From keyboard to an annual motorcycle meet to a legitimate brick-and-mortar business
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
By Alistair Wilton
The 2019 running of the Island Classic saw another highly successful event at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, boasting international legends of motorcycling on a bevvy of rare and precious classic machinery.
There was plenty going on over the weekend, with over 50 races, so here’s a look at some of the smaller classes, which while not as renowned as the International Challenge, still feature amazing racing and incredible machines.
While the focus is regularly on the Unlimited capacity class in Forgotten Era, which is not unexpected with bikes that are easy to source and easy to tune, the 350 class is one that is sometimes overlooked.
The 350 class is dominated by true period Grand Prix class TZ350s and regularly puts on some of the best racing of the weekend, making it something not to miss.
However for 2019, with the loss of leaded race fuels (the 40+ year diet of 350GP bikes!) kicking in, there was a chance that this class could be a lottery as riders and tuners got to grips with the various replacements that have come to light.
While there was a little mechanical mayhem which unfortunately beset a couple of front runners, including Kiwi Steve Brown and Taswegian Grant Boxhall, the fuel change didn’t put a damper on proceedings.
The headline should read ‘Lachlan Hill Dominates Again’, but that would ignore the enormous efforts that class newcomer Keo Watson put in riding Western Australian Neil Robinson’s immaculate TZ350.
Lachie has dominated the class for five years and rightly so, with his riding efforts, but also a willingness to develop his bike, which has put him less than 1/10th of a second outside the lap record.
In 2019 Lachlan took four wins from four races and his excitement in doing so was visible on the last lap of race four.
However, Keo Watson wasn’t concerned with reputations and methodically went about taking the fight to Hill with three strong second place finishes. Racing saw Watson get ahead of Hill a number of times, including in a spectacular Race 2 on Saturday afternoon.
Watson led on the last lap and after trying a move at the exit of Turn 2, finally making a pass under brakes at the Turn 4 hairpin on the last lap. The pace was strong enough that Hill reset his own personal best lap time and had a moment or two at MG.
By race four, Hill was in a relatively safe position on points for the class at 75 to Watson’s 60, but he would have had one eye on the Phil Irving Trophy as well. For four laps Watson and Hill were hardly separated, until suddenly there was only one of them.
A tyre experiment for the last race proved costly with Watson tucking the front and low siding at Hayshed, leaving Hill a very large gap over second placed Christopher Hayward. This one DNF unfortunately dropping Keo Watson from second down to sixth overall for the weekend.
Forgotten Era 350 for years has also had a strong Kiwi presence, fielding many riders in the class every year for 19 of the 26 years the event has run. 2019 was no different with eight riders and they were somewhat hampered by only being able to tune for the new fuels from Thursday onwards. However they were well on the case by Friday, though many of the team had made use of the exceptional talents of Bruce Woodley of Powerflow Engineering to keep things under control.
Jock Woodley was the most consistent of these, again landing third place overall with four strong rides – the same overall result as 2018. Chris Hayward had a number of lonely rides for second overall.
The unlimited Classic bikes were run concurrently with the Forgotten Era with Garth Francis taking four class wins on his 750 Norton, mixing it with the mid-field TZ350s.
Based upon current form, the question was going to be who was going to come second?
Current ASBK Supersport 300 champion Tom Bramich on the incredibly reliable Ron Angel Racing Paton 500 was looking too strong to bet against, which was a prediction seen out by the weekend.
The answer as to who would claim second was Keo Watson with four second places, but don’t let the results let you think these were processional. Yes, Bramich was away in race one and two but also had Unlimited Post classic bikes to play with. By Race 3 on Saturday afternoon, Watson was well on to his game and running with Bramich, never more than a second apart the whole race with neither having a speed advantage.
Race 4 saw Tom in a strong position chasing for an overall win, which ensured the clean sweep with Watson second, while Christopher Hayward put in four great rides in third each time for third overall.
Due to an accident in the International Challenge Beau Beaton on the big Irving Vincent didn’t feature in the Unlimited Post Classic past Saturday lunchtime, but in his earlier showing he reset the lap record in race two for a run away win by 10 seconds up over Dean Oughtred on his immaculate Carl Cox Racing / Dynoverks CR750, backing up his win in race one.
With Beaton out for the weekend, Oughtred had a clear run in Race 3, but a DNF in race four let evergreen Laurie Fyffe through for the overall win, with Robert Wallace just missing out pushing him back to third.
Source: MCNews.com.au
National and state championship Suzuki riders to be rewarded for results.
Image: Foremost Media.
Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has confirmed the continuation of its Suzuki Support Rider (SSR) contingency program for 2019, outlining details and benefits for riders piloting machines from the Japanese manufacturer.
SSR offers racers a chance at being rewarded for their commitment and results by offering contingency for national competitions, including the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in the Superbike and Supersport categories, while also being available to Motorcycling Australia (MA) recognised state road racing and premier class championships.
Riders who compete on the current generation GSX-R600 or GSX-R1000/R are eligible to register for the SSR, where the rider must register with their VIN number through the application process.
For national series’, contingency is offered for each and every round from positions one through to 10, while a championship bonus is also on offer for a top three placing.
For more information, visit www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/suzuki-support-rider.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
Steve Martin put in a stellar effort at this years Island classic to claim the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy from fellow Aussie Aaron Morris by a two-point margin. It was obvious to see the improvements made during the weekend that then provided Steve the confidence to really push for results.
Steve kicked off the weekend with a seventh place in the International Challenge Race 1 after a restart following a nasty crash which saw both Jason Pridmore and Beau Beaton out of the weekend through injury.
Race two saw Steve Martin forge his way into a second place finish behind Aaron Morris before then leading a Suzuki Katana 1-2-3 in Sunday morning’s race three. While Josh Hayes took the final race four win, Steve Martin took the runner up position and the overall highest points score across the four Island Classic International Challenge bouts.
Phil Harlum caught up with Steve in the aftermath of the 2019 Island Classic.
Phil Harlum: Steve Martin, tell us about the weekend, it’s obviously one that started off a bit slow, but it didn’t end like that.
Steve Martin: Nah, it’s just unbelievable, when I look back at the weekend, you know… as usual I didn’t really prepare, went for two runs thinking that would be enough. I ended wearing myself out so I gave up on that. I really just can’t explain it, I worked hard on the set-up, and I was in contact with Phil Tainton, who was helping me out with a few different things, and I think that made a bit of a difference.
Phil: Tell us about the races though, you gradually got better and better as the weekend went on, culminating with victory in race three, and a strong fight to second place in the final race.
Steve: Absolutely, as soon as I got feeling in the bike, then I could tell what it was doing, in the last couple of years I really haven’t been able to feel what the bikes been doing. But this year I could feel what it was doing, give good feedback, and as soon as I did that, I knew what I wanted to go faster. As soon as I knew what I wanted, bang, the pace was there, and then obviously the more I rode… The last time I rode a bike with a race number, was here last year – I only race here, four six-lap races each year, which isn’t enough against guys like Josh Hayes, and our young guns.
“So the more laps I did the more confident I got. In the third race I got a sniff of it and I went for it. I could see I had a bit more grip than Phillis, and Metcher, who were in front of me at that time, and I thought it’s now or never, so I went for it. I didn’t even realise it was the final lap at the point, so when I came over and saw the chequered flag, I had made my move at the right time.”
Phil: Tell us about the race through victory and how special that was, because it’s been a couple of years since you’ve won an International Challenge race and few years since you won any sort of championship.
Steve: Well, it’s been 10 years believe it or not. In 1989 I won the Australian 1000cc Production championship, 1999 I won the Australian Superbike championship, 2009 I won the World Endurance championship, and in 2019 I’ve now won the Phillip Island classic, so I’m looking for a long term 10 year contract!”
Phil: Congratulations Steve well done, it’s been a big effort from you and the team!
Steve: “Thanks mate and thanks to everyone out there.”
Source: MCNews.com.au
| 2019 Island Classic – Category winners |
| Overall Phil Irving Memorial Trophy Standings |
The newly revamped Trans-Tasman battle of the FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup favoured the Kiwis as they claimed a 139-point victory over the Aussies at the 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island.
The revised format of the FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup, designed to create greater parity, more opportunity for all class riders, and a tougher spirit of competition between the nations saw competitors across the four classes; 350cc Forgotten Era, 500cc Forgotten Era, Unlimited Forgotten Era and 500cc New Era take part in the competition. Riders had to qualify for their respective nations, with competitors with the three closest lap times from each country, in each class, selected for the final squads.
New Zealand’s Jock Woodley was the winning team’s top scorer, accumulating 136 points after four strong top 10 finishes in the 500cc Forgotten Era class and three top five finishes in the 350 Forgotten Era class, along with Andrew McLaren who scored four consistent top 10 finishes in the 350cc Forgotten Era class for Team New Zealand, as well as 45 points in the 500cc Forgotten Era class.
Jason Howcroft also proved dependable, finishing inside the top 10 in all four 350cc Forgotten Era races.
