Bikesrepublic

Wahid Ooi

  • You can now own your dream bike through the Moto Guzzi Ride-Now-Pay-Later promotion.

  • The promotion period is from 15th June to 31st August 2019.

  • You can ride a new Guzzi for free up to 6 months.

Ever dreamed about owning your own Moto Guzzi? Well, now you can with the Moto Guzzi Ride-Now-Pay-Later campaign.

Moto Guzzi Malaysia, through the official Malaysian distributor Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd. offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride away with that Guzzi you’ve been lusting after.

Those eligible can ride a Moto Guzzi motorcycle absolutely free for up to 6 months. That sounds like a great way to ride the bike to your favourite destinations with the money saved. Terms and conditions apply, of course.

The brand offers premium modern classic Italian bikes ranging from standards to café racers to the latest V85TT dual-sport (although not included in the promotion) model.

This special promotion is effect from 15th June to 31st August 2019. The motorcycle must be registered by 31st August 2019.

Participating dealers are as follows:

  • Welly World Cycle 2135, Jalan 3/1, Batu 13 1/2, 47000 Bandar Baru Sungai Buloh, Selangor, 012-9412322
  • Stronghold Cycles @ The Gasket AlleyLot 15, 13, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 016-3738656
  • Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn. Bhd.No 24, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, 012-4018932
  • Soon Hin Co.A-139 & A-141, Jalan Beserah, Kuantan, Taman Seaview, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang, 016-9350055
  • The Harley-Davidson Sportster line-up has just gotten even more attractive in conjunction with Art of Speed 2019.

  • Buyers during the event will receive Screamin’ Eagle exhausts.

  • This great deal is only for a limited number of units.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster line-up has just gotten even more attractive in conjunction with Art of Speed 2019.

Harley-Davidson Sporter models are now produced CKD (complete knocked down) in Thailand. That qualifies them for NAFTA exemption, hence lower selling prices.

But lower selling price or otherwise, the Sportster still exudes a livelier and characterful ride compared to its bigger brethren. It’s not saying that the bigger Softail and Touring families are not good, but the Sportster 883 or Sportster 1200 models are lighter, more agile and accelerate quickly. Those qualities make them more practical for daily use.

Now, you can experience the Sportster through the special deal.

Get one at the Art of Speed 2019 and Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) will throw in a set of Screamin’ Eagle exhausts. On top of that, enjoy worry free 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Those are great reasons to just get a brand-new unit.

But hurry because the offer is only for a limited number of units.

Priced from RM 62,600, loans are arrangeable through HDPJ – up to 7 years repayment at 3.6% per annum.

You can view the new Harley-Davidson Sportsters at the Art of Speed 2019, happening on 27thand 28thJuly, at MAEPS Serdang.

  • Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition is confirmed for 2020.

  • The engine is based on the Street Triple RS’s but upgraded for more power.

  • Triumph will only produce a very limited number.

At last! The new Triumph Daytona 765 is confirmed! Capitalizing on their role as sole engine supplier in Moto2, Triumph will build the Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition for 2020.

According to MCN.com, the bike will be available for Asia, Europe, the US and Canada. However, there are two versions: One for Asia and Europe, and another for the US and Canada. Triumph stated that there will be only 765 units available for each market.

The production number of each bike will be laser etched on the top triple clamp.

The engine Triumph supplies to Moto2 teams began life as the same powerplant in the Street Triple RS (765). The stock engine produces 121 hp, but it’s bumped up to more than 138 hp with just a small number of upgrades for Moto2. This street version, on the other hand, should be good for 130 to 135 hp.

Other Moto2-inspired goodies include the titanium Arrow exhaust which looks exactly like that used in the series; new TFT screen with Moto2 welcome message; five ride modes including track mode; and quickshifter.

The Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 Limited Edition will be officially unveiled at the British MotoGP round at Silverstone on 23rdAugust.

  • International sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles dropped another 8.9% in Q2 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

  • Their Q2 2019 revenue dropped nearly 20% compared to Q2 2018.

  • The company has initiated campaigns to target younger riders.

International sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles dropped another 8.9% in Q2 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

In terms of numbers, the Motor Company earned a net income of USD 195.6 million from a revenue of USD 1.63 billion in Q2 2019. By comparison, their net earnings were USD 242.3 million from a revenue of USD 1.71 billion in Q2 2018. That’s a drop in net income of 19.3%.

Harley-Davidson has since initiated campaigns to target younger riders by introducing models that are not cruisers and even an electric bike in the Live Wire. The campaigns may be starting to bear fruit as the company reported an increase of 2.7% of buyers aged between 18 to 34 years old in America, in Q2 2019.

They’ve also partnered with Chinese motorcycle maker, Qianjiang to produce a 338cc model for the Chinese and eventually Asian markets.

The figures were posted amidst the American industry’s drop of 4.9%. There are fears of the American economy heading for another recession. Trump’s trade wars against China and the European Union will not do any favour for Harley-Davidson, either.

Will Harley ever turn around and be the juggernaut it once?

  • The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 continues from Ipoh, Perak to Kuala Terengganu on Day Three.

  • The convoy covered 501 kilometres of Malaysian roads through three states.

  • It was heartwarming to see visitors enjoying the beauty of Malaysia.

The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 continues from Ipoh, Perak to Kuala Terengganu on Day Three.

This leg was the longest of the ride, spanning 501 kilometres. While that distance doesn’t seem much for seasoned riders (there are plenty of them in the group), it’s the extremely hot and humid weather that’s got the organizers worried. Many had battled with exhaustion on the previous day’s ride and there’s a real concern that it will happen again today.

Thus, we checked out at 7.00am from the excellent Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and were ready to roll by 8.00am. Many of us willed ourselves to leave the resort due to its amazing beauty and extremely courteous staff. It’s hoped that we would cover the majority of leg in cooler weather.

But it was a great decision to do so.

Because we were welcomed by hills covered in heavy mist from the previous night’s rain as soon as we exited the Menora Tunnel. Such sights just remind us of why we ride: Rather than viewing the scenery through a windscreen, we are actually part of the scenery when riding. (See main picture.)

The police escorts and marshals guided us safely to Xtream Craft Deco & Pottery in Kuala Kangsar.

The enterprise owner performed a demonstration on how to produce pots to the participants of the ride, then the participants took over. Of course, we ended up producing abstract art sculptures – to put it gently – which resulted in plenty of guffaws. Our handiwork will be cured and sent to us later.

We couldn’t spend too much time there, unfortunately, as we planned to arrive at our destination before dark.

We rode to the Belum Rainforest Resort at Gerik for our lunch. The resort is built into the surrounding forest and hills on an island in the middle of the Temenggor Lake. The lake, which is also known as Banding Lake, on the other hand, is man made as the catchment area for the Temenggor hydroelectric dam. The area has seen some developments lately but most of the flora and fauna are maintained.

It’s perhaps customary for us, but the convoy rode to the Banding Lake Boat House for a photography session. The beauty of the surrounding areas and the bridges which seemed to connect the outside world to the Belum Forest Reserve wowed the riders.

From there, it was a refreshing ride through the many corners along this route to the Titiwangsa Rest Area. Here, one could view part of the Titiwangsa mountain range – the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia rolling into the horizon. There were corners stacked upon corners but the only things that kept our exuberance in check were the dips and potholes in the apexes.

We kept pushing on toward the east coast. The sun was fully up by now. The Triumph 800 XR’s ambient temperature gauge showed 38oC. More and more riders could be seen standing up on their footpegs and sitting down along the way. The convoy was stopped as frequently as possible.

We were soon in the state of Kelantan. Now say what you want due to propaganda, but the locals were among the friendliest people we ever met. Kids and adults alike waved at us from the roadsides, and the men never hesitated to chat with us everywhere we stopped. the women, conversely, smiled and nodded their heads. The petrol station clerks thanked us twice for our business. And you could tell that their hospitality was genuine. Try that back in Kuala Lumpur.

Photo by Nikkasit Motographer for GIVI

Perhaps more importantly, our foreign friends were all smiles because of the hospitality they received. Imagine having ridden all day under our hot sun and humidity, and receiving sour faces by the locals.

