New dad rides 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA through uncharted territories
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
Recovery period not yet known for supercross specialist.
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Three-time Australian supercross champion Dan Reardon has declared he’ll undergo surgery this Thursday to repair a ruptured achilles tendon sustained on Saturday night at the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland.
Reardon, who was positioned second in the Monster Energy S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania Championship ahead of the weekend, struck a tough-block prior to completing his Superpole lap, forcing him to come up severely short on the finish line double, ultimately resulting in the injury.
“Saturday night at the S-X Open in Superpole, I clipped a tough block, it got hung up on my rear brake pedal and forced me to come short,” Reardon explained in a statement.
“As a result I ruptured my achilles tendon and go in for surgery on Thursday. I won’t be kicking any goals in the next few weeks. 2018 was a great year, I can’t wait to be back in 2019. I want to say thank you to the Race Safe crew, you guys are world-class.”
It’s a significant blow for the Yamaha pilot, who races supercross-only and was currently in negotiations to race overseas at the beginning of next year. Depending on the severity, a ruptured achilles tendon could see a rider sidelined for a six-month period. Reardon’s recovery time is not yet known.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Royal Enfield Australia has announced highly competitive pricing for its new 650cc twins, the Interceptor INT naked and Continental GT cafe racer.
The bikes will be in Aussie dealerships in February and dealers tell us they are already taking record orders. One Brisbane dealer said they had 25 orders, mainly for the Interceptor.
Customers won’t be disappointed in the prices, either.
Based on US pricing announced at the international launch in September, the Chrome version should have been at least $700 more than the Standard.
To further sweeten the deal, the twins come with a three-year warranty and roadside assist as they have around the world.
The bikes also come with a wide range of accessories with a two-year warranty.
While the twins were originally expected to arrive in Australia in November, strikes in India seem to have set back delivery.
Royal Enfield Asia-Pacific spokesman Vimal Sumbly says sales in Australia have grown from 150 a year to almost 1000 units in the past four years.
“Now with the launch of the Royal Enfield 650 Twins, riders can have all more fun and pure motorcycling joy on both city roads and on highways, Australia becomes one of the most important markets for us amongst International markets,” he says.
The twins are powered by an air-cooled parallel-twin 648cc air/oil cooled engine with four valves per cylinder and sitting in a traditional twin-cradle frame.
It produces 35kW at 7250rpm and 52Nm at 5250rpm and has a 270-degree firing interval like the new liquid-cooled Triumph Bonnevilles.
The engine is married to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and chain drive.
Apart from the parallel twin in a twin cradle frame, the twins feature a lot of other traditional elements.
For example, the suspension is traditional with telescopic forks and twin shocks with five-stage preload adjustment.
Instrumentation is also a traditional twin-pod cluster with analogue speedo and tacho and a small digital screen under the speedo with limited information. There isn’t even a clock.
The Interceptor has a dual bench seat with a traditional sit-up-and-beg riding position and straight bars while the solo-seat Continental GT cafe racer has clip-ons and slightly rear-set footpegs.
Both have traditional twin pipes; the Interceptor in chrome and matte black for the GT.
They come with the traditional single round headlight, chunky indicators and a pod-style taillight, all with bulbs, not LEDs.
Brakes are budget Brembo brand Bybre with a single 320mm twin-piston floating disc at the front and 240mm rear disc with dual channel ABS.
Pirelli developed the tyres for these twins with a 100/90 18 front the rear and 130/70 18 rear.
They have a 793mm seat height, 174mm clearance and a 14-litre fuel tank.
And at a hefty 202kg dry with only 35kW of power it more than comes in under the LAMS power-to-weight ratio limits.
So it will be learner-legal like the rest of the Royal Enfield fleet.
| Engine | 4 stroke, single overhead cam, air-oil cooled, 648cc parallel twin |
| Displacement | 648cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 78mm x 67.8mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Maximum Power | 35kW (47bhp) @ 7100rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 52Nm @ 4000rpm |
| Ignition system | Digital spark ignition – TCI |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Gearbox | 6 speed |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Fuel management | Fuel injection |
| Engine start | Electric |
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Pramac Racing rider experiences first taste of electric-powered machine.
Image: Supplied.
Josh Hook has experienced his first taste of the Energica Ego Corsa that he’ll pilot for Pramac Racing in the 2019 FIM MotoE World Cup following three days of testing in Spain.
The Australian stated he was surprised by the user-friendly nature of electric-powered machine, although acknowledged there are several key areas that require continued development.
Hook wound up ninth in the timesheets with his best lap coming in on Saturday along with the rest of the field, with Sunday’s third and final day being hampered by wet weather conditions.
“I had a great time,” Hook stated. “If I have to be honest, I was impressed by the power delivery of the bike when accelerating, but mainly the most impressive thing was how easy the bike is to ride. After two laps I was already pushing hard. I wanted to lap more but the battery doesn’t allow it
“The bike surprised me with its ease of riding even though there are many aspects that we will have to work on. Having only one bike was not the ideal condition but from the next tests we will be able to start working on the setup.”