Whilst Team Australia’s Martin Craggill was the top individual point scorer amongst the FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup contenders, securing 76 points from his four podium finishes in the Unlimited Forgotten Era class, Team Australia was unable to match the consistency of the Kiwis.
The locals struggled with mechanical problems with four out of the team’s 12 riders failing to score any points for Australia.
Team New Zealand will be looking to defend their title at the 2020 International Island Classic.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Motorcycle Racing is expensive whether pursued as a hobby or professionally. Costs for motorcycles, parts, crash repairs, fees and transportation all add up to a substantial amount. Thankfully Suzuki is offering assistance to riders that choose to compete on their machinery and have extended their support for competing Suzuki riders, with Suzuki Australia just announcing the continuation of its Suzuki Support Rider (SSR) Contingency program for 2019.
SSR provides motorcycle racers with results based rewards in national based competitions; including MX Nationals and Australian Supercross championships in MX1, MX2 and MXD categories. In road racing the Australian Superbike Championships (ASBK) and Supersport Championship. Some state based championship title wins across both road racing and motocross are also eligible for contingency money.
The SSR contingency is also available to Motorcycling Australia recognised state motocross and road racing, premier class championships.
Registration to the SSR Contingency program is free, and riders are welcome to register various machines in different capacity classes.
Only riders who compete on current generation Suzuki motorcycles are eligible to register for the contingency program Suzuki offer. Registration is restricted to one rider per motorcycle VIN.
Once you have registered for SSR, Suzuki will confirm your acceptance via a letter that will be mailed to you, which includes your SSR Registration Number. One number will be issued per rider, even if the rider competes on several motorcycles in multiple classes. Your Registration Number will be used in all claims for contingency or any other communication with Suzuki.
Only the nominated M.A. sanctioned events will qualify for contingency. Riders registered Results will be verified by Suzuki against official M.A. results.
Contingency payments will only be made to riders who satisfy the following criteria:
| 2019 Suzuki Support Rider Contingency Program |
| Compete on current generation RM-Z250, RM-Z450, GSX-R600 or GSX-R1000/R. |
| Registered for SSR and have received acceptance including their Registration Number from Suzuki Australia. |
| Lodge a claim form within 7 days of the event to Suzuki Australia including their race support number. Suzuki will verify through official race M.A results |
| Championship/Event | Class | Roud/Event | Championship |
| AUSTRALIAN MX NATIONALS | MX1 & MX2 | 1ST – $10,000 2ND – $5,000 3RD – $2,000 4TH – $1,000 5TH-10TH – $250 |
1ST – $50,000 2ND – $25,000 3RD – $10,000 |
| MXD | 1ST – $2,000 2ND – $1,000 3RD – $500 4TH-10TH – $250 |
1ST – $20,000 2ND – $10,000 3RD – $5,000 |
|
| AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS | SX1 & SX2 | 1ST – $10,000 2ND – $5,000 3RD – $2,000 4TH – $1,000 5TH-10TH – $250 |
1ST – $50,000 2ND – $25,000 3RD – $10,000 |
| ASBK | SBK | 1ST – $5,000 2ND – $2,500 3RD – $1,000 4TH – $500 5TH-10TH – $250 |
1ST – $50,000 2ND – $25,000 3RD – $10,000 |
| SSP | 1ST – $1,000 2ND – $750 3RD – $500 |
1ST – $10,000 2ND – $5,000 3RD – $2,500 |
|
| STATE MOTOCROSS *OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED BY MOTORCYCLING AUSTRALIA |
250CC & 450CC Overall senior Prem class Ch’ship Placing |
N/A | 1ST – $3,000 2ND – $1,000 3RD – $500 4TH – $250 5TH – $200 |
| STATE ROAD RACING *OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED BY MOTORCYCLING AUSTRALIA |
SPK and SSP Overall senior Prem class Ch’ship Placing |
N/A | 1ST – $1,000 2ND – $500 3RD – $250 |
Source: MCNews.com.au
This dramatic video shows a motorcycle rider making a short dash for freedom after ramming a Queensland Police motorcycle.
It’s the second time in a week a Queensland motorcycle cop has been rammed. Click here for that dramatic footage.
No matter what you think about motorcycle police, it can be a tough job and they don’t deserve to be hit.
The job of a motorcycle cop is an important part of police duties, Queensland Police say.
“It differs significantly from the general perception of the motoring public,” they told us.
In this latest incident a rider struck the Road Policing Command motorbike yesterday afternoon in Geebung.
