The 2018 edition of the FIM International Six Day Enduro has gotten underway in Viña del Mar, with an early start to the day, as the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from twenty-five nations tentatively rolled off the start line to begin six days of world-class Enduro racing.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by G2F Media
The opening day’s course took riders north of the city, offering breathtaking views along the Pacific Ocean. On a route known as the Pacific Challenge, competitors completed two demanding laps and a total of six sandy and technical special tests, traveling a total of 284km.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by Dario Agrati
Day one saw Team Australia remain a strong and dominant force in all classes, with the Aussie World Trophy Team finishing the day in second overall, behind the USA. In the Women’s class, the trio of Gardiner, Jones and Tricker taking a clear lead. The Australian Juniors also finished Day 1 in fifth position overall.
World Trophy Team
At the conclusion of day one the Australian World Trophy Team has finished an undeniable high, sitting in second position overall in the World Trophy Class underneath Team USA who have taken out top position, with less than five seconds separating the two teams.
Joshua Strang – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Day one also saw Team Australia score three positions in the top 15 with Daniel Sanders finishing the day with a fastest time of 54:42.00, winning the first test of the event which earned him second place overall. Sanders sits just under 22 seconds behind the current leader, Robert Taylor from Team USA.
Teammate Daniel Milner took out the third and last podium position, with a fastest time of 54:49.82 and winning the second and fourth test of the day. Milner sits just over seven seconds behind Sanders and will no doubt use tomorrow to put the heat on Team USA and close in on the current time different.
Team Australia at 2018 ISDE Day 1 in Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Rounding the top 15 was Joshua Strang, who locked in a fastest time of 55:42.62. Lyndon Snodgrass came up against challenges throughout day one, earning 26th position overall with a fastest time of 56:03.17.
Daniel Sanders
“I started off day one really well, getting the first overall test win. Personally, I did some good test times but struggled in the dust especially with it being the first day and there being a lot of traffic. Milner and I fought through that though, and the two of us rode really well individually as well, leading the team to second position. We have a clean run tomorrow so hopefully we can make up some time on the Americans!”
Unofficial Day 1 – World Trophy Classification
Team USA – 2:45:10.30
Team Australia – 2:45:14.44
Team Spain – 2:46:17.90
Team Italy – 2:46:42.93
Team France – 2:47:07.06
Women’s World Trophy Team
Making a resounding mark on the competition was the Australian Women’s World Trophy Team, who dominated throughout the day to maintain a stronghold on first place overall.
Australia is followed by Team USA, but thanks to the three riders Australia has produced a substantial 90 second lead. Fastest time for the team and the class was Tayla Jones, who clocked in the fastest time of 1:01:11.25 winning five out of the six tests.
Mackenzie Tricker – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Coming in hot on Jones’ heels was debutant Mackenzie Tricker, who scored third place overall, clocking in a fastest time of 1:02:17.17 and coming in second in four of the six tests. Jessica Gardiner scored 8th position overall in the class, with a fastest time of 1:04:08.46.
Tayla Jones
“I had a pretty good day overall! The tracks are very dry and dusty and they dug out really quick – a lot quicker than I thought – so it made it really challenging. Today I crashed and lost a fair bit of time but all in all it went pretty well! Overall I’m pretty happy to hold the lead and hopefully we can stay upright tomorrow!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Women’s World Trophy Classification
Team Australia – 2:03:28.42
Team USA – 2:04:39.38
Team Spain – 2:06:54.93
Team France – 2:08:45.50
Team Sweden – 2:14:57.15
Junior World Trophy Team
The Australian Junior World Trophy Team proved that they can hold their own, with all three team members scoring a place in the top 50 which has scored Australia fifth place.
Australia now sits roughly three seconds off fourth position, which is currently held by the hosting nation, Chile. Australia’s juniors will use day two to diminish the distance with Chile, and work to climb the leader board currently held by Italy, France and USA respectively.
