Tuesday 31 July 2012

7/31 Motorcycle News - Reviews | Photos | MotoGP | Superbike | Motocross | Supercross | Motorcycles

     
    Motorcycle News - Reviews | Photos | MotoGP | Superbike | Motocross | Supercross | Motorcycles    
   
JAMA: June Motorcycle Sales Down 0.9%
July 31, 2012 at 6:15 AM
 
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Motorcycle Industry News

The Japan Automobile Manufacturer's Association (JAMA) released its June statistics Monday, reporting on domestic sales, production and exports of motorcycles from the big four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha) and others in Japan.

For the month of June 2012, JAMA says 34,522 motorcycles were sold (factory shipment), a decrease of 0.9 percent over the same month in 2011.

June 2012 Motorcycle Domestic Sales Figures by Class

  • 50cc or under 20,368 units, down 11.0%
  • 51 - 125cc 7,194 units, up 11.7%
  • 126 - 250cc 4,035 units, up 6.0%
  • Over 250cc 2,925 units, up 72.3%

Motorcycle production was also down; JAMA says 41,984 motorcycles were produced in the month of June 2012, compared with 55,322 units in June of 2011. This is a decrease of 13,338 units, or 24.1 percent.

June 2012 Motorcycle Production Figures by Class

  • 50cc or under 7,363 units, down 2,741 units or 27.1%
  • 51 - 125cc 3,163 units, down 2,742 units or 46.4%
  • 126 - 250cc 8,175 units, down 3,849 units or 32.0%
  • Over 250cc 23,283 units, down 4,006 units or 14.7%

Exports also followed this downward trend, JAMA reporting that exports were down 13.5% in June 2012 compared to June 2011.

June 2012 Motorcycle Production Figures by Manufacturer

  • Honda 12,637
  • Suzuki 10,958
  • Yamaha 12,394
  • Kawasaki 5,972
  • Others 23
  • Total 41,984

Although June numbers were down, first-half year production numbers were positive. JAMA says that for the first half of 2012 (January through June), motorcycle production was recorded at 317,974 motorcycles. Compared with 302,595 units total recorded during the first half of 2011, this is an increase of 15,379 units or 5.1 percent.

The First Half of 2012 Motorcycle Production Figures by Class:

  • 50cc or under 49,780 units, down 5,131 units or 9.3%
  • 51 - 125cc 22,050 units, down 4,658 units or 17.4%
  • 126 - 250cc 43,427 units, up 2,801 units or 6.9%
  • Over 250cc 202,717 units, up 22,367 units or 12.4%

The First Half of 2012 Motorcycle Production Figures by Manufacturer:

  • Honda 107,695
  • Suzuki 78,452
  • Yamaha 91,142
  • Kawasaki 40,662
  • Others 23
  • Total 317,974
   
   
Smith Wins Cal Expo AMA Pro Flat Track
July 31, 2012 at 5:55 AM
 
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2012 AMA Grand National Championship

Saturday's AMA Pro Flat Track main event at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds put the Olympics on the back burner for the night as the event was an absolute thriller in front of a packed house.

Bryan Smith was as cool as the California breeze as he took the checkered flag to close out the Miller Lite Sacramento Mile presented locally by Big O Tires and Padilla Bail Bonds in what proved to be an intense battle between him and several prominent riders.

The win was Smith's first AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil win of the year. The veteran rider is now the back-to-back Cal Expo Grand National Champion, as he was the winner of this same race last year.

Bryan Smith says: "I was hoping to just run away from the pack but they wouldn't let me. I was just fast enough but Jake and Jared gave me a great run. Thanks to all of my supporters, I'm so happy to be here. It's always fun to race in front of a sellout crowd, this was awesome."

The race was a 140 mph chess match between Bryan Smith, Jake Johnson, and Jared Mees. Johnson came out hot off the pole with an early lead but couldn't maintain it for long as he surrendered it on the sixth lap to Smith. With three laps to go, Johnson ripped the lead back from Smith and then lost it again as quickly as it came.

Smith, Johnson and Mees were neck and neck going into the last lap, but it was Smith who slammed the throttle just a little bit harder and crossed the finish line for the win with Johnson coming in a close second and Mees in third. Brandon Robinson and Sammy Halbert rounded out the top five finishers in an old fashioned thriller that gave the sold-out crowd everything they could have asked for.

AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles

The twin engines might be the Cadillac of AMA Pro Flat Track but the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles field proved to be nothing short of top-of-the line riders. Shayna Texter captured the checkered flag for the first time this season and dazzled the crowd as she made several precarious decisions that paid off in the end and carried her to victory by a close margin.

Shayna Texter says: "I was super nervous going in to the race; it was a long race that came down to the last lap. I grew up with these riders and love competing against them. It just feels like a fairy tale and I can't wait to come back next year."

Texter, starting from the pole, grabbed an early lead and maintained it for the majority of the race until the last three laps, where she found Stephen Vanderkuur and Jake Shoemaker breathing down her neck. She lost the lead on the eleventh lap and found herself in the midst of a three-wide scramble with Vanderkuur and Shoemaker but she defied the odds and surrendered nothing to the men, crossing the finish line in the lead with a photo-finish victory.

With the win, Texter became the first-ever female to win an AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles National event at a mile-long track. However, it wasn't her first time at the top of the podium, as this was her second Grand National victory in '12 and the rising star looks to have a very promising future for years to come. Vanderkuur and Shoemaker rounded out the podium, taking second- and third-place results, respectively.

Next Up

The stars of AMA Pro Flat Track will return to Castle Rock, Washington on August 4, 2012. For tickets and information, please visit mshmc.org/.

   
   
Indian Releases 2013 Chief Vintage LE
July 30, 2012 at 8:09 PM
 
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2013 Indian Chief Vintage Limited Edition

Indian Motorcycle is proud to debut for 2013 the elegant and powerful Chief Vintage Limited Edition. Featuring a pearl white and thunder black two-tone paint scheme, this bike is sure to turn heads on the open road.

The LE also features stylish chrome accents, including chrome highway pegs and a chrome arrow-style shift rod that add a custom touch to this already striking motorcycle.

The Limited Edition offers more than just great looks. The quick detach passenger backrest and luggage rack allows you to go from cruising around with your crew to riding your favorite scenic route with someone special in no time.

This iconic motorcycle harkens back to Indian's roots, but features a paint scheme that will never go out of style. Indian Motorcycle will produce only 35 LE Units, priced at $37,899 US and $39,899 CAD.

Along with the limited edition, Indian will continue to produce the Chief Vintage in Indian Red, Indian Red and Ivory Cream, and Willow Green and Ivory Cream. The Classic will reappear in Solid Thunder Black and Solid Indian Red; and the Dark Horse will be available in Thunder Black Smoke. Shipping will begin in August 2012.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle or to find a dealer, visit indianmotorcycle.com.

   
   
2013 Victory Boardwalk | Preview
July 30, 2012 at 7:52 PM
 
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2013 Victory Motorcycle

When Victory released its first 2013 model earlier this year, the low-slung Judge, the Polaris-owned company reported it would release a new model every six months.

And on Monday, Victory was good on its word, releasing the newest cruiser to the brand's lineup - the Victory Boardwalk.

Powered by the powerful Freedom 106/6 ci engine, the Boardwalk, which replaces the Kingpin, brings classic cruiser style to the Victory brand, the machine featuring long fenders that sleekly hug white-walled tires wrapped around 60-spoke laced chrome wheels. Victory also added a raised spine on the fenders the continue along the 4.7-gallon gas tank, and a flush-mounted taillight.

Available in solid black or solid pearl white, the Boardwalk is loaded with chrome, which is found on the headlight, gauge housing, handlebars, exhaust, belt guard, engine and ignition covers, turn signal housings with LED lighting, and fender struts.

For comfortable ergonomics, the Boardwalk features a new two-piece seat with a low, 25.9-inch height for the pilot, larger floorboards with optional heel shifter, and the widest handlebars of any Victory model. And to enhance two-up comfort and add cargo space, Victory now offers a selection of easily-attached accessories.

Up front, the Boardwalk features 43mm-diameter telescopic forks for smooth handling, and a single gas shock in the rear complemented by a preload-adjustable spring to suit any riding style. The Boardwalk rolls on 16-inch chrome laced wheels shod with premium Metzeler tires, 150mm wide in the rear and 130mm wide up front. Stopping the 675-lbs. machine (dry) are a single, 300mm disc up front squeezed by a four-piston caliper, and a 300mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston caliper.

