Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol 71 Issue 09 i Australian Motorcycle News

CONGRATULATIONS FABIO QUARTARARO, France’s first MotoGP World Champion. Despite Quartararo taking out the 2021 MotoGP World Championship with two races left to run, there’s no denying this season has been a cracker, with spectacular racing, the rise of several newcomers, the retirement of a legend and plenty of on- and off-track dramas along the way. And hats of to Pecco Bagnaia, the young Italian who kept the championship title fight alive until last weekend’s race at Misano. Barring any mishaps in the final two rounds, Bagnaia now seems certain to take out second place in the rider’s championship ahead of Johann Zarco and Jack Miller. After his DNF at Misano, a humble Bagnaia evoked Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights when he quipped, “I know that second is the first loser,…

ENGINE Liquid-cooled, electric start, fuel/oil injected, 293.2cc two-stroke single-cylinder. BORE/STROKE 72mm x 72mm. TRANSMISSION Six-speed gearbox with Rekluse Radius CX clutch. EXHAUST In-house designed stainless exhaust expansion chamber with carbon end can. CHASSIS Tubular-steel frame with handmade carbon-fibre bodywork and 19-litre aluminium fuel tank. Seat height 830mm. RUNNING GEAR 19-inch front, 18-inch rear wheels with Takasago Excel rims. Fully adjustable WP suspension. Brembo four-piston front brake with 260mm disc. Analogue tachometer, LCD dashboard with speedo and trip computer. Molock keyless ignition. PRICE $39,990 (plus on-road costs).…

Facebook Post of the issue Aussie World champion Wayne Gardner blew out five dozen plus two candles recently Instagram Don’t Forget #amcn_mag Comment of the Issue Aaron Ling still rates Mick’s five post-fracture 500cc titles ahead of Marc’s return from injury “If Marc wins even three titles in a row after coming back then you can call him a comeback king. But until then, you can’t compare them” Reaching out Want to see your pride and joy featured in AMCN? The only thing we love more than writing about bikes is looking at your bikes. Tag your social pics with @aumotorcyclenews on Facebook or @amcn_mag on Instagram, or fire them off in an email to amcn@amcn.com.au And don’t forget to tell us why you love it. Get it off yer chest!…

“IT HAS THE complete 770cc big-bore kit with high-compression 12:1 pistons and nine-stud cylinders,” says Matt. “It has experimental Megacycle cams, I ported the head myself and changed the exhaust flanges to BMW-style lock-ons so nothing falls off. “The secondary Honda 10mm plugs dead smack in the middle of each cylinder are the same ones I installed in the OU school lab, with transistor coils, a 12V battery and total loss ignition – no generator. “The one-piece stainless steel valves are 2mm oversized with Webco lash caps and aluminium pushrods, plus their competition valve springs and titanium retainers. It has 36mm Dell’Orto pumper carburettors, and I made the reverse cone exhausts myself. I took a set of megaphones and welded them on to Triumph TT pipes, which work really good.…

IN THE EARLY 2000S, I purchased a Gore-Tex Dainese jacket and after tens of thousands of kays of riding through all four seasons, I became a convert to both the brand and to Gore-Tex. I actually still have it and pull it on occasionally when I go riding, however a crash in it about a decade ago tore the waterproof membrane, so it’s very much a fair-weather jacket these days. Twenty years later, I’ve found myself with a new Dainese Gore-Tex jacket and I’m taken straight back to that feeling of quality, both in the materials used and in the execution of the design. It’s not an insignificant outlay though; at $999 you’d want a jacket that exudes quality and performance. And this jacket certainly does that. It’s got enough…

I MISSED OUT by eight points on winning the AMA Flat Track Singles title in the US in my first year with the official Red Bull KTM team and AMCN wants me to tell you how it all unfolded. It’s been super busy these past couple of months as the last two rounds before the final were double-headers at the Springfield Short Track and the Sacramento Mile. Springfield was super tough because last year we were so strong and this year, after the awesome results we had had all season, the team and I expected strong results. Unfortunately it was the total opposite! I ended up leaving Springfield with disappointing sixth- and ninth-place finishes. It was tough to swallow, as I’d lost valuable points. Moving on to the Sacramento Mile…

Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano Adriatico, Italy Circuit length 4.226km Race distance MotoGP 114.102km Moto2 105.650km Moto3 97.198km 2020 winners MotoGP M Viñales 41m55.846s Moto2 E Bastianini 16m11.977s Moto3 R Fenati 39m30.124s Did you know? Fabio Quartararo may have clinched the title in Italy but he still has things to learn, especially in the wet. The wet/dry qualifying conditions meant that for the first time, he did not make it into Q2 and the 22-year-old started from 15th, the worst starting position of his MotoGP career. That is really something for the qualifying king, who in 2019 became the youngest-ever pole sitter in MotoGP at just 20 years and 14 days old. Round 16 MOTO2 25 LAPS DNF M BEZZECCHI (ITA, KAL), X VIERGE (SPA, KAL), T ARBOLINO (ITA), M CASADEI (ITA,…

A REAL OPPORTUNITY to carry the WorldSBK Championship trophy across the Bosphorus for the first time in history came – and went – at the first flyaway round for nearly two seasons, in the dusty high country of Western Argentina. The Circuito San Juan Villicum has had a chequered past as a two-year WorldSBK venue in 2018 and 2019 but in its third year, it provided a stunning and largely consistent backdrop for some action that can be put up against any that WorldSBK has enjoyed in its 30-plus years of life. Race Two was a particularly hectic three- and sometimes four-way battle, but from the start this hard-won flyaway round was full of drama, uncertainty and even a confirmation that this championship fight will go all the way to…

DARRYN BINDER IS set to replicate Jack Miller’s feats in 2022 by skipping the Moto2 class entirely and moving directly from Moto3 to MotoGP. The South African will partner Andrea Dovizioso in the newly named RNF Yamaha team, born out of the current Petronas SRT Yamaha squad. The operation will be run by Team Principle Razlan Razali, with Wilco Zeelenberg confirmed to continue as Team Manager. The team will be backed by Italian brand WITHU. It appears Johann Stigefelt, current Team Director and the man who runs the day to day of the operation, will not be part of the new squad after falling out with Razali this year. At first, the squad has only signed a one-year contract with Yamaha for 2022. But factory Managing Director Lin Jarvis said,…

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. “Toprak?” “Yeah, hoozat?” “It’s Fabio.” “Fabio, maaate, how did you go at Misano?” “Fourth.” “FOURTH? Geez mate, sorry to hear that” “Nah mate, nah, it’s good-as. Pecco chucked it at the lino, so I wrapped up the title!” “That’s great mate!” “Yeah, anyway, we’re going out to get a few Big Macs on board, wanna come?” “Nah, better not brah, don’t wanna put a curse on it.” “Ya sure?” “Yeah nah, mate. Hang on a sec, got another call. Hello?” “Toprak?” “Yeah, hoozat?” “Mate, it’s Tarran…”…

ON THE EVE of a critical world summit on climate change, Australia’s most populated state has passed legislation that leads our nation into a future of low-emissions vehicles, including motorcycles. Cross-party support underpinning major reforms now makes New South Wales the state most encouraging the uptake of electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, hosted in the Scottish capital of Glasgow by the UK in partnership with Italy, runs until 12 November. Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson says this summit is “a turning point for humanity”. Already the UK Government has announced a ban on petrol and diesel cars from 2030 with non-zero-emission vehicles banned from 2035. NSW is abolishing stamp duty on EV purchases, offering sales rebates and investing in a network of charging stations. But…

