FUELL Launches Pre-Order Campaign For Fllow Electric Motorcycle

David Swarts

-

November 21, 2022

FUELL Launches Pre-Order Campaign For Fllow Electric Motorcycle

A Pre-Order campaign for FUELL Fllow

FUELL is launching a pre-order campaign for its FUELL Fllow through the PreLaunch.com platform:
https://prelaunch.com/projects/fuell-fllow-fllow-ride-into-the-future?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=fuellfllow

Fllow is an unbeatable proposal: an $11,995 e-commuter with a 10Kwh battery, an innovative wheel motor with a power of 47hp (optional 15hp), a highway-capable top speed, and a high voltage architecture with a less than 30 min charging time. All this in a modern, sleek design with more storage space than most scooters.

As part of its pre-order phase, FUELL has partnered with Prelaunch.com – an innovative and first-ever market validation platform that uses eCommerce logic to measure potential customers’ real buying intents. The platform allows entrepreneurs to predict how customers would react to a particular product idea if it’s launched. The tool helps its users avoid wasting their time and resources on unexpected scenarios. It provides including but not limited to:

Market validation,

Price validation,

Seamless landing page builder,

AI copywriter,

Data-driven decisions,

Customer Insights.

This collaboration has come to prove, that no matter what background you have, or how well-known you are, the market is unpredictable. And the only way to avoid wasting your time and resources on unexpected scenarios is to do market validation.

Through this link, we invite customers to place a $200 pre-order today to get a $2,000 discount on MSRP, an exclusive FUELL x VELDT luxury carbon helmet, and be first in line to get Fllow.

Where is FUELL at today? Why re-launching a pre-order campaign?

The “Fllow urban e-commuter” project was revealed to the world in April 2019, as we launched our brand “FUELL” and our other product, the Flluid e-bike.

The reveal generated over 500 press articles and loads of interest, including several hundred pre-orders in a matter of weeks.

We then embarked into the design, engineering, and building of a real-size Fllow. We finalized the key engineering concepts, started engaging with suppliers to develop specific solutions, and built a functional 1:1 real-size Fllow concept – the one you see in photos and videos that we had fun riding and showing to investors, suppliers, and more.

Then came the pandemic… it disrupted first the supply chain and some of our suppliers. Some specific developments were postponed, with the risk of being canceled. Investors got cold feet. Investment promises were put on hold, and some investors rescinded their commitments.

Fast forward to today, and there is much good news for Fllow. The supply chain is getting back to normal, and suppliers are ready to re-engage with FUELL to continue the development of specific technologies and parts. Technology has made progress too, as the EV market has been growing fast and started to enter the mass-production level – allowing for batteries and other parts to reduce cost and become more affordable.

The market is also booming – after the craze for e-bicycles, now are coming several e-powered alternatives to the gas-powered 2 and 3- wheelers, but also cars, that are needed to navigate our cities and their suburbs. These new EVs need to be able to do greater distances than an e-bike and be highway-capable. Public awareness and acceptance of these new e-commuters are on the rise!

We feel this is now the right time to bring Fllow to the world.

Through this prelaunch campaign, we want to gather as many pre-orders as possible – our goal is to reach over 3,000 pre-orders – allowing us to transition to a crowdfunding campaign and self-finance Fllow.

Our goal is to bring Fllow faster to market, with financial help from our customers but also thanks to their feedback and expectations.

Does the world need Fllow?

Fllow is the brainchild of Erik Buell, our legendary CTO, and of our engineering team, but does the world need Fllow?

Well, behind this provocative question was first a lot of research and studies about the evolution of mobility, how cities will evolve in the future (becoming “smart cities”) and if 2-wheelers still had a place in the fast-paced changing environment.

Here is how Erik Buell summarized it:

When I look to the future, there is one compelling solution for urban/suburban transportation. Well, two actually, two wheels… two wheels in a single track with green power. Whether it’s a human-pedaled bicycle, a pedal-assisted electric bicycle, or an electric motor, two wheels are the clear solutions for urban mobility.

Mass transport works to some extent, but it’s just not a pleasant experience, and it only gets you vaguely near the place you want to be. It’s also a very expensive endeavor that burdens city budgets. Sometimes these huge expensive vehicles are full and sometimes nearly empty. In either case, they keep running from point A to B at Y o’clock even though you need to get from C to D at Z o’clock.

In Europe where streets are smaller, the support and infrastructure for two-wheelers are exploding. In the US it is starting as well. In Asia, two-wheelers have always been the solution, and now the growth is in making them greener, less polluting, and less noisy. Replacing the 60 million new gasoline-powered two-wheelers sold annually with electricity creates a huge impact on quality of life.

Worldwide, the movement to change our habits is accelerating. Urban transportation should be a comfortable personal tool empowering us to better live our multitasking lives.

A well-designed two-wheeler becomes one with the rider, with speed and range far beyond the rider’s ability. Those great two-wheelers make you feel like you have superpowers!

We have to blend this feeling with the needs of today and tomorrow. So quite frankly, innovation is critical – you cannot build a new future hanging onto the old ways. New urban electric vehicles must not only feel approachable but also integrate with the digital environment and technology that is part of our society.

The world needs Fllow!

