The first test of the SBK “off-season” has now been run after two days testing at the Portimao circuit in Portugal with both Superbike and Supersport classes out on track.

The two days have seen the new signings for the next season cutting laps and becoming accustomed to their respective new teams and testing 2010 upgrades.

Johnny Rea on the Ten Kate Honda was the pace-setter laying claim to the fastest “unofficial” lap time from Michel Fabrizio. New WSS Champion, Cal Crutchlow on the factory R1 was third fastest from another new signing Leon Haslam on the Alstare Suzuki posting fourth fastest in front of the Aprilia’s of Max Biaggi and recently crowned 2009 BSB Champion, Leon Camier.

I just want to say how really, really proud I am of the whole team, who have worked so hard over the last weeks, said Rea.” They’ve gone through this test positively and methodically and got the bike working better. The great thing is that there is still so much potential and that just fills me with confidence for next season. The lap times were coming quite easily and we did all our work on used tyres. Everyone deserves a good rest now before we get back to work in December.

Noriyuki Haga – sitting mid pack

The most impressive was Rea’s new teammate Max Neukirchner. Max has ridden very little in recent months after a horrific run with injuries that started at the first lap of the opening race at Monza six months ago and then he follow that up with a practice crash at Imola in July that caused many complications. To be less than two seconds of Rea’s time in a couple of days is remarkable and was more than happy with his progress.

“I did 70 laps on both days of the test, including runs of 16 laps so I’m quite tired after being off a bike for six months. I’ve been training hard at home, but riding a bike is quite different and I know I’ve got a lot more work to do! However, I am really happy with the way this test has gone and on the second day I could feel that the pace was definitely coming, lap by lap. I got a really good feeling with the bike and the team. Of course, there is a long way to go before I can really understand how the bike works but it is a very good start.

Fabrizio was just on Rea’s heels but his team mate Noriyuki Haga (7th fastest) wasn’t as fast having a lot more in the program to test although there may be – quite understandably – a bit of a championship disappointment hanging over the two days. He could be forgiven for just wanting to get out of there and get home as is evident in his press statement. “Today we tried the new front fork and it felt quite similar to the one I use already but overall I prefer the one I have used up until now, the new one didn’t give me anything extra,. I worked with the new clutch which is a bit of a different concept but it gave me a good feeling and it definitely has potential. I’m happy with how it’s gone here but to be honest I’m ready to go home as it’s been a long week.”

The Aprilia RSV4 Factory – The Power and the Passion

Exquisite. Exciting. Exhilarating. Enrapturing. Effing sensational. These and so many other adjectives bounced around my mind in my initial introduction to the Aprilia RSV4 Factory – and it was standing still! Since drooling over Max Biaggi’s Aprilia RSV4 in Phillip Island’s Pit Lane way back in March ‘09 I have been coveting an affair with the exquisite beauty so when the offer came from the good folk at John Sample Automotive (the Australian Aprilia importers), to spend a weekend with the recently released Aprilia RSV4 Factory I was at the warehouse quicker than Usain Bolt.

It’s been a long time since I have been so smitten but it was definitely love at first sight between me and the RSV4!

When its elder stable-mate – the RSV Mille – hit Australia back in the late ‘90’s I described the sensational 60-deg v-twin as “a six beer bike” as you could sit in the shed with your mates, and have a six pack while perving on the delectable beast.

The RSV4 Factory is even more attractive and I rate it as a “slab of beer” bike.

I was keener than a kid up the ‘Cross to have my way with the latest Italian mistress from the Naole factory but experience tells me that admiration and patience provides a better reward. So, I took time to again drool over this exquisite example of Italian engineering and admire the passion of design that is inherent from the front to rear: the lines of design, the symmetry, the styling, the aggressive front end with the subtle air-intakes that still retains the Mille appearance, the fairing fasteners embossed with “Aprilia”, the immaculate welds, the unique duck-tail, the sculptured tank, the carbon fibre guards and covers…

“The RSV4 Factory is so precise, direct and unwavering it finds the corner before you think about it.”

But above all what overshadows its majestic appearance is the compactness of the machine and the size – or the lack of it. It’s similar to a 600 or – believe it or not – its baby sister, the GP replica Aprilia RS250 two-stroke. Side-by-side the similarities are astonishing. A true example of the adage: “not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.”

