Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 69 Issue 09 i Australian Motorcycle News

IF NOTHING ELSE, watching Marc Marquez dominate a field of so-called alien riders is something special. There is nothing else, because M&M is such a level above, he is making even the best of them look like they simply aren’t trying hard enough. They are, of course, but when he can ride that pace, with almost zero mistakes and few crashes, you know he has more in the tank if he needs it. Which he doesn’t. For those venturing to Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix, you are in for a spectacle, watching a bloke we haven’t seen the likes of for years – if ever – lead the others around one of the best circuits in the world. That circuit is conducive to close racing, which may be…

ANY MEMORIES OF BMW’s flaccid attempt at a cruiser in the late 1990s are erased by its stunning new R 1800. Now production ready, it looks like BMW’s hierarchy has learned from the failures of the old R 1200 C. It looks set to storm the cruiser market as effectively as its S 1000 RR upset the Superbike applecart a decade ago. Although largely hidden under a tarp, the R1800 clearly shares a vast amount with the R 18 concept bike revealed a few months back. As well as the massive 1800cc boxer engine, which uses air-cooling and pushrod valve actuation to have the same simple appeal of a Harley or Indian, the R 18’s tubular-steel frame has gone into production unchanged. That’s good news, as it’s a remarkably clean…

… is worth $150,000. That’s what one of Victoria’s earliest motorcycle number plates fetched at the recent annual Motorclassica’s $2.4m auction of 38 rare, collectable and historic plates. MONEY TALKS FOR MEN… The worldwide Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on September 29 was a precursor to Movember, with both events focusing on men’s health. The 2019 DGR raised over $10m. Next up is the nationwide Yamaha-sponsored Ride Sunday on 10 November. See www.ridesunday.com. So keep the love (and money) flowing, folks. … AND WOMEN The 19th annual Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride was run last weekend from the Ettamogah Hotel at Kellyville, Western Sydney. Contact www. pinkribbonride.com if you want to make a late donation.…

ENGINE Capacity 998cc Type Inline-four cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder Bore & stroke 79.0mm x 50.9mm Compression ratio 13.0:1 Cooling Liquid-cooled Fueling EFI with YCC-T and YCC-I Transmission Six-speed Clutch Wet, multi-plate, slipper type Final drive Chain PERFORMANCE Power 175kW @ 13,500rpm Torque Not Given Top speed 300km/h (measured) Fuel consumption Not given ELECTRONICS Type Yamaha Rider aids Ride control, Traction control, Slide control, Wheelie control, Launch control, quick shifter, power mode selection, Electronic suspension (R1M) Wireless connectivity (R1M) CHASSIS Frame material Aluminium Frame type Deltabox, twin spar Rake 24 degrees Trail 102mm Wheelbase 1405mm SUSPENSION Type KYB Front: 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable; 120mm travel Rear: Monoshock,…

LIKE THE ENGINES, each bike has a unique approach to its suspension. There are semi-active systems on each bike except the KTM, but they all feel different to ride. The KTM feels lighter, so the suspension feels livelier when things get rough, even without computer-controlled damping. The BMW will always feel different with that Telelever/ Paralever platform, the Ducati’s sheer girth affects feel and the Triumph’s natural off-road feel was affected by the road tyres. Each bike did some things better than the others. When it was rough and unpredictable, the KTM was plushness and confident. If the road flowed from dirt to bitumen to 4WD track to rocky uphill, BMW please, because I know it will take it all on competently. Smooth-ish firetrail? The Ducati for that excellent front-end…

BMW R 1250 GS ENGINE Capacity 1254cc Type Flat twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder Bore & stroke 102.5mm x 76mm Compression ratio 12.5:1 Cooling Air/liquid-cooled Fueling EFI Transmission Six-speed Clutch Wet, multi-plate Final drive Shaft PERFORMANCE Power 100kW @ 7750rpm (claimed) Torque 143Nm @ 6250rpm (claimed) Top speed 265km/h (est) Fuel consumption 5.1L/100km (measured) ELECTRONICS Type Bosch Rider aids Automatic Stability Control, Riding Mode Pro (Dynamic and Enduro and Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro), Dynamic Traction Control, ABS and ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Hill Start Control and Hill Start Control Pro, Electronic Suspension Adjustment (load compensation) CHASSIS Frame material Steel Frame type Trellis Rake 24.9º Trail 95.4mm Wheelbase…

