From Orient Express
Orient Express of Brentwood, NY, the official U.S. importer and distributor of K-Tech Suspension components from the UK, has announced continued support of Celtic/Fast By Ferracci Racing over the 2011 AMA Pro Racing season.
After an encouraging Daytona test with the new Ducati 848 Evo, PJ Jacobsen is preparing his attack on the Daytona SportBike class with new determination and vigor. The Celtic/FBF Racing Ducati 848 Evo will feature full K-Tech Suspension components, including the race proven 20DDS front fork cartridges and newly released 35DDS rear shock.
"Having K-Tech Suspension on-board the new Ducati 848 Evo motorcycles gave PJ that extra confidence to really push hard in the test," said Celtic Racing team owner Barry Gilsenan. "PJ spent the 2010 season working with K-Tech, and we were very pleased with the results. The 848 Evo Ducati is a new experience for PJ, and K-Tech made for an easier transition."
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Jacobsen committed to SportBike Ducati
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Fogi Racing gets SUPERSHOW support
Fogi Racing has announced a new sponsorship deal with The North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW for the 2011 season.
The Fogi Team will appear at the SUPERSHOW in Toronto's International Centre Jan. 7-9. The show is the largest indoor motorcycle show held in North America.
Fogi Racing will show off its machines for the 2011 season, which include three Moriwaki MD250 GP bikes (first showing in Canada) along with Ben Young’s Yamaha YZF-R6 AMA Supersport machine. Young will be there to chat to fans and to do poster signings.
“Fogi Racing is delighted with gaining the opportunity in being onboard with Peter Derry and the SUPERSHOW team," said the squad's crew chief, Scott Young. "This will give us an excellent launch for 2011; we can show the public and potential sponsors what we will be doing for the forthcoming season. As a Canadian team we want to promote ourselves as much as possible and there will be no better place than home ground in Toronto with the SUPERSHOW.
“Things are not set in stone as yet as we have a lot to arrange including new sponsors etc. What I can say is that we are planning for Ben Young to contending in the AMA Supersport Young Guns class in the States. The Moto2 FTR machine will be running in Europe to contend in either and/or both the CEV Buckler Spanish Championship and MotoGP depending who the rider will be.
"The Moriwaki MD250’s GP bikes will be running in the USGPRU (United States Grand Prix Union) and hopefully in the RACE Canadian Regional Championships here in Ontario. We are looking to lease these machines out for the season to young riders from 12 to 16 years of age for them to learn the racecraft of a GP machine."
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Bike building champ returns to defend title
From SUPERSHOW Events
Fred “Rat” Vaillancourt will return to the 2011 North America International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW to defend his title during the Canada Cup competition at the International Centre, Jan. 9.
Born in Montreal in the early seventies, Vaillancourt had been building and modifying cars and bikes for most of his life. In the summer of 2000 he built his first custom bike and from there the “Rat Shop” was born. Since then, this little shop of three guys evolved to what it is today, more than 25 complete bike builds a year and hundreds of bike modifications (www.ratshopcustombikes.com).
SUPERSHOW 2011, taking place Jan. 7-9 at the Toronto International Centre, continues to award the largest prize jackpot in Canada with over $50,000 in cash and awards and attracts bikes from across Canada to compete. Best Bike in Show takes home $12,000 in cash and the Canada Cup. And now with the credentials of the IMBBA judges, all professional and accredited members of an elite team, SUPERSHOW’s Canada Cup Championship becomes one of the qualifying competitions for the 2012 World Cup Championships in Laval, QC.
Show times and information are available at www.supershowevents.com.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Successful shoulder surgery for Melandri
From Yamaha Racing
Yamaha Factory World Superbike Team’s new recruit for the 2011 series, Marco Melandri underwent minor and completely successful surgery on his right shoulder Thursday and expects to be fully fit for the works squad’s next test at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on Jan. 26.
The 28-year-old, a former Grand Prix 250 World Champion, and a WSB rookie on the formidable YZF-R1 in 2011, has elected for a hospital visit and an overnight stay after some complaints around the joint possibly due to an old injury and in the wake of three days hard riding and testing recently.
After scans on Wednesday revealed some extra movement in the limb, the Italian opted for a clean-up procedure in order to reduce risk of further aggravation during his maiden term in World Superbike that is set to start at Phillip Island on Feb. 27.
Dr. Giuseppe Porcellini, the same specialist who worked on the shoulder of Valentino Rossi, performed the operation and the racer will leave his ward on Friday. Dr. Porcellini reported that there was no damage to ligaments therefore a straightforward ‘tidying’ took place and a ‘staple’ attached - that will erode naturally over time - will add extra stability.
Aside from requiring the use of a brace for two weeks the sole effect of Melandri’s trip to the operating theatre will be a slight interference with his ability to train 100 percent during the month of January but he expects to be fit and raring to go for his next appointment with the R1 in Portugal.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BRP launches hybrid Spyder project
SHERBROOKE, QC – The Centre de technologies avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) has received $11.3 million in financial support to develop hybrid engine technology for BRP's Can-Am Spyder roadster.
This is the only electric hybrid roadster development project in the world.
An injection of $6.2 million from the Automotive Partnership Canada program and $5.1 million from BRP will see the project extend over a four-year period.
Steven Blaney, MP for Lévis-Bellechasse, Suzanne Fortier, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Guy Lévesque, program director of the Canada Foundation for Innovation were present for this major announcement, along with Université de Sherbrooke's principal, Luce Samoisette, and BRP's president and CEO, José Boisjoli.
First launched in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is a totally unique way to experience the freedom of open-air riding. Its distinctive Y-architecture – two wheels in front, one in back – creates challenges that push the limits of electric hybrid vehicle technology.
“Our mandate is ambitious and complex,” explained Mihai Rasidescu, president and general manager of the CTA. “Our goal is to develop completely new electric hybrid technology for a three-wheel vehicle that uses 50 percent less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 50 percent while maintaining its speed, power and performance.”
“By deciding to establish R & D centres, BRP confirmed its commitment to accelerate the development of cleaner and more efficient new technologies,” stated Boisjoli. “The powertrain technologies used in our snowmobiles, side-by-side vehicles, and outboard engines are already the best in the industry in terms of fuel consumption, and are milestones towards our goal of providing consumers with increasingly eco-performing technology.”
The project’s research team is led by Professor Alain Desrochers from the Université de Sherbrooke’s Mechanical Engineering Department and includes about 30 people from the University and BRP. The roadster’s compact size alone poses major challenges. Rather than modifying existing hybrid technology, the researchers will have to design an entirely new propulsion system.
“Creating a three-wheel vehicle as opposed to a hybrid car poses significant design challenges that require a very high degree of innovation,” said professor Desrochers. “These challenges include the lack of space to accommodate hybrid motorization, cooling problems, aerodynamics, vehicle weight, and noise. Everything must be studied and modified.”
Over the next four years the CTA will produce three generations of prototypes and their components. Any technological innovations will be potentially transferable to other types of vehicles and products.
The Centre de technologies avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) is the result of a partnership between BRP and the Université de Sherbrooke. Its mandate is to develop new cutting-edge technologies in the field of motorized recreational vehicles.
Racer Blog: Andrew Nelson in New Zealand
By Andrew Nelson
Photo courtesy Dallas Alexander
Parts Canada Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson is competing in the New Zealand Tri-Series this month and providing Inside Motorcycles with periodic updates on his progress.
Last weekend at Manfield Raceway the weather and racing were all over the place. I have never seen so many weather changes in such a short amount of time -- rain, sun, drizzle, sun, clouds, rain and then finally sun again.
Practice on Friday turned out to be a half day as we had some bad weather in the morning, which later turned out to be great. At the end of practice I was 1.5 seconds behind the eight-time National Champion Andrew Stroud. All was feeling quite good and I looked forward to better results come race day.
Saturday morning we woke up to an extremely wet track and more rain on the way. In preparation for qualifying we had mounted rains on the Yamaha R1. All of a sudden the sun came out and cooked the track in about 25 minutes. I took a chance on being able to run a few fast laps at the start of the session, but it just was not going to happen with rain tires on an increasingly dry track. The team worked really hard to put a rear slick on. The session was only 15 minutes and we ran out of time to get it on, leaving me to qualify in 11th, a place I was not too happy about.
The first race I was off to a terrible start and the group in front of me was able to split in the first two laps, making it difficult for me to catch back up, even though we have the best handling R1 I have ever ridden, and I've been on a few! I managed to scrape together a 10th place yet again.
The second race, I had a much better start and going into the 180-degree corner one I was sitting in eighth. I was able to hold on to the group for the first few laps, and that helped me to my fastest laps of the weekend. We have closed the gap on lap times to the nearest competitors and my comfort level on the bike is getting much closer. Having a battle with Hayden Fitzgerald for ninth was real fun, and trying to make up some ground on him in one corner cost me dearly. I ran pretty wide, losing my momentum and finishing in 10th place for the third straight race.
I look forward to the next and final weekend of this amazing tour. The Cemetery Circuit in Wanganui is the first street circuit I will have ever raced on. We have one qualifier and two races, so I certainly have my work cut out for me, but still have high hopes of a good result, just because the bike is on rails and is working really well right now.
If you are looking for some TV to watch while eating your Christmas dinner, this race will be LIVE on the Internet. It can be found at http://speedbox.tv/content/2010-cemetery-circuit-live-stream.
