Spaniard recovers from broken scaphoid sustained last month.
Image: Supplied.
Multi-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo is targeting a ‘productive test’ when the MotoGP World Championship contingent hits Losail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend for pre-season testing.
Yet to officially don the Repsol Honda colours on-track, this weekend’s test will mark Lorenzo’s third outing aboard the title-winning RC213V, which creates a greater emphasis on locking down his set-up for the season-opener next month.
“I have been working a lot on improving my wrist and I’m pleased with the progress,” said Lorenzo. “Of course I would have liked to be in a better condition, but I feel we will be able to have a productive test.
“First we must understand my condition on the bike. Honda were able to make a lot of progress in Sepang and I’m looking forward to getting back on the RC213V and preparing for the season ahead.”
The opening round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship on 10 March at Losail International Circuit.
Marquez tops Moto2 times on day two of Jerez testing
Australia’s Gardner an impressive seventh in Spain.
Image: Supplied.
Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was the fastest Moto2 man on the second day of the official Moto2 and Moto3 Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, with a 1m41.208s enough to edge out the KTM of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.076s and the Speed Up of Jorge Navarro (+Ego Speed Up) by 0.094s.
That continued the trend of close competition from the first day of track action, although conditions were much windier on day two. Behind the top trio came Lorenzo Baldassarri (FlexBox HP40) in fourth, less than a tenth back, with day one’s quickest man, Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46), completing the top five.
Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) took P6, ahead of Australian Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team), Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) and EG 0,0 Marc VDS new arrival Xavi Vierge.
Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) completed the top ten and was the fastest rookie despite a crash, with Iker Lecuona (American Racing KTM) splitting him from the next debutants – Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46) in P12 and Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just behind. Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Bo Bendsneyder (NTS RW Racing GP) locked out the top 15.
In Moto3, Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) topped the second day, setting a 1m46.455s in windier conditions. But as it was on Wednesday, there were three riders within a tenth at the top and Canet was closely followed by Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai) and day one’s fastest Tony Arbolino (Snipers Team).
The Italian remains fastest overall, however, and was the fastest Honda after KTM flipped the trend to take a 1-2 on day two. Next up was Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) in fourth as he pipped teammate and day two crasher Marcos Ramirez, with the two Estrella Galicia 0,0 machines also two-by-two just behind. Alonso Lopez was just ahead of rookie teammate Sergio Garcia by half a tenth, with both showing good pace.
Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was further up on Thursday as he took P8 overall, just ahead of Dennis Foggia (Sky Racing Team VR46). Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) completed the top 10, another rookie who impressed.
Nicccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3), Albert Arenas (Angel Nieto Team), the returning Romano Fenati (Snipers Team) and reigning FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Champion Raul Fernandez (Angel Nieto Team) completed the fastest fifteen.
Rookie Tom Booth-Amos (CIP – Green Power) was one crasher and he dented his track time, and compatriot John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) also suffered an off.
Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia), Ramirez and Antonelli all crashed at Turn 11 within a few minutes of each other, but the incidents were unrelated. Action continues tomorrow at Jerez.
The Dainese Explorer collection is built for the most extreme conditions.
Begin Press Release:
DAINESE EXPLORER
The Antartica Collection defines a new standard for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate collection to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature.
ANTARTICA GORE-TEX JACKET
Space research generates a new excellence ergonomic standard for motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet.
The Antartica GORE TEX® Jacket defines a new standard for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate garment to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature. Thanks to the Dainese technology based on the study of the lines of non-extension in the human body and used to keep the NASA astronauts light and comfortable during their journey to Mars, every challenge can be lived in total comfort, without any performance compromise. The removable inner goose down jacket allows confident rides in the coldest extreme climates and can be worn separately, to bring a no-stop warmth also off the bike. The laminated GORE TEX® 45.000mm shell is unequaled protection against the elements and, combined with the direct-to-the-body vent zip on the chest, provide the perfect ventilation in warmer situations. Inner adjustable lumbar belt brings a perfect fit on the body. The outer pockets are designed to be easily used in riding position without compromising the fit. Unique S.T.O.P.® (Side Time-Saver Outer Pockets) compartment to place rapidly gloves and small stuff during a stopover is an exclusive feature an adventurer cannot do without. Pro-Armor level 2 back protector guarantee the Dainese highest safety standards. Undiscovered territories are waiting for extreme explorers.