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Fraser Higlett leads the charge for the Juniors, clocking a fastest time of 56:26.19 and scoring 41st position overall. Tom Mason earnt 43rd position overall with a fastest time of 57:11.96, and Andrew Wilksch rounding out the team’s efforts with a fastest time of 57:07.31 and landing 47th position.
Fraser Higlett
“It was a pretty good day today but the tracks were super dusty. It was tough starting back behind other riders but I made up some positions and the team came home strong by the end of the day. We’re all really consistent, so we’re hoping to maintain it over the remaining five days. Tomorrow should be easier – with hopefully less dust – and I shouldn’t have to pass as many riders to climb the leader board!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Junior World Trophy Classification
New South Welshman lucky to escape serious injury in Sydney fall.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Supercross Championship SX2 rookie Jy Roberts says he was devastated to crash out of the weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney after charging to the opening main event victory of the Triple Crown.
The Husqvarna pilot was in fine form all weekend long, capturing victory in his heat race before putting on a stellar display in the opening main event encounter, storming to a 0.837s win over American import Cameron McAdoo (Penrite Honda Racing).
Roberts’ night took a turn for the worse in race two when he was struck by a first turn incident that unfolded alongside of him, violently forcing him to ground and cruelly ruling him out of the remainder of the evening, somehow escaping serious injury in the process.
“I was pretty devastated,” Roberts told MotoOnline.com.au. “I was feeling pretty confident with my riding, so to have that crash and not be able to finish the two finals was pretty devastating. I’m just happy I was able to walk out of there and be able to say I won the first one.
“I bruised my leg pretty bad – it’s just corked from my knee brace and bars, and it’s all grazed down the right side of my back and my elbows. It was nothing too serious, but I got pretty lucky with it – it could’ve been a lot worse.”
The New South Welshman’s maiden SX2 campaign saw him wind up 14th in the championship rankings with 27 points to his name.
DPH Motorsport Husqvarna ace on the podium in Sydney.
Image: Supplied.
Popular New South Welshman Hayden Mellross has stated claiming the SX2 title ‘wasn’t to be’ after ultimately falling six points shy of the crown as the Australian Supercross Championship wrapped up on the weekend with the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.
Mellross was unable to capitalise on a difficult night for eventual champion Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), lodging 5-3-3 results in the Triple Crown for third overall.
The DPH Motorsport Husqvarna rider’s 2018 campaign started with broken toes across both feet that later required surgery, although the number 45 returned to form in the closing stages, capturing victory at the penultimate round in Adelaide that set him up with a chance of snatching the title.
“I wanted that championship so much, but it just wasn’t to be,” Mellross explained. “In the end, just six points separated myself and Jay [Wilson] and he rode well from the start, so congratulations to him and his team. As for me, I think I had a strong second half to the season, but the broken toes really took a toll on my points tally.
“I want to thank the entire DPH Motorsport family for having me back again this supercross season. It really is like a family, and they helped me, along with Marty, to adapt to the FC 250 so quickly.”
Mellross will now make his way to New Zealand for the S-X Open Auckland, scheduled for 24 November at Mount Smart Stadium.
The best thing about the Vespa Elettricaelectric scooter is that it is almost a complete mirror of the iconic petrol-powered retro model.
And, of course, just like the standard Vespa, it is twist-and-go-throttle so there is one less hurdle among scooter riders crossing over from an internal combustion model to an electric.
Vespa Elettrica
[embedded content]
From the above video it appears to have a top speed — in power mode — of 50km/h, so it would be legally limited to 60km/h roads in Australia. It also features reverse gear to make parking easier.i
Elettrica has 100km of urban range and the x version will almost reach 200km which is plenty for the weekly commute.
Vespa says it is not just quiet but “totally silent”. We doubt that. Tyres make noise on the road. But the rest of it should be pretty quiet, allowing riders to safely concentrate on the sounds around them.
The battery under the under-seat compartment still allows riders enough room to store a “purpose-built helmet” which is an open-face design, with and without a visor.
Its recharge cable will plug into a normal socket and will charge in about four hours on our 240V power.