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Look for big things from me in 2011.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lucas Oil back with RMR
From Richie Morris Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Lucas Oil Products will sponsor Richie Morris Racing once again in 2011, backing both the GEICO RMR Suzuki team in AMA Pro Daytona SportBike with 2009 series champion Danny Eslick and the championship-winning GEICO RMR Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing squad in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series.
"It's great that Lucas Oil will be back with us again for 2011," said team owner Richie Morris. "We've had a lot of success with them the past two years and they make a super product that we use and endorse. We use Lucas Oil lubricants in both the Suzukis and the Harleys and they have worked great for us. We are really happy with their line and glad to be a part of their development process."
In 2009, Eslick and Richie Morris Racing took the series by storm, winning six races en route to capturing the inaugural Daytona SportBike crown. Eslick and GEICO RMR Suzuki backed that effort up by adding three more wins and taking 17 top-five finishes in 18 races in 2010. Eslick fought valiantly to repeat as champion and ultimately battled to a runner-up ranking, falling just short of retaining his crown in one of the most exciting and hard-fought AMA Pro seasons on record.
“Lucas Oil Products is thrilled to once again team up with Richie Morris Racing and Danny Eslick in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class,” stated Tom Bogner, Director of Motorsports for Lucas Oil Products. “This particular division and series is hands down one of the most exciting types of racing to watch. The competition is truly a dogfight and will often feature 10 riders riding hard for the front positions.
"RMR has been essential in the development and testing of our High Performance Motorcycle Products. I know that with Danny riding the RMR prepared GEICO Suzuki and the bike running on Lucas Synthetic 5W-30 Motorcycle Oil, we all have a terrific shot at winning and taking that championship title back in 2011.”
RMR Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing also claimed the inaugural AMA Pro XR1200 Series in 2010.
McCormick back to Canada with BMW
RICHMOND HILL, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada has announced that Brett McCormick will be suiting up alongside Michael Ferreira for the 2011 Canadian superbike season as part of the BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team.
McCormick will be returning to race in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship after competing in the United States with the Michael Jordan Motorsport Team last summer. The 19-year old superbike sensation from Saskatoon brings with him a wealth of racing experience for such a young rider, including almost five years of racing superbikes at an elite level.
“Adding a huge talent such as Brett to our superbike team is a great coup for BMW Motorrad Canada,” said Norm Wells, director. “Brett is well liked and respected in the racing world and his track record speaks for itself. He will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
This will be the second full season that BMW Motorrad Canada fields a two-rider superbike team in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The team will once again be racing the potent S1000RR superbike that enjoyed a successful debut in Canada this past year.
Ferreira, a superbike rookie in 2010, will continue with the BMW team in 2011 after a very impressive season that saw him improve with every ride and cap off his season with two third place podiums at the final rounds.
The last time McCormick raced in Canada was in 2009, where he won four of seven Superbike races along with setting lap records at every track in Canada. Remarkably, all of these records still stand today.
The 2011 season will not be the first time that McCormick will ride an S1000RR Superbike. He was a surprise tester at the annual press tests just after the final round of the 2009 Superbike World Championship held in Portimao, where he was lucky enough to test the S1000RR of Troy Corser wearing borrowed riding gear of then BMW Motorrad factory rider Ruben Xaus.
“I’m very pleased and obviously excited to join the BMW Motorrad family in 2011,” said McCormick. “BMW is a great company with a history of excellence and I’m looking forward to helping the team make major inroads in the 2011 superbike season.
"I’ve had the privilege of sampling the S1000RR in WSBK trim, so I know with the superb team we have in Canada we’ll be able to put on a great show and hopefully bring a Superbike Championship to BMW.”
The BMW team would like to thank Francis Martin for his efforts the past two seasons and wish him well with his future racing endeavours.
Another announcement will be made in the coming weeks regarding the BMW team sponsors.
Fans can stay in touch all year long with the BMW Motorrad Canada Superbike Team via their Facebook page and also at www.bmw-motorrad.ca.
Motorcycles test new Daytona surface
From DIS Communications
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – With NASCAR, GRAND-AM and ARCA completing tire tests last week, motorcycles took their turn on the high banks of the newly repaved Daytona International Speedway on Sunday and Monday for their first laps on the new racing surface.
Select teams and riders from SuperBike and Daytona SportBike classes of AMA Pro Racing participated in a two-day Dunlop tire test in advance of March’s Daytona 200 Week, which is highlighted by the 70th Daytona 200 AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike event and the opening rounds to the AMA SuperBike season.
For only the second time in its history, Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5-mile tri-oval, pit road, skid pad and apron was repaved following the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola in July.
Among the riders shaking down the new racing surface were Graves Yamaha’s Josh Hayes and Josh Herrin, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Tommy Hayden and Blake Young, Pegram Racing’s Larry Pegram, Vesrah Suzuki’s Cory West and Celtic Racing’s P.J. Jacobsen.
“The race track has done a fantastic job with the paving job and Dunlop has done a real good job showing up with tires that are safe,” said Hayes, the 2010 AMA Pro SuperBike champion. “We are all going around the race track having fun and have nothing but good things to say so far. I’m looking forward to coming back in January (to test) and then coming back and racing in March.”
During the test, which was staged on the 2.95-mile road course, Hayes was impressed with the smoothness of the new racing surface.
“Quite honestly, it’s so smooth that it’s kind of changed the game plan,” Hayes said. “Honestly the track feels smaller to me. It feels like it’s about 80 percent of the size that it use to be because we get around there a little bit quicker, a little bit smoother and a little more time to relax. I’m sure for the guys riding in the Daytona 200 on the 600s, it’s going to be a whole lot better.”
“It’s nice and smooth,” said Herrin, the 2010 Daytona 200 champion. “It’s easy to see now. There’s no bumps and it’s going to be make the 200 miles a lot easier up on the banking not being so bumpy. The chest isn’t sore today. It’s usually sore from all the bumps but it’s been really good.”
Hayden has been turning laps around Daytona since the late 1990s and was also pleased on the changes throughout the superspeedway portion of the track.
“It’s definitely different,” Hayden said. “It’s way smoother, the bike moves around a lot less and it has a lot more grip.”
Motorcycles will return to DIS on Jan. 17-18 for another Dunlop tire test. Daytona 200 Week will kick off with the Daytona Supercross By Honda on Saturday, March 5 and conclude the following weekend with the Daytona 200 on Saturday, March 12.
For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Paris Hilton launches GP team
Paris Hilton was on hand in Madrid on Saturday to front the official presentation of the SuperMartxé VIP by Paris Hilton team which will compete in the 2011 125cc World Championship.
Alongside riders Sergio Gadea and Maverick Viñales, who will ride the Aprilia RSA machines which were unveiled at the event, the American media personality entertained the attending press by posing next to the bikes which were sporting pink, white and blue fairings.
Hilton also expressed her intention to be present at as many rounds of the 2011 World Championship as possible.
The set-up, which is run by Raúl Romero and whose aim is to fight for the final 125cc title before the category is replaced by the new Moto3 class in 2012, will be one based around a vastly experienced and successful team. The sporting and technical director will be Ricard Jové while the highly accomplished Rossano Brazzi, who has previously worked alongside Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi, will be responsible for the preparation of the bikes.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Pedrosa on target for Sepang
From the Repsol Honda Team
Repsol Honda Team MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa is now in the final stages of recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained last October and is excited to return to training in early January.
The Spaniard will spend a full month working on his physical condition to ensure that he is in the best possible shape for the first MotoGP test of 2011 at Sepang, Malaysia, from Feb. 1-3.
Pedrosa, who finished the 2010 MotoGP World Championship second overall, was told by specialists to rest the shoulder, which sustained heavy trauma damage when broke his left collarbone in two places during practice for October’s Japanese Grand Prix. The injury was pinned and plated at Barcelona’s USP Instittut Universitari Dexeus, but serious bruising and swelling in the shoulder caused Pedrosa a serious lack of strength and feeling throughout the arm during the last few races of the season.
Pedrosa will make good use of his final days off to take part in two pre-Christmas charity events in Spain. On Sunday he will be one of several stars who will participate in the TV3 Marathon, which this year raises money for those who have suffered spinal cord or brain injuries.
Then on Tuesday Pedrosa will take part in an event to mark the publication of a children’s book at Barcelona’s Fnac Illa Diagonal. ‘Two mechanical elves for Dani Pedrosa’ tells the story of Dani’s first steps in the world of racing. As per Pedrosa’s wishes, five percent of book sales profits will go towards the NGO SOS Aldeas Infantiles children’s charity.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Yamaha announces Super Tenere pricing
TORONTO, ON – Yamaha Motor Canada has announced the pricing on the much-talked about 2012 Super Ténéré. The bike will have an MSRP of $16,499.
Peter Swanton, National Manager, Motorsports for Yamaha Motor Canada, commented, “This is a fantastic motorcycle the market has been eagerly anticipating. We wanted to ensure we gave Canadian customers a value-added price for a bike that includes some of our latest technology."
An early deposit program was announced in conjunction with the price of the Super Ténéré. Those customers who place a $500 deposit before April 30 will receive an extra two years of Yamaha Protection Plus extended warranty (for a total of three years warranty), service kit (4L of 10W-40 Yamalube with Genuine Yamaha oil filter), priority delivery and $250 retail value credit towards the purchase of Genuine Yamaha Super Ténéré accessories. (Minimum order of $1500).
