The GMT94 Yamaha Official EWC Team and the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team return to action at the opening round of the 2017/2018 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 24 hour Bol d'Or, at the Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend. Reigning Champions GMT94 will kick off their title defence fresh from lifting the trophy at the Suzuka 8 Hours, with David Checa, Niccolò Canepa, and Mike Di Meglio all back in action. The YART team of Broc Parkes, Kohta Nozane and Marvin Fritz battled at the front with GMT94 for the majority of last season, finishing third in the standings, and are hotly tipped as one of the favourites for the title in 2017/2018 after crossing the line as the leading full-time EWC team at Suzuka.

GMT94 were crowned the 2016/2017 Endurance World Champions after crossing the line in 11th at Suzuka and finishing ahead of their rivals SERT, who they trailed by one point in the standings before the race. It was a dramatic end to a season which they dominated by winning three races in a row at Le Mans, Oschersleben and Slovakia. Last year at the Bol d'Or the team endured the worst possible start to the season after two crashes in the first three hours saw them in dead last, five laps behind the nearest team. Incredibly they fought back to finish in ninth, but they found themselves 47 points behind the leaders and forced to play catch up with their rivals for the rest of the season. Determined to get things off to a better start this season, the team of David Checa, Niccolò Canepa and Mike di Meglio all return to contest the opening round of the 2017/2018 season, with Checa preparing for his 16th consecutive season with the team, one of the longest rider-team associations in motorsport. The team finished the recent official test at the Circuit Paul Ricard in fifth place on the combined timesheets, as they focused on a good base setting and putting a new Dunlop front tyre through its paces. Heading into the new season, the team feel confident they can continue the form that saw them lift their third EWC title last season, to add to the ones they won in 2004 and 2014.

YART were locked in battle with GMT94 at the front for most of last season during some incredibly close racing, with the two teams competing on almost identical machinery - the only difference being YART run Bridgestone tyres - but were left counting the cost of a DNF at the Bol d'Or. Missing out on a possible sixty points, they fought back superbly to finish second behind GMT94 at Le Mans and Oschersleben, then led for most of the race at Slovakia before a loose chain saw them cross the line in fourth. YART finished the season in impressive fashion as the strongest full-time EWC team at Suzuka, as they rode their R1 to an incredible fifth-place finish to secure third in the overall standings, just 15.5 points behind the champions GMT94. Looking to build on their pace from the latter part of the season, many are tipping YART for the title in 2017/2018. The fact that their team lineup of Broc Parkes, Kohta Nozane and Marvin Fritz remains the same for the new season only strengthens their chances, as demonstrated by the team topping the timesheets at the recent official test.

First run in 1922, the 24-hour Bol d'Or has been a highlight of the Endurance calendar, with the race held at a number of different tracks over the years. The Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet played host to the event between 1978-1999 before the action returned to the circuit in 2015. This will be the 81st running of the 24-hour endurance race, with the 5.861km circuit, famous for its 1.8km Mistral straight, providing the perfect setting for the passionate French fans who always create an incredible atmosphere.

The opening round of the 2017/2018 season, the 24 hour Bol d'Or, once again sees 60 points up for grabs, with 40 points available for the win and up to ten extra points awarded for position after 8 and 16 hours respectively. The GMT94 & YART teams will hit the track on Thursday for the first free practice session at 9:30am local time, with the first qualifying sessions for each rider starting at 16:20pm. Qualifying continues on Friday at 9:40am, with the 24-hour race due to start at 15:00pm on Saturday.

TONI ELIAS wrapped up the 2017 MotoAmerica Championship title this weekend in New Jersey, one week before the final round in Alabama.

The 2010 Moto2 World Champion rider did not expect to find himself racing the MotoAmerica series, but following a course of unexpected events, he landed a ride with the Yoshimura Suzuki team in 2016.

2016 was a successful year for the Spanish rider as he appeared on the podium almost every round, but unfortunately, he finished just 7 points behind the Championship winner, Cameron Beaubier. At that point, Elias knew his potential in the American series and trained hard to come back better than ever for 2017.

This year Elias started off strong, winning both Races 1 & 2 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, wearing the RPHA 11 Boba Fett. The American tracks became familiar to Elias and he has won eight races and finished second place in seven out of the 16 races leading up to New Jersey. The talented racer has exceeded expectations with his consistency and determination.

