Tag Archives: News

Petronas Yamaha SRT unveils maiden MotoGP livery

Unified colour scheme uncovered in Malaysian team launch.

Image: Supplied.

Petronas Yamaha SRT has unveiled the look it will sport in its maiden MotoGP World Championship campaign this year, officially launching the team at the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.

The Petronas Sprinta Racing line-ups for Moto2 and Moto3 were also featured in the presentation, where a unified colour scheme was uncovered for all five machines across the three grand prix categories.

“It has been a real privilege for us to present the team here at the incredible Petronas Twin Towers and display our bikes with the definitive liveries for 2019,” said team manager Wilco Zeelenberg. “I am very proud of the look of the project and the work we have done over the last couple of months.

“The team is incredible and we are all very much looking forward to starting the first test in Malaysia. Our objective for the test will be to pick up where we left off at Jerez – we have new bikes for the riders and we are hoping they can build on the knowledge they acquired in November. After the winter break the first thing will be to get used to the Yamaha and its speed again, and to continue improving the feeling with the bike.

“We will also have to make a lot of technical adjustments, taking into account the fact that it will be three tough days because of the heat and with eight hours of available track time. We are very excited to get started and begin our preparations for the first race of the new season in Qatar.”

The newly-formed outfit will field Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo in the premier category, while the Sprinta Racing squad will feature Khairul Idham Pawi in Moto2 and talented duo Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee in Moto3. The first pre-season test for the MotoGP class is scheduled for 6-8 February at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Herlings suffers foot injury in Spanish training incident

World champion’s recovery time still to be determined.

Image: Supplied.

Reigning MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings has suffered a foot injury while training in Spain, forcing him to undergo surgery in Belgium at the weekend.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing confirmed the news via social media, releasing a statement that ensured his operation to repair the damage was successful.

“The MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings had an operation on his right foot in Belgium last night after a training crash in Spain yesterday afternoon. All went well for the number 84 and more details about his recovery and rehab will be posted at the beginning of the week. Get fit fast champ.”

It’s unclear how long the Dutchman will be sidelined for, however the injury will impact his preparations for the season-opener, scheduled for 3 March at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Honda Racing signs Johnson for North West 200 and Isle of Man TT

Australian contender to join Hutchinson aboard CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

Image: Supplied.

David Johnson will join Ian Hutchinson at Honda Racing for the 2019 International North West 200 and Isle of Man TT, where the duo will contest the Superbike and Superstock 1000 classes aboard the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

Johnson made his debut at the TT in 2010 aboard Honda machinery where he claimed the accolade of fastest newcomer that year. The Australian has since racked up three fourth place finishes at the mountain course and was close to a podium last year in the Superbike race. His best result at the Ulster GP has been third, while his North West 200 placing is seventh.

“I am really happy to join the Honda Racing team for this season,” Johsnon stated. “Over the years they have been incredibly successful on the roads and won a lot at the TT – I feel that I will gel with the Fireblade, so I’m very excited to get started and ride the bikes.

“With Hutchy getting fitter from his injuries I think we’ll work together well and I will have some great people around me in the team. I can’t wait to get back to the UK and start testing.”

Honda Racing team manager Jonny Twelvetrees commented: “I’m really pleased to have ‘Davo’ with the team for this season, he’s been a strong contender since his debut in 2010 and I know it won’t be long before he’s on the TT podium. He had a good season last year with two 4th places at the TT and a podium at the Ulster, so I’m excited to see what he can do on the Fireblade this year.”

The Honda Racing team will now embark on a comprehensive testing programme before tackling the road circuits, starting with the North West 200 in May.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Queensland’s AORC opener relocated to Toowoomba

Scheduled date remains unchanged for rounds one and two.

Image: John Pearson.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has revealed the opening rounds of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have been relocated to Toowoomba, Queensland, on 9-10 March.

The season-opener was initially set to take place at Gympie in Queensland, however MA has cited unforeseen circumstances as the reason behind the decision to change venues.

To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams, the event has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of Queensland into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.

Moving slightly south to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Rea quickest again in Portimao WorldSBK test

Lowes second fastest as WorldSBK newcomer Bautista takes third.

Image: Supplied.

The final two-day European pre-season test before the 2019 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) kicks off at Phillip Island next month has been completed in Portimao, Portugal, where four-time champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) once again topped the timesheets.

A stronger wind blew at the Portuguese rollercoaster race track, but riders didn’t back down and aware of the importance of every single hour of testing available, they took to the track early in the morning to make their final arrangements ahead of the WorldSBK season opener.

Both the days saw stiff competition with many riders and four different manufacturer bikes contending the top spot till the very last minute of on-track activity, showing off similar paces.