Powering the Boardwalk is Victory's famed 106-c.i. V-Twin teamed with a 6-speed transmission with overdrive. This air- and oil-cooled engine is fuel-injected and counter-balanced, allowing for smooth delivery of the 113 ft. lbs. of torque.

To enhance torsional rigidity and enhance handling, the Freedom 106/6 is solid-mounted in the frame, making it a stressed member of the chassis, helping get rid of frame flex. Also, the drivetrain provides industry-leading ease of maintenance; the recommended oil change interval is every 5,000 miles, which keeps a lid on the cost of ownership.

And to enhance comfort, Victory offers many new "Lock & Ride" accessories that attach to the Boardwalk in minutes, including Boardwalk Saddlebags, the Tall Boardwalk Windscreen, Boardwalk Passenger Backrest, and 2-Up Luggage Rack.

Victory says these accessories - as well as heated grips and Cruise Control - were developed in conjunction with this new model to ensure the easiest installation, best fit and optimal performance.

Following are the 2013 Victory Boardwalk's specs, color options, MSRP and available accessories:

2012 Victory Boardwalk Specs:

Engine:

  • Type: Freedom 106/6 V-Twin
  • Cooling System: Air / Oil
  • Displacement: 106 ci / 1731 cc
  • Bore X Stroke: 101 x 108 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9.4 : 1
  • Valve Train: 4 Valves per Cylinder, Hydraulic Lifters & Cam Chain Adjustors
  • Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection 45 mm Throttle Body Bore
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gal / 17.8 ltr
  • Exhaust: Dual Staggered Slash-cut with Common Volume
  • Oil Capacity: 5.0 qts / 4.75 ltr
  • Charging System: 38 Amps Max Output
  • Battery: 12 Volts / 18 Amp Hours
  • Primary Drive: Gear Drive with Torque Compensator
  • Clutch: Wet, Multi-plate
  • Transmission: 6-speed Overdrive Constant Mesh
  • Final Drive: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt

Chassis Dimensions:

  • Length: 97.2 in / 2468 mm
  • Wheelbase: 64.8 in / 1647 mm
  • Seat Height: 25.9 in / 658 mm
  • Ground Clearance; 4.7 in / 120 mm
  • Rake/Trail: 31.7 ̊ / 6.7 in / 170 mm
  • Dry Weight: 675 lbs / 306 kg
  • GVWR: 1151 lbs / 523 kg

Suspension:

  • Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork / 5.1 in / 130 mm travel
  • Rear Suspension: Single, Mono-tube Gas / 3.0 in / 75 mm travel

Brakes:

  • Conventional front and rear
  • Front: 300mm x 5mm Floating Rotor with 4-piston Caliper
  • Rear: 300mm x 5mm Floating Rotor with 2-piston Caliper

Wheels / Tires:

  • Front: 16 x 3.5 in / Metzeler ME880 130/90 16 TL 67H
  • Rear: 16 x 3.5 in / Metzeler ME880 150/80 B16 TL 71H

2013 Victory Boardwalk Color Options/MSRP:

  • Solid Black / US $15,499* ($16,899 Canada)
  • Solid Pearl White / US $15,899* ($17,299 Canada)

*Add $250 in California

2013 Victory Boardwalk Genuine Accessories:

  • Lock & Ride Saddle Bag: $849.99 / PN 2879131
  • Lock & Ride Saddlebag Mounting Kit: $159.99 / PN 2879132
  • Lock & Ride Sissy Bar: $399.99 / PN 2879203
  • Lock & Ride Passenger Luggage Rack: $199.99 / PN 2879078
  • Lock & Ride Traditional Windscreen: $499.99 / PN 2879356
  • Lock & Ride Windscreen Mount: $139.99 / PN 2876374
  • Boardwalk Cruise Control: $449.99 / PN 2879357
  • Heated Grips: $199.99 / PN 2876289
  • Stage 1 X-Bow Exhaust: $999.999 / PN 2878998-156
   
   
Harley's Krawiec Wins Sonoma NHRA
July 30, 2012 at 4:13 PM
 
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2012 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Ed Krawiec cleared the table at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, scoring his fifth Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing win of the season after leading qualifying and setting new track Elapsed Time and top speed records.