Elias currently wears the RPHA 11 Pro, HJC’s premium, lightweight race helmet. He has been a big supporter of HJC’s special graphics over the past two MotoAmerica race seasons, modelling Star Wars and Marvel graphics including Boba Fett, Kylo Ren, Spider-Man, Venom and, ironically, Captain America. He has even sported the #95, Lightning McQueen, that is.

HJC is proud to support such a talented rider on the track, but more importantly, a racer who demonstrates genuine sportsmanship and character off the track.

It didn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Clint Seller with still one round to go, secured his 5th South African Motorcycle championship on the Anassis Racing prepared MiWay Yamaha R1 at the penultimate round of the Super-GP Champions Trophy at Phakisa Freeway last weekend. The style in which he claimed his 2017 title merely underlined his form of the season and the supremacy of Anassis Racing team in the premier class.

Qualifying SuperGP: Clint Seller rose above himself and pulled out an unthinkable lap of 1:35,754 with an average speed of 159,4 km/h around the 4,2km track. Clint was ecstatic with his pole position time and realized that it was the quickest time ever around the track on a SuperGP 1000cc production race bike. Adolf Boshoff who made his debut on the 1000cc was hindered by a failing timing system and without a back-up in place, he saw his qualifying going up in smoke. And ended in P8.

Race 1 SuperGP: Only in the first 1,5 km of the 15 laps race Seller wasn’t leading after which he took full control over the opening heat and took victory one of the day. “It wasn’t as easy as it might have looked Seller explained after the race. My tyres were gone in the early part of the race and it was impossible to shake off my competition.” His victory brought his lead to 52 points and finishing ahead of his main rival would see him clinch his 5th title in the next race.

Race 2 SuperGP: Clint Seller didn’t show any signs of pressure at the start and was fully focussed to make his 100th race for Anassis Racing count. With new rubber mounted Seller did his magic and stamped his trademark on the second race by leading from start to finish and secured his 2017 SuperGP title and his 5th South African Motorcycle racing crown. With his 60th victory for the team the celebrations started already when he was still doing his parade lap to thank the crowd. Upon arrival the Anassis Racing crew were wearing the traditional championship shirt and Seller quickly joined the festivities.

Race 1 Super600: Hayden Jonas did the most he could do in the opening race. After a slight hiccup at the start he quickly regained his second position and realized that the leader had vanished in the distance. Dino Iozzo settled into a great rhythm and a lonely race brought him P9 when the finish flag dropped.

Race 2 Super600: The second race was very much a repeat of the opening round with Hayden Jonas unable to hang on to the race leader and thereby lost the last hopes on the title. Jonas managed another P2 and has a good chance on securing P2 in the overall standings at the end of the year. Dino had a good race and managed to climb up the ranks to P7 and was content with his first national at Phakisa Freeway.

Qualifying Super600: Hayden Jonas (MiWay Yamaha R6) arrived in the Free State with only a small mathematical chance to remain in the title race for the next round and only double wins would have kept his hopes alive. A second position on the grid was the best feasible for the Capetonian with Dino Iozzo doing a great job in his first season with a P9. “Clint has been a dominating force in the sport since he joined our team, but we’ve never seen Seller as composed has he was this year. The year isn’t over but I can already say that this was his most convincing title in his career and is simple unstoppable, Brad Anassis explained after the race. “Adolf Boshoff did a great job today and finished both his race which was our main goal to give the future champion time to get used to the 1000cc.”

“I want to take the opportunity to thank the whole team for their endless effort to make it all happen. The crew has worked tirelessly to give the best possible bike to the riders. The investments that I’ve done throughout the year in the team has created more opportunities and it is paying off already, Brad concluded.”

Race Results:

Super600 Race 1

1. Steven Odendaal – Yamaha R6

2. Hayden Jonas – MiWay Yamaha Racing R6

3. Aiden Liebenberg – Kawasaki ZX6R

9. Dino Iozzo – MiWay Racing Yamaha R6

Super600 Race 2

1. Steven Odendaal – Yamaha R6

2. Hayden Jonas – MiWay Yamaha Racing R6

3. Blaze Baker – GSXR600

7. Dino Iozzo – MiWay Racing Yamaha R6

SuperGP Race 1

1. Clint Seller – MiWay Racing Yamaha R1

2. Greg Gildenhuys – ZX10

3. Michael White – Yamaha R1

SuperGP Race 2

1. Clint Seller – MiWay Racing Yamaha R1

2. Greg Gildenhuys – ZX10

3. David McFadden – S100RR

A big thank you to our team sponsors and partners: MiWay, Finance.co.za, Yamaha, Portable Shade, Sun International, Anassis Racing, MP Custom Valve and Suspension, Race!, Air Age Engineering, Motul, Neolife, Ohlins, Sanrose Auto body, Woolich Racing, Moto Moto Diner, Elite Energy by Twizza, Cobalt Engineering, Samco and Alain from Club House.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team's Valentino Rossi will be unable to take part in the Gran Premio Tribul Mastercard di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, this weekend.

