What do you think?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Breaking into a formation
I recently was asked my opinion on what I thought about breaking into the line of a biker formation with a car. Meaning when a group of motorcyclists is riding in staggered formation, clearly riding together as a group, has a car merge into the formation. The person who asked me used to ride, so he does have a clue, and does respect bikers. He said he was following about 15 bikers riding staggered formation, on a long winding hilly road. The group of riders was going about 5 M.P.H. under the speed limit for a very long time, and were holding up quite a line of traffic behind them. It was a difficult road to pass, with little opportunities to do so. He said there were four other cars in front of him, and the opportunity came to pass, and as a group of 5 cars, they all went to pass the biker group. He said just as the other four cars made it, a vehicle was coming around the next curve, and he realized he was not going to make it. He said he could not merge back into traffic behind the group, because he was so close to the front already, and would hit the oncoming car head on if he waited that long to fall back. He said he had no choice but to turn on his right turn signal, and pray that the group of bikers would let him merge into their formation. They did, and he did. He said not so much by either of their choice, but it had to be done. He felt they would understand, and give him a break, and as first opportunity would come, he would let them resume without him in their line up. The lead biker (Lets say Road Captain) Freaked the Fuck out. (He could not confirm if this was a HOG organization, or MC, or just casual group of friends riding together. He said he thought the latter, as no one had on any colors. Anyway, the leader would not let him pass. Would not let him do anything. Every time he went to get out of there the biker sped up, and got in front of him and slowed way down to like 30 in a 55 M.P.H, zone, furthering the traffic delay they were creating in the first place. He said this went on for about 15 miles or so, before he finally turned off. I said etiquette wise, probably not wise to break biker formation. Consider it one unit, like a really long truck. Watch as most times at an intersection if a group is riding in formation, they will proceed through an intersection as if they were one vehicle. I did mention that the lead biker sounds like he had his undies in a bunch though. I would have given the guy a break.
KTM Recalls 2009 690 Duke and 690 SMC for Fork Cracks
KTM is recalling certain 2009 690 Duke and 690 SMC motorcycles.
During use, the front forks could develop cracks; this could result in the possibility of the front fork inner tube separating from the axle clamp. The cause of the defect involves improper heat treatment of the front fork inner tubes by the manufacturer.
237 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
During use, the front forks could develop cracks; this could result in the possibility of the front fork inner tube separating from the axle clamp. The cause of the defect involves improper heat treatment of the front fork inner tubes by the manufacturer.
237 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Jonway Recalls 2008 Sunny Scooters for Brake Line Retainer Defect
Jonway is recalling certain 2008 Sunny motorcycles.
The scooters were intended to be built with rubber hydraulic brake line that is routed through a retainer to prevent front tire contact. However, in some cases, the retainer may not have been installed during scooter assembly. If the retainer is missing, the front tire may rub through the brake line.
180 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
The scooters were intended to be built with rubber hydraulic brake line that is routed through a retainer to prevent front tire contact. However, in some cases, the retainer may not have been installed during scooter assembly. If the retainer is missing, the front tire may rub through the brake line.
180 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Jonway Recalls 2008 YY150T-12 and YY50QT-21A Scooters for Fuel Filter Leakage
Jonway is recalling certain 2008 YY150T-12 and YY50QT-21A scooters.
The scooters were built with 2 piece, inline, fuel filters that may begin leaking where the two pieces join.
5000 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
The scooters were built with 2 piece, inline, fuel filters that may begin leaking where the two pieces join.
5000 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Continuous Enforcement of Insurance (CEI)
Yes yet another piece of proposed legislation aimed at motorists including us bikers.
The BMF has forcibly pointed out that this proposal spells trouble.
CIE will operate by identifying those vehicles that appear to be kept uninsured from a comparison of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authoritys ("DVLA") vehicles' register and the Motor Insurance Database held by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Chris Hodder, the BMFs Government Relations Executive said: "Given the inaccuracy of the information already on the database, we suspect that a great deal of time and effort will be wasted enforcing the unnecessary. While supporting the need for those caught driving or riding without insurance to be prosecuted, the BMF would like to see this being done through road policing and not through an error-prone blind system such as the proposed CIE."
So for those of us who have multi-bike policies, classic bike collectors it could mean trouble or if you lent a taxed but uninsured machine to a fully insured friend, it could still result in you the owner committing an offence!
What else will they think of!!!!
The consultation document can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/motor/
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
The BMF has forcibly pointed out that this proposal spells trouble.
CIE will operate by identifying those vehicles that appear to be kept uninsured from a comparison of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authoritys ("DVLA") vehicles' register and the Motor Insurance Database held by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Chris Hodder, the BMFs Government Relations Executive said: "Given the inaccuracy of the information already on the database, we suspect that a great deal of time and effort will be wasted enforcing the unnecessary. While supporting the need for those caught driving or riding without insurance to be prosecuted, the BMF would like to see this being done through road policing and not through an error-prone blind system such as the proposed CIE."
So for those of us who have multi-bike policies, classic bike collectors it could mean trouble or if you lent a taxed but uninsured machine to a fully insured friend, it could still result in you the owner committing an offence!
What else will they think of!!!!
The consultation document can be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/motor/
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Szoke ends Jennings test at the front
From Professional Motorsports Productions
JENNINGS, FL – Jordan Szoke’s bid for a fourth straight Parts Canada Superbike Championship is off to a solid start following the two-day official Pirelli Tire Test at JenningsGP in Jennings, FL.
The Brantford, ON rider ended the test with the fastest time on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R and established a track record with a lap at one minute, 14.421 seconds around the 3.219km (2.0-mile) circuit on Wednesday morning.
He was unable to beat that mark in the warmer conditions in the afternoon but still set the fastest Superbike lap at 1:14.615.
“I had the perfect lap until going into the esses I got wide, and if you don’t get it right to start with you screw it all up,” Szoke explained. “I also think I could have been more aggressive through the last corner. The bike felt fantastic and I think if it had been 10 degrees cooler I could have gone faster than this morning.”
The next best Superbike time was a 1:15.604 from Brett McCormick on the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000. The Saskatoon rider, who is making his debut with the Suzuki squad in 2009, made a late bid to improve but tucked the front end in the final corner. He was not injured in the fall.
McCormick did take the honours for the fastest time among the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike competitors, however, with a 1:15.052 aboard his Suzuki GSX-R600 in Wednesday’s morning session.
Szoke came close to that in the afternoon, but could only manage a 1:15.071.
“I’m happy about that,” said McCormick of his Sport Bike effort, “especially after the last couple of years, where I’ve struggled a bit with the 600. This team is super-knowledgeable and I’ve learned a lot the past couple of days.”
The top Sport Bike times came with the latest version of Pirelli’s DOT tire and represented an improvement of over half a second from last year’s JenningsGP test, where Szoke had the fastest time at 1:15.687.
Few riders were able to improve on their Wednesday morning times in the warmer afternoon conditions. Kevin Lacombe was third fastest Superbike with a 1:16.235 on his Team Toyota Yamaha OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1 and managed a 1:16.364 on the YZF-R6, which placed him second behind Szoke in the afternoon session.
Alex Welsh was fourth fastest in Superbike at 1:17.996 as he continued to come to grips with the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R on his debut with the team and managed a 1:17.353 on the ZX-6R Sport Bike.
Lacombe’s team-mate Tony Kasper of Becker, MN turned a 1:18.315 on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
The 2009 Parts Canada Superbike Championship opens at Calabogie Motorsports Park, near Ottawa on May 21-24.
Szoke breaks lap record at Jennings
From Professional Motorsports Productions
JENNINGS, FL – Jordan Szoke finally cracked the outright track record at JenningsGP in the final morning of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship official Pirelli Tire Test on Wednesday.
The Brantford, ON rider turned a fastest lap of one minute, 14.421 seconds on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R to lead all competitors on the 3.219km (2.0-mile) circuit. The previous record was a 1:14.510 set by Geoff May on a Suzuki GSX-R1000.
On Tuesday afternoon Szoke managed a 1:14.600 and had virtually equaled that mark early Wednesday morning before taking another run just before the lunch break.
“I actually had a problem coming out of turn one,” explained Szoke, winner of five Canadian Superbike titles, including the last three. “It wheelied all the way down the straight, and when I finally put it down I got a bit of a wiggle and it screwed up my entry into the kink. Fortunately I was able to clean up the rest of the lap.”
The next quickest Superbike time was a 1:15.983 set by Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe on the Team Toyota Yamaha OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1, his best mark of the test.
Brett McCormick was quickest among the Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike competitors with a 1:15.052 on the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Motorsport Suzuki GSX-R600, the quickest time of the test so far. The Saskatoon rider did not ride his GSX-R1000 Superbike in the morning session.
Szoke was next up with a 1:15.425 on the new Kawasaki ZX-6R. He managed a 1:15.132 on Tuesday afternoon.
Lacombe was third best among the Sport Bike class at 1:16.103 on his Yamaha YZF-R6 and Szoke’s new team-mate, Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, ON, was next up at 1:16.834 on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Tony Kasper of Becker, Minn. rounded out the top five in Sport Bike with a 1:17.750 on his Team Toyota Yamaha OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R6.
Last year’s Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike champion Jodi Christie of Keene, ON continued to settle in with his Honda Powerhouse Dealers of Ontario / ProStar Motorsports squad and turned a best lap of 1:18.243 on the Honda CBR600RR.
Sherbrooke, QC’s Francis Martin continued to drop his times on the BMW Motorrad Canada BMW HP2 with a 1:18.580. The bike will be making its debut in the revamped Pro Sport Bike class in 2009.
Action at JenningsGP concludes with a session on Wednesday afternoon.
The 2009 Parts Canada Superbike Championship opens at Calabogie Motorsports Park, near Ottawa on May 21-24.
Gravel Roads-High-tech Motorcycle.
Once in a while you will have the fortune, or misfortune, depending on how you look at it to travel down a gravel road with your motorcycle.
Gravel and street motorcycles are not that compatible but with a little common sense they can be navigated with ease.