The Dainese Antartica Gore-Tex Jacket is available at Revzilla and other retailers.
ANTARTICA GORE-TEX PANT
The must-have pants for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet.
The Antartica GORE TEX® Pants are the must-have for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate garment to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature. Thanks to the Dainese technology based on the study of the lines of non-extension in the human body and used to keep the NASA astronauts light and comfortable during their journey to Mars, every challenge can be lived in total comfort, without any performance compromise. Laminated GORE TEX® 45.000mm is unequaled protection against bad weather and, combined with the double direct-to-the-body vent zip on tighs, provide the perfect ventilation when it’s warmer. The removable inner goose down layer and the exclusive Storm Gaither Cuffs allow confident rides in the coldest climates. Nylon 6.6 high abrasion resistant fabric, Trixior D-Tec Engineered textile inserts on critical impact areas and Pro Armor hip protectors guarantee the Dainese highest safety standards, the result of over four decades of development and innovations. Undiscovered territories are waiting for extreme explorers.
The Dainese Antartica Gore-Tex Jacket is available at Revzilla and other retailers.
It’s bad enough crashing into a car, but this Indian motorcyclist gets a double dose of bad luck when the post he runs into collapses on top of him.
The security camera footage shows the driver of the white car pausing at an intersection, then starting to turn left, right into the path of the rider.
It’s bad luck for the rider who then slides into a light pole.
He gets up and seems ok but bad luck strikes a second time when the light pole falls on his head.
The KLIM Hardanger suit gives motorcyclists a one-piece weatherproof touring garment that is sure to boast the bomb-proof reliability we’ve come to know from KLIM.
Begin Press Release:
NEW KLIM ONE-PIECE TOURING SUIT: THE HARDANGER
For both extremes of the touring segment, the Iron Butt rider and the daily commuter, a solution now exists that offers comprehensive protection in a convenient package. With commutes and grand motorcycle journeys in mind, KLIM is proud to announce their latest chart-topping masterpiece, the Hardanger one-piece suit.
From mountaineering expeditions to drysuit diving, the merits of a full one-piece garment are proven. KLIM recognized the need for an ergonomic, fully waterproof, breathable, ventilated suit for the riders who want to be comfortable no matter if the weather is good or bad.
Located in the Rocky Mountains, KLIM is presented with a harsh testing environment of unpredictable weather and rapidly changing conditions. The high deserts and mountainous terrain helped them develop a suit that could handle hot desert temperatures, surprise downpours and cold nights with ease.
Building the fully waterproof piece began with GORE-TEX, as is standard for KLIM. The particular GORE-TEX laminate construction in this piece does not have a hanging mesh liner, meaning less bulk and better mobility in the already ergonomic design. It’s perfectly reasonable to wear full regular clothes under the suit.
Fitting a one-piece suit can be more challenging than a comparable jacket and pant, but ample adjustment straps ensure the Hardanger is comfortable in both sitting and standing positions. Further, the D3O molecular armor in all key impact areas is adjustable, letting you tailor the suit to fit. Comfort on extended touring rides is one of the most critical components, and KLIM went to great lengths to make sure the Hardanger fits the human body, not just a mannequin.
The ultimate touring ride doesn’t stop when the bike is parked, and neither should you. KLIM engineered the Hardanger with a metal D-ring to facilitate locking the entire suit to your bike, either with the helmet lock or with KLIM’s new Tek Pak touring backpack. This means when you stop to discover a new area, you simply step out of the suit and lock it to the bike. Then you’re free to explore without wearing your touring pants and threading a cable lock through your jacket sleeves.
