Raceline holding sale and free shipping on 16- and 12-inch models.
Image: Supplied.
Raceline-developed electric balance bike brand Performance E is currently holding a sale that offers 25 percent off its 16-inch and 12-inch models, as well as free shipping nationwide within Australia.
The 16-inch model has been reduced from the RRP of $949.95 to $712.47, boasting a maximum speed of 18km/h (Advanced setting), with a range of 15-20 kilometres and a two-hour to three-hour charging time. It weighs 10.56kg with a seat height of 520-560mm.
In addition, the 12-inch has a RRP of $899.95 and is currently available for $674.97. It has a max speed of 17km/h (Advanced setting), a range of 15-plus kilometres and also charges for three hours. Its weight sits at 9.48kg and its seat height is 415-455mm.
Both models’ frames are made from a high-tensile alloy, including alloy handlebars and swingarm, plus they each feature rear disc brakes, rear shock-absorbers, brush motors, 2.6Ah Lithium batteries and power-off fall protection.
Complete information on the Raceline Performance E range is available at www.raceline.com.au, where both the 16-inch and 12-inch variants are available to order directly online now.
Initiative launched in support of grassroots motocross facilities
Section: General
Proceeds of AUS-X Apparel ‘We Are Moto’ range to be utilised.
Image: Supplied.
A new fundraising initiative has been launched by AUS-X Open and the Australian Supercross Championship organisers in a bid to support grassroots motocross facilities.
Led by co-founders Adam Bailey and Ryan Sanderson, the ‘We Are Moto’ movement has been announced in a bid to enhance safety, increase enjoyment and revamp venues Australia-wide.
“People are loving riding their dirt bikes this year more than ever,” explained Bailey. “It’s evident that, despite the COVID-19 crisis, motorcycle and accessory sales in 2020 have been incredibly strong. There is, however, in some areas a breakdown between recreational riding and competition at a local and state level. We need to focus on this area, to open the funnel for new families and competitors to get involved.
“Motocross is an incredibly fun and exciting sport for girls and boys, men and women of all ages. It creates lifelong friendships and brings families together like no other. By reducing some of the barriers to entry and making it a safer, more inviting and enjoyable environment for all, we hope to see more and more riders either getting back into it, or giving motocross racing a shot.
“This is the core of what makes our industry tick, so it absolutely deserves our focus. We’re very lucky now to have great relationships within our industry and we hope everyone will come aboard this journey with us! There isn’t a motocross or supercross champion in history, anywhere in the world, that didn’t start their competitive journey at the local track.
“The majority of our team have had motocross as a part of their lives in some way – it’s given us lifelong memories and friendships. It’s our collective job to give future generations the best possible chance at enjoying everything about this sport that makes it so amazing.”
The sport of motocross has continued to evolve in recent decades, however in this time, many of the tracks and facilities in Australia have not. This is not through the lack of passion and commitment of their clubs or members, but often a by-product of a lack of financial support and also a reliance on club volunteers with less and less spare time.
The purpose is simply to develop and improve the points of entry into motocross competition to encourage new participation of all ages to get involved and enjoy all that the sport of motocross is – a fantastic family sporting environment, that above all, is incredibly fun.
“We’re privileged to have so many incredibly passionate fans and industry partners that have supported our events since 2015,” commented Sanderson. “With a forced break in events for 2020, we see no better time to give back to the grass roots of motocross and supercross competition.
“Who knows, it may help us harbour the discovery of the next Chad Reed, Mitch Evans or Hunter/Jett Lawrence and, even better, get more people riding and racing their dirt bikes and having a great time doing so.”
AUS SX Holdings have already begun working on several initiatives that will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months, the first of those being the release of the ‘We Are Moto’ apparel range, where proceeds will go towards supporting local events and clubs in 2021.
‘Our first stop is track preparation,” Bailey added. “This is an incredibly arduous task, but so incredibly pivotal to riders’ experience on the day, no matter what the event. We have some big plans and some great businesses and people putting their hands up to help already – as they say, many hands make light work. Watch this space!’
The AUS-X Apparel ‘We Are Moto’ range will be available for purchase from www.ausxstore.com from Wednesday, 2 December, at 5:00pm AEST.
Online fundraiser set up for Boyd following lifesaving surgery
Section: GeneralPost: MotoOnline
Park4MX owner and operator remains hospitalised following major injuries.
