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Moto News Weekly Wrap

November 13, 2018

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

What Went Down Last Weekend?

  • AUS-X Open – Sydney
  • World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
  • AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
  • Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
  • Villopoto Misses AUS-X
  • 2019 AORC Dates Announced
  • Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
  • What Racing is Left for 2018?

AUS-X Open – Sydney

From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.

AUS X Open Jason Anderson
AUS-X Open

Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.

Jason Anderson

“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”

Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.

AUS X Open Jason Anderson Podium
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderon 75
Dean Wilson 62
Daniel Reardon 60

SX1 Final 1

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Justin Brayton +3.724
  3. Dean Wilson +7.364
  4. Dan Reardon +11.788
  5. Luke Clout +11.887
  6. Brett Metcalfe +13.134
  7. Chad Reed +20.359
  8. Jace Owen +25.250
  9. Lawson Bopping +28.480
  10. Dylan Long +30.505

SX1 Final 2

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dan Reardon +3.353
  3. Dean Wilson +4.015
  4. Chad Reed +8.670
  5. Brett Metcalfe +14.420
  6. Justin Brayton +16.270
  7. Luke Clout +19.227
  8. Lawson Bopping +23.333
  9. Jace Owen +23.776
  10. Dylan Long +25.272

SX1 Final 3

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dean Wilson +2.014
  3. Dan Reardon +9.058
  4. Dylan Long +14.071
  5. Justin Brayton +18.705
  6. Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
  7. Jace Owen +21.064
  8. Brett Metcalfe +22.203
  9. Luke Clout +36.894
  10. Robbie Marshall +1 lap

SX1 Overall

  1. Jason Anderson – 75
  2. Dean Wilson – 62
  3. Daniel Reardon – 60
  4. Justin Brayton – 53
  5. Chad Reed – 47
  6. Brett Metcalfe – 44
  7. Luke Clout – 42
  8. Dylan Long – 40
  9. Jace Owen – 39
  10. Lawson Bopping – 35

SX1 Australian Supercross Championship

The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.

Justin Brayton

“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Podium AI
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium

Final SX1 Championship Points

  1. Justin Brayton – 115
  2. Brett Metcalfe – 106
  3. Dan Reardon – 90
  4. Jace Owen – 84
  5. Dylan Long – 77
  6. Luke Clout – 72
  7. Robbie Marshall – 57
  8. Lawson Bopping – 53
  9. Jesse Dobson – 41
  10. Nicholas Sutherland – 39

AUS-X Open – SX2

The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.

SX2 Final 1

  1. Jy Roberts
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.837
  3. Dylan Wills +2.506
  4. Jacob Hayes +3.404
  5. Hayden Mellross +4.526
  6. Jay Wilson

SX2 Final 2

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +3.821
  3. Hayden Mellross +5.505
  4. Dylan Wills +7.762
  5. Jay Wilson +8.879

SX2 Final 3

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.534
  3. Hayden Mellross +1.435
  4. Josh Osby +2.681
  5. Jacob Hayes +3.510

SX2 Overall

  1. Cameron McAdoo – 66
  2. Jackson Richardson – 65
  3. Hayden Mellross – 56
  4. Dylan Wills – 53
  5. Jacob Hayes – 45
  6. Jay Wilson – 43
  7. Josh Osby – 42
  8. Aaron Tanti – 39
  9. Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
  10. Kaleb Barham – 36

SX2 Australian Supercross Championship

Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.

The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.

Australian Supercross Aaron Tanti
Aaron Tanti – SX2

Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.

Jay Wilson

“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success.  Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”

SX2 Final Championship Points

  1. Jay Wilson 103
  2. Hayden Mellross 97
  3. Jacob Hayes 91
  4. Wilson Todd 75
  5. Jackson Richardson 74
  6. Josh Osby 68
  7. Aaron Tanti 62
  8. Dakota Alix 61
  9. Dylan Wills 60
  10. Bradley Taft 50

The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.

The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.

Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.

In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.

The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.

World Enduro Super Series (WESS)
Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands

History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd manni lettenbichler FM
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.

In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd manni lettenbichler FM
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.

Billy Bolt

“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd billy bolt FM
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media

Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8

  1. Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
  2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
  3. Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
  4. Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
  5. Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
  6. Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
  7. Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
  8. Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
  9. Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
  10. Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd billy bolt podium FM
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings

  1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
  2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
  3. Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
  4. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
  5. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
  6. Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
  7. Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
  8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
  9. Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
  10. Lars Enockl 2272 points

Stuttgart Supercross – Germany

Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.

Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”

Villopoto Misses AUS-X

Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.

Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto

‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’

Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released

The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.

Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.

AORC Dungog Juniors start
AORC Dungog

Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April.  Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.

2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.

2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
  • Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
  • Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
  • Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
  • Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019

Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE

At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.

Australian ISDE Team
Australia 2018 ISDE riders

Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.

Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.

Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.

Australian ISDE Team Womens
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker

Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.

Jessica Gardiner

“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”

Australian ISDE Team Mens
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang

The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.

Josh Strang

“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”

Australian ISDE Team Juniors
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch

Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.

Tom Mason

“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”

World Trophy Team

  • Daniel Milner
  • Daniel Sanders
  • Lyndon Snodgrass
  • Joshua Strang

Women’s World Trophy Team

  • Jessica Gardiner
  • Tayla Jones
  • Mackenzie Tricker

Junior World Trophy Team

  • Fraser Higlett
  • Tom Mason
  • Andrew Wilksch

Team Manager – Don Atkins

There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.

What Racing is Left for 2018?

Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:

  • Australasia
    • New Zealand Supercross Championships
      • 24 – SX Open – Auckland
      • 1 – South Waikato
      • 15 – Southland
  • America
    • Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
    • 2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
    • 2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
  • Europe
  • ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
  • 2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
  • Geneva Supercross – Nov. 30/Dec. 1 – Switzerland

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

Speedo Minder app might save your licence

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Unlike many speed-alert apps and GPS devices, the new Australian Speedo Minder Pro app alerts riders when they are over the posted speed limit and until they slow down.

It also has a lot more adjustment to suit your needs.

App developer Steve Grealy, 60, of Adelaide says it took “nearly four years, quite a few thousands of dollars and even more thousands of hours work” to create Speedo Minder Pro.

It is now available on the Apple App Store and we have been trialling it with success for several weeks.

“The app integrates HERE.com mapping information for speed limits in 89 countries, plus more than 172,000 speed camera locations around the world,” says the firefighter and veteran rider.Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy

“Speedo Minder Pro will be the best copilot a driver or rider could ever need or want to stay under the radar and avoid costly speeding fines.”

How Speedo Minder works

The app provides visual and audible alerts through your bluetooth intercom when you go over the speed limit.

There are similar alerts on many satnavs, but this app continues to alert you until you slow down and allows a lot more adjustment.

For example, you can select at what speed over the limit the alert activates and how frequently it beeps until you return within your set limit.

In fact, you can set a low-level warning for 0-5km/h (or mph) over and a high-level warning for 5-10km/h over.Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy

If the beeps become annoying such as in a shopping centre carpark where the limit is 10km/h, you can mute the app for 30 seconds by tapping the Speed Limit circle or simply tapping the screen twice.

When your ride is finished, the app will automatically shut down after five minutes of being motionless or if you manually turn off the app or simply hit the phone’s lock button. This will also turn off the Location Services for the app.

Steve is also working on an Android version and one for the Apple watch which will deliver “Haptic” alerts or vibrations.

Free trial

Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy
Free trial

You can try the app for free for seven days after which you have two options:

  • Fully featured one-year licence with no advertisement for just $US4.99 (about $A6.85); or
  • Fully featured one-year license with ads for $US2.49 (about $A3.40).

If you choose the cheaper option and find the ads annoying, you can upgrade to no ads for an extra $US2.49.

Developing the app

Speedo Minder Pro app by Steve Grealy
Steve with his Triumph Speedmaster

Speed cameras and governments’ addiction to speed fine revenue have turned us into a nation of speedo gazers which dangerously takes our attention off the road.

Steve says he developed the app because of the possibility of accidentally speeding and being caught.

“Driving a 22 tonne Fire Appliance under lights and sirens is even more exciting than riding a bike through the hills,” he says.

Steve points out that South Australia has the highest speeding fines in the country, and in recent years stopped signposting speed cameras, increased the number of fixed cameras and reduced over-speed tolerances. 

In 2016-17, the state raised $144m in traffic infringements.

“Officially I adhere to the road safety line rather than the speed camera bashing, revenue raising whinging. However, with road use habits formed of bike riding and fire truck driving, I’d usually find myself driving towards the top end of the speed limits.