Sometimes the only access to your destination is by gravel roads and you will not want to bypass it just because of a little gravel.
The best way to stay upright on a gravel road is to slow down take an ultra light grasp of the bars and let the front end of the motorcycle do its thing.
The loose stones on the road will jerk the front tire around and the worst thing you want to do is jerk back or try to man handle the steering. Usually you can follow in the tire tracks of the cars where the loose stones have been pushed to the side and all that is left is the packed base. It is when the tire tracks cross where you will ride over loose stones and your front tire will skip from side to side and this is where the loose hands on the steering comes in, let the front tire jump around a bit and it will correct itself.
Gravel road graders usually grade the road by bring the gravel, kicked off to the side, back to the middle of the road to form a crown. So riding close to the ditch will keep you out of the really loose stuff and some times all that is left on the sides is hard pack.
At any rate if you are out riding around with no destination try a little patch of gravel riding to practise just in case you find out that you have to challenge a gravel road some day.
Gravel and street motorcycles are not that compatible but with a little common sense they can be navigated with ease.
Sometimes the only access to your destination is by gravel roads and you will not want to bypass it just because of a little gravel.
The best way to stay upright on a gravel road is to slow down take an ultra light grasp of the bars and let the front end of the motorcycle do its thing.The loose stones on the road will jerk the front tire around and the worst thing you want to do is jerk back or try to man handle the steering. Usually you can follow in the tire tracks of the cars where the loose stones have been pushed to the side and all that is left is the packed base. It is when the tire tracks cross where you will ride over loose stones and your front tire will skip from side to side and this is where the loose hands on the steering comes in, let the front tire jump around a bit and it will correct itself.
Gravel road graders usually grade the road by bring the gravel, kicked off to the side, back to the middle of the road to form a crown. So riding close to the ditch will keep you out of the really loose stuff and some times all that is left on the sides is hard pack.
At any rate if you are out riding around with no destination try a little patch of gravel riding to practise just in case you find out that you have to challenge a gravel road some day.
Yamaha Vmax wallpaper
Yamaha Vmax side left view
Yamaha Vmax pictures
Kawasaki KX450F side up pictures
Kawasaki KX450F side left pictures
Kawasaki KX450F side right pictures
Kawasaki ER-6N side up view
Kawasaki ER-6N front side view
Kawasaki ER-6N wallpaperConsumer Product Safety Commission set to vote by Friday
From AMA
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore, the two members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are scheduled to vote by Friday, May 1, on whether to delay enforcement of a lead law that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. Specific details of the ballot have not yet been released.
The two commissioners voted earlier this month to deny a petition to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). However, the commissioners indicated their desire to enact a stay of enforcement that would give the motorcycle industry and Congress time to pass legislation exempting these vehicles from the law as it is currently written.
"The effect of denying the petition is to make Section 101(e) of the CPSIA, which limits the commission's authority to stay enforcement during rulemaking, no longer applicable," said Nord on April 3 in her statement on the request for exclusion from lead content limits of the CPSIA of 2008. "Therefore, during the pendency of a stay of enforcement, ATVs and motorized bikes appropriately sized for children 12 and younger can again be available and the Commission will not seek penalties for violation of Section 101 and related provisions of the CPSIA against those who sell them. I hope that the state attorneys general will follow the lead of the agency on this matter."
On April 17, commission filings in preparation for the vote indicated a stay could be as long as two years, possibly expiring May 1, 2011.
Despite Nord's statement, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute violators if they chose to do so.
"Even if the CPSC commissioners do approve a stay, the vote won't solve the bigger problem," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen. We will continue to work with our partners in the industry and our friends in Congress to make certain that it does."
RCC Turbos sponsors CMDRA series
From canadiandragbike.com
The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association recently announced that turbo specialist RCC Turbos has come on board as official sponsor of the Pro Street series for 2009.
“It was a natural fit that RCC Turbos came on board for 2009,” said CMDRA Director and class competitor Ethan Barkley. “Several of the leading competitors in the class utilize RCC Turbo kits. They make some of the best kits on the market today, and the technical support is outstanding."
Because of RCC Turbos’ support, the CMDRA will offer an entire East Pro Street series in addition to the popular West series. The new East series will have its own championship points system, payouts and record tracking.
RCC Turbos is a world renowned builder of turbocharger kits and parts based in Fordwich, ON. Owner Richard Peppler will be campaigning his own brand new turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa on the East tour this year.
For more info visit www.cmdra.com or www.rccturbos.com.
Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup - Jerez Preview - May 2nd & 3rd
From KTM
The future World Champions begin their battle for the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup this coming weekend as part of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. The 3rd Rookies season starts with two races, one on Saturday May 2nd and one on Sunday May 3rd, the beginning of an 8 race Cup.
The promotion of Rookie talent has got another boost with the news that one of this year's Cup favourites, the 17 year old Norwegian Sturla Fagerhaug, will have the first of a number of Wild Card rides as part of the factory Red Bull KTM 125 team at the following Grand Prix in France. Cameron Beaubier, his team mate for that event, is also an ex Rookie and with Lorenzo Savadori, Matt Hoyle and Johann Zarco all ex Rookies with regular GP rides this year the alumni are starting to populate the 125 GP class.
This season for the first time fans will be able to watch the Rookies races live thanks to a satellite feed to the Rookies Cup website www.redbullrookiescup.com and this will continue all year. After the event the recorded races will remain on the Rookies TV section of the site. All the Rookies races and other features will also be available to broadcast media through Red Bull's content pool at www.redbullcontentpool.com
None of those battling in Spain will be thinking about the fact that previous Jerez winners have not gone on to win the Cup and favourite going into the opening round is Fagerhaug, who was a close 3rd in the 2008 Cup behind double Jerez winner Luis Salom.
Fagerhaug was quickest at the Jerez pre-season test but is far too level headed to assume that this is any kind of guarantee especially as 14 year old Japanese Daijiro Hiura, fastest in the opening pre-season test in Estoril, missed the second day in Jerez as he had to return home to school.
"I love the track," says Fagerhaug. "It's been resurfaced and is smoother than it was before, it's got fast corners, some tricky ones. It's a lot of fun."
The home country advantage goes to Daniel Ruiz and the 17 year old from Pamplona pushed absent Hiura out of second spot on practice times late in the second day of the test. "I know that everyone is going to be faster at the race," said Ruiz. "I enjoy the track but it is going to be very tough, there are so many fast riders and our times from the test are not important."
One of those hoping that Ruiz is right is Deane Brown, the 16 year old Scot, who scored 2 third places at last year's season opener in Jerez but was only 11th fastest at the test. He suffered an early fall when another rider's crashing machine took him out and that left him with an injured elbow that hampered him for the rest of the test. "It was just a bit of bad luck but at least we ended up with a good bike setting. I'm fit now and really looking forward to the races. Last year was good but I'm going for 2 wins in Jerez this year, I'll not be happy with anything else."
Another Briton who was hampered by injury after a fall was 15 year old Danny Kent, it was and injured wrist that kept him down in 8th place. "I think we still have some work to do on the bike because it didn't work as well as it did at Estoril and my wrist was stopping me riding the way I should so it wasn't easy to sort it out."
It the same injured-riders club was Benny Solis winner of the 2008 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, he suffered a nasty injury to the little finger of his left hand at the Estoril test and was struggling to learn the Jerez track and set a good time. The 14 year old Californian was 19th fastest with fellow countryman, 15 year old, Jake Gagne ahead in 13th and 14 year old Kentuckian Hayden Gillim 23rd.
The future World Champions begin their battle for the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup this coming weekend as part of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez. The 3rd Rookies season starts with two races, one on Saturday May 2nd and one on Sunday May 3rd, the beginning of an 8 race Cup.
The promotion of Rookie talent has got another boost with the news that one of this year's Cup favourites, the 17 year old Norwegian Sturla Fagerhaug, will have the first of a number of Wild Card rides as part of the factory Red Bull KTM 125 team at the following Grand Prix in France. Cameron Beaubier, his team mate for that event, is also an ex Rookie and with Lorenzo Savadori, Matt Hoyle and Johann Zarco all ex Rookies with regular GP rides this year the alumni are starting to populate the 125 GP class.
This season for the first time fans will be able to watch the Rookies races live thanks to a satellite feed to the Rookies Cup website www.redbullrookiescup.com and this will continue all year. After the event the recorded races will remain on the Rookies TV section of the site. All the Rookies races and other features will also be available to broadcast media through Red Bull's content pool at www.redbullcontentpool.com
None of those battling in Spain will be thinking about the fact that previous Jerez winners have not gone on to win the Cup and favourite going into the opening round is Fagerhaug, who was a close 3rd in the 2008 Cup behind double Jerez winner Luis Salom.
Fagerhaug was quickest at the Jerez pre-season test but is far too level headed to assume that this is any kind of guarantee especially as 14 year old Japanese Daijiro Hiura, fastest in the opening pre-season test in Estoril, missed the second day in Jerez as he had to return home to school.
"I love the track," says Fagerhaug. "It's been resurfaced and is smoother than it was before, it's got fast corners, some tricky ones. It's a lot of fun."
The home country advantage goes to Daniel Ruiz and the 17 year old from Pamplona pushed absent Hiura out of second spot on practice times late in the second day of the test. "I know that everyone is going to be faster at the race," said Ruiz. "I enjoy the track but it is going to be very tough, there are so many fast riders and our times from the test are not important."
One of those hoping that Ruiz is right is Deane Brown, the 16 year old Scot, who scored 2 third places at last year's season opener in Jerez but was only 11th fastest at the test. He suffered an early fall when another rider's crashing machine took him out and that left him with an injured elbow that hampered him for the rest of the test. "It was just a bit of bad luck but at least we ended up with a good bike setting. I'm fit now and really looking forward to the races. Last year was good but I'm going for 2 wins in Jerez this year, I'll not be happy with anything else."
Another Briton who was hampered by injury after a fall was 15 year old Danny Kent, it was and injured wrist that kept him down in 8th place. "I think we still have some work to do on the bike because it didn't work as well as it did at Estoril and my wrist was stopping me riding the way I should so it wasn't easy to sort it out."
