Glad you asked. 138! The Honda CBR600 four-cylinder, which the Triumph 765 three-cylinder is replacing, made “just under 130 hp” according to Honda, with each engine making within 1.2 hp of its mates. There’s an interesting article here at Honda’s site explaining how the playing field is kept level in Moto2, MotoGP’s spec-engine feeder class. No one’s naming a torque figure, but the 165 cc-larger Triumph should produce quite a bit more than the Honda. And for 2019, Moto2 will remain a traction control-free zone.
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES RELEASES ENGINE POWER OUTPUT FOR 2019 MOTO2 SEASON Engine Development Press Conference – Valencia
Triumph Motorcycles presents at Moto2 press conference alongside Externpro, Magneti Marelli and Dorna to announce power figures for Triumph Moto2 race engines.
Triumph race engines are supplied fully developed and tested for reliability and consistency, producing more than 138 HP (140 PS) peak power output.
Engine Testing and Development
Triumph has completed a multiple phase testing programme focused on maximising; performance, durability and drivability, including;
An extensive 2 year engine development program of factory-based, dynamometer and multiple track locations for testing.
More than 2,500 “race pace” laps have been completed at a range of European circuits
Developments include the application of high performance coatings to key internal components for enhanced performance
Completed engine “double-lifecycle” in continuous track durability testing
Stuart Wood, Triumph Chief Engineer said; “Triumph have been extremely warmly welcomed by Dorna, its partners and the Press. It really feels like people share our excitement in Triumph’s entry into factory supported, top flight motorcycle racing. We are confident that our engine development programme has been extremely comprehensive and that the increased power, wide spread of torque and amazing triple sound will bring exciting racing in 2019.”
To understand the background of our engine platform development, our Triumph Moto2 triple race engines are based on our 765cc Street Triple RS production engine, itself derived originally from the iconic Daytona Supersports 675cc bike.
These new race engines are built to bring more power and torque, designed to rev harder and run with a lower inertia and all delivered in a lighter weight package.
Our Street Triple RS engine which produces 121 HP in standard format was launched with over 80 new parts from the previous generation of Street Triple. For the new race engine in we have made the following changes;
Modified cylinder head with revised inlet & exhaust ports for optimised gas flow
Higher compression ratio
Titanium valves & stiffer valve springs
Revised cam timing > for increased rpm
High Flow Fuel Injectors
Low inertia race kit alternator
Revised 1st and 2nd gear ratios
Race developed, adjustable slipper clutch
Magneti Marelli Race ECU
Revised engine covers for reduced width
Different sump for improved exhaust header run
ECU development testing
Triumph has also supported extensive ECU development testing with Magneti Marelli This has been a track focused development program. In collaboration with Magneti Marelli, Triumph has supplied the base data and the provision of engines, a full test mule and Triumph technical support team.
Chassis development testing Triumph has supplied development engines via Externpro to the chassis manufacturers to test. These tests have included current and former Moto2 championship racers. Triumph has additionally provided ECU development input to the chassis manufacturers.
Last year a 30-year-old father also died from dehydration after riding in the forests of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Heatwave conditions are bad enough, but add in a dry dust storm and it makes dehydration a bigger risk for riders exposed to the elements.
Road riders tend to be a bit blasé about hydration. Maybe it’s because riding doesn’t take a huge amount of effort.
The dangers of becoming dehydrated in a heatwave are headaches, disorientation, heat stroke, muscle cramps, loss of concentration, drowsiness and nausea, each of which can cause crashes.
And the problem is that once any of these symptoms becomes evident, it is already too late to do anything about it.
The dust storm could also clog your bike’s air filter, so remember to check it after your ride.
Don’t drink too much alcohol the night before a ride. It has a diuretic effect which means it causes you to urinate more water than you take in which means you are losing fluid. And you can’t counteract that by drinking lots of water because most of it will go out in your urine. Obviously, don’t drink alcohol while you are riding!
Start drinking water as soon as you wake and keep sipping water right up until you get on your bike. It takes about half an hour for water to reach your muscles. Guzzling water just before a ride is not good as it can make your stomach to cramp. The Royal Flying Doctor Service which has attended dehydrated riders in the Outback, recommends carrying 10 litres of water per day! Read their Outback riding tips here.