There is no argument that currently, with battery technology as it stands, gas-powered motorcycles designed and used in traditional ways seem to be a more rational choice. Yet when you take into account the growing restrictions in city centers, and you focus on the duty cycles on urban/suburban use, the relevance of new types of urban scooters and urban motorcycles makes a lot more sense. Even more so when you integrate high voltage systems into your design, to make them compatible with automotive fast charging stations already installed in those areas.

We started developing the Fllow e-moto range with looks that speak of style and sport, but the real surprise is it includes the utility that urban and suburban commuters need. We broke away from the classic motorcycle architecture – with radical new ideas and materials – to give you the acceleration of a superbike with the nimbleness of a light middleweight motorcycle.

We are designing the Fllow with a high voltage system, that allows charging in competitive times with filling a gas tank. We are doing it with a smart design that has more onboard storage than most scooters. And of course, we are integrating all the connectivity and safety technology required for an augmented ride, as for all other product classes.

I will myself be striving to develop those close and personal rides into the future, so every FUELL product not only feels familiar, like part of you but also pushes out of the past and flies you to the future!

Who is Erik Buell and why does it matter?

Fllow is the brainchild of Erik Buell, our legendary CTO, and of our engineering team – all senior engineers with years with Erik at Buell and EBR before joining him in the FUELL endeavor.

Erik Buell is the Founder, former Chairman, and CTO of the Buell Motorcycle Company, which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson from 1993 to 2009.

Erik is a pioneer of modern race motorcycle technology, as well as a world-class engineer and inventor. He created some of the most innovative and usable motorcycles to date, using inventions like a hollow aluminum frame to house the fuel and create chassis rigidity. More than 130,000 motorcycles with the Buell name have been produced to date.

Erik has an incredible experience in motorcycle development, industrialization, sourcing, manufacturing, and homologation, and brings unparalleled expertise in chassis, powertrain, and overall two-wheeler engineering.

For a project as complex and ambitious as Fllow, his leadership is a great reassurance for all – for future customers of course, but also for designers, engineers, suppliers, distributors, importers, and investors. Fuell and Buell, do you get it now?

What FUELL is trying to achieve with Fllow

FUELL’s vision is to put freedom, technology, and emotion back into urban travel by offering riders something different, innovative, upgradeable, and attractive.

Fllow is the result of a convergence of ideas on how to create urban mobility solutions utilizing the best application for electric powertrains (low speeds, rapid acceleration, zero-emission, zero noise, short distances, denser charging infrastructures) and integrating technology for safety and connectivity.

Going into more detail, we established this functional brief and set these targets for Fllow:

Usage/Users

Urban/suburban vehicle, re-inventing the pleasure of riding a meaningful machine in an urban environment with pollution constraints/legislation.

Main designations

Comfortable, easy to ride, powerful acceleration, significant in presence, enhancing to the rider, distinctive. Unique and substantial storage capability and practicality in urban environments.

Design

Minimalistic, utilitarian, integrated, strikingly different, and beautiful

A contemporary take on an urban e-commuter with electric powertrain constraints

Price, Range, Performance

Target price of $11,995, with at least 150 miles / 240 km range in real city traffic condition

With a quick charge as fast as a “traditional stop for gasoline”

Highway capable speed

The Fllow that is presented to you today is the fruit of months of engineering, research, and design to meet these targets. And we’re meeting them!

Let us share with you some of the engineering innovations on Fllow

Fllow is about rethinking the traditional architecture of a gas-powered 2-wheeler, taking into consideration the amazing new opportunities (and challenges!) that an electric powertrain is presenting.

Among the technical innovations we’re introducing on Fllow:

ELECTRICAL INNOVATION

Axially Integrated Transverse Flux motor uniquely integrated into the rear wheel – very high torque from 0 rpm up, and lightweight (patent pending)
Battery pack integrated into chassis – structurally forms the major part of chassis (patent pending)
Ability to update battery packs for new technologies and upgrades

CHASSIS INNOVATION

Optimized Powertrain Integration – components located to optimize chassis handling and optimize power flow (patent pending)
High-strength lightweight alloy castings (including magnesium)
Advanced Braking System (patent pending) allowing to drop the rear brake pedal
Integrated chassis and powertrain management with traction/wheelie control

Welcome to the world of Fllow

This is Fllow!

Fllow has the luggage capacity and practicality of a large scooter but appears and handles like a mid-size motorcycle. It is nimble and agile for threading through heavy traffic, accelerates like a superbike, and is highway capable. Your dream commuter, silent and non-polluting.

Fllow has been conceived and designed as a viable urban e-commuter, with 150 miles of urban range, less than 400lbs weight with a very low center of gravity, 10 gallons of storage, space for a passenger, and a quick charging port to use existing stations.

Building a functional 1:1 real-size Fllow concept

We first defined the target features and specs, and started designing and engineering Fllow in computers and renderings. But we felt rapidly the need to have a working concept to progress faster in the development of Fllow.

We’ve built a functional concept – meaning that it is very close visually to the production model, yet doesn’t have all the features and performance of the final version. But good enough to see Fllow “in the flesh”, to sit on it and start riding!

Building a functional concept bike of Fllow allowed us to validate many engineering designs and share practical briefs more easily with suppliers and partners.

Premium specs, affordable price

Amazing torque, large urban range, integrated fast charge: Fllow was designed for the urban rider’s needs. Practicality, with storage for a bag and a full-face helmet. Low center of gravity making it feels extremely light and easy to ride. There is even a 15hp version to meet reduced licensing requirements.