At last, the one-piece touring experience is refined to the point where it may be more convenient than most other kinds of riding. So convenient that we may call it tourvenient, surely much to the chagrin of the KLIM marketing team. The Hardanger is engineered for ease of use and comprehensive comfort, and the convenience that comes as a byproduct is a calculated result. For those of us who are daily commuters or on grand motorcycle journeys, we now have a piece that lets us simply step in, and set out.
FULL SPECS
SHELL/CONSTRUCTION
GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY
THREE LAYER GORE-TEX PERFORMANCE SHELL TECHNOLOGY
TOP DOWN ZIP-IN ZIP-OUT FUNCTION
STREAMLINED INTERIOR (NO LINER)
750D CORDURA® OVERLAYS ON KNEES, BOOT PANELS, SHOULDERS, ELBOWS
WATERPROOF PASS THROUGH PORT FOR HEATED CLOTHING WIRES
INTEGRATED HD METAL LOCKING CLIP ALLOWS LOCKING
INTEGRATES WITH KLIM TEK PAK LOCK
DARMSTADT TEST PASSED
INTEGRATED ARMOR SYSTEM
D3O® LP1 VENTED ARMOR
LP1 SHOULDER PADS
LP1 ELBOW PADS
LP1 HIP PADS
LP1 KNEE PADS
L1 D3O® BACK PAD (IN AN ADJUSTABLE POCKET)
VENTILATION
2 CHEST/CORE VENTS
2 FOREARM VENTS
2 TRICEP VENTS
2 BICEP VENTS
2 VERTICAL REAR BACK VENTS
2 THIGH VENTS
2 REAR THIGH EXHAUSTS
COLLAR TAB BACK FEATURE
STORAGE
YKK® ZIPPERS THROUGHOUT
2 EXTERNAL CHEST POCKETS 1 WITH KEY CLIP
2 FRONT THIGH POCKETS
2-IN-ONE LEFT FOREARM POCKET FOR CC AND STAT CARD
1 INSIDE CHEST ZIPPERED POCKET
1 INTERNAL HIDDEN POCKET BEHIND BACKPAD
2 HAND POCKETS
FIT/COMFORT
DESIGNED WITH EXTREME MOBILITY AND COMFORT IN MIND
TOURING AND COMMUTING FOCUSED FIT
EASY ON AND OFF OVER STREET CLOTHES
HELMET-FRIENDLY COLLAR CUFF AND HEM
QUICK ADJUST STRAPS FOREARM, WAIST AND CALF
VISIBILITY
3M SCOTCHLITE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
BIO MOTION RECOGNITION
TOP BENEFITS
VERY EASY TO TAKE ON AND OFF OVER STREET CLOTHES.
FULL BODY WEATHER PROTECTION WITH NO GAPS
NO HANGING LINER PERFORMANCE SHELL
ARMOR ADJUSTS EASILY
SIZES
SM-3X Short
SM-3X Reg
SM-3X Tall
COLORS
Black, Gray, Tan
AVAILABLE STARTING JANUARY 1, 2019 AT KLIM.COM
MSRP $1,299.99
About KLIM
KLIM Technical Riding Gear is a global leader in designing, developing, sourcing and distributing the most advanced powersports apparel for snowmobile, motorcycle and off-road riding. Utilizing the world’s most premium technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, KLIM offers gear for the most demanding riders. Driven by the continual feedback and input from dedicated test pilots and passionate customers, KLIM strives to do one thing above all – enhance the riding experience. For more information, visit www.KLIM.com.
The Jarvish Tron will include built-in LEDs around the helmet to evoke an image straight out of science fiction.