It the same injured-riders club was Benny Solis winner of the 2008 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, he suffered a nasty injury to the little finger of his left hand at the Estoril test and was struggling to learn the Jerez track and set a good time. The 14 year old Californian was 19th fastest with fellow countryman, 15 year old, Jake Gagne ahead in 13th and 14 year old Kentuckian Hayden Gillim 23rd.
The Yamaha YBR250 is here!
Yamaha have decided to bring the Yamaha YBR250 into the UK now, although it has been on sale in Europe for some time. A single cylinder 250cc four stroke motorcycle with a low seat height of 805mm, it will be available in black or silver.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Szoke leads at end of first day
From Professional Motorsports Productions
JENNINGS, FL – Two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Jordan Szoke underlined his status as the king of Canadian road racing with an impressive performance to conclude the opening day of the official Pirelli test at JenningsGP in Jennings, FL.
The Brantford, ON racer rode his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R to the fastest overall time on Tuesday with a one minute, 14.600 second lap around the 3.219km (2.0-mile) JenningsGP circuit.
He backed that up with the second best overall time, and the top Yoshimura Sport Bike lap at 1:15.132 aboard the brand new Kawasaki ZX-6R.
“It felt good,” said Szoke of his Superbike lap, which was just shy of the track record of 1:14.51. “On my second lap on that tire I actually got through turns one and two better, but I ran into trouble later on the lap. But it’s so hot right now; I think if it was a little cooler we could run into the 13s.”
Szoke’s closest challenger was Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick. After turning the fastest time of the morning on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R600, McCormick switched to his new GSX-R1000 Superbike for the afternoon and managed a 1:15.444, the third best time overall.
“We’ve been making progress with both bikes,” said the 17-year-old McCormick. “This afternoon I got my first few laps on the Superbike and it’s awesome. We’re already setting quick times on it.”
Kevin Lacombe rolled out the new Yamaha Motor Canada / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R1 and got down to the third best Superbike time of the afternoon, and fourth overall with a 1:16.462. The Granby, QC rider also had the second fastest Sport Bike time of 1:16.702 on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
Szoke’s Canadian Kawasaki Motors team-mate Alex Welsh spent time on both his Kawasaki ZX-10R and ZX-6R. The defending HJC Pro Rookie of the Year turned a lap at 1:17.962 on the ZX-6R and a best of 1:18.641 in his first experience of the Superbike.
Becker, MN rookie Tony Kasper recorded a lap at 1:18.394 on the second of the Yamaha Motor Canada / OTSFF YZF-R6 machines, and defending Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike champ Jodi Christie of Keene, Ont. was next up with a 1:19.225, despite a light crash late in the day on his Powerhouse Honda Dealers of Ontario / ProStar Motorsports Honda CBR600RR.
Sherbrooke, QC’s Francis Martin made steady progress in his first experience of the BMW Motorrad Canada BMW HP2 and worked his time down to a 1:19.762.
Action at JenningsGP will continue with a full day of testing on Wednesday.
The 2009 Parts Canada Superbike Championship opens at Calabogie Motorsports Park, near Ottawa on May 21-24.
McCormick opens new season on top
From Professional Motorsports Productions
JENNINGS, FL – Brett McCormick fired the first shot of the 2009 Parts Canada Superbike Championship season by recording the fastest time on the opening morning of the two-day official Pirelli test at JenningsGP in Jennings, Fla. on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old from Saskatoon set a time of one minute, 15.639 seconds around the 3.219km (2.0-mile) road course on his Team Suzuki /Blackfoot / Picotte Motorsport Suzuki GSX-R600. That was over a second quicker than his former team-mate Jordan Szoke, who turned a 1:16.660 on his new Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6R.
“I have no complaints,” said McCormick, who won the final round of last year’s Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “This is my first time on the 600 and it’s an awesome bike, easy to adapt to. I’m a second faster than I’ve gone here before. We’re just fine tuning the bike, making it more consistent.”
Most of the riders chose to focus on their Yoshimura Pro Sport Bike class machines in the three-hour morning session.
Szoke, from Brantford, ON, is the two-time defending champion in the class and also the Parts Canada Superbike champ the past two seasons.
Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe was third fastest on his Yamaha Canada / OTSFF Yamaha YZF-R6 with a time of 1:16.963.
Next up were a pair of young guns. Szoke’s new team-mate, Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, ON turned the fourth fastest time of 1:18.516 on his Kawasaki ZX-6R in his debut with the Canadian Kawasaki Motors factory team. Becker, MN rider Tony Kasper was fifth with a 1:18.784 aboard the second Yamaha Canada / OTSFF YZF-R6.
Next up was Francis Martin of Sherbrooke, QC, who turned a 1:20.444 on the BMW Motorrad Canada BMW HP2. The bike is making its debut in the Sport Bike ranks.
Seventh fastest was defending Armour Bodies Amateur Sport Bike champ Jodi Christie with a 1:23.469 on his first outing with the Honda Powerhouse Dealers of Ontario / ProStar Motorsports Honda CBR600RR.
Rounding out the Pro Sport Bike runners was Elie Daccache of Ottawa, who turned a 1:26.632 on his Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Erick Beausejour of Val d’Or, QC ran a Suzuki GSX-R1000 he recently purchased from Picotte Motorsports and turned a fastest lap of 1:19.729.
Amateur Sport Bike competitor Brett Birnie of Ottawa recorded a best of 1:26.045 on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
Action at JenningsGP will continue with another test session Tuesday afternoon and a full day of track activity on Wednesday.
Accessories for the Moto Morini Granpasso
Motoi Morini's Granpasso now has an extensive range of accessories for you adventure sports bikers.
The picture above shows it with Alumix luggage fitted, additional accessories now include hand guards, heated grips, tank cover, tank bag, mobiplast luggage top case, side cases including fitting kit, side cases including fitting kit and top case back rest. Further details at www.motomorinimotorcycles.co.uk.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Ducati Monster Art!
Ducati is the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer so many different colour options for one single model.
The 10 new colours in which you will be able to order your Ducati Monster are:-
Rosso GP Red
Verde Tricolore Green
Giallo Ducati Yellow
Lilla Glamour Lilac
Blu Italia Blue
Azzurro Mediterranei Azure-Blue
Arancione Scrambler Orange
Amaranto Glossy Rich Purple
Argento Vivo Silver
Oro Puro Gold
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Ride to Remember returns in June
From Whistlestop Productions
Dave Hatch, host of TSN’s Motorcycle Experience, says everything is now set to go for the re-launch this summer of the popular Ride to Remember motorcycle rally in Eastern Ontario.
The annual fundraising event for Camp Trillium celebrates all things on two wheels and, along with the support of the Hallowell Firefighters, has donated over $80,000 dollars to Camp Trillium. This year, the Ride to Remember will touch down for one day only at the Picton Airport, on Saturday June 6.
Hatch noted that the event had been in hiatus for a couple of years after the Ride For Sight motorcycle rally set up camp in Trenton two years ago.
“The Hallowell Firefighters felt that there was no way we could compete with a national fundraising machine like the Ride For Sight when it moved into the neighborhood,” Hatch said, “so we decided to take a break. But now that the Ride For Sight has moved back up to its original site in Collingwood, that pretty much opened the door for us to kick start the Ride To Remember.”
Thanks to the generosity of the owners of Loch Sloy Holdings, local bikers will enjoy Factory Demo Rides provided by Suzuki, Honda, BMW and Harley-Davidson starting from the rally’s original host site at the historic Picton Airport. Once again the manufacturers will be inviting licensed motorcycle riders to sample their new motorcycle lineups on a scenic trip through Prince Edward County.
In keeping with the firefighters' wishes for the Ride to Remember to remain a family oriented happening, this year they’ve added some exciting new features like the Buell Stunt Riding Show. There will also be a Massive Silent Auction that boasts some of the best motorcycle bargains in Ontario, and while the bikers check out the deals, they will also be able to enjoy live music on site all day.
Many local motorcycle dealers will be on hand, displaying the very latest in riding gear and accessories, and a couple of local farm equipment vendors have promised to bring along their spectacular line-up of 2009 ATVs. Back by popular demand is the Yamaha Riding Academy, a popular mini bike training area for children aged six to 12. The folks from Yamaha provide the instructors, bikes, all the riding gear, and no experience is required.
This year the ride will remember Maxime Mercier. For more information visit www.ridetoremember.ca.
Attention: Ontario Camp for the Deaf in jeopardy
From Derek Rumball
As you may or may not be aware, the Township has formally informed me that there is to be no more "motor vehicle racing" on the camp property. They informed us of this on April 6.
I am trying to resolve it with the township so that no 2009 events are in jeopardy. Public opinion will go a long way to assist in this. A letter to the Mayor of the township expressing your disappointment and the effect of the prohibited activities will add a lot of weight to the appeal.
I can not create a form letter as it does not carry much impact. Real, honest and heart felt letters from effected racers ,riders, and jeep crawlers will have a real impact.
Some suggested items to be included
* the short notice as events, vacations , schedules are planned well in advance
* the impact on your racer especially if its a kid
* your vacation $$$ being spent in the community and your personal plans being messed with
* your fondness for the camp and the track
* asking for an explanation of how they endorsed the WEC last year but not this year
* how many years you've attended the races or events at the camp
* how much $$$ you spend at local commercial folks
* the safe riding environment at the camp as opposed to unorganized, trespass riding
* For the ATV Crowd to mention the CMRC award and the ATV specific built track
I'm sure there is lots more to add. Please do not make reference to poor decision but rather ask for an explanation. If a question is asked and you are requesting a reply, it has to be done and entered into the minutes. Care must be taken in making the letters sound disappointing but not angry or demanding.
Address letters to:
Mayor Conn
Seguin Township
5 Humphrey Drive
Parry Sound Ontario
P2A 2W8
KTM's Coma leads after Stage 5 of the 2009 Rally OiLibya of Tunisia
From KTM
After five of ten stages of the Tunisian Rally that takes riders 4,500 km through Tunisia and Libya, the cat and mouse game between KTM factory Marc Coma and Cyril Despres continues with Coma having a slight edge on the Frenchman at the half way mark.
