Featuring on all the largest news outlets in Spain throughout September shortly after she won the title, the coverage then spread throughout the world. From Marca in Spain, to El Pais to Ouest France, to the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport, Carrasco has been featured all over Europe. And it’s not even just news articles, she has been interviewed for feature articles in well known and highly regarded outlets.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Among them is recently crowned FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Champion Raul Fernandez (Angel Nieto Team Moto3) and Spaniard Aron Canet, who is racing for the new Max Racing Team led by Max Biaggi and Peter Oettl. Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and teammate Sergio Garcia will be on track, as will the Kommerling Gresini Moto3 bikes of Gabriel Rodrigo and Riccardo Rossi. Leopard Racing’s Lorenzo Dalla Porta and new teammate Marcos Ramirez begin their testing schedules in Valencia, and so do the Petronas Sprinta Racing team Honda bikes of Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee. Team O’s Tony Arbolino will also be putting in the laps in Valencia.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
When I was prepping for my recent ride on the Mid-Atlantic BDR, I wanted to pack as light as possible. Minimalism and preparedness are often mutually exclusive, which is why motorcyclists of the Boy Scout mentality can be seen taking half an hour to figure out where to pack their extra layers, camp chairs, and cheese boards. Preparedness is important but it can go too far. It’s the same mentality that afflicts couples putting together their wedding registries. “We’ll definitely need a silicone mold for baking madeleines and a crystal punch bowl that converts into a cake stand.” Or maybe not.
There’s nothing worse than filling an entire pannier with T-shirts and clunky hiking boots, so I concentrated on slimming down my off-the-bike wardrobe. My guiding principle was “less but more functional.” I wanted everything I packed to be appropriate for multiple purposes. I grabbed a couple of merino tees and a pair of travel pants from Mission Workshop and a pair of Boulder Boots from Lems, and other than socks, undies, and a cold-weather layer, that was all I needed for a week on the road.
Was it enough for eight days?
The perfect pair of off-the-bike footwear needs to be rugged enough to hike in, packable enough to occupy as precious little space on the bike as possible, and stylish enough to wear around town (if style is something you value).
Lems Boulder Boots are the only shoes I’ve discovered that meet all the criteria. With a thin flexible sole, they can be folded onto themselves to become about the size of a coffee mug (each) or folded flat to be barely larger than a sandal. At 9.9 ounces, they’re also incredibly light.
The Boulder Boots are considered minimalist shoes, so their zero-drop heel and barely there sole might take some getting used to. If you plan on hitting the trails, make sure to let your body get acquainted with them first. For around town, however, they’re immediately comfortable. The wide toe box and thin sole mean they feel more like slippers than shoes. After a long day of standing on the pegs in bulky riding boots, they’re a treat for the feet.
The standard Boulder Boots are constructed in leather and canvas, but I opted for the all-leather version to class things up a bit. After being folded up and thrown in a pannier, they creased slightly along the folds as you’d expect, but still look good. The standard canvas/leather model would probably fare a bit better.
The Boulder Boots are lined in a soft flannel. I’ve only worn them in fall weather, so I can’t attest to their breathability in warmer climes, but they’re super soft, even if the plaid pattern seems a bit overkill. I like plaid as much as the next guy, but I don’t need every element of my wardrobe to be done in it.
Now that the trip has ended, the Boulder Boots have become a staple in my everyday wardrobe. I love my Red Wing Iron Rangers, but next to the Boulder Boots, they feel like cinder blocks. At $150 ($125 for the canvas/leather versions), the Boulder Boots are reasonably priced given their functionality and comfort. In terms of durability, they seem well-constructed, but I’ll have to put more miles on them to see how they hold up.
The Boulder Boots’ utility and packability make them required gear for the touring motorcyclist. One for the Aerostich catalog (that great compendium of moto paraphernalia), I say.
Bringing more than one pair of pants on a motorcycle trip seems excessive. But what to bring? Jeans are too heavy and aren’t comfortable to hike in. Travel/hiking pants look out of place anywhere but on the trail, and even there they can look a bit Old Navy circa 1999—baggy and with too many zippers and pockets.
The Signal pants from San-Francisco-based Mission Workshop have a modern, slim silhouette but with all the functionality of typically unstylish technical apparel. Constructed of a four-way stretch nylon with a water-repellent finish, the Signal pants are perfect for parking the bike and hitting the trail, or for a night on the town.
For the motorcyclist who values off-the bike apparel that’s technical, stylish, and well-made, Mission Workshop’s Signal pants are in a class by themselves.
Hand pockets are lined in mesh (think bathing suit), and they have a discreet zip pocket built into the seam on the right leg—a good spot for stashing a few emergency bucks, which, unfortunately, you’ll have few of left after buying the Signals.
Urban style and backwoods functionality come at a cost. As in—wait for it—$225. Yikes.
