2019 Honda Monkey in Banana Yellow (Photo by Kevin Wing)
They say you meet the nicest people on a Honda…and there are few bikes as nice (or as gosh-darn cute) as the Honda Monkey, with styling inspired by the legendary Z50 and a 125cc air-cooled single borrowed from the best-selling Grom. This thing is so fun, the monkey metaphors write themselves! Check out our video featuring Managing Editor Jenny Smith.
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?
2018 ISDE – Chile
World Trophy Report
Women’s World Trophy Report
Junior World Trophy Report
2018 Paris Supercross – Paris, France
Barcelona Supercross – Spain
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Hamilton
Vialle and Evans Set for 2019 World MX2 Champs
Nagl Returns to Sarholtz KTM
Herlings In for Hawkestone
Wade Young to Roof of Africa 2018
Musquin Injured
Peick Injured
Indian Ready for 2019
ISDE Head to Portugal in 2019
What Racing is Left for 2018?
2018 ISDE – Chile
In conditions similar to the A4DE at Cessnock earlier this year, Australia’s World Trophy Team and Women’s World Trophy Team have sliced their way through the hot and dusty conditions to take their respective class wins at the 2018 ISDE in Chile.
World Trophy Report
After five days of deep ruts, rocks and bulldust, Australia entered day six with a nine minute lead over their closest rivals so with Italy and the United States fastest at the final motocross race, Australia played it safe and crossed the finish line third overall which was more than enough to wrap up the FIM World Trophy Championship.
ISDE 2018 – Team Australia
Milner and Daniel Sanders went 1-2 at the Cessnock A4DE and this wasn’t far from being repeated ahead of the best riders in the world with Milner winning the coveted overall at the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE while Sanders was pipped by 8 seconds for second overall by America’s best at the event in Taylor Robert.
Daniel Milner
“This is a huge result for us. I had a sleepless night last night worrying about the final Motocross race, but it feels awesome that we won. We’ve been so strong as a team all week. Unfortunately, Lyndon Snodgrass dropped out on day two and we knew then how easily things could go wrong. But we never gave up fighting all week – the boys have ridden so, so good. To get this victory, along with the girls winning their class plus myself taking the individual win, is about as good as it gets for Australia and a result that is going to take a very long time to sink in.”
Daniel Milner
Taylor Robert
“It’s been an amazing week. I’m a little disappointed not to take the overall win but all-in-all I am happy with my riding. Days three and four were tough and I struggled a little there but I think everyone did. The tests were so technical, the dust was still a problem and the heat made everything a little worse. Day five went well, but I couldn’t catch Milner – hats off to him, he’s been riding really well out here in Chile. I’m really happy to take the win in my class and second for Team USA in the World Trophy competition is great too.”
Daniel Sanders
“It was a good week for me. I had a few small mistakes here and there during the week, but I am really happy with my speed. This was my first enduro race on the big FE 501 and I’m more than happy with the way it performed all week long. I really enjoyed racing the big bike in Chile. Conditions were tricky with the dust and the last lap of every day seemed like the most challenging one. With the heat coming through, your heart rate is also going up and you need to be strong physically to keep pushing.”
ISDE 2018 – World Trophy team podium
With Lyndon Snodgrass forced out with a mechanical issue early in the event, Australia could not afford another rider to faulter so Josh Strang played his part perfectly with the Husqvarna pilot finishing fourth outright in the E2 class and tenth overall – a truly world class performance.
Josh Strang
“It was a long week of racing here in Chile and I am really happy we managed to get this win. The special tests were fairly good for me all week long. I was battling to remain up front every day. I was quite consistent during the week and managed to stay out of trouble. There were times when I felt that my speed could have been better, but overall, it’s more of an endurance event. More than anything else, the ISDE is a team event and for Team Australia it is perfect to come out on top both in the World Trophy and the Women’s World Trophy standings.”
Josh Strang
The United States had to be content with the runner-up result for 2018 with Italy completing this year’s FIM World Trophy podium in third, while out-going champions France finish fourth, with Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Chile and Germany rounding out the top ten.
World Trophy Team Results ISDE 2018
Australia – 13:40:08:56 : Josh Strang (Husqvarna); Daniel Milner (KTM); Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna); Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM)
USA – 13:47:18:54 : Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna); Taylor Robert (KTM); Steward Baylor (KTM); Zach Bell (Husqvarna)
Italy – 13:50:57:85 : Alex Salvini (Husqvarna); Davide Guarneri (Honda); Thomas Oldrati (Honda); Giacomo Redondi (Honda)
France – 13:57:31:53 : Loïc Larrieu (Yamaha); Christophe Charlier (Beta); Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas); Thomas Dubost (KTM)
Spain – 14:01:18:37 : Victor Guerrero (Yamaha); Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha); Jaume Betriu (KTM); Jonathan Barragan (Gas Gas)
Women’s World Trophy Report
The Australian Women’s World Trophy Team won their sixth consecutive world title by over nine minutes ahead of Team USA while Spain, France and Sweden rounded out the top five.
After five days of enduro racing in blinding dust and stifling heat, day six presented the ladies with a short and fast motocross circuit and it was 2018 GNCC champion Tayla Jones who clocked in the fastest time for Team Australia of 10:23.76, leaving not a shadow of a doubt as to her rightful place as first overall in the class.
ISDE 2018 – Australia’s winning Women’s Team of Tayla Jones, Jessica Gardiner and Mackenzie Tricker
Tayla Jones
“It was a good six days! We had a strong team, we got some good times at the start of the week which really helped overall, and towards the end we stayed consistent which helped reduce the overall stress from the event. I’m really happy to get a sixth consecutive title, which is a new record! I’m also really honoured to get the overall championship! I have won once it before but there is no doubt that the second time is 10 times better. I would like to give a big thank you to the whole Australian team, the supporters, helpers and volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank the whole Women’s World Trophy Team, Mackenzie and Jess, they’re great teammates. I would also like to thank all my supporters and sponsors back home, and everyone who made this possible!”