But in the end, it was reigning champion Rea who came out on top at the end of the two days, despite suffering a small crash on the final minutes of on-track activity. Working on finding a good base setup for his Kawasaki ZX-10RR, the Northern Irishman was happy with the improvement made with his crew during the off-season, and he now looks forward to Australia to see where they really stand.

On the other side of the garage, Leon Haslam was more than pleased in ending the European Winter test in fourth position. Returning to the WorldSBK championship after four years, the British rider was able to find back his confidence with the WorldSBK machine over the four days of testing at Jerez and Portimao.

Bringing on the fight to Rea and the green machines, Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) continued with his stunning pace also on Day Two at Portimao, as he closed in second position 0.959s behind Rea. Together with his teammate Michael van der Mark, who finished fifth, the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team riders successfully completed their program, as they worked on confirming the new parts tested during the days before.

In the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati garage Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista were able to make consistent progress working on the base setup of the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R. Testing different tyres and many aspects of his new bike, Alvaro Bautista set an outstanding fastest lap time of 1m41.934s, taking the third spot of the timesheets, on a race track with such unique features, that he barely knows.

Team-mate Chaz Davies who was still struggling with back pain put in 42 laps on the V4 R today and finished a tough test in 11th position. But it wasn’t just the green, blue and red machines to impress at Portimao. BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider Tom Sykes put in a sensational lap today, conquering the sixth spot in 1m42.246s.

The British rider was surprised by how close they were, considering they are still in their development phase. Also, Markus Reiterberger, who worked on the geometry of the bike and on testing different tyres, completed a positive test finishing tenth overall. After their sixth day on track with the new BMW S1000RR, which colours were revealed today live on their social media channels, the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team can now head to Australia with a lot of confidence after their positive work.

Continuing to adapt to the WorldSBK bike, 2018 WorldSSP World Champion Sandro Cortese (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK) set the seventh fastest lap time, while teammate Marco Melandri closed eighth overall.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Turkish Puccetti Racing) had a strong pace on both days as he closed in ninth position. The Turkish rider worked on improving his feeling on board the Kawasaki ZX-10RR that will only be updated into the 2019 version at Phillip Island. Working also alongside a new crew chief, it was a positive two-day test for the young rider and his team.

It was a tally two-day test for Independent team riders Michael Rinaldi (BARNI Racing Team) and Eugene Laverty (Team Goeleven), both working on the development of their Ducati Panigale V4 R. The Italian rider closed in 12th position, while Laverty, who still have a lot of work to do with his new team, finished 13th.

Developing the new Honda CBR1000RR, 2019 WorldSBK rookie Alessandro Delbianco finished fourteenth after two days trying to get acquainted with the WorldSBK machine. The next test will be at Phillip Island in Australia, scheduled for 18-19 February.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Haaker steals SuperEnduro points lead with Madrid victory

Webb and Gomez complete the podium in Spain’s third round.

Image: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker has gained control of the 2019 FIM Maxxis SuperEnduro World Championship after claiming victory at Madrid’s third round at the weekend in Spain.

The American put on a thrilling performance with a 1-3-1 scorecard, granting him the overall win by 21 markers over former points leader Cody Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

Alfredo Gomez (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) closed out the first three, just three points behind Webb, while top five was completed by Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) and Blake Gutzeit (Husqvarna).

Haaker now leads Webb by 13 points heading into the penultimate round at Budapest in Hungary on 9 February, while Taddy Blazusiak (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) holds down P3 in the standings after a damaging night in Spain.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Steve McQueen Speed Twin sets record

Steve McQueen continues to set motorcycle records 38 years after his death with his Triumph Speed Twin fetching the highest price ever paid for that model at auction.

The 1938 Triumph 5T Speed Twin 500 was estimated to fetch up to $US65,000 (about $A91,000), but sold at the Bonham’s annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction for $175,500 ($A245,000), almost three times as much.

When the hammer fell and the King of Cool’s ride set a new world auction record, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.

Steve McQueen 1938 Triumph Speed Twin

Triumph and McQueen

The Hollywood star had a long association with Triumph having ridden a TR6 in The Great Escape and the 1964 International Six Day Trial, representing the USA.

His Speed Twin was restored by friend and fellow ISDT team member Bud Ekins in the mid to late 1970s.

It’s not the most expensive motorcycle sold at auction. That honour also once belonged to a Steve McQueen bike.

His 1915 Cyclone sold at a 2015 Las Vegas Mecum auction for almost $A1 million.

Steve McQueen's Cyclone -
Steve McQueen’s Cyclone

However, that record was beaten on Australia Day 2018 when a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning on which Jack Ehret set an Australian speed record was bought at the Bonham’s annual Las Vegas motorcycle auction for a record $US929,000 ($A1,155,000, €748,500) by an unknown collector who is returning the bike to Australia.

Jack Ehret's Vincent Black Lightning collection valuable - speed twin
Jack Ehret’s Vincent Black Lightning

Bonham’s highlights

Another highlight of this year’s Bonham’s Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction was a 1993 Ducati Supermono, one of just 67 made.

