Another accident and death occurred due to loose clothing.
It claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl this time.
This isn’t the first time.
There’ve been many motorcycle accidents caused by loose clothing and another such incident took the life of a 10-year-old.
The accident took place in Kampung Gong Tanah Merah, Jertih, Terengganu yesterday.
According to the victim’s aunt, who was riding the motorcycle, her daughter’s rain suit had gotten stuck in the bike’s sprocket. It then tied around her throat and dragged her off the bike. She passed away on the spot.
Chief of Police for the Besut District, Superintendent Abdul Rozak Muhammad confirmed the accident and death. He said that the subsequent autopsy found that Tuan Nur Irdina Najwa Tuan Rosli had suffered mortal wounds to the throat.
She was spending her school vacation in her grandparents’ hometown.
This isn’t the first occurrence. Many media outlets and us have reported many times about the need to secure loose clothing while riding a motorcycle, for both the rider and pillion. Motorcycle occupants are faced with a chain final drive that’s open to the environment. The chain could act as a chainsaw, while the wheel and sprocket as pulleys.
Yet it seems that all the advice fell on deaf ears, just as countless advice on safe riding and proper techniques. Another frustrating was the victims’ family blaming fate (takdir) for the accidents, when it was their negligence and could’ve been fully avoidable. What? Is god responsible now?
Is every motorcycle supposed to be fitted with an enclosed chainguard like the Honda EX5?
Stop wearing jackets front to back and secure those loose clothing today. Also, bear tie-downs and soft luggage in mind.
They are now being tested at the Jerez pre-season tests.
The frames are still made of steel but have a different shape.
You may have heard of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team rider Pol Espargaro singing praises about the KTM RC16 MotoGP bike’s new frame.
He even went as far as setting the same lap time as reigning world champion Marc Marquez at one point. He then thanked test rider Dani Pedrosa for his input.
The first new frame was tested at the first 2020 pre-season test at Valencia last week. It still features steel as the material but in rectangular form instead of the usual tube-shape KTM had been using since the first RC16.
Comparison of the frames at Valencia – Photo credit Motor Sport Magazine
Now there’s a second frame at the Jerez tests, painted black presumably to hide its shape.
“The black frame is the newest one, maybe not the biggest improvement, but it’s already a small step better (than the orange frame,” said Espargaro.
“We have an advantage over the others because our metal tube chassis is much faster (to make) than the others. This is going to be helpful to us,” he revealed.
Indeed, that’s true as the aluminium beam frames in MotoGP are machined from billet(!), instead of being cast or extruded. This main section which includes the headstock and spars are then welded to the uprights.
KTM RC16 new frame v2 – Photo credit Crash.net
On the other hand, steel beams are extruded then welded together. In fact, the team could cut and weld different sections with much ease compared to welding aluminium frames.
Overall, the team is seeking to create a bike that’s better in terms of turning, traction and stability. As Espargaro said of the old frame, “The best part about our bike is the front. On the brakes the bike is stable, and we can go deep in braking. Normally the problems we have is from the back of the bike, low grip and low turning (difficult to turn).”
Pedrosa also took to the track during the test sessions. Hopefully we’ll get to see him again in Malaysia.
What do the markings on engine oil bottles tell us?
A full understanding of engine oils results in using the correct oil.
Using the wrong oil could result in higher maintenance and repair costs.
It always happens. Post anything about engine oil and emotions get stirred harder than a Frappuccino. There are just so many fears, myths and misunderstanding. So, let’s start with the basics such as the markings on engine oil bottles.
Every engine oil bottle has markings on them, telling us something about its properties. What goes on beyond that would be the specifics such as the base oil, additive packages, high-heat protection, etc.
GRADE
This is the oft-discussed property. Common nomenclatures are 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 and so forth. They’re also marked as SAE 10W-40, sometimes (these days) but we’ll get to SAE later.
They denote the viscosity index (VI) of the oil at certain conditions. We say again, “certain conditions.” Viscosity means the flow properties of oil. A less viscous fluid flows easier and we usually call it “thin.” On the other hand, a more viscous fluid flows slower and we call it “thick.”