Jessica Gardiner clocked in the second fastest time of 11:21.54, which has secured her place as fourth overall behind Livia Lancelot from Team France and Brandy Richards from Team USA.
Jessica Gardiner
“It’s day six and finally we’ve gone through a really solid, hard week. The whole Team Australia helped us get through and we’re really happy to become six-time World Champions! It’s not every day that Aussies are six-time World Champions, it takes a lot of consistency and hard work. I couldn’t be happier have ridden with Mackenzie and Tayla, they’re great teammates and they’ve made it a lot of fun all week!”
Jessica Gardiner – Image by Dario Agrati
With a first time ISDE Women’s World Trophy title under her belt, Mackenzie Tricker was elated to be part of Team Australia’s dominance of ISDE 2018.
Mackenzie Tricker
“It was my first ISDE, and it started off pretty good in day one and two, but as the week went on, I felt like I went downhill. As we moved closer to day six, I just tried to salvage what I could and finish, but I felt pretty rough. I am absolutely stoked to have finished the event and have learnt a lot in the process. I was part of a great team and in the end, we were able to get the win!”
Mackenzie Tricker – Image by Dario Agrati
Women’s World Trophy ISDE Results
Australia – 10:26:54:17 : Tayla Jones (Husqvarna); Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha); Tricker Mackenzie (KTM)
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Junior World Trophy Report
The Italian team of Andrea Verona (TM), Matteo Cavallo (Beta) and Davide Soreca (TM) ended a ten-year winless streak to take out the 2018 FIM Junior World Trophy championship ahead of the USA, France, Chile, Australia and Sweden.
Andrea Verona
“It’s just an unbelievable feeling. We knew coming into Chile that we could fight for the win, but we never imagined the entire week would go as well as it has. Last year we were just fifteen seconds behind France at the finish, so to win this year is great. Every day we pushed hard and never settled for position and I think that showed by only losing one day. It’s been ten years since Italy last won this class so that’s special too.”
Fraser Higlett – Image by Sarah Kinrade
Despite having to push his bike over the line at the final motocross test, Fraser Higlet was the best of the Australia’s Junior riders with a ninth in the E1 class and a more than credible 38th outright while Andrew Wilksch and Thomas Mason battled through the never-ending dust to finish 49th and 51st respectively out of the 82 finishers.
Junior Trophy Overall
Italy 13:58:35.51
USA 14:02:33.01
France 14:17:21.98
Chile 14:19:45.09
Australia 14:35:58.82
Enduro 1
Andrea Verona (TM) 4:37:32.45
Davide Guarneri (Honda) 4:38:07.91
Victor Guerrero (Yamaha) 4:39:04.06
Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna) 4:40:00.41…9. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna) 4:48:36.03
Enduro 2
Taylor Robert (KTM) 4:31:47.96
Steward Baylor (KTM) 4:37:01.50
Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 4:37:58.89
Josh Strang (Husqvarna) 4:38:18.86
Enduro 3
Daniel Milner (KTM) 4:29:53.48
Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna) 4:31:56.22
Giacomo Redondi (Honda) 4:37:17.18 …15. Andrew Wilksch …16. Thomas Mason
Enduro Women
Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) 5:08:48.18
Brandy Richards (Husqvarna) 5:11:43.87
Livia Lancelot (Honda) 5:13:24.78
Jess Gardner…9. Mackenzie Tricker
2018 Paris Supercross – Paris, France
In his debut at the event and just a week after winning AUS-X Open in Sydney, reigning US Supercross champion Jason Anderson has been crowned King of Bercy in Paris last weekend while Dylan Ferrandis got a huge support from the fans to get a podium result between Anderson and Zach Osborne.
2018 Paris Supercross – Jason Anderson tops the podium
Jason Anderson dominated the French Supercross, just missing two wins in the six races ever the two nights of racing after French hero Dylan Ferrandis won the second race on Saturday night before teammate Zach Osborne won the first sprint race on Sunday.
Jason Anderson
“The race was tough with some close racing on both nights and I’m happy with the overall win. The motos were short and I had to work a bit harder to make things happen. My lap times were not that good in qualifying and the superpole, but I was very happy with my speed in the motos and that’s what matters the most. I showed some good racecraft this weekend and that’s positive. I’m heading back to the US now. I hope I can come back even stronger for A1.”
2018 Paris Supercross – Jason Anderson
Just a month after winning the Marseille Supercross in his first race on a 450 since a long time, Dylan Ferrandis also confirmed his great shape as he got a podium result each night to finish runner up in the overall classification.
Third overall Zach Osborne also got great results for one if his first race in the 450 class, but unfortunately lost all his chances with a puncture in the main event on Sunday while fourth and fifth went to Honda teammates Vince Friese and Justin Brayton who also helped the US Team to win the Nations classification,a win the riders dedicated to Weston Peick who was injured on Saturday.
Zach Osborne
“It was my first race as an official 450 rider and I felt really good on my new bike. Overall, it’s been a really positive weekend for me and it was good to get third in the overall. In the last moto on Sunday I was running in second but had a flat tyre that dropped me behind. I have a very positive feeling so far in this off-season and I’m looking forward to the Geneva Supercross in two weeks time. I believe the track over in Geneva will suit my style more and I can battle for some good results there.”
