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News

Reed contemplates future ahead of AUS-X Open return

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Two-time AMA Supercross champion actively seeking factory contract.

Image: Foremost Media.

Australian supercross legend and two-time world champion Chad Reed is contemplating his future as he embarks on his return to the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney this weekend.

Reed is actively seeking to cement the closing stages of his illustrious career, indicating sponsorship is what is currently holding up a desired contract with the Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing outfit.

The 36-year-old acknowledges that tomorrow night’s Triple Crown encounter could very well be his last on home soil, although he’s adamant that’s not the plan, expressing his excitement and appreciation to go racing with the JGR-operated squad is at an all-time high.

“Realistically, it could be my final race,” Reed declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “That’s not the plan, but there is that chance. Over the last six months I’ve really come to terms with what I want – I know what I want, and I know what I don’t want. I don’t want to go racing on anything less than a factory bike.

“The way it’s worked out spending time on a Suzuki again brings back some amazing memories, and being able spend time in Charlotte and hangout with JGR – I really think I’ve bonded with the team, and my level of appreciation and excitement of the level they want to go racing at is at an all-time high.

“For me, it’s basically up to sponsorship – if we can pull off sponsorship and do a multi-year deal and lock in my future for the next couple of years, then I’d love to work with the promoters on coming back [to the AUS-X Open].”

The famous number 22 missed last year’s edition of the AUS-X Open due to a severely broken ankle that went onto hinder his 2018 campaign in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and since August he’s been sampling JGR’s Suzuki RM-Z450, contesting the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship finale and Monster Energy Cup with the team.

Describing his last two races as a blast, the AMA Supercross all-time starts record holder says if this weekend does in fact happen to be his last outing, he’d be exiting the sport with only the fondest memories of his final moments out on track.

“At the Ironman national and Monster Energy Cup, I had an absolute blast,” he continued. “If that’s my going away and that’s my last thought, I’m happy with that. So, this weekend I’ll definitely ride my arse off and do myself, the brand and the Australian fans proud. I don’t think this will be my last trip down, but if it is, I’m going to make the most of it.”

Reed is set to be joined by 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), fellow contender Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and retired four-time world champion Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Yamaha) in tomorrow night’s action.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

AUS-X Open ‘my style of racing’ declares Hayes

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American guest a dark horse in SX2 championship race.

Image: Foremost Media.

Serco Yamaha’s Jacob Hayes has declared the tighter confines of Qudos Bank Arena serve as his ‘style of racing’ on the eve of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, marking the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship this weekend.

Hayes, the 2018 AMA Arenacross champion, will draw upon his years of experience in the fierce and aggressive discipline in hopes of earning his maiden main event victory on Saturday night, and ultimately the SX2 crown.

A dark horse in the title race, the American sits 13 points shy of current leader Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and is tied with teammate Wilson Todd for third.

“I’m tied with Wilson for third, and I’m 13 points out of the lead,” Hayes explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s just riding dirt bikes, and anything can happen. My goal is to go out there and win a main event – I haven’t won an overall. My goal is to win all three if I can and go out with a bang. It’s my style of racing – it’s tight and I’m excited to do battle.

“I’ve watched this race for many years and dreamt about racing it, so to be here and bang bars is going to be fun. It’s tight racing and I’ve done it for many years now – I’m no stranger to it. I feel like I’ve enjoyed the Triple Crown, but this weekend they’re doing it a little different where they’re back-to-back – we don’t have the 450s in between – so that’ll cut our rest time.”

Hayes admits he’s struggled to come to terms with the hard-packed soil in the opening rounds here in Australia, particularly with his start-gate preparation. Although with the the AUS-X Open set to boast a metal starting grate in tomorrow’s three-race encounter, he’s confident it will only play into his favour.

“I’m pumped we’re using a grate this weekend behind the start line – the dirt has caught me off-guard over here. The first couple of rounds I was caught way off-guard – I remember telling my mechanic that I didn’t how to pack my gate because the dirt is so hard here. I think that’ll play into my favour – I’m familiar with doing starts like that.”