“About five years ago I got myself a GPS speedometer app and realised I was creeping over the limit all the time.

“The combination of all of the above resulted in me wanting to develop a driver’s co-pilot app that not only warned me when I was over the limit but one that would repeat that warning until I slowed down, which was something no GPS unit nor driver’s app provided.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

2019 Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto First Ride Review

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If you’re a hard-core sport rider and want to have some serious fun, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more cost-effective way of getting your kicks than sliding around a go-kart track. And that’s what Husqvarna’s FS 450 is all about.

The FS 450 is a closed-course production (non-street legal), supermoto racer. Plop down $10,799, load it into the bed of your pickup, show up at the local go-kart track, and commence ripping. Aside from topping off its 1.85-gallon tank and checking pressures on the Bridgestone supermoto-specific rubber, it’s literally that easy to get a huge smile on your face.

For 2019, Husqvarna’s given it the “works” treatment with the full list of upgrades that the championship-winning Supercross platform saw. Everything from the headstock back has enjoyed a makeover, minus the knobby tires and puny front brake, of course…

The frame is more rigid and features an attractive navy blue powdercoating finish. It also includes mounting points for its accessory skid plate. It attaches to a two-piece composite subframe that’s 0.55-pound lighter.

The water-cooled 449cc engine gets an updated cylinder head design (1.1-pound lighter) that lowers the position of the camshaft. Valve timing has been tweaked to further boost the bottom-end performance—a great feature when you have Velcro traction on asphalt.

Inside the case, there’s a new Pankl-sourced five-speed transmission and a supermoto-specific Suter slipper clutch that’s actuated via a smooth-squeezing hydraulic clutch from Magura.

Husqvarna says the engine is good for 63 hp (at the crank), and it feels every bit that quick. For reference a good Supercross 450 engine puts out low 60s at the tire. Electric start means getting the engine lit is as easy as pushing a button. A lighter lithium-ion battery is also new for 2019.

Smooth off the bottom, the four-valve engine builds revs quickly with a healthy amount of midrange grunt for a 450cc single. A switch on the ProTaper handlebar allows the rider to choose from one of two engine maps. Mode 1 offers the hardest-hitting power, which we prefered, while Mode 2 is less aggressive. There’s also on/off-adjustable traction control and launch control to help you get moving from a start. We didn’t get to try the latter feature, but we hope to in a future installment.

The gear ratios complement the engine’s powerband to keep it moving forward in a hurry. There’s no speedometer, but we’d estimate a top speed of around 90 mph in top gear. Plus, its a slick shifter—an important feature when you’re constantly rowing through the gearbox at the track. On a side note, the chain adjustment slot has 5mm more adjustment range, say if you want to modify final drive gearing, or to account for chain stretch.

Aside from launches, the clutch lever doesn’t get much of a squeeze, as the slipper clutch allows you to downshift as many times as you’d like—always netting a smooth slide entering turns. The rear brake has just the right amount of feel to help engage entry slides, until you work up the speed to do it from sheer momentum.

Most air suspension typically gets a bad wrap on dirt, but on pavement it works well. The rebound circuit itself is sensitive. Adding a click or two translates into a noticeable difference in how the motorcycle responds when it hits a bump and how it goes back and rebounds through the stroke.

Physically, the motorcycle sits lower than the motocross version, after all, it trades the 21/19-inch wheel setup for a 16.5/17-inch rims from Alpina. It also has about an inch less suspension travel, front and rear. It uses slower (as compared to a dirt bike) valving that does a marvelous job of controlling suspension movement.

The air fork allows spring-rate modification (left leg) using the supplied pump and has tool-less adjusters atop the fork leg for compression and rebound damping. Both the fork and shock are sensitive to damping adjustment, with just a few clicks netting big differences in action.

Even at a quick pace, the front suspension is nearly chatter-free. It’d be worth experimenting with tire pressures, as the OE-fitted (and tubeless) Bridgestone race tires generally work better with extra heat. Make sure to invest in a quality set of tire warmers to help them arrive at operating temperature before you turn a wheel on the track.

A superbike-spec Brembo M50 Monoblock caliper pinches a 310mm wave rotor. A stout radial-mount, also from Brembo, pushes fluid through a stainless-steel line. The front brake has plenty of power but bites softly. It feels as if engineers used a less aggressive streetbike pad. A switch to a more sintered option would be one of the few changes we’d make.