It’s a real shame they’re so pricey because they’re the only pants you’ll ever want to wear. Every pair of pants should be this comfortable. Finally, there’s a pant with pajama-like comfort that isn’t pajamas—something a self-respecting grownup can wear on an airplane; to the grocery store; or, I don’t know, on a hot date at the farmers’ market where, if you accidentally squish an heirloom tomato against your crotch, you can wipe it off and not suffer the indignity of having a crotch stain while on a hot date. So there’s that First World problem solved.
The takeaway is, if you can afford them, they’re perfect for stashing on the bike, and tackling whatever comes your way when you’re off it. For most of us, we’ll just have to wait for Old Navy to make something similar (and of lower quality).
Two T-shirts. Two thousand miles. That was the goal. As with the other apparel, the tees needed to be a bit technical—no wrinkled, reeking schmattas that would make me unpleasant to be around after a day in the saddle. Mission Workshop once again comes through with a stylish, functional upgrade.
The Sector tee is constructed of a unique thread: lightweight merino wool spun around a core of nylon for added durability. If you think merino wool is only for cold weather, think again. It’s breathable, helps regulate body temperature, and is naturally odor resistant.
The Sector tee has a slub cotton look with a slight sheen that differentiates it from standard cotton tees. In terms of odor resistance, the Sector does a commendable job. After sweating all day under an airbag-equipped riding jacket, I didn’t smell fresh as a daisy but the zone of stench was confined to my personal space. The tees didn’t pass my own pit test but other people (apparently) couldn’t smell me. I’ll call that a win. A regular tee would have let me down; each morning I would have put on a clammy rag of a T-shirt and known I’d be the smelly kid. The Sector tees felt “clean” every morning without looking like something gym rats would wear to crush their dailies in.
I wish the collar was ribbed to help it keep its shape, but other than that, it’s a great T-shirt, which for $72 it’d better be. Mission Workshop makes expensive clothes.
At the end of the day, for motorcycle travel, the minimalist wardrobe can be put together well. So even if Mission Workshop’s wares are priced beyond your means, or offend your sense of frugality, they offer a model for the type of gear that can take you from saddle, to trail, to table.
| Gear | Grade | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Workshop Signal Pants | B | The Signal pants are an A+ pair of pants, but their high price makes them out of reach for most. | $225 |
| Mission Workshop Sector Tee | B | MW’s merino tees mate high performance with low-key looks, but could use a ribbed collar and a more down-to-earth price. | $72 |
| Lems Boulder Boots | A | The only travel boot on the market that’s as stylish and comfortable as it is packable. Panniers rejoice. | $150 |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
Ban introduced by Australian Securities and Investments Commission comes into place.
Image: Foremost Media.
A ban on flex commissions implemented by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as of 1 November 2018 has been met with encouragement from national management at Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF).
The high-profile ban on flex commissions is across the automotive finance market including motorcycles for consumers, introduced to result in fairer and more transparent loans for customers.
Flex commissions were previously paid by lenders to dealerships, which ASIC says led to loans being granted at excessive and opportunistic rates since the higher the interest rates, the larger the commissions earned by dealers.
The ban is anticipated to provide consumers interest rates based on their financial position through an individual credit score, rather than their ability to negotiate. Now the lender determines the interest rates offered and dealers cannot suggest alternate higher rates that earns them added commissions. Lower rates can be offered however, of benefit to the consumer.
YMF, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Australia, launched in 2002, and available throughout Yamaha dealerships across the country. YMF national sales manager Michael Singh said the new simplified model will certainly result in greater transparency for consumers and that customers will receive the right product for their financial situation.
“The flex commission changes will be good for consumers,” Singh stated. “At YMF we always try to ensure that the product is right for the customer and that it fits their budget. The new flex changes will help to speed up the loan application process within Yamaha dealerships, making it even more convenient for consumers, which is very important to us.”
Interest rates are now largely to be determined by each customer’s Equifax Australia Credit Score. YMF has invested new technology and has completed extensive training within its dealer network to coincide with regulations set by ASIC. Turnaround times for YMF applicants to receive interest rates on finance will be within seconds once data collected by the dealer is entered into the system.
An indicative rate can be quoted by dealers prior to applying for finance, however a final and accurate rate will only be generated once the application has been lodged. A responsible lending factor to ensure credit criteria must still be met, while the ability for lenders to conduct finance promotions through manufacturers will remain unaffected.
According to ASIC, lenders who do not comply with the ban face penalties of up to $420,000 per contravention and ASIC will be monitoring lenders to ensure they are complying and the prohibition is operating as intended. A review of procedures has been taking place for around five years, leading up to the flex commissions ban.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
Spaniard second in maiden Aruba.it Racing – Ducati outing.
Image: Supplied.