Krawiec set the ET record twice during the weekend and defeated his Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines teammate, Andrew Hines, in the third all-Harley final of the season. The win was also the eighth in a row for the Harley-Davidson team, which remains undefeated in final-round appearances this season as its riders lead the series in points.

Krawiec was hot off the trailer at Sonoma, posting a 6.801-second/198.35-mph pass on his Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle in the first round of qualifying on Friday, marks that reset both Pro Stock Motorcycle records at the Sonoma track.

That run held up through Saturday to put Krawiec in the top slot for Sunday eliminations. Hines was almost as quick, riding his V-Rod to a best ET of 6.848 seconds to claim the number two spot in qualifying.

Hines opened Sunday eliminations with a win over Matt Guidera on the H-D of Folsom Buell, and briefly held the track ET record with a 6.793-second pass. Hines beat Sovereign/Star Racing Buell rider Scott Pollacheck in the second round.

Krawiec started on Sunday with a 6.785-second blast that dispatched Matt Smith Racing Buell rider Angie Smith, and re-set the track ET record. Krawiec defeated Sovereign/Star Racing Buell rider John Hall in round two.

That set up a semi-final that featured the top four qualifiers for the event, as Hines and Krawiec faced the father-and-son Lucas Oil Buell team of Hector Arana Jr. and Hector Arana Sr., who qualified third and fourth respectively. In the first race, Krawiec (6.812 ET) defeated Arana Sr. (6.850 ET). Hines got an automatic win when Arana Jr. left early and fouled at the start.

Ed Krawiec (Harley-Davidson V-Rod) says: "It was the Harleys against the Hectors again in the semi. This is turning into a great rivalry and is making us all work harder. It's also a lot of fun, and I think we might be getting in their heads a little."

For the second weekend in a row, Hines and Krawiec brought their V-Rod bikes to the line in the final round, and for the third time this season, Krawiec (6.809 ET) prevailed over Hines (6.839 ET) to chalk up the 16th Pro Stock Motorcycle victory of his career.

Andrew Hines (Harley-Davidson V-Rod) says: "My plan was to hit 20 on the tree, and I got a 23 to Eddie's 48, so I was out front until about the last 100 feet. His bike was consistently faster in top speed all weekend, even though we were even in 60-feet times, and he was just able to catch me.

Krawiec had a similar strategy for the final.

Ed Krawiec says: "I was shooting for a 15 to 20 on the tree, too, but I missed, which was disappointing. Luckily I had a great V-Rod under me today and it pulled me through for the win. Our crew chief, Matt Hines, gave us great motorcycles to race all weekend."

Krawiec continues to lead the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle division, and leaves Sonoma with 842 points. Hines is in second place with 774 points, followed by Arana Jr. with 655 and Arana Sr. with 587. Geico Suzuki rider Karen Stoffer is fifth with 450 points.

The Pro Stock Motorcycles will be back in action Aug. 16-19 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minn.

   
   
Laguna Seca MotoGP | Rider Talk
July 30, 2012 at 3:48 PM
 
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2012 U.S Red Bull Grand Prix Quote Wrap

The second half of the 2012 MotoGP Championship began this past weekend with the first of two races on American shores - the U.S. Red Bull Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

And although Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner struggled at the previous two rounds, the Australian suffering a DNF at Sachsenring and eighth at Mugello, he returned to the top at Laguna Seca.

Following a second-place start at the shortest circuit on the 2012 MotoGP schedule, the 11-turn circuit in Monterey, Calif., a mere 2.243 miles, Stoner would fall back to third by the first turn behind teammate Dani Pedrosa and pole man Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing).

Stoner wasted not time, though, and passed Pedrosa on the second lap. He began hunting down Lorenzo, eventually passing the Spaniard on lap 11 of 32. The reigning MotoGP Champion would finish 3.429 seconds ahead of Lorenzo, with Pedrosa taking the final podium position.

With his second-place finish, Lorenzo remains the points leader after 10 of 18 rounds, the 2010 MotoGP Champion 23 points ahead of Pedrosa. Stoner is now in third, 32 points behind Lorenzo. For a report, including full results, click here.

