Tag Archives: News

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Gardner denied of restart after frightening Moto2 crash

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News 6 May 2019

Gardner denied of restart after frightening Moto2 crash

SAG Racing contender deemed unfit to continue due to concussion.

Image: Supplied.

Australian Remy Gardner was denied of restarting yesterday’s Moto2 race at Jerez after a frightening crash just moments into the encounter called for an immediate red flag, the SAG Racing ace deemed unfit to continue riding due to a concussion.

Starting from P4, Gardner quickly moved his way into third, however he high-sided exiting turn one, causing a frightening pile-up as the 31-rider field endeavoured to avoid the carnage.

The number 87 is still at a loss as to how the accident unfolded, although he’s thankful to walk away from the incident relatively unscathed while still being ranked fifth in the championship standings.

“We missed the front row by the smallest margin but I felt really good with the bike, the team and everything that is happening so I was really excited for the race,” Gardner explained.

“After a good warm up I thought we would have a good race. I made a decent start and after a bit of elbowing into turn one I slotted into third and then I high-sided and that was the end of what could have been another really good race result.

“I still don’t fully understand why I went down and then they wouldn’t let me restart. I am sorry for the team, and all my supporters. The main thing is I am okay, I’m still fifth in the championship and will be back strong in Le Mans.”

The race was restarted, albeit shortened to 15 laps. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) rode to a commanding victory over Jorge Navarro (HDR Heidrun Speed Up) and Augusto Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40).

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Holcombe and Freeman split EnduroGP victories in Portugal

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News 6 May 2019

Holcombe and Freeman split EnduroGP victories in Portugal

Section: Competition

Stage one podium for Australian contender Ruprecht.

Image: Supplied.

Steve Holcombe (Team Beta Factory) and Bradley Freeman (Beta) have each taken outright victories in round two of the 2019 Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship at Valpacos in Portugal.

Holcombe took out top EnduroGP honours in Saturday’s opening stage, narrowly edging out hard-charging duo Freeman and Honda-mounted Alex Salvini.

Freeman reigned supreme in the E1 category over Davide Guarneri (Honda) and Matteo Cavallo (Sherco), while the E2 class saw Salvini lead Christophe Charlier (Honda Redmoto World Enduro) and Giacomo Redondi (Husqvarna). Holcombe topped the E3 division ahead of Daniel McCanney (TM Factory Racing) and Anthony Geslin (Beta).

Freeman was able to get the better of Holcombe in stage in the EnduroGP classification, taking victory over the reigning champion and Salvini.

The win placed Freeman atop the E1 standings ahead of Guarneri and Cavallo, as the E2 division was taken out by Salvini, Charlier and Eero Remes (Yamaha Johansson MPE). It was a repeat of results in the E3 division, with Holcombe earning the win over McCanney and Geslin.

Australian contender Wil Ruprecht (Yamaha Johansson MPE), challenging the J1 category, put in a stellar performance, completing the weekend with second on the podium in stage one before finishing seventh on stage two. The EnduroGP World Championship now heads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain next weekend for round three.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Jerez victory grants Marquez MotoGP championship lead

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Australia’s Miller crashes out while challenging in the top 10.

Image: Supplied.

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has taken a home win at round four of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship in Jerez, putting in a flawless performance to make some amends for his crash out the lead in Texas, while also taking back the points lead.

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), despite a difficult qualifying, sliced through to take second and second in the championship by just a single point, with Maverick Vinales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the podium for the first time this season in third.

Marquez took the holeshot from third on the grid, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) just getting the jump on rookie, polesitter teammate Fabio Quartararo to slot into second.

But it was tight, with Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati) initially threatening for P2 but then getting shuffled back to fifth behind Vinales. But suddenly, the Frenchman’s Petronas Yamaha SRT machine was moving off the racing line and Quartararo was left dejected on the way back to pitlane with a mechanical problem.

From a record-breaking and youngest ever pole position to a chance at his first MotoGP podium, the number 20 sadly left Jerez empty handed. Marquez crossed the line in clear air for an impressive answer to his critics after his COTA crash, and the 25 points for the win put him back at the top of the championship by a single point.

The fight for third became a duel between Vinales and Dovizioso, and the Italian was close throughout the final lap looking for a way through – but the Spaniard held firm. Under pressure throughout, he took his first podium of the season after some difficulties with the start in recent races. Petrucci followed his teammate home in sixth – a couple of seconds back – with Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) slicing through to sixth from P13 on the grid.