Alvaro Bautista has impressed in his first time out aboard a WorldSBK machine during day one of testing at Jerez in Spain, recording the second fastest time aboard the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R.
The Spaniard’s priority was to get acquainted with the newly-introduced machine as he transitions from MotoGP, displaying strong form with both the bike and the team to lodge a best-time of a 1m39.979s, just 0.322s off four-time champion and pace-setter Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team).
Bautista, who was joined by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati teammate Chaz Davies in third, explained the WorldSBK-spec motorcycle requires a different riding style to that of the Desmosedici he piloted in MotoGP, although the pair still retain certain Ducati characteristics.
“It felt like the first day at school and, while it’s still very early, I’ve been enjoying the bike quite a bit,” said Bautista. “For sure, the V4 R is different compared with the Desmosedici, in terms of engine, chassis and tires, but the character is similar. You need to ride it differently though, a bit smoother.
“We did not make many changes, just small adjustments, and we basically just tried to get as much kilometres as possible under our belt to get acquainted with the whole team. I was surprised to be this fast, but we must not get carried away and we’ll keep following the same plan tomorrow.”
The WorldSBK newcomer will be back out on track tomorrow along with the remainder of teams in attendance for the final day of testing in 2018.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au
After taking the Panigale V4 R to the racetrack for the first time at Aragon with Chaz Davies, the Factory Ducati squad resumed action at full capacity in Jerez with MotoGP exile Alvaro Bautista having his first chance to get acquainted with the V4 Ducati.
In sunny conditions, with temperatures around 15 degrees, Bautista and Davies clocked 65 and 49 laps respectively. The Spaniard’s priority was to get acquainted with the Panigale V4 R and the Pirelli WSBK tyres. The 34-year-old showed good chemistry with both the bike and the team to post the second-best time of the day, a 1m39.979. On only his first acquaintance with the bike, and on very different tyres than he is accustomed to, that could be an ominous sign which might have the competition sweating a little
Alvaro Bautista
“It felt like the first day at school and, while it’s still very early, I’ve been enjoying the bike quite a bit. For sure, the V4 R is different compared with the Desmosedici, in terms of engine, chassis and tires, but the character is similar. You need to ride it differently though, a bit smoother. We did not make many changes, just small adjustments, and we basically just tried to get as much kilometers as possible under our belt to get acquainted with the whole team. I was surprised to be this fast, but we must not get carried away and we’ll keep following the same plan tomorrow.”
At the top of the timesheets though it was that familiar face, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), didn’t waste any time setting the pace.
Working on suspension, tyres and finding a balance with their chassis and weight distribution for their new engine, it was a productive day for the reigning world champion who came out on track at 1300 to shoot right to the top of the timing screens. Rea ended day one with a time of 1.39.657, and put in 57 laps.
Chaz Davies was third quickest and continued to work through the differences that the new Panigale V4 R brings to the table compared to the booming V-Twins he has raced for many seasons.
Chaz Davies
“We’re figuring out the new bike step by step and, while it’s still early, the start has been positive. The package definitely has great potential. I’m very confident we have a better weapon to fight with. That said, we just need time. We’re trying to walk before we can run, because there is a lot to learn about the V4 R and it’s easy to get carried away. So, I’ve been cautious, trying only a few changes throughout the day. We have to find the nuances and differences with the previous bike, and put all the experience together, which is the path we’re going to follow tomorrow as well.”
Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) and Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) continued to work through the parts and updates they had last week around MotorLand Aragon.
With elements of their chassis, swing arm and electronics to work on, the 2018 race winners had another productive day in Spain. Lowes was never outside the top four and ended in fourth with a time of 1.40.296. Whilst van der Mark was taking a more steady approach and ended with a time of 1.41.572 in seventh position.
Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) also continued to get used to his new bike and team, although the Briton had come from a BSB spec’ ZX-10R that he used to win the British Superbike Championship, there are still many differences and despite a crash through turn five in the early afternoon, the British rider ended day one in fifth putting in 71 laps, with a time of 1.40.390.
Brand new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha had their first day with the step up into the premiere class, with experienced Marco Melandri and WorldSBK rookie Sandro Cortese. Spending their first day getting adapted to the YZF-R1, the team are taking things step by step and were able to put in 125 laps collectively. Melandri ended day one in sixth, whilst Cortese finished the day in eighth.
It wasn’t only SBK teams testing, as there were three FIM Supersport World Championship teams out on track. MV Agusta Reparto Corse had 2018 star Raffaele De Rosa out on track, whilst Kawasaki Puccetti Racing took to the track with Hikari Okubo and Team Pedercini Racing were putting in the miles over the winter.
Action resumes on track Tuesday for the final day of pre-season testing in November.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Yamaha pilot targeting 100 percent health before committing to full-time campaign.
Image: .
Lawson Bopping admits he’s not totally convinced he’s ready for a full-time return to racing at this stage after making a comeback campaign in this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.
