Disastrous opening round at Phillip Island for DesmoSport Ducati rider.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Three-time Superbike world champion Troy Bayliss is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair finger injuries sustained on both hands after crashing heavily twice at Phillip Island’s Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) opener over the weekend.
The DesmoSport Ducati rider went down during qualifying on Friday, breaking the little finger on his right hand, however still pushed through to line-up in Saturday’s opening race.
After challenging up-front, the number 32 came into contact with Wayne Maxwell (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia) heading into turn one, resulting in another fall that broke the middle finger of his right hand. Bayliss attempted to return to the grid for race two, however deemed it unsafe following the sighting lap.
“That’s not the way I thought this season would start, that’s for sure,” Bayliss commented. “Breaking the little finger on my left hand wasn’t ideal, but I was able to ride with it. The team did a great job in rebuilding the bike after the second crash.
“When I headed out for race two, I was confident I would be able to race and collect some points, even after confirming that I’d broken the end of my middle finger on my right hand. On the out-lap though, I just couldn’t pull the brake lever properly. I’m really disappointed, but I’m booked for surgery on Tuesday and I’ll be back, ready to ride for round two next month.”
The round was ultimately won by Yamaha-mounted privateer Aiden Wagner ahead of Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) and Josh Waters (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia). Round two of the ASBK will take place at Wakefield Park in New South Wales on 22-24 March.
Royal Enfield’s Continental GT 650 is a big hit with the Brisbane Cafe Racerswho I went cafe racing with on Sunday.
Last week I reviewedthe Interceptor 650 which is the sit-up-and-beg version of the new 650 parallel twins from India.
You can read my full review which is tagged to the end.
The Interceptor and Continental GT were on the Brisbane Cafe Racers ride to the Mt Nee gantry and both seemed to attract plenty of attention.
The only differences are that the GT has a sports riding position and does not have a hefty 4kg centre stand.
Mixing it with other cafe racers
Maybe it’s the sporty riding position, but the Continental GT feels more responsive down low, although it is still not great off the line.
Both bikes really show their best performance results when revved through the midrange. The Continental GT certainly stayed in touch with all the racers in Sunday’s ride.
Highlight of the Brisbane Cafe racers run to the Mt Mee gantry
The Continental GT is hardly a bum-up-head-down racing position, though.
I picked up the bike with the clip-on bars set at their highest position which is slightly above the instruments. At that height there is only a slight reach forward to the bars.
However, you can easily drop the bars as much as 45mm lower. That would make it a very aggressive position and may appeal even more to the Brisbane Cafe Racers!
About 45mm of bar adjustment on the forks
Either way, your knees will now be sitting on the metal protectors on the cooling fins to stop your knees getting scorched.
Black knee protectors
The pegs are also slightly rearset which doesn’t make a huge difference to the riding position.
However, it does have a shorter and more direct gearshift linkage which makes the already slick shifts a little more precise.
The only other difference is the humped seat which actually feels more comfortable than the bench seat of the Interceptor 650. You can also fit a solo seat and rear cowl.
Here is my review of the Interceptor:
The first twin-cylinder Royal Enfields in six decades have customers lining up for test rides.
However, the high demand for demo rides meant I only had a couple of days with each bike.
I’m happy to report that after thrashing both bikes through traffic, down highways and over mountain ranges, the 650s live up to most of the hype.
Retro styling
Richard says the previous problems with Royal Enfield chrome tanks have been resolved.
A close inspection at the demo models substantiates a vast improvement in paint and chrome finish.
In fact, the overall quality is a substantial improvement. I pulled the locked seat off the Interceptor and was pleased to find the paint extends right down the tank where you can’t see it and the welds are neat.
Even the initials of the bike builder responsible are hand painted on the end of the tank under the seat.
Builder’s initials
That’s pride of workmanship, with good reason.
Wiring and cabling is tidy, plastics are smooth, the vinyl seat is good quality and even the footpegs are nice rubber and alloy units.
The only build fault I could find was a slightly gummy weld joint where the headers leave the cylinder on both the Interceptor and GT.
Those who love the retro look will appreciate that Royal Enfield didn’t go to town on the chrome which the original ‘50s/‘60s cafe racers didn’t have.
Instead of acres of chrome, the engine casings and wheel rims are brushed alloy (black rims on some models) which looks understatedly stunning. (Now there’s an oxymoron for you!)
For a $10,000 bike there are quite a few niceties and extras such as twin instrument pods with a tachometer, comprehensive toolkit and lockable fuel cap.
It also sits on retro-style Pirelli Phantom tyres originally made for the Ducati GT1000 and used on the new Triumph Bonneville.
And how many $10,000 bikes come with a centre stand as standard these days, let alone a toolkit? In fact, how many bikes twice the price have a centre stand and toolkit! (Note that the GT does not come with a centre stand.)
The toolkit is in a side panel which is locked with the ignition key. It also has a latch inside that unlocks the seat.
The Interceptor’s seat is soft and quite comfortable, but after two hours in the neutral riding position you sink down into the seat and you can feel the supports underneath.
The seat is 804mm high, but it’s very narrow, so at 183mm tall I could easily get my flat feet on the ground with knees bent.