So, a 10W-40 oil is more viscous then 15W-50.
Credit Rymax Lubricants
The “W” stands for winter and tells us what the viscosity is when the ambient temperature (weather) drops to freezing point and below. Please refer to the chart below.
So, a 10W-40 oil can maintain a viscosity index of 10 at -25-degrees Celsius. As such, the “W” in engine oils doesn’t concern us in Malaysia at all, unless the Earth shifts the Equator to become the North or South Pole somehow. It also doesn’t matter we stayed overnight at Genting Highlands.
By the way, oils with two numbers are called “multigrades” because they can perform through a wider range of temperatures compared to single grade oils such as SAE 40.
As for the upper ranges, more viscous oil is needed at higher ambient temperatures. Since our weather normally stays below 40-degree Celcius, any 40-grade is good enough. However, using a 50-grade oil such as 15W-50 is also okay especially for older engines that need more sealing.
One caveat that must be observe is the use of oil that’s too thin or too thick. Too thin and the oil will be too light at high temperatures to provide good protection, while an oil which is too think may not get pumped through small gap sufficiently. The safest bet is to go by the engine manufacturer’s recommendation then move to a higher viscosity when the bike ages.
SAE
SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. They are the people who set the standards for engineering professionals in various industries. Among the key members were Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Glenn Martin, Orville Wright and Charles Kettering. They currently have over 138,000 members worldwide.
Oil properties standards such as viscosity index was specified by SAE called the SAE J300.
Although not shown these days, oil grades still adhere to SAE standards.
API SL/SM/SN
You may have heard friends say “SN” grade. This has no connection to the viscosity index. Some even called it “oil quality” but the real desription is the oil’s service standard as classified by the American Petroleoum Institute (API).
The short explanation for the classification is the oil’s suitability to the performance of vehicles, according to when they were produced. In other words, newer bikes require higher oil specification oil. This is because the oil grades were developed hand-in-hand with automotive manufacturers and the API.
The current standard for petrol engines, SN, was introduced in October 2010 for vehicles produced from 2011 onwards. Grades SA through SH are considered obsolete and should not be used.
The classifications are backward compatible, meaning that you can use SN oil for older vehicles. Refer to the chart above.
Classifications are made depending on the oil’s properties such as soot thickening, seal compatibility, aftertreatment compatibility, fuel economy, oxidative thickening, piston deposits, sludge and wear.
JASO MA or JASO MA2
The short description is the oil’s compatibility with “wet clutches.” The engine oil in virtually all motorcycles (apart from certain models) is shared between protecting engine parts, the transmission and clutch.
As such, the oil needs to withstand high temperatures and pressures from combustion, shearing forces in the gearbox, and still allow the clutch plates and friction to grip each other in order to transfer the engine’s power. This is why we should never, ever use engine oils for cars!
Anyway, the standard is JASO T 903:2006. To meet JASO requirements, the oil must be of API SG classification and above.
The oil is tested for dynamic friction, static friction and stop time to meet the JASO T 904:2006 clutch friction test results. They are then divided further into JASO MA, JASO MA1, JASO MB, and JASO MA2.
Do consult your user’s manual if your bike requires JASO MA/MA2 specification oil.
CONCLUSION
We’ll stop at this for the moment. We’ll take a look at the lubricants’ base oil such as PAO, ester, GTL, mineral, etc.
Marc Marquez is set to receive another shoulder surgery, this time to his right shoulder.
He had dislocated the shoulder in Motegi.
But subsequent crashes in Sepang, Valencia and Jerez worsened its condition.
Marc Marquez had a much-publicized surgery for his dislocated left shoulder in 2018, but he is now going to have another, this time to his right shoulder.
He had already dislocated the shoulder at Motegi but the spill during Q2 at Sepang exacerbated the injury.
