in that same session, when we managed to produce a 1min37.227 on our thirteenth and final lap of that session.”
Glenn Allerton
Wednesday also saw the team eliminate the braking issues which Allerton suffered on the opening day of testing.
“The team did a fantastic job to dial out the issues we had on Tuesday, which made my job so much easier. This was proven by the stopwatch.”
Glenn Allerton
The primary task for Allerton in making the Thai trip was to familiariase himself with the Chang International Circuit, and secondly, to help test the tyres being evaluated by Dunlop that will be used in the new FIM Asia Road Racing Championship ASB1000 Superbike category that will debut in 2019.
Previously the premier category for the ARRC was 600cc Supersport, but with the increasing importance of road racing throughout Asia, to both Dorna and motorcycle manufacturers, organisers have chosen 2019 as the ripe moment to add a full litre sportsbike class to the series.
Anupab Sarmoon was the quickest rider at the test
The 2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship will feature four main classes – the ASB1000 (Asia Superbike), SuperSports 600cc, Asia Production 250cc, and the Underbone 150cc.
With the FIM AARC again adding an Australian round to their 2019 calendar, it made the moment ripe for Australian Superbike competitors to investigate joining the burgeoning series.
Thitipong Warokorn is another high flyer in the ARRC
Of course, it is a massive financial commitment in order to try and compete successfully across both the ASBK and ARRC Championships, as such Next Gen Motorsports are open to potential partnerships which would be keen to join a growing Superbike team.
Glenn Allerton
“It was good fun and I’m really excited for what the future holds for both myself and the team. I was really amazed by the level of competition amongst the ASB1000 riders. They were all super-fast and I can’t wait to be able to race against them in 2019.”
Glenn Allerton (right), and the Next Gen Motorsports BMW squad
The next time Next Gen Motorsports team will be on track in Asia will be for the official test at the Sepang International Circuit on 5-6 March, ahead of the curtain raiser round, which is scheduled for 8-10 March.
South Australia’s The Bend Motorsport Park will host ARRC round two on the Anzac Day long weekend.
2019 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship Calendar
Official Test – Sepang – March 5–6
Round 1 – Sepang – March 8–10
Round 2 – The Bend Motorsport Park – April 25–28
Round 3 – Chang International Circuit – May 31–Jun 2
Round 4 – Suzuka – June 28–30
Round 5 – Korea International Circuit – Aug 9–11
Round 6 – Sepang – Sept’ 19–22
Round 7 – Chang International Circuit – Nov 29–Dec 1
FIM ARRC ASB 1000 Test Times
Anupad Sarmoon Yamaha Thailand 1:36.003
Thitipong Warokorn Kawasaki Thailand 1:36.167
Andi Farid Izdihar Honda Asia Dream Racing 1:36.329
Chaiwichit Nisakul Kawasaki Thailand 1:36.460
Glenn Allerton NextGen BMW S 1000RR 1:36.713
Ratthapong Wilairot Yamaha Thailand 1’36.774
Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman ONEXO X TKKR 1:37.060
TJ Alberto Access Plus Ducati Philippines 1’37.246
Yamaha Motor Europe yet to confirm 2019 off-road plans.
Image: Supplied.
The factory-backed Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team has quit the EnduroGP World Championship, set to take on an alternate path from 2019 that’s yet to be announced.
Operating as Yamaha’s factory team for the past three years, the French-based squad has formally confirmed that it will exit the series next year.
“We’re very proud that Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team have been our official representatives in enduro racing since 2016 and excited to soon see them move on to a completely new project,” explained Alexandre Kowalski, Yamaha Motor Europe enduro and rally racing manager.
“For the last three years, team riders have helped Yamaha be a key player in the Enduro World Championship and the prestigious ISDE. We are grateful to them for all their efforts. Loic Larrieu and Jamie McCanney have finished as world championship runners-up in their respective classes no less than five times. We are happy to confirm that Jamie will remain with the Yamaha family.
“Together with team manager Marc Bourgeois, they will both be a major part of our new project. As for Loic, we want to warmly thank him for his hard work and dedication these last three years and wish him all the best in his future projects.”
In 2016 and 2018 Larrieu was runner-up in the Enduro2 World Championship, also finishing second within the EnduroGP category in 2017. In addition, Larrieu claimed the outright victory at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) last year. McCanney took second in Enduro2 during 2017 and also P2 this year while contesting Enduro1.
KTM and Husqvarna ended their involvement in EnduroGP at the conclusion of last season, instead turning their off-road attention to the brand new World Enduro Super Series (WESS) that offers a mixture of enduro and extreme-type events on the calendar.