Following are what the riders were saying following Laguna Seca MotoGP:

Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP) says: "It's been a difficult weekend for us in general especially trying to make the hard tire work. So for the race I decided to go with the soft option and be a little more careful with the tire, keep a little more traction and not spin so much. At the beginning of the race I tried to move to the front but Dani and Jorge were riding very good lines and it was impossible to get past. I decided to slow the lap times a little and try to save the tires until the end and then we could start to come back.

"I was confident for the entire race that I had enough pace for the win, we just needed to make sure the tire would last until the end. When we got to the front we put in some good laps and pulled some small advantage and just continued from there. I'm very, very happy and a big thanks to all the team."

Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP) says: "I tried my best in this race and third place was the maximum I could get this time. At the beginning, I was quite confident and calm when Casey passed me because I knew he was on the soft rear tire and this was the most risky choice for the race, but finally it worked out perfectly for him. I knew I also had a good pace, but when I caught Casey again and was ready to overtake him I was on the throttle too fast and I had too much momentum there, I almost found myself on the floor. I lost ground with the leaders, but when I started braking harder trying to close the gap again I lost the front many times and I was so close to not finish this race.

"Anyway, I'm satisfied because I kept pushing until the end, giving one hundred per cent although today it wasn't enough. A small mistake it's just enough to not finish in front. Anyway, we were riding the new bike for the first time here and we took another podium. We know what we can improve to come back stronger in Indianapolis."

Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "I tried my best the beginning to open a gap and I managed it but then in the corkscrew I almost crashed. For Casey maybe that was a motivation and he caught me in one lap. After that I couldn't keep the pace I had in the beginning, maybe the soft tire was the best option for this race. Without a doubt Casey was riding in an excellent form today and it wasn't possible to beat him."

Ben Spies (Yamaha Factory Racing YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "We had a technical failure in the swingarm. I was feeling really good, I didn't have the grip that I had in the earlier sessions with the harder tire but in the last ten laps I was starting to pull away and I had a little left up my sleeve. We started to stretch out a lead over Dovi then all of a sudden at the bottom of the corkscrew the bike went out from underneath me. I had no control, it didn't slide or anything just completely went. At first I thought I'd hit a bump but there isn't one there. It's nobody's fault but it's more bad luck."

Andrea Dovizioso (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "It would have been nice to have kept the podium sequence going for a fourth race in a row but we have to be very satisfied with today's result because it was the best we could achieve when you consider the pace the top three have shown all weekend.

"Ben was doing a fantastic race and credit to him because he wasn't in the best physical condition. It is a big pity that he crashed because at the end of the race I am sure we could have had a really nice battle. It wasn't easy to stay with him and I was pushing really hard but when Ellison crashed there was a lot of sand on the track and I hit it and lost some time. It is a positive result and this busy period in the Championship has been very successful but we have to say the gap to the top three was very big. We head to the summer break confident for the rest of the season and ready to return in Indianapolis refreshed and looking forward to improving our performance."

Cal Crutchlow (Monster Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP) says: "I'm pretty happy with another solid finish inside the top five and that is a big improvement on last year where I struggled a lot at this track. All weekend I was inside the top six so to finish fifth and have another strong battle with Andrea is good for the Championship. Credit to Andrea again because he was faultless and it didn't seem to matter how much pressure I put on him, he remained ice cool and didn't put a foot wrong to give me a chance of passing.

"Any pass would have been a desperate lunge and I certainly wasn't going to risk taking us both out in such an important race for Yamaha and Monster. It was a good battle with Ben for the first 20 laps and I feel sorry for him because it was building up to be a good fight between the three of us at the end. It was bad luck for Ben and I did everything I could without being able to take fourth from Andrea. It has been a great first half to the season for me. I've finished all 10 races and that was the consistency I was looking for. I'm now staying in America for a well earned break before coming back strong and confident for Indianapolis."

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team GP12 MotoGP) says: "The day got off to a rough start, as I crashed in the warm-up session when I didn't have enough heat in the brakes. For the race, my bike was the best it's been this weekend, and I got a good start, but then Bautista and I touched. I thought maybe I knocked my brake lever, so I was too careful in turns one and two.