The route we travelled was in good condition i.e. smooth and almost devoid of potholes. Or was that because the Tiger 800 XR’s suspension soaked up the patches? Thinking back, it was the latter. And thankfully, because the bike didn’t require to be muscled around despite being loaded down like a pack mule, thereby saving much energy.

Likewise, the GIVI equipment. They performed well beyond what was expected in terms of solid reliability to the point of being “invisible.” By invisible we meant that we didn’t have to worry about them at all. Our items were stored with confidence that they wouldn’t be damaged or go missing.

Anyway, we finally wound our way into the state of Terengganu, and we started seeing signboards pointing the way to Lake Kenyir.

Thankfully, the weather had started to cool by 5pm and we reached the Primula Beach Hotel along Pantai Batu Burok where the participants got their well-earned rest.

The GIVI Malaysian Adventure participants will travel over to Pulau Redang tomorrow (23rd July) for some surf, sand and sea.

Please click here for Day Two of this epic ride.

  • The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th.

  • There are 150 competitors from 16 countries this year.

  • It is the only event in the world for large capacity dual-sport motorcycles.

The GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is set to be held from 26th through 28th July and we’re really excited about it. We think hundreds – if not thousands – more fans are also counting down the days until the start.

The GIVI Rimba Raid series has grown to be the event among adventure and off-road motorcycle community from its humble beginnings. The brainchild of Dato’ Captain Nik Huzlan, it’s one event that dual-sport and adventure motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to each year.

Here are 10 reasons to witness this awesome event yourself. (There are way more than 10 reasons, but we wanted to keep it simple.)

1. Witness big bikes getting hammered

Surely you’ve gotten used to seeing heavyweight adventure bikes such as the BMW R 1200 GS/GS Adventure, KTM 1050/1190/1290 Adventure, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 800 blasting down the highways. But have you seen them being used in the other environment they’re designed for?

We’re talking about off-road riding. Dual-purpose bikes can be ridden off paved highways and roads, hence the term. However, seeing these RM 80,000 to more than RM 100,000 bikes being bashed over rocks, “washed” in the river and sliding on gravel is something rare.

GIVI Rimba Raid provides that opportunity to not only the riders but also spectators.

2. GIVI Rimba Raid is unique

GIVI Rimba Raid is currently the only event in the world which pits men and women on heavyweight dual-purpose bikes against the off-road environment. In fact, when Capt. Nik approached the Automotive Association of Malaysia for the rulebook, they had none. Instead, it’s GIVI Rimba Raid who are now writing the rulebook.

3. Top Malaysian riders

That said, the event remains an enthusiast’s event. They are known as privateers, in other words.

However, top pro riders are starting to be drawn to joining up. One of them is Mohd. Habibullah Salleh, better known as Gabit. The 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Champion and multiple Malaysian MX champion is the defending champion of the Open Category.

Left to right: MG, Gabit, Capt. Nik

So, this a great opportunity for Malaysians to support our rider in battling against the best of the world.

4. Top international riders

There is a total of 150 riders from 16 countries this year. Among them is Jeremias Israel, the Chilean ex-HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) rider in the Dakar Rally. He’s flown in specially by GIVI to compete in the race. He will ride the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

There is also news of Thais holding their own qualifications to determine the riders who will represent the country. The qualified riders have been practicing almost daily in preparation for GIVI Rimba Raid 2019.

5. Stiff competition

If the previous years were competitive, this year’s promises to the closest fought yet. The riders not only chase positions and prizes but are also out there to prove it to themselves that they could live up to the challenges.

6. Specially chosen course

The organizers have laid out a course to challenge the riders physically and mentally. You can be assured that it will bring out the best in human drama and emotions.

Perhaps more importantly, you can spectate all the action up close rather than being seated tens or metres away.

Do note that the course will return to its normal environmental state within months of the event.

7. Different skill levels

Since there are pros mixed with privateers, GIVI Rimba Raid will be interesting to you in terms of entertainment. It means that there will be plenty thrills and spills.

8. Great fun for the family

Got kids who are interested in motorcycles? Need to explain to your wife or girlfriend why you love bikes? Bring ‘em here! It’s all wholesome fun for the entire family and your family members will thank you for it.