What a special piece of engineering! The RSV4 is simply beautiful.

Everyone – bikers or non-bikers – were gobsmacked at its size and presence. Only the Italians can make aluminium, plastic and carbon-fibre look so damn sexy.

Finally, after all the months of anticipation it was time to throw a leg over and I haven’t been as excited – or nervous – to ride a bike since experiencing a 990cc MotoGP bike.

The seating position is comfortable with an easy reach to the bars assisted by its slimness. There’s also plenty of room on the seat putting you in the bike rather than on it.

Turning the key allows the on-board computer to scroll through its checklist with the information available via a toggle switch on the left-hand swichblock.

The wait was over. Time to press the start button.

Oh the sound; the tantalising burble of the V4!

A blip of the throttle turns the burble into a bark and may even raise the hairs on your neck. The muffler does look obtrusive but there is a method to the madness. The aural ecstasy increases as you click it in gear; the butterfly valve in the muffler opens, turning up the concerto of the V4. (The can has the mandatory catalytic converter but the butterfly recycles exhaust gases to reduce the decibels and make the noise police smile – a little.)

Within the first few kilometres whatever expectations I had about this bike had been answered and exceeded as the RSV4’s attributes clubbed me in the head. It wasn’t long before I was screaming in my lid and slapping the tank in unbridled enthusiasm for this new ride.

The RSV4 Factory is so precise, direct and unwavering it finds the corner before you think about it. I felt the bike was taking me for a ride and asking why I was taking so long to get there!

To be polite I asked Miss RSV4, how could she be created so dynamically to be at home on the track or to be so user-friendly on our Aussie country roads?

The RSV4 Factory is one very sharp and competent scythe as she answered with a laugh with revs increasing, carrying me rapidly to the next corner.

The qualifying session for the 2009 Australian MotoGP saw a rejuvenated Casey Stoner take pole from rival and championship leader Valentino Rossi by a miniscule .050 seconds with a best time of 1′30.341 aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP9.

Stoner’s team had used a number of setup combinations to get the best out of the bike but it was Valentino Rossi who calmly remains the biggest threat to Stoner for tomorrows race. While taking up the number grid position it was Rossi’s consistency throughout the whole circuit that is most ominous for the other contenders. Even switching between bikes Rossi was fast and when he’s in this mood, he’s a hard man to beat.

Dani Pedrosa has proved that the Honda RC212V is a much improved bike of late and this is reflected in the Spaniards time of 1′31.070, 0.729 seconds slower than pole-sitter Stoner. Despite the third position, Pedrosa expects a tough race considering the pace of the top two men. A crash in the session apparently hasn’t caused much physical damage.

Jorge Lorenzo has been struggling since arriving at the circuit but put in a gritty showing to come up with a best time of 1′31.071, just being pipped to third by his Spanish rival and countryman. It doesn’t get much closer than that and might make Jorge think twice before reaching for that extra croissant at breakfast on Sunday!

Laying low for most of the weekend but producing the goods when needed was Colin Edwards. The Yamaha Tech 3 rider was right on the pace of the two riders immediately in front of him and could surprise a lot of people come Sunday. Just 0.025 seconds off Lorenzo’s time, Edwards will need to make a great start to be in the hunt for a podium finish.

Alex de Angelis had a tumble in qualifying like quite a few of the other riders but also produced a time that could see him in the hunt for a podium finish. His fastest lap of the session was a 1′31.260.

Nicky Hayden (Bracksy’s pick for a podium!) snuck into seventh place aboard the factory Ducati with Randy de Puniet, Mika Kallio and Andrea Dovizioso rounding out the top ten.

Grip has played a major part in the weekends affairs so far and this is due to the recent weather washing away ‘the good rubber’. Even when the circuit had fresh rubber laid down earlier by some brilliant support races, this was again washed away in a torrential downpour later in the evening.