An urban range of 150 miles / 240 km, with a charge time of less than 30 minutes

With e-vehicles, the limitation is energy, the strength is social responsibility. Real e-vehicle plans must be built around these facts. Too much manipulation of the social image of e-motorcycles has occurred – one should actually deliver viable products.

FUELL believes it is most critical to get products out that are truly viable today, and then expand into new markets as the technologies grow.

Fllow packs 10Kwh of batteries to reach an urban range of 150 miles or 240 kilometers. Of course, riding at full speed on the motorway is not going to give you that range – but remember, Fllow was designed as an urban electric commuter, capable to go on highways, and not as a replacement for a gas-powered touring motorcycle.

Thanks to its high-voltage architecture, charging times become acceptable. On a fast charger – those used by electric cars and now widely available, the charging time is less than 30 minutes. And as you never charge 100% of the battery, but rather from 20% to 90% usually, the real charging time is around 15 minutes. Just enough to get a coffee, check emails, and be back on the road.

It gets even easier at home, where Fllow can be plugged into a wall outlet, or to a home charger.

Upgrade your Fllow over time

Fllow was designed in a modular way to evolve with technology and allow for upgradability.

The battery pack module (which contains the onboard charger, BMS and DC-DC converter – all linked together by battery technology), the rear wheel motor, and the fast charging socket can be upgraded over time, as your requirement evolve and new technology becomes available.

As for the connected dashboard, it receives regular updates, so you always have access to the latest software version.

Fllow is “made in the USA”

Erik Buell and his legacy team are bringing to FUELL a unique experience in designing, setting up, and operating flexible low-cost two-wheeler assembly lines ranging from 1,000+ units/yr (EBR) to 15,000 units/yr (Buell Motorcycles)

Fllow will be assembled for production in the US, and parts and components will emphasize the US and/or western provenance. A truly “made in the USA” e-commuter!

The secret?

Low part count and assembly time allow for smaller assembly facilities and a lower assembly cost. Compared to a gas-powered equivalent, Fllow has 60% fewer parts, and is assembled in 40% of the time…

The Wheel Motor – an original invention from FUELL

The wheel-motor refers to the electric motor housed in the rear wheel, specifically developed by FUELL for the Fllow, removing secondary transmission (chain or belt) while maintaining power and keeping weight acceptably low.

We knew we needed wheel designs that would work with the large-diameter electric motor technology we are considering: transverse flux. We have come up with a design that works well with this technology: the design allows a sealed housing for these large-diameter designs, but keeps everything as light as possible and allows wheel/tire changes without disturbing the motor seals. Also, a design that would prevent any wheel rim and spoke deformation from lateral and vertical loads from being transferred to the motor housings.

Because the drive motor is a large diameter, the drive torsion forces go from the rotor out to the rim, therefore the spokes from the rotor carry no torsional loads, only road loads – like the ZTL brake system physics.

Fllow is fully connected and can onboard the most advanced safety system

Fllow’s dashboard is connected to the rider’s phone, on which an app offers all practical information and functionalities:

Ignition (also Key Fob)
Location
Charge level
Alarm (if incident)
Opening of storage, saddle, access to charging port

Navigation
Service manual and maintenance alerts

Contact with FUELL

Additionally, Fllow can onboard the most advanced safety system, developed in partnership with iRider: a tech company bringing to market the world’s first complete safety and connectivity system for light mobility vehicles – collision warning, blind spot detection, active road navigation, and more.

What happens once customers have placed a $200 deposit?

Well, first of all, they’ve secured a place in the line, and earned a $2,000 discount off MSRP – that’s already something!

But that’s not all!

Pre-orders also will receive a FUELL carbon helmet by Veldt, a $1,060 retail value!

These are high-end carbon helmets, ultra-light, and both modular (you can switch from full face to open face) and allow a precise fitting – www.veldt.fr/en

Upon reaching enough pre-orders, FUELL then launches a crowdfunding campaign and will offer to purchase the Fllow with the $2,000 discount and a payment plan.

We expect the first Fllows to be delivered in early 2024.

World Supersport: Power Signs With MotoZoo Racing By Puccetti Kawasaki

David Swarts

-

November 21, 2022

0

World Supersport: Power Signs With MotoZoo Racing By Puccetti Kawasaki

Luke Power steps up to World Supersport in 2023 with MotoZoo Kawasaki by Puccetti

Following his successful debut season in MotoAmerica Supersport, where he finished an impressive fifth overall, Aussie teenager Luke Power has signed to race in the 2023 FIM Supersport World Championship with the MotoZoo Racing by Puccetti Kawasaki squad.

The news was announced on the WorldSBK Paddock Show stage during the last day of racing at Phillip Island, the final round of the 2022 series, much to the delight of the Australian fans who were packed into the venue.

Luke, who will turn 18 in just over a week, will begin his world championship adventure in early January when he joins his new team for a shakedown test in Spain ahead of the first official WorldSBK test at Phillip Island, the circuit that will also play host for the opening round next year.

Luke Power: “I am really happy to be racing in the world supersport championship in 2023, it’s something that’s been a dream of mine since I first started riding. I am looking forward to getting over to Europe for testing and with the help of the team progressing throughout the year. I want to say a massive thanks to my parents, my family, my manager and all of my supporters but especially to Fabio at MotoZoo Racing and Manuel Puccetti for giving me this opportunity. It’s going to be a big step but one that I believe I am ready for. I hope that by the end of the year we will have achieved some great results. I can’t wait to get started.”

