Australian overcomes mid-race incident to finish ninth at the fourth round.
Image: Supplied.
Despite not reaching a desired result, a top 10 finish at Oakland’s fourth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship has injected confidence into Australia’s Chad Reed.
Finishing fourth in his 450SX heat race, Reed navigated his way through the field in the main before his charge was halted just laps into the outing when he landed on Aaron Plessinger’s (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) downed YZ450F at the based of the challenging wall jump, forcing him to regain lost time.
The JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing rider fought back to ninth in an inspiring ride, allowing him to confirm his set-up aboard the RM-Z450.
“I really liked the Oakland track layout, there were nice whoops and ruts,” Reed explained. “Unfortunately, I again struggled with one-lap speed, but I felt like I would be okay for the heat race and main event. I had a decent start in the heat race and finished fourth.
“I was really enjoying the main event and began to find a rhythm. I was going to try and make some moves forward, then I landed on Plessinger’s bike when he crashed in a blind spot. I fought back to ninth. I’m entering a new week with confidence.
“I have the pieces, but I need to start out the day better and carry that into the night show. We’re heading to one of my favourite races of the series this weekend. San Diego has always been a solid hunting ground for me.”
The main event was ultimately won by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb, marking his second victory in as many weeks while granting him the points lead in the process.
Kawasaki Racing Team ace beaming with confidence ahead of Phillip Island.
Image: Supplied.
Reigning WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea is beaming with confidence after two days of testing at Portimao in Portugal, where the four-time title holder once again topped the timesheets.
The Kawasaki Racing Team ace believes the two-day official test ticked every box, confirming a number of components that were rolled out for last week’s Jerez test in Spain, along with sampling a new specification tyres from Pirelli.
Rea lodged a quicktime of 1m40.885s at the Portuguese venue, lapping the circuit almost one second clear of the second fasted rider Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team).
“It has been a super-positive test,” Rea stated. “We came from the Jerez test and I was still understanding the bike and the asphalt there. It made it difficult to understand the work we had done over the winter. But coming here we had quite a neutral platform to work with and a lot of data.
“Although the temperatures did not get into a perfect operating window it gave us a consistent effort over two days. We confirmed the chassis items we tested at Jerez, and electronically we worked a bit better. We started to work on our race performance. I was really happy with how I felt with a lot of laps on the tyre compared to last this time last year.
“I got to try a qualifier at the end of the day and that felt quite good and I was really fast with it. This test ticked every box, just a couple of little items we could have re-checked and gone over. But the priorities were done and we got to try some new Pirelli tyres as well.”
The Irishman will be out on track again at Phillip Island on 18-19 February, which takes place one week prior to the season-opener at the iconic Australian venue, where he’ll commence his bid for a fifth-consecutive WorldSBK crown.
Dubbo in central NSW will declare a CBD street as Bike Street for motorcycles during the inaugural Dubbo Motorcycle Rally from May 10-12, 2019.
Dubbo Motor Bike Rally Committee spokesman Wayne Amor says the region is the perfect place for a large motorcycle rally and hopes it will turn into Australia’s version of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Such Dakota, the world’s largest.
“We feel that Dubbo and surrounds have a great deal to offer riders along with the local venues that have already come on board to support our event,” Wayne says.
“It is a great excuse to get the bike out for a couple of days and gather with other like-minded people.
“We have the added initiative of covering off on some road and motorcycle safety aspects, especially considering the recent spate of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in NSW.”
Dubbo Bike Street
“Bike Street” for the 2018 Toy Run
The rally will be held in Church Street, between Macquarie and Brisbane streets.
It will one known as “Bike Street” from 8am to 6pm on the Saturday of the rally with the street closed to all but motorcycles. Access will be via Brisbane St.
A detailed list of entertainment will be posted on the rally’s website and Facebook page as the event gets closer.
“The aim of the rally is to promote safe riding and foster all the great things that riding a bike provides – fun, freedom and camaraderie,” Wayne says.
Wayne Amor (right) at the Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer in Dubbo
The committee has invited the Motorcycle Council of NSW and are in negotiations with the RMS Motorcycle Safety Unit and the NSW Police Force.
Wayne says they also have many motorcycle related industries and outlet stalls plus major motorcycle companies interested in attending.
The city has many pubs, clubs and restaurants for riders to experience and more than 4500 hotel beds.
Biggest rally
“We aspire to be the largest bike rally in Australia,” Wayne says.
“From Harleys to Hondas, Buells to Beemers and Piaggios to Posties, all bikes and riders are welcome.