The initial practice and qualifying sessions are set to take place this afternoon at the Sydney Olympic Park venue before racing kicks off tomorrow.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

Move to emergency motorcycle brake assist

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German automotive technology company Continental AG plans to be the first with a motorcycle emergency brake-assist system that applies extra brake pressure when it senses a crash.

Their system would not be automatic like in some cars that take over braking duties from the driver.

Continental recognises that motorcycles are different to cars and say their system would only assist the rider.

It works by using accurate fifth-generation radar sensors to detect imminent crash dangers.

However, the system would have to be different to cars as motorcycles lane filter close to vehicles which could easily activate emergency braking systems and send riders tumbling into traffic.

When will drivers learn lane filtering is legal? assist
Click here to watch this driver try to hit this legally filtering rider!

Continental motorcycle spokesman Christian Pfeiffer says their system would first alert the rider via “haptic” vibrations in the handlebars.

“Low initial braking pressure then helps the rider with the active braking operation,” he says.

“If the rider does not react to the warning, emergency brake assist automatically builds up braking force if the rider has both hands on the handlebars. The deceleration is much less pronounced than in a passenger car emergency braking system.”

However, Continental may be beaten to the punch by Honda which has filed patents for an emergency braking that automatically stops a motorcycle if it detects an imminent crash.

Mandatory emergency brake assist?

A few years ago ABS was an optional safety system for those who wanted it. From the end of next year it will be mandatory in Australia. (See details at the end of this article)

How long before emergency brake assist also becomes mandatory on motorcycles?

The United Nations #STOPTHECRASH campaign has called for mandatory autonomous emergency braking that activates at slow speeds if an obstacle is sensed in front of the bike.

Of course, the makers of many of these electronic safety devices, Continental, Bosch and Denso, are supporters of the UN program.

A Melbourne university doctor has also called for bikes to be fitted with automatic emergency braking technology.

Continental safety

Emergency brake assist is not the only electronic safety technology Continental is developing.

They are also working on sensors that detect roadside speed signs and display them to the rider, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and automatic switching to high beam.

All these systems are based on Continental’s fifth-generation radar that go into production in 2019.

They use improved object detection algorithms that detect even smaller objects such as an exhaust that has fallen off a car.

The heights of objects can also be calculated by an elevation measurement device that detects the tail of a traffic jam under a bridge or road boundaries such as kerbs.

Continental claims their tech is now smaller and lighter.

It consists of a sensor cluster that measures acceleration and yaw rate, a radar system that analyses this data, plus brake and engine control units that activate on demand.

Continental say these can be fitted to motorcycles of all sizes from a single source, including the instrument cluster, that warns the rider of an imminent collision.

Mandatory ABSabs mandatory combined braking assist

From November 2019, all new motorcycle models sold in Australia will either have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or combined braking systems (CBS).

ABS will be mandatory on motorcycles, trikes and scooters over 125cc, while either ABS or CBS will be mandatory on those under 125cc.  Trail bikes under 250cc and all enduro and trials bikes are exempt.

If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active.

Countries with mandatory ABS on designated motorcycles in all European nations, Japan, India, Brazil and Taiwan.

Even the USA – the land of freedom of choice – is now considering making ABS mandatory.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/emergency-motorcycle-brake-assist/

Motorcycle News, News

KLIM Announces Partnership with Inmotion Airbag Systems

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KLIM has announced its partnership with In&motion Airbag systems to enhance the safety of its high-end weatherproof garments. 

Begin Press Release: 

KLIM and In&motion : Enhancing the rider experience

In&motion Airbag

KLIM is partnering with In&motion, a motorcycle airbag company, to develop a wearable airbag system.

At KLIM, it is our mission to create gear that enhances the riding experience. We do this through the process of listening to rider feedback, researching new technologies, paying extreme attention to detail, and thoroughly testing gear.

As a company of riders, KLIM is constantly looking for better solutions. We search for the most innovative and high-performance materials, and partner with industry-leading technology providers by always asking the question: is there an ingredient or process that can further improve the riding experience?