Selection event and reality TV style production to feature in rare opportunity.
Image: Foremost Media.
KSF Racing has detailed the selection process for its $100,000 support offer in the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals, which it made public last week.
The rare opportunity, which is inclusive of a wage and complete racing and travel expenses, has generated extensive interest from athletes in Australia, with the applicant list already exceeding 100 registrations.
Utilising an elimination model that’s set to feature a reality TV style production, a two-day selection event will be hosted for participating riders where they’ll be analysed by a number of specialists and professionals before shortlisting a dozen applicants, with a final evaluation to take place one week later consisting of rigorous physical, mental and skills testing.
“Entries will close on 20 December, and on 5-6 January we’re holding a two-day event at the Canberra Motorcycle Club where the applicants will be tested,” KSF Racing’s Scott Fischer explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “From there we’ll start an elimination process, and that will be based upon speed, attitude, commitment, dedication – those sort of characteristics.
“There will be a panel of judges, including a former Australian champion racer, a couple of fitness specialists who work with Red Bull in the US, along with a sports phycologist. We’ll be monitoring everything they do for those two days – they’ll be filmed and interviewed, and from there we’ll cut down the selection to approximately 12.
“Those 12 that make it from the first cut will have a week break before a camp consisting of full physical testing, mental testing, bike drills and skills with the experts we’ve enlisted. One person will be eliminated until we’re down to the final four, and then we’ll have shootout based upon those things.
“The prize includes a wage, but it doesn’t preclude us from offering someone else some support. From the first time applicants come in, everything will be filmed and documented from that point all the way through to the final selection. It’s like a documentary reality show. We’ve engaged a TV production company to do it, so the quality will be first-rate.”
Open to riders above 16 years of age contesting either M1, MX2 or MXD, Fischer emphasised the winner of the support offer must register and be in attendance, despite a number of high-calibre contenders currently seeking a deal for the upcoming year.
“It will all come down to who the experts believe has the right attitude and speed to make a difference,” he continued. “But if they don’t attend, they won’t win – I know there are number of good riders out there looking for a ride – and they know we’re doing it – but if they don’t attend, they can’t win.”
Finalising its partners, KSF Racing will remain aboard Suzuki machinery in 2019, although its level of support is still to be determined.
For 2019 Aprilia have announced that their RSV4 sportsbike will receive the Tuono treatment with the Factory edition scoring a big torque boost with a move to a larger 1078 cc powerplant. It seems Aprilia has Ducati’s Panigale V4 in its sights with the bigger donk for the streetbike.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory with new 1078cc powerplant
The RR version will retain a 1000 cc capacity in order to comply with Superbike racing regulations.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 RR retains 1000cc for competition
With a wealth of experience acquired in championships such as WSBK and MotoGP, Aprilia have been able to lead the transfer of technology to their factory products like the full ride-by-wire throttle and dynamic controls package, or APRC, as it is most commonly known on Aprilia machines.
Aprilia 65° V4 engine
With the introduction of RSV4 1100 Factory, the V4 from Aprilia reaches another crossroad, increasing displacement to 1078cc, based on the experience taken from this solution on the Tuono V4, the naked version of the RSV4 which went from 1000cc to 1100cc in 2015.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory – Power is now boosted to 217hp
The RSV4 1100 Factory engine displacement is achieved thanks to a bigger bore that has seen the four pistions grow from 78 to 81mm; while the 52.3mm stroke remains unchanged. The heady compression ratio of 13.6:1 also remains unchanged.
To improve wet sump lubrication, there is a new oil pump with greater flow capacity; the piston temperature has now been lowered thanks to the use of a double oil jet. The timing system boasts optimised intake valve timing, while the primary drive now counts on a longer ratio for fifth and sixth gear. The electronic injection system now uses a throttle valve support with a more aerodynamic profile in order to improve fluid-dynamic permeability.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory now with 122Nm of torque
The Magneti Marelli 7SM ECU has a new specific map with limiter management set at 13,600rpm. This brings maximum power to 217 HP at 13,200rpm, while maximum torque also benefits from these changes, obtaining a clear increase along the entire range of more than 10 per cent compared to the 1000cc engine, reaching a maximum value of 122 Nm at 11,000rpm.
This makes the RSV4 1100 Factory not only more effective in acceleration even from low speeds on the track, but also more thrilling to ride on the road, while last but not least, the exhaust system was optimised, not only in the layout of the manifolds, but also adding the street-legal titanium Akrapovic terminal as standard equipment, which is significantly lighter than the previous unit.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The new Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory also benefits from finer calibration suited for the revamped performance of its APRC electronic controls package, alongside the standard high performance fitment of extremely lightweight pistons with brand new segments that reduce the blow-by effect, a honing treatment for the connecting rod heads that contributes to reducing friction and valve return springs that guarantee reliability during heavier work loads, while the valves benefit from optimised timing.