9. Great setting

Forget about going to the mall every weekend. Come here to breath some fresh air and waddle in the crystal-clear stream for a change. Besides that, the location is near many other resorts that offer eco-tourism and sports. There are also many camping grounds.

10. Vendors

There will be plenty of vendors. Main sponsor GIVI will have their pavilion up, offering their latest products for every biker. The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 will also make a stop at GIVI Rimba Raid for two days, so you can witness the bikes and GIVI equipment they carry.

Conclusion

GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 is a exciting event that shouldn’t be missed by anyone, bikers and non-bikers alike.

It will be held from 26th to 28th July 2019, at the Rimba Valley Motorcamp site. Please click the map below for the location and you may refer to GIVI Rimba Raid’s official Facebook page for the latest updates.

  • The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 kicked off yesterday, as the start of an epic ride around Peninsular Malaysia.

  • The participants will cover 2500 kilometres by the end on 29th July 2019.

  • The ride ends at GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019 on 27th and 28th July.

The GIVI Malaysian Adventure 2019 kicked off yesterday, as the start of an epic ride around Peninsular Malaysia.

The 40 participants from 16 countries will cover 2500 kilometres at the finish on 29th July 2019. They will savour Malaysia’s amazing beauty and magic along the way, including the country’s unique flora and fauna, food, hospitality and the great riding routes.

Routes take the riders through Ipoh, Pahang, Terengganu, and Melaka. From Melaka, the convoy will turn back to Janda Baik, Pahang for GIVI Rimba Raid Janda Baik 2019. It will give the dealers an unprecedented view of the only large capacity adventure motorcycle race in off-road conditions.

Participants consists of GIVI’s worldwide dealers including those from all over South American, European, Asian and ASEAN countries.

The ride was flagged off from GIVI Asia’s headquarters in Bukit Beruntung, Selangor. the riders were given a factory tour by Mr. Joseph Perucca, the Overseas Operational Director for GIVI and Mr. On Hai Swee, the Managing Director of GIVI Asia. Also on hand was Dato’ Razak Al-Malique Hussein, the Chief Executive Officer of Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia who had supplied the Triumph Tiger 800 XCx, XRx and XR to the participants. Mr. Eugene Mah of Mah Pte. Ltd. also participates in the ride. His company supplied the Moto Guzzi V85TT.

The convoy will be escorted by the Royal Malaysian Traffic Police and marshals from Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) all the way.

The entourage rode first to the leaning tower at Teluk Intan for photo opportunities and the famous Nasi Kandar Krisna on the way. They then continued riding to Kellie’s Castle outside Ipoh, before bedding down at the Banjaran Hot Springs Resort.

The resort was built into the forest, thereby preserving its natural surroundings. Hot spring water was piped into the villas.

Dinner was held in the world-renowed Jeff’s Cellar. The restaurant was built into a cave system with minimal fittings, again to not disturb the natural surroundings. We were served an 8-course western meal among the stalactites and stalagmites.

The adventure continues tomorrow (Monday) as the convoy heads to Gerik and finally, Kuala Terengganu.

PHOTO GALLERY

  • Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team boss Lin Jarvis says the direction for Valentino Rossi in Yamaha is different now.

  • Rossi’s contract ends at the end of 2020.

  • Whether he continues beyond 20021 will be up for discussion.

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP outfit boss Lin Jarvis dropped the bombshell during an interview with Motorsport.com. According to him, Valentino Rossi does not represent Yamaha’s future.

Rossi’s contract with the factory team ends in 2020. While Rossi is still very much revered by his fans and grudgingly respected by some of his peers, 2019 has proven to be the lowest point in his career. He had collected only 8 points from the last four races, with 3 non-finishes. He is currently behind his teammate Maverick Vinalez in the championship standings.

On the other hand, rookie sensation and satellite Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo has exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Jarvis said that Rossi had given Yamaha four championships in 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009 before switching to Ducati in 2009. That had complicated things upon his return to Yamaha.

“He (Rossi) is now in a different stage in his life and career. With all due respect, I feel that Rossi does not represent Yamaha’s future in MotoGP,” said Jarvis.

However, the team boss was quick to add that the option is open for Rossi to continue from 2021 onwards. The decision will made after bilateral discussions.