Pound for pound, there isn’t a better bike for ripping around paved corners than this 227-pound (without fuel) FS 450. Sure, you can purchase a used dirt bike and install some 17s and a slipper clutch, but even after marking these modifications, you’re still not going to be even close to how well this machine performs out of the crate. If you want to get one, you’d better hurry to your local Husqvarna dealer as only around 150 motorcycles are being imported into the United States this year—approximately 50 more than this year.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

News

Busting The Engine Break-In Myth

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Getting a new motorcycle is an exciting prospect, but once you fire it up for the first time you’re left with what many deem a great responsibility: breaking in that new engine.

What is engine break in? Fresh from-the-factory parts appear smooth, but they actually have microscopically rough surfaces that need to rub against their counterparts and bed in, and that happens during those first miles of use. Once the components are polished smooth and broken in, friction is reduced, sealing is improved, and you’re ensured good power, fuel economy, and reliability.

There are a lot of sliding and rotating parts within an engine, but what everyone gets riled up about when discussing engine break-in is the seal between the piston rings and cylinder walls. And rightfully so. Ring seal is the a key condition that’s going to affect performance and longevity, so it’s worth thinking about.

Related: Mineral Oil vs. Synthetic Oil. What’s The Difference?

What’s the best way to get a good seal on those piston rings? If you follow the break-in procedure outlined in your owner’s manual, it’ll recommend a 600, 1000, or even a 1500-mile process wherein you limit throttle and revs and constantly vary the engine speed. At the other end of the spectrum, there are people that say a gentle break-in is a waste of time and not an effective way seal the rings, and that a more condensed and aggressive break-in—some would say brutal—is the way to go.

To answer the question once and for all, we assembled two identical Honda CB300F motors with fresh top-end parts, broke them in differently, and then compared the results.

The first engine was installed and run in gently as per the manual, which meant painstakingly limiting and varying the throttle and slowly ratcheting up the revs over the course of 1,000 miles. Then we swapped out the babied motor for engine number two. While engine one didn’t kiss redline until that final 1,000th mile, this second engine was given a minute to warm up and then taken right to the limiter and ridden at or near WOT on the highways of SoCal for the entire 1,000 miles. Both engines were initially filled with Bel-Ray semi-synthetic oil, and we changed the fluid and filter at 600 miles as recommended.

After breaking the engines in using drastically different methods, we performed compression and leak-down tests—which is a standard way of checking top-end health—then disassembled, measured, and inspected the internal parts. And the results, well, they might surprise you.

Drumroll, anyone?

The truth is, there was no significant difference between the two engines. There was hardly even a discernible difference. The compression and leakdown numbers were stellar and identical on both motors, and all the measurements of the internal parts, including the piston diameter, cylinder diameter, piston-ring end gap, and valve clearances, were all within spec and inline with each other. Check them out for yourself below. The ring end gap was slightly wider on the engine that was broken in brutally, but that’s it. Similarly, there was no obvious difference in the color or debris content of the oil at that first 600-mile change.

Related: How Much Debris Should You See In Your Oil After Break-In?

So we’ve more of less shown that it doesn’t matter how you break in an engine, the results will be the same, right? Well, not exactly. The CB300F, even when operating at WOT, just isn’t working that hard because it’s in a mild state of tune. We certainly wouldn’t recommend going to WOT with a new CBR600RR that revs to 15,000 rpm. Each motor is different, with different cylinder materials and compression ratios and redlines, but the lesson here is that there doesn’t appear to be a night-and-day distinction between break-in methods, so don’t sweat it. Motorcycles are meant to be enjoyed, so just go ride it and enjoy it.

That being said, the long and drawn-out recommendations found in all owner’s manuals persist for two reasons. First, the methodology is a holdover from days of yore, when metallurgy, machining technology, and lubricants weren’t nearly as good as they are today.

Second, taking it easy with a new bike is just a good idea. After all, it’s not just your engine that needs to break in. You need to scrub in those new tires, bed in those new brakes, and overall get familiar with how your new bike is balanced, how it turns and handles, shifts and stops. Modern motorcycles are amazingly reliable, but failures still happen, and most major issues are likely to happen within the first few hundred miles. Wouldn’t it be better to have something break or come loose while trundling along at 25 mph instead of 75? There are lots of good reasons to give yourself and your bike a day or two of gentle riding to shake things out.