JACKMILLER PRAMAC DUCATI No rider has improved as fast as Jack during 2019. Now on a full factory bike, he’s rapidly refined his approach, learning such skills as tyre preservation without losing any of his raw speed. Hope for rain on race Sunday … he’d be up for a classic win if it’s wet. VALENTINO ROSSI MONSTER YAMAHA Strange not to put Rossi in the top five, but that’s how the 40-year-old’s year has been going. He’s still a great racer, but when you qualify off the front two rows, you’re going to have trouble making up positions. Then again, write off Rossi at your peril. He’ll probably bloody win. CALCRUTCHLOW LCR CASTROL HONDA Last year, a massive Turn One crash left Cal with major leg and ankle injuries. He’s…

REMYGARDNER ONEXOX KALEX It’s more than home-country hope that puts the son-of-a-champ higher than his title position suggests, though the PI effect will doubtless help. Remy has one pole this year, and several better rides than his championship position suggests. All agree he’s due for a win sooner or later. JORGENAVARRO BETA TOOLS SPEED UP Average starts and average early laps have spoiled the Spaniard’s chances of race wins, but the name of his chassis reflects his smooth style, and what happens later in most races … Speed Up. Better qualifying would help better results. He’s come so close to winning.…

CELESTINO VIETTI SKY VR46 KTM A rank beginner last year, in as a replacement, Vietti made it to the podium at Phillip Island. This year is a true rookie season, and two podiums and other strong top-tens have shown why he is one of the chosen ones in Rossi’s growing gang of coming-men. TATSUKI SUZUKI SIC58 HONDA The Japanese star with the wrong name for his bike has led more laps this year than any other rider – but it took until round 13 before he was able to stay in front to the chequered flag. They say winning can open the flood gates. We shall see.…

It was a chilly and windy day at Silverstone four years ago when Wayne Gardner had a lightbulb moment. In his first full season in Moto3 his son Remy had been struggling to find speed. The 16-year-old was outgrowing his Mahindra – literally – and the former World Champion was wondering what the next step should be. “We started doing more track days, which was hard because he was too young,” a relaxed Gardner Sr remembers. “But when he was old enough, we got to do a track day at Silverstone and he was on a big bike, backing it in to corners and people came off the track saying, ‘WHO IS THAT?’” Gardner had already been wondering whether Remy should move up to more powerful bikes, and the voice…

EVERY NOW AND then something makes so much damn sense, that I find it hard to believe that someone hasn’t moved a few mountains to make it happen. Okay, in this case, those mountains happen to be a couple of lucrative agreements, contractual or otherwise, but bear with me a minute. Jorge Lorenzo and Johann Zarco are both supremely talented MotoGP riders. Now with seven world championships between them, they both burst into their debut MotoGP seasons with huge promise after having both celebrated two intermediate-category world titles. Let’s imagine that Suzuki inked a deal for a satellite squad with Lorenzo and Zarco Jorge’s maiden premier-class season returned six podium finishes from four pole positions, Johann scored three from two. The other thing they share is a requirement for a…

RACE ONE WAS a crazy race, if I paid for a track day and it was this windy I’d be very disappointed! The bike has been that good I haven’t even crashed them all season, that’s how comfortable I have been on them. My fitness this year has been a lot better than before and I think that comes down to actual bike fitness. I felt good during those races despite the windy conditions. Looking forward to the next round, I can’t wait to get to Eastern Creek even though we’ve already won the title. There’s still two races to be won and I’d really like to win both of them.…

The MotoGP titles may be done and dusted but don’t overlook the war going on in Moto2. Alex Marquez, Tom Luthi and Augusto Fernandez are 1-2-3 in the points for Kalex but SpeedUp’s Jorge Navarro and KTM ace Brad Binder are fourth and fifth, and in sixth, the red-hot Luca Marini is still mathematically in with a title shot. Navarro is yet to win this year, but so is Remy Gardner, who will be one of the race favourites. And Fabio Di Giannantonio, Enea Bastianini and Jorge Martin are right in the fight for rookie honours.…