In&motion Airbag

In&motion has received awards for its airbag systems including, the CES show’s Innovation Award for best wearable protection technology and the Reddot Award for product design, among others.

In&motion produces wearable airbag systems for motorcyclists and extreme sports including MotoGP. These systems use “smart” technology to constantly update and perfect the crash detection algorithms through data automatically collected from users.

By listening to feedback, collecting data, and analyzing results, In&motion also aims to improve the riding experience with better safety.

Through this partnership, KLIM and In&motion will be able to offer riders the best weatherproof garment experience on the market while taking safety beyond already premium abrasion and impact protection.

About KLIM

At KLIM we create the most technically advanced products in the world. We listen to rider needs and use real-world experience to engineer the most innovative riding equipment possible. Our team relentlessly drives for excellence in product and service because we believe riders shouldn’t be limited by their gear. Ultimately, we know everyone has limited time to ride and every experience should be the best it can be.

About In&motion 

Specialists in smart protection systems, In&motion, based in the French Alps, was founded in 2014 by 3 passionate engineers from the ECAM college of engineering in Lyon.

In&motion have already delivered three successful and innovative autonomous airbag systems and one mechanical trigger airbag system for top class activities, including:

  • MotoGP™, worn by top riders in the category
  • Competitive Skiing, approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and worn by over 100 athletes competing in World Cup and European cup tournaments
  • Road-focused motorcyclists
  • Equestrian, with a mechanical trigger airbag system for horse riders

To date, In&motion airbag systems have earned the CES innovation award two years in a row: in 2016 for the Ski Airbag Vest and in 2017 for the Moto Airbag Vest.

During the 3-year development period in competition, the airbag system has been worn and tested by the world’s best riders, from MotoGP™, to endurance racing (24h of Le Mans & Bol d’Or), BSB and French Superbike. The product is also approved by IRTA (International Road Racing Team Association).

Since May 2017, nearly 2 million kilometers have been ridden across Europe, in all conditions as part of the Airbag Revolution Campaign.  500 users: consumers, journalists and dealers were selected to take part in the campaign to provide data and feedback into the product.

Learn more about In&motion at www.inemotion.com.

In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag

The post KLIM Announces Partnership with In&motion Airbag Systems appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Announces Discover the Ride

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With multiple different facets, Discover the Ride aims to be an experiential component to the International Motorcycle Show tour aimed toward getting non-riders interested in motorcycling. 

Begin Press Release: 

Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS) Announces New Initiative: Discover the Ride

Discover the Ride Brings the Motorcycling Lifestyle to Non-Riders on Electric Motorcycles

Santa Monica, CA (November 8, 2018) – The Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS), the industry leader for connecting powersports’ top brands with enthusiasts and buyers, today announced its newest show feature, Discover the Ride, a forward-thinking initiative that serves the entire motorsports industry. While IMS always has great displays and content for seasoned enthusiasts, Discover the Ride is specifically designed to introduce riding to those interested in riding motorcycles.

In addition to inviting its loyal community of nearly 300,000 motorcycle riders across the country to enjoy the show, attendees can help spread the thrill of two-wheels with their friends and family through Discover the Ride, the approachable motorcycling experience designed for non-riders.Discover the Ride will feature five main attractions including an indoor electric motorcycle demo course, an area for children to experience two wheels, a wheelie machine for experienced riders to test their skills, stationary motorcycles to learn how to engage the clutch and shift gears, and an educational content series called New To 2, designed to help new riders navigate the world of motorcycling through videos and live presentations at the show. The debut for Discover the Ride is at IMS Long Beach, which takes place November 16-18, 2018 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“The powersports industry is evolving rapidly, specifically with the introduction of electric vehicles and a new generation of riders entering the market, and we wanted to highlight these trends in a fun and interactive way throughout the 2018-2019 IMS tour,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President, Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows®. “We are very excited to bring this new attraction to IMS, not only to present the latest developments within the industry, but also to create an educational hub for new and experienced riders alike with a goal of increasing interest in motorcycling.”