Pillions will enjoy the thick padding and the substantial grab handle at the back.
Royal Enfield has kept the price down by making this a lo-fi bike. No fancy traction controls and electronic wizardry, although it does have ABS, of course.
The instruments are basic with just two analogue pods (speedo and tacho) and a small LCD screen with readouts for odometer, trip A and B and a voltmeter when running. No clock, ambient temperature, weather forecast or stock market readouts!
And you have to reach over and touch a mode button between the two dials.
The indicators and taillight are also basic and the mirrors are cheap units that come loose over rough roads and blur at highway speed.
The front and rear fender feature cheap and ugly rubber extenders that can easily be unscrewed and discarded for a neater, bobbed look.
Heartbeat
Many Royal Enfield enthusiasts are attracted by the slow and methodical pulse of the single-cylinder engine.
These parallel twins have a 270-degree crank like the new liquid-cooled Triumph Bonnevilles, so they are a totally different heartbeat.
And unlike the the 500 singles, you don’t need to schedule a slot in your diary to reach 100km/h. It will reach 100km/h in about six seconds.
Some say it will top 170km/h, but I managed 140 — under controlled conditions, of course!
It will certainly cruise at legal highway speeds in a relaxed manner with very little vibration or hand/feet tingle.
Riders in hot climates will also appreciate the fact that they do not run near as hot as the new scorching Bonnes. The cylinder heads still get quite hot, as you would expect, but there are coated metal protectors so you don’t burn your knees.
The 648cc twin is oil and air cooled with a modest 47 horsepower or 35kW at 7100rpm and 52Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
It doesn’t sound like much, but the midrange is smooth and meaty.
The engine is mated to a super-slick, six-speed gearbox and clutch with a moderate pull so it is easy to use in traffic.
You will need to feed the bike some revs in the first couple of gears for rapid acceleration from the front of the queue at the traffic lights.
If you continue to rev the bike to the limiter and dance on the gearshift you will get maximum results, but you may also hit a few false neutrals. (I didn’t hit any on the GT which has a more direct shifter lever.)
With such moderate horsepower there is not a lot of point in spinning it out to the red line every shift.
I found these bikes yield satisfactory results if you short-shift through the gears and ride around town in fourth or fifth at 4000rpm.
Out on the highway, they cruise without stress at 4000 revs in sixth. Since the engine pulls lustily from 3000 revs, you can roll on the throttle without having to drop a cog.
I pushed moderately hard through traffic and winding hills, yet the Interceptor yielded impressive economy figures over about 500km of 3.6L/100km.
That means range of almost 350km from the 12.5-litre tank.
The Interceptor 650 I rode was fitted with aftermarket slip-on Emgo mufflers for an extra $300.
Richard regrets fitting them to the Interceptor, saying they don’t suit its more sedate image.
He says they should have gone on the more racey-looking Continental GT cafe racer.
Emgo mufflers
They also sound a little nasty and anti-social when revved hard, although they do give the throttle improved response, he says.
There are S&S Cycle mufflers coming in about six months that promise a better sound.
Ride and handling
The twin cradle frame and twin-shock suspension set-up is as traditional as it gets, but it works.
It’s not the lightest 650 out there at 202kg dry, but the frame and suspension combine to provide a light-steering, agile bike.
I found the American-made Grabriel shocks a little on the soft side for my 80kg frame, even after pumping up the rear preload to the fourth of five settings.
You can adjust them by hand if you’re strong and put the bike on its centre stand, although there is a C spanner included in the toolkit.
It still managed to bottom out over some big bumps, bounced around at the rear and wobbled a little over mid-corner irregularities.
However, that was when it was pushed hard. If you trot along at legal pace, it’s all quite controllable with those wide, braced handlebars.
I believe Ohlins is working on suspension upgrades, but that could be overkill on a $10k bike.
The Interceptor turns in quite quickly and holds its line well on its narrow, 18-inch front and rear Pirelli Phantom tyres.
They have good corner and braking grip, although the front was found lacking on emergency stops with the bike’s single disc and hefty weight.
The brakes are Bybre which is a discount Brembo offshoot and they have braided steel lines for good feel. Still, a second front disc would be welcome.
Despite the heft, the bike is easy to lift onto the centre stand with a convenient handle beside the seat like on old bikes.
Conclusion
There has been a lot of pent-up demand for these bikes since they were announced almost two years ago.
Thankfully the excitement and hype is justified.
Royal Enfield has done a good job of bringing top-value bikes to the market.
We also expect more model variants soon such as a scrambler.
Ride-away pricing
Interceptor 650
$9790 (solid colours — orange, black and silver);
$9990 two-tone (orange, white and gold pinstripe; red, black and white pinstripe);
$10,290 chrome tank.
Continental GT
$9990 (pale blue, black with gold GT stripes);
$10,190 (two-tone black/silver with yellow pinstripe, white with silver and blue stripe);
Practice crash forces compatriot Beaton out of the event.
Image: Supplied.
Australian Mitch Evans has landed on the podium at the 2019 Lacapelle Marival International Motocross in France over the weekend.