Wear ventilated motorcycle clothing. Leathers may protect you better in a crash, but they create a “microclimate” which impairs your ability to lose heat. As a result you will produce more sweat to decrease your core temp. Instead, wear a flow-through jacket. There are heaps of options on the market. Make sure they have vents in the back so the air flows through. Also, loosen the sleeves so you get plenty of air on your wrists which have a lot of blood vessels close to the skin to effectively cool you down. However, be aware that a flow-through jacket cools you down because it is drying the sweat off your skin which can lead to dehydration. A set of Ventz up your sleeve will also keep you cool as air flows up your arms.However, don’t be fooled by your level of coolness as ventilation can also cause you to loose more water through evaporation. So you still need to keep drinking plenty of water.
Don’t be tempted to remove your jacket in the heat! Exposed skin may feel cooler, but that’s because the sweat is evaporating quicker, but that is just making you more dehydrated. And while your skin feels cool, you’ll be tricked into staying in the sun longer which leads to sunburn. That also leads to dehydration because your body needs water to repair and renew damaged skin.
Get a Camelbak or other brand of water-dispensing unit so you can continue to take small sips of water while you are riding. I’ve seen riders on GoldWings and other big tourers with cup holders so they can take slurps from a water bottle. That’s obviously not as safe as the hands-free Camelback option, but anything is better than nothing. Some people don’t like Camelbaks because the water gets hot, but the temperature of the water doesn’t affect dehydration.
Stop more often than usual and hang out in the shade or in an air-conditioned cafe. Since you are drinking lots of fluids, you will probably need to stop anyway!
While you’re stopped, have a coffee, but take it easy. No need to swear off your favourite caramel latte, but avoid excess coffee. That also goes for caffeinated drinks such as Red Bull. High levels of caffeine have a diuretic effect just like alcohol.
While having a coffee break, avoid having too many sweet cakes, donuts and muffins. Sugar can dehydrate you if it gets to very high levels in your blood. This can happen if you are a diabetic, take certain medications or have an infection or some organ diseases. Sugar causes your kidneys to produce more urine to eliminate the sugar, leading to dehydration. Likewise, don’t drink too many sugary drinks. Best to stick to plain water, real fruit juices with no added sugar or drinks such as Gatorade that replace salts and minerals lost in sweat.
We’ve talked a lot about urine and it’s important that you monitor the colour. It should be a straw colour. If it’s too dark, you are dehydrated.
Sweat also depletes your body of sodium and if it becomes too low, it can cause many of the same symptoms as dehydration. The average diet probably has enough sodium, but it’s good to have a little bit of salt on your meals or drink sports drinks that have a sodium supplement. However, beware of sports drinks with caffeine and sugar.
Ok, I know I said there were only 10 tips, but dehydration doesn’t just occur in a heatwave. In winter, the cold can shut off the body’s thirst mechanism and trick you into thinking you’re not sweating. Meanwhile, your body is losing fluids as the air passes over your body.
All-new Ducati Panigale V4 R impresses with Bautista and Davies completing the top three.
Image: Supplied.
Sun shone down on the opening day Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) testing in Jerez, Spain, where riders were out to make strong steps for 2019.
With four teams out on track, the test was treated to an abundance of new bikes, new riders and new teams and plenty of laps were put in around the 4.4-kilometre track.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has been working through his testing programme, meaning he had a busy day around the circuit. Working with suspension, tyre work, finding a balance with their chassis and weight distribution and their new engine, it was a productive day for the reigning world champion who came out on track at 1pm and shot right to the top of the timing screens. Rea ended day one with a time of 1m39.657s, putting in 57 laps.
Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is continuing to get used to his new bike and team, and is focusing on putting in as many laps as possible throughout the two days in Andalusia. Despite suffering a crash through turn five in the early afternoon, the British rider ended day one in fifth putting in 71 laps, with a time of 1m40.390s.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati had a big day in Jerez as their new recruit in Alvaro Bautista began to get to grips not only with his new team, but also adapting to the WorldSBK machine. Focusing on his pace with the all new Ducati Panigale V4 R, he was able to impress on his first day of the ‘new era’, setting a 1m39.919s after an impressive 65 laps, he ended the day in second position.
While for Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who is embarking on his third day with his new bike – his second in the dry – he was still working on base setting for 49 laps. His time of 1m40.202s put him in third overall.
Brand new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha had their first day with the step up into the premier class, with experienced Marco Melandri and WorldSBK rookie Sandro Cortese. Spending their first day getting adapted to the YZF-R1, the team are taking things step by step and were able to put in 125 laps collectively. Melandri ended day one in sixth, whilst Cortese finished the day in eighth.