1 LITTLE RED BACKPACK Honda Australia $99.95 1300 246 632 honda.com.au Honda’s Whitebridge backpack boasts a 39.5-litre capacity, with a padded compartment designed to house your laptop or tablet in safety. The Whitebridge also features a padded, tricot lined sunglasses pocket, an airflow back panel and shoulder straps, and a spacious main pocket. 2 GLOVE IS IN THE AIR Cassons Australia From $99.95 (02) 8882 1900 cassonsmedia.com The RS Rise Air glove from Ixon is an ultra-ventilated summer glove with a mesh upper and goat leather palm. Extra protection is provided by the carbon hard knuckle, PU protector on the heel of the palm and elasticated Velcro wrist closure. The RS Rise Air is available in men’s and ladies’ sizes in a range of colours. 3 CHARGED BATTERY Pro Accessories Australia $75.95 (07)…

WE’VE SEEN AND heard plenty about the tide of youth, the changing of the guard, the new order in racing. With good reason, and in all three MotoGP classes: rookies are rampant. And while premier-class champion-elect Fabio Quartararo isn’t exactly a beginner, he is only in his third season, and he is only 22. The same in world Superbikes, where the dominant Jonathan Rea is under serious threat from young Turk Toprak Razgatlioglu. But less of the rise of the new. How about the end of the old… the uncomfortable and sometimes even devastating fate that awaits the once-supreme. The Ozymandias factor. Oz of that salutary classic poem by Percy Shelley about downfall and inevitability. “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair”. Rea might retain the title, but the…

HERE WAS ANOTHER race in which the championship momentum oh-so suddenly swung. Seven laps into this contest, the outlook for Remy Gardner (Ajo Kalex) was grim. The Australian was feeling the heat after qualifying down in 14th. After making up early ground, his progress had stalled in seventh once he punted off Somkiat Chantra (HTA Kalex) at Turn 14, a move which earned a Long Lap Penalty. All the while teammate and title rival Raul Fernandez (Ajo Kalex) had worked his way brilliantly into the lead after qualifying had left him ninth on the grid. The 21-year-old swept past early leader and pole sitter Sam Lowes (Marc VDS Kalex) at Turn 8, 14 laps in, a fourth straight win within reach. Yet Fernandez is a rookie after all. And that…

2019 Winners WSBK R1 A Bautista 35m38.957s WSBK R2 J Rea 34m33.478s WSS Race J Cluzel 32m45.310s WSBK Race 1 DNF I VIÑALES (SPA, KAW), A BAUTISTA (SPA, HON). POLE POSITION (NEW RECORD) REDDING 1m37.617s (BAUTISTA 1m40.771s, 2019) FASTEST LAP RAZGATLIOGLU 1m38.052s WSBK Superpole race FASTEST LAP REDDING 1m37.345s WSBK Race 2 FASTEST LAP REDDING 1m37.615s RIDER STANDINGS AFTER 12 OF 13 ROUNDS 1 RAZGATLIOGLU 531, 2 REA 501, 3 REDDING 465, 4 RINALDI 278, 5 LOCATELLI 270, 6 VAN DER MARK 236, 7 LOWES 213, 8 GERLOFF 213, 9 BASSANI 199, 10 BAUTISTA 180, 11 SYKES 167, 12 HASLAM 134, 13 DAVIES 131, 14 NOZANE 54, 15 BAZ 53. Circuito San Juan Villicum 4.276km WSS Race 1 DNF R DE ROSA (ITA, KAW). POLE POSITION (NEW RECORD) CLUZEL 1m41.740s…

SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER marked the 10th anniversary of Marco Simoncelli’s tragic death in Malaysia. The day was marked accordingly, with an oak tree planted inside the Misano World Circuit’s Quercia corner (Turn 8), along with a memorial plaque. Father Paolo and mother Rossella were both present at the unveiling. Just before, Valentino Rossi, Simoncelli’s mentor, spoke of how his great friend was essentially the first member of the VR46 Academy. “F***, it’s already 10 years,” Rossi said. “I feel that it’s 10 years, a long time ago. Remain a big hole, you know? I always say Marco was the first rider of the academy (even) if the Academy didn’t exist. “We start for the first time with Marco to help the other riders with the training and with the support and…