Elettrica’s 4.3-inch full-colour TFT dashboard includes important information to help with maintaining battery charge.
It will connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and an app to display selected features from your phone.
You can access these features via buttons on the bars so you don’t have to touch the screen or your phone.
And if you’ve forgotten where you parked your Vespa, the app saves its position.
Elettrica comes with an electric blue accent (of course) as well as three other colour accents.
Vespa price
Vespa Australia brand manager Gavan Moody says the Elletrica has “generated a lot of interest overseas” since it was launched in concept form at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
The production version was released last week at the same show to even greater interest.
It goes into production this year for European markets.
“Piaggio Asia Pacific advise there is no plan for this region until after 2019, if it was to be introduced here,” Gavan says.
“Price has not been discussed however the indication is it would be at the upper end of the current premium Vespa range.”
Current Vespas range in price from the GTS 250 ie at $7890 (plus on-road costs) to the $12,490 946 Belissima.
Would Aussie scooterists be prepared to pay around that amount for an electric scooter?
We think so and here’s why.
Scooter trends
Scooters have been on a dramatic slide in recent years but are slightly bouncing back.
However, the slide has not affected the quality Vespa Italian brand.
In 2011, Vespa sold 1042 scooters in Australia and last year sold 977, down just 6.2% while the whole scooter market plummeted by two-thirds to just 3852 last year.
(Note: Those figures are slightly skewed by the absence of some cheap scooter brands from the official figures, but you get the idea.)
It goes to show that scooterists appreciate top quality and are prepared to pay.
Newly-crowned three-time champion winds up fourth at the AUS-X Open.
Image: Supplied.
Fresh after earning his third consecutive Australian Supercross Championship at the weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, Justin Brayton has declared his intentions to return to the country in 2019 and once again defend his title.
In what has been the American import’s toughest Australian campaign yet, Brayton faced strong competition from teammate Brett Metcalfe all season long, which ultimately saw just six points separating the pair ahead of the weekend.
Brayton pushed through for a 2-6-5 results sheet at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, crediting the number one fourth overall while granting him a nine-point advantage in the overall series rankings.
“I am so happy to win three in a row,” Brayton expressed. “It’s what I came here to do and I am glad we got the job done. It wasn’t without its difficulties though – first my family got sick, then I got sick and I never fully recovered. I have battled pneumonia for most of the time I’ve been over here so it was tough for sure but it made the overall victory so much more gratifying.
“I feel lucky -I get to see the world and ride dirt bikes. I have met some amazing people through racing and it’s a bonus to win. I can’t thank Honda, Penrite and all of our sponsors enough but we aren’t done just yet.
“We still have a few races to finish this year as we head to New Zealand in a few weeks. My plan is to come back next year and defend my title. I want to keep doing this for as long as I can – if I am competitive and I am enjoying it, then I want to race.”
Brayton rounded out the championship with three victories and four podiums in the five round series. He’ll now head to New Zealand for the S-X Open Auckland, scheduled for 24 November at Mount Smart Stadium.
Team Australia leads Women’s class as Sanders controls E3 overall standings.
Source: Supplied.
The opening day of competition at the 2018 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Chile saw Team USA take an early lead in the World Trophy category, edging out Team Australia by a slender margin of four seconds, while Spain rounded out the top three.
At the head of the field, the United States and Australia were quick to make their presence felt as they went back and forth in the overall standings. Consistently topping the classification, the two teams began to pull clear, with the USA eventually getting the better of Australia on day one.
Behind Spain in third, Italy ended their opening day fourth, while defending champions France had a slow start to their week, placing almost two minutes behind the leaders in fifth.
It was Italy who took command of the Junior World Trophy class heading into day two. Eager to set the pace, the three riders placed consistently well within the overall individual classification.
Behind them, defending champions France are within striking distance of their rivals, sitting thirteen seconds adrift as runners up on day one. With only a further twenty seconds separating France from third placed United States, competition is already proving close in the junior category as Australia ranked fifth.