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team regrets to report that Valentino Rossi will not be able to compete in the upcoming Gran Premio Tribul Mastercard di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, to be held this weekend.

The Factory Yamaha team will compete in round 13 of the 2017 MotoGP World Championship with Maverick Viñales as its sole rider.

The whole of Yamaha wishes Valentino Rossi a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on his YZR-M1 as soon as possible.

Honda Motor Europe will be in full attendance at this weekend's Glemseck 101 in Leonberg, Germany, showing eight customized machines and participating in the event's 'Sprint International' 1/8th mile invitational race.

Four of the machines are based on Honda's current model line-up:

A CBR1000RR Fireblade SP has been sharpened up and stripped back in preparation for Glemseck's Sprint International race. It features WSB-style aluminium rear sub frame and carbon fibre fairings, a longer swing arm and aluminium fuel tank both derived from Honda's endurance racing programme, a shorter final drive, bespoke crank case covers and full titanium Akrapovic exhaust.

Three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer will pilot the re-worked Fireblade in the 'Sprint International' invitational race on Sunday 3rd, and also take a trip down memory lane with a demonstration run alongside his erstwhile rival Kevin Schwantz.      

Two versions of the neo-retro classic CB1100 will also be on display: the first is a fully blacked-out version of the current CB1100 EX made in collaboration with Milan-based customisers South Garage. It is a dark and elegant mixture of café racer and bobber styles. The matt-black tank, blacked-out engine, clutch covers and wheels create the overall mood; low-slung clip-on bars, radial master cylinder and short tail section give it the café racer edge. Touches like miniature LED indicators, new headlight and matching diamond-patterned leather seat and tyre tread give an elegance in keeping with the appeal of the CB1100 EX.   

The second is the CB1100TR concept created entirely in-house by Honda's Rome-based R&D design team to convey the emotion and excitement of USA flat track culture. It was developed as the 'King of Urban Flat Track Circuits', as a counterpoint to the off-road oval circuit look of the traditional flat tracker, with a street-orientated design familiar to European customers.

Rounding out the four customizations of current models is an ultra-modern, urban 'scrambler' version of the 500cc A2 licence-friendly Rebel, which has seen order books full across Europe since its arrival at the start of the 2017 season. It is fitted with big-block tyres, oversized brake discs and handmade 'lobster' welded bespoke exhaust. The look is embellished by references to BMX and skateboard culture (complete with skateboard holder located on the left-hand side) and moto-cross influences.

The other four machines on display draw on Honda's uniquely rich and varied manufacturing history.

The world's first mass production superbike, the CB750 - a longstanding favourite among customizers - has been given a raw, naked re-imagining by Billy Mackenzie, an ex-MX1 level moto-crosser, who has swapped the dirt track for the workshop. His black and red version of the CB750 is designed to showcase the clean lines of the frame and the seminal air-cooled in-line 4 engine, without interfering with the perfect proportions of the base machine.   

The CX500 - with its transversely-mounted V twin engine - is another favourite among customizers; two CX500's made by Kingston Customs of Gelsenkirchen will be at the Honda stand. Both have been given the full Café Racer treatment, one of them using as a base the well-known turbo-charged version of this classic Honda of the late 70s and early 80s.

The 'joker' in the pack is a CB250G made by Munich-based customizer Black Beans. It is the result of a painstaking part-by-part re-build of a 'barn treasure' machine. New carburetors and muffler were fitted, creating a rich, deep exhaust note, and new brakes, footrests and shock mounts added. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, elegant and quirky.   

The eight machines are a powerful, eclectic mix of influences and individuality that show case the work of enthusiasts united by the desire to place their own imprint on their Honda machines; and all of them are in tune with the spirit of freedom and creativity that underpins the Glemseck 101 - the biggest annual motorcycle 'happening' of its kind in Europe.