Image: Supplied.
An online fundraiser has been set up for Park4MX owner and operator Cheyne Boyd, who was seriously injured and required lifesaving surgery in Melbourne last month.
In the incident on 22 October, Boyd broke 17 ribs and ruptured an artery near his heart, which resulted in him being administered 21 bags of blood to stabilise blood pressure.
Following emergency invasive open heart surgery to stop internal bleeding, Boyd was placed in an induced coma for five days and could spend up to eight weeks hospitalised in his lengthy road to recovery.
In addition, former professional national level racer Boyd suffered fractured to his C4 and C5 vertebrae, as well as his pelvis and hip, thoracic, and had collapsed lungs from his extensive injuries.
Boyd’s GoFund Me fundraiser can be found at https://gf.me/u/y7d3p5. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and will also go a long way following the recent effects COVID-19 has had on Park4MX during 2020.
KTM introduces limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model
Section: General
Hardcore upgrades applied to new off-road bike released for 2021.
Image: Supplied.
KTM has introduced a limited edition 350 EXC-F WESS model for 2021 as a tribute to the international enduro series and boasting an assortment of upgrades.
Featuring WP XACT air forks for the first time on a KTM EXC, along with an impressive list of extra components, it’s a limited edition bike that will set you apart on the trail.
Based on the incredibly versatile KTM 350 EXC-F, which has become a favourite among enduro riders worldwide, the WESS edition features a celebratory livery that pays homage to the diverse challenges of WESS competition.
Using the key elements from KTM’s best-selling four-stroke competition enduro machine, the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS enhances the production model’s package by including factory wheels with hubs anodised in orange, a radiator fan and protectors, CNC machined triple clamps in orange, a plastic skid plate, and a grippy factory seat.
The biggest enhancement on the WESS model is seen with the inclusion of WP XACT 48mm air fork technology. Specifically designed for high-performance off-road use, the lightweight innovation from WP allows for easy and quick adjustments via the air pressure valve for pre-load (on the left) or the easy-access clickers for damping (on the right), optimising suspension settings.
Built for those looking for the ultimate racer, the 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS comes with further additions in the forms of a floating front disc with guard, a solid rear disc, a Supersprox stealth rear sprocket, an orange oil plug, grey ODI grips and a standard map select switch. The all-new WESS graphics and orange frame make this unique machine stand out with a close-to-factory look.
“There is exclusivity with each one of our special edition machines and with the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS we set out to provide hardcore enduro fans with a technical upgrade that will help them thrive on in competition or further enhance their general feeling while riding,” said Joachim Sauer, KTM senior product manager off-road.
“With the addition of the WP XACT fork technology for the first time on a KTM EXC, the bike is a fantastic tribute to the skills we see in the WESS championship. For WESS fans and enduro riders that want unique looks and class-leading four-stroke performance then this is another unmissable off-road bike that we at KTM are really proud of.”
The new KTM 350 EXC-F WESS will be available in limited numbers at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from January 2021 onwards. For more information on pricing and availability, contact your local KTM dealer or visit www.ktm.com.
Mad Skills Motocross 2’s vurbmoto Flash Jam begins
Section: GeneralPost: MotoOnline
New in-game event within Mad Skills Motocross 2 for iOS and Android.
Image: Supplied.
Swedish mobile game developer Turborilla has announced the start of the vurbmoto Flash Jam, a new in-game event within Mad Skills Motocross 2 for iOS and Android.
The game has been a part of global motocross culture for years now and close to 150,000 people still pick it up to get their laps in every single day.
More than 50 million people across the globe have installed Mad Skills Motocross 2. The vurbmoto Flash Jam is a seven-day event open to anybody, for free. Each day is a separate round with its own track, designed by the top track builders in the game.
Players get 24 hours to set the best time they can on each track. At the end of each round, times will be uploaded to vurbmoto.com and converted into points and there will be a points-paying series in which players compete. For more details on how this works, check out vurbmoto.com.
There will also be cool in-game prizes every day—players must simply log 100 attempts on each track to unlock the day’s prize. Mad Skills has invited Thor’s Hallman Racing brand into the event to make things extra legit and add a bit of retro flavor. Here are the in-game items that can be unlocked for free:
Image: Supplied.