Continuing to work on improving the gap to the front runners, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) and Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) continued to work through the parts and updates they had last week around MotorLand Aragon.
With elements of their chassis, swing arm and electronics to work on, the 2018 race winners had another productive day in Spain. Lowes was never outside the top four and ended in fourth with a time of 1m40.296s. Whilst van der Mark was taking a more steady approach and ended with a time of 1m41.572s in seventh position. Testing resumes on track tomorrow for the final day of pre-season testing in November.
Chad Reed and Dakota Alix have won the SX1 and SX2 classes respectively at the inaugural New Zealand SX-Open which was held in front of a heathy Auckland crowd at Mt Smart Stadium last Saturday night.
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland
Reed managed three holeshots and three race wins to earn the overall win ahead of Hayden Mellross and Dean Wilson who had the inaugural FIM Oceania Championship in the bag until a fried clutch cost the Scot serious points in the final moto.
It was classic Reed who rode with a steely determination to win all three feature races to eventually win the FIM Oceania Championship.
Chad Reed
“Oh man, I’m so stoked to become the first ever FIM Oceania Supercross Champion! Coming back to NZ is always awesome, this crowd was amazing and for me, I’d love to be back and defend my title and supporting this championship. We had some epic battles in Sydney and tonight in Auckland and with that bit of rain in the morning I just rubbed my hands together and everything just came together today.”
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland – SX1 Podium
Mellross scored a solid second overall ahead of the luckless Wilson who in end got the nod over Christian Craig, Justin Brayton, Luke Clout, Jackson Richardson. Jay Wilson. Lawson Bopping and Dylan Long.
After a solid third place at the AUS-X Open in Sydney Dan Reardon was also in the hunt for the championship until the Yamaha rider injured his ankle during qualifying before Brett Metcalfe hurt his wrist after crashing in the first moto.
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland
In the SX2 class, it was American ace Dakota Alix who took the spoils form long retired but still fast Aussie Ryan Marmont with local Kiwi Josiah Natzke claiming the final podium spot.
With no Supercross series in New Zealand, it was a huge challenge for Natzke on the world-class track but the youngster was up to the challenge to finish as the fastest Kiwi for the event.
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland – Ryan Marmont
Josiah Natzke
“Us Kiwi’s don’t have Supercross so this event means a lot really, I think there were lots of people here tonight who don’t have anything to do with moto so it’s just good for the whole thing, it’s good for the riders, the young people coming here, there are heaps of young kids out here tonight, so it’s just mint for everyone.”
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland
Kiwi ace Ben Townley put on a show for his home crowd, going bar-to-bar with rival Ronnie Mac to win the Boost Mobile International Showdown.
Ben Townley
“The showdown went to plan, Ronnie jumped the gun as I expected so I had to trail him all the way to the last corner, and was able to sneak up the inside and just pile drive him into the dirt and yeah that was it, he was on the floor and I was able to get the victory for the ANZACs. This event just goes to show that motorsport as a whole, there’s appeal for events of this calibre and I know there were Kiwi kids in the stands tonight dreaming of being the next Chad Reed in the future so the sport is bright for us, we just need to capitalise on the success of this event.”
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland
SX1 Overall
Chad Reed – 75
Hayden Mellross – 58
Dean Wilson – 58
Christian Craig – 51
Justin Brayton – 50
Luke Clout – 50
Jackson Richardson – 41
Jay Wilson – 40
Lawson Bopping – 36
Dylan Long – 34
Rickie Girdwood – 25
Dylan Wills – 23
Joshua Kilvington – 23
Chris Camlleri – 14
Josh Hansen – 12
Blake Lilly – 9
New Zealand Supercross – SX-Open – Auckland – SX2 Podium
The annual Winter Olympics/Mini Os at Garorback Cycle Park in Florida has been run over five days last week with some of the hottest young riders in America competing including Aussie Jett Lawrence who had his first hit out on American soil for the Amsoil Honda team. Below are the top three from all of the classes for the Supercross and Motocross events.