The event saw a host of MX2 World Championship regulars take part, ultimately strengthening Evans’ pre-season campaign as he embarks on his maiden year on the world stage.
The Queenslander lodged a 3-3 scorecard for third overall, finishing up behind Thomas Kjer Olson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and victor Ben Watson (Kemea Yamaha).
Australian compatriot Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) endured a crash throughout the practice session, electing to sit out the remainder of proceedings. A team statement confirmed the Tasmanian is healthy and ready to contend this weekend’s world championship opener at Nequen in Argentina.
The premier class was taken out by Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) – who also won the Superfinal – followed by Max Anstie (Standing Construct KTM) and Gautier Paulin (Wilvo Yamaha MXGP).
Yamaha duo Vinales and rookie Quartararo close out top three.
Image: Supplied.
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) went one better on Sunday as the Spaniard put in a 1m54.593s to go fastest on day two of MotoGP testing in Qatar, but it remained tight at the top as the tables turned and Maverick Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) ended the day just 0.057s in arrears.
That made some headlines in itself, but the man in third stole some too – rookie Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) stormed to third overall.
47 laps was the final number for Rins as the Suzuki man continued to look like a serious 2019 contender. His teammate, rookie Joan Mir, also impressed and put in a 1m55.280s to end Sunday in P11 and less than seven tenths off his teammate – as well as the second quickest rookie.
Team manager Davide Brivio said Mir was also testing some things, as well as adapting to the bike, but that he’d like to ‘race tomorrow’ looking at Rins’ pace. That bodes well, and the Hamamatsu factory man also said everything ‘visible’ on the bike is decided.
So what of Yamaha? Vinales did a slightly increased 52 laps on day two and was almost top, but he did say they needed to make more progress and improve on the final day. It was a different story – in terms of lap-time at least – for teammate Valentino Rossi. The ‘Doctor’ ended the day down in P19 and over a second off Viñales after 51 laps, but the number 46 has never been one to blast out the blocks in testing.
Team director Massimo Meregalli says it’s been time to confirm positives from Sepang, and that the speed and consistency from Day 1 were encouraging. On Sunday they focused on back-to-back comparisons, and working on fairings as homologation date draws near. The fairing, says Meregalli, is the only thing left to be decided upon – but there was also a new tail unit spotted.
Petronas Yamaha SRT, meanwhile, remained impressive in their own right and as help with development for the Iwata marque. Quartararo’s bike isn’t far off that of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, and teammate Franco Morbidelli’s is the same as that of Viñales and Rossi. Quartararo stunned with his laptime in third, and Morbidelli ended the day in P13 after 52 laps of more important data gathering.
Another man echoing the sentiments of Suzuki boss Davide Brivio on day two was Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati Team). The Italian said he’d be up to race ASAP too, and he was the fastest Borgo Panigale machine in P4. After 48 laps ‘Petrux’ did a best of 1m54.953s and, despite being down in P8, teammate Andrea Dovizioso was close with a 1m11.205s after 53 laps.
Team manager Davide Tardozzi said Ducati have ‘clear ideas regarding frame, engines, aerodynamics, electronics’ and that they were concentrating on tyre life – with an interesting addition under the bike that rumour says is aimed at tyre temperature.
Australian Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) was the top independent team Ducati rider on Sunday and leapt up the timesheets into P12, with Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) in P14 despite a crash. He was just ahead of the second Alma Pramac Racing machine of rookie Francesco Bagnaia.
At Honda, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was the fastest man for the marque, in fifth. A 1m55.004s was his best effort, but crucially the reigning Champion managed nearly 60 laps – a good sign in his ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery, with Marquez having done less than forty on most test days so far.
Teammate Jorge Lorenzo was a second quicker than day one but in a tight trio between Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Rossi, and he put in 44 laps with a best of 1m55.742s as he fights to recover from his broken scaphoid. He tried the latest fairing on Sunday, too, and said it was a much better day’s work.
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was second fastest Honda in P7, and rumour has it one of his bikes seemed to migrate to his teammate’s side of the garage too. That teammate, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), had a tough first day but was back in the mix in the top 10 on Sunday, doing 35 laps and taking P9.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) impressed once again on day two. He ended the day in sixth – just 0.002 ahead of Nakagami – and put in 55 laps. Aprilia had a new exhaust, and technical manager Romano Albesiano said Espargaro and teammate Andrea Iannone were testing race setup and aero. Iannone reportedly had positive feedback on the aero, and he ended the day in P16. Test rider Bradley Smith, meanwhile, was focusing on electronics.
Completing the top 10 on Sunday was another headline stealer: Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). He was even higher up for much of the session, and his 1m55.255s meant that all six factories were within the top 10 after a fitting 44 laps for the 2013 Moto2 World Champion.
Teammate Zarco was in P17 just ahead of Lorenzo, but quicker than day one. Team manager Mike Leitner said the focus had switched from bigger changes to details, and noted the pressure to get ready – especially with so many items to test. He also said both have good feelings and noted the particularly positive results for Espargaro’s testing. Testing resumes on Monday.
Law enforcement agencies agree that tougher penalties are needed.
However, the big problem has been that organised criminal rings use specialist criminals for different functions of the same offence.
