Tag Archives: News

Brookes tops charts in official Oulton Park BSB test

News 26 Apr 2019

Brookes tops charts in official Oulton Park BSB test

Former title-winner rebounds following opening round disappointment.

Image: Supplied.

Australia’s Josh Brookes was back at the top of the British Superbike Championship times at the official test at Oulton Park ahead of round two next weekend, rebounding from his disappointments at the opener.

The 2015 champion topped the opening two sessions in the dry conditions after a tough start to his season at Silverstone where he endured double DNFs, his 1m34.929s putting him over a second ahead of FS-3 Racing Kawasaki’s Danny Buchan.

“I am obviously really pleased to have been fastest in the dry as that is everybody’s goal,” BeWiser Ducati-mounted Brookes said. “I am actually really pleased with the progress we made today as there were a few things that we needed to address and explore some set-up changes.

“Leaving Silverstone we were disappointed, but I was then focused on here and working through some setting changes we didn’t get the chance to try at Silverstone and the bike performed really well, so it has been a really positive day.”

Of the other Australians in the field, McAMS Yamaha’s Jason O’Halloran wound up in 10th position at the conclusion of this test, while newcomer Ben Currie was 19th on the time-sheets aboard his Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki.

The test marked the first appearance at the Cheshire circuit for internationals Scott Redding and Xavi Fores, with the pair utilising the track time to learn the layout and ending the sessions in 13th and 25th respectively.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

250SX East leader Forkner declared fit for East Rutherford

News 26 Apr 2019

250SX East leader Forkner declared fit for East Rutherford

Knee injury healing Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s current red plate-holder.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner will line-up at this weekend’s East Rutherford round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, the current 250SX East points-leader declared fit to ride.

Forkner was forced to miss Nashville with a knee injury, however, he was able to maintain his advantage and will enter New Jersey with a five-point lead entering the penultimate round of the championship.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well the therapy has been going on my knee and I’ve really been trying to keep a positive attitude about the situation,” said Forkner. “The whole team has been really supportive and doing everything they can to make sure I have what I need to try and bring them home a championship.”

After putting in the work at physical therapy, Forkner has made positive strides in his recovery to feel confident enough to race on Saturday. He leads GEICO Honda’s Chase Sexton by three points and is a further five ahead of Justin Cooper (Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha).


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Aprilia Open House Promotion on 2018 2019 Models

If you’re on the fence about a new ‘priller, the Aprilia Open House Promotion might be enough to tip ya over the edge. 

Begin Press Release: 


APRILIA HOSTS NATIONAL DEALERSHIP OPEN HOUSE – NEW OWNERS CAN RIDE FREE

2018 / 2019 Models Available for Limited Interest-Free, Payment-Free, $0-Down, Low-APR Promotion

Aprilia Open House Promotion

WHO: Aprilia USA

WHAT: 2019 and 2018 Aprilia Models are Interest-Free for 6 months, Payment-free for 7 months, and 1.99% for 60 months, in dealerships for one promotional week only

WHERE: Participating Aprilia Dealerships Throughout the USA

WHEN: Friday, April 26 through Saturday, May 4, 2019

DETAILS:

Revs unlimited, the “Aprilia Open House” promotion kicks the ride season into gear with a dedicated promotion on new 2019 and 2018 models, valid from April 26th till May 4th, 2019. During this week-long promotional period, Aprilia USA is offering No Interest for 6 MonthsNo Payments for 7 months, thereafter 1.99% APR for 60 months and $0 down on all Aprilia MY19 & MY18 models (this promotion cannot be combined with customer cash).

RSV4 RANGE

Aprilia Open House Promotion

RSV4 1100 Factory

New for 2019, the RSV4 1100 Factory is the lightest, most powerful, and fastest RSV4 ever created. The latest step in this evolutionary line – boasts exceptional performance combined with a racing frame and suspension and an electronic controls package, both evolved even further.