Engine Break-In Specs

Engine 1, “By The Book Break-In”

Installed at 1,828 miles, removed at 2,861 miles
Break-In Notes: Ridden gently. Didn’t exceed 50% throttle or 5,000 rpm for the first 600 miles, and didn’t exceed 75% throttle or 7,000 rpm until 1,000 miles. Didn’t experience WOT until 1,000 miles was accumulated. Ridden with constantly varying engine speed and load, no easy task on a slow bike in a busy, urban environment! Oil and filter changed at 600 miles.
Piston OD 2.9910” at install, 2.9910” after 1,000 miles
Cylinder ID: 2.9925” at install, 2.9930” after 1,000 miles
Top Ring End Gap: 0.0130” at install, 0.0145” after 1,000 miles
Compression: 235 psi hot after 1,000 miles
Leak Down: 4% hot after 1,000 miles

Engine 2, “Brutal Break-In”

Installed at 2,861 miles, removed at 3,890 miles Break-In Notes: Went to WOT within moments of first starting up, and was ridden hard for 1,000 miles. Did everything we’re told not to—lots of throttle and high-speed droning at steady throttle. Oil and filter changed at 600 miles.
Piston OD: 2.9910” at install, 2.9910” after 1,000 miles
Cylinder ID: 2.9925” at install, 2.9930” after 1,000 miles
Top Ring End Gap: 0.0130” at install, 0.0150” after 1,000 miles
Compression: 235 psi hot after 1,000 miles
Leak Down: 4% hot after 1,000 miles

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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8 National Parks For Motorcyclists

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Our national parks are a gift, one we’ve given to each other. One we’ve inherited and, with any luck, will pass down to the generations that follow us. There is something humbling about traveling through them, about seeing the things and places that our forebears held dear and understanding why. There isn’t a bad park in the system, but there are some that shine above the rest. Our favorites, the ones we hold above the others and share, are the parks we love to ride.

Glacier National Park, Montana

No brochure prepares you for your first time peering over the guardrail. Snowy mountain peaks fuel waterfalls that mist passing riders, flowing down the valley through conifer forests, ending in bright blue lakes carved out by glaciers. This is a place full of views that take your breath away.

You can’t visit Glacier on a motorcycle without someone suggesting you ride the Going-to-the-Sun Road. They’re not wrong. Carved into the steep grade of rock and forest are 50 miles of sweeping curves and hairpin switchbacks with an occasional tunnel granting passage through the mountain.

A fleet of restored red buses from the 1930s transports tourists through the park, often slowing the pace down to a crawl. Think of them as a blessing in disguise. With only a few places along the road to stop and smell the wildflowers, the leisurely pace is ideal for taking in the ever-changing view.

Keep an eye out for mountain goats, and don’t forget to catch your breath. —Jenny Linquist

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Despite all that territory, there are only a handful of paved roads that wind their way through the firs, aspen, and stone. Paradise Road and Stevens Canyon Road are two of the most brilliant—scrambling two lanes that flirt with rivers and mountain lakes as they work their way toward State Highway 123.

At 6,400 feet, the weather’s usually chilly, even in summer months, so layer up. It’s worth it. —Zach Bowman

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The drive stretches 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, winding its way atop the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. Only in ­movement-mad America would a road be planned as the crowning feature of a park. Along the way there are around 70 overlooks, one every 1.5 miles, giving Dad ample opportunity to haul out the 35mm and pose the family atop a stone wall in relief against the Piedmont Valley below.

It’s easy to imagine America’s age of innocence, and easy to picture Stony Man Overlook crowded with happy families leering out the windows of shiny aquamarine Buicks with whitewall tires.

Old Rag. Bearfence. Sugarloaf. White Oak Canyon. Big Meadows. Shenandoah’s landmarks have captured the imaginations of generations. They’ll capture yours too. On the park’s various hiking trails, the rustle of tawny leaves seems to carry the whispers of miners, moonshiners, and miscreants who called it home well into the 20th century.

There are national parks that boast bigger mountains and more rugged vistas, but few possess Shenandoah’s adoptive embrace. It seems to grab time and keep it as its own. Every age belongs to it, and it in turn belongs to you. —Seth Richards

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park preserves the bounty and severity that Lakotas knew well and later settlers would learn the hard way.