Race inspired adjustable chassis
A particularly exclusive feature to the RSV4 RR and RF (and has been a characteristics of the previous generation RSV4 models) is the possibility of adjustment that the standard chassis is able to offer. Aprilia’s RSV4 allowing the rider to adjust the engine position in the frame, the headstock angle, the swingarm pivot and the rear end height, in addition to the fully adjustable suspension.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The RF version of the RSV4 offers sophisticated suspension systems with fine adjustments both in hydraulics and spring preload, ensuring higher performance and weight savings of 800grams over the previous versions. The fork is a latest generation Öhlins NIX unit, as is the TTX shock absorber, and the latter is operated by dedicated progressive linkage that increases the reaction time of the shock absorber itself. There is also an adjustable steering damper, also supplied by Öhlins.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
On the RSV4 range, Aprilia fits a premium Brembo braking system, with a pair of new 5mm thick steel discs with a diameter of 330mm, gripped by the monobloc M50 callipers fitted with high friction coefficient brake pads.
APRC – Electronics Package
Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF are both fitted with the dynamic controls package designed and patented by Aprilia. APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is their dynamic control suite derived directly from technology in world Superbike. The latest positioning and orientation of the inertial platform that governs the operation of the system allows for improved possibilities of detecting the bike’s dynamic conditions and, consequently, more effective electronic control strategies.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The fourth evolution of Aprilia’s APRC is integrated with electronic fine tuning guaranteed by the full Ride-by-Wire throttle control which is completely built-in and requires no other components for electronic throttle valve management. This provides clear benefits in terms of weight.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
APRC, which comes as standard equipment on the Aprilia RSV4 RR and RF, includes:
ATC – Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly to eight settings thanks to a practical joystick.
AWC – Aprilia Wheelie Control, the wheelie control system that can be adjusted to three levels.
ALC – Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with three settings.
AQS – Aprilia Quick Shift, the electronic gearbox that allows shifting without closing the throttle and without using the clutch, also equipped with the downshift function, to allow clutchless downshifting.
APL – Aprilia Pit Limiter, the system that lets you select and limit the top speed allowed in pit lane at the track or simply to make it easier to comply with posted speed limits on the road.
ACC – Aprilia Cruise Control, Electronic management has allowed cruise control to be introduced.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
In addition to the fourth generation APRC system, RSV4 RR and RF come from the factory standard with advanced multimap Cornering ABS, developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee safety on the road and performance at the circuit.
The 9.1 MP system, is able to optimise braking and the ABS intervention in corners, thanks to a specific algorithm that constantly monitors various parameters such as lateral acceleration, the pressure applied to the front brake lever, the lean, pitch and yaw angle, modulating the braking action in order to better guarantee the ratio between deceleration and stability.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The ABS system works in unison with the Aprilia RLM (Rear Liftup Mitigation) system that limits the lift of the rear wheel during more abrupt braking. Cornering ABS, fine tuned in accordance with Aprilia’s specific indications, is adjustable to three levels of sensibility and can be switched off.
Each of the three Cornering ABS maps can be combined with any of the three engine maps (Sport, Track, Race), allowing riders with different experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination for their style. Each of the three maps are full power, but differ in how they deliver power, while also effecting engine brake levels.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
The colour TFT instrumentation offers two selectable screen pages (Road and Race, both with night and day backlighting), while standard equipment for the RSV4 RF (and optional for the RSV4 RR), is V4-MP, the Aprilia multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth, introducing for the first time a true corner by corner electronic settings calibration system with data that can subsequently be downloaded to your laptop (or displayed directly on the smartphone) for analysis, just like they do at the races.
2019 RSV4 versions and colours
The RSV4 RR incorporates all the electronic, engine and brake features introduced on the sibling RSV4 RF, and ass standard equipment it also has features which were once exclusive to the Factory version, such as magnesium external housings, oil sump and head covers and a wide range of chassis adjustments.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory – Arrabbiata Black
The Aprilia RSV4 RR is available in two new colour schemes, both matte, on a black and grey base (Rivazza grey and Arrabbiata black) with red wheel rims.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 RR – Superpole
The Aprilia RSV4 RF is the exclusive version that comes standard with latest generation Öhlins suspension systems and lightweight aluminium forged rims, featuring the dedicated “Superpole” graphics combine black and red colours.