“We haven’t set a minimum, but we have pressed 1000 pins and patches for the inaugural event.
“Dubbo Regional Council is also very much behind the event and hope, like us, that it is hugely successful.”
Team Australia retains fourth as standings receive a shake up.
Image: Foremost Media.
A fuel sample taken from Team Italy rider Michele Cervellin (Team SM Action Yamaha) at RedBud’s 2018 FIM Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in the USA has returned with a non-conformity reading, resulting in the nation being stripped of its runner-up honours and disqualified from the classification.
The disqualification has shaken up the results, boosting Team Great Britain from fifth in the standings to third, while The Netherlands has been promoted to second behind Team France
The updated results haven’t played into Team Australia’s favour as it was unable to advance onto the podium after initially finishing fourth, however it still retains the position.
A number of fuel samples were taken from riders, including Team Italy captain Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the entire Team USA squad, France’s Jordi Tixier (KTM), Belgium’s Jeremy van Horebeek (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) and Australia’s Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda).
An Italian company plans to build a motorcycle with a howling, 150kW, upside-down, two-litre, triple engine and is seeking crowd-funding for the wacky idea.
While many motorcycle manufacturers are trying to build bikes with a lower centre of gravity for more stability, Nembo Motociclette says mass centralisation as featured in MotoGP bikes is more important.
With a rider on top of the bike, an upside-down engine with the heavy crank at the top would centralise mass.
Nembo say the bike will have 150kW of power, 210Nm of torque and weigh just 160kg.
They say it would be great for racing, but the video doesn’t seem to prove its speed or handling prowess. However, it does sound fantastic!
Upside-down history
The upside-down Nembo has been around for a while and was first publicly featured at the 2012 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este” at Lake Como, Italy.
Kinda got a nice ring to it hey? For those that don’t know Kenny, he is not your typical, irascible old bike racer. Far from it. As a lover of all things beautiful on both two, three and four wheels, Kenny can still be seen taking up the rear of the field at most classic races regularly on his trusty ninety year old Douglas together with either a very rare 250cc Manx Norton, G50 Matchless or one of his many other lovely classic racing bikes.
Kenny and his extremely rare 250 Manx Norton – Image by Colin Rosewarne
If you were lucky enough to be at last weekend’s Island Classic, he raced one of his two magnificent blood red Norvins. This time it was the all-conquering 1300cc monster that at some time held every unlimited classic racing title in this country ably ridden by Mildura’s Peter Guest. Riding such a beast is a great effort in itself for Kenny considering he weighs not much more than the front wheel of one of these monsters.
Ken Lucas at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Yeah so what you say, another old bloke with a few toys. Well, yes you would be right he’s an oldie but golden oldie. Kenny turns 88 years young next month and has raced all over the world with and against some of the greats of quite a few eras.
Until a couple of years back Kenny also raced his beautiful 700 Manx Norton outfit – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Yes, good but here’s the kicker – he’s raced his toys for over 70, yes 70 years! There’s barely a classic race meeting without a Ken Lucas race or the like in its race program to honour a great racer and truly lovely human being.
Those fortunate enough to meet and get to know the bloke will readily tell you of his cheekiness, generosity and love of a medicinal scotch after his race day.
Kenny and Brenda with his trusty Douglas – Image by Colin Rosewarne
With his loving wife of many years Brenda, their motorhome has played host to countless racers, legends of the sport, officials, sponsors and the odd tired out photographer looking for a seat where there’s always a yarn, a cuppa and a chunk of Brenda’s homemade fruit cake on offer. Kenny and Brenda are pure history and for those interested to learn, a bottomless pit of racing, racer history and practical engineering knowledge.
Kenny 37 and Chris Beaumont 741 getting rounded up by Pete Birthisel 111 outside latter both on Indians – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Walk past his motorhome at your peril when he’s unpacking for a race as if you are within earshot you will often get a cheeky yell and be asked to push one of his beautiful racing collection up to the pit shed for him, or vice versa at the end of the day and join him for a quiet medicinal scotch. Old school, trusting, but sharp as a tack.
Never afraid to hold court Kenny is seen here with Rick Begg left and Craig Longhurst kneeling – Image by Colin Rosewarne
As one would expect at 88 years young, he’s more than a tad deaf, can’t find his hearing aids and as a consequence has introduced many fellow racer pit campers nationwide with an early morning Sunday wakeup call to ABC Radio’s Macca’s All Over Australia while he gets his toast on. At home – he’s absolutely no different. Every day out in the shed with his harem of 60 plus beautiful, rare and exotic racing wives – all with a story. All with a yarn or six.