Just 7.5 miles south from the tourist hell of Wall Drug, the land embodies the hopes and failures of our Manifest Destiny. Every turn reveals a vista more spectacular than the last. Looking north from Prairie Wind Overlook, the plush grasslands predate humans of any kind. Looking south from Saddle Pass Trailhead, impassable canyons and hoodoos stretch to infinity. Might as well ride a Honda Cub, you’ll be stopping a lot.

Done drinking in the view? Head south on 377 to the Cowboy Corner Filling Station for the cheapest six-pack of Bud you’ve seen in some time. —Anders Carlson

Joshua Tree National Park, California

The riding is relaxed, with narrow sweeping curves leading you through forests of Joshua trees—ancient plants that have weathered hundreds of years to reach their height. A tangle of campsites and hiking trails can be found just off the main road. A tangle of campsites and hiking trails can be found just off the main road. Some trails lead to giant granite boulders with a bird’s-eye view of the landscape from the top, others take you down haunting dusty roads to gold mines dug in the late 1800s. After the sun goes down, the elevation and desert air provide perfect conditions for stargazers to see the cosmic dust of the Milky Way.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Two hours of riding will get you from one end of the park to the other, but it’s best to fill your gas tank, load up on water, and plan for a long soak in the heat. The magic of Joshua Tree is only really revealed when you take the side roads and immerse yourself in the desert. —Jenny Linquist

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Glassy smooth with staggering vistas of the Cascade Mountains, it’s hard to keep your chin off your tank. It’s a place so stunning that it’s hard to believe it’s real, that it’s not some fantasy whipped up by a movie studio a few states south.

Near Ruby Mountain, the road skirts alongside Ross Lake before joining the Skagit River on its way toward the Pacific. On a warm day, you’ll feel the temperature drop 10 degrees near the water, a blessing that will have you considering stripping off your kit for a quick dip. Take a break at Gorge Creek. The falls there turn magnificent with any rain, and the short hike down the overlook path is all the excuse we’ve ever needed to stretch our legs. —Zach Bowman

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska

During peak visitor season between May 20 and September 13, Denali restricts visitors to riding just the first 15 miles of the 91-mile Denali Park Road. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve provides a true adventure in the form of a 13.2-million-acre expanse with only two roads in. Neither are paved.

Feeling more adventurous? Nebesna Road leads riders 42 miles farther away from fuel and repair services, and could have some rapid-flowing creeks to cross around mile 29. Check in with the Slana Ranger Station before you take your rig for a swim. —Robyn “RoKo” Kocienski

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

As you lean into curves on sun-dappled roads or ride past the raw volcanic earth, you can’t help but to think of the first humans that found this place, how lucky they were, and how they’d marvel at what we’ve made of it.

Engineers carved the 68-mile Beartooth Highway from Cooke City to Red Lodge in 1932, and it dips in and out of Montana as it scrambles over and around the stark mountains there. It remains one of America’s great rides, and a perfect gateway to Yellowstone.

At any turn you might encounter the wildlife Yellowstone is famous for. Stopped cars are a good sign of bison traffic. And with gas, hotels, and eateries within the park borders, Yellowstone is a great choice for family or road-focused rides. —Katy Manch

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Reed admits to confusion after AUS-X Open shortcut penalty

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Local icon taking positives from an encouraging performance in Sydney.

Image: Supplied.

Australian megastar Chad Reed has confessed he had no idea competitors could only take the Shannons Shortcut once across Saturday night’s 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Triple Crown in Sydney.

Reed, like many, used the lane to bypass the whoops in final two of the SX1 main events, but then repeated the shortcut to take charge in final three directly afterwards.

Riders were only permitted to use the specialty ‘joker lane’ once in the finals, which ultimately led to a five position penalty for the experienced dual AMA and world champion at Qudos Bank Arena and demoted him from P1 in the final encounter down the order to sixth.

Home hero Reed was sitting third at the end of lap one behind Husqvarna-mounted duo Jason Anderson and Dean Wilson, only to make a move via the shortcut and then keep Anderson – who was in line for the overall after topping the first two finals – at bay. He wasn’t aware until race-end that he would be pinged by officials.