Begin Press Release:
JARVISH: The Smartest Motorcycle Helmet Ever Made
Head-up display, 360° front & rear cameras, handsfree control & Alexa built-in
The X-Series full-face helmets include top of the range built-in HD surrounding sound speakers, noise reduction microphone, and front 2K camera as standard. The X-AR also includes the HUD, AR projections, 2K rear-facing camera, and optical waveguide technology. Both the X-AR and standard X model are fully certified, including ECE R22.05 (Europe, Australia), DOT (US and Canada), CNS 2396, CNS 13438, CNS 13439 (Asia), FCC (electronic radiation safety certifications).
JARVISH secured over $420K in funding on Kickstarter and have continued their funding on Indiegogo.
A 33-year-old rider has died after hitting a cow early on Tuesday morning (February 19, 2019), prompting a call for mandatory reflective ear or tail tags for cattle as used in Scotland.
Beef farmer Terry Moody of Upper Clarence Combined Landcare says it’s a major safety issue that has been exacerbated by an increase in Black Angus cattle which are harder to see in low-light conditions.
The rider hit the cow on Eltham Rd near Lismore before 5am.
Police say a report on the fatality will be prepared for the Coroner and Richmond Police District officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The number of times I’ve nearly hit black cows is ridiculous,” Terry says.
Terry says the number of Black Angus cattle has increased 30% in the past 10 years because of the McDonald’s promotion of Angus Burgers.
Black Angus
Cattle warning
Terry says he is not a rider, but he recently ran his truck into an “invisible herd” of the black cattle on a major highway, narrowly missing several cattle.
“I came over the hill on a state highway doing 100km and at the last second saw a herd of black cattle right in front of me,” he says.
“They are getting loose because there is no rain, so they are madly trying to find feed and breaking out of paddocks on to the road.”
Terry says it is the land holder’s responsibility to keep cattle fenced in.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of the tag manufacturers and they say they are having trouble getting them to work but they do in Scotland” he says.
“For the sake of someone developing a decent reflective tag, more motorists could die.”
“We’re hearing of a lot of crashes in country areas, usually after 3pm and on a weekend you are at the biggest risk,” he says.
“These B roads aren’t as well managed by local councils, they don’t have the vision of A roads and they have more access to farms and properties,” he says.
“If the fences are down, the animals can get out.
“I’ve heard that if they are hungry or thirsty cattle will work their way through fences if they see water or feed.
“With the current drought conditions, it’s a bigger problem for motorcyclists.
Wagner and Maxwell complete the top three as Liminton tops Supersport category.
Image: Russell Colvin,
DesmoSport Ducati’s Troy Bayliss has opened proceedings with the fastest time in practice at Phillip Island’s first round of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
The three-time world superbike champion set a blistering 1m32.478s time, finishing comfortably ahead of Aiden Wagner (Yamaha) on the timesheets, who concluded practice with a 1m32.873s lap.
The top three was rounded by Wayne Maxwell’s (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia) 1m33.09s lap-time ahead teammate Josh Waters in fourth with a 1m33.131s lap, as 2018 Supersport champion Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) was fifth after recording a best-lap of 1m33.360s.
Daniel Falzon (Yamaha Racing Team) was just outside the top five in sixth, followed by Mike Jones (Kawasaki), Bryan Staring (BCperformance Kawasaki), Glenn Allerton (Maxima BMW) and reigning champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing).
In the Supersport category, Nic Liminton topped the times with a flying 1m37.411s after completing 15 laps, edging out Callum Spriggs (Yamaha) and Aiden Hayes (Yamaha), who wound up with 1m37.844s and 1m37.921s times respectively.
Fourth and fifth were credited to Reid Battye (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha), while title favourite Tom Toparis (Landbridge Transport Yamaha) opted out of the session as he takes on double duties this weekend, landing a wildcard opportunity in WorldSSP.
Max Stauffer (Yamaha) was quickest in the Supersport 300 class, edging out Senna Agius (Kawasaki) and Locky Taylor (Yamaha), as the the top five was completed by Harry Khouri (Yamaha) and Seth Crump (KTM). Bikes will return to the circuit tomorrow for the opening day of racing, along with the opening session of the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).