Rossi fought off the likes of Australian Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) – who later crashed out – Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and, eventually, Morbidelli too to make his progress through – the ‘Doctor’ inside the top ten for the first time in the weekend on Sunday.

Morbidelli was in P7 by the flag ahead of Crutchlow, Nakagami, and an impressive P10 from wildcard and Honda test rider Stefan Bradl (HRC Team). Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) was 11th, ahead of a very difficult day for Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) down in 12th. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P13 ahead of teammate Johann Zarco, with Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) completing the points on home turf.

In Moto2, Lorenzo Baldassarri (Flexbox HP 40) has laid further serious groundwork for his assault on the 2019 Moto2 crown in Jerez, winning a shortened race ahead of COTA podium finisher and form man Jorge Navarro (HDR Heidrun Speed Up). Baldassarri’s teammate Augusto Fernandez put in a stunning ride to his first ever Grand Prix podium as he took third.

The race was cut to 15 laps after a first start saw a chaotic first two corners with multiple-rider incidents, and first faller Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team) was unable to make the restart, as was Dimas Ekky Pratama (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia). In addition, Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), who couldn’t avoid contact with Gardner’s bike, was forced to restart from pitlane at his home Grand Prix – nevertheless a feat and some formidable work from the EG 0,0 Marc VDS mechanics to get the machine race ready.

Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) took an impressive Moto2 victory, getting back on the top step for the first time since Qatar 2016 and back on the podium for the first time since Motegi in 2017.

The win marks a milestone first ever victory for the SIC58 Squadra Corse team, and Antonelli’s teammate Tatsuki Suzuki took his first podium to made it double delight and a 1-2 for the team. Rookie Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) joined the two SIC58 Squadra Corse machines on the podium for his second ever rostrum finish. The MotoGP World Championship now heads to Le Mans in France on 19 May.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Survey seeks crashed rider help

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Riders who have crashed in the past decade are being invited to do a survey into rider behaviour that expands on a previous pilot study into the effects of ABS in motorcycle crashes.

Click Here to participate in the “Dynamics of Motorcycle Crashes Survey”.

Pilot study

In 2016, UK motorcycle road safety researcher Dr Elaine Hardy contacted us to attract Australian riders who had been in an ABS-equipped bike crash to participate in her pilot study.

A year later she released the results of the first real-world study of ABS effectiveness called “Effects of ABS in motorcycle crashes”.

It involved surveying 61 male riders and one female from Australia and Europe who had been riding an ABS-equipped motorcycle when they crashed.

The pilot study found that the correlation between speed and serious injuries was random and indicated that riders overwhelmingly recognised the risk of injury and thus wore protective clothing and helmets.

Now Elaine is again seeking riders from around the world to participate in her new survey.

“We don’t know if there is any difference between riders in the UK, US or Australia, which is one of the reasons for doing the survey,” she says. 

“I don’t know the most common causes of crashes for motorcyclists apart from what ever information is ‘out there’, hence the survey.”

Elaine says she will provides with a report on the study at the beginning of next year.Crash accident wreck road safety tail-gate tailgate crashed

Crashed riders’ perspective

“From a rider’s perspective, we are constantly being criticised for speeding, being risky or being responsible for our own crashes and injuries,” Elaine says.

“But we know that it’s not that simple. In fact it’s complicated and it would be really helpful to understand what happens, how it happens and why it happens.

“There are numerous factors that need to be considered in all crashes and it’s time that you the rider gave your perspective about the circumstances.”

The survey will remain live for six months and the aim is to produce a report for the beginning of 2020.

Survey analysts

Elaine says everyone in her team of investigative analysts is also a motorcyclist.

The analysts are: Stephane Espie, Research Director IFSTTAR, France; Elaine Hardy, Motorcycle Research Analyst, UK; Dimitris Margaritis, Research Associate, CERTH/HIT, Greece; James Ouellet, Hurt Report co-author, USA; and Martin Winkelbauer, Senior Researcher, KFV, Austria.

The new survey is designed to provide a better understanding of the dynamics of motorcycle crashes.

It expands on the pilot study and is provided in eight different languages: French, Swedish, Norwegian, German, Spanish, Italian, Greek and English.