Team Australia were quick to establish their dominance in the Women’s World Trophy category, taking a commanding lead on day one. Led by Husqvarna’s Tayla Jones, the defending champions have already pulled over 90 seconds clear of the United States in second, with Spain a further 2m16s back in third.
With Taylor Robert (KTM Factory Racing) fastest outright, the KTM rider also topped the E2 category. Following Robert home for second overall on day one was Australia’s Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team), who was also the best-placed E3 competitor, while Robert’s teammate Ryan Sipes (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) was quickest in E1.
Australians Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) were sixth and seventh in the E1 standings, as Josh Strang (Husqvarna) was eighth in E2. Sanders controls the E3 division with AORC champion Daniel Milner (KTM Motocross Racing Team) in second, while Andrew Wilksch (Sherco) and Thomas Mason (KTM) were 13th and 14th respectively.
Out front in the Women’s class was Jones with compatriot Mackenzie Tricker (KTM) in third, followed by Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) in eighth. Day two of the ISDE will see riders complete the same Pacific Challenge course.
Honda’s highly popular mid-capacity learner machine, the CB500F was launched back in 2013 alongside the CBR500R and CB500X and has since gone on to strong success
2019 Honda CB500F
Now for 2019 the CB500F has further evolved, with the addition of aggressive bodywork, tapered handlebars, a new LCD dash featuring a Shift Up and Gear Position functionality and all LED indicators – to match the rest of the lighting.
While the CB500F already reaches the A2 (and similar LAMS) limit of 35kW, Honda have been able to tune the bike for more more power and torque in the low to mid range thanks to revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing, contributing to a 4 per cent boost.
2019 Honda CB500F
A new dual exit exhaust muffler also emits a heartier exhaust note making for a more enjoyable experience, while the engine also features an assist/slipper clutch.
The chassis remains unchanged as a testament to the quality of the existing spec, while a new rear singletube shock absorber has been added, aiming to deliver even more consistent damping performance and improved control.
2019 Honda CB500F
2019 Honda CB500F new features
New aggressively styled bodywork
Tapered handlebars for control and feel
New LCD instrument display
Gear Position and Shift Up indicators
LED indicators (now all LED lighting)
Revised inlet, exhaust and valve timing
4% more midrange power and torque
Sportier sound from the new dualexit muffler
Assist/Slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts
Revised styling & updated shock
For its 2019 evolution the CB500F’s naked styling has evolved from front to rear, with an eye catching headlight design and lowset stance, including side shrouds which interlock with the fuel tank and emphasise the engine. Side covers and the seat unit also contribute to the angular theme.
2019 Honda CB500F – Now with LED indicators
Tapered handlebars add leverage for the rider, while a new LCD dash features a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator, which is set to a default 8750rpm but can be adjusted in 250rpm increments.
The 35mm diameter steel diamond tube mainframe is unchanged for 2019 and the wheelbase is 1410mm and rake and trail are set at 25.5°/102mm, giving nimble but confidence inspiring steering. Mass centralisation, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers agility and an optimum front/rear weight distribution, while kerb weight is 189kg.
2019 Honda CB500F – Steel diamond frame
The seat height remains low at 785mm, making the CB500F easy to manage and the neutral riding position lends itself to comfort and riders of any height. Overall dimensions are 2080mm x 790mm x 1060mm, with 145mm ground clearance.
The fuel tank holds a generous 17.1L including reserve, and Honda claim that combined with the engine’s strong fuel economy gives a range of up to 480km.
2019 Honda CB500F – Fuel range is a claimed 480km
The 41mm preload adjustable telescopic front forks have 120mm stroke, for a compliant yet controlled ride, with strong feel for front tyre grip. The new single tube rear shock absorber is as found on larger capacity sports bikes and replaces the outgoing double-tube design of the previous model.
2019 Honda CB500F – 41mm forks
The new shocks larger diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management. It also features 9-stage spring preload adjustment and works with a rigid boxsection steel swingarm, which now features pressed steel chain adjustment endpieces. Final drive is via sealed 520 chain.