The senior constable was conducting speed camera duties near a school on the intersection of Newman and Robinson roads at 3.45pm when he saw a motorcycle pull up at the lights.
He identified the motorcycle as having been involved in several traffic offences in the area.
The officer then parked his motorcycle in front of the bike and activated his lights.
It is alleged the other bike reversed before hitting the officer’s bike, knocking both to the ground.
The video shows the man fleeing the scene before the officer catches him.
The senior constable was taken to hospital for treatment to a minor injury to his knee and his bike sustained minor damage.
Police will allege that the man returned a positive roadside drug test and was found in possession of a quantity of ice.
A 35-year-old man was issued with a Notice to Appear in the Sandgate Magistrates Court for driving while disqualified, drug-driving, obstructing police and possessing a dangerous drug.
He was also been issued with an infringement for an unregistered, uninsured vehicle and possessing “something that resembles a numberplate”. 
The man’s motorcycle was also seized.
Investigations are continuing with further charges expected.
If you have any more information on this incident, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
Quote this reference number: QP1900205782
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Team Honda HRC contender bumped to second in points standings.
Image: Supplied.
Discomfort in the 23-lap main event at Oakland’s fourth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship is what caused Ken Roczen to fade in the closing stages of the encounter.
The German ace was challenging in second position before a four-way battle unfolded where positions were traded on multiple occasions, however Roczen played it safe while not feeling entirely comfortable, settling into fourth before relinquishing one more spot in the dying moments.
Crossing the line in fifth as two-time main event winner Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) captured victory, the Team Honda HRC contender was ultimately demoted from the top of the points table, handing the red-plate to Webb in the process.
“Oakland started off pretty good,” Roczen explained. “I felt super good in practice and was super-happy with the bike. I was confident going into the night show and happy to have first gate pick. We had a decent heat race, finishing in second. We had to do some little bike adjustments, just as the track changed.
“I didn’t have a great start at all but fought my way up to second for a bit. I was struggling in the whoops and started feeling uncomfortable and unfortunately, I went back to fifth. That’s not ideal but we’re leaving healthy.
“We lost the points lead but only by a couple points – it’s a long season, so if we can take this as our worst race, that’s pretty good. It’s time to regroup and hopefully get back on the podium in San Diego.”
The number 94 still holds down second in the standings, two markers behind Webb and one point ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac heading into San Diego’s fifth round this Saturday night.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Overnight the FIM released a statement concerning the results from fuel tests conducted at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations staged at Red Bud early last October.
Tests were conducted on a number of riders but only the sample taken from Italy’s Michele Cervellin fell outside the fuel parameters mandated by the FIM specifications.
The FIM ruled that not only Cervellin would be removed from the results, but that the entire Team Italy squad results were nullified. Thus Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino also have their results removed, and Italy’s second place in the teams overall standing at the MXoN cancelled.
No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) within the set deadline. As a consequence, the decision of the Race Direction is final.
That promotes The Netherlands in to second in the team standings.
Australia had originally placed fourth on the results, finishing on an equal 38 points with Great Britain who were placed fifth. But the cancellation of the Team Italy results unfortunately means that Great Britain are the ones promoted on to the podium by two points. Australia remains fourth, but are now placed on equal points with Team USA who now rank fifth in the official results.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Any vehicle that proclaims to be all things to all people and all roads sounds like a compromise machine, but not the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx that comes pretty close to satisfying on all counts.
Last year the Tiger 800 range received a major upgrade with LED lighting, lighter weight, better ergos, six riding modes, up/down quick shifter, updated cruise control, full-colour instruments, back-lit controls, Brembo front brakes switchable ABS and traction control, and improved off-road ability.
Michael Oliver of Oliver’s Motorcycles in Moorooka says the Tiger 800 represents good value with a host of standard extras.
As I take the keys to the off-road oriented XCx, Michael points out the host of standard hardware such as bash plate, engine guards, USB charging socket, rear rack and handguards, stuff you pay extra for on most adventure tourers.
However, it was the standard tech that left me gob-smacked.
For a start, there are six rider modes, each of which can be customised to suit your personal riding style.
You can also choose the layout, colours and style of the full-colour TFT instruments while the cruise control has logically been shifted from the right switch block to the left.
Riders can choose to have the normal low-beam lights or the bright LED daytime running lights. I chose the LEDs because they seem to attract more attention.
There is even the option to switch between automatic indicators “Basic” and “Advanced” or off, although why anyone would turn off this most basic of safety features baffles me.
In Basic, it holds the indicator a few seconds after turning a corner, but Advanced switches off straight away.