But the two Dakar winners, who are so at home on the desert sands, were able to take a break on Monday with high winds and lack of visibility resulted in the cancellation of the second part of the two-day endurance stage.
Old rivals
Despres and Coma of Spain, who spearhead the KTM Rally factory riders, are well accustomed to being the leaders and each other's toughest opponent. The Tunisian Rally, the second stage in the FIM Rally-Raid world Championship, is no different and while Coma of Spain has a slight advantage after the fifth stage, Despres is close behind with less than four minutes difference between the two.
Mixed fortunes for Despres in opening two stages
Despres started strongly with a win in the Super Special on the beach at Tunis but he was to run into trouble in a shortened Stage Two when he was given wrong directions from an on-track official that cost him significant time. But thanks to a new GPS system that records rider positions in real time, organisers adjusted Cyril's time by almost seven minutes to put him back in second place behind Coma and David Casteu.
Coma takes things calmly
"This was a mix of fast tracks with others that were more technical, although because it has not rained as much here the tracks were in quite good condition. I think it is going to be a very tough race, so for the time being we are taking things calmly," Coma commented after Stage Two.
Cyril on the attack
Stage Three, with a long 356km special, then saw Cyril attack hard to win the special and trim Coma's lead and prompted him to express his delight on being back on African sand. "It's two years since I have ridden in Africa and I had forgotten what a pleasure it is!" Stage Four then saw Coma capitalise on a navigational error by Despres and Marc went on to win it and advance to an overall lead of around seven minutes.
Choice of mousse helps Cyril close the gap
Stage Five saw Cyril take a gamble and go out on a mousse rather than a tube. He decided to take the risk after studying the road book and calculating that he could better attack over the stony section and try to close the gap on Coma. It was the right choice with Cyril winning the special ahead of Pal Ullevalseter and just over four minutes ahead of Coma. "I am very happy. I took the risks that were necessary when it was needed and I closed the gap on Marc and reduced the time he has on me by half. It was really superb African special, very long and very intense," he said after the stage.
Coma too was satisfied with his progress so far, telling the media: "Today, I took it much more quietly, because I had a good advance in the overall. I tried to manage the first part of the stage marathon instead of attacking. I really liked his special.
Daytona SportBike added to AMA Laguna
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - With approval from event organizers, AMA Pro Racing and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca have announced the addition of AMA Pro Daytona SportBike to the weekend schedule of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, complementing the already notable schedule of premier international motorcycle racing including the MotoGP World Championship and AMA Pro National Guard American Superbike, as well as AMA Pro SuperSport.
"We are very excited to bring the Daytona SportBike division to the Monterey Peninsula," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. "The Daytona SportBike riders will round out the world-class talent already scheduled to participate and the intense competition will provide the fans with as thrilling an experience as you can get in motorsports."
On-track activity will begin on Friday, July 3 with MotoGP and AMA Pro practice. Saturday, July 4 will see MotoGP and AMA Pro qualifying and will end with the AMA Pro SuperSport race. Each premier class will have one race, ending the weekend on Sunday with the AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike and MotoGP World Championship finals.
"We are showcasing the premier overseas and American motorcycle riders," said Gill Campbell CEO/general manager, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. "During the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix you will be able to watch the amazing talents of our U.S. riders - Nicky Hayden, Colin Edwards and Ben Bostrom."
The event weekend will see a racing reunion for the championship-winning Hayden brothers across the three premier classes, with 2002 AMA Pro American Superbike and 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden in MotoGP, 2005 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion Tommy Hayden in AMA Pro American Superbike, and 2007 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion Roger Hayden in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Spies and Haga share Assen wins
From the World Superbike Championship
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) continued their two-way domination of the 2009 Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at the Assen TT Circuit in the Netherlands by taking a win apiece in front of 76,000 spectators on Sunday.
The Texan pulled out a fantastic pass on his Japanese rival to take a last-gasp win in the first race, but then crashed out of race two early on, leaving Haga the winner.
Leon Haslam rode superbly to take home two podiums for the Stiggy Racing Honda team, while Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) scored his best-ever result with third in race two.
In the championship Haga now has a 60-point lead over Spies, 180 to 120.
Spies took his fourth win of the season by forcing his way past points leader Haga in a thrilling final lap of the opening race. The decisive move came a couple of turns from the flag, and the Texan then closed the door on his rival to win.
"I was trying to set a really good pace in the first few laps, but just didn't have the same feeling I had in practice with the bike," Spies said, "and Nori came by and I saw nobody was behind Haslam, so I just sat back and watched.
"When the tires started going off we made some moves, there were some close moments with Leon but we kept it clean. I knew I had to go and I fought it out with Nori over the last two laps. Actually I didn't know where to pass Nori, but I got a good run and it was close."
Third place went to Haslam, who had the satisfaction of recording a new lap record.
Yamaha's good all-round performance was completed with fourth place for Tom Sykes, the British rider finishing ahead of Max Biaggi (Aprilia), well up again after struggling in qualifying.
Sixth place went to Smrz, while Michel Fabrizio could only manage eighth with the second factory Ducati.
Troy Corser put in a good performance on the BMW, while Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) could only finish 13th after crashing out from second place and then rejoining.
Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) also crashed out while trying to catch up after a poor start.
The outcome of the second race was decided on lap two when Spies slid off into the gravel while in the lead. This left Haga with an unchallenged run to the flag as he leveled the score with Spies with his fourth win of the year, together with a new fastest lap.
Haslam improved on his result in the first encounter with a second place, the British rider now proving to be a true podium contender.
Smrz scored his first-ever career podium in third, the Czech rider getting the better of Fabrizio in the final stages. The Italian had a broken gearbox in the end but managed to bring his 1098 home fourth.
In the all-British battle for fifth, Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) got the edge over Sykes.
Suzuki's disappointing weekend was completed with a ninth place for Neukirchner and 12th for Yukio Kagayama.
Corser scored another 10th place for BMW, just ahead of team-mate Ruben Xaus.
Biaggi's race came to an end at the start with a clutch problem, while Shinya Nakano failed to take the start after a crash in race one in which he damaged his previously operated-on shoulder.
"First of all, I'm sorry for Ben and his crash; I hope he is fine," Haga said. "After the first race we changed the suspension a little bit and the bike was really comfortable, so a big thanks to everyone in the team. I think it's nine years since I won here, in 2000, so I'm very happy and now I'm looking forward to Monza."
The Supersport race saw a second win of the year for Irishman Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), who held off a last-lap attack from Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport), the new points leader.
Third went to Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com), who led for much of the race before losing out to his two rivals in the final stages.
Fabien Foret (Yamaha World Supersport) was again up at the front, the Frenchman scoring his best result of the season in fourth, while Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) managed to salvage a fifth place in a disappointing day for the Dutch team, who lost Andrew Pitt in a crash while fighting for a podium place.
As expected, the Superstock 1000 race was dominated by Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda), who now becomes the new championship leader, from Xavier Simeon (Ducati Xerox Junior Team) and Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Yamaha).
A series of upsets marked the European Superstock 600 race, with the two favourites Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) and Vincent Lonbois (MTM Yamaha) both eliminated while in the lead. First the Italian was hit by his team-mate Marco Bussolotti, and then the Belgian crashed just a few corners before the checkered flag.
Then with the flag in sight, Dutch rider Joey Litjens (VD Heyden Yamaha) messed up his entry into the chicane, leaving the win to Britain's Gino Rea (Ten Kate Honda), who becomes the new championship leader.
Superbike Results Race One
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 36:31.338 (164.628 km/h)
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +0.154
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +0.779
4. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +8.775
5. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +11.275
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +16.126
7. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +19.555
8. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +19.760
9. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +23.006
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +24.285
11. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +26.003
12. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +27.814
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +36.962
14. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +39.025
15. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +41.505
16. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R +41.810
Superbike Results Race Two
1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 36:31.712 (164.6 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +2.678
3. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +4.603
4. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +8.981
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +12.104
6. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +14.575
7. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +17.449
8. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +17.729
9. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +18.167
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +25.056
11. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +32.617
12. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +32.688
13. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R +37.415
14. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +55.088
15. Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +55.325
16. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +1:18.514
Point Standings (after 4 of 14 rounds)
1. Haga 180
2. Spies 120
3. Haslam 94
4. Fabrizio 80
5. Neukirchner 75
6. Sykes 70
7. Biaggi 65
8. Laconi 64
9. Rea 53
10. Smrz 44
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) and Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) continued their two-way domination of the 2009 Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship at the Assen TT Circuit in the Netherlands by taking a win apiece in front of 76,000 spectators on Sunday.
The Texan pulled out a fantastic pass on his Japanese rival to take a last-gasp win in the first race, but then crashed out of race two early on, leaving Haga the winner.
Leon Haslam rode superbly to take home two podiums for the Stiggy Racing Honda team, while Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati) scored his best-ever result with third in race two.
In the championship Haga now has a 60-point lead over Spies, 180 to 120.
Spies took his fourth win of the season by forcing his way past points leader Haga in a thrilling final lap of the opening race. The decisive move came a couple of turns from the flag, and the Texan then closed the door on his rival to win.
"I was trying to set a really good pace in the first few laps, but just didn't have the same feeling I had in practice with the bike," Spies said, "and Nori came by and I saw nobody was behind Haslam, so I just sat back and watched.
"When the tires started going off we made some moves, there were some close moments with Leon but we kept it clean. I knew I had to go and I fought it out with Nori over the last two laps. Actually I didn't know where to pass Nori, but I got a good run and it was close."
Third place went to Haslam, who had the satisfaction of recording a new lap record.
Yamaha's good all-round performance was completed with fourth place for Tom Sykes, the British rider finishing ahead of Max Biaggi (Aprilia), well up again after struggling in qualifying.
Sixth place went to Smrz, while Michel Fabrizio could only manage eighth with the second factory Ducati.
Troy Corser put in a good performance on the BMW, while Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare) could only finish 13th after crashing out from second place and then rejoining.
Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) also crashed out while trying to catch up after a poor start.
The outcome of the second race was decided on lap two when Spies slid off into the gravel while in the lead. This left Haga with an unchallenged run to the flag as he leveled the score with Spies with his fourth win of the year, together with a new fastest lap.
Haslam improved on his result in the first encounter with a second place, the British rider now proving to be a true podium contender.
Smrz scored his first-ever career podium in third, the Czech rider getting the better of Fabrizio in the final stages. The Italian had a broken gearbox in the end but managed to bring his 1098 home fourth.
In the all-British battle for fifth, Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) got the edge over Sykes.
Suzuki's disappointing weekend was completed with a ninth place for Neukirchner and 12th for Yukio Kagayama.
Corser scored another 10th place for BMW, just ahead of team-mate Ruben Xaus.
Biaggi's race came to an end at the start with a clutch problem, while Shinya Nakano failed to take the start after a crash in race one in which he damaged his previously operated-on shoulder.
"First of all, I'm sorry for Ben and his crash; I hope he is fine," Haga said. "After the first race we changed the suspension a little bit and the bike was really comfortable, so a big thanks to everyone in the team. I think it's nine years since I won here, in 2000, so I'm very happy and now I'm looking forward to Monza."
The Supersport race saw a second win of the year for Irishman Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda), who held off a last-lap attack from Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport), the new points leader.
Third went to Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com), who led for much of the race before losing out to his two rivals in the final stages.
Fabien Foret (Yamaha World Supersport) was again up at the front, the Frenchman scoring his best result of the season in fourth, while Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) managed to salvage a fifth place in a disappointing day for the Dutch team, who lost Andrew Pitt in a crash while fighting for a podium place.
As expected, the Superstock 1000 race was dominated by Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda), who now becomes the new championship leader, from Xavier Simeon (Ducati Xerox Junior Team) and Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Junior Yamaha).
A series of upsets marked the European Superstock 600 race, with the two favourites Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) and Vincent Lonbois (MTM Yamaha) both eliminated while in the lead. First the Italian was hit by his team-mate Marco Bussolotti, and then the Belgian crashed just a few corners before the checkered flag.
Then with the flag in sight, Dutch rider Joey Litjens (VD Heyden Yamaha) messed up his entry into the chicane, leaving the win to Britain's Gino Rea (Ten Kate Honda), who becomes the new championship leader.
Superbike Results Race One
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 36:31.338 (164.628 km/h)
2. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R +0.154
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +0.779
4. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +8.775
5. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory +11.275
6. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +16.126
7. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +19.555
8. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +19.760
9. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +23.006
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +24.285
11. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +26.003
12. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +27.814
13. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +36.962
14. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +39.025
15. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR +41.505
16. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R +41.810
Superbike Results Race Two
1. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 36:31.712 (164.6 km/h)
2. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +2.678
3. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R +4.603
4. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R +8.981
5. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR +12.104
6. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 +14.575
7. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR +17.449
8. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R +17.729
9. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +18.167
10. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR +25.056
11. Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR +32.617
12. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 +32.688
13. Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R +37.415
14. Baiocco M. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +55.088
15. Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX-10R +55.325
16. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R +1:18.514
Point Standings (after 4 of 14 rounds)
1. Haga 180
2. Spies 120
3. Haslam 94
4. Fabrizio 80
5. Neukirchner 75
6. Sykes 70
7. Biaggi 65
8. Laconi 64
9. Rea 53
10. Smrz 44
Bautista plays spoiler in Japan
From motogp.com
Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista is one of the more popular riders in the 250cc category, but did little to endear himself to Japanese fans with victory at Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday.
The likeable Mapfre Aspar rider rode a masterful race to deny Hiroshi Aoyama home glory at round two of the 2009 World Championship, taking his first win of the year.
Bautista started from the front row, but had to fight for the front over the course of the race. Following duels with teammate Mike di Meglio – who later crashed out just before the bridge section of the track - and Gabor Talmacsi, Bautista heaped the pressure on Scot Racing rider Aoyama for 10 tough laps before passing the two-time Motegi race winner with six laps to go and creating a gap between the two.
Aoyama took second place for his first podium of the year, and now closely trails new series leader Bautista by one point in the overall standings.
Team Toth’s Mattia Pasini completed the podium, bouncing back from a heavy Friday crash and claiming his first points of the year.
Reigning World Champion and 2008 racewinner Marco Simoncelli had poorer fortune in the race. The poleman was leading comfortably before bobbling on the chicane and puncturing his front tire. He came into the pits for a change of rubber, but could only claim 17th as his rivals fought out the rest of the race at the front of the field.
After leading a 250cc race for the first time in his career, Talmacsi came home fourth, ahead of Alex Debón. The two had fought tooth-and-nail for the position, with Debón even running off-track in his attempts to pass the Hungarian.
Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista is one of the more popular riders in the 250cc category, but did little to endear himself to Japanese fans with victory at Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday.
The likeable Mapfre Aspar rider rode a masterful race to deny Hiroshi Aoyama home glory at round two of the 2009 World Championship, taking his first win of the year.
Bautista started from the front row, but had to fight for the front over the course of the race. Following duels with teammate Mike di Meglio – who later crashed out just before the bridge section of the track - and Gabor Talmacsi, Bautista heaped the pressure on Scot Racing rider Aoyama for 10 tough laps before passing the two-time Motegi race winner with six laps to go and creating a gap between the two.
Aoyama took second place for his first podium of the year, and now closely trails new series leader Bautista by one point in the overall standings.
Team Toth’s Mattia Pasini completed the podium, bouncing back from a heavy Friday crash and claiming his first points of the year.
Reigning World Champion and 2008 racewinner Marco Simoncelli had poorer fortune in the race. The poleman was leading comfortably before bobbling on the chicane and puncturing his front tire. He came into the pits for a change of rubber, but could only claim 17th as his rivals fought out the rest of the race at the front of the field.
After leading a 250cc race for the first time in his career, Talmacsi came home fourth, ahead of Alex Debón. The two had fought tooth-and-nail for the position, with Debón even running off-track in his attempts to pass the Hungarian.
Lorenzo storms to victory in Japan
From motogp.com
Jorge Lorenzo emerged victorious from a thrilling Polini Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday, the second win of his MotoGP career and a result that retained his 100 per cent podium record in the 2009 season.
The Fiat Yamaha rider took little time in taking the reins of the race, having started from the front row and showed no fear when faced with the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi in front of him. However, despite a relatively comfortable advantage, Lorenzo was never quite able to say a definitive ‘sayonara’ to his rivals as the action heated up. He held on to cross the line with a gap of less than two seconds between him and second placed teammate Rossi.
Lorenzo moves up into first place in the overall classification, for the second time in his MotoGP career.
“I am the leader in the championship but I still think that (Casey) Stoner, Valentino and Pedrosa are stronger than us,” Lorenzo told motogp.com after the Twin Ring race. “They are more experienced with the Bridgestone tires but we are still learning about them and improving. Today I had a great opportunity to win. I knew that with a hard rear tire I had good pace, so I saw the chance and I attacked.”
The battle for second place in the race was MotoGP at its finest, as Repsol Honda man Pedrosa exchanged overtaking moves with Rossi in the middle third of the 24 laps. Pedrosa took third from out of nowhere, having had a storming start from the fourth row of the grid.
“I’m happy, because it was a great race,” said Rossi, the reigning World Champion. “We had four riders fighting for the victory, a lot of overtaking, and I think that everyone enjoyed the race –especially me! I didn’t feel confident with the bike at one point. It didn’t ride very well and I lost time with Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Fortunately in the last part of the race I could improve my pace and lines to take second.”
Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner was unable to break away as he had done in Qatar, finishing fourth and keeping up the pressure in the general standings.
“We were running lap times which would have made me capable of racing at the front if we hadn’t lost so much time at the beginning of the race," the Australian explained. "On my warm-up lap we found we had a problem with my front brake which was causing a lot of chattering and this was the case for the first six or seven laps so I had no confidence on the brakes.”
Andrea Dovizioso completed a fine day for Repsol Honda in fifth, ahead of Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Mika Kallio, James Toseland and Chris Vermeulen.
Home rider Yuki Takahashi crashed out of the race in a collision with Nicky Hayden on the second lap.
“That was exactly what we didn’t need," Hayden said. "I got a decent start and I think I was up a couple of positions but just going down into the hairpin, which is a slow hard-braking corner, I was on my line and Takahashi just took me down. There was no warning - I didn’t even hear anything! I don’t want to say much about that, I don’t want to look like a cry-baby but, you know, it was the first lap… luckily I feel okay.
"I actually landed in the same place on my back as the crash in Qatar and my leathers and helmet have got exactly the same marks.
"It’s a shame because this weekend I honestly felt we were making some progress. I felt we had better communication going on and we worked more comfortably from the first day. I know we were never looking at a great result but I felt I could have been competitive today."
Results
1. J. LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 43:47.238
2. V. ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team +1.304
3. D. PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +3.763
4. C. STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team +5.691
5. A. DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team +9.207
6. M. MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team +30.555
7. L. CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +32.756
8. M. KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing +39.416
9. J. TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +43.106
10. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +43.245
11. R. DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP +44.834
12. C. EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +46.540
13. A. DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini +53.525
14. N. CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing +1:21.804
15. T. ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 1 Lap
Not classified
S. GIBERNAU (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando 7 Lap
Not finished 1st lap
N. HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team
Y. TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP
Point Standings
1. Jorge LORENZO (Fiat Yamaha Team) 41
2. Valentino ROSSI (Fiat Yamaha Team) 40
3. Casey STONER (Ducati Marlboro Team) 38
4. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Repsol Honda Team) 22
5. Dani PEDROSA (Repsol Honda Team) 21
6. Colin EDWARDS (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 17
7. Mika KALLIO (Pramac Racing) 16
8. Chris VERMEULEN (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 15
9. Alex DE ANGELIS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 13
10. Marco MELANDRI (Hayate Racing Team) 12
11. Randy DE PUNIET (LCR Honda MotoGP) 11
12. Loris CAPIROSSI (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 9
13. Toni ELIAS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 8
14. James TOSELAND (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 7
15. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati Marlboro Team) 4
16. Sete GIBERNAU (Grupo Francisco Hernando) 3
17. Niccolo CANEPA (Pramac Racing) 2
18. Yuki TAKAHASHI (Scot Racing Team MotoGP) 1
Jorge Lorenzo emerged victorious from a thrilling Polini Grand Prix of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday, the second win of his MotoGP career and a result that retained his 100 per cent podium record in the 2009 season.
