GASGAS have taken the awesome MC 450F and installed the very best Technical Accessories to make it even better, the all-new MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike is loaded with factory team hardware to create a race machine that they say is capable of winning at the very highest level.
Heavily inspired by Justin Barcia’s AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross race-winning machine, GasGas have fitted many of the very same parts used by Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing to create what they say is one hell of a great performing, and cool looking, race replica. Just take a look at the full list of what’s included on the all-new MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike…
Replica Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing graphics from the 2021 season
A set of #51 decals for those who wish to go full Bam Bam in 2022
Troy Lee Designs Factory Racing Seat
Softer ODI Lock-On Grips
Factory Racing Triple Clamps (anodized red)
Factory Wheels (black)
Dunlop tyres
Black rear sprocket
Gold chain
Factory Start Device
Semi-Floating Front Disc
Front Brake Disc Guard
Composite Skid Plate
Frame Protection Kit (red)
Hourmeter
Map Select Switch
Akrapovic “Slip-On Line” exhaust system
Hinson Outer Clutch Cover
Black Neken Fatbar with GASGAS bar pad
Firmer suspension settings
GasGas have unlocked a little more power from the compact MC 450F motor by adding a lightweight Akrapovič Slip-On Line exhaust system, giving significantly improved torque and an overall performance boost. Quick and easy changes in the power delivery can be made thanks to a handlebar mounted Map Select Switch.
For improved handling, the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike features firmer WP XACT suspension settings, with the forks held in place by adjustable, red anodized Factory Racing Triple Clamps. For additional comfort, GasGas have fitted softer ODI Lock-On grips and installed a TLD Factory Racing seat cover, to keep you firmly in place while getting on the gas.
The machine comes fitted with their Factory Wheels, in black. Rock solid and super-cool looking, they’re fitted with Dunlop’s Geomax MX33 tyres. GasGas also bolted a Semi-floating Front Disc to the front wheel to improve braking performance with a Front Brake Disc guard keeping the disc safe and out of harm’s way.
Finally, finishing the bike off in style is an extended list of parts from the Technical Accessories range. From front to back, there’s a Factory Start Device, Neken handlebars, a Composite Skid Plate, Hinson Clutch Cover, a red Frame Protection Kit, a black Rear Sprocket, and a gold chain. Plus, to keep on top of service intervals, they have installed an Hour Meter, so you’ll never lose track of just how many hours you’ve spent on this awesome bike.
The MC 450F Troy Lee Designs will be available in limited numbers in Australia and New Zealand from March 2022. For more information and to check out the full spec of the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike, head here.
Day on the of 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off overnight as Team HRC, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and others hit Spain’s Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the first of two days testing.
Despite Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) deciding not to come out and play – he opted to sit-out day one and doesn’t know whether he’ll be riding a full day or a half day on day two – it was still a good day for Kawasaki. Alex Lowes was back on track and said that he feels much better, having had a couple of surgeries as well as working hard with the physios. He had things to try from Showa and also for the rear of the bike and the British rider ended day one as the fastest. Commenting on the new items, he said it’s “nothing massive but in our game, small changes can make a big difference.”
Honda continued to progress throughout the day as Xavi Vierge completed the day in second. The rookie Spaniard enjoyed the whole day inside the top two positions and was a regular fixture at the top for most of that. After a good first test for both he and fellow rookie teammate Iker Lecuona back in December, both were looking at more electronic and traction control settings, improving grip, turning and handling.
Team manager Leon Camier commented that there’s a “few aspects to help optimise what we’ve got” so there’ll be plenty more to come on day two. Also spotted on day one was that Honda have changed to Nissin brakes and Showa suspension; they previously ran Brembo and Ohlins respectively. Kawasaki’s factory team also use Showa, whilst BMW are the only other factory team that use Nissin.
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was another rider who, having been injured at the end of 2021, was back on a motorcycle. Having had a broken wrist four months ago, and it has healed for only a month, he was on track to get some crucial lap time and to adapt to the electronics. Although he doesn’t have pain in his scaphoid, he has some pain with the ligament and the muscle and has lost some power. However, he did say it was getting better, but slowly. He was fourth at the end of the day.