“The Ténéré is a bike that can blur the line between so many types of riding; street, off-road, touring, sport, adventure," Swanton added. "It takes you places you couldn’t go on a regular motorcycle and do so in a comfortable manner. We’re very proud of this bike and know that Ténéré owners will feel the same satisfaction that other Ténéré owners have in the rich, 29-year history of the model.”
The Super Ténéré will land at Yamaha dealers in June, 2011. For more information on the latest Yamaha motorcycles, visit: www.yamaha-motor.ca.
Honda wraps up MotoGP test
From Honda Racing Team
The HRC MotoGP test team brought curtain down on the 2010 season on-track when it wrapped up the three-day test at Sepang, Malaysia on Friday. The test session was scheduled to end on Thursday but was extended to include a three-hour session Friday morning due to time lost to heavy rain Thursday afternoon.
The test team and HRC test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi were happy with the data gleaned while verifying information and technical data gathered at the last team test session, held at Valencia in early November.
The HRC test was also a happy experience for Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team rider Jonathan Rea. The Ulsterman was given the opportunity to test the RC212V as a reward for his WSB performances in 2010. Rea completed the test alongside Akiyoshi running for 40 laps in fine sunny weather with temperatures close on 30 degrees for the morning session.
While Rea returns to Europe and a well earned rest the HRC engineers will not be resting. The test team heads home to Japan with much valuable data to evaluate as it continues working on the development of the RC212V in time for the first MotoGP test session of the 2011 season. The test will also be held at the Sepang circuit on Feb. 1–3.
Kruger sweeps Chinese Superbike races
From BG Motorsports
Canadian Dan Kruger finished off the 2010 season in fine form winning both Race 1 and 2 in the Superbike Premier Class on his BG-prepped Kawasaki ZX-10R at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China last weekend.
He controlled both races from start to finish, pushing the bike only when he felt he needed a little more space between himself and second place finisher Kwan Ying Ho from Hong Kong on a Yamaha YZF-R1.
“I qualified on Friday with a flying lap of 1:40.476 (almost a second and a half quicker than the next rider)," Kruger said. "The bike was hooked up and the Ohlins suspension was amazing. I was feeling a little under the weather during race 1 and even had to deal with severe forearm pump for the final four or five laps. I was happy when the checkered flag came out.”
Race 2 was run in 14c weather with a light drizzle and a damp track. After a nasty turn 1 crash by a local rider, the entire field slowed down the pace due to the weather conditions. Kruger led from start to finish but his best time was only a 1:42.04, still almost a second quicker than the second place finisher.
“It was looking like rain all morning but as soon as we did our sighting lap, the rain came," Kruger explained. "I was really hoping to put in some hot laps as I felt a lot better health-wise than the day before. Unfortunately, I had to settle in and ride a smart race and focus on the win.
"I dedicated this race weekend and race win to my close friend Rene Hudon, who suddenly passed away this past week. It felt good to do the victory lap looking up and having a few words with him. He loved racing and will be missed.”
Kruger’s next event will be a International Personal Watercraft Event in January back inside China near Sanya Island on a Kawasaki 260 Jet Ski. He will also be testing bikes in January and February in China preparing for the 2011 Pan Delta Series, which will resume in March.
"With the 2011 ZX-10 being recalled this week, we are not 100 percent sure when we will get our bikes now or what this means to the launch of the program," The Montrealer added. "We will continue to test on the current model and make the switch when Kawasaki announces the re-release."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Nova Scotia Guide on iTunes
From Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Harold and Wendy Nesbitt, publishers and creators of the multi-award winning Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia have announced the release of their Ride Nova Scotia Motorcycle Travel Guide App at the Apple iTunes Store for use with the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod.
With demand for the popular guide growing each year, this was the next logical step and a step in a greener direction. Today’s traveller appreciates having choices and with the new Apps the visitor can explore what Nova Scotia has to offer from the comfort of their home, without having to wait for the printed book to arrive.
Easily downloaded to iPhone, iPad or iPod, the App is stored in the client’s library and is theirs forever, and can be redownloaded at any time if they upgrade to a newer product.
Within six days of its release the App has had hundreds of downloads, and thanks to Apple’s efficient system, the Guide is being read on all five continents.
To view go to http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/motorcycle-tour-guide-nova/id398164874?mt=8. For more information, please contact Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia at 1-866-250-7777, email mtrcycletourguid@accesswave.ca or go to http://www.motorcycletourguidens.com.
Honda to start sales of electric scooter
TOKYO, JAPAN - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it will start lease sales of the EV-neo electric scooter on Dec. 24.
The EV-neo is an electric scooter developed for businesses such as transport of heavy goods or delivery services and which delivers a clean and quiet ride without compromising powerfulness. The vehicle qualifies as a first-class motor-driven cycle in Japan, for engine displacements of 50cc or less.
Honda plans to deliver about 100 monitoring vehicles between December 2010 and March 2011 to cooperating businesses in the monitoring program for collecting riding data and other useful information and to start lease sales of the EV-neo to general businesses and individual business owners in April.
The data collected from actual business use together with the data obtained from test operations of 10 prototype vehicles, conducted since October, is expected to be used in future development of electric scooters and motorcycles.
On top of the excellent environmental performance offering a clean and quiet ride worthy of an electric scooter with zero CO2 emissions while riding, the EV-neo leverages a motor that, even with cargo loaded, generates high torque even in the low-speed range to achieve a powerful starting and hill-climbing performance.
An in-house manufactured motor and a lithium-ion battery that apply Insight technology have been adopted, and an exclusively developed quick charger enabling full recharge in 30 minutes in a 25°C environment allows charging to be conducted at convenient intervals during the working day.
The EV-neo PRO, which is based on the EV-neo and will be put on sale simultaneously, adds a large rear carrier that is convenient for delivery of newspapers and other items, and a standard-equipment bracket that can further enhance load capacity by attaching a basket in front.
Turn2 and Pirelli team up
TORONTO, ON -- Racers and track day riders attending any 2011 event at Calabogie Motorsports Park will now have access to the full line of Pirelli Diablo racing and track day tires through Turn2 Motosports.
Canadian Pirelli racing supplier and service provider to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, Orion Motorsports has announced Turn2 Motosports as its newest racing and track day Pirelli provider.
Mike Whitter, President of Turn2, is so sure that demanding customers will get the performance and durability they so deserve from Pirelli’s new Diablo Rosso Corsa, that Turn2 and Pirelli have initiated the 'Turn2-Pirelli Experience'. Riders can go to any Turn2 event in 2011, try a set of the Diablo Rosso Corsa’s for five laps and if they are not completely satisfied, they can simply return the tires for a full refund.
“We know that tires are such an important part of any track outing and experience that no matter how great the track is and how amazing the bikes are, you just don’t get the full effect unless you have the predictability and grip of a true track tire. Our customers demanded the best and we are committed to giving them the best,” said Ross Millson, Sales and Service Manager for Turn2 Motosports.
All Turn2 school bikes will be outfitted with the latest tires from the Pirelli Diablo track day lineup.
Visit www.orionmotorsports.ca for the full Pirelli lineup or for further details, email Turn2 at info@turn2.ca, visit Turn2 online at www.turn2.ca or call Turn2 at 613-883-2488.
Racer Blog: Andrew Nelson in New Zealand
Parts Canada Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson is competing in the New Zealand Tri-Series this month and providing Inside Motorcycles with periodic updates on his progress. Here is the Ottawa racer's first submission.
By Andrew Nelson
We have completed the first round of the 'Tri-Series.' There is some amazing talent here and without a doubt in my mind the top 12 racers can come to Canada and be a force in our Superbike class.
We had a Friday practice, which was a chance for me to become more acquainted to the track and my Yamaha YZF-R1, and just the whole structure of how they run this series. The track itself is new -- just over a year old -- and is quite a joy to ride.
The first session was an eye-opener as virtually every other racer had just finished their last race about three weeks earlier in either the Australian Superbike Championship or the New Zealand Winter Series. Needless to say everyone was very fresh and up to speed right away, and I somewhat looked out of place after not being on a bike in just over four months.
Saturday morning came around, we had one qualifying session, which was 15 minutes long. I managed to qualify 11th in a field of 29 riders.
The first race was short, only 12 laps and about 15 minutes, so the first few laps were very intense as every rider was jockeying for position. This was somewhat hard for me to get used to so I kind of sat back and watched them file out over the first few laps. In doing so I lost touch with most of the guys but still finished 11th.
I knew what I was in for in the second race of the day and turned it into a sprint race. I rode hard, and ran wide a bunch of times trying to make my way past a few guys, which looked quite stylish as I was nice and sideways a few times. I had to fight back hard in the last six laps and worked my way up to 10th at the checkered, narrowly beating Tony Rees, who is a multi-time champion here in New Zealand.
We are now preparing for the second weekend and head out today for the big event. Continual upgrades to the R1 are done, so I am looking forward to a stronger finish, as most of my rust is polished off.
If you want to follow along the info can be found on www.nzsbk.com.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rea gets MotoGP chance
From Honda Racing Team
The HRC R&D team began a three-day test session at the Sepang circuit, Malaysia on Tuesday in preparation for the 2011 MotoGP season.
Alongside HRC test rider, Kousuke Akiyoshi, who is continuing the development of the RCV212, HRC also invited Jonathan Rea, the Honda Ten Kate World Superbike Team rider to join the test.