Both Jim Tarantino of TRP and Mark Henderson of HRP have again offered their support to the SA team who depart early next month to compete in the gruelling 2-day World MXDN International Vets championship at Farleigh Castle UK on the 16/17 September.

“Jim and Mark have been loyal supporters of the team over the years and it’s great to have them on board again this year,” said Ryan Hunt. The guys have leading blue chip brands such as the Fly racing kits, twin air filters, the popular DUNLOP MX tyres which are perfect for the unpredictable UK tracks, EKS goggles and CYCRA RACING all great brands, we thank both Mark and Jim for their loyal support.”

Tarantino and Henderson both run successful Motorcycle accessory companies and are leaders in the industry, both are good riders and committed enthusiasts and very much hands on with their customers. Tarantino was brought out to race in one of the many Camel International MX and SX Series, returning to race several times and doing exceptionally well, then decided to stay in South Africa and compete in the Camel SA National and Supercross Series and the regular Camel International events, opened a very successful business and never looked back.

Henderson Racing Products was founded in March 2005, Marks mission was to provide industry leading products & especially service to the motorcycle industry in South Africa. With an IT technical background and a keen motorcyclist, dirt, road, adventure and cruiser rider he knew what the customers where after growing his business with many popular brands and building a successful operation

The SA MX team this year is 55-year-old, multiple SA National Motocross Champion, ex Grand Prix and Springbok Tony Riddell, 46-year-old Ryan Hunt Springbok Protea award winner and past previous Pro Veteran winner plus international GP rider, multiple SA national champion with four decades of SA National titles to his name

Andre David, was based in the UK for several years competing in the British MX2 and MX1 Championship, the British 2 stroke series, and numerous events in Europe and the USA.  The forth rider a late replacement, 34-year-old Neville Bradshaw born in Benoni South Africa runs a motocross training school in the UK and races part time. He won a South African national championship in 2000. Moved to the UK in 2003, since he arrived he has won 2 British masters championships, is a 3 times winner of the Red Bull Pro National Championship, a British Supercross Champion, a 5 times member of South African Des Nations Team. and finished three times in the top 3 positions in the British MX2 championship. He is again well placed this year in the MX2 class and currently leads the MX2 ST class overall. Taking up the 5th spot as a support rider is the team manager and sponsor Gavin Williams Global ASP, who has supported and sponsored the team and this event for many years.

It’s thanks to the huge support from their sponsors who have made it all possible for the team, such as Motul, RwandAir, Tork Craft, World Net Logistics, Global ASP, SLFC, Cradley Kawasaki UK, Adam Duckworth TV UK, TRP, HRP and Dave Petersen 2Wheels TV SA.

Largest-ever Product Development Project launches Harley-Davidson® into its 115th Anniversary Year with brand new Fat Boy,® Heritage Classic, Low Rider,® Softail Slim,® Deluxe, Breakout,® Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles.

? Eight brand new Softail® custom motorcycles ready for 2018

? All with stiffer, lighter steel frame and swingarm plus premium front and rear suspension

? Powered by the new Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine, with a stock 114 option also available

? Authentic style and contemporary design blends to combine unique and stunning looks

To celebrate Harley-Davidson’s® 115th Anniversary year, the Motor Company is launching a complete custom revolution: Eight all-new Softail® models that merge the hard-riding performance of the Dyna® line with the unparalleled custom look of the Softail line.

Designed under the largest Product Development Project in company history, the new bikes feature a stiffer and significantly lighter frame built to harness the high torque output of the new dual-counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight® 107 and 114 engines.

With high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension and an easily adjustable hidden rear monoshock, the aggressively styled 2018 Softail models are faster, lighter and better handling than any of their Big Twin cruiser predecessors.

Paul James, manager of Product Portfolio, Harley-Davidson Motor Company:

“The new Softails are the result of the most extensive research and development program in the company’s history. Thousands of hours of research and testing were put into the complete ground-up design of these new cruisers. We focused on taking the total rider experience to a higher level, where authenticity, heritage and soul meet the modern edge of technology for a ride that must be felt to believe.”

And interpreting Harley-Davidson’s history, authenticity and styling DNA through a modern lens, the eight new Softails feature all-new designs that strongly differentiate them from their predecessors and each other. And from a new base of style, comfort and performance the next generation of factory custom cruisers is ready for riders to elevate even further with their own personalisation.

