From Team Suzuki Press Office
Factory-backed British Superbike team Crescent Suzuki has announced a two-year title sponsorship deal with professional power tool brand 'Worx' seeing the team contest the 2009 series under the new name - Worx Crescent Suzuki.
Part of the Positec Power Tools group, Worx first entered the UK market in 1996 with its cutting-edge designs and breakthrough innovations. Successfully expanding its ergonomic range of power tools, Worx is perfect for heavy-duty commercial use and is a range used by young professionals who appreciate their market-leading quality and performance.
Managing director of Positec UK, Clive Daley, commented, "With the Worx brand we are dedicated to delivering innovation, high quality and comfort, all without sacrificing power. I believe the synergies between Suzuki Racing and Worx are many and we look forward to a winning partnership."
Jack Valentine, team manager for Worx Crescent Suzuki, added, "Clearly we are delighted to have Worx onboard this season. It's always great to welcome new sponsors to the sport and with Worx we have a partner who shares our enthusiasm and will to succeed. With an initial two-year deal, we look forward to a long and successful partnership and can't wait to get the new liveried GSX-R1000 out in action with Sylvain Guintoli at the first round of the championship at Brands Hatch."
Team Partners Include: Worx Power Tools, Motorex Oils, Express Insurance, Crescent Motorcycle Company Ltd, Suzuki GB PLC, Dream Machine, Dread, Bartlett Plastering, Insignia, Replicast, MAC Tools, Akrapovic, Blue Chip, Data Pacific, Brembo, Goodridge, Capit, Marchesini, NGK, Muc-off, Tsubaki, Renthal.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Worx Power Tools backs Crescent Suzuki
Modular Motorcycles - New Obama Energy Plan
Moorhead, MN, and North Dakota floods 2009 slideshow
"If it keeps on
Virginia promotion targets Canadians
From motorcycleva.com
RICHMOND, VA – Beginning April 4, motorcyclists with a Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia passport can head out on the highway and find adventure at more than 50 premier tourism destinations and attractions throughout the commonwealth and win some great prizes as well. This grand motorcycle tour of Virginia is open to Canadian motorcyclists and their passengers between April 4-Sept. 1, 2009.
The Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is a motorcyclist’s dream, celebrating 40 years of “Virginia is for Lovers” – not to mention the movie Easy Rider and Arlo Guthrie’s The Motorcycle Song. Riders and their passengers can express their passion for riding and for Virginia by collecting prize points when their passport is stamped at each participating location. More stamps mean more fun and more prizes.
Participants completing the entire tour with a total of 164 points will receive a Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia jacket and be in the running to win one of the following – two season passes for Virginia International Raceway 2010, a 1000-watt generator from Fredericksburg Motorsports, a $500 gift certificate from California Sidecar Factory in Nellysford, a $500 cash award from Dr Pepper, or a two-night stay at Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County.
For riders accumulating more than 100 points, names will be entered into a random drawing for prizes ranging from gift certificates from motorcycle dealers across the state, overnight stays at participating hotels and resorts, motorcycle tires, tour books and cash awards.
To participate in the 2009 Grand Tour of Virginia, log on to motorcycleva.com to download the registration form. Send the completed form along with the $25USD registration fee to the address indicated on the form. All registrants will receive an official Grand Tour t-shirt, ride pin and passport.
The program kicks-off April 4 but riders can register until Sept. 1. Completed Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia passports must be mailed and postmarked by Nov. 1, 2009 to be eligible for ride prizes. A complete list of the sponsors, prizes and rules are also posted on motorcycleva.com, along with a Virginia map highlighting all of the stops on the Grand Tour.
The Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is a partnership between the Governor’s Motorcycle Advisory Council, the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (VHTA), and the Virginia Motorcycle Dealers Association, with support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
More information about the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Virginia is available at www.motorcycleva.com. Visit www.Virginia.org or call 1-800-VISITVA for travel planning resources.
Advertiser of the Day - SOS Motorcycle Tires
Another feature is the new Dayton Motorcycle Dyno, installed in its own 15x18 vented room.
We sell and install Power Commanders and Techlusion. On our Wednesday night “Guys & Gals Work Shop” you can work on your own bike in the comfort of our shop.