2018 Winter Olympics Poster
Supercross
250 A
Pierce Brown KTM
Hardy Munoz Husq
Jalek Swoll Husq
250 PRO Sport
Jalek Swoll Husq
Jo Shimoda Hon
Hardy Munoz Husq
250 B
Ty Masterpool Yam
Stilez Robertson Kaw
Dilan Schwartz Suz
250 B Limited
Colton Eigenmann Yam
Jace Kessler Husq
Jeremy Ryan KTM
450 A
Hardy Munoz Husq
Pierce Brown KTM
Jalek Swoll Husq
450 PRO Sport
Pierce Brown KTM
Carter Halpain Yam
Jalek Swoll Husq
450 B
Jarrett Frye Suz
Ty Masterpool Yam
Devin Simonson Yam
450 B Limited
Colton Eigenmann Yam
Devin Simonson Yam
Joshua Strickland Hon
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C
Gage Linville KTM
Jeremy Ryan KTM
TJ Uselman Yam
Schoolboy 2 (13-17) B/C
Jarrett Frye Suz
Ty Masterpool Yam
Dilan Schwartz Suz
Supermini 1 (12-15)
Gavin Thomas KTM
Evan Ferry Husq
Nicholas Romano Kaw
Supermini 2 (13-16)
Crockett Myers Husq
Bryce Shelley Husq
Larry Reyes TM
Motocross
250 A
Carter Halpain 2-1 Yam
Jalek Swoll 1-3 Husq
Jett Lawrence 4-2 Hon
250 PRO Sport
Jalek Swoll 1-3 Husq
Carter Halpain 6-1 Yam
Zane Merrett 7-2 KTM
250 B
Jarrett Frye 1-1 Suz
Stilez Robertson 2-3 Kaw
Dylan Schwartz 1-4 Suz
250 B Limited
Kaeden Kniffing 1-1 KTM
Seth Brown 4-3 KTM
Chandler Baker 3-4 Yam
450 A
Jalek Swoll 3-1 Husq
Zane Merrett 2-3 KTM
Parker Mashburn 1-6 KTM
450 PRO SPORT
Carter Halpain 3-2 Yam
Jalek Swoll 2-3 Husq
Jo Shimoda 5-1 Hon
450 B
Jarrett Frye 2-1 Suz
Ty Masterpool 1-2 Yam
Devin Simonson 2-4 Yam
450 B Limited
Dirco VD Westhui 1-3 Yam
Devin Simonson 5-1 Yam
Tristan Lewis 6-2 Suz
Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C
Nathanel Thrasher 1-1 KTM
Gage Linville 2-3 KTM
Slade Smith 4-2 KTM
Schoolboy 2 (13-17) B/C
Jarrett Frye 1-2 Suz
Ty Masterpool 3-1 Yam
Stilez Robertson 1-4 Kaw
Supermini 1 (12-15)
Nicholas Romano 1-1 Kaw
Evan Ferry 2-3 Husq
Bryce Shelly 7-2 Husq
Supermini 2 (13-16)
Hunter Yoder 2-2 Hon
Jackson Craig 3-3 KTM
Nicholas Romano 6-1 Kaw
Weston Peick in Bad Shape
Road 2 Recovery has released further details regarding Weston Peick’s injuries sustained at the Paris Supercross over the weekend, which you can read in full below.
Encinitas, Calif. – AutoTrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing rider Weston Peick underwent an extensive first surgery late last night at the hospital he was transported to after is collision with another rider during opening night of the 2018 Paris Supercross.
Peick was heavily sedated to help relieve the extreme pain from his injuries and post-op surgeries. His first successful surgery was to fix the multiple nose, eye and other facial fractures including two breaks in his jaw and dual dislocation of the jaw bone from his skull. His injuries are extensive and very serious but the doctors have confirmed no brain or spinal damage has occurred, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Peick is now awake and under minor sedation to help offset the tremendous pain he is in.
Weston Peick before injury in Paris
His physicians are assessing his status and starting phase two of his treatment to determine the timeline for his second surgery.
Peick, his father Louie, fiancée Kelly, and mechanic Travis are with him as he recovers from his first surgery. Being so far away from home, the medical care they are accustom to, and the language barrier is making the recovery process a bit more difficult on everyone.
Staying in France for the second surgery will be a long and expensive process. It is the only option for him, as air transfer is not a safe option yet, due to the trauma he sustained to his face. Peick is expected to undergo his second surgery within seven days from now with a hopeful US transfer date of ten days post-opt making that an expected home arrival around early December. Once he is medically released, both his Paris doctors and US surgeons are expecting him to require medical assisted air transport to safely fly. The total cost to transport him back home to the states is projected around $104,000.00, this is not including the bills from his projected three weeks in the hospital.