IN A REACTION TO three deaths of young riders in the last five months, the FIM and Dorna have agreed the age limits for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will be raised from 2023. Currently teenagers of 16 years of age can enter the Moto2 and Moto3 class. That will be raised to 18. The Red Bull Rookies Cup entry age will be raised from 13 to 15, and from 14 to 16 in the FIM Junior Moto3 World Championship. Discussions have also been ongoing to improve the quality of rider equipment, especially for chest and neck impacts. Plus, work is ongoing with technical suppliers on how to implement ‘near-instant warning systems’ for riders when an incident happens ahead on track. The changes were met with a largely positive reaction.…

THERE ARE THREE major ways hydrogen can be applied to motorcycling, as Brendan James explains. “A combustion engine can be modified to run on hydrogen but the power loss is great,” he says. The SALT V8 engine will use direct injection to counter this power loss. “Replacing the engine with a hydrogen fuel cell gives greater efficiency because of its light weight.” This system also gives a major weight advantage when applied to an all-electric motorcycle. James believes the best way to reduce consumers’ range anxiety concerning electric motorcycles is to run a battery a quarter the size of that required and keep it topped up with a hydrogen fuel cell. His LINE Hydrogen company produces ‘green hydrogen’ by using electricity generated from solar and wind. The only by-products are…

RAPIDLY-EXPANDING CFMOTO has released teaser images of a sportsbike concept called the SR Vision, hinting at a possible 2022 release. No details are available but images show a high-end motorcycle bristling with top-shelf components such as Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, an SC Project exhaust system and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tyres. It comes as CFMoto announces it will join the Moto3 world championship in 2022 with rebranded KTM machines. Meanwhile to keep Australian buyers keen before the arrival of its all-new 800MT touring-adventure range CFMoto is offering a pre-order incentive of $899 worth of free accessories fitted during pre-delivery and a 2021-2022 summer delivery guarantee.…

Access, AMCN, PO Box 6, Bittern, Vic, 3918 access@amcn.com.au Letter of the issue OGIO Drifter Dark Static Back Pack Win OGIO’s ultra-padded air-mesh backpack valued at $119! Include your full name and address in your letter, via post or email. Long letters will be cut to fit, so don’t ramble. The views expressed by readers are not necessarily those of the editor. Letter of the issue Range anxiety There seems to be a trend for motorcycle manufacturers to reduce the size of the fuel tank in modern bikes. There is nothing worse than being out in the boonies, miles from anywhere, and the low-fuel warning light starts flashing. Some of the people I ride with these days have to constantly focus on where the next servo is so they can…

During the track component of the launch, Yamaha unveiled a GYTR racebike, which showcased the racing accessories available for the R7, from race bodywork, suspension, ECU and wiring harness, to brake lines and ABS emulator to remove the ABS – basically everything to go racing. The full race exhaust from Akrapovic sounded great, by the way, and a number of one-make race series have already been confirmed for Europe. Yamaha also had on display the very tempting 60th anniversary model, which will cost an additional $600. It boasts a yellow number plate, anniversary badge, red front fender, gold wheels, and that speedblock paintwork – yes please!…

SINCE LOSING HIS only son, Paolo Simoncelli has thrown himself into good works: establishing a Moto3 team and a humanitarian charity. “I like to keep the two well separated because they are completely different things,” says Simoncelli. “Sic58 Squadra Corse allows me to follow my passion, to keep living those emotions that only the racetrack can give you. But most of all, the team keeps me alive, it helps me not to die.” Simoncelli established Sic58 Squadra Corse soon after Marco’s death. The team contested the Italian Moto3 championship, then the Spanish-based Moto3 junior world championship. In 2017 Sic58 moved into GPs, with Tony Arbolino and Tatsuki Suzuki. The following year Arbolino was replaced by Nicco Antonelli and in 2019 Simoncelli scored his first GP victory as a team boss…