The big news away from the on-track action was that Pirelli confirmed that a new tyre will be introduced for the 2022 season: The SCQ tyre will be used primarily for the Tissot Superpole Race, as the SCX – previously used with the 10-lap dash in mind – has been used more for the full races. For more information and quotes from Pirelli’s Motorsport Director about the new tyre.
WorldSSP: Öncü remains fastest ahead of new recruits Finland’s Niki Tuuli headed out towards the end of the day, completing some laps to get dialled in and finished the day on top. On the MV Agusta, there was new engine, clutch, gearbox and electronics, so plenty of items to get through. Turkish star Can Öncü’s (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 2022 season preparation got off to a solid start as he finished second in the WorldSSP testing standings.
His new teammate and 2021 WorldSSP one-event rider Yari Montella was next up, second in the class, whilst Kenan Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was third. Sofuoglu is deputising for his nephew, Bahattin, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday before the flight. Ben Currie (G.A.P Motozoo by Puccetti Racing) and teammate Jeffrey Buis adapted to life in WorldSSP, with less than a second separating them.
WorldSBK unofficial times after day one of testing:
1 Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’40.316 2 Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) 1’40.342 3 Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) 1’40.496 4 Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’40.921
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Alpinestars has announced their continuing support of the Superbike class for the 2022 season.
Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) bikes are fast, spectacular and sound incredible. The category is a big drawcard for fans as ASBK machinery is very similar to the ones that the public can purchase off the showroom floor.
Alpinestars – Scott Runciman: “Alpinestars are proud to be continuing their association with the Australian Superbike Championship. Over our journey, Alpinestars has outfitted countless world champions and we hope to continue in that tradition.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Alpinestars have been a terrific supporter of the Australian Superbike Championship and it is extremely gratifying to see their continued involvement in our premier racing class in 2022. We’re pleased to once again see the Alpinestars Superbike Championship on our race calendar. With Alpinestars support, we will once again be able to serve up some of the best Superbike racing anywhere in the world. It’s a Championship that we can all be very proud of.”
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Michelin has signed on as the title sponsor of the Supersport Championship for the 2022 season.
Often affectionately described in the paddock as the “600s”, Supersport’s enduring appeal has been its ability to maintain costs at a manageable level, with bikes predominantly production-spec with limited modifications.
For Michelin, racing has been an integral and critical aspect of the company’s activities, serving not only as a marketing channel but also offering proof-of-concept for the company’s extensive R&D process. Founded in 1889, the Michelin Group provides tyres to over 170 countries. The Michelin Group makes tyres locally for customers’ specific needs and road conditions in one of their 69 production facilities around the world.
Doug Sharp, Michelin Australia: “Michelin Australia is proud to support the Supersport Championship, a category which always puts on a great show and has also become a launching pad for riders to create overseas opportunities in WorldSBK, WorldSS and BSB. In recent years, we’ve seen the likes of Oli Bayliss, Tom Toparis, Max Stauffer and Broc Pearson show their talent in the Supersport category. We’re sure that 2022 will again deliver great racing and we are all looking forward to the first round of the 2022 ASBK Championship and the Michelin Supersport Championship.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motorcycling Australia are excited to see Michelin throw their support behind Supersport. Supersport is well established as one of the jewel in the crown categories of ASBK, with many riders honing their craft and showing their potential in this fantastic category.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Dunlop has re-affirmed their support of the Supersport 300 class by once again signing on as the class sponsor for the 2022 season.
Dunlop National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager Robbie Bugden: “The closeness and excitement of the racing in the Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship is well known. Racing plays a big part in the development of our tyre technology for the public, but more than that, we believe in the spirit of competition, and nothing embodies that quite like motorcycle racing.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “It’s extremely gratifying to see Dunlop’s continued support of ASBK. The Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship has become renowned for producing some of the closest and most exciting racing on the ASBK program. The emphasis on race craft, combined with its accessibility to junior competitors, has made Supersport 300 a very attractive category for young, up-and-coming riders.”