McLean makes 'Young Guns' roster
Coaldale, AB's Royce McLean is the lone Canadian among 28 up-and-coming racers profiled in the 2009 Young Guns feature in the April, 2009 issue of California-based monthly Roadracing World.
The 14-year-old won last year's USGPRU West Coast 125cc Championship and will compete in the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike division of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship this summer, racing for Yamaha.
The Young Guns section was introduced by Roadracing World in 1998 as a way to profile North American road racing talent. Competitors between the ages of 12 and 20 who have won Expert-level road races or championships aboard motorcycles 125cc or larger are eligible for recognition.
Past Young Guns include Nicky, Tommy and Roger Hayden, John Hopkins, Ben Spies and Jason DiSalvo. Canadians Kevin Lacombe, Andrew Nelson and Chris Peris have also been profiled.
McLean started racing at nine years old in the Alberta Mini Roadracing Association and is under the wing of former Canadian Pro racer Steve Dick, who previously worked with former Amatuer Sport Bike champion Jeremy Leduc and current rising Pro star Brett McCormick.
"Disastrous" session for Hayden at Jerez
Ducati Marlboro newboy Nicky Hayden encountered problems on Sunday afternoon in Jerez and referred to his 11th placed finish in the BMW M Award as something of a disaster.
Outside the top 10 in the first ‘competitive’ session with his new team on Sunday at the Official MotoGP Test, Hayden left Jerez trailing his triumphant team-mate Casey Stoner by a significant 1.755-sec. margin – as the Australian took the honours in the BMW M Award.
In fairness, the vast majority of the MotoGP grid have struggled to match Stoner’s 2009 preseason pace and Hayden is still adapting to Bridgestone tires and the Ducati Desmosedici GP9.
The 2006 World Champion survived a scary moment in the Sunday showdown session as he ran into one of the Jerez gravel traps at high velocity, fortunately managing to keep himself upright and immediately return to the track.
“In the morning we made some small improvements and I was able to go a bit quicker, but the 45-minute session was a bit of a disaster," Hayden said. "We were making some changes beforehand but ran out of time to get the bike ready and I lost some time at the beginning of the session. Then when I went out we had a clutch problem and I had to change to my second bike, which I’ve hardly ridden this weekend, and it had a different setting.”
Forever his own harshest critic Hayden admitted he had hoped to round off the preseason in a more competitive fashion and noted his own team-mate’s high standards, to which he will aspire in 2009.
“Casey has shown the package is good and to be honest I’d hoped to be closer to him by this stage,” the American rider stated. “But now it’s time to go racing, so we’ll head out to Qatar, work hard and see what happens.”
Unlike Stoner, Hayden went back out on track for the late Sunday free practice run, using the opportunity to get some additional wet laps under his belt before calling it a day.
Monday, March 30, 2009
2009 Harley Davidson FXDC Dyna Fat Bob
2009 Harley Davidson FXDC Dyna Fat Bob
2009 Harley Davidson FXDC Dyna Fat Bob #2
2009 Harley Davidson FXDC Dyna Fat Bob #32009 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street
2009 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street
2009 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street #2
2009 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street #3Inside Motorcycles to support Millson and Nickerson
From RMP Racing
HAMILTON, ON - Inside Motorcycles, “Canada’s source for motorcycle news” has signed on to support top ranked Pro Superbike privateer Ross Millson and assist RMP Racing's development rider Steven Nickerson for the coming 2009 season.
As one of Canada's top privateer motorcycle road racers Hamilton's Millson began his 2008 season with a sixth place finish at the opening round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Calabogie Motorsport Park, his personal best finish as a Pro. Millson went on to wrap up his 2008 season ninth overall in the Championship point standings.
Carrying the HD on-board camera for TSN's 2009 broadcasts of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, Millson will focus on the Pro Superbike class where he will compete aboard a RMP Racing built Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Nickerson, also of Hamilton, wrapped up his 2008 season adding to his collection of Championships by putting together enough points to win the 2008 RACE Regional Amateur 125GP Championship. In 2008 Nickerson was once again honored to be selected from top riders from 10 different countries to try out for the now defunct 2009 Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup.
Nickerson's goal for 2009 will be to take the next step and debut at the national level to compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge along with select races in the US-based USGPRU 125GP class.
“Inside Motorcycles has been an integral part of the success of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship,” said Millson. “Not only are they directly involved in the series, they do an outstanding job at covering all forms of motorcycle racing in Canada and around the world. Steven and I are proud to be associated with this world-class publication and its staff.”