MRA Announces Its 2023 Board Of Directors

David Swarts

-

November 21, 2022

0

MRA Announces Its 2023 Board Of Directors

MRA Announces 2023 Board of Directors

The MRA held its Annual Meeting on November 9th, where they announced the results of the election for the 2023 Board of Directors. The club is pleased to present the new board:

President – Chris Nami

Vice-President – Bob Hasenhundl

Secretary – Terri Thompson

Treasurer – Noel Ross

VP Rules & Tech – Santiago Shirtz

Race Director – John McKown

New Rider Director – Vacant*

Rider Rep Rule Book – Dennis Stowers

Rider Rep Trophy & Class Sponsorship – Blair Harness

Rider Rep Public Relations – Erik Maxwell

Rider Rep Press & Communications – Tim David

* After serving in this position for 12 years, Jeff Brown has decided to step down as the MRA’s New Rider Director. The MRA Board of Directors is conducting an internal search to find someone suitable for this important position. Another announcement will be made when the New Rider Director Position has been filled.

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.

British Superbike: Bennetts Renews As 2023-2025 Title Sponsor

David Swarts

-

November 21, 2022

0

British Superbike: Bennetts Renews As 2023-2025 Title Sponsor

British Superbike Championship and Bennetts renew title partnership to extend into more than a decade of association

Bennetts will maintain its title sponsorship of the British Superbike Championship after agreeing a multi-year partnership renewal with series promotor MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), for a further three years (2023 – 2025).

The motorcycle insurance specialist has reaffirmed its commitment to the sport, riders, teams and race fans as title partner of the country’s leading motorsport series, as the new partnership takes the collaboration into its 12th year.

Bennetts first became title sponsor of the BSB series from 2005 to 2008. Sponsors of BSB race teams in the interim, Bennetts then returned as title sponsors in 2018, making the UK-based specialist motorcycle insurance broker the most dedicated title sponsor in the Championship’s history.

The eleven round Championship will continue to feature the Bennetts brand, which has become widely recognised by UK fans trackside and synonymous with the extensive live and highlights coverage broadcast on Eurosport and free-to-air Quest channels.

This new partnership means Bennetts customers and BikeSocial members can look forward to even more exclusive experiences at every round of the Championship. Together, Bennetts and the Championship will continue to deliver unique customer, fan engagement, rider training and track day events across the country throughout the season.

From pre-race grid walks, safety car and pillion laps to VIP pit boxes, pit lane tours and hospitality, more new Bennetts BSB experiences will be announced. Attending an event as a Bennetts customer guarantees getting closer to the BSB action, offering an immersive experience for thousands of Bennetts customers and BSB fans.

Vince Chaney, Managing Director of Bennetts, commented: “Bennetts association with MSVR and the Bennetts British Superbike Championship is a brilliant demonstration of our commitment to the motorcycling community and supports our mission to help motorcyclists get more from motorcycling. We are really excited and proud to be announcing that we will be continuing as title sponsor for another 3 years.

“Bennetts customers and BikeSocial members enjoyed over 11,000 fantastic Bennetts BSB experiences in 2022 and we’re aiming to give 80,000 more over the next 3 seasons.”

Bennetts British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs commented: “I am obviously delighted to announce the extended title partnership and this renewal further strengthens Bennetts’ association with the series.

“This new agreement until the end of the 2025 season with Bennetts takes our title sponsorship partnership into eight consecutive seasons, and a total of 12 since their first association back in 2005.

“Together we continue to strengthen our relationship to offer unparalleled activation opportunities and raise brand awareness, which has made Bennetts synonymous with the incredible spectacle of BSB.”

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship kicks off the 2023 season with the opening official test taking place at the Circuito de Navarra (11-13 March). The circuit in Northern Spain joined the MotorSport Vision portfolio of circuits last month and has previously hosted a World Superbike Championship round.

The Bennetts BSB teams and riders then return to the UK for the final two pre-season official tests at Donington Park (25/26 March) and Silverstone (28/29 March).

The first racing action of the new season comes from Silverstone (7-9 April) with a further ten rounds held at popular circuits across the country ending with the season finale at Brands Hatch (13-15 October).

For more information visit www.britishsuperbike.com and www.bennetts.co.uk/bsb

Self Transporting: Riding To The Track, In The November Issue

Trudy Ulrich

-

November 20, 2022

0

Self Transporting: Riding To The Track, In The November Issue

Featured In the November 2022 issue of Roadracing World:

“For a decade and a half, the annual Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology Track Day Directory has urged readers to trailer, van, or truck their bike to a track day, rather than trying to ride it there and prep it in the pits. It’s sage advice, and it enhances the track day experience exponentially. So when I decided to ignore that advice, I decided to ignore it in a big way.

“Not only was I going to ride a motorcycle to a track day, I was going to ride to a track 339.8 miles away, do the track day, and then ride it home. And I was going to do it with only stuff I brought to the track on the bike or could obtain at or near the track.