The MotoE field will return to testing at Jerez 13-15 March 2019, which also hosts the first ever round of the MotoE World Cup.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
Motorcycling Australia has announced that the all new bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has officially become a Road to MotoGP program with the support of Dorna Sports S.L, as well as introducing Damian Cudlin as an official coach for the series.
This announcement comes as a huge boost for the already exciting junior road race academy and comes at the perfect time to launch the program’s new name – bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
Dorna Sports S.L, are the commercial rights holders and promoters of MotoGP, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup. Dorna has also co-organized the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup since its inception in 2007.
Their endorsement is a significant development and adds the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup to the esteemed list of Dorna Road to MotoGP programs around the world. The Dorna commitment also provides five guaranteed positions in the 2019 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event for riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region.
“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve. Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.”
A high percentage of riders across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes came from the various Road to MotoGP programmes, with every permanent rider in the Moto3 World Championship now having raced in a series on the Road to MotoGP.
“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program. The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”
The response from MA and Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) members has been phenomenal, with the program over subscribed and applications coming in from nearly every discipline of motorcycle racing as young riders seek an opportunity to be involved.
Entries for 2019 are now closed and the finalists for the inaugural Oceania Junior Cup will be announced shortly.
Adding to today’s exciting news is also confirmation that selected riders from the Oceania Junior Cup will be provided the opportunity of entering the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in 2019.
Experienced in the world of the MotoGP and Moto2, Damian Cudlin is a respected figure in the Australian motorcycle industry and has been announced as the Official Coach for the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
Managing motorcycle coaching and junior road racing along the east coast of Australia for the past few years under the MotoStars banner, and his recent appointment as the Australian Junior Road Race Championship (AJRC) promoter, Cudlin was the obvious choice. Like the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Damian has a vision to open up the sport to a new generation, whilst additionally guiding them down the right path in relation to skills and aptitude.
“The concept is really exciting and it’s what Australia needs! When I first heard about the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, I thought it was a great idea! With what we’re building over at MotoStars with the Australian Junior Road Race Championship, I felt it was a fantastic crossover between the two initiatives. So, I put my hand up straight away to be involved.”
With hopes of developing even younger Australian road racing talent, Cudlin notes that this venture is, “Australia’s chance to have a really great feeder program. I think it’s really important, at this stage of a junior rider’s development, to get the best guidance and training possible. There’s a lot of things you need to prepare for, both on and off the motorcycle. This is our chance to give the kids a really solid grounding and put them a long way ahead of everyone else.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
Urban Moto Imports have announced the pricing for the new Royal Enfield Twins and it is even better than we expected.
The Interceptor 650 will be priced from $8440 with the Custom and Chrome colourways priced at $8640 and $8940 respectively.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 starts at $8640 with a $200 premium for the Custom treatment or an extra $500 for the Chrome edition.
Royal Enfield have also confirmed a three-year warranty and roadside assistance package for their new machines.
Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Royal Enfield Asia Pacific
“We are excited to bring these evocative and fun motorcycles to Australia, which clearly is witnessing an appetite for such offerings that has led to our growth from a mere 150 units to nearly 1000 units in just about 4 years. Now with the launch of the Royal Enfield 650 Twins, riders can have all more fun and pure motorcycling joy on both city roads and on highways, Australia becomes one of the most important markets for us amongst International markets.”
Siddhartha Lal, CEO – Royal Enfield said
“We’ve been on an exciting journey over the last ten years, and believe that we are excellently poised to grow the mid-weight motorcycling segment globally. We have invested in our capabilities, and in building an ecosystem of pure motorcycling lifestyle through gear and apparel, rides and events and other new formats. The launch of the 650 Twin motorcycles adds many more miles to this journey, and is the perfect opportunity to further our ambition of growing the leisure motorcycling market across the world. Keeping these motorcycles accessible is a key objective for us to bring in new people to the Royal Enfield way of pure motorcycling lifestyle. We strongly believe that the 650 Twins will be an attractive, evocative motorcycle for our customers across Australia”
Check out Trev’s comprehensive review of the new Royal Enfield Twins (Here)
#RoyalEnfieldTwins #Interceptor650 #ContinentalGT650 #RoyalEnfield #PureMotorcycling #RidePure
Source: MCNews.com.au
New South Welshman impresses in one-off premier class appearance.
Image: Supplied.
An incredible display from Hayden Mellross in technical conditions at the weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland saw him reach the podium while making his debut aboard Husqvarna’s FC 350.
Mellross, who has previously contested the premier class on a number of occasions over the years, stepped up to SX1 for the New Zealand event in a one-off appearance to close out the year.