The extended international hospital stay, two surgeries, and medically necessary assisted air transfer are accumulating towering medical bills that Peick’s international and US insurance policies will not cover 100% of. Longtime supporter of Road 2 Recovery, Peick is now in need of our support. Road 2 Recovery’s board members have approved a grant to contribute to the funds needed to get Weston back home. The medical bills are projected to be far greater than his insurance and the R2R grant can cover. A R2R-Fund has been set up to get him back home. You can help support Weston by making a tax deductible donation to this link https://road2recovery.com/cause-view/weston-peick/. All funds raised will go towards his substantial medical bills and the medical air transport.
The Peick family’s main goal is to get Weston back home to the States as safely as possible so he can get back to doing what he loves most, racing. Weston’s road back to racing will be a long and difficult one; but one that will be achievable with the support from family, friends, and fans. Any contribution towards Peick’s R2R-Fund is greatly apricated and will go a long way. He and his family are very grateful for all the love, prayer and positive thoughts everyone has sent his way.
Weston Peick
[UPDATE: NOVEMBER 25]
Weston Peick is recovering nicely at Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière after a seven hour surgery to address his multiple facial fractures that concluded late yesterday evening. This surgery went longer than expected due to the extensive trauma to and around his eyes and nose. According to Peick’s doctors his second surgery was a success. They were able to repair all the damage he sustained and expect to remove his tracheostomy tube as early as Tuesday, November 27th. With a possible release date as early as Friday, November 30th if he meets all release requirements.
Due to the successfully second surgery that had no complications and the proficient surgically staff, once the tracheostomy tube is removed Peick will be cleared for non-medical assisted air transport. He will be required to have non-assisted commercial air transport but that will be a fraction of the expected cost.
Peick will have a long road to a full recovery once he’s back in California. According to his Paris surgeons, the damage he sustained to his right eye will require treatment from a specialist and he will need another less invasive nose surgery once the swelling has gone down.
Peick has had some of the best care possible during this trying time mainly due to the fast response of Eric Peronnard and everyone involved with the Paris Supercross. Louie Peick, Weston’s father and fiancé Kelly would like to thank everyone that has donated to his cause and have sent positive messages and prayers. With this support for Weston, its one less thing that they will have to focus on.
Husqvarna Announces AMA Team
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna has announced its 2019 off-road racing factory team and it includes GNCC contender Thad DuVall, EnduroCross Champion Colton Haaker and GNCC rising star Trevor Bollinger.
The surprise is seeing the familiar name of Andrew Short on the list. Short, the long-time veteran of AMA Supercross and Motocross, now has a career in international rally racing. This year, he’ll continue doing those rally races but also compete domestically in the WORCS (World Off-Road Championship Series).
Andrew Short
“I am really excited to join the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team and to race the WORCS series. I think it’s something that has become a big passion of mine. The off-road community is unique and how they approach racing is really cool. With my motocross background and continuing to race rally, I feel like off-road is a great combination of the two and I am hoping to find a lot of success doing it!”
Andrew Short
Haaker recently won his second career AMA EnduroCross Championship and will return to defend that title next year, as well as try to take another FIM SuperEnduro Championship in Europe.
Colton Haaker
“I am looking forward to 2019 and continuing to win races as well as championships,” says Haaker. “In the later part of 2018, I had a comeback season and was able to regain the Endurocross championship, that was lost the year prior. My goal is to continue the success and put my Rockstar Energy Husqvarna FX 350 up front where it belongs!”
Colton Haaker – Image by Tanner Yeager
DuVall won four races in GNCC this year and has finished second in points to Kailub Russell the last two seasons.
Thad DuVall
“I am super pumped to get the 2019 season started and am looking forward to another awesome ride on my FX 350. I have had a great two years running up front, but it is time for a championship.”
Thad Duvall – Image by Simon Cudby
Bollinger won the GNCC XC2 Championship two years ago and finished fourth in XC1 points this season.
Trevor Bollinger
“I am excited to be riding for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. It is a real honor to be working with such a professional group and I look forward to a great 2019 season.”
Max Whale Set for AFT
17-year-old Max Whale from Coondoo QLD, has secured a ride with Weirbach Racing for the 2019 AFT Singles Championship on the all new Kawasaki KX450.