Day 1 (21 SEP): vurbmoto Reboot Gear Day 2 (22 SEP): Hallman Tapd Gear Day 3 (23 SEP): vurbmoto Viva Helmet Day 4 (24 SEP): Hallman McCoy Helmet Day 5 (25 SEP): Hallman Ringer Gear Day 6 (26 SEP): vurbmoto Platinum Helmet Day 7 (27 SEP): vurbmoto Galaxy Gear
In conjunction with the vurbmoto Flash Jam, Mad Skills Motocross 2 is releasing the first new bike in the game in more than a year. Bike 13 is a modern 500cc two-stroke monster that produces as much power as even the best players can handle. It can be unlocked for free with a series of in-game achievements or purchased outright. There’s even a vintage skin available for Bike 13 in the in-game shop.
Image: Supplied.
Finally, the Turborilla crew will be running a daily live video feed of their Turborilla Show, where they will break down each day’s track. Today’s episode, which starts at 5:00pm EST (Tuesday, 7:00am AEST), features none other than Star Racing Yamaha’s Justin Cooper.
Cooper also happens to be one of the fastest Mad Skills Motocross 2 players in the world and he’ll demonstrate how it’s done while taking fan questions, so it’s a unique opportunity to talk to one of the top young riders in the sport.
Now is the time to dust off those old boots, install or update Mad Skills Motocross 2 and pop some wheelies in the biggest mobile motocross game of all time. Visit www.madskillsmx.com to get started.
Limited to only 400 units and due to arrive in-store this December.
Image: Supplied.
Yamaha Motor Australia will release a unique ‘Aussie Edition’ WR450F for 2021 as a tribute to the model’s importance in the domestic market.
The exclusive model will be limited to 400 units, featuring custom graphics with a kangaroo motif and a range of locally-sourced accessories.
Since its release in 1998, Yamaha’s WR450F has dominated the retail charts and earned the title of Australia’s favourite motorcycle – a fact that Yamaha Motor Corporation has both recognised and appreciated.
With its winning combination of high performance, precise handling, bulletproof reliability and ADR compliance, the WR450F appeals to Australia’s large contingent of off-road riders. Australia sells more WR450Fs than any other territory in the world.
“The retail success we have enjoyed with this model is down to a number of factors,” explained Matthew Ferry, Yamaha Motor Australia national sales and marketing manager. “First of all, we have a big brown land covered in fast, flowing trails that is perfectly suited to this model.
“Plus, since its inception, both Aussies and Kiwis have been instrumental in the development of this model, so you can say that the WR450F is a machine created for our unique conditions. Now it is gratifying to see the factory recognise the importance of this model for our market with the release of the limited Aussie Edition.”
The Aussie Edition model is based on the all-new 2021 Yamaha WR450F and each model is stamped with its own unique collector’s number. It has custom anodised aluminium radiator guards and bashplate, developed locally by Force Accessories. Fellow Aussie firm Barkbusters supplies the handguards and an Akrapovic muffler has been fitted.
Pricing is set at $17,099 ride-away, including 12 months registration, with availability due for December 2020. Visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au for further information on the 2021 Yamaha WR450F Aussie Edition.
Carmichael confirms end of 15-year Suzuki association
Section: General
The GOAT considering newfound opportunities within the industry.
Image: Supplied.
Following a 15-year association that included being a racer, team owner and ambassador, Ricky Carmichael has made his separation from Suzuki official via an open letter released today.
Carmichael has been a Suzuki rider since joining the brand in 2005, going on to clinch the supercross and motocross championships that season.
Regarded as the GOAT (greatest of all time), Carmichael delivered both premier class titles again in 2006, before announcing his retirement and campaigning a partial season in 2007, winning two supercross main events and every outdoor entered that year.
“After 15 years with Suzuki, I wanted to take this time to say thank you and express my gratitude to the entire staff at Suzuki of America, Suzuki Japan and to all of the other regions I have been fortunate enough to work with over the years,” Carmichael wrote.
“We were able to accomplish some great things together, both as a rider, and as a team owner and I am very fortunate to have made many great friendships along the way. As times change, I have been looking at other opportunities within the motorcycle industry and exploring options where I feel my experiences can best be applied to help grow our great sport.
“As everyone knows, I also enjoy challenges and seeing what a team of people can do to produce a great result when working together on new projects. As I continue to build upon my years of experience as a racer, I am now transitioning to enjoy other aspects of the motorcycle community.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision, but the future is exciting for me. My love of bikes has grown beyond just off-road riding and I am looking forward to exploring those opportunities more in the future. I will forever work to promote our sport and continue to give back to the up and coming riders who hope to see their dreams realized, just as I did many years ago.