EDITORIAL Editor: Sam Maclachlan Deputy Editor: Kel Buckley Sub Editor: Phil Branagan News Editor: Hamish Cooper Staff Journalist: Pete Vorst Founding Editor: George Lynn DESIGN Art Director: Paul Andrews Designer: Joe Ferrara CONTRIBUTORS Sir Alan Cathcart, Michael Scott, Ben Purvis, Colin Young, Mat Oxley, Gold & Goose, Gordon Ritchie, Paul Young, Peter Whitaker, Tim Munro, Don Cox AND NOT FORGETTING Dean Mellor, Darryl Flack, Neil Spalding, Simon O’Leary, Peter Baker, Josh Evans & Phillip Tooth, PRODUCTION Production Manager: Ian Scott Advertising Co-ordinator: Yang Zhou ADVERTISING Head of Sales: Dale Johnson dale.johnson@amcn.com.au 0403 743 587 National Sales Manager: Mark Evans mark.evans@amcn.com.au 0422 805 205 Qld Sales Manager: Todd Anderson todd@motormedia.com.au 0409 630 733 MANAGEMENT Citrus Media Publisher: Jim Flynn 0449 801 899 jim@citrusmedia.com.au Accounts: accounts@citrusmedia.com.au…

BMW’S HONEST BUT unspectacular F 800 R is finally getting the updates of its more glamorous stablemates. These images, part of a design patent filing, gives us a good look at the new F 850 R . The new engine and the main part of its pressed-steel frame are taken straight from the 850 GS model, so expect peak power of around 70kW. While the use of steel for the frame might seem a backwards step from the F 800 R’s aluminium beam chassis, it makes sense to share parts wherever possible. The tail and tank appear to be shared with another upcoming F 850 model – either called the XR or RS – that was previewed in the Concept 9Cento last year and the suspension and brakes look similar…

CFMoto eye-candy Leaked pictures from China show CFMoto’s 650NK twin is getting sharper styling for 2020, including new side panels and front mudguard, along with updated LCD instruments. MV ride-out Demo rides on the MV Dragster range will be held during the Phillip Island MotoGP week, starting from Inline 4 cafe, 1 Vista Place, Cape Woolamai. Royal Enfields will also be available to test. Register through the two companies’ Facebook pages. Sparks cut to LiveWire H-D has stopped production of its LiveWire while it sorts out a charging issue. US owners have been asked not to use their home AC to recharge but to go to Harley dealers equipped with DC fast chargers. Busted knuckles Entries in Royal Enfield’s Busted Knuckles 650 Twins bike build-off will be on show at…

Fiery Phoenix Although I am in general agreement with Gerald Godden’s thoughts [Crash landing, AMCN Vol 69 No 07) on rider protection, the decision to either gear up or ride in a t-shirt and jeans is one only a rider can take. I could just as easily jump off my bike and onto a cruiser – then what? I get a wave because I am now better than the rest? I’m a 62-year-old rider and I have vivid memories of wearing my father’s two-piece golfing waterproofs as protection against a typical wet British summer (and ladies on the early-morning school run). Australia’s hideously hot Summers are murder in anything other than jeans and maybe a leather jacket. Having read bike magazines from around the world, including many west coast US…

THE 2020 MODEL marks 22 years of production for the R1 (shame they just sacked Alex Lowes!), with the first model released back in 1998 taking over from the YZF1000R. The evolutionary chain has seen some advances in that time and plenty of race-winning pedigree bikes. In the early models, the significant updates came every two years, introducing vast power improvements through various methods such as fuel injection and ram air. The styling was heavily revised for 2004, with the exhaust mounted under the seat and advancements such as radial brake calipers were introduced. The 2007/2008 iteration was fitted with a completely redesigned engine that saw a 16-valve cylinder head instead of the previous 20-valve design. This update – along with variable intake trumpets, fly-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch and a…

FOUR DIFFERENT BIKES, four different tyres. When it’s dry, it matters little what tyres you are running. Even the Triumph’s Metzeler Tourance rubber handled most of what we did without too many problems – don’t expect motocross-spec grip levels of course, but they remained tractable in everything except mud and sand. The BMW’s Metzeler Karoos have been there, done that, and handles our abuse without needing to drop pressures for the off-road sections (handy when bitumen is still a part of the ride). Naturally the Ducati wore Pirellis (Scorpion Rally STRs), and they helped with the front-end feel. They suit the bike very well and aren’t too blocky-feeling on the hard stuff. The KTM wears Continental Twinduros, and they do a good job of dealing with the abuse that thing…