RSV4 1000 RR

The top-shelf technical literbike platform, ready to provide the rider with a “race replica” performance and feeling. With a host of available performance accessories, Aprilia offers prestigious parts that work together to further improve weight, handling, aerodynamics and even looks. The WSBK championship winning machine is the category pinnacle for street and track, direct from the showroom floor.

TUONO RANGE

Aprilia Open House Promotion

TUONO FACTORY

The new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory comes standard with the most advanced and efficient electronic suspension system currently available, the latest technological frontier offered by manufacturer Öhlins, developed in close contact with Aprilia engineers. With the upgraded electronic suspension, adjustable to suit any rider need, and along with the inherited RSV4-style tail section, the Tuono Factory is the model of choice for the performance-demanding rider that will not settle for less.

TUONO RR

Tuono V4 1100 RR represents an exceptional thrill machine, the heir to a dynasty of naked sport bikes acclaimed by critics as the most effective and fastest bike in its segment. Fit with conventions Sachs suspension components; forks, shock and damper, the Tuono RR comes equipped with a dedicated passenger saddle making it the a more street-biased option among the two models.

900 RANGE

DORSODURO 900

The supermotard from Aprilia evolves with the sole objective of providing maximum riding enjoyment, boosted by the updated powerful twin-cylinder engine. With 90NM of torque the Aprilia Dorsoduro is the fun bike par excellence. Born out of an ingenious intuition by Aprilia, it was built to exceed the benchmark from the Dorsoduro 750, providing the highest possibility of road riding fun, drawing from the best characteristics of sport bikes and supermotards. The result is a bike with advanced technical solutions, agile and with performance at the top of its category.

SHIVER 900

Aprilia Shiver 900 represents the most recent evolution of the original project of a motorcycle that, from its first appearance on the scene in 2007, marked a turning point as the first factory bike fitted with Ride-by-wire technology to manage engine throttle valve electronics. From city riding to more flowing routes, from mountain passes to touring itineraries, even long range, Shiver 900 invites you to fasten your helmet and set off in search of the best sensations on two wheels.

The post Aprilia Open House Promotion on 2018 & 2019 Models appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

American Rookie Skyler Howes Wins the Morocco Desert Challenge

Skyler Howes shows that he’s up to the challenge with a win in Northern Africa.

Begin Press Release: 


Rookie Skyler Howes Wins the Morocco Desert Challenge

And Leaves north Africa Celebrating a Victory, Birthday and His First Year in Rally Raid

The Morocco Desert Challenge (MDC) is not an occasion to be taken lightly. Considered by many a stepping stone on the pathway to World Class glory, the dune-heavy terrain showcases many of the obstacles one might face at the Amaury Sport Organisation’s (ASO) most infamous motorsport event, the Dakar. Special Stages at the MDC offer no liaisons, so every mile counts. And for the competitors, it’s the perfect setting to sharpen their skills as they prep for the coming Dakar Rally – this year making the seemingly controversial move to Saudi Arabia. So, when privateer Skyler Howes hits the scene in Agadir and quietly finishes his crusade atop the inevitable pile of carnage, it comes as a surprise to all but his fans.

Skyler Howes (#106) isn’t your average 20-something Millennial. Otherwise wholesome and good-natured, Howes took out his teenage aggressions on his dirt bike – pushing the limits every time he’d twist the throttle. But ambition, fearlessness and determination mix up a dangerous cocktail without limitations, and soon the young rider suffered a series of injuries slowing his progress significantly into adulthood. But determination dies hard. So, under the wing of racing legend Kurt Caselli, Howes learned to hold back just enough to find success consistently and safely, which is exactly what sent him to the top step of the podium in North Africa.

With the support of the Garrett Off-Road Racing team, Howes began navigation training and soon challenged the roadbook world of Rally – winning three out of the five events he’s entered, MDC included. Conquests aside, it’s safe to say his first trip to North Africa wasn’t a cakewalk. An epic battle was waged between he and veteran Joan Pedrero all week long, swapping 1st and 2nd place with each new stage. Pedrero was not going to let the formidable Rookie leave victorious without a fight. And although Skyler ultimately won the title, it was by a mere minute – 00h 01’ 06’’ to be precise. Still, duking it out with one of his idols, nabbing the trophy and venturing to Africa for the first time were quite the spread of gifts for this birthday boy who celebrated his 27th year of life at the rally.