"Then I got held up behind Bautista and lost a gap to that second group, which I spent most of the race trying to bridge. I got to Bradl, but the other guys were already gone, although I didn't have the pace to run with them anyway. I was fighting the bike and running wide in the turns, but I pushed until the end. It's frustrating to struggle so much all weekend at Laguna, and it's not the way I wanted to go into the two-week break, but I think we can put up a better fight at Indy."

Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team GP12 MotoGP) says: "I wasn't fighting for the podium, but a crash like that at the end of the race is still disappointing because I had done the whole race like the first lap and my rhythm wasn't fast at that moment. Still, I lost the front when I was approaching the Corkscrew, when the bike was vertical, right when I touched the brake, a bit like happened at Silverstone. We have a real problem: again today, we had a hard time getting the front tire to work, and it was like new after thirty laps. Fortunately I'm fine, although it was a pretty hard crash. It wasn't a great weekend. Now we have a short break, two important weeks, and then we'll see how it goes at Indy."

Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda RC213V MotoGP) says: "Actually it was a positive debut for us in Laguna. I am quite happy about this 7th final place. In general it was a pretty difficult weekend for us because we mainly started to work on the bike Saturday afternoon as on Friday I had to learn the track.

"Basically in the beginning of the race I was quite comfortable on the bike because we had full fuel on board but after ten laps I started to lose confidence compared to Dovi and Crutchlow due to the front end issues that we already had yesterday. From that moment it was too dangerous for me entering the corners with the same speed. Then I tried to keep Nicky behind him but I could see he was faster than me so I preferred to maintain my position scoring further points in the classification. I think we have done our best and we keep this experience for next season."

Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V MotoGP) "I'm not sure why but today the bike felt really unstable on the front. Maybe we made the wrong decision by going with the soft tyre. I tried to push it at the start but I couldn't brake hard and I was really struggling in corner entry. It's strange because we had good race pace with this tyre yesterday but today it didn't work. It hasn't been a good weekend for us. Despite the positive signs yesterday it proved to be a difficult race today.

Michele Pirro (San Carlo Honda Gresini CRT) "They say things come in threes and unfortunately that is the case for me today with my third DNF in a row - this time after contact with De Puniet in the first corner. It is unfortunate but I don't want to be negative about it and I am sure that better times are ahead for me and the guys in the team."

Tony Elias –(Pramac Racing Ducati GP12 MotoGP) says: ""I am very sorry for how this weekend ended. Up until my crash I was gaining positions. I have to be happy with the progress we made in only three days with the Ducati. Every time I sat on the bike I managed to increase my confidence with the bike and I was able to improve my lap times, even if I was still learning the bike's reaction on this untraditional track.

"Today I didn't made a brilliant start, but I felt good. Unfortunately Pirro crashed in front of me, I briefly rode into the gravel but I was able to regain the confidence with my Ducati. I was planning to catch the riders ahead, but I braked too late and I lost the front finding myself off track. To conclude this weekend with a crash leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but I hope to have the opportunity in the near future to collaborate again and continue to improve. I would like to thank the Pramac Racing Team for allowing me to be part of the team at this Laguna GP, thanks for a wonderful experience.""

Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Racing Ducati GP12 MotoGP) says: "This time the start went well but I got stuck behind Hernandez from the very beginning. I knew I had what it takes to overtake him as soon as possible, but I couldn't get in front of him. Ironically, he was able to get away on straights, even though he was riding the CRT bike.

"After I did get in front of him I managed to gain some distance. I was trying to eliminate Espargaró's advantage, but sadly I did not overtake him. A few laps before the end of the race, following Valentino Rossi's fall, some pebbles got onto the track. I was caught off guard a lot at first and Espargaró took advantage of it. There was no point in risking and trying to overtake him at all costs. The most important thing now is to collect points for good results. The hand hurts much more after the weekend, but the next race is in three weeks, which looks like enough for the full recovery. It does not hold me back any longer and I can practice."

Aleix Espargaro (Power Electronics Aspar CRT) says: "I am really happy with the result, although I didn't actually enjoy the race as much as some others. I have struggled for front feel all weekend and not been able to get the bike turning as well as at other tracks. We improved it a little bit for today and after a good start I was able to push hard for the first three laps behind Valentino, which allowed me to open a gap and hold it to the end. I didn't know that Randy had run off but I did think it was strange that he wasn't running with me in the race because our pace was so similar.