Brad Richards, vice president of Styling and Design, Harley-Davidson Motor Company:

“The authenticity of Harley-Davidson design comes by sweating the details from start to finish – it’s ‘hard to do and hard to copy.’ Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not a commodity; they are

handed down from generation to generation. We look at every nut and bolt on the bike, all the finishes, and every small detail. The new Softail frame is like a piece of art and the more you take off the bike, the more beautiful it becomes. Its design speaks to the teamwork that our styling and engineering processes demand.”

NEW CHASSIS, FRAME / SWINGARM & HIGH-PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION

The handling of a Softail now enters a new era with a lighter, more rigid frame that elevates form and function to a higher plane, while maintaining the classic look of a hardtail and delivering a thoroughly modern ride. Benefits of the new chassis include increased lean angles for many models, sharper turn-in response, quicker acceleration, nimble flickability, lighter weight and easier side-stand lift off than previous models.

A new high stiffness carbon steel tubular frame forms the core of the 2018 Softail chassis and combined with the swingarm significantly increases the rigidity of the chassis. The frame itself is 65% stiffer than the outgoing Softail design, which leads to a 34% increase in overall chassis stiffness. Its design also achieves reduced complexity with a 50% reduction in component parts and 22% reduction in welds.

There are two unique swingarms, one for narrow and one for wide rear tires. The wide chassis is 5.89kg (15%) lighter, while the narrow chassis shaves 8.16kg (20%). The swingarm transfers rear wheel movement to the under-seat monoshock while maintaining the pure, classic lines of a hardtail frame.

Brand new high-performance dual-bending valve front suspension – first introduced on 2017 Touring models – delivers damping performance that’s similar to a cartridge fork but with improved, more responsive damping characteristics. It’s optimised for both comfortable cruising and spirited riding with 130mm of travel. Revised rake and trail also enhance handling ability.

The new monoshock rear suspension preserves the classic hardtail look while revamped geometry improves ride quality, traction and control. Easily adjustable for spring preload it enables a 217kg range of payload capacity for increased passenger comfort and optimum handling.

The all-new Softail models are up to 17kg lighter than before, delivering an improved power-to-weight ratio that provides quicker acceleration, better braking and dynamic cornering capability combined with increased lean angles for many models. Some models feature new tires specifically designed to work with the new Softail chassis and feature optimised constructions and improved compounds for confident, long-wearing performance in all riding conditions. New seat designs and materials provide an improved fit for a wider range of riders and greater comfort for cruising.

NEW POWERTRAIN WITH TWO DISPLACEMENT OPTIONS

All 2018 Softail models get a new heartbeat from the most powerful engines ever offered in Harley-Davidson Big Twin cruisers, the new Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 and 114 V-Twins. Milwaukee-Eight engines retain the iconic 45-degree V-Twin cylinder angle with a broad-shouldered top end accentuated by a single camshaft design that tapers to a slim bottom end for a muscular contour.

The new Softail frame’s rigid mounting points are engineered to tightly package the engine and reinforce chassis stiffness. Milwaukee-Eight engines for Softail models also feature a refined, dual internally counter-balanced system that reduces engine vibration while maintaining the familiar Harley-Davidson feel. Harley-Davidson’s trademark ‘potato-potato-potato’ sound comes through strong with less intake and mechanical noise.

The two displacement options available:

Milwaukee-Eight™ 107

(107 CID; 1745cc) Standard on all models

• 100mm bore and 111.1mm stroke, with 10.0:1 compression ratio

• 0-60 mph – 10% quicker acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103

• 60-80 mph/5th gear – 16% faster acceleration than the High Output Twin Cam 103

Milwaukee-Eight™ 114

(114 CID; 1868cc) Optional

• Available on four models: Fat Bob 114, Fat Boy 114, Breakout 114, Heritage Classic 114

• 102mm bore and 114.3mm stroke, with 10.5:1 compression ratio

• Ventilator Intake with 114 graphics and badging

• Standard ABS

• 0-60 mph – 9% faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 107

• 60-80 mph/5th gear –13% faster acceleration than the Milwaukee-Eight 10

THE EIGHT NEW SOFTAILS & THEIR KEY FEATURES

Fat Boy®

The legendary Fat Boy motorcycle that defined contemporary custom style for decades has outdone itself. Ripped and refined satin-chrome finishes deliver a bold, muscular styling statement showing off its powerful engine and new and improved ride and handling.