I’m glad I selected Advanced, because I took the first exit at a roundabout and immediately after a car at a left-turn street was about to drive out in front of me but stopped when the indicator switched off.
Now that’s good primary safety tech.
There is also traction control and ABS for both road and off-road use, or you can switch it off.
I tried emergency stops in all the variations on both tar and ball-bearing gravel and was amazed at the results.
I thought I was good at emergency braking, but I could not beat any of the ABS settings, especially on gravel.
The dual Bembo front discs on the XCx may seem overkill on the gravel, but they work well albeit with a fair bit of fork dive.
Traction control is also a must as the 800cc triple brings on the power with a bit of a snap which can make it fishtail wildly on the dirt with traction switched off.
I found it quite difficult to control, but with the of-road traction switched on, it allowed some slide without losing control.
When I first headed out into traffic I reached out and pushed the high windscreen of the XCx forward and down to the bottom position.
It features a simple spring-and-rubber washer that just works.
Michael says he was worried it would rattle with age, but says it hasn’t on other models with the same adjustable screen.
Out on the highway, I reach out and pull it up. Simple and effective.
The contoured seat cossets my rear and the controls all fall easily to hand and foot. This is a the sort of bike you could easily use to do a lap of Australia and it wouldn’t matter if the road turned to gravel or you wanted to explore some national parks.
It’s also well suited to traffic with a light clutch, foolproof gears and a commanding position to view over traffic, although you easily adjust the seat down.
I’m 183cm tall and my heels touch the ground with the seat in the low 840mm position. That sounds high, but the narrow seat makes it easy to set foot on the ground.
That narrow waist also makes it very comfortable to ride standing up on gravel roads without feeling like you are riding a horse.
I wouldn’t need bar risers in this position, either. Just roll the bars forward and let the natural bar bend lift them up into your hands.
The foot pegs are also nice and wide and provide a comfortably long reach.
Pillions will enjoy the wide and flat perch, long reach to the pegs and generous grab handles on each side.
What I didn’t enjoy is the heat coming up over my knees from the engine. I found myself riding with my knees out in the breeze in traffic, although I tucked them in on the highway.
The XCx mirrors are stylish and are set high and wide for plenty of rearward vision. However, at highway speeds, the right mirror vibrates and blurs the vision.
I think that’s because the gearing is set too low.
It provide good off-road ability, especially for slow-speed gnarly tracks.
But it makes the grips tingle a little at highway speed where it runs at 45000rpm in sixth. That’s about 500 revs too much, yet it still returns 3.5L/100km at that speed.
After a day’s riding with some high-spirited twisting roads, some gravel tracks and even a bit of trials riding on some rock shelves, the XCx returned a commendable 4.2L/100km.
I found I could quickly snick the gears through to fifth or sixth around town and the bike will still pull well from 3000 revs at 60km/h in fifth.
Despite all the tech and extras, the biggest attraction for me is the ride and handling of the XCx.
Thanks to WP forks and shock, the Tiger 800 XCx seems perfectly balanced in all situations from highway cruising to twisting tar and corrugated dirt roads.
However, if you are riding less than 80% road and more than 20% dirt, you might want more aggressive rubber than the all-round Bridgestone Battlewing tyres.
| ENGINE & TRANSMISSION | |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder |
| Capacity | 800cc |
| Bore | 74.05mm |
| Stroke | 61.9mm |
| Compression | 11.3:1 |
| Max Power EC | 70kW (94bhp) @ 9500rpm |
| Max Torque EC | 79Nm @ 8050rpm |
| System | Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel 3 into 1 header system, side mounted stainless steel silencer |
| Final Drive | O-ring chain |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Gearbox | 6 speed |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame |
| Swingarm | Twinsided, cast aluminium alloy |
| Front Wheel | Spoked, 21 x 2.15 in |
| Rear Wheel | Spoked, 17 x 4.25 in |
| Front Tyre | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/70 R17 |
| Front Suspension | WP 43mm upside down forks, with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 220mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, 215mm rear wheel travel |
| Front Brakes | Twin 305mm floating discs, Brembo 2piston sliding calipers, Switchable ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS |
| Instrument Display and Functions | TFT multifunctional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and five rider modes (Road/Offroad/Off-Road Pro/Sport/Track) |
| DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | |
| Width Handlebars | 805mm |
| Height Without Mirror | 1390mm |
| Seat Height | 840 – 860mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,545mm |
| Rake | 23.4º |
| Trail | 93.5mm |
| Dry Weight | 205kg |
| Tank Capacity | 19L |
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com