As part of the program developed with Inside Motorcycles, RMP Racing will transport and display the current issue of the magazine as well as the Official Series Program. Throughout the 2009 season, motorcycle enthusiasts and racers are invited to drop by the RMP Racing paddock to pick up a copy and learn more about the latest special offers on subscriptions.
“Ross is a racer who always gives 100 per cent and represents himself, his race team and motorcycle racing in a very professional manner,” said Inside Motorcycles managing editor David Weber. “Plus, his efforts to develop young competitors like Steve Nickerson show a real commitment to the sport. We are proud to be affiliated with Ross and the entire RMP Racing team.”
For additional information about RMP Racing's Ross Millson and Steven Nickerson or to learn more about marketing opportunities with the team please visit www.rmpracing.ca.
Hodgson still sidelined for Atlanta
From Corona Extra Honda Racing
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Corona Extra Honda Racing’s Neil Hodgson has elected to miss the upcoming Road Atlanta AMA Superbike event April 3-5. Jake Holden, who took fifth at Auto Club Speedway on the Corona Honda CBR1000RR Superbike, will continue piloting duties for the event.
Hodgson, who is recovering from a training injury, said, “I am disappointed that I won’t be riding this weekend but I want to be 100 per cent fit so made the decision to sit out the Atlanta event. I am looking forward to getting back on the Corona Superbike at Barber.”
“I was really starting to feel comfortable on the bike last weekend so think I can do well at Road Atlanta," Holden said. "I’m looking forward to the race."
Advertiser of the Day - GP Bikes
Since their humble beginnings in 1999 with 5 older, used motorcycles, they have grown into one of Ontario’s industry leader’s in late model, pre-owned motorcycle sales. They pack into their store an extensive selection of Japanese, American, and European manufactured bikes. At GP Bikes you can buy with confidence. All used motorcycles are sold certified and with a 60-day warranty. In the chance they don’t have the bike you desire, drop them an e-mail or call and they'll do their best to meet your need. 2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 Nightster
2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 Nightster
2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 Nightster #2
2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 Nightster #32009 Harley Davidson FXCWC Rocker C
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC Rocker C
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC Rocker C #2
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC Rocker C #32009 Harley Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod
2009 Harley Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod
2009 Harley Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod #2
2009 Harley Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod #32009 Harley Davidson FXCWC
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC #2
2009 Harley Davidson FXCWC #3Harley Davidson FLSTSB Cross Bones
Harley Davidson FLSTSB Cross Bones
Harley Davidson FLSTSB Cross Bones #2
Harley Davidson FLSTSB CrossBones #3Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low
Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low
Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low #2
Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low #3Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blaauwendraat to defend Atlantic title
DARTMOUTH, NS - Last season's HJC National Pro Rookie of the Year runner-up Brian Blaauwendraat recently secured a sponsorship deal with Pro Cycle and Honda Canada to race in 2009.
After making a name for himself with strong performances on an older Honda CBR600RR throughout the 2008 National and Regional road racing seasons, Blaauwendraat is looking forward to the upcoming season and having a brand-new Honda to compete on.
“I'm very excited to be working with Pro Cycle for the upcoming 2009 season,” commented the Truro, NS native. “The 2009 Honda CBR600RR has already shown that it’s a race winner in World Supersport. And I can't wait to put mine into action.”
Blaauwendraat, who also won the Atlantic Roadracing League’s Pro Superbike and Pro 600 Supersport championships in 2008 at Atlantic Motorsport Park, hopes to defend his titles with a repeat performance in 2009 with the help of his new Honda.
"I will be on a stronger and more capable bike than ever before, and I feel very confident in repeating my success from 2008, claiming double titles with ARL. This year will also be a learning year for me,” continued Blaauwendraat. “I will be on a completely new bike to me, and will have to work hard early to get the bike set up.”
Due to budget constraints, Blaauwendraat is unsure of which Parts Canada Superbike Championship rounds he will be able to race. But, after an impressive sixth place Pirelli Superpole qualifying effort in the premier Superbike class at the Atlantic Motorsport Park round of the series last year against motorcycles with 50+ more horsepower than his own 600cc machine, Blaauwendraat plans to put on an exciting show for the hometown fans again this August.