After having adjusted the riding position on the RC212V to suit his stature, the 23-year-old Rea, from Northern Ireland joined Japanese rider, and Suzuka 8-hour team-mate Akiyoshi on track.
Akiyoshi and Rea made the most of the warm weather at the 5.548km circuit to complete almost full day’s work with the Honda RC212V, stopping for just one hour due to a short rain shower.
"Today I had great fun learning a MotoGP bike and the Sepang circuit is impressive," Rea said. "My body is still not 100 percent and this is a pity, but I had a very good day with the HRC test team.
"I spent almost all my career on production derived bikes, I just rode a 125 GP a few years ago, and today I had a good feeling riding the Honda RCV212. The bike feels very powerful, the engine revs higher than my CBR1000R and it is easy to change direction. I’d like to thank HRC and Honda Europe for this opportunity. I am looking forward for the next two days of testing."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Godsall confirmed as CMA president
The Annual Meeting of the members of the Canadian Motorcycle Association was held in Hamilton on Dec. 9.
Elected to the Board with a mandate ending 2012 was Joseph Godsall of White Rock, BC. Continuing on the Board with a mandate ending 2011 are David Hewgill (Calgary), Paul Imrie (Saskatoon) and Hugh Lim (Ajax, ON).
At a Board of Directors Meeting held immediately after the AGM Godsall was elected president and Lim as vice president. Holly Ralph was appointed director at large, and John Pineo and Graham Read were appointed ambassadors for the Atlantic provinces.
Imrie was elected member of the executive committee and ex officio members of the executive committee are Godsall, Lim and Marilynn Bastedo (non voting).
Hett and Hewitt earn CMA honours
During the Annual Meeting of the members of the Canadian Motorcycle Association on Dec. 9, Vice President Hugh Lim, on behalf of the outgoing Board of Directors, announced the following awards.
Marc-Andre Thibeault of Drummondville, QC received the Award of Merit, given in recognition of long standing exceptional effort or achievement which reflects favourably on the CMA, or furthers the aims and works of the CMA.
Thibeault has announced his retirement from the Board after a long period of service as Director representing Quebec. He also held various posts on the executive of CMA Quebec Region and was a highly regarded National Referee for many years.
The Fulvio Callimaci Memorial Supporters Award, which is presented to an individual or group who has supported or promoted the CMA and motorcycling in an exceptional way, went to the Amateur Trials Association, Heidelberg, ON and Steel City Riders, Hamilton, for exceptional support of the CMA and its programmes during 2010.
In the Competition Awards, the Bert Irwin Memorial ISDE Award for the Canadian rider who has the best performance at the ISDE went to Victoria (Tori) Hett of Cawston, BC.
The White Memorial Trophy, presented to the Canadian rider who was judged to have the most outstanding performance in winning a CMA #1 Plate, was awarded to Danny Hewitt of Airdrie, AB, the 2010 Ice Racing Champion.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Paris Hilton going GP racing
Paris Hilton will be present at Hotel ME in Madrid this Saturday for the official presentation of the SuperMartxé VIP by Paris Hilton team, which will compete in the 2011 125cc World Championship.
Also in attendance at the event will be the American media star’s partners Nano, Xavi Montero and Ricard Garriga, along with sporting and technical director of the team Ricard Jové and riders Sergio Gadea and Maverick Viñales. The former of the two Spanish riders is an experienced World Championship campaigner and the latter a promising young talent, who this year took the Spanish National Championship and European 125cc titles.
The SuperMartxé VIP by Paris Hilton team will also have a highly experienced technical team behind it, with the skilled combination of Christian Lundberg and Rossano Brazzi having been brought together for the challenge for the final 125cc category title.
MX legend JSR joins KTM
KTM Canada has announced that Jean Sebastien Roy has signed on to be the ambassador for its new SX-F line.
JSR holds an impressive motocross background, including five Canadian National championships, five Montreal Supercoss wins and five years of representing Canada on the world stage at the Motocross des Nations, among many other accomplishments.
He brings to the table an immense amount of experience, talent and knowledge, and is a household name in the world of motocross.
As ambassador, JSR will focus a large part of his energy on mentoring young riders Jeremy Medaglia and Kaven Benoit. When he is not mentoring the Royal Distributing Thor Dragon Fuels race team, Roy will spend his time touring and demonstrating the all new KTM SX-F line of motocross bikes as well as teaching some motocross schools.
Crutchlow on course for first test
Cal Crutchlow is confident he will be at full fitness to take the most out of the Official MotoGP Test at Sepang on Feb. 1, despite recently undergoing shoulder surgery.
The 25-year-old British rider, who will negotiate his rookie season with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team, underwent an operation last week in Manchester and explained to motogp.com that Professor Len Funk, who performed the procedure expects him to be ready in time for Malaysia.
“I crashed at the end of 2009 and ripped the reverse bankart at the back of the shoulder – it was very similar to what Valentino (Rossi) had,” Crutchlow said. “Because I rode on it all year it really wore the shoulder joint so when they opened it, it was worse than expected. They did the best job possible and have said I should make a full recovery. I should make it by February for the Sepang Test. Everyone was pleased with the outcome of the operation.
“I have three weeks in a sling but I'm having regular physiotherapy every day, and it’s coming along very well. I’m using the hyperbaric chamber which is a brilliant facility. The arm is good when I take the sling off, and I can do almost everything. The range of movement already is nearly full, it’s just that the muscle is still a little bit sore as you would expect.”
Crutchlow will make a trip Stateside in the New Year, after which he will test his shoulder by climbing back on board a motorbike.
“I’m going to America to do two weeks of cycling in California at the start of January, and I’ll continue my physio work over there," he said. "Once I get back in mid-January I’ll hopefully go out on some sort of motorbike and ride, making sure I can brake and withstand the force and things like that. The surgeon, the physiotherapist, everybody says there’s no reason I shouldn’t be riding in Sepang and I should be up to full fitness by then.”
The former World Supersport Champion is keeping his expectations for the 2011 MotoGP season closely guarded, and expects his first season to be an educational experience before kicking on in 2012.
“It’s going to be a big learning curve for me this year. I’ve not ridden GP bikes before and have 10 tracks on the calendar to learn. I’ll have to learn fast and get on with it, I’m up against the best guys in the world and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“At some circuits I’ll go better than others because I’ll know them, but I’m not under any pressure from Hervé (Poncharal, Tech 3 boss) and the team, Yamaha or myself. I’m just going there looking forward to learning how to ride the bike in the first year and then have a strong second year.”
Saturday, December 11, 2010
BMW announces new model pricing
RICHMOND HILL, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada has announced an expanded product lineup for 2011 with the introduction of the all-new, six-cylinder K1600GT and GTL along with a significantly upgraded duo of R1200R models, a thoroughly updated G650GS and a new suite of dynamic colour combinations on much of the model range.
The long-anticipated successor to the BMW’s acclaimed K1200LT, the all-new K1600GT and GTL introduce BMW Motorrad’s first six-cylinder powerplant in a sophisticated “from-the-ground-up” new chassis.
With both models sharing basic chassis and powertrain components, the K1600GT debuts with an MSRP of $24,100, and an extensive list of standard equipment, including heated grips, seat heating, cruise control, ABS brakes, Xenon headlight, on board computer, LED indicator lights and rear light, and removable rear panniers in body colour with rear backflow function.
The K1600GTL, with an MSRP of $27,225, the new flagship of BMW Motorrad (in addition to the equipment listed for the GT), distinguishes itself with an array of additional standard equipment including a single-section seat with wider seat area lower seat height (750mm) for the rider, and more padding in the passenger seat area, revised rider footrests and handlebar placement, along with an adjustable shift lever, to accommodate the lower riding position; 49L topcase with wider “comfort” backrest and integrated second brake light; wider “comfort” windshield; audio system with Bluetooth Control Interface (connection for rider and passenger), GPS and Satellite radio preparation and control of the integrated navigation unit (optional accessory) from the handlebars; matching frame and engine colour; chrome features including w/shield mount covers, air foil wings, handlebar weights, pannier and top case trim and cladding tubes of rear silencer.
BMW’s boxer-engined R1200R roadster gets an engine upgrade for 2011, now powered by the same latest-generation DOHC flat-twin engine as it’s R1200GS and RT stablemates.
The 2011 R1200R also benefits from a range of technical and ergonomic enhancements: completely redesigned front forks with a greater standpipe diameter (now 41 mm instead of the earlier 35 mm), redesigned exhaust system with an electronically-controlled flap, redesigned symmetrical cockpit with two round analog instruments, new headlight cover and revised side sections, revised seat modeled after the optional “comfort” seat, all-new cast light-alloy wheels, standard centre stand.
The updated 2011 R1200R debuts with an MSRP of $15,100, and is also available with the optional “Classic” Package ($1,000), which incorporates metallic sapphire black paintwork in conjunction with a centre stripe in plain alpine white extending over the tank and front wheel and components like the Telelever, drivetrain, cylinder head covers, frame, and fork finished in silver.
In addition to being available with optional ABS, ASC and ESA, the R1200R is also available with four seat height options – a High Comfort Seat at 830mm, a regular High Seat at 830mm, an 800mm Sport Seat and and 760mm Low Seat included with the factory-installed 750mm Lowering Kit ($225).