2018 Paris Supercross – Zach Osborne
King of Paris Overall (SX1) – Combined Results (Sat & Sun)
Jason Anderson 1-3-1-3-1-1 : 10
Dylan Ferrandis 3-1-4-10-4-2 : 24
Zach Osborne 6-2-2-1-2-12 : 25
Vince Friese 4-5-6-2-5-4 : 26
Justin Brayton 9-6-3-4-3-3 : 28
Jordi Tixier 8-7-5-15-5-8-7 : 48
Justin Hill 5-27-7-9-6-5 : 49
Cedric Soubeyras 13-8-15-5-8-7 : 56
Fabien Izoird 7-10-9-8-13-15 : 62
Ben LaMay 11-15-12-6-11-11 : 66
Americans also dominate the SX2 category with the new Prince of Paris in Jace Own who won three races and was runner up in the three others (1/2/1 and 2/1/2) while AUS-X SX2 class winner Cameron McAdoo (4/1/3 and 3/2/5) took out second place ahead of Frenchmen Adrien Escoffier (2/4/2 and 5/3/3) and Thomas Do (6/3/6 and 6/4/1).
Prince Of Paris (SX2) – Combined Results (Sat & Sun)
Jace Owen 1-2-1-2-1-2 : 9
Cameron McAdoo 4-1-3-3-2-5 : 18
Adrien Escoffier 2-4-2-5-3-3 : 19
Thomas Do 6-3-6-6-4-1 : 26
Anthony Bourdon 3-5-8-1-13-6 : 36
Brian Moreau 5-7-5-8-9-8 : 42
Pierre Lozzi 13-8-4-4-8-7 : 44
Lorenzo Camporese 7-6-7-9-6-14 : 49
Julien Roussaly 9-17-11-7-5-4 : 53
Calvin Fonvieille 12-9-9-10-7-9 : 56
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Barcelona Supercross – Spain
In the Triple Crown-style format (three main events) at the Barcelona Supercross it was Josh Grant who won the first two and finished second in the third to take the overall by one point over Stewart, who went 2-2-1 while Charles LeFrancois finished third overall.
Josh Grant wins the Barcelona SX 2018
SX1 Overall
Josh Grant
Malcolm Stewart
Charles Lefrancois
Dominique Thury
Joan Cros
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Hamilton
The final round of the supercross portion of the inaugural Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Championship wrapped up last Saturday night in Hamilton, Canada and it was Cole Thompson and Jess Pettis who wrapped up the SX1 and SX2 championships respectively.
Cole Thompson, who already claimed the $100,000 as the overall series winner, won the SX1 main event and the supercross title with Phil Nicoletti and Matt Goerke filling the podium while in the SX2 class Shawn Maffenbeier claimed the win over Tanner Ward and the new champion Jess Pettis.
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross 2018 – Cole Thompson
SX1 Overall
Cole Thompson
Phil Nicoletti
Matt Goerke
Daniel Herrlein
Mike Alessi
SX1 Championship Standings (Final)
Cole Thompson – 113
Phil Nicoletti – 92
Matt Goerke – 83
Cody Vanbuskirk – 76
Colton Facciotti – 74
SX2 Overall
Shawn Maffenbeier
Tanner Ward
Jess Pettis
Cade Clason
Marco Cannella
SX2 Championship Standings (Final)
Jess Pettis 115
Shawn Maffenbeier – 107
Logan Karnow – 99
Marco Cannella – 86
Tanner Ward – 86
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Vialle and Evans Set for 2019 World MX2 Champs
The 2019 World MX2 Motocross Championships will have two new faces on the start grid in 2019 with second generation French rider Tom Vialle and Aussie talent Mitch Evans signing with separate teams last week.
Vialle, son of former GP winner and title contender Frederic, will join World Champion Jorge Prado on the factory KTM 250 SX-F after a moto victory, five top-three race finishes and three podiums in the 2018 EMX250 European Championship.
Tom Vialle
“I want to thank all the people who have helped make this opportunity with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing possible. It is a great to be joining the best team in the world for my first year in MX2! Being next to champions and race winners like Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado doesn’t bother me because I know it is a perfect chance to be learning from the fastest. I cannot wait to get started and to progress as much as I can.”
Tom Vialle to 2019 World MX2 – With Joel Smets
Evans finished second to Dean Ferris in this years Australian MX Nationals before turning heads at the MXoN at Red Bud with 10-14 moto finishes for 8th outright in the Open class which has reportedly landed the Aussie with a ride with the same team that Hunter Lawrence rode for this year.
Nagl Returns to Sarholtz KTM
Max Nagl is back where it all started at the beginning of his long and successful career with a German star returning to the Sarholtz KTM racing team for the 2019 MXGP Championships and the ADAC MX Masters.
Max Nagl
“With Burkhard and Edith everything started. With this team I celebrated my first great successes. Everything started with the 85cc machine and then ended with the change to KTM factory in 2008. I am mega happy that it is now going back and we together with the help of KTM and our partners a great package, I am sure for the upcoming season! We want to fight a successful season together, look forward to the front and stack everything together. We want to go for the ADAC MX Masters title and get good results in the MXGP championship.”
Max Nagl returns to the Sarholtz KTM team in 2019
Herlings In for Hawkstone
HIMX are delighted to announce that they have signed factory Red Bull KTM rider and 2018 MX1 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings for the Be Wiser – Bridgestone Hawkstone International on the 17th February 2019.
Jeffrey Herlings
“I’m super excited to come back to race at Hawkstone Park International on the 17th February. It’s a beautiful track and always a pleasure to come and race there. The fans are amazing every year when I raced there and hopefully we can fight again for the win in 2019 as we did in previous years. I want to give a big thank you to SMC for having me back and see you all in February!”
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Gary Ford – SMC
“Getting Jeffrey back to our event as World Champion is fantastic news. He’s always been a big supporter of Hawkstone and it is great he will be back in February. He always puts on a good show whenever he comes to Hawkstone Park and it is great news for the fans.
Also confirmed are Brits Tommy Searle and Max Anstie plus Rockstar Husqvarna riders Jed Beaton and Thomas Kjer Olsen.