“Unfortunately I don’t know at this point if I have the funding to attend all of the Parts Canada Superbike rounds. Of course, I will be looking for a very strong showing at AMP, my home track,” Blaauwendraat added. “I would like to give a big thank you to Pro Cycle and Honda. If it wasn't for their help I wouldn’t have been riding this year.”
Pro Cycle is no stranger to the racing scene, having been a long-time supporter of the Atlantic round of the National Superbike series and local racing.
“After sponsoring multi-time National champion Don Munroe early in his racing career along with being a sponsor of Acceleration Racing’s Clint McBain and Cody Matechuk in 2008, Pro Cycle is proud to be part of Brian Blaauwendraat’s 2009 racing program,” commented Pro Cycle’s Jim Dunsworth.
Visit Brian on the web: www.brianblaauwendraat.com. His sponsors include Pro Cycle, Honda Canada, Motovan, Pro Tech Suspension, ARL, Vicious Cycle, Acceleration Racing, Lougheads Heating Oils, Uphams Carstar Collision, Bikers Bed & Breakfast, MacLeods Farm Machinery, Pirelli and PPM Mouthgaurds.
Stoner snags BMW at Jerez
The 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner was untouchable in Sunday afternoon’s BMW M Award at the southern Spanish circuit of Jerez, dominating the session onboard his formidable Desmosedici GP9 machine.
Stoner registered a superb 1:38.646 lap in the final 10 minutes of the session, even finding time to give a wave to his Ducati Marlboro team in their pit-box as he flew down the main straight at the end of the lap. Shortly after, the session was brought to a premature close by rainfall, with just over three minutes remaining on the clock.
The winner of last year’s BMW M Award in the rain at Jerez, Stoner’s repeat trick earned him another car to add to his collection, picking up a 135i ‘BMW Sauber F1 Team Edition’, of which only 135 have been made.
The reigning World Champion and winner of the 2007 BMW M Award, Valentino Rossi got closest to Stoner with a 1:39.365, which put him second on the timesheet, 0.719 secs. behind the Australian. Like Stoner, the Fiat Yamaha man is enjoying a good preseason and the pair look like they will push each other hard for the title in 2009.
Behind the front two it was Rizla Suzuki’s Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen who sandwiched fourth placed Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo in the top five.
Causing a surprise in sixth place was Mika Kallio, who impressed his Pramac Racing crew with his pace, despite running off track at one point.
In the continued absence of injured team-mate Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda’s Andrea Dovizioso was the fastest HRC representative. A good performance from returning Ducati rider Sete Gibernau, meanwhile, saw him lap eighth quickest on his Grupo Francisco Hernando satellite bike.
The top 10 was rounded off by San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias and the winner of the 2006 BMW M Award, Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Colin Edwards.
With around 15 minutes remaining Edwards’ team-mate James Toseland suffered a nasty highside crash and was stretchered away, as his problematic preseason continued. The session was briefly red flagged as the English rider was given medical attention at the side of the track, with early reports from Clinica Mobile later indicating that he was heavily bruised but not seriously injured.
Lorenzo fastest on Jerez opening day
Fiat Yamaha’s Jorge Lorenzo was the fastest rider on the first day of the Official MotoGP Test at Jerez on Saturday.
Action concluded in southern Spain with Lorenzo leading the way with a 1:39.791 hot lap to put him 0.070 secs. ahead of his team-mate Valentino Rossi, who was the second fastest participant in the session.
At a circuit where he started in pole position in just his second MotoGP race last year, the Spaniard registered his best time on the 97th turn of a marathon 99-lap workout, setting himself up nicely for Sunday’s BMW M Award session, in which he is sure to face stiff competition from Rossi and Ducati Marlboro’s Casey Stoner.
Behind the factory Yamaha pair at the top of the timesheets, Stoner was third fastest on Saturday, the Australian lapping within 0.115 secs. of Lorenzo. Stoner’s compatriot Chris Vermeulen was fourth, the Rizla Suzuki man continuing his good preseason form with a best effort 0.781 secs. down on Lorenzo’s pace.
The experienced pair of Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) ended up fifth and sixth respectively, both within a second of topping the timesheet.
Completing the top 10 were Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), Alex de Angelis (San Carlo Honda Gresini), Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro) and Toni Elias (San Carlo Honda Gresini). De Angelis suffered a crash in the afternoon, despite conditions improving as the day proceeded after a wet start, but he was unhurt.