FABIO QUARTARARO PETRONAS YAMAHA SRT Fabulous Fabio came into GPs under age because of his teenaged talent, but underwhelmed in Moto3 and Moto2. Who’d have dreamed he’d turn out to be a MotoGP boy wonder? The new Petronas team, that’s who… and he’s proved them right with four poles, five podiums, and making Marquez sweat. ANDREA DOVIZIOSO MISSION WINNOW DUCATI Does Dovi accept second too easily? Not when he’s aced Marquez twice in last-corner shoot-outs in Qatar and Austria. Dovi doesn’t scintillate. Not his style. He quietly and methodically gets the best out of the Ducati, outscores others on the bike, and reliably comes second overall. A great rider. MAVERICKVIÑALES MONSTER YAMAHA Moody Maverick tied himself in knots all last year, his Oz GP win a single high point. This…

IKERLECUONA AMERICAN RACING KALEX Only Brad Binder has got more speed of the recalcitrant KTM, and only Binder has done it better. The Spanish teenager is aggressive and hungry after injury and other difficulties. It’s a good combination when the odds are against you. ENEABASTIANINI ITALTRANS KALEX In his first year up from Moto3, ‘ Bestia’(Beast) has impressed from the off, with top tens and a best of fifth followed by a first podium at Brno. The following week he was knocked off from another chance by Marini and broke his leg badly. Now back at full strength.…

LORENZO DALLA PORTA LEOPARD HONDA Often beaten in the last-corner scrum, but often second all the same, Dalla Porta has patience and good judgement, sharp elbows and a guardian angel – sometimes his race-winning teammate Marcos Ramirez. ARONCANET STERILGARDA KTM Canet had to switch from last year’s Honda to regain race-winning form, and he is one of only a few riders to have taken two wins this year. He also accomplished the only runaway of the season … by almost five seconds at Aragon. TONYARBOLINO SNIPERS HONDA One of the new generation of Italians, Arbolino is intense and vaultingly ambitious. Also a good tactician, demonstrated when he won the race at Mugello, slipstream city, by 0.029s. JOHNMCPHEE PETRONAS SPRINTA HONDA At 25, with more than 140 starts, the Scot is…

JAUME MASIA MUGEN KTM The Spanish teenager Macaulay Culkin lookalike got badly hurt at Phillip Island last year, and has had more innocent-victim injury problems this year. But he’s really fast and pretty good at tactics, too, if the others will only leave him alone... MARCOS RAMIREZ LEOPARD HONDA Unusually, the 21-year-old Spaniard came back to Moto3 after a year racing 600 Supersports in 2015. He has really found his feet with the Leopard team, and when not dutifully backing up teammate Dalla Porta has won two races. It’s hard to have to be number two.…

THE RECENT DOCUMENTARY movie Wayne detailsthe amazing story of Wayne Gardner’s rise to the top of the sport around the world, and his role in bringing Grand Prix racing down under. Without Gardner’s successes there may have been GP racing in Australia – and perhaps even a renovated Phillip Island – but there is little doubt his 1987 500cc title fast-tracked what many see as the start of the event. “I remember everything pretty clearly,” he says. “The documentary took about three years to put together and there weren’t any surprises. “[His former wife] Donna followed me around for a year in 1989 and recorded everything, from hotel rooms to flying on the Concorde, to hospital rooms with broken bones. It was 10 hours and there was stuff I had…

Top 3 TV 1 WSBK Rd13, QT LIVE Videopass, Fox 25-26 Oct 6am (AEDT) The final WSBK round will be aired live from Losail, Qatar, with Race 1 airing at 4am Saturday. The WSS race will air at 2.15am on Sunday followed by WSBK Race 2 at 4am. Catch it all live on Videopass or Fox Sports. 2 MotoGP Rd17, AU LIVE Videopass, Fox 27 Oct 12pm (AEDT) MotoGP heads Down Under for Round 17. If you can't get to the Island, catch all three classes live on Videopass, Fox Sports or 10 Bold. The Moto3 race starts at midday, Moto2 at 1.20pm and MotoGP at 3pm. 3 MotoGP Rd18, MY LIVE Videopass, Fox 3 Nov 2pm (AEDT) The penultimate round of the 2019 season is upon us and you…

IT’S GETTING TO the end of the international racing season and my first year as a rider contracted directly to Yamaha’s Japanese headquarters. I was hired to win the inaugural Asia Superbike 1000 championship and I’ve got a 19-point lead going into the final round next month – so no pressure! This championship is the start of an important new focus for racing in the Asia-Pacific region and is an indication of how the motorcycle market is changing in this part of the world. A few years ago some of the countries we race in didn’t even allow 1000cc Superbikes on the road. Now all the countries we visit have dealerships selling them. This series has all the major motorcycle brands entered. The factories supply distributor-run teams with racing kits…