‘I know people do track days on bikes of all shapes, sizes and configurations. But I wanted to do this on a full-on sportbike, and I wanted to be sure I spent the day with my knee on the ground and hauling the mail. So that’s what I did. I rode a new Suzuki GSX-R1000R from Southern California to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, did a track day with TrackDaz, hung around Monterey for a day and then fired back down through California’s Central Valley to Los Angeles. And it worked…”

“Riding To The Track,” by Michael Gougis

Planning, planning and execution – that’s the secret to riding your track day bike to the track and having an excellent day at speed. Read how Editor at Large Michael Gougis pulled it off, in a big way, in the latest issue of Roadracing World!

PREVIEW the November 2022 Issue of Roadracing World!

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.

—

Click to SUBSCRIBE NOW ! Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.

Read the November 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription. Log in HERE

—

Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.

Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world

—

Australian Superbike: Maxwell, Waters Split Wins Sunday At Phillip Island (Updated)

David Swarts

-

November 20, 2022

0

Australian Superbike: Maxwell, Waters Split Wins Sunday At Phillip Island (Updated)

Phillip Island Round Six Sunday: We Have Some Answers, But Not All of Them…

The final day of Round Six saw Phillip Island at its absolute best in the morning and then remind everyone during the lunch break who’s boss with a solid shower followed by some sun, then rain… look, we’re all a bit traumatised by The Island weather so let’s just leave it there.

How was the racing? When is it not fantastic?

It was fantastic. The intrigue and the what-could-have-been factor was high for some, while the championship favourites played the game to their advantage across the board.

Next weekend sees the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul move to The Bend in South Australia where we will be joined by special guests and award all the championships.

Here’s what we saw on track in the mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul: Australian Supersport 300 Race 3

Australian Superbike Race 2

Australian Supersport Race 3

Australian Superbike Race 3

Alpinestars Superbike

The predicted rain of course stayed away, mostly to spite the forecasters.

A cliché we apparently can’t stop using, but nonetheless continue to use unabated is: “this could be the one that decides the title”.

The tension was evident amongst the field as they sat on the media grid, with stern faces all round. At the start, Falzon jumped away and Maxwell blew it to create more apparently necessary drama and found himself back in eighth. Waters settled into second with Herfoss rounding out the top three.

Simultaneously, Herfoss went into second, Allerton up to third with Waters shuffled down to fourth.

Maxwell was now sixth and had Mike Jones for company in seventh. While we were looking the other way, Herfoss took the lead from Falzon and Waters.

Waters started lap two fourth and was first by turn four, Herfoss was down to second, Allerton third and Falzon had been passed by a seemingly desperate and loose Wayne Maxwell. Agius tried a slightly ambitious move on Halliday but was unable to move up to seventh.

Mike Jones had shuffled about and was now eighth. Maxwell’s charge continued and somehow he was now up to second. The intriguing scenario was finally upon us; new teammate Waters was leading and Maxwell needs those 25 points. Waters was 1.6 seconds up the road, so pulling over and waiting for his teammate was not yet necessary.

Mike Jones, seeing Maxwell near the front, realised he needed to limit his losses and passed Falzon to move up to seventh.

Maxwell was on near-lap-record pace in unfavourable windy conditions, some .3 of a second a lap faster than Waters. The gap was still 1.3 seconds as they hit the line to complete lap five.

Herfoss was under attack from Halliday for third and it felt inevitable that the Yamaha R1 would make the pass on the Penrite Honda.

Herfoss made the CBR1000RR as wide as possible, but Halliday was dogged after a less-than-satisfactory (for him) Saturday result. The two riders would continue their hard dicing corner after corner.

Ant West’s charge came to an end at turn four when he went in a little too hard while trying to pass Allerton when he ran in deep and folded the front end.

Mike Jones was now pushing hard, realising that Maxwell was heading towards Waters and potentially a race win. The championship leader moved up to sixth after taking Allerton and then had a good look at Bryan Staring who was in fifth.

Halliday and Herfoss continued their battle into lap eight and Maxwell found himself on the pipe of teammate Waters and then into the lead as they swept into turn one. There were some murmurs in the media centre, but Waters always knew how this scenario would pan out.

While this was going on, Cru Halliday finally found a way past Herfoss for third and Jones was past Staring for fifth to limit his losses. Staring wasn’t going quietly however and was showing Jones a wheel at every opportunity, putting the DesmoSport Ducati’s horsepower to good use.

Maxwell was now .6 ahead of Waters and just needed to stay calm and bring it home. Waters had an insurmountable 5 second lead over third placed Halliday.

As they hit the line, Maxwell took the win and as they cooled down into turn two, had his head on a swivel to see where Jones had finished. Jones was down in fifth and doing all he needed to continue his seemingly inexorable run to the title in a week’s time.

Was the championship now decided? Some certainly thought so, with Jones on schedule- just needing to finish fifth for the remaining races to secure the title.

There were now 76 maximum points left in season 2022 and Jones led by 31 points.

Race Two results can be viewed here.

Race Three

The World Superbikes had just completed their Superpole race as the ASBK bikes rolled out of their garages and where there was confusion ahead of the start in WSBK about whether to start on wets, dry tyres or a combination of both, it was far clearer for the ASBK crew; dry, dry, dry!

For all the talk of two wet races for Sunday, we were now on the verge of a second fully dry race and it was hard to see if the riders were relieved or disappointed.

There was agreement that fast-drying wet track race like we had in race one would be a nightmare, the past was now exactly that, as we stared down the barrel of the third last race of season 2022 for the Alpinestars Superbike class.