James Toseland was 11th fastest, the Englishman looking much more comfortable on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 M1 machine after a nightmare preseason so far.
Hayate Racing’s Marco Melandri will be pleased to have lapped 12th fastest, even though he was 1.369 secs. down on Lorenzo’s best time. The Italian was not lapping in podium pace but will still be satisfied to have discovered a relatively competitive rhythm.
Meanwhile, although returning veteran Sete Gibernau was 16th overall and nearly two seconds off the pace, he was positive at the end of the day having managed to complete 39 laps despite his ongoing shoulder problem.
LCR Honda gets Playboy sponsorship
Lucio Cecchinello’s premier class Honda satellite outfit LCR Honda is all geared up for the new season with a new bike and an exciting new sponsor.
As the team prepares for its fourth season in the premier class working closely with HRC, Cecchinello has reached an agreement with Playboy for the global brand’s licensees to act as ‘Event Title Sponsors’ at individual Grands Prix this season.
Randy de Puniet remains as Cecchinello’s sole rider in 2009 and the fiery Frenchman will have the famous bunny logo promoting Playboy Italy on his leathers and his 800cc RC212V in the early part of the year.
“We have been in touch with Playboy US for a long time and we have defined the guidelines of a project allowing us to start negotiations with some of this evergreen brand’s global licensees," Cecchinello explained. "Playboy Italy has positively assessed the project and confirmed the sponsorship for the early stage of the season (during the test in Jerez this weekend and the GPs in Japan and Spain as title sponsor) linking it to their activities in the view of relaunching the magazine in Italy.
“Currently, there are further ongoing negotiations with licensees in more countries, who have been presented with our ‘projects by event’ concept, which does not imply any millionaire investments.”
The Italian team boss also previewed the forthcoming season, ahead of the Official MotoGP Test in Jerez this weekend, acknowledging the need for an improvement in results after an inconsistent campaign for De Puniet last season. Cecchinello believes his rider will have more competitive machinery this season thanks to a step up in support from HRC.
New Bajaj Pulsar 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Timothy
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Timothy on his 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Coma claims third Desert Classic
KTM Factory rider Marc Coma rode a masterly tactical race to top the podium in the 2009 Desert Classic on the sands around Abu Dhabi. KTM teammate Cyril Despres was second and Norway's Pal-Anders Ullesvalseter's third place gave KTM a clean sweep.
It was the Spanish rider's third win in the United Arab Emirates event in four years and follows on from his Dakar 2009 triumph in January.
Coma, who assumed the lead on Thursday over his teammate Despres, took advantage of a new regulation that allows the race leader to choose a starting position for the final stage. Marc opted to start in fourth place on a day that presented strong winds and where shifting sands reduced visibility. He was able to follow the tracks of those in front and had extended his lead by over two and a half minutes at the first checkpoint.
Coma eventually finished five minutes, 42 seconds ahead of Despres with Ullesvalseter joining the world's two best rally riders on the podium. All three were onboard KTM 690 R machines.
"It's a great feeling to take a second win of the season and to keep up that winning run," Coma told reporters. "Today was very difficult. The first part of the stage was in a sand storm and you couldn't see the dunes or the track too well. The last section was faster, but there were some difficult sand spits to deal with."
Sébastien Husseini came in as the leading Quad in ninth place overall in the bike category riding a KTM 525 XC.
The race was launched in earnest on Monday after Sunday's super special with riders being hampered by strong winds, occasional restricted visibility and shifting sands, with Despres arriving at the Tal Mureeb bivouac with a slim 41-second edge on Coma after the 442.36km of high speed sand flats and sabkas (salt flats).
Ullesvalseter of Norway settled in behind the two KTM factory riders in third place.
Low-lying fog delayed the start on Tuesday where riders had to tackle soft sand and high temperatures but Coma struck back during the 296.75km desert loop, setting the stage for what was to be a tactical game by the world's two top riders. The Spaniard was 1:39 faster over Despres at the first passage control and finished the day's ride with a 1:25 lead.
The overall lead reverted to the Frenchman Despres in stage three, a 340km loop in what was regarded as the most difficult stage of the rally. He slipped past his arch rival but admitted there was still a lot of work to do. By the end of the day over the tricky dunes Coma had narrowed the deficit to the slimmest 22-second margin.