Trailing Fabio Quartararo, he highsided at Turn 2 and landed hard on his ankles and knees at Sepang. He was forced to cancel the dinner appointment with participants of the Honda Asia Journey later that night. When he made a video conference call to address them, there were apparent bruises and lacerations to parts of his right knee and thigh. But no one knew that he had actually dislocated his right shoulder.
But Marc being Marc, he continued racing and finished the race in second behind Maverick Vinalez, thereby maintaining his Top 2 finish all year except for one race. He went on to win the season finale at Valenica two weeks later.
He would highside again two days later at the same track during the first 2020 off-season tests and landed on the right shoulder
If that wasn’t enough, he crashed again five days later at the current tests at Jerez, again landing on his right shoulder.
The reigning MotoGP champion will have to face a long rehabilitation period through winter. Testing duties will be taken over by Cal Crutchlow and Stefan Bradl.
The GrabBike pilot programme will last for six months from January 2020.
Interested riders need to sign up by 2nd December 2019.
Grab is hiring motorcycle e-hailing riders in view of the Ministry of Transport’s decision to greenlight the service for a pilot programme.
As we published earlier, the programme will run for six months beginning January 2020. It will be carried out in the Klang Valley only in order for the ministry and e-hailing operators to collect data.
Interested riders can sign up by 2nd December 2019. Successful applicants will be notified within 5 working days or by 9th December.
Conditions to fulfill include: The motorcycle must not be more than five years old; the rider has a valid motorcycle license; he or she above 18 years old; and no outstanding summonses with the police or Road Transport Department (JPJ).
GrabBike drive-partners are also expected to deliver food (except for cake and pizza). As such, they will each be provided with a smaller food delivery bag and special training. Also, riders are not allowed to turn off requests for ferrying passengers, although they can do so for food deliveries.
In terms of renumeration, the operator will charge a 20% commission for their cash wallet.
GrabBike also says that for the first month only, riders in the Klang Valley will receive special incentives, a riding jacket and helmet for the pillion.
We usually think of the Isle of Man when we hear the words TT.
But this footage was shot at the 2019 Czech TT.
Listen to the Yamaha R6 in all its glory.
When we hear the words “TT” for Tourist Trophy, the first thoughts are always of the legendary Isle of Man TT. But there are others around world such as this 2019 Czech TT.
In this onboard footage shot by competitor Murtanio on his Yamaha YZF-R6, you get to see what a TT race is all about.
Blasts through the town centre with only sandbags separating the riders from buildings, while fences, trees, hedges line other parts of the track. Spectators are behind a number of these spots too and you can see some of them leaning over the fences to shoot pictures on their phones.
But nothing could take away the excitement in the footage as the R6 screams and howls it way around the “track.”
Here you can see Murtanio messing up the first few corners and was overtaken by another competitor on a Honda CBR600RR. He then got stuck behind for a number of laps while the leaders took off into the distance.
We know what you’re thinking: Why don’t they hold races like this in Malaysia. Ulu Yam-Batang Kali or Bukit Tinggi, Pahang would be great places. But look at their road condition.
Anyway, enjoy this clip which is unimpeded by commentary. There are many other such clips on Murtanio’s YouTube channel including a few on the Triumph Daytona 675.
The Superleggera name has become a mainstay of Ducati’s most exotic models and recent type approval submissions confirmed that the Ducati V4 Superleggera is on the way.
Superleggera means “superlight” in Italian, hence the bike will feature lots of carbon fibre, magnesium and titanium parts to shed all that weight.
The type approval submission documents show the kerb weight (ready to ride) at 173 kg. But don’t be alarmed as manufacturers need to submit the bare minimum weight to have the bike in rideable condition. Which means all the weight of the engine oil plus fluids and minimum fuel.
Photo credit RideApart.com
So, what’s the real weight? Let’s compare it to the Panigale V4 R. The type approval kerb weight of that bike is 184 kg. That means the V4 Superleggera is 11 kg lighter in this sense. Ducati claimed the V4 R’s dry weight at 172 kg and wet weight at 193 kg. This ought to mean that the Superleggera’s dry weight is only 161 kg(!) and wet weight of 182 kg(!). That’s heavier than the 1299 Superleggera but the V4 is more complex thus weighs more.