The survey will be disseminated throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, South America and beyond.

“This time the survey looks at motorcycles with and without ABS in order to provide a comprehensive comparison of these braking systems,” Elaine says.

Riders are asked 39 questions divided into four sections: 1) About you and your motorcycle; 2) Background; 3) Crash Details; 4) Comments.

None of the questions is mandatory and responses are anonymous.

Click Here to participate in the “Dynamics of Motorcycle Crashes Survey”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motocross, News

Webb, Ferrandis and Sexton crowned 2019 supercross champions

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News 5 May 2019

Webb, Ferrandis and Sexton crowned 2019 supercross champions

Section: Competition

Disaster strikes previous leader Cianciarulo in 250SX final round thriller.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb has been crowned 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion in the Las Vegas finals tonight at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Tonight’s main event was won by Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac – his sixth of the season – ahead of Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM), however, it was third position for Webb that clinched him the title.

Webb entered the 17th round requiring a 20th-place finish or better and that’s exactly what he delivered, remaining composed on his way to the championship.

It was a relatively uneventful way to cap-off the series, but as expected Tomac set the tone at the head of the pack. In the end he was 12 second clear of Musquin, followed by Webb, Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) and Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

Image: Supplied.

The 250SX Showdown pitted the west and east regions together to decide the championships, in which Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and Chase Sexton (Geico Honda) were ultimately crowned champions.

It was Ferrandis who rode to a controlled final round victory at Sam Boyd Stadium, topping Geico Honda duo RJ Hampshire and Cameron Mcadoo atop the podium.

Image: Supplied.

Fourth was enough for Sexton to bring home the 250SX East title, with title rival Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) down the order in P8.

The main storyline, however, was the crash of Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) while circulating comfortably in third position on lap 11, which would have been enough to seal a first-career supercross championship.

Damaged handlebars caused him to plummet down the order to an eventual 20th position, enabling French import Ferrandis to capture an emotion-charged championship win with three main events to his credit.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Final moto victory seals Waters South Australian MX1 overall

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News 5 May 2019

Final moto victory seals Waters South Australian MX1 overall

Section: Competition

Consecutive MX2 round wins for Webster while Duffy rebounds in MXD.

Image: Foremost Media.

DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Todd Waters turned his weekend around with the final MX1 moto and overall victory in round five of the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals at Murray Bridge.

Waters was flawless in the final moto of the weekend to take victory by 1.485s ahead of Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy), who took charge of the red plate in the process.

Scoring yet another podium this afternoon was previous points-leader and a fast-finishing Hayden Mellross (Raceline KTM Thor), with Dean Ferris (Recover8 Raceline KTM) fourth place following a difficult start to the moto.

Positions five through 10 featured Richie Evans (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), Justin Rodbell (KSF Racing Suzuki), Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing), Jayden Rykers (Suzuki), Lawson Bopping (Empire Kawasaki) and Erki Kahro (KTM).

Overall Waters won from Clout and Mellross, while the championship standings entering the mid-season break now sees Clout on top, four points ahead of Mellross, with Waters another six behind in third following five rounds of 10.

Image: Foremost Media.

Moto two of the Pirelli MX2 category was won by Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in a brilliant rebound.

However, the runner-up result for Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) this afternoon was enough for him to clinch back-to-back round victories.

Third was Nathan Crawford (Serco Yamaha), ahead of teammate Aaron Tanti and Bailey Malkiewicz (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in fifth. The top 10 was completed by Dylan Wills (Davey Motorsports KTM), Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), Riley Dukes (Husqvarna), Jye Dickson (Raceline KTM Thor) and Lochie Latimer (Yamaha).

The round win belonged to Webster over last year’s development champion Malkiewicz and Tanti. It’s number one plate-holder Todd who still sits atop the point-standings, 23 ahead of Webster and with Wilson another two back in third.

Image: Foremost Media.

In Motul MXD it was a dominant moto two performance for red plate-holder Regan Duffy (Raceline KTM Thor).

Duffy was 3.568s ahead of Mason Rowe (KTM), with Maximus Purvis (WBR Yamaha) finishing in third. The top five was filled by Rhys Budd (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) and Tye Jones (Husqvarna).

Overall it was Duffy who claimed victory from Purvis and Rowe, the Western Australian rising star increasing his points advantage to 17 markers over New Zealand’s Purvis.