At the moment, the 10thtitle still eludes Rossi.

  • Jeremais Israel is set to rock GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

  • Jeremais was a works HRC rider in the Dakar Rally.

  • The Scrambler 1200 XE had finished fifth overall at the recent Mexican 1000 Rally.

Chilean Dakar Rally and off-road racer, Jeremais Israel is set to rock GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik 2019 on the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

The rider was present at Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia this morning to receive the bike and prep it. He will be using the #09 number plate in the race. Jeremais was specially flown in by GIVI to compete in Rimba Raid. He will also conduct a special off-road riding clinic tomorrow morning at Ukay Perdana.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is a true-blood off-road bike, dressed up in the classic Bonneville body. It’s inspired by the TR6 Trophy ridden by Steve McQueen and his stuntman Bud Ekins to a number of wins in the Baja 1000 Rally.

It features long-travel fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension, cross-spoke wheels, engine crash bars, under-engine skid plate, bark-buster style hand protectors as standard. The electronics are also geared towards off-road performance, although the bike rides pretty well over paved roads, too.

British stunt rider Ernie Vigil had proven the bike’s toughness and ability to duke it out with 450cc dirtbikes in the Mexican 1000 Rally recently. He finished fifth overall on a bog-stock bike.

Jeremais will also be riding a fully stock bike in GIVI Rimba Raid.

PICTURE GALLERY

  • The Honda ADV 150 was unveiled at the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

  • Its design follows the 745cc X-ADV but with a number of differences.

  • The ADV 150 is road-biased.

The Honda ADV 150 was unveiled at the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

Taking inspiration from its larger, 745cc brethren, the ADV 150 features similar lines albeit in a smaller package. The large front fairing contains the dual headlamps like the bigger bike but gives the bike an unmistakable identity.

The windshield is non-adjustable. The LCD screen underneath also looks similar to the bigger bike’s. We do hope that the ADV 150 has a larger storage space than the 745. There’s LED lighting all-around.

Powering the bike is a 149.3cc, SOHC, single-cylinder engine. It produces 14.7 hp at 8,500 RPM and 13.8 Nm 6,500 RPM. The figures appear suspiciously identical to those produced by the PCX150’s powerplant. Anyway, power is sent to the rear wheel via a v-matic transmission instead of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) found in the 745cc X-ADV.

The ADV 150 is more road-biased. As such it uses normal telescopic forks and a pair of Showa gas shocks in the rear. Another indication of its road vocation are the 14-inch front and 13-inch rear cast alloy wheels.

Will it be launched in Malaysia? It would give the Yamaha NVX 155 should it be introduced here.

  • Art of Speed Malaysia 2019 drove us to FNG Works to witness Mizuki being built.

  • The project marries a Mini Cooper with a Suzuki Hayabusa engine.

  • The completed work will be the grand prize at Art of Speed Malaysia 2019.

In keeping up with tradition, there will be a grand prize at Art of Speed Malaysia 2019 (AOS) by the name of MIZUKI.

But there is a major difference in the prize this year. AOS has pretty much given away motorcycles up to 2018. This year, the lucky person will walk away with car.

Well, car is over-simplifying it. It’s a specially-built 70’s-style drag car with a superbike engine. The project involves marrying a Suzuki Hayabusa engine to a Mini Cooper body, hence the amalgam of the names Mini Cooper and Suzuki, resulting in Mizuki.

Again, that only sounds simple because the work is exceedingly extensive instead of just plunking an engine into the husk of an old car.

AOS arranged a special field trip for the media to visit FNG Works in Ipoh. FNG Works was contracted to bring the ideas to fruition this year.

Asep Ahmad Iskandar

There, AOS founder Asep Ahmad Iskandar and FNG Work’s chief builder Irwann Cheng explained the work involved.

Irwann Cheng

Asep wanted to contract a build for AOS and his boys found an old Suzuki Hayabusa engine. “When we met the seller to seal the deal, the seller offered us the rusted-out shell of a Mini Cooper. He and his friends have tried to get the project going but never got around to it,” explained Asep.

The items were subsequently brought to FNG Works for fabrication and assembly.