IMS teamed up with industry veteran Robert Pandya to bring Discover the Ride to life, partnering with leading companies such as Zero Motorcycles and Stacyc to help inspire new riders through creating easily approachable programs. Discover the Ride will be unveiled at IMS Long Beach Media Day, which will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018. To register as media for IMS Long Beach please visit this link.

“IMS is the only national show series that can invite attendees to explore the world of motorcycling, and it’s a welcome challenge to be a conduit for new riders, and find ways to increase our riding family,” said Robert Pandya, Program Manager, Discover the Ride. “Through Discover the Ride and New To 2 we’re inviting new riders to experience the world of motorcycling in a unique way, and then introducing them to the brands at the shows.”

New Rider Course in Partnership with Zero Motorcycles – The New Rider Course will give non-licensed IMS attendees the opportunity to ride a motorcycle for the first time and learn riding basics from expert instructors. This is the largest portion of Discover the Ride, which is made possible thanks to Zero Motorcycles, the electric motorcycle leader, that has leveraged their advanced battery management systems to speed govern motorcycles that would otherwise only be available to riders with M1 Motorcycle licenses. The indoor demo course will host a fleet of speed-limited electric Zero Motorcycles to give participants the experience of riding a motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment. Zero Motorcycles have no transmission, feature ABS as standard equipment, and its zero emissions make an indoor experience on one of the most advanced motorcycles in the world a possibility. In addition to Zero Motorcycles, IMS has also partnered with Yamaha to feature its power assisted bicycles at Discover the Ride, which will be used for participants to show the ability to balance prior to riding the Zero Motorcycle, and also be available to demo on the enclosed track. Instructors from Total Control Training will be on hand at each show to give instruction and guidance and gear will be provided by Cycle Gear, Shark Helmets, HJC and Shoei.

Kids Zone Presented by Allstate – The Kids Zone joins Discover the Ride in partnership with Stacyc, featuring a closed course of battery assisted balance bikes for children to experience riding for the first time, which is the ideal way to introduce riding to kids as young as two. Participants will have the option to ride the balance bikes with or without the addition of a speed limited electric motor depending on their skill.

XDL Wheelie Experience – This exciting feature is for riders who want to test their wheelie skills in a controlled environment, while improving their balance and throttle skills with the help of XDL stunt pros. It also provides riders the opportunity to experience the exhilarating torque of Zero Motorcycles that have not been governed to reduce power for the New Rider Course. The XDL Wheelie Experience is a motorcycle attached to a stand in a manner that allows wheelies without forward movement; it’s fun to watch and more fun to try.

New To 2 – This new series of online videos is matched with a series of live presentations at IMS, educating new riders on the world of motorcycling. New To 2 videos and live presentations at the show are hosted by Monique Filips and Jordan Diggs, as well as surprise guests in certain markets.

Dyno Experience – This feature gives IMS attendees the opportunity to get on a real motorcycle that is securely mounted to a dyno to experience starting a motorcycle up, engaging the clutch and shifting through the gears, while feeling the torque of the motorcycle with the guidance of an expert. Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha will host dyno’s at IMS Long Beach.

“Every brand in the industry is working to bring new riders into motorcycling. We see the International Motorcycle Shows as the leading opportunity to expose new riders across the country, alongside the great OEM programs and displays,” Harris said.

To learn more about the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® Tour, please visit: motorcycleshows.com.

The post Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Announces Discover the Ride appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Jaguar Land Rovers Venture Capital Fund Announces Its Investment in Arc Electric Motorcycles

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Arc Electric Motorcycles has received an investment from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund.

Begin Press Release: 

INMOTION VENTURES INVESTS IN ARC VECTOR – THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

● Arc has pioneered Vector, the most efficient, safest and most fulfilling electric motorcycle experience yet

● Vector will be revealed in Milan on 6 November

● Vector comes with groundbreaking haptic ride-wear and connected HUD helmet

06 November 2018, London – InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces its investment in Arc, which today unveils ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI). Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body.