The DPH Motorsport Husqvarna ace lodged a stellar 3-4-3 scorecard for second overall, defeating a host of world-class talents including Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and Christian Craig (Geico Honda), who were third and fourth respectively.
“What a way to end my 2018 season,” Mellross commented. “It honestly was a dream to be standing on the podium with Chad [Reed] and Dean [Wilson]. With no pressure, I was looking to have some fun this weekend. I’d never ridden the FC 350 until the Friday, and after making a number of changes I was feeling really comfortable on the bike.
“I knew I would be in the mix, but to take home second overall in my first SX1 race is unbelievable. I can’t thank all those around me – the team, my mechanic, my family, girlfriend and of course my fans and supporters. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”
Mellross finished runner-up in the Australian Supercross Championship SX2 standings, which marked his first campaign aboard Husqvarna machinery.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Fully ventilated yet supplied with a rain jacket in its own dedicated bag, the Ixon Helios summer jacket is a practical option offering style, safety and value.
The highly ventilated panels on the front, back and sleeves allow plenty of cooling airflow in the warm weather, yet the included rain jacket makes the Helios waterproof and windproof. The rain jacket can be worn inside or over the Helios jacket adding further versatility.
With CE-approved armour at the elbows and shoulders, plus a pocket for the rider’s choice of back protector, the Ixon Helios does not compromise protection in the name of summer comfort.
Available for $199.95 RRP the Ixon Helios comes in sizes XS-4XL, with colour options of Black with Yellow & White, or Black with Red & White. See the Ficeda Accessories website for more information, or your local Ixon stockist.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Australian yet to lock in future after claiming Oceania crown in New Zealand.
Image: Supplied.
Newly-crowned Monster Energy S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania champion Chad Reed will have no time to rest on his achievements after dominating the S-X Open Auckland on Saturday night, flying back to the US and preparing for an intensive period of rallying and research in the lead-up to Christmas.
Following an immediate departure to the US via Australia, Reed will fly to Italy later this week to take part in the Rally di Monza for his first official outing in a rally car. Reed, 36, tested a Hyundai i30 rally car in Italy in June in the lead-up to the 2018 Monza Rally.
“I’m really looking forward to jumping in a rally car and having some fun,” Reed told MotoOnline.com.au after his emphatic victory at Mt Smart stadium on Saturday. “It’s only going to be a quick trip, as at some stage in the immediate future I’ll also have to jump on a plane to Charlotte to do some testing.”
Reed, who has been aboard a JGR-prepared Autotrader Yoshimurs Suzuki Factory Racing RM-Z450 since the Monster Energy Cup in October, says the two southern hemisphere outings – the AUS-X Open Sydney and S-X Open Auckland – have provided the team with valuable intel moving forward, but stopped short of saying whether he’s signed to race the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship with the Charlotte-based team.
“I really think these two races gave us really clear information and understanding of our weaknesses, and we need to address those,” Reed elaborated. “We’re all-hands-on-deck, and the information we’ve gathered from Sydney and Auckland will be passed on. Those guys have been working their asses off back there.”
Reflecting on the Oceania supercross championship, Reed had nothing but praise for the AME Management team that overcame significant odds, including more than 20mm of rain earlier in the day, to ensure that Saturday night’s race went ahead as scheduled.
“These guys are still so fresh – this is only their fourth year, and to be presented with scenarios like they encountered, battle against time, live TV and all those things, it made me really proud to be part of the whole event,” he said. “In the US, the Feld guys has been doing it for years and they still don’t always get it right.
“But AME were really receptive when I told them quite straight-up what my opinions were and what I’d learnt from experience. They listened and we were able to put on a great show for the fans, which is ultimately what it’s all about.”
More than 20,000 people attended the inaugural S-X Open in Auckland on Saturday night, in what’s been called the biggest supercross race in Australasian history.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Moto3 world champion undergoes successful surgery in Spain.
Image: Supplied.
Recently-crowned Moto3 world champion Jorge Martin saw his maiden test in the Moto2 category come to a premature end when he crashed during Friday’s opening day in Spain.
Martin quickly adapted to the Moto2 machine, however the crash that occurred in the final session of the day resulted in an injured left humerus and right foot.
The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider successfully underwent an operation in Barcelona to repair the damage, with the Spaniard set to begin the rehabilitation process within four days, and his estimated recovery time is four to six weeks.
“It was a positive day despite the crash and my fracturing two bones in my foot,” said Martin. “We had a great pace and I gradually gained confidence. I was on a very good lap, but chattering caused me to crash. It’s a shame and it makes me very angry to start my time with Red Bull KTM Ajo like this, but being positive it’s better that it happens now rather than in the middle of the season. Now it’s time to work to come back stronger.”
Iker Lecuona was drafted in to complete the test in place of Martin and continue development of the newly-introduced Triumph engine, lodging the 26th fastest time. Martin’s best-time from Friday saw him positioned 23rd on the results sheet.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au