Since then, they have stripped out the car and installed a space frame to carry the engine in space behind the driver. The Suzuki engine is left stock, as with the chain final drive which connects to a Perodua Rusa differential, driving the rear wheels. The wheels are shod with fat, 10-inch wide drag racing tyres.

The stock driver and front passenger seats were swapped out for a pair of custom-made aluminium ones. The beautiful seats were fabricated by Saidi Racing Fabrications.

While it doesn’t look it in the pictures, the car is near completion. Asep and co have spent more than RM 30,000 for the build, thus far. “We hope that the new owner of Mizuki will actucally take it to the dragstrip and run against other dragsters. We always commissioned builds that are driveable, albeit not street legal.”

The project highlights the ingenuity of Malaysian talent in custom builds. FNG Works is well-known in their exploits, having won a number awards for their creations. “Part of AOS’s goal is to bring Malaysian talents to the fore,” said Asep. “Malaysia has plenty of great talents that just needs exposure.”

So, come down to the Art of Speed Malaysia 2019 Powered by PETRONAS on 27th and 28th July, at MAEPS Serdang and stand a chance to bring Mizuki home with you. You may also find more information in Art of Speed Malaysia’s official Facebook page.

Mizuki Specifications

Body shell: 1976 Mini Cooper
Engine: 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa

Rear:
Subframe: Replaced and reinforced with tubular spaceframe structure
Wheels: 13″ steelies with 10″ wide slick tyre
Axle: Modified Perodua Rusa axle
Drivetrain: Chain driven
Brakes: Modified Honda EG9 unit
Suspension: Ladder bar suspension with D2 Motorsport Hi Lo Soft Hard adjustable coilover+absorber

Interior: Stripped
Seat: Custom made by Saidi Racing Fabrications
Steering wheel: Original
Pedal box: Modified

Front:
Subframe: Original
Wheels: 12″ steelies
Suspension: Original
Brakes: Original disc brakes
Petrol tank: Mooneyes unit

  • Alvaro Bautista is now 81 points behind closest rival Jonathan Rea.

  • There are four rounds left, with eight main races and four Superpole races.

  • With a maximum of 248 points on offer, it may not be enough for Bautista.

In one – if not the most – remarkable turnaround in WorldSBK history, Alvaro Bautista suddenly finds himself at a disadvantage against his main rival Jonathan Rea.

Bautista had given the Ducati factory and fans to cheer about when he won 11 races in a row on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. It was without a doubt the return of Ducati to dominate the series like it once had in through the 90s and early 2000s. Heck, pundits were starting to say that Bautista could very well win every single race of the season.

Oh, but how the mighty have fallen.

Rea put in stunning rides in Imola and Jerez, by winning both races in those two rounds. Bautista’s streak started to unravel, and he crashed in the second race in Jerez.

He crashed again in Race 2 at the next round in Misano (although he finished 3rd in Race 1 and 1st in Superpole). He remounted to finish 14th for 2 points.

Moving on to the British round at Donington Park, Bautista crashed in Race 1. He finished 4th in Superpole and 3rd in Race 2.

The next round in Laguna Seca was the worst. He crashed in Race 1 and was classified as 17th. The crash hurt his hand and he opted to stay out of Superpole. Then he fell again in Race 2.

That’s 5 non-scoring races in 10 races. Rea on the other hand, picked up seven wins, one 5th place, and two 2nd places.

Jonathan Rea – Photo credit WorldSBK.com

As a result, Jonathan Rea on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR now leads Bautista leads by a massive 81 points.

There are four rounds left with 12 races to go, including Superpole. Each win gets 25 points, while a Superpole win is awarded 12 points. As for finishing second, the rider is awarded 20 points in the Race and 9 points in Superpole.

So, Bautista will obtain 248 points if he won them all. Adding to his current points haul of 352, will result in a total of 600 points. If Rea finished second all the way to the end, he will earn 196 points. Add that to his current accumulation of 433 points and you will have the 2019 and Five-Time WorldSBK Champion.

Bautista could only hope that Rea somehow finish lower than second place in a few races.

Ducati’s lead in the manufacturers’ championship is under threat, too. They are now just one point ahead of the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK.

Yes, the adage, “To win, you must first finish” is still very applicable.

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