The investment from InMotion Ventures, along with Mercia Fund Managers, the Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and a number of industry specialist angels, will support Arc with its global ambition for Vector to be the cleanest, safest, and most fulfilling motorcycle on the road.

The brand new bike, will be revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Show today. The Arc show stand will showcase the brand, along with the bike itself and its groundbreaking intelligent haptic ride-wear and connected Heads-Up Display helmet. A virtual reality ride experience will also be available for attendees.

The Arc team consists of industry-leading professionals, coming together to develop and build an all-new experience on two wheels.

Mark Truman, Founder & CEO, Arc, said: “Our aim has always been to bring technology, performance and safety together to create an entirely new two-wheeled experience. Vector

isn’t just a motorbike; it’s the world’s first fully-electric café racer, it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a sensory riding suit – all working in unison to create an experience package like no other. We’re delighted to get the support of InMotion for this exciting launch phase. The team shares our vision and we’re looking forward to working together and creating more ground breaking products.”

Sebastian Peck, Managing Director, InMotion Ventures, said: “Electric vehicles are pivotal for the future of urban mobility, helping people travel through cities quickly and cleanly as possible. We want to make sure that we’re not only changing the way people move but delivering unparalleled outdoor experiences while doing so. With Arc’s technology and vision, the Vector is an incredible development in the next generation of motorcycle travel.”

The post Jaguar Land Rover’s Venture Capital Fund Announces It’s Investment in Arc Electric Motorcycles appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Limited edition Triumph Bonneville T120s showcased at EICMA

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Diamond Edition and Ace models to be released in 2019.

Source: Supplied.

Triumph will introduce two limited edition Bonnveille T120s in 2019 dubbed the Diamond Edition and Ace, following an announcement at Milan’s EICMA show in Italy.

Based on the timeless Bonneville T120, the new for 2019 Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition celebrates the 60th anniversary of the most famous British motorcycle in history. Born in 1959 and named after the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, the original T120 set the benchmark for style, capability and handling, and today’s generation takes the legend to an even higher standard.

The 2019 Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition takes all of the classic style and modern capability of the standard Bonneville T120 and brings an even higher standard of finish, including an exclusive white and silver tank design with striking ‘Union flag’, and unique Bonneville T120 Diamond logo on the side panels. A limited run of only 900 unit will be available worldwide,

The Bonneville T120 Ace, is built to celebrate the very first generation of cafe racers and London’s legendary Ace Cafe – the spiritual home of classic British motorcycling.

Source: Supplied.

The new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace follows from the hugely successful Thruxton Ace of 2015, with a stripped-back and blacked-out take on the very first generation of cafe racers.

Built to echo the ‘head down – hold on’ teenage biker ethos of the day, and celebrate the spiritual home of the modern classic British motorcycle the legendary Ace Cafe, the Bonneville T120 Ace provides a unique and stylish one-of-a-kind Ace version of the beautiful Bonneville T120 Black.

Based on the stylish Bonneville T120 Black, the new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace brings a unique level of premium finish, including an exclusive Matt Storm Grey paint scheme, with contrasting centre stripe, unique Bonneville T120 Ace logo on the side panels, and Ace Cafe logo on the front mudguard. Only 1400 will be available worldwide.

Both models will receive a numbered certificate of ownership signed by Nick Bloor, Triumph’s CEO, while the Ace will also feature Mark Wilsmore signature, the managing director of the Ace Cafe London. Pricing and availability in Australia is still to be determined.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

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Australian Off-Road Championship calendar made official for 2019

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Venues and dates confirmed for next year’s championship.

Image: John Pearson.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has made the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship calendar official, confirming the dates and locations of each round.

Next year’s championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for round seven as the series will return to Broken Hill for a four-hour desert Cross Country.

Kicking off the season will be rounds one and two in Gympie, Queensland, taking place 9-10 March. The series will then move to New South Wales for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April.

Rounds five and six will see the championship then return to Kyogle in New South Wales after a successful event in 2017, pencilled in for 20-21 July.