Image: Foremost Media.

Today marked round two of the YMF MXW championship, in which Meghan Rutledge (Kawasaki) extended her advantage with a 1-1 result for the second day in succession.

Behind Rutledge in the opening encounter was Emma Milesevic (Honda) and Maddy Brown (Yamaha), before this afternoon’s moto saw Rutledge win from Jessica Moore (KTM) and Brown. The overall had Rutledge joined by Moore and Brown.

The 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals will now enter its annual mid-season break, with round six to be contested at Gympie in Queensland on Sunday, 23 June.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Double wins for Clout in Murray Bridge MX1 sprint motos

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News 5 May 2019

Double wins for Clout in Murray Bridge MX1 sprint motos

Section: Competition

Yesterday’s overall winners Webster and Purvis victorious in MX2 and MXD.

Image: Foremost Media.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Luke Clout put forward a perfect 1-1 performance Murray Bridge’s Thor MX1 sprint races at round five of the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals.

Clout capitalised on an uncharacteristic crash of yesterday’s winner Dean Ferris (Recover8 Raceline KTM) in moto one, who had led a large portion of the encounter.

The tip-over of Raceline Superpole winner Ferris with three laps remaining enabled Clout to race-on to victory, followed by Todd Waters (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) just 0.950s behind, as Hayden Mellross (Raceline KTM Thor), Ferris and Justin Rodbell (KSF Racing Suzuki) were the top five.

In moto two of the back-to-back sprints, it was Clout who made his way to the front early, fending off advancements of Ferris. An attempted pass by Ferris on Clout saw him go down once again, ultimately remounting for fifth position this time around.

Clout then maintained the lead to the chequered flag, only 0.803s ahead of Waters, with Mellross and youthful American Rodbell third and fourth respectively. With the two races combining scores, Clout was awarded top points in the sprints over Waters, Mellross, Rodbell and Ferris.

Sixth belonged to Jayden Rykers (Suzuki), while Richie Evans (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), Lawson Bopping (Empire Kawasaki), South Australia’s Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing) and Dylan Long (Empire Kawasaki) were the top 10 finishers.

Image: Foremost Media.

Saturday Pirelli MX2 class winner Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing) won the opening moto of round five.

Current points-leader Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) had troubles with his rear wheel while leading and wound up in 14th position.

That enabled Webster to ease to a 9.997s victory ahead of rookie Bailey Malkiewicz (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna), while Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) made his way to third by race’s end. Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti scored fourth, with top of the privateers Riley Dukes (Husqvarna) fifth.

Queenslander Ricky Latimer (Yamaha) crossed the line in sixth, followed by Morgan Fogarty (Davey Motorsports KTM), Jai Constantinou (Honda), Nathan Crawford (Serco Yamaha) and Jye Dickson, who is filling in for Raceline KTM Thor regular Jy Roberts in South Australia.

Image: Foremost Media.

After standing atop the podium yesterday, Motul MXD moto one went to Maximus Purvis (WBR Yamaha), two seconds clear of Regan Duffy (Raceline KTM Thor).

It was second of the WBR Yamahas, Jack Kukas, completing the top three. Mason Rowe (KTM) was fourth and Brodie Ellis (Yamaha) finished in fifth place to open the round.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Rookie standout Quartararo stuns with Jerez MotoGP pole

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News 5 May 2019

Rookie standout Quartararo stuns with Jerez MotoGP pole

Miller 15th on premier class grid as Gardner’s set to start from P4 in Moto2.

Image: Supplied.

Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo has become the youngest ever MotoGP pole-sitter after a historic day in the Red Bull Grand Prix of Spain.

The Frenchman broke both the lap record and the pole position age record in Jerez. At 20 years and 14 days old he’s younger than Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) previous record at COTA set in 2013.

And with a 1m36.880s, he’s well inside the previous fastest ever lap of the track. Teammate Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) was close behind though, just 0.082s in arrears for his front row start in the premier class, and the two became the first to take a 1-2 for an Independent Team since Valencia 2005.

Reigning champion Marquez completes the top three and he says he’ll try and ensure his record as the youngest winner in the MotoGP class won’t go the same way as the pole record when the lights go out on Sunday.