They include bike thieves, burglars who break into your house to steal car or bike keys, re-birthers, fencers and document forgers.
This has made it difficult to convict offenders and gang bosses or organisers. Charges were often not proven or bargained down to lesser charges, such as receiving stolen property.
At best, the conviction system was protracted with little or no joy for the victims.
In 2006, the NSW government amended the Crimes Act 1900 to introduce a new offence of knowingly facilitating a rebirthing activity carried out on an organised basis.
It would apply to any and all members in the network involved in stealing your motorcycle or car with tougher penalties.
While it seemed like a good idea, National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council figures seem to show it is not working. In fact, NSW bike theft is up almost a quarter over the past four years.
Motorcycle theft 2013-10 to 2018-09
State/Territory
2013-10 to 2014-09
2017-10 to 2018-09
% change
Thefts
% of thefts
Thefts
% of thefts
ACT
109
110
0.9%
NSW
1,506
1,878
24.7%
NT
190
87
-54.2%
QLD
1,354
1,619
19.6%
SA
451
543
20.4%
TAS
111
142
27.9%
VIC
1,832
2,097
14.5%
WA
2,638
2,044
-22.5%
AUS
8,191
100.0
8,520
100.0
4.0%
Laws assessed
Law firm DLA Phillips Fox assessed the law changes in 2010 but found many matters were still before the court. They found there had not been enough time to draw conclusions on the law’s impact.
So now the NMVTRC has engaged law firm Clayton Utz to do a second review.
They will not only consider NSW prosecutions but also identify issues that might lead to similar provisions across the nation.
A report is expected to be available by end of April 2019.
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) continued his great pre-season form by topping the timesheets on the second day of testing in Qatar overnight. The Spaniard put in a 1m54.593s to go fastest on Day 2, but it remained tight at the top as Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) ended the day just 0.057 in arrears.
Alex Rins – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
That made some headlines in itself, but the man in third stole some too: rookie Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) claimed the next fastest position.
Rins’ teammate, rookie Joan Mir, also impressed and put in a 1m55.280s to end Sunday in P11, less than seven-tenths off his team-mate, and rank as the second quickest rookie.
Alex Rins – P1
“It would be good if the race was tomorrow! We’ve been doing a great job; in Sepang we tested a lot of parts, but here we’re confirming that those parts are good. But the important thing is the way I’m riding, step-by-step with a nice rhythm, and using worn tyres as well. The aim is to get everything 100% clear when we come back for the first race. I feel that our package is better than last year, just by changing small things. I feel happy with the bike.”
Alex Rins – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Joan Mir – P11
“I’m really satisfied with today, because I made good improvements. I’m feeling strong with the bike, especially as I improved my feeling with the front end which helped me to get a better pace. It was a shame because I put a new tyre in, but I wasn’t able to get the lap I wanted, but we have another day tomorrow and I’ll try again then. Today I tried the new exhaust and I’m happy about that too, I found positive things from it. The plan tomorrow is a race simulation and further improvements.”
Joan Mir – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Team Manager Davide Brivio said Mir was also testing some things, as well as adapting to the bike, but that he’d like to “race tomorrow” looking at Rins’ pace. That bodes well, and the Hamamatsu factory man also said everything “visible” on the bike is decided.
Davide Brivio – Suzuki Ecstar Team Manager
“We’ve had another positive day, the cherry on the cake was having the fastest lap time today. But the most important thing is that we were able to continue our plan and do our jobs well. Alex has good pace every time he takes to the track, and he puts together strong laps which is very helpful for us when it comes to testing. Joan improved again today and had another good lap time, close to many other riders. We are happy with the progress and the work we’ve done. Tomorrow we’ll think more about the upcoming race.”
Joan Mir’s garage – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Maverick Viñales – P2
“We were working a little bit on the race pace and honestly I’m quite happy, because I think we made good improvements today. It was important to feel the bike a little bit more, to find a new set-up to go fast. I think that job has been done and I’m quite happy about that. We still have a lot of things to do tomorrow to further improve. I hope to go faster tomorrow, because I think the track today wasn’t great. Tomorrow we can hopefully find a bit more grip. At the moment the grip level for me is quite low but we’re still there at the front and that’s the most important.”
Maverick Vinales – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
It was a different story – in terms of lap-time at least – for teammate Valentino Rossi. The ‘Doctor’ ended the day down in P19, over a second off Viñales after putting in 51 laps, but the number 46 has never been one to blast out the blocks in testing.
Valentino Rossi – P19
“Today was more difficult. I struggled more, especially with the rear grip. Yesterday we had a base setting, I was not so bad. Today we tried to improve, we tried some different settings, but also some different materials. Unfortunately we didn’t improve. It was a difficult day, I was always too slow, so we’re not happy. Tomorrow we’ll try to follow some other directions, to be more competitive.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Team Director Massimo Meregalli said it’s been time to confirm positives from Sepang, and that the speed and consistency from Day 1 were encouraging. On Sunday they focused on back-to-back comparisons, and working on fairings as homologation date draws near. The fairing, says Meregalli, is the only thing left to be decided upon – but there was also a new tail unit spotted.