“With that, I want to wish everyone at Suzuki continued success in the future. Friendships go well beyond working relationships, I am fortunate to have many of you as friends, and look forward to seeing you at the races and on the road!”
Most recently, Carmichael has been collaborating with Triumph Motorcycles and riding a mixture of adventure and scrambler-type models, documenting those experiences through his social media accounts during the past month.
Covers are lifted from entire range of latest YZ competition bikes.
Image: Supplied.
An upgraded YZ250F and all-new Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Editions headline the 2021 Yamaha motocross range, which has officially broken cover globally today.
The 2021 Yamaha YZ250F features a thoroughly refined engine, revised frame, new suspension settings and brakes to deliver more class-leading power and offer a superior balance of nimble, yet confidence-inspiring handling.
Available in Team Yamaha Blue and the Monster Energy Yamaha Racing Edition, the latest YZ250F has a new cylinder-head with an improved intake port shape and new camshaft profiles, as well a new air-box and intake track, a new silencer and an updated ECU. These modifications, along with other refinements like an updated transmission and shift cam, a revised clutch design and improved water pump impeller, all help to produce stronger mid to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining its class-leading low-end torque.
Tuned specifically for the 2021 YZ250F, the updated lightweight aluminium, bilateral beam frame and new engine mounts have been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics to improve bump absorption, traction and cornering performance. The industry-leading, fully-adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with enhanced speed-sensitive damping provides an exceptional balance between comfort and bottoming resistance while the link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis.
Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts and front axle were also redesigned to complement the new frame. Improved braking performance is achieved with newly engineered lighter weight front and rear brake calipers, larger surface area brake pads and redesigned 270mm front and 240mm rear discs.
Standard equipment includes electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, advanced fuel injection, a front-positioned intake, and rear-positioned exhaust layout to deliver the widest spread of power with reliable performance while balancing the weight for excellent mass-centralisation. Racers can adjust their engine performance straight from their phone using the onboard wireless connectivity through the complete tuning system, which is highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App.
The 2021 YZ450F returns with all of the class-leading features first introduced on the current model. Racers can achieve quicker, smoother race starts through Yamaha’s Launch Control System, adjust their on-track performance using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free of charge Yamaha Power Tuner App right from their phone and choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly through the handlebar-mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
Yamaha’s YZ125 and YZ250 models return for 2021 to complete Yamaha’s full-size line-up of motocross bikes. With their modern styling, lightweight aluminium frame and industry-leading KYB Speed Sensitive System front forks and KYB fully-adjustable rear shock, the 2021 YZ125 and YZ250 continue their outstanding performance and durability with a rider-friendly chassis and race-ready features.
The 2021 YZ125 and YZ250 come fitted with race kits in Australia to make them even more competitive. For the 125, it has a GYTR silencer and exhaust, V-Force Reed Block, 48T GYTR Sprocket and GYTR Launch Master are specified with a value of $1275 RRP. The 250 includes a GYTR silencer and exhaust, V-Force Reed Block, 48T GYTR Sprocket and GYTR Launch Master valued at $882.80.
Yamaha’s 2021 youth models are once again ready to tackle the track. The YZ65 and YZ85/LW are powered by confidence-inspiring 65cc and 85cc two-stroke engines. Featuring the Yamaha Power Valve System, these engines deliver a broad spread of power and torque across the entire rev range, without losing any power at high RPM.
Fully adjustable, industry-leading 36mm KYB spring type forks and KYB rear shock contribute to class-leading handling and performance in a wide range of conditions. Four-way, adjustable handlebar positioning, as well as lever-reach adjustability are designed for ultimate rider comfort, regardless of size. Finally, with two-stroke ease of maintenance and Yamaha’s proven durability, the 2021 YZ85/LW and YZ65 are built to keep kids on the track.
In the world of competition enduro models, the 2021 YZ450FX has been reworked to remain at the top of its class. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The rearward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod.
The transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crank breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire RPM range for stronger and more linear pulling power.
The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminium bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any off-road condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class-leading KYB suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics were carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance.
To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 YZ450FX features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front and rear disc. The combined changes to the new 2021 YZ450FX deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics that mimics the YZ250FX.