Sunday is going to be an interesting race for sure! db

Results:

1 27 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1′30.341

2 46 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1′30.391 +0.050

3 3 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1′31.070 +0.729

4 99 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team Yamaha 1′31.071 +0.730

5 5 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 1′31.096 +0.755

6 15 Alex DE ANGELIS RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1′31.260 +0.919

7 69 Nicky HAYDEN USA Ducati Marlboro Team Ducati 1′31.325 +0.984

8 14 Randy DE PUNIET FRA LCR Honda MotoGP Honda 1′31.380 +1.039

9 36 Mika KALLIO FIN Pramac Racing Ducati 1′31.384 +1.043

10 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team Honda 1′31.472 +1.131

11 24 Toni ELIAS SPA San Carlo Honda Gresini Honda 1′31.640 +1.299

12 52 James TOSELAND GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Yamaha 1′31.722 +1.381

13 65 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 1′31.873 +1.532

14 33 Marco MELANDRI ITA Hayate Racing Team Kawasaki 1′32.190 +1.849

15 7 Chris VERMEULEN AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Suzuki 1′32.338 +1.997

16 41 Gabor TALMACSI HUN Scot Racing Team MotoGP Honda 1′32.752 +2.411

Not classified

88 Niccolo CANEPA ITA Pramac Racing Ducati

12►

Phillip Island is calling! MotoGP has arrived in OZ again.

The pilgrimage for many started over a week ago as motorcyclists from all parts of Australia commenced the journey to the annual mecca of local road racing at Phillip Island.

By now most will have arrived and set up camp in the myriad of accommodation options in preparation for the 21st running of an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship event.

It doesn’t seen possible that it was so long ago that Wayne Gardner won the nations heart and put road racing on the local map.

It’s surprising that there hasn’t been more fanfare about the Aussie GP reaching its 21st birthday.

(The fact that Eastern Creek held five GP’s may still get the Victorian’s noses out of joint! – after all they think it’s the centre of sport in Australia. But honestly as 2009 nears its end who could blame them as they are premiers in the league, AFL, soccer, netball, basketball as well has hosting the F1 and MotoGP Grands Prix.)

Now in 2009 the folklore will have another addition but at this stage we have no idea of the words that will be added to the history books, Phillip Island is not only a pilgrimage for the locals as they come from all over the world to experience what the sensationally unique track has to offer.

The weather may play an even bigger part as conditions in the past few weeks have been horrendous and with that in mind it’s quite possible that snow may be seen on the Island for the first time in over 50 years!

It may seem strange but there has never been a fully wet race in the premier class at Phillip Island. It has flogged cats and dogs during the 125’s and/or 250’s in previous years (remember Westy’s wet ride in the 250’s?).

As for the first graders, 2006 was the closest they got. Sure it rained but it was dry as they all headed out on slicks for the warm uplap. As the lights went out at the start, the first spots of rain appeared, the rest is pure drama. Pit lane was mental. Who could forget Marco Melandri’s powerslide onto Gardner’s straight as he claimed victory?

As for this weekend an amount of disposable income maybe should go on Nicky Hayden to take a win – if not a visit to the podium – come 16:45hrs on Sunday afternoon. The laughs are very audible but Nicky has finished on the podium quite a few times at the Island and last year looked assured for another one – and maybe another elusive victory – when the engine of his RC212V let go while he was right up Stoner’s clacker.

He has also done superbly well in qualifying claiming fastest ever laps and in 2006 was the first to break into the 1:28 sec bracket in practice and missing out by a bee’s lick on doing the same in qualifying and he loves Phillip Island.

The Island is Nicky’s type of track where he can use the horsepower of the bike to steer it round the ultra fast layout. Hopefully the techos can give him the electronic package to suit his style that allows a fair bit of sideways movement and trye shredding.

Other than that let Rossi and Stoner fight it out with Lorenzo sniffing at their heels like a starved blue heeler. After Rossi’s last result with a fourth at Estoril it will be a rider in superlative form to beat him.

We can’t forget the tiddler classes as there are a few Aussie Wild Card in the 125 class battling to qualify against the rocket ships of single-cylinder racing. It will be an eye opener for them to find out how much horsepower you need to win.

There will be a few tears shed too as it will be the final time that a 250cc two-stroke race is run Down Under. Bautista, Simoncelli, Aoyama and co will put on a battle that will not be forgotten.

Ironically enough, the closest racing could well be the Australian support classes with the Superbikes and Supersport races doubling as point scoring rounds as the sixth round of the Woodstock Bourbon Australian Superbike Championships.