Petronas Yamaha SRT, meanwhile, remained impressive in their own right and as help with development for the Iwata marque. Quartararo’s bike isn’t far off that of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, and teammate Franco Morbidelli’s is the same as that of Viñales and Rossi. Quartararo stunned with his laptime in third, and Morbidelli ended the day in P13 after 52 laps of more important data gathering.
Fabio Quartararo – P3
“It has been a very positive Sunday night for us here at Losail and we have learnt a lot about the bike. We kept up a strong pace on used tyres and also took an important step forward with respect to our time attacks. Tonight was the first time I have left the box thinking, ‘I’m going to set a fast lap no matter what,’ and I am happy with the lap times we set, especially lapping alone, when I put together three great laps. The objective tomorrow is to complete a longer run to check how the tyres work when they are already worn, and then at the end of the evening we will try another time attack.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Franco Morbidelli – P13
“Today we took a step forward from yesterday and we have understood some new things. We are still gathering experience with the bike and figuring out how it reacts to certain changes that we make. Looking at the lap times tonight, the pace was good but we can still improve over a single lap on the soft tyre. We have to work out the best way to do that, which is exactly what testing is for.”
Franco Morbidelli – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati Team) was the fastest Borgo Panigale machine in P4.
Danilo Petrucci – P4
“It’s been a busy day. We were among the first ones to take it to the track, and I felt comfortable right away. In particular, I was happy with the feeling with used tyres, both the medium and soft compounds. Our pace is competitive, while we still need to improve in terms of pure speed on new tyres. I still have to look into detail at our rival’s lap times, but we all seem to be quite close. Tomorrow we’ll keep working on the setup and we’ll also run a race simulation to make another step forward, which is crucial to fight for the podium during the race.”
Danilo Petrucci – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
After 48 laps ‘Petrux’ did a best of 1m54.953s and, despite being down in P8, teammate Andrea Dovizioso was close with a 1m11.205s after 53 laps. Team Manager Davide Tardozzi said Ducati have “clear ideas regarding frame, engines, aerodynamics, electronics” and that they were concentrating on tyre life – with an interesting addition under the bike that rumour says is aimed at tyre temperature.
Andrea Dovizioso – P8
“If we look at the lap times, today they probably don’t reveal too much: many riders worked esclusively for the upcoming race, but what matters the most is that my feeling with the bike is good. Today, as we had previously done in Malaysia, we did a race simulation split into two runs. It’s a very important task ahead of the opening race, even if it will unfold in slightly different conditions, and it allowed to gather interesting feedback even though it’s still difficult to gauge the true potential of our opponents. I think we’re working well and methodically, and tomorrow we’ll continue to focus on some details to find more ways to further improve.”
Andrea Dovizioso – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) was the top Independent Team Ducati rider on Sunday and leapt up the timesheets into P12.
Jack Miller – P12
“I’m happier than yesterday. We worked effectively on the setup and geometry of the bike even though in the end we had to deal with a technical issue that slowed us down. I was able to improve my time despite the humidity that certainly didn’t help and for this, I thank the team that did a great job. Tomorrow we will try again in better conditions.”
Jack Miller – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) was in P14 despite a crash. He was just ahead of the second Alma Pramac Racing machine of rookie Francesco Bagnaia.
Pecco Bagnaia – P15
“It’s been a good day. We have taken a big step forward since yesterday. We were able to take a path that led us to be faster. In the end, I went on track to do a long run and in the first six laps, the feeling was good. Tomorrow we will also do some time attacks because we saved a lot of soft tyres today”
Pecco Bagnaia – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
At Honda, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was the fastest man for the marque, in fifth. A 1m55.004s was his best effort, but crucially the reigning Champion managed nearly 60 laps – a good sign in his ongoing recovery from shoulder surgery, with Marquez having done less than forty on most test days so far.
Marc Marquez – P5
“I’m very happy today because it was my first ‘normal’ day of testing. I did a lot of laps, there was a little pain in the shoulder but it’s manageable. We also made a big step with the setup of the bike, I’m happy overall with my condition and the bike. We’re getting closer and closer at a circuit that’s usually not the best for us and there’s still a day of testing left.”
Marc Marquez – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Teammate Jorge Lorenzo was a second quicker than Day 1 but in a tight trio between Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Rossi, and he put in 44 laps with a best of 1:55.742 as he fights to recover from his broken scaphoid.
Jorge Lorenzo – P19
“Today was better than yesterday. We modified the bike to improve my feeling and confidence across the whole circuit. You can see we’ve improved by over one second, the position isn’t much better but we are much closer to the front – this is the most important part. Tomorrow we’re aiming to make another step forward again, especially with corner entry as I think there’s still more to do there.”
Jorge Lorenzo – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was second fastest Honda in P7, and rumour has it one of his bikes seemed to migrate to his teammate’s side of the garage too. That teammate, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), had a tough first day but was back in the mix in the top ten on Sunday, doing 35 laps and taking P9.