Away we went into the unknown. Falzon got another good jump, but it was Josh Waters who lead them away.

Through southern loop they settled briefly and then Mike Jones effectively secured the title when Maxwell booped the back of Herfoss and fell off as they went into turn four and the Boost Mobile with K-Tech Ducati Panigale hit the deck.

Waters continued to lead with a resurgent Mike Jones in second and Herfoss in third. Then came Allerton (4th), Falzon up in fifth and Staring (6th).

Cru Halliday found himself down in ninth at a circuit he has always been close to the podium spot or at the front.

For all this drama, we were only on lap three.

Turn four claimed three more riders on riders on lap four after Daniel Falzon lost the front end and took Cru Halliday and Senna Agius with him.

Up front Herfoss was now up to second place but Josh Waters was 3.5 seconds up the road and setting fastest lap times, but half a second off the race two pace.

Herfoss was now towing a long line of riders: Allerton, Jones, Staring and resurgent Ant West.

At half-race distance the action and aggression from the chasing packs was unrelenting. The dicing amongst the various packs was allowing Josh Waters to set off for the finish.

Staring overtook Herfoss down the straight but was unable to hold the spot. Staring continued to show him a wheel as often as possible. Jones and West were clinging on to the chase group as Waters just continued to plug away.

Ant West’s miserable run -when he was showing genuine form- continued when he suffered a flat tyre on lap seven and retired. A tough weekend for the hugely talented and enigmatic racer.

With three to go, Waters was five seconds away from the main chase group that was led by Jones, from Staring and Allerton. Herfoss was seemingly having the fade out that has punctuated much of his weekend and then had an ambitious lunge at Allerton at turn four on lap ten. Allerton ran wide and onto the MotoGP long lap asphalt and both riders now found themselves with work to do if they wanted to get on the podium.

Staring and Jones decided to have their own incident into turn four and the resulting touch sent winglet of Staring’s bike flying off his Ducati. While these two fought tooth and nail, Waters headed into the final lap with a smaller but still comfortable three-second lead while Herfoss was back up to the back of third-placed Jones.

At the finish, it was Josh Waters for the race and round win, salvaging something for the team after the disaster that was Wayne Maxwell’s double DNF situation. Staring saluted for second with resurgent Mike Jones on the box in third. Herfoss had muscled his way to fourth with Glenn Allerton fifth, Jed Metcher up to sixth, Arthur Sissis in seventh, Broc Pearson topping the rookies with eighth, a happier Max Stauffer in ninth and Matt Walters on his Kawasaki rounding out the top ten.

The overall result saw Waters from Staring with Allerton in third.

The championship? It’s not over, but race one at The Bend could see it all over. Jones sits comfortably atop on 269 points with Staring up to second on 238 and Wayne Maxwell third on 229.

With a maximum of fifty-one points on offer for the season, Mike Jones could be excused for making some room in his trophy cabinet.

Editorial Note: ASBK organizers did not provide a link to Superbike Race Three results. American Travis Wyman finished 13th.

Updated: Race Three results are here.

Michelin Supersport

Race Three

The riders form firmly established, we looked to Bramich, Passfield and Lytras at the start to jump away and they delivered in that order, although Nicholson was able to slip up into third and Lytras now found Ty Lynch directly behind him in fifth.

Up front, Passfield was now leading with Bramich settling for second… for now.

Lytras had returned the favour to Nicholson and was back in third and then we completed the first lap. Whew!

Bramich was back into the lead shortly after and Lytras was now challenging for that lead in second. He and Passfield traded spots and showed each other a wheel time and time again to keep it fun. Their shenanigans allowed Bramich to just slip away by a second.

Further back, Nicholson (4th), McDonald (5th), Farsnworth (6th), Skeer (7th) and the clearly injured Lynch (8th) battled on.

Gaps opened everywhere, perhaps due to the strong breeze that took away some of the usual Phillip Island drafting. Bramich was now out to a 1.2 second lead and Passfield in second had a 2.0 second gap back to Lytras.

The race settled in for several laps and the gaps stayed steady. Lytras didn’t need to push to protect his title chances and Passfield just slowly worked his way back to Bramich, narrowing the gap to the lead and moving to less than a second. On lap eight, Passfield put a pretty hard pass on Bramich, ran wide, understandably shut the door and was in front through the rest of the lap.

Bramich was either happy to follow or unable to pass and settled in to follow and let Passfield know he wasn’t going anywhere. The pressure saw Passfield push the bike too hard and HE folded the front into turn six (Siberia) and crashed out of the race.

Bramich now enjoyed an eight-second advantage and Lytras inherited second place.

With the luxury of this large lead, Tom Bramich took his second win by 8.1 seconds to round off a terrific weekend for the Victorian-based former Supersport 300 champion.

Dunlop Supersport 300

The 300s jumped away in the kindest possible bright sun and Snell led them out of southern loop to turn four. As a sign of the field’s growing maturity through the year, all riders made it to turn four in all three races upright and racing.

That said, ASBK Race Direction placed the start under review for jumped start/s.

Dunker led through the back half of the circuit onto the straight. The leading group consisted of Dunker, Snell, Hayden Nelson, Pezzetta, Cameron Swain, Glenn Nelson and polesitter Taiyo Aksu.