The BMW G650GS Enduro, an evolution of the iconic former single-cylinder BMW F650GS, rejoined the lineup in 2010 as the G650GS, and rides into 2011 with thoroughly updated bodywork, sporty new cockpit design with asymmetrical headlight module, new instrument cluster and dynamic new colour schemes.
With an MSRP of $8,800, the 2011 G650GS continues to be powered by the familiar 652cc liquid-cooled four-valve DOHC powerplant little changed from its predecessor, featuring BMW’s Digital Motor Electronics and fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic convertor and high-performance cylinder head technology.
Friday, December 10, 2010
MotoGP confirms grids; practice schedule
Following a meeting of FIM and MotoGP officials in Madrid on Thursday there was confirmation of a four-session weekend for the 2011 World Championship season, as well as a switch to three riders per line on the starting grid for all classes. Rules for the new Moto3 category to be applied in 2012 were also verified.
In 2011 the practice schedule across the first two days of each Grand Prix will be as follows:
MotoGP: four sessions of 60 minutes
Moto2: four sessions of 45 minutes
125cc: two sessions of 45 minutes (morning) and two sessions of 30 minutes (afternoon).
There will also be three riders on each row of the starting grid in every category starting in 2011.
With regards to the new Moto3 class which will be introduced in 2012, there was confirmation that there will be a single supplier for the ECU engine management system with an announcement on the chosen proposal due on March 19, 2011.
There will also be a single tire and fuel/oil supplier to the class, both of which will be announced on the same date.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Top race bikes featured in Toronto
From Inside Track Communications
TORONTO, ON -- Everyone wants to get into the Winners’ Circle, don’t they? Well thanks to Inside Motorcycles magazine, visitors to this weekend’s Toronto Motorcycle Show will have a chance to do just that.
The Inside Motorcycles Winners’ Circle will feature six race bikes from some of Canada’s top competitors. The hardware will represent a wide range of motorcycle racing disciplines and honour some of Canada’s top racers.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show opens Friday and runs through Sunday in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the city’s downtown core.
“The Inside Motorcycles Winners’ Circle gives us an opportunity to recognize some of this country’s stars and give show visitors an appreciation for the diverse forms of competition in Canada,” said Inside Motorcycles editor John Hopkins. “I think enthusiasts will get a real eye-opener when they see some of these bikes up close and in the flesh.”
Highlighting the display will be the Honda CBR1000RR Brantford, Ont.’s Jordan Szoke rode to his fifth straight Parts Canada Superbike Championship, as well as the Gas Gas Raga 300 he used to clinch his second CMA National Trials title.
The Winners’ Circle will also include Steven Nickerson’s Honda CBR600RR, which the Hamilton racer rode to a third place finish in last summer’s Canadian National Amateur Sport Bike Championship and the Honda CRF450 of Burlington, Ont.’s Doug Beattie, who won his first CMA Canadian Dirt Track Championship.
Brian Wojnarowski of Pontypool, Ont. will show off one of the Yamaha dirt bikes he rode to a third place overall finish, and second in the E2 class in the Canadian Enduro Championship and rounding out the machinery on display will be the Concord, Ont.-based OTSFF race team’s Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross bike that rider Bobby Kiniry used to snatch the ‘King of Walton’ crown at the Walton TransCan Grand National, the most prestigious event in the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals.
Now in its 13th year of publication, Inside Motorcycles covers motorcycling with a Canadian focus. The magazine features new model tests, product reviews, industry news, opinion pieces and coverage of all types of motorcycle racing. More information is available at www.insidemotorcycles.com.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ official launch of its cross-Canada tour where the leading manufacturers and distributors offer a first glimpse of their new 2011 models. Complete show information is available at www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.
New classes, new venues for Nationals
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON – Big changes are in store for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2011.
Canada’s national motorcycle road racing series will see two former regular venues return to the fold and the addition of two new classes. The coming season will mark the 32nd anniversary of national Superbike racing in Canada and Parts Canada returns as title sponsor for a 12th year. There will be a year-end prize fund in 2011.
The series will consist of five rounds, opening once again at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Que. May 27-29 and wrapping up for the first time with the doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ont. Aug. 19-21.
Rounds will also be held at Shannonville Motorsport Park in Shannonville, Ont. July 1-3, Autodrome St-Eustache in St-Eustache, Que. July 8-10 and Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, N.S. Aug. 5-7. A second doubleheader weekend is also under discussion, bringing the total number of races to seven.
“These are challenging times for the Canadian motorcycle industry but the Parts Canada Superbike Championship has a long tradition of showcasing the best in the sport in this country,” said Colin Fraser of series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “Keeping the nationals thriving and moving forward for the future is of paramount importance.”
One of Canada’s most storied motorcycle facilities, Shannonville returns to the tour after a one-year absence. The venue staged its first national in 1980 and has run 44 Canadian Superbike races, the most of any track in Canada. St-Eustache last hosted a national in 2003, but has since been repaved and is now owned by former racer Alan Labrosse and his family.
The national series will consist of six classes, headlined by the Pro Superbike division. Returning categories will include Pro Sport Bike, Amateur Sport Bike and the CBR125R Challenge. New to the championship will be the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup spec class and Amateur Superbike.
The Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup is based on similar series already running in the United States and Britain. Backed by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, the series uses identical, near stock versions of the sport twins to ensure a high level of competition without the necessity of major upgrades over the course of a season.
“We are very excited to bring the XR1200 class to Canada,” said Darren James of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada. “We think it provides an excellent opportunity for dealers to get involved in a racing program; the bikes sound great and they will provide a dramatic spectacle.”
The Amateur Superbike class will mirror the Pro category, showcasing the latest in sports bike technology and offering a potential second entry for Amateur Sport Bike competitors.
“The Amateur Superbike class gives our up-and-coming racers another opportunity to get seat time and build up their racing experience at a high level,” Fraser added.
Pirelli returns for its sixth year as the spec tire supplier to the Parts Canada Superbike Championship through its distributor Orion Motorsports. For 2011 there will be more restrictive limits in the Pro divisions.
2011 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule
Round One, May 27-29, Circuit ICAR, Mirabel, Que.
Round Two, July 1-3, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, Ont.
Round Three, July 8-10, Autodrome St-Eustache, St-Eustache, Que.
Round Four, Aug. 5-7, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, N.S.
Round Five, Aug. 19-21, Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ont.
Round Six, Aug. 19-21, Mosport International Raceway, Bowmanville, Ont.
Lean Angle to introduce RaceLine Leathers in Toronto
From Lean Angle
OTTAWA, ON – Lean Angle Canada will officially launch its new line of made-to-measure racing leathers at the Toronto Motorcycle Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this weekend.
RaceLine custom racing leathers have been over a year in the development phase. The suits include such innovations as Kevlar fabric backed seams and impact zones, tempura topped CE armour and a fully removable interior lining that makes care, maintenance and further customization a breeze.
RaceLine suits can be made in a combination of eight standard or an infinite number of custom colours. Perforation areas can be selected by the customer and upgrades include Kangaroo hide, Knox or 3d0 armour, Bickle knee sliders and a full leather logo/rider name package. These suits rival those in the $1500-$2000 range but are aggressively priced for the Canadian economy.
“We are so pleased to be bringing the RaceLine racing suits to market. Advanced expert feedback on features, fit, style and construction have been overwhelmingly positive,” stated Steve Reed, President of Lean Angle Canada. “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Stitch It Clothing Alterations whereby RaceLine customers, if they choose, may be expertly measured by a Stitch It Alterations tailor anywhere across Canada.”
To celebrate the launch of RaceLine custom racing leathers, Lean Angle will have a ballot box available at the Inside Motorcycles booth (#1339) where one lucky person will be selected to win their very own custom set of RaceLine racing leathers, a set of TechSpec Gripsters and family-pack of Medical Data Information Carriers (MICS) for their family members’ helmets – valued at over $1000.
Racers and motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to drop by the Inside Motorcycles booth (#1339) to not only fill-out a ballot, but to chat with their show staff and perhaps meet RaceLine’s first ever sponsored rider, Steven Nickerson. Nickerson’s Honda CBR600RR, which he raced to a third place overall in the 2010 Canadian National Amateur Sport Bike Championship will be on display throughout the weekend.
RaceLine leathers are currently available at Gear Head (www.gearheadcanada.com), Quebec Trackdays (www. quebec-trackdays.com) and Powersports Canada (www.powersportscanada.com) and will be coming soon to a dealer near you. Get in the RaceLine at www.leanangle.ca.
Schwarzenegger slammed by AMA
From the American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced its AMA Motorcyclist of the Year. Awarded annually, the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year designation recognizes the person(s) who has had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling, for better or worse, in the previous 12 months.
For 2010, that distinction belongs to outgoing California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose signature on a controversial law will have far-reaching and potentially harmful effects on the motorcycling community nationwide.
With no fanfare, Schwarzenegger signed a poorly crafted bill on Sept. 28 that fundamentally changes how California will regulate motorcycle exhaust systems. The new law also maps a path for the rest of the country, as other state and local lawmakers look for their own answers to address excessive motorcycle sound.
"Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a piece of legislation that has rocked the motorcycling world, and will impact motorcyclists in other states as well for years to come," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "This makes him the logical choice for the 2010 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year."
The legislation, California Senate Bill 435, the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act, requires every new motorcycle or aftermarket exhaust system built starting in 2013 to carry a stamp on the exhaust certifying that it meets federal Environmental Protection Agency sound requirements. For most motorcycles, the law is a de-facto OEM (original equipment manufacturer) exhaust mandate because the federal standard was not designed for aftermarket manufacturers, and compliance for the scores of low-volume production models now on the market is extremely problematic.