Max Whale
“I am really excited to join Weirbach Racing for the 2019 season, I’m looking forward to working with a great group of guys with plenty of experience. My goals for 2019 are to run in the top 5 consistently and to reach the top step of the podium at a national race. I’m thrilled to be riding the 2019 Kawasaki KX450; this is the best KX I’ve ever ridden. With a year underneath my belt in the AFT series I’m ready to build on that experience and keep progressing.”
Max Whale
The team is busy building, preparing and testing motorcycles over the winter months, with its sights aimed at a successful 2019 season.
Weirbach Racing is run by Ted Weirbach and his father Dick Weirbach. Dick is a veteran of the flat track scene for better than 35 years. He ran as a novice in the late 60’s and owned a Bultaco motorcycle shop for eight years. Weirbach racing was founded in 2000 and is committed to the success and development of up and coming professional riders.
In 2009, the inaugural year of the AMA Pro Singles Championship, Weirbach Racing’s James “the Rocket” Rispoli took second place overall and in 2011 Mikey Martin won the Pro Singles Championship. Other notables to ride for Dick & Ted are Briar Bauman, Bronson Bauman, Henry Wiles, Sammy Halbert, Aaron King, Jesse Janisch, and Davey Durelle and Rob Pearson.
A4DE Heads to Moruya in 2019
Rolling into 2019 after an outstanding 2018 ISDE, Motorcycling Australia has revealed that the 41st edition of the Australian Four Day Enduro will return to the far South Coast of New South Wales, in Moruya from the 1st to the 4th of May and will be hosted by the MNSW Enduro Committee and Far South Coast Motorcycle Club.
It’s not since 2006 that the A4DE has been held in the Bateman’s Bay area, where Mogo played host to an action packed four days that was hailed as one of the best editions of A4DE in years. Following on from an emotional 40th anniversary earlier in 2018, next year’s edition is set to be bigger and better than ever, as reflected in Australia’s success over in Chile for the 2018 ISDE.
A4DE 2018
Bringing the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy back “down under” was no small feat, and included the likes of Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Jessica Gardiner who will all feature as competitors at Moruya. The 2019 edition of the A4DE will showcase the current world class talent residing in Australia, whilst also providing the perfect platform on which new contenders can experience the second largest off-road sanctioned event internationally.
Conceived in 1978, the A4DE is renowned for its fierce competition nationwide, and the Moruya location will provide a picturesque backdrop for the highly anticipated event! Parc ferme will be located at the Moruya Showgrounds. The event will include excellent spectator vantage points, plus easy access from the township.
What Racing is Left for 2018?
So, Chad wraps up another title while the annual Mini Os is done and dusted for another year BUT there is still a couple of races to go for 2018 – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
New Zealand Supercross Championships:
Dec 1 – South Waikato
Dec 15 – Southland
America
2018 Day in the Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
Geneva Supercross – Nov. 30/Dec. 1 – Switzerland
French Sand Championship
Dec 2 – Rd3 – Saint Leger de Balson
Dec 9 – Rd4 – Hossegor
Jan 6 – Rd5 – Grayan-et-L’Hopital
Jan 27 – Rd6 – Le Touquet
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
This teaser video shows glimpses of the 2019 Triumph Speed Twin which was expected to be unveiled at the recent European motorcycle shows but will be launched on December 4.
The video only shows dark and blurry images and some very short glimpses of the 1200cc bike in silhouette.
While the Street Twin ($13,700) is the cheapest version of the 900cc range, the Speed Twin may not be the cheapest version of the 1200 range.
In spy shots, we have seen it fitted with expensive Ohlins suspension.
Speed Twin spy shot
However, in the video it seems to have more budget-conscious gaitered conventional forks and non-piggyback shocks.
Other features we can see include low-profile mirrors, twin instrument pods, straight bench seat, straight bars, a chopped front fender and seven-spoke mag wheels.
It is difficult to see whether it has dual brake discs as in the spy shots, but we would expect so.
Curtiss Motorcycles is taking $US6000 deposits for their electric Zeus Bobber and Cafe (above) models and inviting supporters to invest in the American company.
Zeus Bobber and Cafe
Curtiss Zeus Bobber
Zeus Bobber and Cafe will each cost $US60,000 (about $A83,000, £46,845, €53,000) with a holding deposit of $US6000.
