British driver escapes uninjured following fall in private Jerez test.
Image: Supplied.
Five-time Formula One (F1) world champion Lewis Hamilton has sampled a Pata Yamaha WorldSBK-spec YZF-R1 in a private test hosted at the weekend in Jerez, Spain.
According to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Mercedes AMG Petronas driver escaped uninjured from a fall while taking to the track alongside factory riders Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark.
It’s understood the British ace was one of many riders to hit the circuit that most recently hosted testing for both MotoGP and WorldSBK, and despite the crash, he later returned to riding aboard another available machine.
Craig and Barcia complete the top three in Switzerland.
Image: Supplied.
Recently-crowned three-time Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton has earned his fifth King of Geneva supercross title after lodging a supremely consistent scorecard at the Swiss event.
The Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda won the opening night of racing before bouncing back on night two to claim runner-up honours, granting him the King of Geneva crown over fellow Monster Energy AMA Supercross contenders Christian Craig (Geico Honda) and Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha Racing), who won the final night of racing.
Vince Friese (Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda) was fourth overall followed by Jordi Tixier (KTM), while the top 10 featured a number of high-profile riders, including Cole Seely in sixth and Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) in ninth.
The 250 division was taken out by Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney SX2 victor Cameron McAdoo (Yamaha) for Prince of Geneva honours, with the top three being completed by Adrien Escoffier (Honda) and Julien Roussaly (KTM).
Multiple Australian champion returns to Suzuki for next two years.
Image: Supplied.
Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia has revealed Wayne Maxwell will join the outfit in a multi-year agreement that will see him contest the YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) through the 2020 season.
“I’m very excited to be joining Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia for the next two years,” said Maxwell. “Last time Suzuki and I were paired together proved to be very successful, winning my first Australian Superbike championship.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the GSX-R1000, I know how fast and competitive the GSX-R is having raced against it the last few years – I’m super excited to get to work with Phil, Warren and the rest of the team on repeating our 2013 success.”
Maxwell completed this year’s ASBK series second in the standings, ending a lengthy partnership with Yamaha. The 2019 ASBK field is beginning to take shape following announcements from championship heavy weights Yamaha Racing Team and Penrite Honda Racing last week.
Former MX1 champion to remain as a motocross-only rider next year.
Image: Supplied.
Following months of speculation, the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team has confirmed Kirk Gibbs will join the outfit for the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals in a special announcement revealed at the weekend’s bLU cRU King of the Valley in Oakdale, New South Wales.
Capturing the premier class crown in 2015, Gibbs is set to remain as a motocross-only rider for the third-consecutive year, where’s he’s anticipated to be joined by former KTM Motocross Racing teammate Luke Clout.
“I think every rider in the pits look at CDR Yamaha as the best in the business as their on-track success and off-track knowledge is unmatched in Australia,” Gibbs stated. “So now to be a part of that environment and have such an experienced team to lean on for advice is a big confidence booster and one that I think can push my results even higher.
“I have only had some initial set up testing on the Yamaha YZ450F and already I feel I have a bike that I can ride well and suited to my style of riding. The power is smooth yet strong and the chassis feels really stable, so I feel we are well-placed already and really look forward to working closely with Craig and his team in 2019.”
CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner Craig Dack commented: “Kirk comes to us as an experienced racer with the qualities we look for in a professional rider. He is hard-working, dedicated and determined in character as well and talented and focused on racing.
“We believe surrounding him with the CDR Yamaha staff and on Yamaha machinery, we can elevate Kirk even further and look forward to a strong season from him.”
The South Australian native was part of Serco Yamaha through much of his MX2 career aboard a factory-backed YZ250F before transitioning to KTM in 2013 for his graduation to MX1.
The six-year partnership saw Gibbs lift the MX1 title in his third attempt while representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) on two occasions, plus he wrapped up the New Zealand Motocross Championship at the beginning of the year.
The number five is set to make his first 2019 appearance aboard the CDR Yamaha YZ450F in New Zealand to defend his title, before embarking on the MX Nationals in Australia.
The all-new 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike is based on the Ninja 400.
Kawasaki’s Z family of naked sportbikes has something for everyone, from the Z125 Pro play bike to the modern Z900 and retro Z900RS/Cafe big bikes. In the middle are the Z650 middleweight and the new-for-2019 Z400 ABS, a naked version of Team Green’s entry-level, fully faired Ninja 400 sportbike.