The AMA has long advocated reasonable measures be adopted for the regulation of excessive motorcycle sound, and cites the Society of Automotive Engineers J2825 motorcycle sound testing procedure as the most fair, economical and practical solution to the problem vexing communities nationwide.
"The California law is a poorly crafted piece of legislation that's discriminatory and does little to address the core problem of excessive sound from all sources, not just motorcycles," Dingman said. "Rather than objectively regulate offensive noise, this law creates all sorts of problems for riders, law enforcement and aftermarket manufacturers."
An EPA certification label is no guarantee of sound compliance, and the lack of a label is no guarantee that an exhaust is too loud. The only way to know if a motorcycle exhaust is compliant is to test its actual sound output, Dingman noted.
"As a motorcyclist, Gov. Schwarzenegger should have known better," Dingman said. "Now California's motorcyclists, as well as key segments of our industry, are going to be negatively impacted."
Schwarzenegger has, during his tenure, been an ally of motorcycling with key appointments to decision-making committees that deal with off-highway riding issues, as an example. In addition, as a known motorcyclist himself, Schwarzenegger has drawn attention to motorcycling and, after a high-profile crash in 2006, the need for proper motorcycle licensing.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Return to Miller on AMA slate
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - After an exciting 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing season that saw all class champions decided at the final event, AMA Pro has announced its preliminary 2011 road racing schedule. New is the change of the fabled Daytona 200 event back to its more traditional daytime running, a return to Miller Motorsports Park over the Memorial Day weekend and some small date changes for some of the traditional events.
The 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing season will kick off at the famed Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL with the biggest motorcycling event of the year, Daytona 200 Week. Activities will begin on Saturday night, March 5 with the longest continuous running Supercross event in America, the Daytona Supercross. The opening rounds of AMA Pro Flat Track kick off Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11, to mark the second running of the Grand Nationals at the new Daytona Flat Track.
The road racing activities also begin on Thursday with practice and qualifying for the four main classes of AMA Pro Road Racing. The AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike series will again race two times during the Daytona 200 Week activities on Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12. New this year will be the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, making its debut at Daytona. The AMA Pro SuperSport division will also race on Friday and Saturday. The Daytona 200 will once again be run as a day race on Saturday, March 12 and will be the closing event of the 2011 Daytona 200 Week activities. Last March's Daytona 200 winner, Josh Herrin will lead the field in the namesake AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class for the 70th running of the famous event.
The series will then travel to Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA for the West Coast Moto Jam, May 13-15. The popular Infineon Raceway provides a full slate of activities throughout the weekend and this year the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series will make its debut at the 2.32-mile natural road course.
Next on the schedule for AMA Pro Road Racing is a return to Miller Motorsports Park on Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30, in conjunction with the HANNspree Superbike World Championship event. AMA Pro previously raced at the picturesque facility in Tooele, Utah from 2006 to 2008.
Elkhart Lake's Road America will once again feature the full complement of AMA Pro Road Racing as the series travels to the legendary 4.0-mile road course through the Kettle Moraine countryside in Wisconsin, June 3-5.
Celebrating it's 50th Anniversary Season, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will host AMA Pro Road Racing one week earlier than usual, the race taking place July 8-10. The Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire will once again bring the eyes of the motorcycle racing world to the gentle hills in Lexington, Ohio.
The series will then travel to Northern California to join the activities at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, July 22-24. This weekend will feature single races for National Guard SuperBike, Daytona SportBike and SuperSport in addition to the first stop in the USA for MotoGP.
The next event will be in August at another great facility for motorcycle racing, Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va. The Aug. 12-14 weekend will once again see all Road Racing classes competing at the 2.25-mile country-club-like natural road course.
AMA Pro Road Racing will then travel to southern New Jersey for the Labour Day weekend at the New Jersey Motorsports Park event in Millville, NJ. Very popular with fans and competitors alike, the impressive Thunderbolt circuit will host the series, Sept. 2-4.
A return to Barber Motorsports Park, located in Birmingham, AL, is still being negotiated and the June date and confirmation are to be determined.
One additional season-ending event is also under consideration and will be announced at a later date.
Piaggio brings wide range to Toronto
NEW YORK, NY – Fuel-efficient scooters, championship-winning superbikes, award winning three-wheelers and long-distance tourers are just some of the tempting options Italy’s Piaggio Group, manufacturer of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa brands, will showcase at the 2010 Toronto Motorcycle Show this weekend.
Ontario Piaggio Group dealers will be on-site to answer any questions and provide enthusiasts with product information and insight into the wide range of exotic Italian motor scooters and motorcycles made by the Piaggio Group.
Among the models featured at the show will be the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. The bike that dominated and won the triple crown of the 2010 Superbike World Championship is race ready right off the showroom floor. From the innovative 65-degree V4 engine, to the soul stirring exhaust note to the ride-by-wire throttle technology and inimitable Italian styling, Aprilia has worked tirelessly to create an exceptional, class-leading sportbike.
Advanced technology used to simplify the riding experience is the key characteristic of the Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS. Aprilia’s revolutionary SportGear transmission offers a choice of three “Autodrive” mappings, plus a manual, seven-speed, sequential gearshift, giving riders revolutionary new tools for maximizing performance and fuel economy in any traffic condition.
The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic has all the beauty of the iconic original V7, a model that earned this legendary brand global acclaim in the 1960s and 70s. While styling invokes the spirit of its famous predecessor, there’s nothing retro about the V7’s technology. The classic shaft drive system, modern fuel injected engine, superb ergonomics and the inimitable music of the Moto Guzzi transverse V-Twin make the V7 a great all around motorcycle.
As the fastest, most technically advanced Vespa to-date, the GTS 300 is the sporty ride of choice for commuters who want to get up and go the distance. Ideal for urban or highway miles, the timeless Italian style blends beautifully with a modern environmentally friendly fuel injected four-stroke, four-valve engine.
The award-winning Piaggio MP3 500 is the perfect solution for riders who want aggressive good looks, sport bike like performance and all the ease, stability and convenience of a three-wheel scooter. The MP3 500’s innovative suspension technology means you can achieve lean angles and quick stopping action while enjoying glue-like traction and great fuel economy.
Piaggio Group Americas Canadian dealerships represented at the Toronto Motorcycle Show will include Apex Cycle Sports of Waterloo (www.apexcycle.ca/), Gear Head of Ottawa (www.gearheadcanada.com), GP Bikes Fine Motorsports of Ajax, ON (www.gpbikes.com), Vespa Burlington of Burlington, ON (www.vespaburlington.com), Vespa of Sudbury (http://vespaofsudbury.com) and Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi Toronto Downtown (www.bmwtorontomotorrad.ca).
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Inside Motorcycles Holiday Buyers' Guide 2010
Thank you to the many advertisers who supported this special insert. Please support the businesses that support racing!
Click on the flip book image below to go directly to the Holiday Buyers' Guide.
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Team UK wins GS Trophy
MUNICH, GERMANY -- The BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2010 is over. Ten teams and 13 nationalities rode BMW F 800 GS motorcycles some 2000km (approximately 70 percent off-road) in seven days, crossing three African nations (South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique), dodging lions and elephants and tackling some of the most beautiful (but challenging) terrain in the world.
The competition started at 8:15am on Nov. 14 (after a day of preparations) and for the next seven days the riders rode 300km days, bivouacked nightly under canvas and along the way completed 12 special challenges that tested their riding skills, their strength, their mental agility and their endurance.
Just how hard-fought the GS Trophy was came as a surprise to all. Even on the final day three teams were still very much in contention, separated by less than a handful of points.
In the end it was Team UK who overcame all. They took the most complete, most studied strategy to the event and while at the finish the margin was only one point it had been their intense level of application to every test that made the difference.
“We came into the GS Trophy with it in mind to go for the win," Team UK's Mark Kinnard explained. "But we had a terrible first day, we finished fifth, and we vowed after that to come back fighting. And we did, we won the next day and went first overall and we stayed there to the end.
“It was very tight going into the last day and I recall we’d said on the final night that whatever the outcome we would still be very happy, for although winning is terrific it was the experience – the country, the friendships, the shared highs and lows – that will stay with us long after the glow of victory will fade.”
Second placed Team South Africa were equally motivated from the start. Having completed possibly the most rigorous training of all the teams they had the fitness and riding skills to do the job. But they confessed they misjudged the commitment required.
Equally, third-placed Team Nordic were a very talented team, but they confessed they came together as a team too late.
Monday, December 06, 2010
New models confirmed for Toronto show
From the Toronto Motorcycle Show
TORONTO, ON -- The Toronto Motorcycle Show, widely recognized as the Canadian motorcycle and ATV industries’ premier motorcycle, scooter and ATV showcase, is just days away from offering the first public viewing of the coolest new rides for 2011.
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre will host the show, one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV).
“Although the 2010 riding season is ending, for many enthusiasts the Toronto Motorcycle Show signifies the beginning of the new 2011 season,” said Darryl Bond, Show Manager. “Dec. 10-12 is going to be an action-packed, family friendly weekend that will appeal to new and avid riders, women, and kids of all ages. There’s something for everyone.”