However, all that extra weight will be forgotten when the throttle is twisted. The engine will be based on the V4 R’s 1000cc V-four instead of the 1103cc version in the V4 and V4 S. A new titanium exhaust liberates an extra 3.6 bhp bringing the maximum to 221 bhp. But! A race exhaust and ECU will pump that up to 234 bhp. Insert ear-to-ear grin here.
There are a number of other changes, as well but we have to wait for the official launch to see the specs.
The price of the 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been revealed in the US.
It’s the lowest priced middleweight dual-purpose bike of the lot.
Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has not confirmed whether they’ll release the bike in Malaysia.
The price of the 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700 has been revealed in the US and will turn the middleweight adventure motorcycle market on its head.
The concept bike was revealed back in EICMA 2018, but the production-ready model was later shown at EICMA 2019. But we Malaysians were luckier as the bike was actually shown at Yamaha’s booth at MotoGP.
Based on the MT-07 standard bike, the Ténéré 700 promises to be a lightweight truly off-road capable bike. That torque from the 270-degree crank parallel-twin engine will do nicely, too. It’ll be a great departure from the current XTZ1200 Super Ténéré which is on the heavy side.
But the production-ready model looked even better than the concept, especially with those 4 LED headlamps tucked behind the windscreen. That and the tall front end of the bike gives the bike a Dakar Rally presence, no doubt inspired by the original Super Ténéré 750.
What’s the price then? USD 9,999 – RM 41,785.82 at today’s rate.
While the bike was displayed in Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha (HLYM) remains tightlipped about whether it’ll be released in Malaysia. Before you criticize them, HLYM prefers to train their dealers, the dealers’ mechanics, shore up spare parts, amongst others before bringing in a model to the country. Don’t forget also that HLYM assembles the bikes and they need time to set up the production line in terms of logistics and worker knowledge.
Still, we are quite certain that there are many waiting for this bike.
Slick racing tyres should never be used on public roads.
They pose more disadvantages and danger if they are.
Current street tyres are already better than some DOT race tyres from just 5 years ago.
We’ve written about it in just about every article about tyres and yet there are still some bikers who continue to use slick racing tyres outside the racetrack i.e. public roads.
Our friend Haizal Omar posted on his Facebook recently that he saw bikers equipping their bikes with slick racing tyres and riding them on the road. He also went to highlight why slicks are a bad idea on public roads.
Haizal is the lead instructor at his Alpha Track Academy and also an instructor at the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE). He’s also completed the instructor modules in the California Superbike School (in California, USA under the tutelage of guru Keith Code). So we listen when he talks.
So, why is using “slicks” such a bad idea? All the MotoGP and professional riders use them to win races, after all. That must mean they grip like crazy, right? They are expensive but they are a necessary part of riding quickly, correct? And since they grip really hard, it means that they also make riding much safer, right?
But before we carry on, what are racing slicks? The short answer is tyres that are exclusively meant for racing. They’re called slicks because they’re devoid of grooves on the carcass, in order to present an uninterrupted surface called footprint to the road surface. More footprint equals more grip.
But there are serious caveats why they shouldn’t be used on public roads. Unheeding these conditions will result in (touch wood) unwanted situations sooner or later.
By why? Let’s examine.
1. Temperature
This is the most obvious factor.
All types of tyres work at their optimum levels within a certain heat range. However, slicks work best around 100-degrees Celsius for the front and 120-degrees Celsius for the rear. That’s as hot and hotter than the boiling point of water at sea level.
This is why race teams wrap them in tyre warmers prior to a race.
The warmers are set at 90-degrees Celsius, for at least one hour.
Notice why the pro riders usually set their fastest race times after the third lap or in the middle of the race? Why do MotoGP riders keep talking about caring for their tyres?
The answer is temperature and how to maintain it within that range.