Troy Herfoss IF YOU DO the same thing over and over, you can’t expect different results. This year at Suzuka I rode a bike that was set up for 50kg riders. I couldn’t ride how I normally would, which is aggressive on the brakes. I had to adjust my riding style and I think I learnt a lot about overloading the tyres and overloading the bike in certain areas. It literally gives me goose bumps every time I think about that second race! I went there and felt as if I had changed myself and I was able to be better. It’s probably my proudest moment in Australian Superbike racing and definitely my favourite win.…

Zarco’s race return Troubled French star Johann Zarco is coming back! The former Yamaha star and double Moto2 champion is to contest the last three races of 2019 on Taka Nakagami’s Honda, after quitting his abortive KTM adventure early, and now turning his back on a chance to become a full-time test rider for Yamaha as well. “It’s a shame for Yamaha,” said Valentino Rossi. “He would have been important for us. Now it seems he is closer to Honda, and we will have to look for another rider.” Test rider tests rules Suzuki gave MotoGP a taste of 2020 at Motegi… and got a slap on the wrist. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli was exercising the new GSX-RR, outwardly similar to the Mk2 aero bodywork, with Honda-like bow-tie wings high…

HONDA RECOGNISES MARC Marquez’s mastery of the RC213V, the purity of his racing spirit and his deep knowledge of Honda’s methods are unmatchable and plans to retain the services of the motorcycling magician. With six premier-class championships and 54 race wins since he arrived in MotoGP in 2013, the 26-year-old Spaniard is Honda’s most prized asset and he doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon. Both Marquez and Honda are addicted to winning races and championships and advanced talks are underway to extend a deal for 2021. “Honda’s first priority is to keep Marc, it is not difficult to see he is the best rider in the world and his racing spirit perfectly matches Honda’s,” said HRC technical boss Takeo Yokoyama. “And he has so much experience on the RC213V…

ALEX RINS’S GROWING reputation that he’s a better racer than qualifier is having a negative impact on the podium potential of the Suzuki GSX-RR. The issue was again highlighted at Motegi with Rins qualifying 11th and finishing seventh in the Japanese GP. Clutch problems dropped him to 15th on lap one and Rins then destroyed his tyres with a surge through traffic. “We have podium pace but need to improve qualifying, brake later and open the gas earlier, take more risks,” Rins said. Team boss Davide Brivio said: “Alex is the first one who wants to qualify better. He knows he needs to work on this.”…

AFTER SO MUCH talk about the state of the track and riders’ strike by six of the top WorldSBK competitors in Argentina, almost all sides give their two bob’s worth in public statements. Unlike most other parties, Dorna gave no grand public pronouncement but the track organisation itself, Grupo OSD, took no prisoners in their comments about the missing riders from Race One on Saturday. “… there might have been possible inaccurate speculation from those six riders, whose lack of participation does not follow the true essence of motorsports in front of all the fans around the world.” The FIM, who did three inspections of the earlier stages of the required works after last year’s problem of tarmac lifting in sections, demanded a near complete re-surface for 2019 – and…

“The entire equip disappeared into the Tuscan Mountains until the right money changed hands” LIKE MOST SUCCESSFUL road-racers of his era, Karl Muggeridge spent much of his youth on dirt tracks, progressing from 50cc short circuit to National Motocross. He’d not long switched to tarmac when, at 24, he celebrated his first win on a Suzuki RGV250 proddie – at Phillip Island. A year later he’d scored a seat on a Honda CBR600 in the British Supersport Championship. “I’d finished my watchmaking apprenticeship and managed to make my way over to the UK for the final round of the British Superbike Championship,” he says. “I banged on every garage door and invariably the first question I was asked was ‘have you got any money?’ The answer was obvious, though I…

THE SEASON OF motorcycle shows around the world is starting and AMCN will bring you the lowdown with our expert analysis of new models and trends. All the world’s manufacturers are pushing the boundaries to reignite sales. From sophisticated new technology to reinventing traditional brands and delving into the growing world of electric power, it’s all happening. Just one example is Moto Morini, one of those stereotypically Italian brands that’s gone through multiple ownerships and rebirths over the years. It’s looking to establish itself in a more mainstream role with the launch of two new mid-sized models for 2020. Moto Morini has released this teaser image of an adventure model, which is based on a new mid-sized platform, and the company says there will also be a nakedbike built around…