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Wade Young to Roof of Africa 2018
It’s been a huge year for extreme enduro star Wade Young with victories at prestigious events including Red Bull Romaniacs, Megawatt and Sea To Sky. Young’s recent victory at the Wildwood Rock Extreme in Melbourne saw thousands of fans witness the South African decimate the competition.
Wade Young with Sherco Factory mechanic Franck Boulissett and Sherco Australia’s Derek Grundy and Glenn Granger
Young’s Wildwood Rock Extreme victory proved to be a stern lead-up to the 2018 Roof of Africa which will begin on December 5 in the Kingdom of Lesotho. With previous victories at the Roof of Africa, Young is determined to finish off his 2018 racing year with another hometown victory at what is widely regarded as the Mother of Hard Enduro.
Young’s dominating display at the Wildwood Rock Extreme earnt him a massive 10-minute margin from the nearest competitor, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. Young was inundated with fans seeking selfies, autographs and the chance to talk immediately after the race.
Wade Young
“I was very happy to take the win at Wildwood,” explained Young. “I like racing this event. The crowd was amazing and even through this race is a different format to the usual extreme events I race, it’s quite intense. The track is relentless and quite tricky in places but I really enjoyed it. Sherco Australia provided me with a great bike and it was a nice victory.”
Wade Young on his way to Wildwood Rock Extreme victory
Young raced a 2019 model Sherco 300 SE-R Racing at Wildwood Rock Extreme, proving that the standard engine and suspension package is a winning formula.
Musquin Out – Hill and Peick In
Defending King of Paris, Marvin Musquin was forced to sit out last weekend’s Paris Supercross after picking up a knee injury. Below is a press release from the event organizers.
“While he was conducting a final testing session before his departure for France and the big meeting of the Arena Paris-La Defense this weekend, Marvin Musquin unfortunately suffered a knee injury that has forced to withdraw! The organizers made a last-minute replacement with Weston Peick and Justin Hill.
Marvin Musquin injured – Image by Jeff Kardas
“It was an obviously disappointed Marvin who made the news to the organizers: the prospect of being able to challenge the World Champion, Jason Anderson, for once on the soil of his country, was a challenge that was particularly close to his heart. The exact severity of the injury is not yet known and Marvin needs to consult his trusted doctor before knowing how much it will impact his program beyond the Paris Supercross.
“The organizers are looking for pilots likely to replace Marvin, at short notice, their co-headlining which, with such a short time, was obviously a challenge. The official Suzuki team Joe Gibbs Racing, however, rose to the challenge and upset its program to allow both of its flagship drivers to participate. Weston Peick, King of Lille 2015 and Justin Hill, champion SX 250 2017, will jump on a plane in a few hours with luggage filled with factory parts they will ride on brand new RMZ 2019 made available by Suzuki France and the Amexio Team of Nicolas Aubin.”
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Peick Injured
Weston Peick is currently in a local hospital in France after a serious crash at the Paris Supercross where the stocky American collided with Dylan Ferrandis in the third SX1 main event and went down and was then landed on by Cedric Soubeyras.
Peick was immediately taken to the hospital and according to local sources has facial injuries that will more than likely need surgery.
Indian Ready for 2019
Indian announced its 2019 team with Jared Mees, who has won the last two AFT Twins Championships with Indian ready to do battle once again this time with brothers Briar and Bronson Bauman as his teammates while Brad Baker, who was paralysed in a practice crash at X Games last year, returns to the team as technical advisor and rider coach.
Bryan Smith’s Indian FTR
AFT has announced new rules for the 2019 season that would benefit a production-based machine that can now be bored-and-stroked to 900cc instead of 750, and they can run larger throttle bodies. Indian is okay with the larger displacement, but not happy with the new throttle body rule.
Indian take serious issue with the third rule change – allowing production engines to increase from 38mm throttle bodies to 40mm. This rule excludes Indian Motorcycle Racing, because the Scout FTR750 is not a street legal production motorcycle. Not only does the rule singularly handicap Indian Motorcycle, it represents a significant impairment of our ability to compete on an equal level with every other team in the paddock, specifically on mile tracks.
Jared Mees
Indian said it has no issue with the new displacement rules, nor new fuel rules put in place for 2019. Although Indian doesn’t like the fuel-body change, it will still go racing with full commitment, “Despite these changes, we will attack 2019 with the same competitive focus and determination that resulted in back-to-back championships over the past two years.”
FIM ISDE heads to Portugal for 2019
With winning celebrations now complete at the 2018 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Chile, plans are already in place for the 2019 edition in Portugal.
After a ten-year absence, the FIM’s longest-sanctioned off-road motorcycle competition returns to Portugal for the first time since 2009.
2019’s edition of the ISDE will head to Portugal – Image by Dario Agrati
Situated in the south of the country, the beautiful Algarve city of Portimão and its World-renowned Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will host to the ninety-fourth running of FIM ISDE.
With its large, purpose-built facility, the international motor racing circuit will act as the paddock and centre hub of activity for the race while utilising the surrounding mountainsides, three unique routes will be laid out incorporating a wide range of terrain for riders to contest.
The opening two days will be predominantly sandy, while days three, four and five offer a contrasting character of forest and rocky terrain that will take riders into the country’s highest mountain range.
Daily routes are expected to be around three-hundred kilometres each in length, ensuring both riders and machines will be tested to their absolute limits, while also enjoying breath taking scenery.
With the official date yet to be confirmed, the ninety-fourth edition of the FIM ISDE is expected to be held between late October and early November.
ISDE 2018 – Image by Dario Agrati
What Racing is Left for 2018?
The Aussies kicked everyone’s arse at the ISDE last week so with that event done and dusted we now look to the SX Open in Auckland this coming weekend – 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
2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
Geneva Supercross – Nov. 30/Dec. 1 – Switzerland
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Timber bridges add authenticity to a rural ride, but they can be a particular danger to riders with longitudinal planks, rotting wood and exposed spikes.