Bopping was forced to step away from racing in 2016 after battling a mystery illness, which is still yet to be officially diagnosed, however a long course of medication this year promoted a boost in health for the New South Welshman, allowing him to comfortably recommence riding.
The number 70 returned to action at Coolum’s second round aboard a privateer Kawasaki KX450, scoring his season-best result at Geelong with sixth before being granted an opportunity with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy at the AUS-X Open Sydney and S-X Open Auckland.
Despite still being passionate about racing and enjoying his time back in the premier class, Bopping believes he needs to be 100 percent healthy before he can approach teams for a full-time seat in the Pirelli MX Nationals, although he’s adamant he’ll be back behind the gates for supercross in 2019.
“To be honest, I’d love to be back racing full-time next year,” Bopping explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “Right now though, I’m not totally convinced that I’m 100 percent healthy – I haven’t spoken to any teams – but I don’t want to approach a team and say I’m healthy when I’m not really.
“I don’t want to go to round one of the nationals and pull in after three laps because I’m still sick. I’m playing it day by day and it’s a tricky situation to be in. Supercross is a definite next year. I still love it and I still want to do it, I just want to be better at it and be healthy – I’m not where I need to be to have a full-time gig right now.
“It’s not good timing because it’s crunch time and everyone’s talking to teams and working out deals for next year. A fill-in ride might be on the cards, but who knows. I’m going to rest a bit now, but I’ll keep riding and get my body completely healthy – I’ll make a call from there.”
After missing the first round, Bopping wound up eighth in the Australian Supercross Championship and seventh in the Monster Energy S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania Championship.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Glad you asked. 138! The Honda CBR600 four-cylinder, which the Triumph 765 three-cylinder is replacing, made “just under 130 hp” according to Honda, with each engine making within 1.2 hp of its mates. There’s an interesting article here at Honda’s site explaining how the playing field is kept level in Moto2, MotoGP’s spec-engine feeder class. No one’s naming a torque figure, but the 165 cc-larger Triumph should produce quite a bit more than the Honda. And for 2019, Moto2 will remain a traction control-free zone.
———————————————————————————————————–Triumph Press Release:
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES RELEASES ENGINE POWER OUTPUT FOR 2019 MOTO2 SEASON
Engine Development Press Conference – Valencia
Triumph Motorcycles presents at Moto2 press conference alongside Externpro, Magneti Marelli and Dorna to announce power figures for Triumph Moto2 race engines.
Engine Testing and Development
Triumph has completed a multiple phase testing programme focused on maximising; performance, durability and drivability, including;
Stuart Wood, Triumph Chief Engineer said; “Triumph have been extremely warmly welcomed by Dorna, its partners and the Press. It really feels like people share our excitement in Triumph’s entry into factory supported, top flight motorcycle racing. We are confident that our engine development programme has been extremely comprehensive and that the increased power, wide spread of torque and amazing triple sound will bring exciting racing in 2019.”
To understand the background of our engine platform development, our Triumph Moto2 triple race engines are based on our 765cc Street Triple RS production engine, itself derived originally from the iconic Daytona Supersports 675cc bike.
These new race engines are built to bring more power and torque, designed to rev harder and run with a lower inertia and all delivered in a lighter weight package.
Our Street Triple RS engine which produces 121 HP in standard format was launched with over 80 new parts from the previous generation of Street Triple. For the new race engine in we have made the following changes;
ECU development testing
Triumph has also supported extensive ECU development testing with Magneti Marelli
This has been a track focused development program. In collaboration with Magneti Marelli, Triumph has supplied the base data and the provision of engines, a full test mule and Triumph technical support team.
Chassis development testing
Triumph has supplied development engines via Externpro to the chassis manufacturers to test. These tests have included current and former Moto2
championship racers. Triumph has additionally provided ECU development input to the chassis manufacturers.
The post How Much HP Does a Triumph Moto2 Engine Make? appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
A massive dust storm over the next couple of days and heatwave conditions across NSW and Queensland are expected to make life difficult for riders.
Earlier this month, a heatwave in Western Australia cost the lives of a rider and hiker from dehydration.
Last year a 30-year-old father also died from dehydration after riding in the forests of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Heatwave conditions are bad enough, but add in a dry dust storm and it makes dehydration a bigger risk for riders exposed to the elements.
Road riders tend to be a bit blasé about hydration. Maybe it’s because riding doesn’t take a huge amount of effort.
The dangers of becoming dehydrated in a heatwave are headaches, disorientation, heat stroke, muscle cramps, loss of concentration, drowsiness and nausea, each of which can cause crashes.
And the problem is that once any of these symptoms becomes evident, it is already too late to do anything about it.
The dust storm could also clog your bike’s air filter, so remember to check it after your ride.
Riders in Queensland should also be aware of current bushfire warnings.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