The point is, who carries tyre warmers to BHP Gombak for their “Karak Highway GP?” So firstly, the starting temperature’s already incorrect.
Secondly, running on public roads even without traffic will not build up temperature quickly enough, lest the biker rides like a total maniac, thereby endangering himself and innocent members of the public.
Thirdly, even if the rider is able to heat the tyres up to their optimum operating temperature, traffic, road, and weather conditions will conspire slow him down at some point, forcing the tyres to cool down to below their working temperatures.
2. Heat cycles
You will see this after you ride hard on the roads or the track — that blue/purple band on the edges of the tyres. The bands are indicative of the tyres releasing their oil after a “heat cycle.” This is natural as tyres DO contain oil as part of their compounds.
A heat cycle means the process of letting the tyres cool from working temperature back to ambient temperature. Depending on brand and compound, a racing slick lasts very few heat cycles, some as low as just 8.
That means even if you could work them up to working temperature, you could only use them for 4 daily commutes — assuming you riding to work and back home.
Regardless if you still have 99% rubber, those slicks are already useless after those cycles. In other words, no grip.
3. Cold shear
A biker once showed me his rear slick when I suggested that slicks shouldn’t be used on the road. On the edges were these bits of rubber not unlike what you get when you use a rubber eraser on paper.
Riders usually associate this condition to a grippy tyre but these were large and deep, instead.
It’s a condition called “cold shear.” As the name suggests, the surface is torn off due to being used below operating temperature. Instead of the tyre rolling across the road, it actually ploughs through. The tyre may even throw off chunks of rubber in extreme cases.
4. Weather conditions
This is the other obvious reason, apart from temperature.
Slicks are meant to work only in one weather condition: Dry. The grooves of a tyre help to evacuate water between the contact patch and road surface and provide grip. Conversely, the lack of grooves will cause the tyre to aquaplane.
To be fair, slicks can work on damp roads (provided they’re up to temperature) but not over standing water.
5. Suspension settings
Using different tyres need different suspension settings. However, it’s much less crucial in using street tyres than it is for slicks. On the other hand, using street settings for slicks may not put enough stresses to warm them up. Then again, resorting to track settings for the streets would result in an uncomfortable ride.
6. You’re trying to win… what?
If you really want to experience slicks at their optimum levels, there’s no better place than at the track. Here, your slicks will warm up quicker even if you don’t use a warmer. Just take it easy for the first few laps and then put hammer down when the tyres have warmed up sufficiently
7. Street tyres are awesome
Street tyres these days perform at levels we couldn’t even dream of two decades ago. Sport-touring tyres like the Bridgestone T31 and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III stick like mad in the dry and the rain.
In fact, we rode the Panigale 959 equipped with the Diablo Rosso III at the Buriram circuit during the bike’s launch and not one rider complained about lack of grip.
Our colleague Sep Irran tested the Bridgestone S22 at the Jerez Circuit on a cold day. Again, the tyres gave so much confidence.
In fact, the DOT street race tyres such as the Bridgestone R11, Pirelli Diablo Corsa SC1, Metzeler Racetec RR K3 and others offer so much grip on the latest superbikes we tested that we found them too good for the bikes!
So save your money and your skin and get the latest DOT race tyres. They warm up quickly, can last over many more heat cycles work in any condition, comfortable, and are definitely cheaper and easier to maintain than slicks.
8. Attend riding classes
Through the lessons learned at Most Fun Gym and California Superbike School, tyre and grip “problems” are usually the direct results of incorrect riding techniques. Those schools don’t talk about what bike you ride or tyre you use, instead they look at how you ride to make the most of what you have.
Conclusion
The advantages of using street tyres for public roads far outweigh what could be obtained from using slicks. Which is actually like 10 vs. 0.
We’re not criticising you if you do use slicks but give a thought to what we wrote and switch back to street tyres. You’ll be amazed at what you could do on them.
Valentino Rossi will go to Formula 1 while Lewis Hamilton will take his MotoGP seat.
Rossi will drive Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG PETRONAS car.