Showdown! The 2019 ASBK title goes down to the wire at the 1-3 November finale in Sydney with three riders separated by less than five points. Be there! Ride to work The City of Melbourne council adds 300 motorcycle parking spaces in the CBD while putting the squeeze on commuting car drivers. Tango too hard The Argentine round of WSBK turns into farce with a riders’ revolt over track conditions. Find out more on page 152. Legend departs Peter Molloy, legendary tuner and mentor to such greats as Wayne Gardner, has died aged 84.…

The year was 3... 001997 THE 997TH YEAR of the second millennium heralded news of the birth of Dolly the cloned sheep, which apparently scared the bejezuz out of POTUS Bill Clinton, who swiftly banned funding on cloning research. At home, PM John Howard implements the work for the dole scheme, Pauline Hanson puts a promising career in the fish ’n’ chips game behind her to launch the One Nation Party and Sydney is awarded the 2002 Gay Games. Not to be outdone, Tasmania finally decriminalizes homosexuality. On a more somber note, a landslide in Thredbo claims 18 lives and gives rise to Stuart Diver’s television career and INXS co-founder and frontman Michael Hutchence dies, age 37. How much? In ’97 a TT VHS pack could be had for as little…

Nodding off Most weekends for me consist of family time, work around the house, sometimes actual work and, of course, a weekend ride. Rain, hail or shine I just love getting on one of my bikes and going for a ride, even if it is only for 10 minutes. Over the last few months it has become increasingly obvious the massive divide between sports or touring bike riders and riders on cruisers or Harleys. Is it just me, or is it getting worse? Last week I went for a casual overnighter on my 1250 Bandit to Wollongong and back. As usual, whenever another bike comes my way, the hand goes up or the head tilts down and to the side. The common courtesy to another rider that I thought was…

ENGINE Capacity 499cc Type 70º V4 two-stroke, reed-valve Bore & stroke 56mm x 50.7mm Compression ratio Not given Cooling Water-cooled Fueling 4 x 36mm Mikuni carburettors Transmission Six-speed, extractable Clutch Dry, multi-plate Final drive Chain PERFORMANCE Power Over 165hp @ 12,800 rpm (claimed) Torque Not given Top speed 324km/h (measured) Fuel consumption Not given ELECTRONICS Type Suzuki Rider aides Electronic power valve and electronically-controlled variable-dimension exhaust system CHASSIS Frame material Aluminium Frame type Twin-spar Rake 23º (+/- 1°40’) Trail 89-104mm Wheelbase 1400mm SUSPENSION Type Kayaba Front: USD 43mm fork, fully-adjustable, travel unknown Rear: Lateral monoshock, fully adjustable, travel unknown WHEELS & BRAKES Wheels Marchesini Front: 3.50 x 17…

MY QUESTION IS, why? Replacing a simple key with a battery-powered piece of technological complication is simply not a better option in my view, particularly when Adventure riding. My opinion of key fobs is blunted by the fact we change bikes so often on comparos, not a normal riding system of the average rider out there, and the incidence of riders disappearing with numerous key fobs to other bikes still in their pocket, only to work it out when by themselves 60km later, is overwhelming. It can be handy just to mount up and thumb a starter, but the wait for the system to recognise the key is excruciating when you just want to get on and ride. Give me a key any day. I have had numerous key fobs…

Name Pete Vorst Height 186cm Weight 105kg Experience Dirt experience as a kid but the majority of time spent fighting Sydney traffic AS THE MOST inexperienced off-road rider of the pack, I felt the most confident and comfortable on the KTM in the rough stuff. It feels lighter and less intimidating compared to the other three, despite its huge horsepower and really high perch. At slower speeds off road, the BMW and the Ducati felt manageable, but the confidence decreased as my speed increased. Both are smoother and more refined that the KTM on-road, as is the Triumph. The Triumph was the least confidence inspiring for me, the combination of road-going tyres and its top-heavy 250kg of heft had me feeling uneasy on anything but smooth dirt roads and tarmac.…