2019 Honda CB500F – New rear shock
Lightweight 17inch cast aluminium wheels employ hollow cross section Y shaped spokes, with a front wheel width of 3.5inch and a 120/70ZR17 tyre, while the rear is a 4.5inch with a 160/60ZR17 tyre. A single front 320mm wavy disc and two piston brake caliper is matched to a 240mm rear disc and single piston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard.
2019 Honda CB500F
The CB500F will be available in the following colour options: Grand Prix Red; Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic; Pearl Metalloid White; Candy Energy Orange.
Lively LAMS twin cylinder
The CB500F’s learner eight-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a balance of physical size and enjoyable power output, with an high revving character and top end. The target for 2019 was faster acceleration through a boost in low to mid range power and torque. The 4% improvement comes via altered valve timing – with ‘close’ timing accelerated by 5° – and lift increased by 0.3mm to 7.8mm.
Feeding the PGMFI fuel injection is now a straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies. The battery has been repositioned further away (44.1mm versus 13.4mm) from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow greater airflow; the exhaust muffler now features dual exit pipes, adding a sportier sounding edge to each pulse. Peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,500rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 7,000rpm.
2019 Honda CB500F
Bore and stroke is set at 67 x 66.8mm and compression ratio remains 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.
Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms – shim type valve adjustment allows them to be light, for lower valve spring load and reduced friction.
2019 Honda CB500F
A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm. The piston shape is based upon those used in the CBR1000RR Fireblade to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by the addition of striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidisation membrane.
2019 Honda CB500F
The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from the CBR1000RR.
2019 Honda CB500F
The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. Using the same internal relief structure as that of the CBR1000RR, the oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.2L.
2019 Honda CB500F
The CB500F’s six-speed gearbox is very close to that of its RR cousin and uses the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. New for 2019 an Assist/Slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smooths out any hard downshifts.
2019 Honda CB500F
ENGINE
Type
Liquid cooled, parallel twin
Displacement
471 cc
Bore & Stroke
67mm x 66.8mm
Compression Ratio
10.7 : 1
Max. Power Output
35 kW @ 8600 rpm
Max. Torque
43 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Oil Capacity
3.2 L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation
PGM FI
Fuel Tank Capacity
17.1 L(inc reserve)
Fuel Consumption (WMTC)
29.4 km/L
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter
Motor
Battery Capacity
12V 7.4AH
ACG Output
23.4A/2000 rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type
Wet multiplate
Transmission Type
6 speed
Final Drive
Chain
FRAME
Type
Steel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L ́W ́H)
2080 mm x 790 mm x 1060 mm
Wheelbase
1410 mm
Caster Angle
25.5 degrees
Trail
102 mm
Seat Height
785 mm
Ground Clearance
145 mm
Kerb Weight
189 kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front
Conventional telescopic front forks, 41mm, preload adjustable
The SuperNEX concept electric superbike features some serious kit including Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, Oz wheels, an alloy frame and Metzeler Racetec tryes.
Dial in sound
But the most interesting aspect to us is the sound.
Electric vehicles are quiet which is not only a turnoff for riders, but also a danger to pedestrians in the urban landscape.
On the highway, electric motorcycles can actually make quite a bit of noise. In fact, like most motorcycles, at that speed the loudest noise is tyre on tarmac.
But for those who love to hear the motor working, Kymco has developed what they call a dial-in Active Acoustic Motor.
They don’t say how it works but claim the rider can dial in sound and “tune” it to their taste.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
What Went Down Last Weekend?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
2019 AORC Dates Announced
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
What Racing is Left for 2018?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
AUS-X Open
Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”
Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderson – 75
Dean Wilson – 62
Daniel Reardon – 60
Justin Brayton – 53
Chad Reed – 47
Brett Metcalfe – 44
Luke Clout – 42
Dylan Long – 40
Jace Owen – 39
Lawson Bopping – 35
SX1 Australian Supercross Championship
The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton – 115
Brett Metcalfe – 106
Dan Reardon – 90
Jace Owen – 84
Dylan Long – 77
Luke Clout – 72
Robbie Marshall – 57
Lawson Bopping – 53
Jesse Dobson – 41
Nicholas Sutherland – 39
AUS-X Open – SX2
The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
Jay Wilson
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo – 66
Jackson Richardson – 65
Hayden Mellross – 56
Dylan Wills – 53
Jacob Hayes – 45
Jay Wilson – 43
Josh Osby – 42
Aaron Tanti – 39
Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
Kaleb Barham – 36
SX2 Australian Supercross Championship
Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.