Takaaki Nakagami – P9
“It was another positive test day for us, and step-by-step we are really making improvements on the bike. Also, I feel my riding improved even more today compared to the first day. I’m very happy with the feeling on the bike and of course with the LCR Honda IDEMITSU Team. The position is not so bad, and the lap time is closer to the top, so I’m really happy with the day and looking forward to the last day of pre-season tests. Let’s see if we can make even more improvements tomorrow before the season begins.”
Takaaki Nakagami – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Cal Crutchlow – P9
“We finished a little bit early today on our second day of testing here in Qatar. We got through everything in our programme for the day. We’ve got more to do tomorrow, and we’ve decided on a few different things we’re going to try then on the last day of testing before the season starts. The LCR Honda CASTROL Team have worked really hard as always, and we are a bit more pleased than yesterday, but there’s still a way to go to make sure we’re at the front.”
Cal Crutchlow – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) impressed once again on Day 2. He ended the day in sixth – just 0.002 ahead of Nakagami – and put in 55 laps. Aprilia had a new exhaust, and Technical Manager Romano Albesiano said Espargaro and teammate Andrea Iannone were testing race setup and aero. Iannone reportedly had positive feedback on the aero, and he ended the day in P16. Test rider Bradley Smith, meanwhile, was focusing on electronics.
Aleix Espargaro – P6
“I am satisfied overall. We managed to improve a lot compared to yesterday. I feel more at ease with the 2019 RS-GP although I must admit that there is still margin for improvement, especially in terms of my feeling, for example in the braking phase, where I take a few too many risks. But you also need to consider that this is our second test with the new bike. I learn something with every outing and the mechanics gather more information that lets us perfect the setting. Tomorrow will be a fundamental day, the last before the race weekend. We’ll try a simulation to have a clearer idea of our level as compared to our rivals.”
Aleix Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Andrea Iannone – P17
“Our priority right now is to get to know the bike better, improving step by step. We improved compared to yesterday, but we need to keep pushing hard and make the right choices, especially in terms of setup. There is obviously always something that doesn’t give us the results we expect, but we take that as another bit of information that helps us improve. As I said yesterday, we have good potential and the job is to make it consistent throughout race distance in order to maintain a good pace from start to finish.”
Andrea Iannone – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Completing the top ten on Sunday was another headline stealer – Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). He was even higher up for much of the session, and his 1:55.255 meant that all six factories were within the top ten after a fitting 44 laps for the 2013 Moto2 World Champion.
Pol Espargaro – P10
“A satisfying day. We knew we had a lot to try so we started early on. Traction is important on this track, especially from corners 9-12, but we have to be careful not to use the tyre. We were working on that – as well as the race pace – because we know it will be a hard GP for us. The race itself should be a bit earlier in the day, so it’ll be warmer and tyre wear at the end will be really important. Tomorrow will be a hard day and we want to try a long run as well. Michelin are doing a good job, they have brought a new softer rear compound so they are trying to make our work fun, which is nice, and the performance of the bike is good. Overall though we must work on the electronics and the overall set-up.”
Pol Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Teammate Zarco was in P17 just ahead of Lorenzo, but quicker than Day 1. Team Manager Mike Leitner said the focus had switched from bigger changes to details, and noted the pressure to get ready – especially with so many items to test. He also said both have good feelings and noted the particularly positive results for Espargaro’s testing.
Johann Zarco – P17
“The second day has been better for me and straight away we were able to understand why I could not improve any more on the first day. It’s important to feel that on the bike, and the positive and negatives things of our work. We moved a few steps forward for my sensation when riding and it made me smile. We’re still one second away from the first guy but we made improvements. We made many laps here and while I’m not sure if we are fully set for this race yet we can do the best job we can. It is just about finding the right set-up for my riding style and when we put our finger on something I can immediately make progress. We are taking a while to find it…but this is just the beginning of our story. I would like to get inside a second tomorrow: that would be interesting. I want to get closer.”
Johann Zarco – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Miguel Oliveira – P21
“Today has been quite different to yesterday. We improved the lap time, which is a good point. We managed to do some decent work on the bike, we kept focused more on the long-runs and how the race should look like; tyre-wise and also setting-wise, we adapted the bike a lot – not to do a fast lap, but to have a fast pace. Overall, I felt quite strong. We have plenty of opportunities tomorrow to try to put in a fast lap.”
Miguel Oliveira – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
Hafizh Syahrin – P23
“It has been a tough second day here. We tried to change many things to improve my feeling on the brake and especially on the front part of the bike. On the rear, we just tried the soft tyre. To be honest, I’m a bit disappointed of myself because I was expecting more. Anyway, we keep on working hard, try to understand more and I want to refresh for tomorrow as it is the last day before the start of the season.”
Hazifh Syahrin – 2019 MotoGP Qatar Test – Day 2
MotoGP riders have one more day of testing in Qatar and that will get underway tonight. We will have all the news for you on MCNews.com.au in the morning.