New motorcycles to expect at the Toronto Motorcycle Show include Yamaha Canada’s new Super Tenere, Stryker, FZ8 and Stratoliner Deluxe; Harley-Davidson’s 2011 Sportster Superlow, Road Glide Ultra, Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Ultra; Honda’s all new 2011 CBR250R, CBR125R, CB1000RA and the debut of TRX 500; BRP Spyder RT Limited, Spyder RS-S, Commander 1000 and Commander 800; Canadian Kawasaki’s new Ninja ZX-10R, Vulcan 1700 Vaquero and Ninja 400R; Ducati’s all new Diavel musclecruiser, Multistrada and Monster 796; KTM’s 990 SMT and all new 350 SX-F motocross; Triumph’s new Tiger 800XC; Norton 961 Sport from Norton Canada; BMW K1600GT and GTL, G650GS and R1200R; Suzuki’s new GSX-R750, TU250 Retro and totally revamped GSX-R600; new Husqvarna TE449 Enduro; Royal Enfield’s new Bullet Classic Military; Aprilia RSV4 Factory, Moto Guzzi V7 Classic, Vespa GTV300 and Piaggio three wheeled MP3 Sport.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show presents SHE RIDES NITE on Friday, offering free admission for ladies after 5pm. With more women becoming involved in the sport, SHE RIDES NITE is an industry-sponsored evening for women who ride or are considering taking up the sport.
Inside Motorcycles and Inside MotoX & Off Road are proud to present the first-class machinery and personalities that contribute to Canada's racing successes. Meet the fearless riders and their winning bikes, talk to skilled tuners and admire the dedication and craftsmanship that go into creating a race-winning motorcycle. Special guests include Jordan Szoke, Doug Beattie, Steven Nickerson, Brian Wojnarowski and Bobby Kiniry.
Yamaha Canada and Canadian Motorcycle Training Services present a free opportunity for kids aged 6-12 (certain conditions apply) to learn to ride on the latest Yamaha TT-R off-road motorcycles.
Looking to save some cash on 2010 models and gear? With dealers anxious to clear space for new 2011 bikes and ATVs, take advantage of year-end sales incentives and rebates on bikes, aftermarket apparel and parts, accessories and protective equipment - exclusively at The Toronto Motorcycle Show.
Parts Canada will present seminars offering budding racers tips on how to obtain those elusive sponsorships. Meet Biker TV’s Host and female motorcycle enthusiast, Heather Ireland at the Parts Canada display.
Patrick Trahan will be at the show to talk about his upcoming quest in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. In winter 2011, Patrick will attempt a record-setting circumnavigation of Africa, though 26 countries in 60 days on rough, remote and dangerous terrain in an attempt to raise $25,000 for kids. Visit him in the Honda Canada booth with his 2011 XR650L bike.
Join the adventure as 33-year-old Canadian BMW rider Rene Cormier tells the story of how he stepped away from the corporate world, cashed in what few possessions he had to finance a $25 a day, three-year, 154,000km motorcycle trek through 41 countries. Rene will be presenting all weekend at the Full Throttle Stage.
Complete show information is available at www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.
Turn 2 specials at Toronto show
CALABOGIE, ON – Turn 2 Sport Bike School has announced its presence at this weekend's Toronto Motorcycle Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building.
Show specials include the following 2011 “Open Date” Show Specials:
ARC Level 1, two-day ARC/CRG turnkey package aboard a Kawasaki Ninja 250R for $850 with a $25 coupon for use at any future Turn2 2011 dates at Calabogie. This package includes all necessary riding gear with Standard Bike Rental Insurance and represents a savings of $100 including coupon. You can switch to a Ninja ZX-6R for $975 or ride your own bike for $550.
ARC Level 2, two-day ARC/CRG turnkey package aboard a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R for $1040 with a $50 coupon for use at any future Turn2 2011 dates at Calabogie. This package includes all necessary riding gear with Standard Bike Rental Insurance and represents a savings of $210 including coupon. Ride your own bike for $600.
ARC Level 3, two-day ARC/CRG package aboard your own track prepped machine for $625 with a $50 coupon for use at any future Turn2 2011 dates at Calabogie. This package includes availability of any necessary rental riding gear and represents a savings of $115 including coupon.
Add a third day to any Open Date Show Specials for only $200 plus bike rental if applicable.
There are also 2011 “Executive Date” Show Specials for June 9-10, July 11-12 and Aug. 3-4.
Book any ARC or CRG for any of the school's six 2011 Executive Days as listed and receive 10 percent off plus free lunch and a $25 coupon for use at any future Turn2 2011 dates at Calabogie.
For complete details, email Turn2 at info@turn2.ca, visit Turn2 online at http://www.turn2.ca/ or call Turn2 at 613-883-2488.
Billyard named to TdN post
Following its announcement of Nov. 8 in connection with the ISDE and Motocross of Nations, the CMA Board has confirmed the appointment of Bob Billyard as Manager/Coordinator of the Canadian Trial des Nations Team.
The event will take place in Italy.
Jury Delegates for all three projects will be announced at a later date.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Retired BC cop wins Harley
From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada
The Motorcycle Ride For Dad celebrated its 10th anniversary by holding a cross-Canada tour this August in support of the fight against prostate cancer and the Military Families Fund.
The tour was about raising awareness for these two serious causes, but it wouldn’t have been a motorcycle event without a little fun. To make this happen, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada donated a 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle to be awarded to one lucky participant on the tour. West Kelowna, BC’s Maurice (Moe) Cardinal’s name was drawn from thousands to receive this one of a kind bike that will be presented at a press event being held Saturday at Kamloops Harley-Davidson.
Custom painted by Roger Pouw of Extreme Measures Kustom Paint, the bike features the Motorcycle Ride For Dad “Ribbon of Steel” logo, promoting prostate cancer awareness, and is emblazed with flames. It’s sure to turn a few heads as the 76-year-old Cardinal rides down the streets of Kamloops.
Moe, who raised over $800 for the two causes, is no stranger to motorcycles. This retired RCMP officer has been riding for 56 years and spent five of those years riding a police issued Harley-Davidson. He also is committed to the fight against prostate cancer and serves on the executive committee of the Kelowna Chapter of the Motorcycle Ride For Dad.
The Motorcycle Ride For Dad is Canada's largest annual motorcycle event dedicated to fighting prostate cancer through research and awareness. From its humble beginnings, the Ride For Dad has grown to include 29 cities in every province in the country. Now in its 10th year, more than 100,000 men, women and children have been involved, raising more than $7 million to fight prostate cancer.
The Military Families Fund was created in April, 2007 by General Rick Hillier (ret.), the former Chief of Defense Staff, to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs that have resulted due to conditions of service. The fund continues to grow through the generous contributions of Canadians, corporations and other organizations, adding a new vehicle to support Canadian Forces members and their families.
Yamaha prize winners announced
TORONTO, ON – Yamaha’s latest ‘Right Here Right Now’ contest is now over; the entries are in and the Grand Prize winner is Paul Vollicks.
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 12, anyone who purchased a new Yamaha was entered to win their purchase or choose from a $5,000 Yamaha Shopping Spree. Considering Vollicks' purchase of an EF2600 (MSRP of $949), the Espanola, ON resident chose the latter.
“It’s always a nice feeling to call a customer and tell them they’re a winner,” said Yamaha’s National Marketing Manager, Tim Kennedy. “It’s especially nice when they are a loyal Yamaha customer, like Paul. He already owns a few Yamaha products, including a snowmobile and ATV, and has nothing but good things to say about his local dealer, Trail Side Sports in Espanola. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Along with the Grand Prize, Yamaha also awarded three secondary prizes, each a $1,000 Yamaha shopping spree. Those customers were Chambly, QC’s Martin Morin, who purchased a Raptor 700 sport ATV; Edmonton’s Ethan Marshand, who purchased a Nytro snowmobile; and Gene Doroschuk of Vancouver, who bought a BWs 50 scooter.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Motovan brings MV Agusta line to Canada
VARESE, ITALY – MV Agusta is entering the Canadian market, appointing Motovan Corporation as its exclusive importer.
“We have finally succeeded in obtaining all of the necessary approvals from the Canadian authorities, therefore the motorcycles can be imported into Canada for the very first time in the history of MV Agusta," said Umberto Uccelli, sales director for MV Agusta. "After many inquiries from Canadian consumers, we are very proud to have reached an agreement with a reputable Canadian powersports organization such as Motovan.”
James Paladino, President and CEO of Motovan Corporation is an Italo-Candian who has always helped maintain Italy’s unique image.
“We are very happy to be associated with MV Agusta so that our passion lives on in our family," Paladino said. "To me, this is a tribute to my father (founder of Motovan) since he worked on MV Agusta motorcycles in the 1950’s from his shop in a little village in Italy."
In the very near future, Motovan will appoint a small number of high-level dealers in order to sell this prestigious brand. For the first year, the number of motorcycles will be extremely limited, therefore Motovan will be launching a website www.mvagustacanada.com that allows the serious buyer the possibility to reserve his or her motorcycle on-line.
Trahan tackles Africa for Children's Wish
As a fundraiser for the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada , Patrick Trahan will attempt a record-setting circumnavigation of Africa in early 2011.
He will endeavour to travel 25,000km through 26 countries in just 60 days. The existing record is 286 days.
This is a gruelling goal on a continent with few linked roads. Many of the extreme, remote areas he will pass through have no roads at all and are dangerous and violent. He knows that it might
take him more time than his goal but he is certain to break the record.