Hamilton will ride Rossi’s Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.
Valentino Rossi will go to Formula 1 while Lewis Hamilton will take his MotoGP seat.
The swap will happen at Valencia circuit on 9th December. Rossi will drive Hamilton’s Mercedes AMG PETRONAS car. Hamilton on the other hand, will ride Rossi’s Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1. The deal was probably pushed through by both men’s sponsor Monster Energy.
Hamilton had expressed his wish to ride a MotoGP bike earlier in the year, but it was Repsol Honda who responded with the message “Bring it on, Bro” in a tweet. But it didn’t happen, as expected, as the Repsol riders are sponsored by Monster Energy’s biggest rival Red Bull.
It won’t be the first time Hamilton rides a motorcycle, although it’s his first time on a MotoGP bike. He had ridden the GYTR Yamaha YZF-R1M with PATA Yamaha WorldSBK riders Michael van Der Mark and Alex Lowes at Jerez. He tweeted “Valentino Rossi I need to come to the ranch ASAP.”
As for Rossi, it’s not the first time he’s behind the steering wheel of a four-wheeler, either. He competes in the Monza Rally annually and has won it seven times up to last year. He had also tested in Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari Formula 1 car many years ago. He impressed the multiple champion so much that Schumacher offered him a spot as a driver.
The hilarious video is for a German online marketplace.
Remember that 80’s show Knight Rider?
Yeah, the one with the fancy black Pontiac Firebird called KITT that talks? Starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight whose the car’s driver, the pair fights dastardly criminals all over the United States.
KITT was an almost indestructible advanced crimefighting vehicle featuring a self-aware artificial intelligence, “TURBO BOOST” which gave a sudden kick (usually used to jump over obstacles), and serious weaponry.
The series ran from 1982 to 1986, but it turned the “Hoff” into a bona fide celebrity.
Well, guess what?
The Hoff and KITT are back. Er… mostly.
In this commercial for the mobile.de online marketplace, Michael Knight and moped KITT fight a couple of bank robbers, complete with POWER BOOST and MEGA BOOST for a greater kick. We won’t spoil it for you but Knight did use the MEGA BOOST function.
Fans will recognise the 80’s wardrobe and hairstyle, besides the cheesy action and camera work. But the video was a whole lotta fun and hilarious.
Hasselhoff said during an interview, “I’m just kind of synonymous with making fun of myself and having fun.”
Unfortunately, the commercial is only available in German (The Hoff is German, anyway) although the action takes place in the States.
Remember, the FIM Endurance World Championship is coming to Malaysia.
Called 8 Hours of Sepang, the race will be held from 13th to 15th December 2019.
Here are 10 basic points to get you up to speed.
Rejoice! Because the FIM Endurance World Championship (FEWC) is coming to Malaysia.
But what’s the race about, other than taking longer to complete than the usual MotoGP and WorldSBK race? What are the technical rules governing the bikes? What type of bikes do they race?
Let’s start with some details of the Malaysian round.
1. 8 Hours of Sepang
Photo credit FIM Endurance World Championship
The event is officially known as 8 Hours of Sepang and happens from 13th to 15th December 2019. But since it’s the first time the FEWC visits Malaysia, the event will be a double-header for both motorcycles and cars. The 8 Hours of Sepang for FEWC will begin at 1pm and end at 9pm on 14th December.
The good news is you can watch all the FEWC, World Touring Car Races (WCTR), Formula 3 Asia and Formula 4 Asean sessions and races for just one ticket price.
Please visit the Sepang International Circuit’s website for more ticketing details and prices.
2. Special role of 8 Hours of Sepang
The 8 Hours of Sepang has a special role (besides being a new round to score more points): It will serve as the qualifier round for part-time teams to the season finale Suzuka 8 Hours.
3. What is the FEWC
As the term “endurance” suggests, the races test the physical and mental resolve of riders and team members, besides the reliability of the machines throughout the race. There are pits stops and teams can repair crashed bikes and send them back out.