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says one in five of these local timber bridges are in poor condition and there is an extensive backlog of bridges that need fixing.
They have called for permanency of the Federal Bridges Renewal Program to help fix or replace local timber bridges.
ALGA President Mayor David O’Loughlin says that despite increased investment to renew bridges and the continued effort of councils to extend the life of their ageing assets, the backlog of bridges in poor condition remain largely unchanged.
“Councils are doing their best to bring these bridges up to a reasonable condition but this report shows that the scale of the problem is beyond the current resources and revenue streams available to councils,” David says.
“The Bridges Renewal Program has proved to be a very successful and important partnership between the Commonwealth and councils to improve road safety and freight productivity; more than 205 local bridges have been fixed using around $120 million of Commonwealth funding.
“Councils are keen to continue this partnership to deliver this important work and are calling for the program to be made permanent.”
Timber bridges replaced
Old timber bridge
New concrete bridge
Earlier this year the famed Lions Rd crossing the NSW-Queensland border was reopened after 18 months of bridgework that required replacing timber bridges with concrete constructions.
Kyogle Council received $2 million through the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal program to replace the timber bridges, five of which have load limits between 2 and 25 tonnes imposed on them.
However, the ALGA is calling fr an end to the uncertainty of the Bridges Renewal Program.
They say further budgetary pressure has been placed on them with Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) declining steadily over the past 20 years.
It has fallen from 1% of Commonwealth Taxation Revenue in 1996 to just 0.55% today.
David says the short fall in FAGs funding has been “swept under the rug for too long and the impact has been most acutely felt in regional and remote councils throughout Australia”.
“The Bridges Renewal program helps tackle the backlog in fixing bridges, but a fairer share of Commonwealth taxes is vital to restoring sustainable levels of funding in the longer term, particularly for our regional and remote communities,” he says.
“That is why we are also calling for a restoration of the FAGs funding levels back to at least 1% of CTR to ensure our councils are adequately resourced to provide, maintain and renew the infrastructure and services our communities deserve.”
Following the 2018 final round at Valencia, a Moto2 press conference was held to shed further light on the Triumph 765 powered class for the 2019 season ahead of the Jerez test this weekend, discussing the engine, electronics and aims for the class in the new year.
Triumph Moto2 – Image by AJRN
Moto2 was born in 2010 and after nine seasons, 2019 heralds a new era, with the Triumph Moto2 765cc powered racer just around the corner.
Triumph Chief Engineer Stuart Wood, Technical Director from ExternPro Trevor Morris, Magneti Marelli Motorsport Bike Systems Manager Marco Venturi and MotoGP Director of Technology Corrado Cecchinelli gathered and talked through the project, the new ECUs and the goal for the intermediate class. First to speak was Stuart Wood of Triumph.
Stuart Wood – Triumph Chief Engineer
“The engine is built to develop more power torque and revs, less inertia and is lighter weight. There are more than 80 new components. Our testing and development has had three major phases. Development work has been going on for two years; rig testing and a lot of track testing. We’ve done over two and a half thousands race pace laps at a range of circuits and much more than that on development rigs.
“We now have an engine that’s reliable, consistent and is producing 140 PS. So that’s a good step and a step for the championship but more than that you have completely different torque delivery with much more throughout the whole rev range. That’s the character of the triple and that’s what we think will make this so exciting.”
The Moto2 engine from Triumph
Triumph signed the three-year contract with Dorna and MotoGP to supply the dedicated race-tuned 765cc Triumph triple engine based on the powerplant from the latest generation of Triumph Street Triple. Based on the highest specification 765cc powerplant from the Street Triple RS, it has been developed for Moto2 with the following modifications:
Modified cylinder head with revised inlet and exhaust ports
Titanium valves and stiffer valve springs for increased rpm
New crank
New pistons
New con-rods and balancer shaft
Nikasil plated aluminium barrels
Revised gearbox
Low Output race kit alternator for reduced inertia
Race developed slipper clutch which will be tuneable
Revised engine covers for reduced width
Different sump to allow for improved header run
Triumph’s 765cc triple-cylinder Moto2 powerplant
Next to speak was MotoGP Technical Director Corrado Cecchinelli, who delved more into the reasoning behind the change, a lot of which comes down to the technical content of the class and positioning Moto2 correctly between the lightweight class and the premier class.
Corrado Cecchinelli – MotoGP Technical Director
“It’s an important step and I’m happy to be here for this exciting moment. Moto2 has been a success so far and for sure this series has some content we have to make sure we don’t lose like fair racing, a good show, and budget sensitivity. We have to be careful not to build a category where if a huge spender comes, he can win everything. So there are things to lose but a lot to gain.
“We expect some performance improvement but that’s not exactly the goal. We don’t have a problem with performance, what we’re looking for with this new engine is to take a step in terms of the technical content of Moto2. Ride-by-wire is what helps us really make a step because it introduces different concepts of torque management, for the first time staff and riders will learn in Moto2 that there’s a chance to make the engine do what you like.”
Technical Director from ExternPro Trevor Morris, MotoGP Director of Technology Corrado Cecchinelli, Triumph Chief Engineer Stuart Wood, Magneti Marelli Motorsport Bike Systems Manager Marco Venturi
Corrado Cecchinelli further described the goal with torque maps and engine braking as being, “Something more than Moto3 but delivered in an easier format than MotoGP.”
Marco Venturi of Magneti Marelli was the next man on the mic, talking of the Moto2 Electronic Control System Kit
Marco Venturi – Magneti Marelli
“This has been a big challenge for us because the request was to improve the level of technology and the technical level of Moto2. The knowledge on how to build it and what to select directly comes from our experience matured in MotoGP. We’ve tried to make the Moto2 closer to MotoGP, from the choice of the parts and the performance of the parts.