Whatever happens, dailybike.com will be there to offer our two bobs worth of observation.

Stay tuned!

- Bracksy

This year’s Sydney Motorcycle Show will again to be held at the Sydney Showgrounds at Homebush 20-22 November and the line-up will further cement its place as the premier motorcycle exhibition in the country.

Leading the attractions is Australia’s three times World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss, who will be making appearances during the Friday and Saturday of the annual motorcycle extravaganza.

As an added attraction visitors to the expo have a chance to ride away on a $40,000 custom chopper thanks to Custom Central and Australian Motorcycle Imports.

Custom Central and Australian Motorcycle Imports chopper – you could win it!

QBE Insurance will continue its sponsorship that commenced in 2005 saying QBE National Motorcycle Marketing Coordinator Jacinta Siracusa said the sponsorship provided a valuable interaction with motorcyclists.

“QBE have a long standing relationship with the Motorcycle Expos, with the major sponsorship of the Sydney show beginning in 2005 when the company was still known as Western QBE Insurance.

“We see the events as an opportunity for the Australian motorcycle industry to come together as a whole and put our very best on show for the riders, who are the reason we exist.

“The events provide an opportunity to meet QBE customers face to face and add an important human element to our brand. Our staff love getting out of the office and interacting with people who love motorcycles as much as they do.”

In excess of 400 new motorcycles will line exhibits of over 16 of the world’s most renowned manufacturers

Brands on show will include Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW Motorrad, KTM, Ducati, Triumph, Hyosung, Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Victory, Harley-Davidson, MV Agusta, Husqvarna.

“Buying a first or upgrading an existing motorcycle is based on an informed choice,” said Event Manager Mark Petersen.

”The Sydney Motorcycle Show caters to all budgets and offers the biggest variety of bikes from renowned and trusted brands the world over, all on one showroom floor for simple comparison.

”A number of models will be uncovered ahead of their official release to the market, giving visitors a first-hand look at the technology, form and features that will head the 2010 range.”

Admission Prices

Adults – $18

Children – $13 (5-15 years)
(Under 5 Free)

Senior – $13 (Must produce senior card)

Family – $46 (2 Adults 2 children)

All tickets are available at the door.

How to get there

The Sydney Motorcycle Show is located at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Car

Refer to Sydways: Map 274, F8 or by visiting www.street-directory.com.au using Showground Road, Homebush Bay as your reference.

Parking

2 Hour Free Parking

There is 2 hour free parking on Dawn Fraser Avenue & Grand Parade.

Undercover Parking – P1

Parking is paid for by the hour. The rate is $4 per hour up to a maximum of $20 for the day. Here at P1 you pay at the parking station by coin, notes or credit card when you leave. A shuttle bus will be provided to drop visitors to the main entry of the Sydney Motorcycle Show.

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcycle parking is available on Showground Road.

www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au

 - Bracksy

Don’t forget to click here and check our calendar to see what other great events are coming up!

Honda Award 2009 Bestowed Upon Australian Medical Pioneer

In another award  that recognises the continued advances in medical science that many Australians contribute, Dr Ian Frazer the Director of the Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, the University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Australia has been awarded the Honda Award 2009 for developing the worlds’ first cervical cancer vaccines.

Dr Frazer who is also Professor of Medicine at Queensland University, will be the 30 laureate of the award and is yet another major international award for the Scottish-born Australian.  Among many other honours acknowledging his numerous contrbutions to medicine, he was also Australian of the Year in 2002.

Fatalities from cervical cancer are second only to breast cancer with 500,000 women developing the disease and 270,000 losing their lives each year. 80 percent of deaths occur in developing countries where regular health checks are not systematically available.

The Honda Foundation, co – founded by Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro Honda, is currently headed by Hiromori Kawashima. The Honda Foundation’s guiding principle since 1979 was coined from ecology and technology, where ecology connotes the entire global system including human civilization. This technologic concept calls for harmonious development and use of technology with human beings and their environment.

The 30th award ceremony for the Honda Prize will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on November 17th 2009. In addition to the prize diploma and medal, 10 million yen (approximately AUS$125,000) will be awarded to the laureate. Dr. Frazer intends to contribute the money to the research team at his University.

- Bracksy