• Aggressive, steamroller stance and front end design

- Modern-day interpretation of the classic headlight nacelle

- A 160mm front tire, the widest-ever on a Harley-Davidson production model, wraps the solid Lakester front wheel

• 16kg weight reduction to previous model

• Standard ABS

• 240mm rear tire with solid Lakester rear wheel

• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Heritage Classic

Design cues evoke the blacked-out styling of vintage 1950s Harley-Davidson models, updated with a modern edge.

• New detachable windscreen

• New rigid, lockable, sealed, water-resistant saddlebags

• Taller suspension with increased passenger and cargo payload capacity

• 17kg weight reduction to previous model

• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

• Standard cruise control and ABS

Low Rider®

Inspired by the individualism of the ‘70s custom chopper era that birthed the original, the new Low Rider is lighter and faster with corner-carving handling unimaginable back in the day.

• Throwback-style dual tank-mount speedo and tachometer gauges, headlight visor and fuel tank graphics

• 19-inch front and 16-inch rear Radiate cast wheels

• 2-into-2 Shotgun exhaust

Softail Slim®

Stripped to its essential elements, the Slim pays homage to post-war custom bobbers with a narrow rear end, trimmed front fender, solo seat and minimal chrome.

• Dark finishes adorn the laced wheels, Hollywood handlebar, and all-new front-end design

• Low-slung tuck and roll seat

• Bold and smooth new front nacelle and fork cover styling

• 17kg weight reduction to previous model

Deluxe

A classic hi-line showstopper that stands out on any street, the Deluxe glistens with bright chrome while delivering the ride of a seriously modern machine.

• Signature all-LED lighting from front to back: headlight, running lights, Tombstone taillight and blade-like turn signals

• Signature pull-back handlebar

• 17kg weight reduction to previous model

• Standard ABS

Breakout®

With more lean angle and agility than ever imagined in a bike carrying so much dragster attitude and style, the Breakout model takes long, lean muscle to a modern edge.

• New smooth-top 13.2 litre fuel tank

• Long and wide with low-slung raked out 49mm front forks

• 18-inch rear (240mm tire) and 21-inch front (130mm tire) Gasser-style gloss-black powder coated cast aluminum wheels

• Distinctive Daymaker Signature LED headlamp

• Low-profile riser-mounted digital instrument screen

• 17kg weight reduction to previous model

• Standard ABS

• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Fat Bob®

Tarmac-eating traction, pothole-devouring suspension, agile cornering and a blacked-out take-no-prisoners look make the Fat Bob a groundbreaking motorcycle that could only come from Harley-Davidson.

• 2-1-2 upswept performance exhaust with a custom finish

• Largest aggressively treaded tires from the Motor Company: 150 mm front and 180 mm rear

• Dual disc front brakes

• 13.2 litre fuel tank

• 15kg weight reduction to previous model

• Inverted 43mm cartridge style front forks

• Optional: Milwaukee-Eight 114 Engine

Street Bob®

A bare-bones bike with go-anywhere DNA, the Street Bob motorcycle has a fists-in-the-wind attitude with nothing extra to weigh it down.

• Smooth-top 13.2 litre fuel tank

• Black spoke wheels with chopped fenders

• Low-profile riser-mounted digital instrument screen

• 7kg weight reduction to previous model

• Lowest MSRP in Softail line 

NEW TECHNOLOGY FEATURED ON EVERY SOFTAIL

• Unique Daymaker Signature LED Headlamps on all models

• Improved electrical system charging, more than doubled at idle speeds

• Easily adjustable rear shock pre-load settings (method varies by model)

- Under seat spanner wrench: Softail Slim, Street Bob, Low Rider

- External hand adjustment knob: Fat Bob, Fat Boy, Breakout

- Under seat socket adjustment: Deluxe, Heritage Classic

• New instrumentation

• Keyless ignition and security system standard

• Steering head mounted USB charge port

• New fuel tanks 

For more information on the new Harley-Davidson Softails and full specifications

visit: www.harley-davidson.com

Yamaha Racing are proud to announce the launch of the Official Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica. Rally Raid parts and accessories partner DRAG'ON have teamed up with Yamaha Motor Europe to give you the opportunity to own and ride the same bike that Xavier de Soultrait tears up Dakar on. The same bike that won the Merzouga Rally 2017 and is tackling rallies across the globe right now. Not just a Rally Raid superstar, the WR450F battles it out with tremendous success, event after event, in the FIM Enduro World Championship at the hands of Yamaha Racing's Loïc Larrieu.