Yamaha Finance have buoyed their association with the R3 Cup by announcing their continued support of the fiercely competitive series in 2022. Regardless if your passion is land or marine based, Yamaha’s broad range of products is all about the experience. Yamaha Financial Services share this passion!
The Yamaha Finance R3 Cup (YMF R3 Cup) was introduced to the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in 2016 as a one-make series featuring the Yamaha R3 motorcycle. Modifications are limited and because all the bikes are similar, with race results are determined by a rider’s ability to race and set the bike up specifically to their needs.
Yamaha Finance representative Matt Ferry: “The evenness of the machinery in the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup places a premium on race-craft, which is why this category is such so exciting. It’s that kind of passion that we understand at Yamaha Finance.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motorcycling Australia are extremely pleased to see Yamaha Finance once again come on board in support of the YMF R3 Cup. Since its introduction, the R3 Cup has provided a fun and affordable class platform for riders wishing to get into racing, as well as those hoping to progress their career.”
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul 2022 season gets underway this week with the official ASBK two-day test at Phillip Island. The OJC field are ready to start the season…
Yamaha returns for their fourth year supporting the OJC, and for Matt Ferry, Division Manager Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor Australia, the OJC answers the need for a development series that just works.
“Yamaha Motor Australia is proud to be involved in the OJC- R15 Cup as it has proven to be a successful and needed introduction to road racing at an affordable level. We’ve seen riders progress from their first on-track experience through to racing professional classes both here in Australia and on the world stage. We at Yamaha Motor Australia are passionate around racing and we think the OJC represents the perfect entry-level racing into the ASBK, provides a friendly and safe environment for riders and families as well as develop and nurture future national and international champions.”
Riders in the OJC will benefit from a wealth of experience this season, with former 500cc, MotoGP and World Superbike racer Garry McCoy set to come on board as the series coach for 2022. McCoy has already been keeping in the development game by coaching junior competitors at Morgan Park and even had the opportunity to coach young gun, Joel Kelso, who will make his debut in the Moto3 class in 2022.
The OJC allows competitors to learn fundamental technical aspects such as suspension set-up and tyre settings. On this front, McCoy is confident the series with provide an ideal grounding for riders wishing to progress through the ranks.
“It’s great to have a focus on suspension, a bit of data and working with your tyres. Riders will have to learn to ride on worn tyres for Friday sessions. You don’t learn much by throwing new tyres on the bike every session.” said McCoy.
McCoy also believes he will have some sage-like advice to offer young riders on off-track necessities, such as dealing with the media and other competitors.
“It’s not about how to win them over, but how to put them out of your mind, keep to yourself and do your own thing,” he said. “I really enjoy working with kids. They’re all very different in that some want to listen and some don’t, but that’s all part of growing up. At the end of the day, you want to put a smile on their faces.”
Notwithstanding the youth of the field, for many newcomers to the OJC, it has been a long path to the 12 corners of the Phillip Island circuit. Without help from parents, and supporters, this would not be possible.
The Oceania Junior Cup would not be possible without the outstanding support of the series sponsors, rider supporters (mum and dad!) and on-the-ground volunteers and staff making this terrific and important development series take place.
Andrew Smart from Ricondi, whose company supplies the riders with leathers, gloves, boots, compression wear and uniforms, continuing the Australian company’s support into a fourth year was an easy decision.
“It’s humbling to have an Aussie brand involved in this important series. We want to thank all those who have supported us just as we have supported the riders. Not only have we sponsored the riders and taught them about what our products can do to protect them, so too have they taught us and helped develop our products- particularly our suits- to better suit the young riders as they mature.”
Dunlop Australia – New Zealand are supporting the OJC in 2022 in a multitude of ways. Typically, tyre sponsorship extends as far as product supply and support, but for Dunlop Motorsport Manager Robbie Bugden, his racing experience will be put to great use: “I’m looking forward to not only supporting the category but also focussing helping these rookie racers make the most of our products. For me, that means passing on my knowledge about tyres; choices, construction, temperature, pressures and so on.”