Through lap three, Cameron Dunker put his head down to try to get a gap or force errors and moved out to a .3 second advantage. The leading trio of Dunker, Snell and Hayden Nelson were now out to an overall 1.4 gap and the second bunch appeared to decide to work together to ensure they weren’t out of the podium running.

The battle for ninth was so tough there was a brief swapping of paint on the main straight to remind everyone that 300s race hard no matter where they are or who they are against.

Diminutive Dunker was hard at it lap after lap and somehow worked his way to a near two second gap and with two laps to go, a rare solo win in the 300s seemed possible.

Glenn Nelson’s tough weekend got tougher with a crash that made challenging for the championship far tougher.

Dunker however was sublime. A 2.5 second gap was now too much for the followers to chase down. The only person who could beat him was Dunker himself.

Three riders went down at turn four, an overly optimistic passing move up the inside saw Aksu, Swain and two race winner at this event Snell go down.

Dunker hit the line alone with an extraordinary 2.4 second gap from Hayden Nelson and Sam Pezzetta.

The 300s weekend was done, but the recriminations and “discussions” continued amongst the stranded riders at turn four.

WorldSBK: Race Two Results From Phillip Island (Updated)

David Swarts

-

November 20, 2022

0

WorldSBK: Race Two Results From Phillip Island (Updated)

SBK R2
SBK R2 Points

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bautista claims last win of the 2022 season in shortened Race 2

The 2022 WorldSBK Champion claimed his 16th win of the season in the final race of the season

Alvaro Bautista (19) leads Jonathan Rea (65), Toprak Razgatlioglu (1), and Alex Lowes (22) in Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Race 1 highlights – WorldSBK

P1 – Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)

Starting from pole position following his Tissot Superpole Race win, Bautista claimed the last win of the 2022 season, his 16th overall this season.

He was leading Rea by 0.357s when the race was red flagged after 17 completed laps.

He scored a total of 601 points in his title winning season.

“Today was amazing! In the Superpole Race, it was quite wet, but the experience I had from MotoGP™, I knew that it could maybe dry very fast. I took a big gamble because it was too wet. Race 2 was again so fun with the bike. Today, everything was normal so I could push from the beginning. I lost a lot of positions in the beginning and then I got the lead. To make my pace, the pace was quite acceptable, and Jonathan was just behind. I expected a big battle, especially in the last two laps, but unfortunately the red flag stopped the race. I think it has been the best way to end this amazing season. I’m so happy. Now we have to celebrate and now we have to prepare for next season.”

P2 – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

Rea finished second in Race 2 for his 245th podium place.

With 502 points, Rea finished in third place in the standings.

“We know the result. I gave everything. We can be quite satisfied with our efforts this weekend to go 1-3-2. Good overall points for the weekend. The conditions were almost like nothing I’ve ever seen in my career! Tyre decisions, pit stops, red flag in Race 2 with the conditions coming in. From my weekend, I’m really happy with my team and the way I’m riding the bike. Even in Race 2 with Alvaro, I felt stronger everywhere but the start-finish line. They were taking so much time, but through Turn 1, Turn 2 and even Turn 3, with the traction, an area we’ve really struggled with in the past, I had more grip and the tyre was very linear. Big thanks to my team. Looking forward now to a little bit of rest before we start focusing on 2023. We can be satisfied with our work this year.”

P3 – Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)

Lowes took third place for his second podium of the weekend.

He finished the season with 272 points standing in sixth place in the Championship standings.

“I’m really happy with the weekend, happy with the second podium this year. We’ve made some improvement in the middle of the year. I’ve been pretty competitive minus Mandalika, we’ve been strong every weekend. Today’s race was good. I was nervous because the weather has been changing so fast. In the race I was trying to check the clouds and understand what was happening. In the mid-part of the race, Jonathan and Alvaro just got away a little bit. I had some battles with Toprak and I couldn’t really get past him. And then I was trying to think about the end of the race, save some tyre to battle with him in the last two laps and then obviously we had the red flag. I really hope both of the guy are ok. But for me, it’s been a good weekend, nice way to finish, it gives me some confidence going into winter and on to next season.”

P4 – Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK)

Razgatlioglu was fourth missing the podium for 0.413s.

529 points claimed this season gave Razgatlioglu second place in the standings.

“We tried in every session to find good grip. We tried our best. In Race 2, after 10 laps, I felt a big drop with the rear tyre. I saw Alex pushing a lot, and after two laps I saw him starting to spin a lot. I thought ‘ok in the last two laps, I’ll pass him’ and I saw the red flag. But I’m really happy for him. He needed a bonus because he has two babies! He’s a very good guy and he was very strong this weekend. We finished the last race of the season in fourth position. Anyway, we’re second in the Championship standings.”

P5 – Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK)

Locatelli was fifth in Race 2 also securing fifth place in the standings for his second season in WorldSBK.

“For sure we finished the season in a really good way. This is very important to start testing this winter and to start 2023 in a good way. I’m really happy about the last two rounds. But I am little bit disappointed with some rounds, like Barcelona … maybe we could have fought for third place in the Championship … but anyway we finished a difficult season in fifth place, so we need to be happy, we need to look forward and we need to prepare next season and I think we will come back really strong. For sure, we improved.”

P6 – Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

Redding concluded his first season with BMW with a top six finish.

He occupies eighth position in the Championship standings for his first season with BMW.