“We’ve worked on the system for more than a year, on the test bench on ExternPro premises and we made additional steps on bikes, working on bikes prepared for the occasion and following some tests for different chassis manufacturers. Some work on the running road, and finally some tests on track to make optimum calibrations. We are starting to use the system and we’ll see when it’s in the hands of the teams, I think it will improve their performance and knowledge of the bike and make Moto2 closer to MotoGP.”
The Moto2 Electronic Control System Kit
Finally, Trevor Morris from ExternPro explained the new era had been a little while coming…
Trevor Morris – ExternPro
“We could see what we needed to go forward in Moto2, and the work we’ve been doing over the last few years… it started a few years ago when we wanted to find a replacement engine. The Honda engine served its purpose very well, but we knew we had to move forward. The Triumph engine was so easy to choose.”
Moto2 head out for their first Official Test of the new era from the 23rd to 25th November at Jerez.
Triumph Moto2 engine handover complete prior to November Jerez Test
The widow of a rider killed when he hit wire rope barriers has urged riders to vote in this weekend’s Victorian election for the party that pledges to improve the state’s roads.
Jan White was speaking at the Bad Roads Rally in Bendigo at the weekend.
Jan says the most important issue to her is halting the rollout of wire rope barriers while a “proper safety review” is undertaken in consultation with motorcycle groups.
“This would have to include a review of our accident reporting systems in my strong view,” she says.
“I want to see the promise of action to make all roads safe for all vehicles on our roads, no matter if four wheels or two.”
MP Peter Walsh told the rally that if they attained government they would also restart the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into VIicRoads management of country roads.
On the same day as the rally, Victorian Police called for doctors to dob in old drivers and riders that they deemed unfit, lower speed limits and deploy more speed cameras.
Here is the full text of Jan’s speech:
Jan speaks at the rally
I speak today in memory of my husband Phil White and on behalf of our children, Madison, Molly, Raechel, Shane, Danielle and Chris, our family and friends. The pain of knowing how Phil died is indescribable.
On 5th November last year Phil was thrown from his motorbike and into the wire rope barriers where he died.
Make no mistake, he did not die from his bike hitting a dead kangaroo on the road. He died upon impacting the wire rope barriers.
He had no chance at all of surviving that day.The wire rope barriers hemmed him in and were directly in his path. It could have, and should have, been different. He should have come home to us that day.
None of us will ever be the same.I have read each and every witness statement of the events of that morning and there should be no confusion, there is no confusion of what took Phils life.And yet, there is no mention officially implicating the wire rope barriers in my husbands death.
Phil’s cause of death is officially listed as ” a result of multiple injuries caused from a mototcycle incident.”
We ask, where is the justice in this?Systems need to be changed.
How many other deaths have there been to the wire rope barriers where the true cause of death is lost or filtered amidst the trail of forms, reports and people?
There can no truth in the statistics we are fed. There is no truth in them.
Wire rope barriers
In our view — Phil White’s grieving family — the road authorities have much to answer for.
They created the only roadside hazard in that area; already known by Vic Roads to be potentially lethal to a motorcyclist. Yet there it was, the hazard that brutally stole the next 20– 30 years oflife from Phil and from us all. The years that he was looking forward to. Gone in an instant.
And so, we stand united today, in memory of the unjust death of our husband and father and on behalf of all road users , demanding a change to the wrongs of our governing road authorities and government.
We demand the respect and consideration that we deserve as voting road users
We demand the duty of care that is our right as voting road users
We demand the right to be safe when we travel our roads as voting road users
Not just for some, but for all.
We say to you: We will not forgive, we will not forget and we will not give up.
For our husband, father and friend,Phil White, and for all others already tragically lost to our bad roads.
CRP highlights some of the carbon-composite and aluminum structures it helped produce for the Energica Bolid-E, introduced at EICMA 2018.
Begin press release:
The mobility revolution on two wheels has begun. At EICMA 2018 Bolid-E has been introduced, a functional motorbike prototype conceived by Energica Motor Company S.p.A.
It is linked to Smart Ride, the cutting-edge project managed and developed in all its phases in Italy by Samsung Electronics Italia and Energica, which offers a new way of experiencing motorbikes.
Designed starting from the electric old-style Eva EsseEsse9 (the newly proclaimed Best Electric Bike of the Year 2018), Bolid-E is a speed machine which boosts the concept of speed. Bolid-E is a futuristic motorbike in which Samsung Electronics Italia technologies and Energica’s expertise came together successfully.
Bolid-E presents parts and applications manufactured by CRP Meccanica and CRP Technology, the leading companies -respectively- in the field of subtractive manufacturing (high precision CNC machining) and additive manufacturing technologies (professional 3D printing and Selective Laser Sintering with Windform® composites materials) lead by Livia and Franco Cevolini.
The strong relationship between CRP Meccanica, CRP Technology and Energica Motor Company is strengthened in Bolid-E. Franco Cevolini, CTO of CRP Meccanica and CRP Technology, and President of Energica Motor Company S.p.A., stated, “Energica was born in the Italian Motor Valley from an entrepreneurial vision of my family. From over 50 years CRP has been anticipating the technological demands of the most competitive and advanced sectors and customers, from F1 to key space industry leaders: CRP Meccanica and CRP Technology are the companies that first develop solutions that revolutionize the world”.
Parts manufactured by CRP: Professional 3D Printing used for headlights support
Many components and parts were manufactured by CRP Technology, such as front and back headlights/Tail light support. Headlights have strong impact: with their hollow profile, emphasize the sensation of speed and getting permeated by the wind. The headlights support is an application of great importance: it must guarantee resistance, safety and reliability, and had to be manufactured through state-of-the-art technology and using advanced materials that successfully withstand the design requirements set forth by its intended use.