Official Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica

Technical Specifications

Motor

Engine Type                   Single Cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement                 449 cm3

Bore x Stroke                 97,0 x 60,8 mm

Compression Rate           12,5 : 1

Lubrification                   Wet Sump

Clutch Type                   Wet, Multiple Disc

Fuel System                   Fuel Injection

Ignition System              TCI

Chassis

Frame                         Semi Double Cradle

Front Suspension         Telescopic Forks

Front Travel                310mm

Rear Suspension          Swingarm (Link Suspension)

Rear Travel                 318mm

Front Brake                 Simple Disc , Ø 290 mm

Rear Brake                  Simple Disc, Ø 245 mm

Front Wheel                21"

Rear Wheel                 18"

Fuel Tank                    31 Litres

DRAG'ON Rally Race Service

With your purchase of the Official Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica comes the opportunity to take advantage of the exclusive Rally Race Service offered by DRAG'ON for the 2018 Dakar Rally. This is your chance to take on the world’s toughest rally yourself aboard the WR450F Rally Replica and DRAG'ON will take care of everything that needs to be taken care of. From transporting a full stock of official spare parts to offering race side mechanical support so you can keep your focus on the race ahead of you.

Read more about the Official Yamaha WR450F Rally Replica at the Yamaha Racing Website. To get your hands on the world-leading Rally Replica and gain access to the exclusive Rally Race Service from DRAGON contact them This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today.

The Cradley Kawasaki company will again assist the South African MX Vets team for this year’s World MXDN international at Farleigh Castle in September. Tony Darby the owner of the operation is a good friend of Ryan Hunt’s when he lived and raced in the UK some years back.

Cradley Kawasaki is one of the first UK appointed Kawasaki dealers, the well-established operation started way back in 1974, with over 35 years of experience the group have grown into one of the largest and most successful two wheel dealers in the UK.

“Tony’s company has helped us for many years with transport, technical support, a base to work from and preparation for the race bikes and support over the 3 race days, “said Ryan Hunt, Springbok, multiple SA National champion for the past 5 decades, team sponsor and leading Vet rider in the team. “Tony has always been a great help for the team and we really cannot do without him at this event, he knows the track and team support from their many years of running teams and motorcycle race bike prep, we are really glad to have him onboard again this year,” said Hunt

The team made up of two Springbok Motocross riders and multiple National Champions. This colourful South African team for this historic event consists of 55-year-old, multiple SA National Motocross Champion, ex Grand Prix and Springbok Tony Riddell, 46-year-old Ryan Hunt Springbok Protea award winner and past previous Pro Veteran winner plus international GP rider, multiple SA national champion with four decades of SA National titles to his name

The third rider is Andre David, he was based in the UK for several years competing in the British MX2 and MX1 Championship, the British 2 stroke series, and numerous events in Europe and the USA.  The forth rider a late replacement, 34-year-old Neville Bradshaw born in Benoni South Africa runs a motocross training school in the UK and races part time. He won a South African national championship in 2000 in the high school class. Moved to the UK in 2003, since he arrived he has won 2 British masters championships, is a 3 times winner of the Red Bull Pro National Championship, a British Supercross Champion, a 5 times member of South African Des Nations Team. and finished three times in the top 3 positions in the British MX2 championship. He is again well placed this year in the MX2 class and currently leads the MX2 ST class overall. An outstanding replacement for the injured springbok and national SA and German champion Collin Dugmore

Taking up the 5th team spot as a support rider is the team manager and sponsor Gavin Williams Global ASP, who has supported and sponsored the team and this event for many years, he is a motocross bike collector extraordinaire with a huge collection on mint condition race bikes, which he supplies to the team each year. He is a big fan of the sport and particularly the Farleigh Castle event.  

The SA team departs early in September for the Farleigh Castle MXDN World Vets event on the 16/17th of next month. It’s thanks to the huge support from their sponsors who have made it all possible for the team, such as Motul, RwandAir, Tork Craft, World Net Logistics, Global ASP, SLFC, Cradley Kawasaki UK, Adam Duckworth TV UK and Dave Petersen 2Wheels TV SA.

Captions Cradley Kawasaki’s transporter with Ryan Hunt.

South African MX Vets team Andre David, Ryan Hunt, Tony Riddell, Neville Bradshaw and Gavin Williams

For more information contact

Gavin Williams on 021 702 9300

Ryan Hunt 011 314 7711