“[An] unreal eight days through Morocco, battling it out with a legend in the sport, and coming home with the overall win at the Morocco Desert Challenge. After 3000 kilometers, the win literally came down to seconds. It was a blast racing through the African terrain and spending time with good people. Still don’t really know how to put the feeling into words” – Morocco Desert Challenge Champion, Skyler Howes #106

Follow the team’s racing efforts via social media as Garrett Off-Road Racing athletes – competing in everything from Rally Raid to Hare & Hound to ISDE to Hard Enduro – try to carve their names into Motorsport history.

Instagram – @GarrettOffRoadRacing

Facebook – Garrett Off-Road Racing

The post American Rookie Skyler Howes Wins the Morocco Desert Challenge appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

How Does A Gas Pump Nozzle Work?

It is the great common denominator, the one tool that nearly every licensed adult in the United States will work with over and over again in their lives. The humble fuel nozzle is both ubiquitous and woefully underappreciated. Its basic concept and design are more than 100 years old, but changing fuels, vehicles, technology, and regulations have forced constant, unseen evolution. And still, a modern nozzle is beautifully mechanical, free of burdensome circuitry. When you squeeze the handle, the main valve opens, allowing fuel to flow through the body, down the spout, and into your tank. It shuts off automatically by a bit of cleverness. As the gasoline rushes past a venturi, it creates a low-pressure area that pulls air through a small port at the tip of the spout. Once fuel reaches the port, the air stops, creating a vacuum that pulls on a small diaphragm that in turn closes the main valve—simple physics that keep us all riding.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

VIDEO: Brad Baker – Racing Forward

Brad Baker demonstrates a champion’s resolve in this short video from Indian Motorcycles.

Begin Press Release: 


Brad Baker – Racing Forward

Nothing’s ever easy when it comes to racing. Enter the mind of American Flat Track champion, Brad “the Bullet” Baker after an injury at last year’s X-Games that broke his T6 vertebrae.


To learn more and donate to the Wings for Life foundation which helps injured athletes, visits https://www.wingsforlife.com/us/

The post VIDEO: Brad Baker – Racing Forward appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering Announces Global Debut of LITO Motorcycles SORA Generation 2

Among the swath of rare collectibles at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering, LITO Motorcycles will debut its SORA Generation 2 electric superbike. 

Begin Press Release: 


THE QUAIL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF LITO SORA GENERATION 2 ALONGSIDE MULTIPLE DEMONSTRATION RIDES AT 2019 EVENT

The premier motorcycling culture celebration on May 4 will host the global debut of LITO Motorcycles’ newest electric superbike alongside new product displays from many different motorcycling brands and demonstration rides from Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Suzuki and Transitions/Shoei

Carmel, Calif. (April 25, 2019) – The Quail Motorcycle Gathering Presented by GEICO Motorcycle, a Peninsula Hotels’ Signature Motoring Event, has announced it will host the global debut of the LITO Motorcycles’ SORA Generation 2, the brand’s latest and most advanced electric superbike. The Saturday, May 4 show will also feature new product displays from sponsors including Atwyld, Stellar Moto Brand, Helite Moto, Corbin, Clearwater Lights, Energica, The 5th Invitational Why We Ride to The Quail and Harley-Davidson. Alongside these, the event will host demonstration rides for prospective buyers from Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Suzuki and Transitions/Shoei.

LITO Motorcycles pioneered the electric superbike in 2009 with the original LITO SORA, and to celebrate its 10th anniversary, LITO has completely re-engineered the SORA with a wide host of improvements. These upgrades include a more powerful battery for increased power output and 50 percent longer range along with an improved 0 – 60 mph time of three seconds. Many major components have been replaced with carbon fiber, and an electric adjustable seat will be available for added rider comfort. Only 20 examples of the new LITO SORA Generation 2 will be produced. Its appearance at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will be its official debut.