The aluminium and carbon bikes have 140kW of power, 196Nm of torque and maximum range of 450km although they don’t indicate how that was achieved.
The production Zeus Bobber and Cafe models are not expected to be delivered until 2020.
And that’s only if they get enough investors in their equity crowdfunding plan.
They launch their investment campaignon Friday, November 30, 2018, through the equity crowdfunding portal Wefunder with shares costing 20c each.
Tesla of motorcycles
Zeus Cafe
Curtiss has been referred to as the Tesla of motorcycles and obviously enjoys the comparison with its products.
“Just as Tesla has disrupted the auto industry, we aim to lead the future of high-performance and sustainable motorcycling,” a company release says.
They may also be hoping to mirror the investor faith in Tesla owner Elon Musk who has been able to raise money without much difficulty despite posting consistent deficits.
However, Curtiss will need to be cautious of making some of the same mistakes as Tesla such as slow supply, vehicle faults and lack of after-sales service.
They should also be careful to avoid replicating Musk’s “insider trading” comments that resulted in him being ousted as chairman and now facing fraud charges.
Curtiss says their company has already sold more than “1000 high-end production motorcycles to high-net-worth individuals around the world”.
If you’re interested in the latest in inflation safety, Cyber Monday (today) is the time to act.
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D-air® detects automatically an unsafe situation and it activates to protect. It is the first airbag system designed specifically for motorcyclists. The natural evolution of our mission: to create the next frontier in the protection of humans.
Most toy runs accept gifts of toys and non-perishable foods which are distributed by various charities to needy families.
Riders are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes.
Toy Runs
(Click on the place name for more details)
December 1
Hobart: The 38th MRA Toy Run starts at the Derwent Entertainment Centre at noon on Saturday, December 1, and finishes on the lawn in front of Parliament House.
Gippsland: The 19th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run will be held on Saturday, December 1.
Bendigo: December 1 meet at Lansell Square car park from 8am for an 8.30am ride.
Bendigo Toy Run
December 2
Newcastle: The Bikers for Kids Toy Run is one of Australia’s oldest and arguably the biggest. More than 12,000 are bikes expected for the 41st running of the event on Sunday, 2 December 2018, from Stockton to Wickam Park from 8am. Click here to register. this year’s theme is superheroes!
Port Melbourne: The Father Bob Toy Run on Sunday, December 2, has starting points all directions from regional and outer suburbs heading to 1 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne for 11am.
Sunshine Coast: Ulysses Toy Run starts at Kawana Shoppingworld on December 2 from 8am and ends at the surf club.
Gold Coast: The City Council Topy Run starts at 8.30am at Uncles Take Away in Mudgeeraba Rd, Worongary. Stands up at 9.30am for an 80-minute ride to a church service and gift-giving ceremony.
December 8
Canberra: The 38th Annual Motorcyclists Toy Run from the Old Parliament House is on Saturday December 8 from 8am with a ride at 10am.
Kingaroy: South Burnett Bikers Toy Run on Saturday December 8 from Mitre 10 from 9.30-11am for a ride to the showgrounds. Call 0428-960-480 for more information.
Sale: The 21st Annual Keith Hamilton Toy Run on December 8 at 9am from the Sale Clock Tower is already accepting non-perishable food, children’s clothes and toys in the sleigh at the GJ Gardner Homes office.
December 9
Melbourne: The Melbourne Toy Run has starting points all over the city heading to Tabcorp Park on Sunday, December 9 at 10am.
Ipswich: The Lockyer Branch of the Ulysses Club holds their toy run on Sunday, December 9, from 8am at Brassall Shopping Centre.
Perth: The fourth annual Rockingham Toy Run on December 9 leaves from Reading CinemasBelmont at 9am on Sunday, December 9.
Adelaide: The 40th Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run will be held at the Clipsal Track on December 9, finishing with a fete on Callington Oval.
December 16
Toowoomba: The 41st annual Motorcycle Toy Run on Sunday, December 16, at noon leaves Picnic Point and ends at the showgrounds.
Isle of Man legend Stanley Dibben has written another book. MO‘s own IoM semi-legend Andrew Capone has written the foreword, and tells us all about it:
I was honored to write the foreword to Enterprise on the Edge of Industry, the next book you are going to buy and read!
It covers two world wars, two world motorcycle championships, two world land speed records, and scores of business successes and lessons along the way. All threaded through the life and times of the true ‘most interesting man in the world’, the still- sprightly at 93 years of age Motorcycle Grand Prix Champion, my friend, Stan Dibben, and his son, the brilliant academic Mark Dibben.