ARAI HAS LAUNCHED the new Quantic in Australia and AMCN is the first media outlet in the country to get its mitts on what could possibly be one of the safest helmets in the world. Arai describes the Quantic as a high-speed street touring helmet and is the first lid on the market to meet the new (and tougher) ECE 22-06 standard. That involves impact testing at different speeds and angles, as well as tougher scrutiny of devices such as Bluetooth systems and sun visors. As with all Arai helmets, the Quantic has a handmade shell designed with a smooth aerodynamic profile, and it has a flared shape at the base which makes it easier than others in the range to pull on and remove – practical design for a…

IT’S THAT TIME of year when volunteer fire-fighting brigades earn a few bucks doing burn-offs for locals. In the old days, even into the 1980s, landowners would do this themselves. I used to light up the roadside verge of our small rural property in northern Victoria, chasing the flames down the fence line with a damp hessian sack. Back then I was actually being responsible, as this was the era when passing motorists threw cigarette butts out the window. But I’d be charged by police if I did this now. That’s how much things have changed in a world which has taken many responsibilities away from us. Now you pay a certified team to do burnoffs for you. So a few Monday nights ago our brigade combined with another from…

IF THERE WAS one lesson that could be taken away from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, it was never take anything in racing for granted. Wind, rain and an autumnal chill had contrived to complicate Fabio Quartararo’s (Monster Energy Yamaha) championship hopes on the Italian Riviera as he faced the first match point of his career from a career-worst grid slot of 15th. But the Frenchman faced this particular case of adversary as he has done all year, keeping his cool while picking off 10 riders ahead before enjoying a healthy dose of luck as Francesco Bagnaia (Lenovo Ducati) crashed out of the lead with four laps to run. That was enough to make him a barely believing MotoGP World Champion at 22 years and 187 days of age, the…

THE MOTO3 TITLE race is poised to go the distance after Dennis Foggia’s (Leopard Honda) fifth victory of the year. Not even a wet qualifying session – conditions he hates – could hold him back here, as he fought through from 14th on the grid to post his most emphatic performance to date. The Italian’s outlook was a little darker just 20 hours before, after championship rival Pedro Acosta (Ajo KTM) qualified fifth. Yet even in those frantic opening exchanges, when shuffled back to 16th and Acosta among the leaders, Foggia remained unflustered. As pole sitter Nicolo Antonelli (Avintia KTM) led Jaume Masia (Ajo KTM), Izan Guevara (Aspar GASGAS), Acosta and Stefano Nepa (BOE KTM) fought up front five laps in and 2.8sec ahead, he found his rhythm. His subsequent…

JULES CLUZEL (GMT94 Yamaha) performed another magic trick by disappearing at the front of the first 19-lap WorldSSP race in Argentina, as he had done at every other race held at the Villicum track in previous years. Second place went to Manuel Gonzalez from the Yamaha ParkinGO team, who overhauled the combative and fast starting fourth place qualifier Can Öncü (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), who for his trouble finished third. Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Yamaha) and Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros Yamaha) had weird opening races all-in, with Odendaal repeatedly running wide and letting several riders past, including Aegerter. Despite setting his best lap late in the race Aegerter was finally passed for fourth by Odendaal, who clawed back a couple of points in the championship fight, leaving things beautifully poised for…

KAWASAKI CELEBRATED ITS 125th anniversary in Villicum with a new suit of clothes for both its riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes and their Ninja ZX-10RR machines. Running normal 2021 colours on Friday and until Race One, Rea exited his pit on a green, white and blue ZX-7R early-90s replica colour scheme, complete with matching helmet and leathers. Lowes rode Race One in a GPZ900R-inspired black and red colour combo. Both reverted to 2021 hues on Sunday. Yamaha did a similar thing at Catalunya, with white and red speed blocks celebrating 60 years of Yamaha GP racing, but it went a bit wrong for them, with crashes and technical issues arising. This had worried Rea for a while, but it turned out fine, as he was second and his recovering teammate…