Then, on the penultimate day, beset by strong winds and hampered visibility, Coma again reclaimed the lead from Despres to set up a gladiatorial battle on the final day. With the weather a major factor on the final day, all that was left was for Coma to play his ace card, choose his starting position carefully and go out and finish the job. He closed out the race in third place in the final stage, and with Despres coming in at fifth, the prize again went to KTM's Spanish rider.
Overall Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 20:18:00
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, 20:23:42
3. Pal-Anders Ullesvalseter, Norway, KTM, 20:25:36
4. Sean Gaugain, South Africa, Honda, 20:46:11
5. Mark Ackerman, South Africa, KTM, 20:49:53
6. Jakub Przygonski, Poland, KTM, 20:50:32
7. Dave McBride, Britain, Honda, 20:58:38
8. Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM, 21:56:33
9. Sébastien Husseini, Netherlands, KTM 525 XC, 22:02:36 (top Quad)
0. Sean Linton, Britain, Honda, 22:11:50
Hacking cleared to race at Road Atlanta
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - Attack Kawasaki rider Jamie Hacking has been placed on probation for the remainder of the 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing season and his minimum one-event penalty that was assessed following this past Sunday's race at Auto Club Speedway has been suspended for the balance of the season following a productive meeting on Friday with AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson and his management team at AMA Pro headquarters in Daytona Beach.
Hacking has paid the related $4,000 (US) fine and also delivered to AMA Pro management in the meeting a letter of apology following the penalty for "conduct detrimental to the sport of professional motorcycle racing" that was assessed Sunday evening following the second and final AMA Pro Daytona SportBike presented by AMSOIL race of the weekend.
Hacking used a string of profane language while exiting the press interview area in the Auto Club Speedway media centre in addition to displaying additional acts of inappropriate behaviour in both public and media interviews throughout the weekend.
Hacking will be permitted to compete in next weekend's event at Road Atlanta but any violations of his probation in that event or any other on the 2009 schedule will result in the immediate enforcement of the one-event penalty, in addition to any other fines, penalties or suspensions related to the infraction.
In the meeting and through his formal letter, Hacking apologized to the "AMA organization and staff, Auto Club Speedway, event sponsors, media and all of the race fans."
AMA Pro officials were satisfied with Hacking's actions and demeanour during the meeting. The organization wishes to thank Hacking, his wife Rachel and Team Attack Kawasaki principal Richard Stanboli, who were all in attendance at the meeting, for their cooperation and professionalism in addressing this situation.
Advertiser of the Day - Belleville Sport & Lawn
If it has an engine in it Belleville Sport and Lawn might just have it! Belleville Sport and Lawn is a third generation-owned, family business started in the 1950s as Alton Hadley Ltd. We branched off as Belleville Sport & Lawn in 1976 and have been providing Belleville area residents with fun and affordable outdoor vehicles ever since. These days we offer the same value and even more excitement!
Here’s what you’ll find at Belleville Sport and Lawn: Honda and Suzuki motorcycles, including street cruisers and off-road bikes and ATVs; Bombardier ATVs, snowmobiles, outboard motors and fishing and motor boats. We even offer chainsaws and lawnmowers! All warranty work is handled in our full-service shop and is complemented by our extensive parts and accessory departments.
Honda Electronic ABS
Just a quick blog to let you know about the latests feature article on www.inter-bike.co.uk
Motorcycle journalist Ian Kerr tests Honda's revolutionary new electronic ABS. Now sports bike riders can have the benefits of ABS. Read Ian's article, how he could brake on loose sand on a Honda Fireblade equiped with the new ABS system!!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Martin confirmed with BMW in Sport Bike
WHITBY, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada is pleased to announce the addition of Francis Martin to the 2009 BMW Motorrad Canada Motorsport Team.
Martin, hailing from Sherbrooke, QC, is a veteran of the Parts Canada Superbike series having competed with five different teams in the series and claiming the Canadian Open Sportbike Championship in 2002 and reigning as Canadian Superbike Champion in both 1999 and 2005.
“I am delighted to be part of the BMW Motorrad Canada race team,” stated Martin. “I’m itching to get familiar with the BMW racebike as soon as possible – the season can’t start soon enough!”