FRANCO MORBIDELLI PETRONAS YAMAHA SRT The former Moto2 champion was meant to be the team leader in the new Petronas squad. A Rossi protégé was given a full factory bike, and he hasn’t gone badly, but has been completely overshadowed by Quartararo. POLESPARGARO RED BULL KTM The KTM responds to having its neck wrung... smooth-riding star recruit Zarco couldn’t manage. Pol, in his third year, is quite different. Gung-ho aggressive and plenty ambitious, he has taken the orange bike with the tube frame to a new level. Another top 10, probably. ANDREAIANNONE APRILIA RS GP The volatile Italian is upredictable and so is his Aprilia. But he has shown speed at PI on everything he has ridden there and last year took a Suzuki to second place, within 1.6s of…

ALEXMARQUEZ EG-VDS KALEX A brother like Marc means a lot to live up to, and in previous years the 2014 Moto3 champion has struggled for consistency. That changed for 2019, and as well as his wins he’s racked up good points at all but three races. Blood is thicker than water. AUGUSTO FERNANDEZ FLEXBOX HP40 KALEX The latest hot Spaniard started the year badly with a wrist-breaking crash in the Argentine GP, missing two races. He came back strong and got stronger after the summer break. Three wins so far, though an error at Aragon cost him dear. Smooth, stylish, fast. BRADBINDER RED BULL KTM If talent, determination and aggression were all you needed, there’d be no contest. However, you need a good motorbike as well, and the KTM (which…

MAP C3 LUKEY’S LAWN No, it’s not rhyming slang for yawn, it’s a new entertainment area set up at Lukey Heights hosting a range of activities and displays from Team Army, The Royal Australian Navy, the SES and the St John Ambulance crew with its Mobile CPR Learning Lab. There’ll be lawn games and acoustic music provided by local muso Richard Gillard. Official merchandise outlets will be on hand to fit you up with new clobber and there’ll be food trucks galore. PULL A SWIFTY Reckon you can rip a good wheelie? Then head over to the Swift Stunt setup and put your wheelie skills to the test. The Swift Stunt crew will provide the helmet, all you have to do is provide the wheelie. FREESTYLIN’ The Freestyle Now BMX…

THE 2004 HONDA VTR250 is serviced every six months or 6000km, whichever comes first. The first 1000km service was a precautionary check that saw the valve clearances checked, while the first oil change came at 6000km. That first service saw plug inspections, coolant and battery checks, brake pad and fluid checks, bearing (swingarm, steering head) checks and a general clean and lube. The 12,000km saw valve clearances done, carburettors balanced and plugs checked – coolant and brake fluid were replaced as required. The 18,000km was a repeat of the 6000km service, likewise the 24,000km was a repeat of the 12,000km.…

Show time 25-27 OCTOBER Murray Bridge Auto Fest, Murray Bridge Showgrounds and Speedway, Kennett Rd, Murray Bridge, SA. Bikes, cars and trucks welcome to this family friendly motoring festival. Show ’n’ shine, food trucks, go-to-whoa, autokhana, trade sites, burnouts and more. Entry costs at autofest.com.au. For information email admin@autofest.com.au or phone 0417 511 557. 3 NOVEMBER Cars and Bikes Show & Shine, Brooke St, Inglewood Vic. Entrants to arrive by 9am; out after 3pm. Part of the annual Inglewood Alive Festival, which includes food, music, cars, bikes, market stalls and free kids activities. Entertainment will include wood chopping, live music and a whole lot more. Entry $25; trophies up for grabs. For more information phone Suzi Birthisel on 0408 103 518 or Kim Clee on 0429 371 913 or check…

HAIL TO THE chief. It’s obvious who I mean. After the Thailand GP, starting with a really scary, thumping crash and ending with a cheesy eight-ball celebration of that many championships, Marc Marquez’s reign was extended again. With four races to spare, and it would have happened the race before, had he not slipped off out of a massive lead in Texas. This triggered a reader survey in the British weekly Motor Cycle News, as to which of two modern candidates was the Greatest: Valentino Rossi or Marquez? The poll put Rossi marginally ahead, and it probably would be the same in most countries. The 40-year-old may already have passed his best-before date (I risk the wrath of his fans, but he’s not winning races). He still commands fanatical loyalty…