“Honestly, in the last race I kind of have to laugh, because what else do I do?” Reed told MotoOnline.com.au post-race. “I never even knew that you weren’t allowed to take the joker lane more than once and, truthfully, because of my crash in the first one nobody was around me and I didn’t have to take it.

“Otherwise I would have taken it three times [laughs]! So, you know, I mean it was only two or three weeks ago I did Monster Cup. At that race the whole time you’re thinking ‘don’t forget the joker lane, don’t forget the joker lane’ because typically their joker lane is longer.

“Here, you self-penalise yourself if you don’t take it, but in the Vegas they obviously penalise you if you don’t take it – I think the same penalty, around five places or something like that. That thought process and whatever, me not hearing or knowing, I wasn’t aware of the rule. A little bit of a rookie move there.

“Obviously I got to the front because I took the joker lane, which was something I shouldn’t have done, but you know what was funny is that I knew I passed Jason in the joker lane and I was just expecting that he would re-pass me back there.

“So here I am, with a completely different thought process thinking that Jason was just riding around until he took the joker lane on the final lap or something like that. When he didn’t come by, I didn’t know what happened because we don’t have pit-boards here, so maybe he was doing calculations. He knew the rules, he had the heads up [laughs].”

Despite the penalty that also cost him the opportunity of taking a potential fourth overall, Reed said it was a positive outing aboard the factory JGRMX-prepared Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 after recording a mixed bag of 7-4-6 results.

Earlier, Reed defeated triple national champion Justin Brayton in his heat race and led Australia to victory in the ‘Showdown Relay’ against the Americans. A costly crash while running third in the opening final also denied him of a podium performance, however he’s taking positives following crucial race mileage.

Yet to cement a contract for next year’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, the gritty 36-year-old was content in showing glimpses of race-winning form during what doubled as the opening round of the S-X Open FIM Oceania Championship. He will also contest the New Zealand event in a fortnight’s time.

“We got good mileage here this weekend and every gate-drop is always a good thing even if the end result isn’t what you expect or what you want,” he added. “The reality is that you have to remind yourself it is only November and you’re here to put on a show.

“I feel that my show was a little less than what I wanted it to be, but honestly, the electricity, the excitement and the feeling of coming here and performing in front of the home crowd… in some ways it’s a lot of pressure. I take it personal and, for me, I want to give back [to the fans].

“You hear the cheers and I seriously feel the love, so in return you want to give them something to cheer about and to be super-stoked on with the performance of myself. I don’t think I fell short on that, but obviously I want my results to be better.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Brayton & Metcalfe claim Honda 2018 Australian SX 1-2

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Justin Brayton claims the 2018 Australian Supercross crown

Brett Metcalfe 2018 runner-up

Images by AME Management

Justin Brayton has wrapped up the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship, with Penrite Honda teammate Brett Metcalfe claiming second overall, ending a highly successful season for the team.

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Justin Brayton
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018

For Justin Brayton the victory marks his third consecutive Championship for the team and a successful first season with Honda. Brayton won three out of five rounds in the Australian Supercross season this year, although appearing in fine riding form, he admitted this was his hardest victory yet.

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Justin Brayton
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018
Justin Brayton

“I am so happy to win three in a row. It’s what I came here to do and I am glad we got the job done. It wasn’t without its difficulties though, first my family got sick, then I got sick and I never fully recovered. I have battled pneumonia for most of the time I’ve been over here so it was tough for sure but it made the overall victory so much more gratifying. I feel lucky, I get to see the world and ride dirt bikes. I have met some amazing people through racing and it’s a bonus to win. I can’t thank Honda, Penrite and all of our sponsors enough but we aren’t done just yet. We still have a few races to finish this year as we head to New Zealand in a few weeks. My plan is to come back next year and defend my title. I want to keep doing this for as long as I can. If I am competitive and I am enjoying it then I want to race.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Brayton Metcalfe AI
Justin Brayton and Penrite Honda teammate Brett Metcalfe – Australian Supercross 2018

This year marked Brayton’s fourth time in Australia and he hopes to return next year to defend his Championship.

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Brett Metcalfe AI
Penrite Honda’s Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe

Brett Metcalfe finished second overall in the Championship and shared he couldn’t be happier, having been pleased to have his family watching as he took to the podium for the overall second position.