Both Mike Ferreira and Martin will compete in the revised Parts Canada Superbike Championship aboard the 2009 BMW HP2 Sport, race-developed in the last two years of the previous Canadian Thunder series.
This year sees a heavily revamped landscape for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship with the elimination of the Canadian Thunder and Sport Twin Classes after the withdrawal of Ducati and KTM from the series. This has resulted in major changes to the rules to the former 600cc Sport Bike classes, opening the door for a range of new machinery to participate.
Starting with the 2009 season, twin cylinder motorcycles from Buell and BMW will be allowed to compete in the Sport Bike classes, running to separate weight and horsepower limitations than their 600cc four cylinder opposition.
Chris Duff, Marketing and Race Team manager for BMW Motorrad Canada stated, “As we work toward the possibility of entering superbike racing in Canada in 2010, the opportunity to have a two-time Canadian Superbike Champion on the team for 2009 is an incredible bonus. We are very excited to have Francis on board for this season.
"With Francis teamed up with Mike Ferreira, a former Pro 600 Sportbike Regional Champion and veteran of two Canadian Thunder seasons with BMW, we are looking forward to seeing BMW running up front in the new Pro Sportbike Class.”
Tanggul Jebol Situ Gintung
New French Motorcycle Law!
I first picked up on this new law following a brief article letter posted in the April edition of the The BMW Club Journal and immediately found the following more detailed explanation on the internet at http://www.motosportsbusiness.com/new-french-motorcycle-laws-protest-nest-pas/
Its amazing that a US biker site has this but there is nothing in the UK biker press about it. Anyway quoting from www.motorsportsbusiness.com 's article here is the new French law:-
"A new motorcycle law that comes into effect in April. Any law enforcement officer, with nothing more to go on that a suspicion, can take away a motorcycle, have it towed (at the owners expense) to a garage to have a technical person check out your motorcycle for legal nonconformity. The law does not stipulate that the person checking out your motorcycle needs to be technically proficient with motorcycles - any old car mechanic is “qualified” to do the job!
After the owner has “repaired” his or her motorcycle to put it into a “legal” state, they will need to have it verified again by the so-called experts. The owner will need to pay for everything, the towing, the initial expert review, the repairs and the validation by the experts. If a motorcycle is towed, and found to be legal, too bad for the owner, he still needs to pay!"
Our question here at www.inter-bike.co.uk to all you bikers out there, does anyone know if this applies to bikes visiting France as well or just French registered bikes? Cos if it applies to any bike not only do the French local bikers have a big problem but any of us who choose to tour on motorbikes in France may well have.
I am sure most of us have modified our bikes in some way, after-market screen, aftermarket legal exhaust etc.,. This new law is a potential minefield!
Anyway, please can someone let us know more detail, so we can share it with all bikers out there?
That's all for now!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fargo, ND flood
I'm getting excited that I get to go home this weekend to see my family. But I am behind on home life in general, so no chance to get caught up on the internet.
I miss all of you, my internet buddies. I look forward to getting caught up, "someday". I'm on call to go back up to Fargo, and handle claims again depending on volume. I pray for the folks here that I don't have to come back to handle a total city flood.
When I get a chance, I'll try to post some pictures. I've got some really cool ones.
TTFN
Advertiser of the Day - Reinhart Trailers
At Reinhart Trailers they have established an astounding relationship with their clients. Their clients utilize Reinhart Trailers as their one source for ensuring product integrity and dealer honesty. As business grew, they have remained focused on providing the best value and the best customer service to each and every one of their clients. Reinhart Trailers objective is to exceed the expectations of every customer, every time they have the opportunity to serve them. With over 10 years experience in the trailer industry, they can assure you that their highly trained and enthusiastic employees will satisfy all of your requirements.
Congress votes to close more than 2 million acres nationwide to off-highway vehicles
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.
It then went to the House for the March 25 vote.
"The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review.
"For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said.
The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text.
Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill.
"These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.'
"So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?"
Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end.
"This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation.
"Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said.
Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."
Vespa GTS 300 Super front side pictures
Vespa GTS 300 Super side back view
Vespa S 50 side left view
Vespa S 50 front pictures
Vespa S 50 side right view
Vespa GTV LXV 250 front side view
Vespa GTV LXV 250 side left pictures
Vespa GTV LXV 250 side right view