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS features an upright yet sporty riding position, a low 30.9-inch seat height and a light 368-pound curb weight.
Powering the Z400 ABS is a liquid-cooled, 399cc parallel twin with an oversquare 70 x 51.8mm bore/stroke, an 11.5:1 compression ratio, a DOHC head with 4 valves per cylinder and fuel injection with two 32mm throttle bodies. Kawasaki claims 28 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. Its 6-speed transmission has Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder and an assist-and-slipper clutch, and final drive is via chain.
Like the Ninja H2, the Z400 ABS has a tubular-steel trellis frame. A short, 53.9-inch wheelbase and a long, square-tube cast aluminum swingarm are said to give the bike nimble handling. Suspension is handled by a 41mm, non-adjustable fork and a Bottom Link Uni-Trak rear shock with adjustable preload.
Like its Z650 and Z900 siblings, the 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS features aggressive Sugomi styling. Its headlight and taillight are LED.
Braking is handled by one 2-piston caliper on each wheel, with the front squeezing a 310mm petal disc and the rear squeezing a 220mm petal disc. As the model name implies, ABS is standard. Cast, 5-spoke, star-pattern 17-inch wheels are shod with Dunlop radials.
Like its Z650 and Z900 big brothers, the Z400 ABS has aggressive styling using Kawasaki’s Sugomi design language, with a “crouching stance, low-positioned head and upswept tail.” The headlight and taillight are LED, and the instrument panel is a multi-function LCD screen.
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS has a fully digital instrument panel set beneath analog numbers for the tachometer.
Kawasaki says the Z400 ABS has an upright yet sporty riding position, with a wide handlebar, a narrow seat with a modest 30.9-inch seat height and a light 368-pound curb weight (claimed).
The 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS is available in two colors: Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black and Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Flat Spark Black. MSRP is $4,799.
The learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS) should not only consider limits on power-to-weight (PTW) ratio and engine capacity, but also motorcycle type.
It found that crash risk increased with the PTW ratio in some types of bikes such as sports and naked bikes, but actually decreased with off-road and adventure bikes.
While the uni report did not specify changes to LAMS as used in Australia and New Zealand, it says “further research” is required on the injury crash risks associated with engine size, rider experience and motorcycle type.
“This is needed to validate the observed relationships of crash risks varying positively and negatively with engine size depending on the type of motorcycle,” it says.
“If valid, then there is opportunity to reduce injury outcomes of novice riders by re-assessment of the LAMS to allow for engine capacities relevant to the motorcycle type.”
LAMS limits
Currently, LAMS has 150kW per tonne PTW ratio and 660cc engine capacity limits (except in the Australian Capital Territory). There is currently no restriction on motorcycle type.
Such a move would widen consumer choice for novice riders.
However, the Monash Uni report could also lead to limiting the LAMS list to some some bike types, such as naked and sport.
The report says sports bikes, which have the highest crash risk and highest risk of serious injury outcomes, are becoming “more prevalent in the fleet, which is adversely affecting motorcycle safety”.
“Further adverse effects on motorcycle safety are stemming from the trend to increasing power to weight ratio of newer motorcycles, which has shown a significant association with more severe injury outcomes in a crash.
“Analysis results also suggest that the effectiveness of the LAMS criteria could also be improved by considering motorcycle type in the restriction criteria.”
Given governments’ past propensity to cite MUARC studies, this new report could lead to new limits on the number of bikes available for learners and novices.
How clever is this Showa suspension that automatically lowers the seat height when the bike is stationary, allowing short people to mount and dismount easier!
No more tip-toeing at the lights or teetering over when trying to get the sidetone down.
The Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) Heightflex suspension system has electronically controlled activators in the hydraulic valve to control oil supply.
Showa has displayed the new suspension system on a Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin.
Honda Africa Twin
Tall adventure bikes are a natural choice for such a system. They are lowered for mounting and dismounting, but still retain good ground clearance for off-road duties.
However, Showa says it can also be fitted to other models.
Showa doesn’t detail how much it lowers the bike, but they say it will drop in about a second and will resume normal height a few hundred metres after you start again.
Not only does it lower when the bike is stationary, but it also levels out to adjust for the rear weight of a pillion or luggage, much like other systems used on some BMWs and Ducatis.