It was tipped to fetch up to $125,000 (about $A177,000), but was bought fora bargain $115,000 ($A160,000).

Ducati Supermono speed twin

Another highlight that turned out to sell for a bargain price was a 1916 Harley-Davidson Model F that sat untouched for many decades and still includes a period front tyre.

It was parked indoors many years ago in indoor storage and was recently discovered by American TV car restorer Wayne Carini, host of the Chasing Classic Cars TV series which featured the Harley in one episode.

The Harley was expected to fetch bids up to $100,000 (about $A140,000), but went for just $34,500 ($A48,000).

Harley-Davidson Model F speed twin

Meanwhile, a 1974 Munch Mammoth TTS, known as the world’s first superbike, made $112,000 ($A156,000).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

6th Annual Beautiful Bikers Conference Announce Indian And Polaris As Title Sponsors

Indian and Polaris are stepping up in a big way for the Beautiful Bikers Conference & Awards.

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Indian Motorcycle and Polaris Slingshot, today announced its title sponsorship of the 6th Beautiful Bikers Conference & Awards in Las Vegas, NV. This is the third year of their partnership with this event in celebration of women who love the ride.

The Beautiful Bikers Conference & Awards was conceived by Porsche Taylor, who wanted to create an event to celebrate the accomplishments of women who shared a passion for riding. She hosted the first event 6 years ago, in Los Angeles, California. The event has since grown from a local ride and awards event to an educational conference, with a mission to prepare women for their journey in motorcycling.  The event also includes the Ride the Runway Fashion Show, featuring fashionable motorcycle gear for women of all shapes and sizes. As title sponsor for its 6th anniversary, Indian Motorcycle & Polaris Slingshot will feature their new 2019 line up and riding gear for women.

“The Beautiful Bikers Conference & Awards serves as a destination for women who aspire to ride, new riders and women who are seeking new motorsports adventures,” says event founder & producer, Porsche Taylor. “We are honored to work with Indian Motorcycle and Polaris Slingshot and are proud to be a part of their commitment to support women riders.”

The Beautiful Bikers Conference & Awards Presented by Indian Motorcycle and Polaris Slingshot will take place February 22 – 24, 2019 inside the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino. For more information and ticketing for the event, visit beautifulbikers.com.

The post 6th Annual Beautiful Bikers Conference Announce Indian And Polaris As Title Sponsors appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

David Surgenor Retires from Motorcycle Safety Foundation

After 30 years with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, we wish David a relaxing retirement. 

Begin Press Release: 


David Surgenor Retires from Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Director of Quality and Outcomes Wraps Up Lengthy Rider Safety/Training Career

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 28, 2019 — David Surgenor, who dedicated nearly 30 years to enhancing motorcyclist safety, has retired from his position as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation National Director of Quality and Outcomes. Surgenor, who is based in Pennsylvania, helped shape rider training programs across the country and remains highly respected among his peers.

“Dave’s contributions were significant and long-lasting for motorcycling and rider education,” said MSF Vice President of Training Systems Dr. Ray Ochs. “His exuberance for motorcycling was surpassed only by his passion for quality. Dave was a tremendous resource for all levels of stakeholders with an interest in improving one’s quality of life through motorcycling. His approachable demeanor, sense of humor and direct style endeared him to countless people. He will be missed as we wish him a joyous retirement.”

Surgenor became a Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructor for the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program in 1989. He earned his chief instructor certification in 1994 while working for Millersville University. He then joined the MSF national staff in 1999 and became the state coordinator of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. In 2014, Surgenor was promoted to National Manager of MSF Training Systems. The following year he was promoted again, to National Director of Quality and Outcomes.

“When I met Dave for his first interview, I knew we had our guy. He talked about the opportunities to serve Pennsylvania’s new and current riders by partnering with PennDOT, and he had many ideas to improve the state program,” said Tim Buche, president and CEO of the MSF. “And Dave never hesitated to assist others. He was always available to help state program coordinators, RiderCoaches, RiderCoach Trainers, rider groups and others.”

Under Surgenor’s leadership, the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program won the national “Outstanding State Program Award” 13 times. In 2006, he was awarded the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s “Award of Excellence.” Three years later, Surgenor was presented with “The Chairperson’s Award” by the State Motorcycle Safety Administrators Association. The SMSA executive committee stated that besides serving as an outstanding state coordinator for Pennsylvania, Surgenor also mentored staff in other states and training programs across the nation, helping to develop professional workshops and learning centers.

“The MSF has been one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Surgenor said. “My colleagues have always been there for me — just like family. It’s been a great and sometimes challenging ride, but it has been a ride beyond my wildest dreams.” Surgenor will remain in Pennsylvania, close to family and friends.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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