Wide range of accessories
Aprilia has also designed and developed a wide range of accessories to personalise theRSV4 RR and RF. High quality selected items to increase performance, make them more attractive or more comfortable.
2019 Aprilia RSV4 RR
2019 Aprilia RSV4 Technical Specifications [in brackets the data referring to RSV4 RR with Race Pack]
Technical Specifications
Engine type
Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Fuel
Unleaded petrol
Bore and stroke
78 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity
999.6 cc
Compression ratio
13.6:1
Maximum power at crankshaft
201 HP (148 kW) at 13,000 rpm
Maximum torque at crankshaft
115 Nm at 10,500 rpm
Fuel system
Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride-By-Wire engine management.
Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: T (Track), S (Sport), R (Race)
Ignition
Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starter
Electric
Exhaust
4 into 2 into 1 layout, two lambda probes, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 4)
Alternator
Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication
Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Transmission
6-speed cassette type gearbox
1st: 39/15 (2.600)
2nd: 33/16 (2.063)
3rd: 34/20 (1.700)
4th: 31/21 (1.476)
5th: 31/23 (1.348)
6th: 34/27 (1.259)
Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)
Clutch
Multi plate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), cruise control (ACC) and speed limiter (APT), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently
Frame
Aluminium dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements Available adjustments:
headstock position and rake
engine height
swingarm pin height
Non adjustable Sachs steering damper
[Adjustable Öhlins steering damper]
Front suspension
Sachs Fork with 43 mmÆ stanchions; [Öhlins NIX fork with TIN surface treatment]. Forged billet aluminium radial calliper mountings. Adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 120 mm
Sachs monoshock adjustable in: hydraulics in compression and rebound, spring preload [Öhlins TTX monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping.] New progressive linkage. 130 mm [120 mm] wheel travel.
Brakes
Front: Dual 330-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless steel rotor and aluminium flange with 6 pins. Brembo M50 monobloc radial callipers with 4Æ 30 mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
Rear: 220 mm diameter disc; Brembo calliper with twoÆ 32 mm separate pistons. Sintered pads. Pump with integrated tank and metal braided hose
Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering function, adjustable to 3 maps equipped with RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) (can be disabled).
Wheel rims
Aprilia aluminium alloy rims with three split spokes, [Forged aluminium alloy, completely machined, five split spokes].
Aprilia longitudinal 65° V-4 cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooling system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder
Bore and stroke
81 x 52.3 mm
Total engine capacity
1,078cc
Compression ratio
13.6:1
Max power at crankshaft
217 HP (159.6 kW) at 13,200 rpm
Max torque at crankshaft
122 Nm at 11,000 rpm
Fuel system
Airbox with front dynamic air intakes. 4 Marelli 48-mm throttle bodies with 8 injectors and latest generation Ride- By-Wire engine management.Choice of three different engine maps selectable by the rider with bike in motion: Track, Sport, Race
Ignition
Magneti Marelli digital electronic ignition system integrated in engine control system, with one spark plug per cylinder and “stick-coil”-type coils
Starter
Electric
Exhaust
4 into 2 into 1 layout, two lambda probes, lateral single silencer with ECU-controlled bypass valve and integrated trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 4)
Alternator
Flywheel mounted 450 W alternator with rare earth magnets
Lubrication
Wet sump lubrication system with oil radiator and two oil pumps (lubrication and cooling)
Transmission
6-speed cassette type gearbox
1st: 39/15 (2.600)
2nd: 33/16 (2.063)
3rd: 34/20 (1.700)
4th: 31/21 (1.476)
5th: 34/26 (1.307) [31/23 (1.348)]
6th: 33/27 (1.222) [34/27 (1.259)]
Gear lever with Aprilia Quick Shift electronic system (AQS)
Clutch
Multi plate wet clutch with mechanical slipper system
APRC System (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes Traction Control (ATC), Wheelie Control (AWC), Launch Control (ALC), cruise control (ACC) and speed limiter (APT), all of which can be configured and deactivated independently
Frame
Aluminum dual beam chassis with pressed and cast sheet elements Available adjustments:·
headstock position and rake
engine height
swingarm pin height
Öhlins adjustable steering damper
Front suspension
Öhlins NIX fork with Æ 43 mm stanchions and TIN surface treatment.; Aluminum radial caliper mounting bracket. Adjustable spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. 125 mm wheel travel
Rear suspension
Double braced aluminum swingarm; mixed low thickness and sheet casting technology.Öhlins TTX monoshock with piggy-back, fully adjustable in: spring preload, wheelbase and hydraulic compression and rebound damping. [Sachs monoshock adjustable in: hydraulic compression and rebound damping, spring preload and center-to-center distance]. 120 mm wheel travel.