Brett Metcalfe

“Everyone wants to win but this is the next best thing and I am really pleased to be the first placing Australian too! The season has been strong; winning round 4 was certainly a highlight and gave me a solid confidence boost. It was important for us to get 1-2 in the title so we had our plans in place to ensure it was locked up. I’m so pleased for Justin to take the triple and for Honda to have this 1-2 finish, it’s amazing. Now we are focused on New Zealand, to wrap up the year on top.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Brett Metcalfe AI
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe

Honda’s Brand and Motorsport Manager Glyn Griffiths was complementary of the result, something very few teams achieve., while Team Director Yarrive Konsky was likewise proud of his team’s results.

Glyn Griffiths – Honda Brand and Motorsport Manager

“Going 1-2 is a remarkable feat, something that many don’t ever achieve throughout their careers. Our team have different abilities, experiences and backgrounds, including our riders and we came together for a shared purpose and this is something we will all treasure.”

Yarrive Konsky – Team Director

“It’s still surreal, I didn’t know where we would finish and this is a dream many don’t achieve and I am grateful of everyone’s efforts. We will now turn our attention to our final race then on to testing for next year. We want to be prepared for the Motocross Championship and preparation begins now.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Podium AI
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium

Round 2 of the Oceanic Supercross Championship will be held in New Zealand on the 24th Novemeber in Aukland. For more information on Penrite Factory Honda Racing go to www.hondamx.com.au

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Championship runner-up the next best thing says Metcalfe

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South Australian accepts sixth overall at the AUS-X Open Sydney.

Image: Supplied.

Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe says finishing second in the Australian Supercross Championship to teammate Justin Brayton is the next best thing, despite being within striking distance of the crown heading into the weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.

Metcalfe, who was a last-minute addition to the series and was initially going to race only selected rounds, captured victory at the penultimate round in Adelaide, shortening the points buffer to just six ahead of Saturday.

The South Australian was unable to demote the American with his 6-5-8 scorecard for sixth overall, which ultimately saw him round out a stellar season nine points adrift of the three-time Australian supercross champion.

“Everyone wants to win but this is the next best thing and I am really pleased to be the first placing Australian too,” Metcalfe commented. “The season has been strong – winning round four was certainly a highlight and gave me a solid confidence boost.

“It was important for us to get 1-2 in the title so we had our plans in place to ensure it was locked up. I’m so pleased for Justin to take the triple and for Honda to have this 1-2 finish, it’s amazing. Now we are focused on New Zealand to wrap up the year on top.”

The S-X Open Auckland is scheduled for 24 November at Mount Smart Stadium in New Zealand, marking Metcalfe’s final appearance of the year.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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Strong AUS-X Open sign off for Reardon important in future plans

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SX1 contender the highest-placed Australian on Saturday night.

Image: Supplied.

Dan Reardon believes a strong sign off at the weekend’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship, will play an important role in cementing his future plans as a supercross-only rider.

The popular Gold Coast athlete has raced supercross internationally throughout the Australian off-season for the past two years, a unique campaign in which he’s endeavouring to do once again in the early months of 2019.

Reardon, running a self-managed operation with help of Yamaha this year, put on a stellar display at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night, becoming the highest-placed Australian at the AUS-X Open to claim third, promoting himself to third in the domestic SX1 series rankings.

“If you talk about future plans, it’s always important to sign off in a good way,” Reardon explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “Unfortunately our industry is a really funny one in the world of sports – you get this ‘you’re only as good as your last ride’ sort of thing, but I disagree with it.

“We put a lot of work into our season, and sometimes things just don’t go right – this year I had two minor mechanicals from racing incidents – it hurts the points and people think that maybe ‘he’s not doing what he’s supposed to do or he’s not as fast as he was’.

“It is important still, especially the last round because I’m in the middle of my season – I don’t really run into an off-season now because I’ll race January through to March, depending on where I go, whether that’s the UK, Europe or America.”

The number 122 has a number of supercross options to pursue next year, although he insisted his strongest talks have been with teams in the Arenacross UK championship – the same series he contested at the beginning of the year.

“Both options are on the table, but I’m probably more in more in-depth conversations with the guys in the UK and even some one-off European races,” he continued. “The one-off supercross events they have in Europe are awesome and they’re quite easy to travel to from the UK. The plan is to definitely be racing, it’s just trying to figure out what will work out best.”

Reardon wound up with 90 points in the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship, earning two podiums finishes in the process.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au