“The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is proud to host the debut for the latest superbike from LITO Motorcycles,” said Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “Electric bikes are an exciting gateway into the future of our hobby and brands like LITO are right at the cutting edge.”

In addition to the debut, many other displaying brands will showcase a selection of their newest products. Atwyld will display their collection of premium women’s leather jackets and kevlar-lined denim; Stellar Moto Brand will debut their men’s and prototype women’s denim armored one-piece riding suit, made with patented Dyneema materials; and Helite Moto will showcase its upgraded Turtle 2 airbag vest and new Free Air Vented airbag jacket in hi-vis yellow. Along with these, Corbin will display its new Solo Saddle and Passenger Pillion for 2018-19 Triumph Speedmaster and its electrically heated and cooled saddle for 2018-19 Honda Gold Wing 1800; Clearwater Lights will exhibit its 2019 product lineup; and Energica will display its Ego, Eva and Eva EsseEsse 9 electric sport bikes alongside a custom “Oil in the Blood” Eva sport bike. Lastly, Why We Ride to The Quail will raise funds and awareness for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Harley-Davidson will offer an exclusive augmented-reality experience of its upcoming LiveWire electric bike.

For those seeking a thrilling test ride experience, Harley-Davidson will offer its full 2019 model line for demonstration rides, including Sportster, Touring and Softail models. Additional demonstration bikes from Ducati and Suzuki will also be available for testing, along with demonstration helmets from Transitions/Shoei.

Witness this celebration only at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Pre-sale tickets are $85 and are available online at www.quaillodgeevents.com. Entry includes a gourmet lunch, parking, and gear valet service for those riding a motorcycle to the event. Doors open 9:00 AM for VIP Lounge ticket holders and 10:00 AM for General Public ticket holders. Learn more on the event website and follow the action on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The post The Quail Motorcycle Gathering Announces Global Debut of LITO Motorcycles’ SORA Generation 2 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Second lone rider in sad fatality

A second lone rider has crashed and died in NSW in the past day, lying for some time before being located.

In the first incident yesterday afternoon (24 April 2019), a passing motorist found a 52-year-old male rider lying on the Nottingham Road Bridge next to his crashed bike.

NSW Police say it is unknown how long the man had been lying on the road.

Paramedics attended, but he died a short time later.

Second lone rider

In the second incident, a lone rider appears to have crashed overnight with his body found this morning in the Lake Macquarie region.

Just after 7.30am, police and emergency services were contacted after the body of a man and his bike were located down an embankment off George Booth Drive, Seahampton.

The man has not yet been formally identified.

It seems he may have crashed last night as police are asking motorists travelling in the area overnight to review their dash-cam footage.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene and the site is being examined by specialist forensic officers.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who know of the rider’s movements.

If anyone has information either crash, contact Crime Stoppers or phone 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. Do not send details via NSW Police social media pages.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of both riders.

Take care

The two incidents highlight the importance of lone riders telling someone where they are going and when they plan to arrive.

That way an alert can be despatched if they go missing.

Lone riders should also consider carrying a locator beacon or downloading a smartphone app that provides friends and family with their location.

Click here for some of the important apps riders should consider.

First-aid apps riders should download

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crashed rider found lying on a bridge

A 52-year-old motorcyclist has died after a passing motorist found him lying near his crashed bike on the Nottingham Road Bridge yesterday afternoon (3.25pm 24 April 2019).

NSW Police say it is unknown how long the man had been lying on the road.

He was attended at the scene near Wee Jasper, NSW, by Ambulance Paramedics but sadly died a short time later.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information or dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers or phone 1800 333 000.

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police reports

Unlike Queensland police who report these as single-vehicle accidents, the NSW Police media release made no mention of a likely cause except that he had obviously “come off his bike”.

Police media releases and statements that claim these as single-vehicle accidents before any investigation is concluded raises the spectre that the riders were at fault.