“Interesting race actually. I got off to a flying start which is something we’ve been working on this year. This weekend I found something that helped me with the start. So, it was quite good, and we had a great start. I struggled a lot this weekend and I tipped in to Turn 1 and thought ‘it’s the last race, give everything you’ve got’. I was hanging out there in the front for a bit, that was pretty good. I challenged for the lead a few times and then the tyre start becoming an issue. I started dropping back which was a shame because I felt pretty good. I was happy with the Sunday. Both races turned out alright after a really tough weekend.”

To note:

The race was red flagged after a collision involving Xavi Fores (BARNI Spark Racing Team) and Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW) at Turn 1, with Laverty taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash but he was conscious. Laverty was diagnosed with a pelvic injury and taken to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne by helicopter for further assessments.

Tetsuta Nagashima (Team HRC) rounded out a strong debut weekend as he stood in for Iker Lecuona with ninth place in Race 2, scoring a total of 13 points.

Editorial Note: American Garrett Gerloff crashed on the first lap of Race Two. He wasn’t seriously injured.

Registration Now Open For 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship

David Swarts

-

November 20, 2022

0

Registration Now Open For 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship

Registration Open for 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship

Now entering its third season, following another successful campaign in 2022, young riders can today sign up for the 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship, which will once again support selected rounds of the FIM Superbike World Championship.

You can register for the 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship by clicking here.

After launching its inaugural campaign in 2021, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship has opened the door into world championship racing for several young riders, with this year’s winner, 18-year-old Brazilian Enzo Valentim, set to make his full-season FIM Supersport 300 World Championship debut in 2023, benefiting from Yamaha Motor Europe support.

You could be the next rider to fight for the opportunity to join the likes of Valentim and 2021 winner, 18-year-old Spaniard Iker Garcia Abella, in the WorldSSP300 class by signing up to join the 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship grid.

Open to riders aged 14-20, the Championship is the perfect first step for young riders looking to make their way onto the world championship stage. It runs alongside six rounds of the WorldSBK campaign, giving youngsters a chance to showcase their talent in front of the top teams and riders.

Each weekend, the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship riders will be based at the bLU cRU village, located at a designated area inside the paddock. All entrants will receive coaching and technical support, while Yamaha R3 machinery and a full riding package, including race leathers, gloves, boots, helmet, tyres and fuel, are provided at a low cost, with season entry fees of just €30,500 (Euros).

The overall champion will earn a place on the 2024 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship grid with full Yamaha Motor Europe support, providing they are over the minimum age for entry into the class. Second in the standings will be offered a 50 percent discount on their 2024 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship registration, while the rider who finishes third in the championship will receive a 25 percent discount.

Young talents don’t go unnoticed, and the 2022 WorldSSP300 grid featured four riders from the 2021 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship, while three racers from this year’s series also made wildcard appearances in the world championship class.

Like this year, five riders will also be selected for the VR46 Yamaha Master Camp in Italy, where they will receive coaching from the same team responsible for advising the VR46 Academy Riders.

Following the success of this year’s series, interest is expected to be high, and with only 30 grid slots available for the 2023 season early sign up is essential to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

You can register for the 2023 Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship by clicking here.

Paolo Pavesio

Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing and Motorsport Director

“It was another incredible season for the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Championship in 2022; the level of the racing was very high, and we saw great progression from our young riders throughout the season. It was also amazing to see our riders from the last year’s series perform so strongly in their first WorldSSP300 championship campaign this year. They clearly benefitted from their experience in the R3 bLU cRU Championship, and we believe there are some who can fight for race wins and maybe even the title in 2023. It was also nice to see such diversity in the Championship this year, with both male and female riders from all over the globe competing, and we are sure that will continue next season. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of motorcycle racing talent into the WorldSBK paddock in 2023, and we know that the top teams will be following the racing closely.”

World Supersport: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

November 19, 2022

0

World Supersport: Race Two Results From Phillip Island

WSS R2
WSS R2 Points

WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Phillip Island

David Swarts

-

November 19, 2022

0

WorldSBK: Superpole Race Results From Phillip Island

SBK SP Race
SBK SP Race Points

FUELL Launches Pre-Order Campaign For Fllow Electric Motorcycle

November 21, 2022

A Fuell Fllow electric motorcycle. Photo courtesy Fuell. — A FUELL Fllow electric motorcycle. Photo courtesy Fuell.

A Pre-Order campaign for FUELL Fllow

FUELL is launching a pre-order campaign for its FUELL Fllow through the PreLaunch.com platform:
https://prelaunch.com/projects/fuell-fllow-fllow-ride-into-the-future?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=fuellfllow

Fllow is an unbeatable proposal: an $11,995 e-commuter with a 10Kwh battery, an innovative wheel motor with a power of 47hp (optional 15hp), a highway-capable top speed, and a high voltage architecture with a less than 30 min charging time. All this in a modern, sleek design with more storage space than most scooters.

As part of its pre-order phase, FUELL has partnered with Prelaunch.com – an innovative and first-ever market validation platform that uses eCommerce logic to measure potential customers’ real buying intents. The platform allows entrepreneurs to predict how customers would react to a particular product idea if it’s launched. The tool helps its users avoid wasting their time and resources on unexpected scenarios. It provides including but not limited to:

Market validation,

Price validation,

Seamless landing page builder,

AI copywriter,

Data-driven decisions,

Customer Insights.