Ken Lucas exits pit-lane on a Vincent at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
The generosity of this man sees busloads of eager bike club members visit to get an insight into the man, a tour of his magnificent garages, and if he really likes you a ride on one of his steeds. Something largely unheard of in this day and age.
Kenny 371 on his 250 Manx Norton getting rounded up by Charlie Palmer 37 on Ken’s Douglas – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Well, what more can this man achieve? Good question! He got to do a Lap of Honour at this year’s Island Classic with Isle of Man winner Cam Donald in his Katana sidecar. Kenny raced the IOM TT himself way before the majority of our readers were even thought of.
Ken Lucas rides with Cam Donald at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
So what else can this modern day octo-superman achieve? Kenny was quite rightly recognised for his immense contribution to our motorcycling industry, our sport and countless participants over many decades with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Australia Day honours list. A big win for the common man!
Ken Lucas with a Vincent at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Congratulations Kenny John Lucas OAM – you’re a legend in so many ways to so many people and we look forward to seeing you (and hearing you) for many years to come!
Ken Lucas with his Douglas at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Yamaha’s 2019 XMAX 300 scooter has arrived with the popular scooter retaining the same attractive price that it boasted in 2018, $6999.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
The XMAX 300 features motorcycle-type forks, a large 15-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear, alongside a compact chassis, providing this Max family scooter with agile handling, while retaining a high level of comfort.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
An efficient liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 292cc Blue Core engine is matched to a twist-and-go V-Belt automatic transmission, offering effortless performance ideal for mid-week commuting through the congested urban jungle, or even a weekend escape into the countryside.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Standard XMAX 300 safety features include ABS and traction control, as well as the convenience and security of smart keyless ignition.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Borrowing DNA from Yamaha’s top-of-the-range TMAX scooter, the high-tech appearance of the XMAX 300 is achieved with full LED twin-eye headlights, and a third central LED light which illuminates when high beam is activated. The tail lights also feature LED bulbs.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
The instrument panel consists of an easy-to-read analogue speedometer and tachometer with a central multi-function LCD display. A handlebar-mounted control switch allows effortless scrolling through the displays.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Generous underseat storage is roomy enough to hold two full-face helmets or a heap of gear or groceries, ensuring everything can be stored securely in the scooter, or that the XMAX 300 is capable of handling shopping duties.
Electric bicycles in the snow, bikes made in Thailand and Europe, lower prices, higher costs, tariff wars and removable batteries are all part of the Harley-Davidson and Polaris 2018 sales and revenue results.
Snow business
Harley-Davidson spent the weekend showing off its new electric bicycle and scooter to young thrill-seekers at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, before announcing their 2018 results.
2018 sales results
No wonder they are seeking a new and younger audience as the company report their motorcycles sales results were down 6.1% in 2018 to to 228,051.
The big problem is in the US where sales were down 10.2% to 132,868, while international sales were actually up 0.4% to 95,183. Australia, however, was down 21.2% to 7019.
It’s not just Harley feeling the domestic pinch. Indian Motorcycle was also down “low-double digits” percentages last year in North America, but up “single-digit” percentages worldwide. (Unlike Harley, Indian’s parent company, Polaris, does not give actual figures, but vague percentages.)
Also, unlike Harley, Indian Motorcycle was up 8.7% to 836 in Australia, one of only four companies to register growth in the market which was down 9.6%.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on international steel and aluminium plus retaliatory tariffs in Europe and China have cost Polaris more than $30m. Harley hasn’t specified the cost.
Trump meets with Harley execs in February 2017
As a response, both companies are building more motorcycles overseas.
Given Australia’s free trade agreement with Thailand and our proximity to South East Asia, we could expect motorcycles and/or parts to come from there. Could we also expect lower prices?
Polaris increased prices in “some markets”, mainly Europe, not in Australia. They are also “accelerating European motorcycle production in Poland”.
If that is any indication, their electric bicycle and scooter will also be quite expensive.
New riders
Harley say their goal with these electric vehicles is to attract new riders.
They also point out that these products will not require a motorcycle licence. That’s important because the increasing and prolonged process of obtaining a motorcycle licence is one of the main reasons millennials are not riding.
Harley have been on a big push over the past year to teach more people to ride through their Riding Academy and claim to have licensed more than 52,000 new riders in the USA.
Interestingly, the battery design is intended to be removable.
It will enable owners to carry the battery in one hand “to an apartment or office space to charge using a charging dock that plugs into any standard household power outlet”.