For the construction of the Bolid-E front and back headlights support, Energica engineers and designers relied on Selective Laser Sintering technology and Windform XT 2.0 Carbon-composite material, both supplied by CRP Technology.
High precision CNC machining for structural support of the seat
Many parts of the Bolid-E motorbike functional prototype have been manufactured by CRP Meccanica via Subtractive Manufacturing and high precision CNC machining. Among these, the structural support of the seat. It is made of Aluminum alloy.
Ducati and Casey Stoner will not continue the collaboration agreement that has seen them work together since 2016.
The accord had been stipulated on a three-year basis (2016-2018) and in these three years, thanks also to Casey’s important contribution, Ducati has constantly improved the performance of the Desmosedici GP, which is now considered to be one of the most competitive bikes in the MotoGP World Championship.
The collaboration between Ducati and Stoner also contributed to the final development of the Panigale V4, as well as offering important suggestions for the development of other bikes currently in the Ducati range. In his role as Ducati ‘brand ambassador’, Casey was one of the undisputed stars of the last two editions of WDW (World Ducati Week) in 2016 and 2018, in which the Australian champion actively took part, and where he was greeted with incredible signs of affection by Ducatisti from all over the world.
“Casey is and will always remain in the hearts of Ducatisti and it is also on their behalf that we wish to thank him for the important collaboration he has offered us over the last three years,” commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. “His technical indications and suggestions, together with the work and the feedback of the factory riders and Michele Pirro, have helped to make the Desmosedici GP one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and his advice for the development of our production bikes has been just as precious and useful. Ducati and its many fans wish to offer their sincere thanks and their best wishes to Casey and his family for a serene and happy future.”
“I want to thank Ducati for the great memories and especially the support and enthusiasm of the Ducati fans for our shared passion for racing and motorcycling, I’ll always remember this,“ added Casey Stoner. “Over the past three years I have really enjoyed doing my job with the test team, the engineers and technicians, as we worked towards improving the Desmosedici GP package and I sincerely want to wish the team all the very best for their future endeavours.”
I was always a fan of the F800, but this all-new 2019 BMW F850GS takes everything I liked about the original middleweight adventure bike and makes it even better. The F850GS is intended to bridge the gap between the low-tech 800GS and the high-tech R1200GS models by combining the technological advancements of the big bikes with a redesigned platform that is even more capable on the dirt and more comfortable on the street. The goal is to create an adventure bike that appeals to a wider cross section of motorcyclists including new and existing ADV riders.
Both the 2019 F750GS and this F850GS are built around the same frame and 853cc parallel-twin engine with a six-speed wide-ratio transmission that utilizes a slipper clutch that is light at the lever and looks great on the spec sheet. It also has a standard quickshifter that just adds to list of impressive hardware along with the electronic rider-assist technology that takes a page right out of the 1200GS playbook.
At the heart of the changes to the bigger engine is the 270-degree firing order and 90-degree offset crankpins that combine to create a sweet-sounding exhaust note from the single sporty exhaust. Note that the muffler is now on the right side so that you can maneuver the bike from the left side without burning your gear. Meanwhile the dual counterbalancers subdue the vibrations inherent from those changes and as a result it feels smooth when you’re droning out on the boring sections of the highway, yet peppy enough to get your blood pumping when you’re connecting the twisty sections.
With a claimed 90-hp and 60-plus pound-feet of torque on tap, the 850 has just enough motor to keep most of you gearheads entertained. The power comes on low in the rpm which gives it the necessary grunt to get you up steep hills at low speeds, and since the powerband is so linear it’s easy to modulate the power delivery when you’re in tricky off-road conditions like mud, gravel, and loose rocks. But it’s not perfect…
In the dirt the linear power and heavy weight (500 pounds) make it tough to unweight the front wheel. If you ride hard enough, you’ll come across situations where it would be nice to simply dab the clutch and blip the throttle so you can loft the front end over an obstacle, but that’s the price you have to pay for the otherwise comfortable riding experience. Fortunately, the 850 offers almost 10 inches of ground clearance so, if you can relax and ride it like a big adventure bike, you probably won’t run into this situation.
The problem is, the F850GS feels like a big dirt bike and it handles so well that it compels you to ride it harder than you should. Thankfully, it has a chassis that is up to the task. With its new steel bridge frame, 43mm inverted fork, cross-spoke wheels, and Continental TKC 80 dual-sport tires (21-inch front, 17-inch rear) you might be forgiven for forgetting it’s not an enduro. Still, we logged at least 100 miles off road through the canyons of Gateway, Colorado, skirting along the northern edge of the red rocks of Moab with a big-ass grin on my face.
Our test units were equipped with the optional Premium package ($3,450) with the Ride Mode Pro option and I cannot think of any reason why an F850GS wouldn’t be equipped like this. The Enduro Pro mode provides a long list of useful features that make the 850 riding experience awesome. Enduro Pro removes the ABS from the rear wheel, while reducing traction control and ABS to a predetermined algorithm that is intended to make the off-road capability that much better. There are so many configurations and packages available just go for the most expensive setup and call it good. Trust me. While I usually shy away from these electronic packages, I found this setup impressive.
You’ll notice most of the off-road photos that I’m riding in the standing position. The wide, tall bars and serrated pegs are tailored to the off-road rider. They make it easy to manhandle the bike in the rough stuff and make it comfortable when you are standing as well. It feels well balanced, and part of that can be attributed to the relocated fuel cell that’s now just a traditional 4-gallon gas tank rather than residing under the seat, which now creates a near-perfect 49/51 front-to-rear weight distribution.