The Fiat Yamaha rider took little time in taking the reins of the race, having started from the front row and showed no fear when faced with the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi in front of him. However, despite a relatively comfortable advantage, Lorenzo was never quite able to say a definitive ‘sayonara’ to his rivals as the action heated up. He held on to cross the line with a gap of less than two seconds between him and second placed teammate Rossi.
Lorenzo moves up into first place in the overall classification, for the second time in his MotoGP career.
“I am the leader in the championship but I still think that (Casey) Stoner, Valentino and Pedrosa are stronger than us,” Lorenzo told motogp.com after the Twin Ring race. “They are more experienced with the Bridgestone tires but we are still learning about them and improving. Today I had a great opportunity to win. I knew that with a hard rear tire I had good pace, so I saw the chance and I attacked.”
The battle for second place in the race was MotoGP at its finest, as Repsol Honda man Pedrosa exchanged overtaking moves with Rossi in the middle third of the 24 laps. Pedrosa took third from out of nowhere, having had a storming start from the fourth row of the grid.
“I’m happy, because it was a great race,” said Rossi, the reigning World Champion. “We had four riders fighting for the victory, a lot of overtaking, and I think that everyone enjoyed the race –especially me! I didn’t feel confident with the bike at one point. It didn’t ride very well and I lost time with Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Fortunately in the last part of the race I could improve my pace and lines to take second.”
Ducati Marlboro rider Casey Stoner was unable to break away as he had done in Qatar, finishing fourth and keeping up the pressure in the general standings.
“We were running lap times which would have made me capable of racing at the front if we hadn’t lost so much time at the beginning of the race," the Australian explained. "On my warm-up lap we found we had a problem with my front brake which was causing a lot of chattering and this was the case for the first six or seven laps so I had no confidence on the brakes.”
Andrea Dovizioso completed a fine day for Repsol Honda in fifth, ahead of Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Mika Kallio, James Toseland and Chris Vermeulen.
Home rider Yuki Takahashi crashed out of the race in a collision with Nicky Hayden on the second lap.
“That was exactly what we didn’t need," Hayden said. "I got a decent start and I think I was up a couple of positions but just going down into the hairpin, which is a slow hard-braking corner, I was on my line and Takahashi just took me down. There was no warning - I didn’t even hear anything! I don’t want to say much about that, I don’t want to look like a cry-baby but, you know, it was the first lap… luckily I feel okay.
"I actually landed in the same place on my back as the crash in Qatar and my leathers and helmet have got exactly the same marks.
"It’s a shame because this weekend I honestly felt we were making some progress. I felt we had better communication going on and we worked more comfortably from the first day. I know we were never looking at a great result but I felt I could have been competitive today."
Results
1. J. LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 43:47.238
2. V. ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team +1.304
3. D. PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +3.763
4. C. STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team +5.691
5. A. DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team +9.207
6. M. MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team +30.555
7. L. CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +32.756
8. M. KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing +39.416
9. J. TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +43.106
10. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +43.245
11. R. DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP +44.834
12. C. EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +46.540
13. A. DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini +53.525
14. N. CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing +1:21.804
15. T. ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 1 Lap
Not classified
S. GIBERNAU (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando 7 Lap
Not finished 1st lap
N. HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team
Y. TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP
Point Standings
1. Jorge LORENZO (Fiat Yamaha Team) 41
2. Valentino ROSSI (Fiat Yamaha Team) 40
3. Casey STONER (Ducati Marlboro Team) 38
4. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Repsol Honda Team) 22
5. Dani PEDROSA (Repsol Honda Team) 21
6. Colin EDWARDS (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 17
7. Mika KALLIO (Pramac Racing) 16
8. Chris VERMEULEN (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 15
9. Alex DE ANGELIS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 13
10. Marco MELANDRI (Hayate Racing Team) 12
11. Randy DE PUNIET (LCR Honda MotoGP) 11
12. Loris CAPIROSSI (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) 9
13. Toni ELIAS (San Carlo Honda Gresini) 8
14. James TOSELAND (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) 7
15. Nicky HAYDEN (Ducati Marlboro Team) 4
16. Sete GIBERNAU (Grupo Francisco Hernando) 3
17. Niccolo CANEPA (Pramac Racing) 2
18. Yuki TAKAHASHI (Scot Racing Team MotoGP) 1
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Spies continues Superpole heroics
From the World Superbike Championship
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) notched up his fourth successive World Superbike Championship Superpole crown in a row at the Assen TT Circuit on Sunday, a record for a start of the season run, and just two poles away from Doug Polen’s all-time record of six during the 1991 season.
The Texan once again made the session his own, powering to a time of 1 minute 37.626 seconds and pulverizing the previous record held by Troy Bayliss in 1:38.355.
“It went good," Spies said. "Row one is good for us but I wish they gave points for this, it’s a couple more feet ahead on the starting line and you have an advantage.
"I’m really happy with the bike on race tires. Obviously the times are a little slower but the balance for me is better. The bike’s working good, the team’s making headway and it’s getting better every session so I think it’s going to be a good battle tomorrow. Assen is a great track and has got a lot of history, so I’m having fun.”
The Yamaha man was pushed hard all the way however as he strove to improve on the 1:38.765 time of Jakub Smrz (Guandalini Ducati), who will start alongside. The front row also sees Britain’s Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing) in third place, once again the top Honda runner, and championship leader Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox) in fourth.
“We did a really good Superpole and the team did a great job," Smrz said. "My bike is perfect, now we have to concentrate on the races tomorrow, because the last two weekends were not really lucky for me. We worked well on the race set-up, which seems to be OK. Now I just have to make a good start and follow the leaders or stay up at the front.”
Fifth position went to Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox), ahead of Max Neukirchner (Suzuki Alstare), the German looking quick on race pace, with Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) seventh, while Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike) had a positive run for eighth after his two crashes on Saturday.
There was disappointment for Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing), who will start from the third row, together with Regis Laconi (Ducati), who expected a better position after lapping on top form in qualifying, while Troy Corser lines his BMW Motorrad machine up on the fourth row.
Man of the moment Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport) grabbed his third World Supersport pole position in three races with a superb time of 1:40.313, which he set right at the end of the session and knocking half a second off the previous mark.
The gap between Crutchlow and his closest rivals was considerable, with Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com) half a second down, and championship co-leader Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) six-tenths behind.
Another Honda, the Parkalgar version of round two winner Eugene Laverty, completed the front row.
Fabien Foret (Yamaha World Supersport) took the fifth slot ahead of Australian Garry McCoy (Triumph Be1 Racing) and Michele Pirro (Yamaha Lorenzini), who also crashed. Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) had to settle for 10th place.
Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda) set a new lap record of 1:41.108 in qualifying to take the top slot of the grid for tomorrow’s second round of the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup. The Frenchman had already shown himself to be on form in free practice and left no space for his rivals in the sole grid-deciding session.
Italian Davide Giugliano (Unionbike MV Agusta), Sylvain Barrier (Garnier Yamaha) of France and championship leader Claudio Corti (Suzuki Alstare) completed the front row.
In Superstock 600, Danilo Petrucci (Yamaha Trasimeno) continued his great early season form with pole position at Assen and a new best lap of 1:44.376.
Superbike Times
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:37.626
2. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:37.765
3. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:38.072
4. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:38.202
5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:38.215
6. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:38.353
7. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:38.640
8. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:38.790
9. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:38.288
10. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:38.441
11. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:38.510
12. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:38.521
13. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:38.802
14. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:38.811
15. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:38.906
16. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1:39.079
Kawasaki Recalls 2008-2009 KLE650 for Saddlebag Problem
Kawasaki is recalling certain aftermarket accessory saddle bags sold for use exclusively for 2008 and 2009 Kawasaki KLE650 (Versys) motorcycles.
Installation of the accessory saddlebags covers up the rear side reflex reflectors which fails to conform to the lighting requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
546 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Installation of the accessory saddlebags covers up the rear side reflex reflectors which fails to conform to the lighting requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
546 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Jose
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Jose A. Miranda with his 2005 Honda Shadow Aero VT750. 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.
Qualifying cancellation puts Rossi on pole
From motogp.com
Heavy lunchtime rain at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit led to the cancellation of all qualifying sessions for the Polini Grand Prix of Japan on Saturday, leaving grid positions in all three World Championship categories to be decided according to free practice positions.
Valentino Rossi will thus start from pole position at Motegi for the first time in his career, courtesy of his late time on Friday afternoon. All MotoGP times were faster in the first free practice session, the only dry run that the riders have had in preparation for the 2009 race.
Rossi will line up alongside series leader Casey Stoner and Fiat Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo on Sunday, the same three riders making up the front row as at the first race of the year in Qatar.
The 2008 World Champion is in a prime position to avoid a breakaway by Stoner, the rider who took victory so comprehensively less than two weeks ago.
Rizla Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen is joined by Monster Tech3 Yamaha’s Colin Edwards – the fastest rider in the wet FP2 session - and three-time Motegi race winner Loris Capirossi on the second line, while the highest placing Honda comes on the third row. Andrea Dovizioso leads the Japanese company’s charge for the Repsol Honda factory squad, with Hayate Racing man Marco Melandri and San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias by his side.