To further showcase the YZ450FX’s cross country edge, electric start, a lightweight lithium battery, and advanced fuel injection are all standard features. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass-centralisation.
This enduro racer also continues to feature Yamaha’s advanced racing technology. The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the industry’s only free of charge complete tuning system, which is highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App.
In Australia, both YZ250FX and 450FX come with a rec rego kit – that includes a headlight – to enable these models to be registered in applicable states such as Victoria. The otherwise unchanged YZ125X, YZ250X and YZ250FX are also available in the new trick blue/black plastics combo and all come with the rec rego kits in Australia.
For further information on the complete line of 2021 Yamaha YZ competition models including specific release dates and pricing, visit the brand’s official website at www.yamaha-motor.com.au.
Renowned Italian off-road brand Beta has made an unexpected move into motocross with the introduction of its 2021 model Beta 300 RX in the United States.
Specifically powered by a 293.1cc two-stroke engine, the new Beta 300 RX has been tuned for motocross, featuring electric start, a six-speed transmission and an adjustable power-valve.
The chassis includes a frame purpose-built for the RX model, as well as a KYB closed cartridge front fork and Sachs rear shock, which have internal settings that were developed by Beta USA’s in-house suspension department.
“We wanted to build an MX bike that utilised many of the characteristics that our off-road race bikes have, but with more power and stiffer suspension,” Beta USA president Tim Pilg commented. “The RX model shows how much fun a two-stroke can be. The sound and feeling of the bike is unmatched and I hope our future owners of the model will appreciate the effort put into the bike – it is truly special.”
Additional features of the RX 300 include a lightweight lithium battery, 19-inch rear wheel, push-button seat removal, Brembo hydraulic clutch, Nissin front and rear brakes with oversize rotors, plated Arrow exhaust pipe, composite rear sub-frame and a V-Force reed assembly. It’s unclear if Beta Motorcycles Australia will import the model.
Interestingly, Beta’s RX 300 promotional edit includes Jake Weimer, the 2010 250SX West champion in Monster Energy Supercross riding alongside Beta USA Factory Team manager Rodney Smith – a five-time Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) champion and current factory Beta rider Chance Fullerton.
Beta has emerged as the dominant force in the Enduro World Championship during recent seasons, capturing the EnduroGP and Enduro 1 titles with Brad Freeman, while Steve Holcombe rode to the Enduro 3 crown in a convincing display from the Italian manufacturer.
Road bike sales steady amid second quarter industry boom
Section: General
Yamaha the top-selling brand to date during first half of 2020.
Image: iKapture.
A spectacular second quarter of sales in the motorcycle industry has seen the road bike market remain steady at 15,243 new bikes sold between January to June 2020.
According to reports from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), that figure sees road bike sales decrease by 2.7 percent in comparison to the 15,668 sold during the same quarter of last year.
Overall, a total of 52,838 vehicles inclusive of new motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs) have been sold this year, in comparison to 42,457 during the same period in 2019. This represents a 24.5 percent increase in total sales, a bright spot in an economic environment that has been predominantly negative over the past four months.
Honda reported 12,563 sales for a 23.8 percent market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 sales for 23.4 percent share, Kawasaki with 6545 sales for 12.4 percent share, KTM with 4391 sales for 8.3 percent share and, finally, Suzuki with 3594 sales for 6.8 percent market share.
“It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” FCAI CEO Tony Weber said. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 percent (overall) is significant and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.
“The ATV and SSV segment is up a remarkable 50.9 percent and now represents 27.5 percent of the total market. And off-road bikes are also on fire, with an increase of 42.4 percent and claiming 39.5 percent of the total market.
“People can’t go for overseas holidays and for quite some time they couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail-bike riding.”
The leading road bike brand so far in 2020 has been Yamaha with 2624 sales, ahead of Harley-Davidson (2613), Honda (2373), Kawasaki (2262) and BMW (1258). Brands to increase include Husqvarna by 134.9 percent, Indian 40.2 percent, KTM 21.6 percent, Kawasaki 12.4 percent and BMW 8.8 percent.
It was the Kawasaki Ninja 400 that sold highest in the road bike segment at 636 sales, achieving a 30.3 percent rise, followed by the newly-introduced Yamaha Tenere 700 (530), Harley-Davidson Street 500 (433), Yamaha MT07L (382) and Honda CB125E (377).