Aaron Tanti – SX2
Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.
Jay Wilson
“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success. Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.
Billy Bolt
“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
Lars Enockl 2272 points
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.
Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’
Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released
The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.
Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.
AORC Dungog
Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April. Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.
2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.
Australia 2018 ISDE riders
Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.
Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.
Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker
Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.
Jessica Gardiner
“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang
The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.
Josh Strang
“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch
Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.
Tom Mason
“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”
World Trophy Team
Daniel Milner
Daniel Sanders
Lyndon Snodgrass
Joshua Strang
Women’s World Trophy Team
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
Junior World Trophy Team
Fraser Higlett
Tom Mason
Andrew Wilksch
Team Manager – Don Atkins
There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.
What Racing is Left for 2018?
Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
New Zealand Supercross Championships
24 – SX Open – Auckland
1 – South Waikato
15 – Southland
America
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
Unlike many speed-alert apps and GPS devices, the new Australian Speedo Minder Pro app alerts riders when they are over the posted speed limit and until they slow down.
It also has a lot more adjustment to suit your needs.
App developer Steve Grealy, 60, of Adelaide says it took “nearly four years, quite a few thousands of dollars and even more thousands of hours work” to create Speedo Minder Pro.
It is now available on the Apple App Store and we have been trialling it with success for several weeks.
“The app integrates HERE.com mapping information for speed limits in 89 countries, plus more than 172,000 speed camera locations around the world,” says the firefighter and veteran rider.
“Speedo Minder Pro will be the best copilot a driver or rider could ever need or want to stay under the radar and avoid costly speeding fines.”
How Speedo Minder works
The app provides visual and audible alerts through your bluetooth intercom when you go over the speed limit.
There are similar alerts on many satnavs, but this app continues to alert you until you slow down and allows a lot more adjustment.
For example, you can select at what speed over the limit the alert activates and how frequently it beeps until you return within your set limit.
In fact, you can set a low-level warning for 0-5km/h (or mph) over and a high-level warning for 5-10km/h over.
If the beeps become annoying such as in a shopping centre carpark where the limit is 10km/h, you can mute the app for 30 seconds by tapping the Speed Limit circle or simply tapping the screen twice.
When your ride is finished, the app will automatically shut down after five minutes of being motionless or if you manually turn off the app or simply hit the phone’s lock button. This will also turn off the Location Services for the app.
Steve is also working on an Android version and one for the Apple watch which will deliver “Haptic” alerts or vibrations.
Steve says he developed the app because of the possibility of accidentally speeding and being caught.
“Driving a 22 tonne Fire Appliance under lights and sirens is even more exciting than riding a bike through the hills,” he says.
Steve points out that South Australia has the highest speeding fines in the country, and in recent years stopped signposting speed cameras, increased the number of fixed cameras and reduced over-speed tolerances.
In 2016-17, the state raised $144m in traffic infringements.
“Officially I adhere to the road safety line rather than the speed camera bashing, revenue raising whinging. However, with road use habits formed of bike riding and fire truck driving, I’d usually find myself driving towards the top end of the speed limits.
“About five years ago I got myself a GPS speedometer app and realised I was creeping over the limit all the time.
“The combination of all of the above resulted in me wanting to develop a driver’s co-pilot app that not only warned me when I was over the limit but one that would repeat that warning until I slowed down, which was something no GPS unit nor driver’s app provided.”
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
It will connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and an app to display selected features from your phone.
But the most interesting aspect to us is the sound.