Sounds like a god-send for short riders.
Although, there are other, cheaper ways short riders can adapt to tall bikes.
Showa has also announced an EERA electronically-controlled steering damper.
It adapts the damping force in real time to control tank-slappers, speed wobbles and other adverse steering inputs.
The system seems similar to the Swedish Ohlins electronic steering damper.
The Japanese suspension company says both systems were developed during World Superbikes, the Dakar Rally, the Motocross World Championship and the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Terminamos el #AllianzMotorCamp18! Tres días divertidos y de mucho gas! ✊🏼
We finish the Allianz Motor Camp 2018! Three funny days and full throttle!
Laps For Life 93
Capriolo was the motorcycle division of the famous Italian aircraft manufacturer Caproni (and named after the local alpine deer).
The Capriolo 75 was produced when the Italian firm was banned from aircraft production following WW2
When Italy was barred from producing aircraft after WW II, Count Caproni turned to motorcycles (as did Aermacchi). In fact among their first projects was producing the frame for the first Ducati motorcycle, the 60.
The brand actually produced a frame for the Ducati 60
The 75 was introduced in 1951 and production continued until 1958.
The Capriolo 75 Normale had a distinctive frame
This 75 Normale is the second version (circa. 1957) of the 75, which featured revised engine parts (mainly the clutch) and hydraulic rear shocks in place of the earlier friction damper types. The front forks were also updated.
This later version (a 1957) featured updated suspension and clutch
The motor was unusual in having a longitudinally mounted crankshaft with the flywheel at the front. To complete the weirdness a face-cam system was used instead of a normal lobe cam.
Capriolo 75 engine cut-out
Output was 3.5hp at 6000rpm and a pressed steel frame which encompassed the tank was yet another unusual feature.
Capriolo 75 engine cut-out
With Count Caproni’s death in 1957 the company was reorganised and renamed Aeromere (Areo Meccanica Regionale).
The brand was later renamed Areo Meccanica Regionale
A new line of bikes was then designed including a new 75. Capriolo was taken over by Laverda in 1964.
Capriolo 75
Being an Italian company, of course a 75 Sport was soon introduced (1952). It made 4.5hp at 7,500rpm.
Capriolo 75
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A police senior sergeant and returned rider, has started a training course for returned riders in his district which he hopes will become a pilot for further courses throughout Queensland.
Snr Sgt Peter Waugh of Jimboomba secured a grant from the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants scheme for the course. It’s called ‘Mouldy Hogs – Motorcyclists of Jimboomba’ safe ride days.
The first Mouldy Hogs course was held on November 24 at the Mundoolun Community Centre with 12 participants. The second course will be held on December 9.
Click here to register or call 1300 961 335. At the moment, it is free for Jimboomba Police District residents, but other riders may attend for $145.
The pilot courses are run by SMART Rider trainer Steve McDowall with police along for the ride.
Steve McDowall
Worst rider
“I’m the worst rider in the world,” admits Peter who used to ride a cruiser, but now has a Yamaha Super Tenere.
“I looked at my own situation: I had a bike young, got married didn’t have one for a long time and then came back to it. Sound familiar?
“Bikes have changed in that time and my skills have dulled.”
Peter points to the statistics that show returned riders are over-represented in crash statistics.
“I suppose stats can tell you anything you want. But we are one of the highest fatality injury rates for motorbike riders. So we decided we need to have a look at it and do something,” he says.
“Living and riding in this area we can blame the roads, the conditions, traffic or whatever. We can do that, but the facts are the roads aren’t going to change greatly. If we are on bikes these are the roads we are going to ride.
“This is what we’ve got to ride on so let’s make it as safe as we can.”
He says the course is not just for returned riders.
“But mainly more mature-aged riders because that’s what the stats are telling us,” he says.
Pilot courses
Peter says the course consists of “some class work, then a small stage in carpark and the rest of day with instructors out on the roads we ride”.
“We started it down here because these are the roads they will be riding on. It’s their playground.
“But this is not a track day in any shape or form.”
Peter says there is a police presence, but not as official instructors.
“They are along for the ride and will provide feedback and guidance to riders,” he says.
“We are not looking at spoiling their fun or defect their bike, but give them some skills that may help to save their life.”
Jimboomba Police have received funding for 50 riders, but Peter hopes to gain more funding next year and spread the course statewide.
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