"I would prefer to beat him fair and square but the important thing is to finish as the top CRT. This season has been fantastic so far, the team are giving me a lot of support and putting everything into every race so I want to thank them all for the results we have achieved together up to now."

Randy De Puniet (Power Electronics Aspar CRT) says: "I am really annoyed to have been pushed off track in turn one because it cost me my chance to finish as the top CRT here in America. I almost crashed but luckily I was able to stay on and finish the race. My pace after that was fast and consistent so I am happy with that. I had to stay focused and pass a few riders and managed to finish eleventh so we have to be pleased.

"I would have liked to have caught Karel and Aleix and I gave everything I had but the time we lost at the start was too much to make up. At the end of the day we could have come away from here with nothing but we have picked up some important points for the championship. Once again it was a great team effort and we just need to continue in the same way at the next race."

Photos by Ara Ashjian

   
   
Yoshimura: New Ducati/BMW Sprocket Covers
July 30, 2012 at 2:32 PM
 
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Yoshimura Front Sprocket Covers for Ducati and BMW Motorcycles

Yoshimura R&D of America has released all-new front sprocket covers for the BMW 1000RR and Ducati 848/1098/1198 models.

This lightweight front sprocket cover is a great alternative to plastic OEM covers. It not only adds a noticeable amount of race class to your bike, but functions exceptionally well.

The CNC machined aluminum cover with carbon fiber backing, mounts closely to the sprocket and surrounding area, which eliminates virtually all chain grime from being flung out from the sprocket. Helps keep your bike and riding apparel cleaner, longer.

Yoshimura Front Sprocket Cover Features:

  • CNC machined from high quality 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Carbon fiber backing plate
  • Black anodized finish
  • Laser etched Yoshimura logo
  • Lightweight, full-coverage design helps eliminate flying chain grim

Following are the applications:

Ducati Front Sprocket Covers:

  • 2008-2012 - Model 848
  • 2007-2009 - Model 1098
  • 2009-2011 - Model 1198

Part Number: 901BG198480
MSRP: $175

BMW Front Sprocket Covers:

  • 2010-2012 - Model S 1000RR

Part Number: 901BG152010
MSRP: $195

For additional information, log onto yoshimura-rd.com/t-NP_12_FrontSprocketCover.aspx.

   
   
Canard Extends Honda SX/MX Contract
July 30, 2012 at 2:11 PM
 
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2013 AMA Supercross/Motocross Contract News

Team Honda Muscle Milk has extended Trey Canard's contract through the 2014 AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons.

Canard will continue to contest on the factory-prepped Honda CRF450R, looking to redeem himself following multiple injuries over the past two seasons. The 2013 season will be Canard's third with Team Honda Muscle Milk.

Trey Canard says: "It is a huge blessing to be back with Team Honda Muscle Milk. I am extremely happy that I get to continue working with such a great group of people. I am looking forward to building on the good races we have had in prior seasons."

Erik Kehoe (Team Honda Muscle Milk Team Manager) says: "We are very excited to continue our relationship with Trey. Over the past few years he has proven that he has the skill and commitment that it takes to be a top contender for the championship."

Things have not been favorable to the Oklahoma native who pilots the No. 41 Honda CRF450R, though. Canard fractured his femur while training towards the end of the 2011 AMA Supercross Championship, forcing him to miss the final three rounds. Regardless, he still finished fifth with 255 points.

Canard was forced to miss the first half of 2011 AMA Motocross Championship due to the injury, but returned at Round 7 in Spring Creek to finish third. But misery followed Canard at Round 8 in Washougal, where he re-broke his femur, forcing him out of the remaining races.

Then Canard broke his collarbone while practicing for the 2012 AMA Supercross Championship, missing the season-opener at Anaheim I. He returned to Phoenix Supercross (round 2), placing seventh.

But Canard would be injured once again at round three at Dodger Stadium. During that race, Valli Yamaha's Ryan Morais landed on Canard at the end of a triple. Canard was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered Canard sustained severe back injury. Canard underwent successful surgery, but was forced to miss the rest of the AMA SX series, along with the 2012 AMA MX series.

Attached above is a video of Canard discussing his contract extension.

   
     
 
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