MotoGP Qatar Test 2019 Day Two Times
RINS Alex – SPA – Team Suzuki Ecstar 1’54.593
VINALES Maverick – SPA – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP +0.057
QUARTARARO Fabio – FRA – Petronas Yamaha SRT +0.315
PETRUCCI Danilo – ITA – Mission Winnow Ducati +0.360
MARQUEZ Marc – SPA – Repsol Honda Team +0.411
ESPARGARO Aleix – SPA – Aprilia Racing Team Gresini +0.580
NAKAGAMI Takaaki – JPN – LCR Honda +0.582
DOVIZIOSO Andrea – ITA – Mission Winnow Ducati +0.612
CRUTCHLOW Cal – GBR – LCR Honda +0.654
ESPARGARO Pol – SPA – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +0.662
MIR Joan – SPA – Team Suzuki Ecstar +0.687
MILLER Jack – AUS – Alma Pramac Racing +0.787
MORBIDELLI Franco – ITA – Petronas Yamaha SRT +0.963
ROSSI Valentino – ITA – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP +1.011
RABAT Tito – SPA – Reale Avintia Racing +1.068
BAGNAIA Francesco – ITA – Alma Pramac Racing +1.087
IANNONE Andrea – ITA – Aprilia Racing Team Gresini +1.105
ZARCO Johann – FRA – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing +1.123
LORENZO Jorge – SPA – Repsol Honda Team +1.149
ABRAHAM Karel – CZE – Reale Avintia Racing +1.358
OLIVEIRA Miguel – POR – Red Bull KTM Tech 3 +1.681
SMITH Bradley – GBR – Aprilia Racing Test Team +2.273
Australian fan-favourite third at round eight’s Triple Crown.
Image: Supplied.
An incredible third place result at Detroit’s eighth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship has extended Chad Reed’s podium record to 132 in the premier class at 36 years of age.
The Australian fan-favourite put on a stellar display in the Triple Crown format, charging to a 3-5-7 scorecard that ultimately granted him the final spot on the box.
His first podium since the Phoenix supercross in 2017, Reed expressed a sense of relief to earn the result that has eluded him for two years, rewarding not only his his efforts, but also the chance taken on him by the JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing squad.
“I’m super proud to be up here with these guys,” Reed explained. “These guys are the best grade of supercross riders in the world, I’m honoured to be here and to do it this late in my career. At this point of my career, I’m a fill-in guy and an ambassador for the sport, so it always feels good to get up here and do my job.
“There’s no mistake about it – I do this because I believe I can be up here. I don’t work my arse off during the week to get the results that I have been. It’s been extremely frustrating week in, week out for the last couple of years, so to have a night where you’re fighting for those top positions, it’s fun.
“It’s a relief – a massive relief for me to finally be up on the podium. JB (Justin Brayton) has the record that I really want – we kind of had a vet national there in the first one. That was fun.”
The two-time AMA Supercross champion is now positioned eighth in the championship standings as the series heads to Atlanta this weekend. The overall win was captured by Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) followed by points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Dorna confirm Indonesia to host MotoGP and WSBK in 2021
ITDC, Indonesia’s largest integrated tourism developer and operator, and Dorna Sports SL have announced that the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the FIM MotoGP World Championship will be racing in Indonesia in 2021.
The signing of the agreement was conducted by Mr Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of DORNA) and Mr Abdulbar M. Mansoer (CEO of ITDC) at DORNA’s headquarter in Madrid, Spain on the 28th January 2019, in front of Senior Management team of both parties and witnessed by Indonesian’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Spain, Drs. Hermono M.A.
Mandalika in Lombok to welcome MotoGP and WSBK in 2021
The agreement confirms that Indonesia will welcome the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and MotoGP in 2021 to the island of Lombok, more specifically within the Mandalika, which is a large-scale integrated Tourism Estate.
Abdulbar M. Mansoer – CEO of ITDC
“We are very excited to have partnered up with DORNA and are delighted to be able to bring world-class motorsport events to Indonesia and the Mandalika in Lombok together.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta – Dorna Sports SL CEO
“What a unique project this will be, having an urban, world class circuit in a country where MotoGP has such a huge following. Indonesia is a key market for us with a considerable percentage of motorsport fans living here and the MotoGP atmosphere will be even stronger once the circuit is complete. Also, by including Lombok to the WorldSBK calendar makes this offer more attractive for local fans having two World Class events in the area during the year.”
Goulburn teenager Tom Toparis has had a fantastic start to season 2019. with clear and total domination of the three Australian Supersport races over the weekend.
ASBK Supersport Championship Points Standings 1 Tom TOPARIS (Landbridge Transport Yamaha YZF-R6) 76 2 Nicholas LIMINTON (Yamaha Motor Aust. Yamaha YZF-R6) 60 3 Oli BAYLISS (Cube Racing Yamaha YZF-R6) 52
Toparis then followed that up with a highly creditable 11th place finish in a World Supersport wildcard appearance on the Landbridge Transport Yamaha YZF-R6, scoring five World Supersport Championship points in the process.
Tom Toparis on the World Supersport grid – GeeBee Image
Toparis has now picked up a ride with Benro Racing for the 2019 IDM 600 Supersport Championship alongside new team-mate and fellow 18-year-old Milan Merckelbagh on Yamaha YZF-R6 machinery.