There are a number of race durations throughout the year i.e. 8 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours. As such, each team must have at least two riders. A third backup rider is permitted.
4. Run!
There are qualifying sessions, of course. However, the riders don’t start the races by sitting on their bikes. Instead, the bikes are lined-up along the pit wall with the riders lined up on the opposite side. At the drop of the flag, they run to their machines, start them up and off they go.
5. There are pit stops
Racing for such extended periods require pitstops, of course. The bikes will come in for fresh tyres, fuel and to exchange riders. Brake pads are also replaced usually during the 12-hour and 24-hour races.
But get this: Only four persons are allowed to work on each bike on the “hot” pit lane. Should the rider help, he is considered one of the four. Having an extra person will incur a hefty penalty.
So, unlike MotoGP mechanics who “sign off” the bikes until after the race, endurance racing mechanics must be on their toes at all times. It’s not uncommon to see them running around like mad rabbits especially when they need to fix a crashed or malfunctioning bike.
6. Who wins?
The races are limited by time, not by a predetermined number of laps. So, the team who accomplishes the highest number of laps within that period is the winner.
Should more than one rider be on the same lap at the end of the race, the first rider to cross the finish line is the winner.
So, endurance racing rewards not who has the fastest bike or rider, but one who’s fastest on a consistent basis.
7. What are the technical rules?
There’s just too many to fit in here, as listed in the FIM’s rulebook. But these are the main points.
The FEWC is a production-based racing series.
Superbikes is the short answer, but the homologation model cannot exceed the retail price of € 40,000 (including taxes).
Only four-stroke engines are permitted.
Engine capacity limits are 600cc to 1000cc for 4 cylinders; 750cc to 1000cc for 3 cylinders; 850cc to 1200cc for two cylinders.
The frame must be in the dimensions and material of the homologated bike.
The field is divided into two classes: The premier EWC Formula and Superstock.
The former allows upgrades to the forks, rear shock, swingarm, brakes, radiator and exhaust. Teams can soup up the bike’s performance, but the rules are still very restrictive i.e. the piston, rings conrod must all be stock. Maximum fuel load is 24 litres. Minimum weight is capped at 175 kg (when weighed at the end of the race!).
On the track, the EWC Formula bikes wear their race numbers on black backgrounds and have white-light headlamps.
As for the Superstock class, the bikes can be differentiated by race numbers of red backgrounds and use yellow headlights.
If modifications in the EWC Formula class are restricted, the Superstock bikes are practically taken from the showroom floors. However, ECU remapping, fuel injector replacement, clutch reinforcement and replacement of the exhaust silencers (not full system) are allowed. Maximum fuel load is 24 litres. The minimum weight for Superstock machines is 168 kg, at the end of the race.
There are other sub-rules for races that include nighttime or do not.
Limiting the number of modifications encourages manufacturers to produce better roadgoing bikes that can be obtained by the public, rather than ultra-exotics that no one could afford.
8. What tyres do they use?
The FEWC is where you find a proper tyre war. Instead of sticking to one brand of control tyre, Bridgestone, Dunlop and Pirelli duke it out here. The series encourages tyre makers to produce grippy yet high mileage tyres.
9. Which motorcycle manufacturers are involved?
Currently, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki are racing full time. Ducatis are entered without Ducati Corse involvement at the moment.
10. It’s currently the 2020 championship season
Suzuki Endurance Racing Team won the Bol D’or 24-Hour 2019
The FEWC season follows a different timetable compared to possibly all other racing series. Instead of beginning in the early part and concluding at the end of the year, the FEWC season begins in September and ends in July of the following year.
For the 2019 – 2020 season, the championship began with the Bol d’Or in France, then to 8 Hours of Sepang in Malaysia, over to the 24 Heures du Mans Moto at Le Mans back in France, followed by the 8 House of Slovakia Ring in Slovakia, then the 8 Hours of Oschersleben in Germany, and finally the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Conclusion
So, do book your tickets early for this prestigious event. It’s certainly a bang for your buck!