Such assertions should not be made until investigations are completed. Other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or a stray animal could have caused the crashes.

In this rural incident, stray livestock or a kangaroo could be at fault. The Wee Jasper area can be plagued with kangaroos.

Claiming that such incidents are single-vehicle crashes can confirm in the minds of the public that riders have a death wish and do not deserve their respect and consideration.

These are dangerous assertions that jeopardise the safety of all riders.

Crash stats

In fact, the statistics show that more motorcycle fatalities are in multi-vehicle crashes.

And in half of those the rider was not at fault.

Last month, Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce said he feared police assumed crashes riders were guilty until proven innocent.

“I think there is a view that riders are more likely to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles and that speed is the common factor,” Steve says.

“We see this in single-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle, where the rider is automatically deemed to be at fault.

“This ignores factors such as road condition, line markings, recent roadworks, lack of signage.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Inside A Motorcycle Carburetor – Main Jet Tuning

“I’m on the main jet!” Have you ever heard that expression while bench racing with your riding buddies? What the heck does that even mean? Well, after this episode of MC Garage, you’ll know. Today we talk about main jet.

For the past few weeks we’ve been going through a carburetor piece by piece. If you haven’t watched the first videos in this series, jump back, and check them out. We will have the links in the description below. We’ve covered the basic layout of the carb, the float bowl, and the pilot jet. The next piece in the properly running carbureted-motorcycle equation is the main jet.

The main jet is responsible for supplying the fuel that mixes with the air as it makes its way through the intake tract after the pilot jet is done doing its job. Starting at about 20 percent throttle the fuel flows through the main jet. (There is another part that meters that fuel until 80 percent throttle, but we will cover that next week.) When you are wide open, you’re on the main jet.

The main jet is located at the bottom of the carburetor inside the float bowl. It’s the larger of the two jets, and it is installed in the needle jet—that part we will be covering next week. If this guy is plugged up, you’re in for a full carb cleaning ritual. Everything will usually be clogged if the main jet is plugged up. Check out Ari’s video on how to clean a carb.

So we are going to assume you have a clean carburetor so we can get into knowing if your main jet is too rich or lean. First, start with the manufacturer’s recommendation in the service manual. Just like we discussed in last week’s video, there will be recommendations according to temp and altitude. This is where you want to begin.

A “lean” condition means the ratio of air to fuel is too high. This can cause issues from not making full power at wide-open throttle and rpm to detonation and pinging that could damage your engine over time. Lean jetting is the kiss of death for two-strokes with a possibility of a quick meltdown and seizure. Damage can take longer in a four-stroke.

It’s fairly easy to hear pinging on a two-stroke. Think of a metallic tick that sounds like a rattling ball bearing in a tin can as the fuel charge detonates before it should, smashing into the top of the piston too early before it reaches top dead center (TDC). The same sound can be heard from a four-stroke, but the sound is masked by the sound of the valve train. If you hear this, you need to rejet before you do serious damage.

Also, a lean condition will have a crisp throttle response, but the top-end will feel weak and the bike will run hotter than it should. Many times I’ve heard two-stroke racers say it was running so crisp and snappy and then it just stopped. Classic case of a seizure from being too lean. To fix a lean position, go up a jet size and run the bike again; repeat until you find the right size. These numbers may not increase or decrease in increments of one; usually it’s by five or 10.

“Rich” means there is more than the optimal amount of fuel in the air charge. This leads to stumbling and poor overall running. It’s doesn’t lead to a premature death like a lean condition can, so if you must, err on the side of being rich. As the bike moves through the midrange and onto the top-end, the power will stumble and miss. It’s an easier condition to feel and hear for most people. It’s clear it is running bad. Just drop a jet size and retest.

On a two-stroke you can also do a plug chop to check for proper jetting, but this will be a separate video in the future. For now, that’s it for checking the main jet. It’s one of the simpler jets to get dialed in, but if it’s not right, it can cause issues with next week’s topic—the needle jet and needle.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com