MotoGP Starting Grid
1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:48.545
2. Casey Stoner (Ducati) 1:48.601
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:48.965
4. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:49.382
5. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1:49.697
6. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:49.980
7. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:50.030
8. Marco Melandri (Kawasaki) 1:50.123
9. Toni Elias (Honda) 1:50.209
10. James Toseland (Yamaha) 1:50.342
11. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1:50.391
12. Nicky Hayden (Ducati) 1:50.393
13. Yuki Takahashi (Honda) 1:50.404
14. Sete Gibernau (Ducati) 1:50.538
15. Allex de Angelis (Honda) 1:50.601
16. Randy de Puniet (Honda) 1:50.669
17. Mika Kallio (Ducati) 1:51.643
18. Niccolo Canepa (Ducati) 1:51.929
Heavy lunchtime rain at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit led to the cancellation of all qualifying sessions for the Polini Grand Prix of Japan on Saturday, leaving grid positions in all three World Championship categories to be decided according to free practice positions.
Valentino Rossi will thus start from pole position at Motegi for the first time in his career, courtesy of his late time on Friday afternoon. All MotoGP times were faster in the first free practice session, the only dry run that the riders have had in preparation for the 2009 race.
Rossi will line up alongside series leader Casey Stoner and Fiat Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo on Sunday, the same three riders making up the front row as at the first race of the year in Qatar.
The 2008 World Champion is in a prime position to avoid a breakaway by Stoner, the rider who took victory so comprehensively less than two weeks ago.
Rizla Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen is joined by Monster Tech3 Yamaha’s Colin Edwards – the fastest rider in the wet FP2 session - and three-time Motegi race winner Loris Capirossi on the second line, while the highest placing Honda comes on the third row. Andrea Dovizioso leads the Japanese company’s charge for the Repsol Honda factory squad, with Hayate Racing man Marco Melandri and San Carlo Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias by his side.
MotoGP Starting Grid
1. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:48.545
2. Casey Stoner (Ducati) 1:48.601
3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:48.965
4. Chris Vermeulen (Suzuki) 1:49.382
5. Colin Edwards (Yamaha) 1:49.697
6. Loris Capirossi (Suzuki) 1:49.980
7. Andrea Dovizioso (Honda) 1:50.030
8. Marco Melandri (Kawasaki) 1:50.123
9. Toni Elias (Honda) 1:50.209
10. James Toseland (Yamaha) 1:50.342
11. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1:50.391
12. Nicky Hayden (Ducati) 1:50.393
13. Yuki Takahashi (Honda) 1:50.404
14. Sete Gibernau (Ducati) 1:50.538
15. Allex de Angelis (Honda) 1:50.601
16. Randy de Puniet (Honda) 1:50.669
17. Mika Kallio (Ducati) 1:51.643
18. Niccolo Canepa (Ducati) 1:51.929
Friday, April 24, 2009
U.S. House committee to hear bill on May 5 closing 24 million acres to OHV riding
From AMA
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on May 5 to consider a bill that would designate more than 24 million acres of public lands in western states as Wilderness or Wilderness Preservation System land. If approved by the full Congress, the measure would close off more than 24 million acres in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
This is equivalent to a land grab the size of the state of Indiana.
Even though H.R. 980 -- The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act -- only affects western states, Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York City introduced it.
"This is one of the biggest OHV land grabs in our nation's history," said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Ed Moreland. "Even more disconcerting than the fact that the bill is being proposed by a representative from a densely populated urban area, New York City, is that the bill is being considered without the support of a single member of Congress who represents the affected districts. Shouldn't the people who live in these areas have some say in whether or not they should be banned from riding in it?
"To keep OHV riders from being shut out of even more public land, we have to act immediately," he said. "Concerned motorcyclists, ATV riders and others must let their lawmakers know that they enjoy motorized recreation, and that we have a right to do so responsibly on America's public lands."
Additionally, Moreland said, there are other bills on the legislative horizon on Capitol Hill that would close even more public land to responsible riding. They include:
* Senate Bill 799 -- America's Red Rock Wilderness Act -- and its companion measure, H. R. 1925, would designate some 9.4 million acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Utah as Wilderness.
* Senate Bill 721 and H.R. 1769 would add 22,000 acres to the 394,000-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in Washington State.
Riders and AMA members can contact their federal lawmakers and tell them what they think by going to the "Rights" and then "Issues and Legislation" section of the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102561081010&s=46635&e=0010EPK8hn9Rsm3kmk18I9034nqzgc3QpzP5jEzQX3pZeyLOl4_D34rC_fbeNZjC_pSLDT50OhZpV5NiSz8tNKWNFK9jDb7G_9cSr3_ifyCC-cCKWTr1xLPlq8xWce5k8Am> . There, the names, addresses and telephone numbers for members of each congressional delegation appear. There is even a pre-written letter that can be sent via email.
The AMA also encourages individuals to sign up for the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list so that they can be notified by e-mail when their support is needed to make a difference on important issues.
Spies takes provisional pole
From the World Superbike Championship
Ben Spies (Yamaha World Superbike) powered to the provisional pole at the end of the first day of World Superbike action at Assen on Friday.
The Texan, a total newcomer to the Dutch track, set an impressive time of 1 minute 38.747 seconds, four-tenths of a second away from last year’s record time of Troy Bayliss in qualifying, but which was obtained on qualifying tires. Spies was the only rider to dip under the 1:39 mark, but the session was a hard-fought affair as behind the Yamaha there were 15 riders in the space of one second.
Second time of the day went to Jakub Smrz (Ducati Guandalini), a fraction ahead of the four-cylinder machines of Yukio Kagayama (Suzuki Alstare) and Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda).
Fifth place went to Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox), the first Italian in the standings, while a convincing Regis Laconi (Ducati DFX) and the other Suzuki Alstare machine of Max Neukirchner, together with Jonathan Rea (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) make up the provisional second row.
Troy Corser put in another positive performance on his BMW S1000 RR to take the 11th quickest slot, one position in front of the championship leader Noriyuki Haga (Ducati Xerox), who lapped in a good race pace.
Tom Sykes (Yamaha World Superbike) crashed out towards the end of the session, while Assen proved to be an unfortunate circuit once again for John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda), who crashed heavily in the morning’s free practice session. The American dislocated his left hip in the crash and will miss the race. Tomorrow a decision will be taken on any eventual further measures and how long he needs for recovery.
Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Motocard.com) was quickest off the mark in Supersport Friday. Following the disappointment of Valencia, the Spanish rider gave further confirmation of his prowess and progress in the Netherlands as he powered to a time of 1:41.650 in free practice.
The only other rider close to Lascorz was Valencia winner Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha World Supersport), two-tenths off the pole pace. The front row was completed by rapidly-improving Italian Michele Pirro (Yamaha Lorenzini) and Eugene Laverty (Parkalgar Honda).
Row two went to Australian Garry McCoy with the first Be1 Racing Triumph, with Anthony West (Stiggy Racing Honda), Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) and Dutch rider Barry Veneman (Hoegee Suzuki) alongside.
Defending champion and Assen race winner Andrew Pitt (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda) could only manage the ninth quickest time.
The opening Superstock 1000 session was dominated by Maxime Berger (Ten Kate Honda). On his team’s home track, the Frenchman was immediately on the pace, setting a 1:42.775. Belgium’s Vincent Lonbois (MTM Racing Yamaha) set the fastest time of the day in 1:45.039 in the Superstock 600 free practice session.
Superbike Qualifying Results
1. Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:38.747
2. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:39.055
3. Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:39.128
4. Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:39.141
5. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1:39.238
6. Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:39.246
7. Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:39.265
8. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:39.359
9. Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1:39.506
10. Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:39.585
11. Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1:39.597
12. Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1:39.621
13. Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1:39.784
14. Muggeridge K. (AUS) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:39.897
15. Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:39.899
16. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:39.934
US sees motorcycle sales decline
From the Motorcycle Industry Council
IRVINE, CA - The economy affected US sales of new motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009, down a total of 30.5 per cent, compared to the same period last year, among 12 of the leading brands.
Generally affordable, fuel-efficient dual-purpose motorcycles declined the least, by 24 per cent. The off-highway market went down the most, by 39.7 per cent, some of which is linked to the government's ban on youth models due to a controversial new law regarding lead content in consumer products.
"There are still many customers wanting new motorcycles, both veteran riders and those wanting to join in the fun and gain the benefits," said Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council. "But, in reaction to the economy, there have been some production cuts. And the lead ban turned many parents away from buying new dirt bikes for their kids. There's a need for wholesale financing to help keep dealerships supplied with inventory, and a need for consumer credit to loosen up so that dealerships can get those new bikes out on the roads and on the trails. It's very hard to get retail financing now, even if you have good credit."
The early year sales decline follows a relatively flat year for motorcycles. The MIC's preliminary estimate for all motorcycles and scooters sold nationwide in 2008 is 1,087,000, down just 3.3 per cent compared to 2007. Sales still topped the one-million mark, and did so for the sixth straight year. That beat the longest run of million-plus sales ever recorded by the MIC, during the five years from 1970 to 1974. Also, scooter sales last year reached their highest annual level ever, currently estimated at 222,000. Among the major brands, scooter sales through the first quarter of 2009 were down 36.7 per cent compared to the first three months of 2008. The on-highway market declined by 27.3 per cent.
Quebec return gathers momentum
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON – The Parts Canada Superbike Championship makes its return to Quebec in 2009 when Circuit ICAR (International Club Academy Racing) at Mirabel, just north of Montreal, hosts round two of the season June 11-14.
French Canadian motorcycle magazine Moto Journal will be title sponsor for the inaugural Moto Journal ICAR Superbike event at the venue.
This will be the first motorcycle race for the ICAR facility located on the Mirabel Airport grounds. The ultramodern complex officially opened in May, 2008 and offers a variety of performance driving and racing programs.
"ICAR is extremely proud to be hosting the Moto Journal ICAR Superbike, round two of the Parts Canada Superbike championship," said Circuit ICAR's Marc Arseneau. "We are delighted to bring back to Québec the highest level of motorcycle racing in the country. We look forward to having a great show for everyone this year and for years to come."
The series enjoyed a successful test at the venue last August, which was attended by most of the top national competitors. Two-time Canadian Superbike champ Francis Martin set the pace with a time of one minute, 53.745 seconds aboard a Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki GSX- R1000.