Motorcyclists can now use more bus lanes in Melbourne indefinitely under an extension to an already six-year bus-lane trial.
The Victorian Government started a “six-month trial” in Hoddle St in 2011 allowing riders to use the bus lane in peak periods. The trial was extended in 2017 with the Fitzgerald St bus lane added, but still no report has been issued.
Now the trial will be expanded to include the Eastern Freeway inbound from the Chandler Highway to Hoddle Street, and Victoria Parade between Hoddle Street and Brunswick Street.
It is believed the trial bas been extended to five years but calls to VicRoads and the government could not clear up the time period.
Three-year battle
Victorian Motorcycle Council media spokesman John Eacott says they have battled three years to get the trial extended.
“I fronted one of the senior VicRoads guys at the Minister’s Motorcycle Expert Advisory Panel after he said they were unsafe,” John says.
“I tackled him about using statistics from outside the bus lane times and he was sent away to do further research.
“At least we’ve now got this.”
However, John is concerned that the trial is being funded by the Motorcycle Safety Levy to which the VMC has long objected.
“No other section of the road-using public has to fund their own safety. It’s appalling,” he says.
Bus lanes
Riders can use bus lanes in London
Riders can only legally ride in bus lanes in NSW and the ACT in Australia. In most states, only bicycles, taxis, limousines and emergency vehicles can use these lanes.
However, in several major cities around the world, including London and Tel Aviv, riders are allowed to use bus lanes.
Western Australia also started a one-year trial for motorbikes and taxis in bus lanes in South and Beaufort streets, Perth, from March 2015. There has been no official report issued since.
If there are concerns about safety, why are cyclists allowed to use these lanes in most states?
Surely they are far more vulnerable because of the speed differential with motorised transport and their smaller profile on the road.
Levy package
The Victorian Government says the bus lane trial is part of a $1 million road safety package for motorcyclists funded by their levy.
They also include:
A learner and novice rider pack will be developed containing tips, resources, a high-visibility vest and other “safety” equipment;
VicRoads surveillance officers will be trained and equipped to better identify road imperfections and other potential hazards for motorcyclists; and
The MotoCAP motorcycle protective clothing star rating system will be “further promoted to help riders make better choices when it comes to buying safety gear”.
The Motorcycle Safety Levy was introduced in October 2002 to provide specific funding to reduce motorcycle-related road trauma.
Motorcycle Riders Association Victoria spokesman and former MEAP member Damien Codognotto says MEAP was ignored in this “government million dollar PR stunt”.
“The whole thing is aimed at the rider being to blame for all or most of the 2019 rider casualty rate,” he says.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati talent 14th at Phillip Island test.
Image: Supplied.
Chaz Davies admits he’s still not quite there with the set-up of the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R following this week’s final pre-season FIM Motul Superbike World Championship test at Phillip Island.
Heading into the weekend’s season-opener, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider has remained unsettled on the direction he wants to pursue, sampling a number components before returning to his initial configuration.
Gathering all the data, the British talent, who was 14th on the timesheets, is banking on making gains in tomorrow’s practice sessions in hope of setting himself up for a strong start to the world championship.
“We’re not quite there yet to be honest,” Davies admitted. “We made some strides this morning and I was quite happy with that. In the afternoon we wanted to change a few things but we ended up going back to this morning’s setting because everything we tried didn’t give me the right feeling.
“We have to put all the data together in the next two days and hopefully on Friday we’ll turn up with a better setting. The good news is that last year we also had a difficult test, but then I raced a lot better than I did at the tests. We’ll take the weekend as it comes and prepare for the race in the best possible way.”
Davies teammate, WorldSBK newcomer Alvaro Bautista, topped the times on both days of testing, concluding Tuesday’s outing 0.236s ahead of the field.
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SCOTCHLITE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