You may also notice that I am short at only 5 feet, 8 inches, and the GS is quite tall with a seat height of 33.9 inches. There are optional lower seats as well as a suspension lowering kit if you can’t hack it, but the tall stock setup feels so good that even though it’s a balancing act to touch the ground, I’d be hard-pressed to change it.
By the time we sloshed through three dozen water crossings on the way out of the red-rock canyon and made our way to lunch, my feet were wet but I was more than impressed with how well the bike performs in the dirt. After a quick break we were hitting the pavement to see if the new GS is as good on the street.
Right away it was apparent BMW has hit this one out of the ballpark. The 850 handles great and with the optional drive modes and ESA at our disposal it was fun to fine-tune the bike for the road ahead. I found the brakes to be even better on the street too, with good power and decent feel as we gobbled up corners while climbing higher and higher into the mountains.
The F850 is quite comfy on the street thanks to its well-formed seat and relaxed riding position. Every component from the multifunction selector wheel on the left handlebar to the large, easy-to-read TFT dash and lever position all feel well thought out. The bars are tall and the distance to the pegs didn’t cramp my stubby legs, plus the windshield is just tall enough to break the oncoming wind and offer a decent protection to my upper body from the elements. It all helps make the ride easy and enjoyable so you can take time to either soak in the scenery or whip it through the turns. I was trying to do both.
At some point, it started to get chilly. I saw an indicated 40 degrees on the TFT dash but it was decreasing rapidly into the 30s. After that, raindrops dotted my visor as the dark clouds blowing in from the south began covering the summit we were heading toward. Moments later, we rode into a steady mix of rain and snow that, while it sucked, added an element of excitement to an already wild ride. Those heated grips and brush guards were a blessing.
I could whine about the weather but instead I decided to switch the bike in Rain mode and put those rider-assist technologies to the test. I rode just hard enough to get the ABS and TC to kick in, which in turn revealed that you have to be a numbskull to ride so aggressively in the wet. In a nutshell, the BMW ABS and TC systems are impressive. Riding a bike with any sort of safety net in these conditions is worth more than the $16,920 price tag of a fully loaded 2019 F850GS like this one.
By the time the snow gave way to a light rain, we had safely made our way from the mountains and back into the foothills. The rain subsided for the most part and all we had to contend with was the cold. Fortunately, the GS actually provides decent protection from the elements on every part of my body except for my lower legs and at this point we were on our way home.
The final 45-minute ride back to base solidified the new F850GS as a worthy replacement for the venerable F800GS. The new bike is more comfortable, it’s faster, and its engine has more character which in turn gives the bike more character. Plus it handles like a sport-touring bike even though it has knobby tires, so there is not much to complain about.
Overall I came away impressed with both the 750 and the 850, but it is the new F850GS that takes the cake. It’s a near perfect combination of dirtworthiness and on-road performance that is destined to make it one of the best adventure bikes on the market right now. Add into the mix the smooth and entertaining engine, incredible performance packages along with that badass GS look and you have a motorcycle that is ready to take you to the ends of the earth and back in style and comfort that is unique to the BMW brand. This is all a combination that’s hard to get from any motorcycle, so if you are looking for an excuse to get into the sport of adventure motorcycles or to replace your old one, then you owe it to yourself to check out the 2019 BMW F850GS.
Repsol Honda rider concludes career with treacherous conditions in Spain.
Image: Supplied.
Dani Pedrosa has farewelled his racing career with a fifth place finish at Valencia’s final round of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship in Spain yesterday.
Treacherous conditions and a red flag made for a dramatic outgoing, although the experienced Spaniard escaped the chaos to complete his last ever race in what was one of his stronger performances of the year, ultimately winding up 11th in the championship standings.
“For sure I had a particular feeling before today’s race, knowing that the moment of my final race had arrived,” Pedrosa explained. “Well, actually it turned out that I had two! Unfortunately the weather was really tricky. In both races, I struggled so much with the rear and couldn’t really get on the gas.
“I was actually expecting to have a better feeling in the second race, as there was less water on the track. But we changed the tyres and I had no grip, so I could only try and finish the race with no crashes. It’s a bit of a shame, but when I got back to the pits, I found everybody waiting for me—the team, my family, my people—and there was a very emotional atmosphere.
“I was pleased to see their emotion. It meant a lot to me. Now I’ll have several events to attend, but after that I’ll try and have some time to myself and relax a bit before next year.”
Australian contender to join youthful talent Mackenzie next season.
Image: Supplied.
McAms Yamaha has revealed the signing of Australian Jason O’Halloran for the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB), confirming the number 22 will depart Honda Racing after a number of years at the outfit.
Following a 2018 season marred with injury, O’Halloran essentially fulfils the position vacated by countryman Josh Brookes, who’s signed with Be Wiser Ducati, and will line-up alongside Tarran Mackenzie next year.
“It’s a new chapter and its really exciting to be joining a new team and manufacturer after a long time in the same place,” said O’Halloran. “I have big aims and know I’ve got loads more to prove, people haven’t seen the best of me yet. The bike is a proven race winner and the team has great pedigree, so I believe we have the ingredients to fight for wins.
“I’ve followed the R1 plenty and it seems like you need to be smooth and hold good corner speed, things I really think I can work with. Taz has some great experience on the bike now, so it will be good to be able to hook into information too.”
Team manager Grant Bunting expressed his excitement of signing the competitive duo, and his anticipating a strong start to 2019 after logging important data throughout this season.
“We had a strong year in BSB and learnt a lot about ourselves and the YZF-R1,” Bunting commented. “So we can hit the ground running this season, with two cracking signings! Tarran exceeded all our expectations this year and we were really keen to keep him.
“He has good experience now and we want to help him make the next step up to be able to regularly win races, which we passionately believe he can do. Jason is a really interesting signing for us and we will give him the tools to get the job done and remind people why he is a BSB winner, after a tough injury hit year.”
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