The most important goal for the adventure is to raise $25,000 for the Children's Wish Foundation.
“The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada is very important," Trahan said. "It took me 15 years to realize my dream to be at the Dakar and 10 more to finish it. Those kids don’t have 15 years, some of them have only 15 months. So they need an extra help to realize their dream. All I do is realize my dreams one after the other, now it is time for me to help them realize theirs. A dream might not be a new medication but has the power to permit those kids to live some magical moments with their family.”
His bike, a Honda XR650L 2011 will be on display at the Toronto Motorcycles Show Dec. 10-12 in the Honda Canada booth. His bike is being fitted with special Twisted Throttle adventure equipment.
His website rideafrica4wihes.com will be very important. It will be one of the places where people will be able to buy kilometres ($1) each. Different packages will be offered and even an entire country will be available. A map of Africa will show the progress of the KM sold. Trahan will ride only the km sold. But he is confident that people won’t let him down in Africa.
His site will also track his progress using the latest satellite technology, plus a blog will be updated every night with his comments and some photo of the day.
You can contribute by visiting him at the Honda Canada booth in the Toronto Motorcycle Show or by visiting his website at http://rideafrica4wishes.com/.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Lean Angle partners with FAST school
From Lean Angle Canada
OTTAWA, ON – Lean Angle has announced that its TechSpec Gripster and Medical Data Information Carrier System (MICS) product lines will be exhibited in conjunction with FAST Riding School at the upcoming Toronto Motorcycle Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Dec. 10-12.
FAST Riding School, owned and operated by three-time Canadian Superbike Champion and Canadian Motorcycle and Motorsport Hall of Fame inductee Michel Mercier, has been an institution in the field of on-track motorcycle rider training for almost a quarter century.
The FAST Riding School, operating out of Shannonville Motorsport Park, offers six levels of instruction along with group sessions that cater to new and more experienced riders. Their roster of instructors includes many active racers as well as past National and Regional Superbike Champions.
“TechSpec Gripsters have been helping students at FAST get a grip on their machines while they are learning advanced riding techniques at the school this past season,” said Mercier.
“As a graduate of the FAST program I am very pleased to announce a new partnership with Michel Mercier and the FAST Riding School that will see the Medical Data Information Carrier (MICS) helmet system become part of the school’s overall rider safety strategy,” stated Steve Reed, president, Lean Angle Canada.
The 2” x 1” MICS personal information carrier will be affixed to each student's helmet allowing vital medical information to be immediately accessible to corner workers and first responders in the case of an emergency.
TechSpec Gripster Tank Pads and Medical Data Information Carriers (MICS) are currently available at an ever expanding dealer network across Canada. MICS dealers that have been recently added include Powersports Canada (www.powersportscanada.com) and Bluestreak Racing (www.bluestreakracing.ca). To find your closest dealer please visit www.leanangle.ca.
Biaggi and Xaus lead testing
The second day of Aprilia and Yamaha World Superbike testing at Phillip Island concluded on Wednesday with Max Biaggi once again the quickest man out on the track.
The Aprilia rider got down to a time of 1 minute 32.3 seconds with his RSV-4 machine in milder conditions than on day 1.
The 2010 champion was able to confirm the good performance of the new Ohlins forks and he also tried out a new swingarm and fuel tank, among other things. The tests also revolved around a new engine spec, with a different power delivery.
There were two crashes during the day, involving SBK rookie Marco Melandri and Leon Camier, at the long left-hander leading onto the pit straight. The Italian hurt a finger but not seriously, while Camier continued testing after his crash but then hit a seagull. With his arm swollen he decided to call it a day.
On Thursday the tests will continue for a third and final day, but the weather forecast is for rain.
Bad weather also conditioned day 2 of SBK testing at the Algarve circuit in Portugal on Tuesday as heavy showers and low temperatures made the work difficult for the numerous teams who had headed for southern Europe to prepare their 2011-spec machines.
Unofficial times recorded by the teams put Ten Kate Honda man Ruben Xaus at the top of the timesheets with a time of 1:55.8. The Spanish rider, on his first time out with the Ten Kate team, looked comfortable in the wet and did a lot of laps on his new CBR machine.
Three tenths of a second slower was Britain's Leon Haslam, the new BMW Motorrad man now looking comfortable on his S1000RR bike despite some electronic problems during the day, while Michel Fabrizio (Suzuki Alstare) set a similar time to Jonathan Rea (Ten Kate Honda), who did not go out at all.
Troy Corser was next up with the second BMW, with Noriyuki Haga (Aprilia Pata) also lapping under the two-minute mark.
James Toseland got to grips with his new BMW machine, but it was the test team's S1000RR and the two-time World Champion was not aiming to post any quick laps.
Maxime Berger's expected debut on the Supersonic Ducati 1098 was postponed as the Italian team decided not to make the trip down to Portugal due to the poor weather conditions.
Philip Island Unofficial Times: 1. Biaggi (Aprilia) 1:32.3; 2. Camier (Aprilia) & Laverty (Yamaha) 1:32.5; 4. Melandri (Yamaha) 1:32.6
Algarve Unofficial Times: 1. Xaus (Honda) 1:55.8; 2. Haslam (BMW) 1:56.1; 3. Rea (Honda) 1:56.9; 4. Fabrizio (Suzuki) 1:56.9; 5. Corser (BMW) 1:57.1; 6. Toseland (BMW) 1:58.2; 7. Haga (Aprilia) 1:58.2
New models highlight Yamaha display
TORONTO, ON - For consumers eagerly anticipating this year’s motorcycle shows, there will be a significant buzz coming from the Yamaha booth. Much of that energy will emanate from four impressive models that Yamaha launched earlier in the year, the Stryker, Super Ténéré, FZ8 and Fazer 8.
The Stryker was built for riders who demand that their bike embody the same attitude as its owner: style, aggression and confidence. A raked front end, with special yoke offset, offers a custom look without sacrificing low speed handling. The belt drive is powered by a fuel-injected, V-Twin that complements the “fists in the wind” riding position.
The Super Ténéré’s rabid following will have a chance to get up close and personal with one of the most talked about Yamahas in years. What they will find are goodies like an 1199cc, fuel-injected, inline twin powerplant, traction control, ABS and unified braking – all coming as standard equipment on the base model. For those with an adventurous soul, the Super Ténéré can comfortably take you where few others dare to tread.
Many riders love the performance of a sport bike but require more practicality for every day use. Enter the versatile and fun FZ8, and its fairing endowed brother, the Fazer 8. Heart quickening acceleration with an upright riding position makes for a great ride on any stretch of road.
The new bikes aren’t the only attraction. Yamaha is pleased to bring the Yamaha Riding Academy back for another year, offering kids aged 6–12 free rides on some of the latest off-road models. Switching gears from first ride to seasoned professionals, Yamaha is displaying the two fastest motocross bikes in Canada, the #1 YZ450F of Dusty Klatt and the #1 YZ250F of Tyler Medaglia as part of a race display.
A few select Yamaha dealers will be set-up selling all of the latest apparel and accessories, and in some cases, “blowing out” non-current inventory.
Lenz fund rewards young racers
From the Forever 45 Fund
VANCOUVER, WA - During Peter Lenz’s racing career he was blessed to have the support of his family and the best safety and training equipment to be found.
In 2009, Peter donated several hundred dollars of his own money to 'Ethan Gilliam’s Chasin a Dream Program' to allow fellow youth racers to receive chest protectors for free. Following Peter’s example, the Forever 45 fund will protect youth riders on an annual basis in honour of Peter Lenz.
Peter consistently demonstrated the characteristics that made him a champion on and off the track: Intelligence, kindness, sportsmanship, humility and speed. Two riders that demonstrated that combination have been selected to receive the inaugural scholarship of the Forever 45 fund: Oregon racer, Mackenzie Ancien (age 14), and West Virginian, Ian Tetrick (age 14).
It is the intention of the fund and its supporters to help at least one rider annually. This year through the generous support of the racing community and Peter’s sponsors, the Forever 45 fund is able to provide these two young athletes with Corsair V helmet from Arai Helmets, leathers from Pilot, Sidi Fusion boots from Motonation, innersuit from Performance Under Gear (PUG), Phantom gloves from Held USA, made to measure chest and back protector from Impact Safe-T Armor, and two single day schools with the California Superbike School.
“I would like to thank the Lenz Family and Peter's Forever 45 support program for this amazing opportunity," Ancien said. "Just the idea that I am able to follow Peter’s legacy is a great feeling. Peter and I had a close friendship, and the fact that I am able to represent him is awesome. I can't express to you how grateful I am.”
Added Tetrick, “This scholarship means that I will be as safe as possible while racing next season, and knowing that it is being given to me in Peter’s honour makes it even more special. Thanks to everybody who made this scholarship possible, and for believing that I am worthy of receiving it. I will do my best to prove myself worthy, and to honour Peter’s memory throughout my racing career.”
The Forever 45 program was started to honour Peter’s memory and to help bring peace to his family.
“During an incredibly difficult time, we are extremely grateful for the support that the community has shown in Peter’s memory and to our family," said Peter's father Michael Lenz. "We knew Peter was special, but even we didn’t realize the wide reach and positive impact he had on his friends and fans. He cared about his fellow racers and used to loan or give riders gear if he felt they needed it. This program honours those memories."
Forever 45 program details can be found on Peter’s website at www.peterlenz.com.