YMF R3 Cup HUNTER FORD (HELD – Schuberth) continued his quest for back to back Yamaha R3 Cups, taking the round win from Max Stauffer (Racers Edge) and Locky Taylor (Yamaha Australia). Taylor returned to his winning ways in the opening race, taking the victory from Stauffer and John Lytras (Caboolture Yamaha). Showing the future is in good hands, the fastest lap of the race went to Oceania Cup rider Reece Oughtred (Dynoverks) who finished just 0.3 seconds from Taylor. Ford is considered a last lap specialist and he pinned his ears back to seal the win in race two, not allowing anyone to slip stream him to the line. Stauffer and Lytras completed the podium in front of Laura Brown (WNR) with the previous round winner Brandon Demmery (Rustic…

One-lap wonders Alvaro Bautista won Superpole with a 1m40.771sec in the hot conditions of Saturday, but such was the condition of the track as temperatures rose, that time was slower than the best in FP3, without any qualifing tyres being used. Superpole in WorldSSP was taken, for the first time, by GMT94 rider Corentin Perolari. His 1m45.993sec was also well off the best ever seen. Lowes turns green The adoption of Alex Lowes into the KRT squad, as a replacement for the outgoing Leon Haslam, was made official in Argentina, Lowes, still being a Yamaha rider, was unable to speak about it but it means he is now in the championship winning KRT squad, which will be a whole new adventure after four years with Yamaha. Boys in blue The…

Jack Miller MotoGP 10th “I don’t know what happened. I was feeling comfortable and strong and trying to stay with Marc and Fabio, then the rear grip just went away. We need to look at the data to see why. I’m really disappointed, but managed to bring it home.” Remy Gardner Moto2 DNF “When the race started, I dropped back but didn’t panic. I felt comfortable and then I got caught up when Vierge and Lecuona crashed, and lost a bunch of time. I went down because I was pushing too hard, it’s as simple as that. The next race is my home GP. I will give it everything.”…

MARC MARQUEZ IS now within easy reach of the 68 premier class wins of MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini. After that only Valentino Rossi, on 89 premier-class wins, will be ahead of the Spanish whiz. Marquez equalled the colossal win tally of Australia’s five-time world champion Mick Doohan with his Motegi masterclass, his 10th win from 16 races so far this season. “Mick Doohan is the first name I have in my mind and my first memories of when I starting watching the World Championship as a kid,” Marquez said. “I remember very well Doohan and [Alex] Criville and it is an incredible number for me and I just have to keep the same mentality and enjoy this moment.” A win in Sunday’s Australian GP at Phillip Island would put Marquez…

AN ANGRY FRANCO Morbidelli claimed a feisty and pointless early race battle with Jack Miller cost him fifth place in the Japanese Grand Prix. Morbidelli was “very pissed off” with Miller’s body contact overtakes and showed his displeasure by flicking his right leg in Miller’s direction. “We were fighting for third too early in the race and he hit my leg a couple of times, the lost time cost me fifth place. Jack knew I was pissed off but he was just losing time,” said Petronas Yamaha’s Morbidelli, after finishing sixth and nine seconds ahead of Miller in 10th. Miller had an opposing view. “Typical Franco,” said Miller, “he’s Brazilian [Ed: his mother is from Brazil], he loves jamming it back up the inside every chance he gets. He was…

DEFENDING STATE Superbike champion William Strugnell has got South Australia’s spring-summer season of racing off to a flying start at Mount Gambier. The Suzuki rider set pole and led the prestigious Master of Mac Park race from start to finish earlier this month. Varied conditions including rain didn’t deter a good field of riders carving up the new widened track. The highlight of the meeting was the Silver Birch Master of Mac Park race, which was run alongside Round Three of the State Championship. The state titles’ Superbikes class came down to a countback, which saw John Hunt (Kawasaki) take overall honours from Strugnell and Mt Gambier local Darren Trotter (Suzuki). However, Strugnell’s efforts extended his lead in the State titles, ahead of the fourth round at The Bend in…

Australian Motorcycle News road test photographs are posed for by skilled, professional riders under controlled circumstances. Attempting to imitate their actions may be dangerous. Australian Motorcycle News supports and endorses rider training and wearing protective riding gear. Is it really 30 years since 1989? I mean, it must be, that is what the calendar says. But it seems a lifetime ago since Wayne Gardner led home his fellow 500cc GP warriors in one of the greatest races ever seen at Phillip Island – a track brought back from oblivion to host world class motorcycle racing down under. We have three decades of great racing to be grateful for, as well as the return of one of the great circuits. The 2019 GP should be brilliant. See you at The Island!…