Behind Quartararo on the grid is championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati), on the hunt for his first premier class podium at the last venue on the calendar where he’s yet to achieve one, with Q1 graduate Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) alongside him in fifth after a solid recovery from a tough morning.

Last year’s pole-setter is in sixth, as Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Crutchlow) bounced back from a crash in FP3 to complete the second row. Danilo Petrucci (Mission Winnow Ducati), Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and COTA winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) were the top 10.

Further down the order, Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda Team) lines up in P11, Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) 13th and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) in P15.

In Moto2, Jorge Navarro (HDR Heidrun Speed Up) converted practice pace to pole on Saturday, taking his first ever pole position in the intermediate class ahead of Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Augusto Fernandez (Flexbox HP 40). Heading up row two is ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team rider Remy Gardner in fourth.

The Moto3 class saw Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) take his first ever pole position from Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and impressive rookie Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46), who joins them on the front row after his best qualifying yet as well.

Detailed results

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle Gear, News

Best Motorcycle Mechanic Shop Apparel

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Dickies has been a go-to name for work wear for generations. The company’s garments are tough, cheap, and available almost everywhere. Dickies’ new Moto Collection adds abrasion-resistant cloth to familiar designs. It’s not the kind of stuff we’d trust to save our hide on a real off, but it’s perfect for wearing in the garage or on a quick rip around the block after cleaning out your carbs for the 1,000th time. The Eisenhower jacket’s contoured arms and gusseted shoulders are comfortable enough in a riding position, but an attractive price is the real winner.

Shop pants typically fit like they’ve been imported from 1950, with high waists and baggy legs. The Moto chinos can be had in a variety of fits, and because they’re made from the same tough textile as the Eisenhower jacket, they’ll stand up to years of crawling around on the concrete while you clean chains and change oil. Dickies threw in a contoured waist to keep the things comfortable on a bike too.

A good pair of boots is as at home in the garage as it is in the office. Red Wing has been making its Iron Rangers for over 100 years. Like the Dickies threads, the boots are made to take a beating, but they’re comfortable enough for daily wear. The Vibram sole stays stuck even on wet concrete, and a thick leather upper will last for years with proper care.

The CDC is pretty clear about dermal absorption. For many workers, toxic substances enter the bloodstream through the skin, not the lungs. Disposable shop gloves are our go-to for keeping the nasty stuff off our hands and out of our bodies, but the cheap, thin parts-store variety are about as durable as a paper towel. These 14-mil bruisers walk the fine line between being tough enough to resist tearing and thin enough to maintain dexterity. At $20 a box, they’re more expensive than the kind you’ll find at the dentist, but you’ll use fewer per project, reducing waste while you’re at it.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Competition, Motocross, News

Breakout Murray Bridge performance injects belief into Rykers

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News 4 May 2019

Breakout Murray Bridge performance injects belief into Rykers

Section: Competition

Western Australian charges to impressive P3 in moto one.

Image: Foremost Media.

A breakout performance in moto one of Murray Bridge’s Pirelli MX Nationals today has injected belief into MX1 rookie Jayden Rykers, the talented Western Australian ultimately finishing a career-best fourth overall.

Piloting Suzuki machinery, Rykers matched the pace of dominant victor Dean Ferris (Raceline KTM) during the opening half of the race one before succumbing to the pressure of Kirk Gibbs (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy), hanging onto to secure an incredible P3 result.

It’s a timely boost of confidence for the number three, who’s endured a challenging two years on the national circuit, and has since come into form, missing the podium today by a mere two points after completing moto two in fifth.

“I did have a little bit of a breakout ride with a third in that first moto,” Rykers explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had a 4-5 at Wonthaggi, but it’s just a different feeling being in the top three. I got pulled along at quite a high speed in the first moto, so it’s good to check that off.

“I think it’s taken an adjustment to know that I should be up there – with the opportunities from the last two years with the Raceline team – they were awesome – I maybe just put too much pressure on myself. I’ve tamed things down this year – I’m working a fair bit, not riding as much, and I would say I’m not as fit I should be, just because of time at the moment.

“I can run the speed no dramas at all – for the opening laps of moto one, I was matching Ferris’ speed for six or seven laps. It’s a matter of confidence and getting the feeling that I do belong here. We’ll see how tomorrow goes as well.”

Rykers will return to the circuit tomorrow for round five the series, this weekend’s MX Nationals marking the championship’s first double-header of the season.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au