Broken Hill will feature on 10-11 August and then it’s off to SA from 31 August-1 September, however the venue is still to be announced. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016, scheduled for 14-15 September.

2019 Australian Off-Road Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 9 March – Gympie, QLD
Rd2 – 10 March – Gympie, QLD
Rd3 – 6 April – Dungog, NSW
Rd4 – 7 April – Dungog, NSW
Rd5 – 20 July – Kyogle, NSW
Rd6 – 21 July – Kyogle, NSW
Rd7 – 10-11 August – Broken Hill, NSW
Rd8 – 31 August – SA
Rd9 – 1 September – SA
Rd10 – 14 September – Penshurst, VIC
Rd11 – 15 September – Penshurst, VIC


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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Black colour variation on offer for 2020 Suzuki Katana

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Suzuki accepting orders exclusively through online ordering system.

Source: Supplied.

Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has revealed the 2020 Katana will be available in two colour variations after the Glass Sparkle Black colourway was unveiled at EICMA in Milan, Italy, alongside the Metallic Mystic Silver option.

With high demand and limited supply, Suzuki will take orders exclusively online, offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to the arrival in the third quarter of 2019.

As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, the first 50 Katanas pre-ordered online will also receive a bonus exclusive Katana themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995 with their bike delivery.

“This is an exciting initiative that ensures a unique and premium experience for new Katana customers,” said Suzuki Motorcycles Australia’s national marketing manager Lewis Croft. “The Katana is a very special model for Suzuki, it’s not just another model in an already crowded market. Availability will be limited, therefore we will be taking orders on behalf of our dealer network to ensure we can supply genuine customer orders.

“Our online approach allows customers to secure their Katana whilst also nominating their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery, they also have the ability to arrange finance and insurance quotes and also trade-in valuations if required prior to arrival.

“Customers wanting a printed brochure can still access them from their Suzuki dealership. Any customers unable to complete the online order themselves can simply visit a dealership, who will be able to guide them through the online ordering process onsite at the dealership.”

The 2020 Katana was initially unveiled at Intermot in Cologne, Germany, last month. To secure your bike, visit www.store.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/katana.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

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Business as usual for Wilson while SX2 title heats up

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Top four SX2 contenders within 13 points of the championship.

Image: Foremost Media.

Saturday night’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney is set to serve up a thrilling SX2 Triple Crown as the Australian Supercross Championship is decided at Qudos Bank Arena, but it will be business as usual for points leader Jay Wilson.

The Yamalube Yamaha Racing ace holds an 11-point advantage over DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Hayden Mellross, who declared yesterday he’ll do whatever it takes to snatch the crown, while Serco Yamaha duo Wilson Todd and Jacob Hayes are just a further two markers behind.

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of indoor racing could see anything happen at the Sydney Olympic Park venue, Wilson is adamant his regular approach will grant him the best opportunity of being crowned champion.

“I do have an 11-point lead, but anything can happen indoors,” Wilson shared with MotoOnline.com.au. “For me, I’ll be going there to do what we’ve been doing, and that’s winning races. I’ve been putting the work in and the team’s been solid, so there’s no reason why we can’t win and that’s how we’re approaching it.

“Everyone wants to win, I’ve just got to be on my A game and win as many races as possible. It’s not so much about working out or calculating what’s going on out there – if I go out and win, then we’re in a good position – that’s how I look at it.”

The Gold Coast-based athlete excelled at last year’s AUS-X Open to claim third, effectively rebooting his career. No stranger to tighter confines of an arena, he’ll be drawing upon his stadium cross and arenacross experience to ensure the number one plate lands in his hands.

“The atmosphere of it really makes people step up, but I just enjoy being there,” he continued. “It’s the sort of racing I grew up riding – the tight, indoor stuff – a lot of the practice tracks I grew up on were really tight, so I always did well at the stadium cross’.

“I went over and did the Arenacross UK series, and that’s a take-out fest – that opens your eyes to indoor racing, but I’ve done it for a while now and I think we’re in a good position.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au