Brakes
Front: Dual 330-mm diameter floating stainless steel disc with lightweight stainless-steel rotor and aluminum flange with 6 pins. Brembo Stylema [M50] monobloc radial calipers with 4Æ 30 mm opposing pistons. Sintered pads. Radial pump and metal braided brake hose
Official announcement confirms departure of MX2 champion Todd.
Image: Foremost Media.
Serco Yamaha has announced Nathan Crawford and Aaron Tanti will make up its 2019 squad in the Pirelli MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship, confirming reigning MX2 champion Wilson Todd will depart the outfit.
Initially joining Serco Yamaha for 2018, Crawford experienced a injury riddled campaign, a shoulder injury ruling him out of the outdoor series, while a guest ride with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy was limited to just one round in supercross after breaking his leg.
“Being back with Serco is awesome as we had a great thing going in 2018 until I hurt my shoulder at Wonthaggi and had to withdraw from the series,” Crawford explained. “I feel like I owe them one and at the moment, I’m doing all I can to be fit and ready when racing comes around.
“I hate being off the bike and not riding and its driving me crazy but my motivation is as good as it’s ever been and I’m excited to be locked in with Serco and the opportunity to race the YZ250F again. I haven’t even ridden the 2019 bike, but it looks and sounds amazing and I know Serco Yamaha will give me the best bike in the class.
“I’m able to bare weight on my leg and start physio this week with a view to start riding again by late January. That still leaves me enough time to get myself bike fit and ready to go for the MX Nationals and I’m already looking forward to racing again.”
Coming from the now defunct Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing outfit, New South Welshman Tanti had a breakout year this season, scoring a number of race wins and podiums along with establishing himself as a serious title contender in the quarter-litre category.
“Up until last year, I was juggling work with racing but for 2018 I was able to get myself in a position where I could ride and train full-time and it instantly showed improvement in my results,” said Tanti. “The reward of the hard work and sacrifice came when Gavin approached me about racing for Serco in 2019.
“Now to have the support and structure of the Serco Yamaha team behind me and entering the new year feeling fit and refreshed, I am confident 2019 will be my best season yet as I feel there is still a lot of room for improvement in my riding and racing.
“I spent a day on the bike earlier this week and I’m impressed with everything about it. We just ran through some basic things like bar bends to get me comfortable, stiffened up the fork a little and I was good to go. The Yamaha YZ250F feels awesome and that is just the production bike, I can’t wait to ride the full-blown race bike Serco will build for me.
“I’m proud to have achieved this ride with Serco Yamaha but I know the real work is about to come. But I will give it my all and aim to win as many races and championships as I can.”
Outgoing talent Todd is anticipated to make a return to DPH Motorsport Husqvarna after a potential opportunity in Europe failed to come through.
Six-round championship schedule revealed for the new year.
Image: Supplied.
While selection for the 2019 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup was announced last month, a provisional entry list has now been provided along with the calendar for next year’s championship.
Six countries are represented on the provisional entry list including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Australia and Indonesia. Seven of the youthful talents who rode in the cup last season will return, with 14 new faces joining them on the grid.
Amongst the provisional grid are Australians Harrison Voight, Jacob Roulstone, and Luke Power, who was initially named as a reserve although has now secured a position in the academy.
The first race weekend of the year sees the cup racing alongside MotoGP at the grand prix of Qatar from the 8-10 March, and the season begins with a back-to-back bang as the series then heads for Buriram in Thailand the weekend after.
The next date is the cup’s first visit to Sepang International Circuit as they race as part of the Malaysian Superbike Championship from the 14-16 June, and then there’s a summer break before the second half of the season kicks off at Buriram alongside MotoGP from the 4-6 October.
The cup then heads for the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan two weeks later, before the season finale once again takes place at Sepang and another exciting season concludes in early November.
In 2018, the title fight when down to the wire between Haruki Noguchi and Australian Billy van Eerde, the Aussie ultimately coming out on top after thrilling finale.
2019 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup calendar:
Rd1 – 8-10 March – Losail, Qatar (MotoGP)
Rd2 – 15-17 March – Buriram, Thailand (WorldSBK)
Rd3 – 14-16 June – Sepang, Malaysia
Rd4 – 4-6 October – Buriram, Thailand (MotoGP)
Rd5 – 18-20 October – Motegi, Japan (MotoGP)
Rd6 – 1-3 November – Sepang, Malaysia (MotoGP)
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