"I know the series is concerned about having a track to race at in Quebec," said the Sherbrooke rider, who has joined the BMW Motorrad Canada squad for 2009. "We really need to race in Quebec. Finding a home in Quebec is really important for the sponsors, the TV and the series."
The weekend will also feature a round of the Pro Honda Oils Women's Cup.
Tickets for the Moto Journal ICAR Superbike can be purchased online at www.circuiticar.com.
Moto2 Moriwaki breaks cover
From motogp.com
The new Moriwaki MD600 bike was presented to media gathered at the Polini Grand Prix of Japan on Friday, with the Japanese firm announcing plans to participate in the forthcoming Moto2 class, which is set to replace the current 250cc category.
The 600cc four-stroke bike was presented as a third evolution of the prototype machine developed by Moriwaki Racing and built by Moriwaki Engineering, with a view to involvement in Moto2, initially as chassis suppliers and later as competitors.
The press conference was attended by Moriwaki Engineering’s President and Team Owner Mamoru Moriwaki, in addition to Midori Moriwaki (Director and Team Manager), Akira Kato (Large Project Leader), Koji Takahashi (R&D Manager), Satoru Takafuchi (Production Manager) and Shogo Moriwaki (Test Rider).
The Japanese factory has experience of racing in MotoGP, having participated in the premier class from 2003 to 2005 with wildcard appearances made by Olivier Jacque and Andrew Pitt - in addition to Japanese riders - on the MD211VF. The firm also have significant experience in the Japanese national championship and in various Asian racing series.
The new Moriwaki MD600 bike was presented to media gathered at the Polini Grand Prix of Japan on Friday, with the Japanese firm announcing plans to participate in the forthcoming Moto2 class, which is set to replace the current 250cc category.
The 600cc four-stroke bike was presented as a third evolution of the prototype machine developed by Moriwaki Racing and built by Moriwaki Engineering, with a view to involvement in Moto2, initially as chassis suppliers and later as competitors.
The press conference was attended by Moriwaki Engineering’s President and Team Owner Mamoru Moriwaki, in addition to Midori Moriwaki (Director and Team Manager), Akira Kato (Large Project Leader), Koji Takahashi (R&D Manager), Satoru Takafuchi (Production Manager) and Shogo Moriwaki (Test Rider).
The Japanese factory has experience of racing in MotoGP, having participated in the premier class from 2003 to 2005 with wildcard appearances made by Olivier Jacque and Andrew Pitt - in addition to Japanese riders - on the MD211VF. The firm also have significant experience in the Japanese national championship and in various Asian racing series.
Late surge puts Rossi on top
From motogp.com
Valentino Rossi was quicker than Casey Stoner on Friday in Japan. That was the result that everyone was awaiting after the latter’s dominance in Qatar, but the Italian’s fightback doesn’t tell the whole story of the first free practice session for the Polini Grand Prix of Japan.
The reigning World Champion and 2008 race winner left his final push to the last possible moment, cutting more than half a second off his previous best time in the session to edge out the current series leader. The Italian stopped the clock at 1:48.545 to bring an end to Stoner’s perfect record in practice, qualifying and warmup sessions in 2009.
Ducati Marlboro man Stoner threw himself into the challenge with an early 1:48.601 lap of the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, but elected to return to the garage instead of returning fire once Rossi had taken the advantage.
Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo had expressed his desire to record times closer to those of Stoner in the run-up to Japan and, like Rossi, his ultimate lap was also his most effective. The Spaniard was the final rider to go round in under 1:49.
Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi showed that Rizla Suzuki’s efforts to improve the GSV-R over the winter had been something of a success, both in the top six at a track that did not go well for the duo in 2008. They sandwiched satellite Yamaha rider Colin Edwards on the timesheet, while the top 10 also included fastest Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso, Hayate Racing surprise Marco Melandri, 2007 podium finisher Toni Elías and Monster Tech3 Yamaha’s James Toseland.
Home rider Yuki Takahashi ran off track in the session, while fellow rookie Mika Kallio had a spectacular highside –from which he returned to action during the 45-minute run.
Practice Results
1. V. ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 1:48.545
2. C. STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team +0.056
3. J. LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team +0.420
4. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +0.837
5. C. EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +1.152
6. L. CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +1.435
7. A. DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team +1.485
8. M. MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team +1.578
9. T. ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini +1.664
10. J. TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +1.797
11. D. PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +1.846
12. N. HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team +1.848
13. Y. TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP +1.859
14. S. GIBERNAU (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando +1.993
15. A. DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini +2.056
16. R. DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP +2.124
17. M. KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing +3.098
18. N. CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing +3.384
Valentino Rossi was quicker than Casey Stoner on Friday in Japan. That was the result that everyone was awaiting after the latter’s dominance in Qatar, but the Italian’s fightback doesn’t tell the whole story of the first free practice session for the Polini Grand Prix of Japan.
The reigning World Champion and 2008 race winner left his final push to the last possible moment, cutting more than half a second off his previous best time in the session to edge out the current series leader. The Italian stopped the clock at 1:48.545 to bring an end to Stoner’s perfect record in practice, qualifying and warmup sessions in 2009.
Ducati Marlboro man Stoner threw himself into the challenge with an early 1:48.601 lap of the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, but elected to return to the garage instead of returning fire once Rossi had taken the advantage.
Rossi’s Fiat Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo had expressed his desire to record times closer to those of Stoner in the run-up to Japan and, like Rossi, his ultimate lap was also his most effective. The Spaniard was the final rider to go round in under 1:49.
Chris Vermeulen and Loris Capirossi showed that Rizla Suzuki’s efforts to improve the GSV-R over the winter had been something of a success, both in the top six at a track that did not go well for the duo in 2008. They sandwiched satellite Yamaha rider Colin Edwards on the timesheet, while the top 10 also included fastest Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso, Hayate Racing surprise Marco Melandri, 2007 podium finisher Toni Elías and Monster Tech3 Yamaha’s James Toseland.
Home rider Yuki Takahashi ran off track in the session, while fellow rookie Mika Kallio had a spectacular highside –from which he returned to action during the 45-minute run.
Practice Results
1. V. ROSSI (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 1:48.545
2. C. STONER (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team +0.056
3. J. LORENZO (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team +0.420
4. C. VERMEULEN (AUS) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +0.837
5. C. EDWARDS (USA) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +1.152
6. L. CAPIROSSI (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP +1.435
7. A. DOVIZIOSO (ITA) Repsol Honda Team +1.485
8. M. MELANDRI (ITA) Hayate Racing Team +1.578
9. T. ELIAS (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini +1.664
10. J. TOSELAND (GBR) Monster Yamaha Tech 3 +1.797
11. D. PEDROSA (SPA) Repsol Honda Team +1.846
12. N. HAYDEN (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team +1.848
13. Y. TAKAHASHI (JPN) Scot Racing Team MotoGP +1.859
14. S. GIBERNAU (SPA) Grupo Francisco Hernando +1.993
15. A. DE ANGELIS (RSM) San Carlo Honda Gresini +2.056
16. R. DE PUNIET (FRA) LCR Honda MotoGP +2.124
17. M. KALLIO (FIN) Pramac Racing +3.098
18. N. CANEPA (ITA) Pramac Racing +3.384
Royal Distributing sponsors CEC series
From the Canadian Enduro Championship
Royal Distributing has signed on to be the title sponsor of the Canadian Enduro Championship. Royal is the Canadian leader in the powersports business. As part of the sponsor package Royal Distributing is lending WEC the use of its race truck to transport bikes and equipment and to be the Race Headquarters at the four events.
World Enduro Canada’s website has received a total makeover and can be viewed at www.worldendurocanada.com.
The Pro rider list continues to grow and the series may see multi time Canadian Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke try his hand at Enduro racing. In addition to being very fast on the pavement Szoke is an accomplished Trials riders – one of the best in Canada – so he could find himself a natural at Enduro racing. The defending Parts Canada Superbike champion is hoping to make it to one of the eastern rounds.
Pros will be running permanent numbers for the duration of the series. Pro riders who have expressed their intention to compete at all eight races of the CEC are Patrick Beaule (KTM #5), Jake Stapleton (Yamaha #17), Brian Wojnarowski (Yamaha #2), Alan Lachapelle (KTM #111), Bobby Prochnau (KTM #7), Jason Schrage (KTM #8), Cory Grafunder (KTM #118), Guy Perret (#190), Guy Giroux (BMW #801), Jay McGregor (Husaberg #56), Lee Fryburger (Husaberg #96), Shane Cuthbertson (Husaberg #20), Kevin Cockayne (KTM #417), Noel Bolso (KTM #28), Chris Van Hove (Husqvarna #21), Bryan Marshall (#24), Nick Riewe (Husaberg #53), Clint Riviere (#411), Marty Halmazna (Yamaha #22), Geoff Nelson (KTM #84), Harmen Boer (Honda #144), Tyler Linton (#3), Bruce Moffat (Yamaha #45) and Szoke (Kawasaki #101).
For the Pro class there will be 100 per cent Pro Payback paid at each event based on the overall results for two days at each CEC event.
Pros will be divided into four classes with the overall best rider from the entire series being awarded the #1 Plate at the end of the season. Classes are E1 (125 two strokes and 250 four strokes), E2 (250 two strokes and 450 four strokes), E3 (Open) and Vet (40 and over).
Amateurs will be divided into six classes: A (advanced skill), B (intermediate), C (novice), Vet (40+), Super Vet (50+) and Women. For the Amateurs there will be an East and West Champion as well as an overall Champion for each class.
Entry Fees are $100 per weekend. Any riders crossing the Ontario/Winnipeg border to compete will have their entry fee waived as a travel incentive.
Inside Motorcycles Magazine is sponsoring the Top Junior Award. Juniors will be riders 20 or under as of the date of the first race on July 4. Inside Motorcycles will be recognizing the Top Junior at each round and at the final round will award the overall Top Junior (based on results from all eight races) with a cheque for $500.
The WEC transportation service has been very well received. At this point there are only a few spots left on the truck heading west for July. For more information riders should contact Trevor Wideman at Brian Kurtz Trucking tjw@kurtztrucking.com or 519-836-5821.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