Photo by Andrew Capone
Incorporating the bulk of Stan’s now out- of- print autobiography “Hold On“, Enterprise is a unique motorcycle racing potboiler, history lesson, entrepreneurial how-to, and business academic tome. All in one. Don’t let the description dissuade you… this is a meaty, dense book, but with a lot of soul.
Whether you are a motorcycle racing fan, history buff, business exec, or just my friend, this is what you want for Christmas. Purchase at the link below, it’s in Aussie $, translates to $32 USD or so, and the US shipping fees will be lower as it will be printed in the US. Not on Amazon, so Stan might actually get a few bucks from this!
Purchase comes with a link to additional online- only photo essays, some really cool stuff. Buy it before 11/30, and I’ll send you a Stan-autographed bookmark if you PM me after purchase. Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Stan and Mark, to follow. Sorry for the tag-o-rama, but we really want to see Stan’s book succeed. Please forward this around, and many thanks, friends!
Are you looking for a gift for a motorbike enthusiast? When someone is a fan of something or passionate about something, it is always a good idea to get them a Christmas gift based on this. However, you need to purchase something they will actually use – not something that is gimmicky or is going to sit and gather dust. In this post, we will take a look at a great gift suggestion for any motorbike fan: a motorcycle jacket. We will also provide you with a few other suggestions too.
The #1 Gift: A leather motorbike jacket
When you buy clothing for the purpose of sports and other activities you need to give a lot of thought to what you buy. After all, you need to consider a lot more than merely how good the clothing looks. You will need to contemplate how safe the clothing is, as well as other aspects that help to make you feel more comfortable. This is why when you are buying for motorsports it is highly recommended that you opt for motorcycle leather jackets. Leather is highly recommended and possesses a lot of benefits in comparison to the other options that are available.
Let’s deal with the most important quality first; safety. Leather is one of the thickest materials available. This works really well in creating a cushion and ensuring the body has a good protective layer. If your loved one is unfortunate enough to experience an accident, then the leather should act as a barrier. It will be able to handle the shocks. It won’t simply rip and expose your skin.
Because leather is such a thick material, you would be forgiven for assuming that it is difficult to manoeuvre around in. However, this is not the case. Motorcycle leather jackets are extremely comfortable and they provide no barrier in the form of movement. This is very important. The rider needs to feel completely comfortable and free in the clothing that you are wearing; otherwise, you put yourself in harm’s way when you are driving. If someone cannot manoeuvre properly, then how are they supposed to ride their motorcycle properly?
Another important quality associated with leather motorcycle wear is the fact that it is long lasting and filled to the brim with quality, so you are going to purchase a gift that will stand the test of time. The material itself is strong and highly durable. You do not need to worry about the changing weather conditions affecting the motorcycle jacket e.g. the sunlight will not take away the colour of the jacket nor will it wear the material away.
In addition to this, there are also advantages associated with leather protective clothing that you may not expect. One of these benefits includes the fact that motorcycle leather jackets offer a sufficient amount of ventilation. This adds to the comfort factor that was earlier mentioned. Leather is a material that ensures that air flow is sufficient. This creates the right atmosphere for riding a motorcycle, and the importance of this is crucial.
Finally, there are some great designs of leather motorcycle jackets available. This means you can purchase something that will look amazing and impress from the moment the recipient unwraps it. After all, if you are going to spend your hard earned cash on clothing, then you want it to be clothing that looks great. When it comes to leather motorcycle clothing there are lots of bright colours and intriguing patterns. These look great and you are bound to find something to suit your friend or family member. Moreover, the bright colours are also beneficial because of enhanced visibility.
Don’t want to buy a motorcycle jacket?
If you don’t like the sound of this gift suggestion, there are plenty of other options available to you. If you want to buy something special, personal, and one-of-a-kind, private plates are a good choice! Just make sure you choose something the rider would be proud to put on their motorbike. Other options include tickets to a motorbike event, a motorcycle cover, the MotoGP Yearbook, a motorbike-based game, or a helmet camera.
If you choose one of the gifts mentioned above, or you decide to go down the leather motorcycle jacket route, you are bound to impress. Happy shopping!
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championship racers. Triumph has additionally provided ECU development input to the chassis manufacturers.