This is not a feature of the upcoming LiveWire. However, it may be a feature in other electric motorcycles from the Milwaukee brand.
Official Harley artist’s impression a small electric bike
Harley boldly proclaimed they will “lead the electrification of motorcycling”.
“These two new concepts are manifestations of that vision, and alongside the production 2020 LiveWire motorcycle, point to a broad portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of mobility over the next several years and inspire new riders with new ways to ride,” the company says.
We’re pretty stoked at the announcement of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tire. Look for them in dealerships in upcoming weeks.
Begin Press Release:
Bridgestone Launches BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 Sports Radial Motorcycle Tires Bridgestone’s premier tire for the modern street sport bike rider with uncompromising performance
TOKYO (January 10, 2019) — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) announced the launch of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22, a new sports radial motorcycle tire for street use that will be part of its BATTLAX line of motorcycle tires. BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires will be available in one front tire size and five rear tire sizes when released in the U.S. and Canada in January 2019 and in other regions in February 2019.
The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire is the successor to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, which is featured as original equipment on numerous sports motorcycles and is a top replacement tire choice for countless riders. Compared to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire boasts improved dry grip and lightness coupled with sufficient wet performance. These features provide sport bike riders peace of mind when the weather suddenly deteriorates or when driving on wet surfaces.
Technological Highlights
1. New Tread Pattern
To enhance cornering on rainy days, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire features an increased land-sea ratio on the tire’s shoulder in comparison to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, and pattern rigidity has been optimized. These features contribute to improved wet performance and handling lightness.
2. New Compound (1) Optimized Resin Component
In designing the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire, steps were taken to optimize the resin component in order to develop a new compound that can function across a wide range of temperature conditions, including lower temperatures. This allows the tire to deliver higher grip on dry surfaces.
(2) Fine Particle Silica
The center compound of BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 rear tires utilizes silica comprised of particles that are smaller than those found in conventional tires to increase the area of the silica in the contact patch, the portion of a tire that makes contact with road surfaces. This composition enables the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire to better grip the road in wet conditions.
3. Optimized Contact Area
In the development of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire, Bridgestone employed its proprietary ULTIMAT EYE technology,*1 to measure and visualize the behavior of tire contact patches. This technology has also been used for developing tires for the FIM Endurance World Championship. Bridgestone has reduced the slippage area in the rear part of the tire’s contact patch in comparison to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire. These changes contribute to improved grip and light handling of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire while preventing declines in lifespan.
*1. ULTIMAT EYE is Bridgestone’s proprietary tire development technology for measuring and visualizing the behavior of tire contact patches. Conventional tire development consists of running simulations, building prototypes, and using laboratory measurements as well as actual vehicle tests to verify performance. ULTIMAT EYE, meanwhile, makes it possible to reproduce high-speed riding conditions that are equivalent to those of an actual vehicle in the laboratory, enabling tire contact patch behavior to be visualized. Together with conventional vehicle tests, this technology can contribute to improved tire performance through high-precision analyses and performance verifications with a solid scientific basis.
Ficeda Accessories and Ixon have announced the arrival of the Ixon Crank leather jacket in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as the Crank Air leather jacket in men’s sizes.
Ixon Crank Jacket – Men’s, brown
Leather jackets have always been an iconic motorcycling accessory, from Brando to Cruise, both for making a statement, as well as in providing essential protection.
The Ixon have introduced the Crank as everything those older jackets were, only better. Better materials, better stitching, better features, better protection and better comfort!
Ixon Crank Jacket – Women’s, black
The Ixon Crank jacket features soft, supple leather and is available in sizes for both men and women for $449.95 RRP, as well as in a ventilated version with the Crank Air.
Ixon Crank Jacket – Men’s, black
Ixon Crank Jacket features
Available in Mens and Ladies cut.
CE (1621-1) elbow and shoulder protectors
Removable thermal vest lining
Classic collar with press-stud
Fixed cotton lining
Back pocket for a CE back protector
Zipped cuffs with press-stud
Bottom adjustable with press-studs
1 waterproof wallet pocket
2 external pockets. 3 internal pockets.
Men’s sizes – SM-3XL
Ladies sizes – XS-3XL
Colours – Black or Brown
RRP $449.95
Crank Air Jacket
With all the features of Crank, along with perforated leather through the chest, back and arms, the Crank Air is ideal for Australian summers, ensuring much better airflow.
Ixon Crank Air Jacket – Men’s, brown
The Crank Air Jacket is also available for $449.95 RRP, in men’s sizes Small to 3XL, in Black or Brown. See your local Ixon stockist for more information.
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