Tom Toparis – Phillip Island 2017 – Image by Andrew Northcott
This latest European adventure will add to the growing list of experience on the world stage for Toparis, who has previously taken part in some wildcard Moto3 rides and has Supersport 300 experience in Europe. During the European season, Toparis will stay with the family of Merckelbagh in Holland, which will allow the two 18-year-olds to train together.
Tom Toparis – Moto3 Qualifying Practice – Motegi 2017 – Image by Andrew Northcott
Toparis will also be concentrating on the Australian Supersport Championship, as he shares his time between here and Europe. He will head to Europe at the end of April to prepare for his IDM appearances in a deal that was made possible by Dutch intermediary Rob Vennegoor.
Tom Toparis – Motegi Moto3 2017 – Image by AJRN
Tom Toparis Interview
Big weekend, tell me how did you find it?
Tom Toparis: “I’m very lucky to have done the WSBK and ASBK, I got the opportunity from Landbridge Transport Team and of course when you get offered the chance to ride World Supersport you’re never going to say no. The bike was good all weekend, I let the team down with a crash on Tuesday, which set us back, and we had to go into Melbourne and get some parts and what not and sort a few things out. The result in the World Supersport… P11 is really good I think.”
Tom Toparis – World Supersport – Phillip Island 2019 – GeeBee Image
Do you think that effected your result?
Tom Toparis: “In a way yes, we pretty much lost the whole of Tuesday, so that was four hours of track time we didn’t get and it set us back for Friday morning. For sure it could have been a fraction better, but I am definitely so grateful the team did such a good job in the stop, as that’s such a big variable, if you get it wrong, even if you lose one second in a pit stop, that’s one whole second on the track, which is a lot of risk you have to take. I haven’t look at the time yet, but the minimum was 1:14 or 1:18 or something, I feel like we did a good job. I just listened to what the team said, and once they let me go I was gone, it was 8 laps or so to the end. I’m so proud of my team, getting me out there and putting it just outside the top 10.”
Tom Toparis – GeeBee Image
How are your injuries from the big off on Tuesday? (Tom wore through his leathers during a crash earlier in the week and lost a lot of skin off his bum!)
Tom Toparis: “It’s a bit annoying, itchy and awkward to ride on, it’s OK and I think I got through the weekend without it causing too much trouble. Hopefully I’ll listen to what the doctors have to say, and I might need to go get a skin graft tomorrow in Melbourne. It was a bit of a set back and it was annoying for me. But anyway apart from that we were happy to score four World Supersport championship points. It’s such a good weekend to get all the Aussies [Supersport wins] and taking pole, and getting the points in WSSP.”
Tom Toparis – TBG Image
And off to Europe?
Tom Toparis: “I’m very happy to announce that in 2019 I’ll be doing some racing in Europe in the IDM Supersport on a Yamaha R6 for Benro Racing. I’m very grateful to the people who have made this happen. Through RT Racing Support I was able to get in contact with Sraar van Rens. It will be a busy year, because I’m going to combine the Australian and IDM championship. This year, my family and I are fully committed to racing and I will be doing everything possible to win here in Australia. I have no expectations for the IDM as I don’t know what to expect. But I’ll be doing everything I can to learn the tracks and the bike as fast as possible, whilst enjoying the different lifestyle on the other side of the world. I’m really looking forward to meet my team-mate Milan. A big thank you to everyone involved including my sponsors here in Australia.”
The new Neckmike headset should resolve the two biggest problems with wearing earphones connected to your phone when riding.
The problems are that the microphone supplied with most smartphone earphones is usually useless against wind noise on a bike and the bulky earbuds are often uncomfortable under a tight helmet.
Neckmike has a microphone that attaches to your neck and works like those fighter pilots we’ve seen in many war movies, cutting out all wind and ambient noise.
The earbuds are also small and the type that slot right inside your ears to reduce background wind noise so you don’t have to turn the volume up ridiculously high to hear.
(Now we know some riders are totally against this sort of communication/entertainment while riding. However, there are other riders who love music and being able to stay in touch. Plus there are professionals who need to be in contact for work while riding such as couriers and moto-journos like me!)
Neckmike
Neckmike is the product of a two-person Swedish company that produces headsets for military and first responders.
Co-founder Carl Franzén tells us they have now developed a civilian version suitable for active use such as motorcycling, skiing, jogging and cycling.
Carl models the Neckmike
They have launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding program to help get the product to market.
There are three types of headset:
C30 unit
The C30 costs $US109,99 (about $A155) and is designed for use with a smartphone, although it does not have a lightning connection for the iPhone so you have to use the adapter that comes with the phone. You can also plug it into some Bluetooth intercoms that feature an external speaker socket.
The C50 ($US129.99/$A180) is the same headset but with a lower volume output to meet CE requirements.
Top of the range is the Neckmike M4+ bundle at $US209.99 (about $295) which contains a Neckmike C20 and a M4 bluetooth intercom. It’s good value as you also get a handlebar controller for easy access to controls.
Bundle comes with M4 intercom and handlebar controls
Carl says the units are completely waterproof and the earbud speakers are made with hi-fi elements from a “renowned Danish company”.
While Neckmike can be connected to many communication devices, a number of versions with different cable sets will be released soon.
We also hope to test one of the units when they become available.
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