The Winton Circuit in Northeast Victoria will be the “Home of the OJC” in 2022 with the circuit once again providing the riders with a training event and track time as well as logistic and storage support in 2022. Rowan Harmon, events Manager at Winton Motor Raceway: “The OJC is a terrific program for the Junior Rider looking to progress their career, be it domestically or overseas, and Winton Motor Raceway is proud to be chosen to support this program”.
SHARK helmets join the OJC in 2022 and of course safety is their focus, with many elements learned from racing incorporated into the road helmet range. For SHARK Australia representative Joel Ryan, “We’re proud to be providing the OJC field with helmets that are the same FIM approved helmet in use in all GP classes. The safety of the riders is the highest priority to everyone involved, and SHARK Helmets are pleased to be doing what we can to contribute to this series and it’s genuinely exciting to be involved with the next generation of Australian racing stars.”
One of the goals of the OJC is to produce MotoGP stars of the future and having Öhlins Racing advanced suspension technology on board in 2022 will see this major supplier of MotoGP suspension products and expertise support the OJC paddock with the best possible suspension package for the Yamaha R15s.
The ideal way to ensure the racing Yamaha R15 bikes are getting the ideal lubricants is to use the products “Made for Yamaha, by Yamaha” and the OJC welcomes Yamalube as the official lubricant supplier for the series in 2022.
The OJC has a massive learning curve for rookie riders and thanks to Mototrack Accessories, every rider will have use of a SpeedAngle GPS Lap Timer with Lean Angle Measurement and Data Logging. For Steve Thibou at Mototrack Accessories, it’s an opportunity to help OJC riders be their best: “It’s important to my business to show that Speed Angle is more than a lap timer- it’s a device that can help riders of all standards improve. Personally, it’s important to support the youth of the sport as they progress.”
Darren Webb, whose company Webb Plastics supplies both the race screens for the bikes and the trophies for the winners, supporting the OJC is a personal decision: “Essentially we are involved in the OJC to invest in the future of Australian Motorcycle racing. From a commercial standpoint, making both the race screens and the trophies for the series shows the versatility and capabilities of our company.”
D.I.D brand drive chains are all manufactured in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, and supplied through motorcycle dealers worldwide. In 2022 D.I.D. will join the OJC paddock, offering outstanding performance for all riders.
Without this extensive list of supporters and sponsors, the OJC would not be the cost-effective and competitive category it is today. With an oversubscribed entry list and a number of riders progressing to other classes, it’s a series that Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle is proud of: “The OJC is an important development class for Motorcycling in Australia. In just four years of existence, some 19 riders have progressed to overseas racing, with many others continuing their careers in Australia.”
“In this short time, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how good the series is in terms of training and developing riders and I can personally say I have been very, very pleased to see how good the racing is as well! As a cost-effective and valuable series, we cannot thank the sponsors enough. Their help makes the OJC affordable to most every race family in Australia and I want to thank all involved for their efforts and am really looking forward to this coming season.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul say they are proud to announce that presenting rights holders and lubricant specialists Motul are set to return in 2022.
Motul has placed motorsport as its prime creative and ingenious laboratory since it first began appearing in motorsport disciplines in the 1950s. This involvement and dedication to excellence has seen Motul work with some of the finest teams and riders in history.
For Brenden Stoeckert, General Manager Link International – Motul Distributor Australia, the company’s long-term commitment to racing makes sponsorship of ASBK a logical decision: “Motul has been involved in racing via various partnerships for a long time and this unbroken relationship with racing has established and maintained the brand as a global motorsport power reference it is today. We are pleased to be the presenting rights sponsor again in 2022 and wish all involved the very best.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motul have been an important supporter of motorcycle racing in Australia and having them return as presenting rights sponsor in 2022 is an important element in the ongoing success of ASBK.”
“In 2022, we are looking forward to a full season of competitive and entertaining racing and the support of our sponsors is key to making this happen. I want to thank Motul for their support on behalf of not only Motorcycling Australia but all fans and stakeholders.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
Multiple ASBK Champion Glenn Allerton has made the move to Arai Helmets for the 2022 season. Ex-WSBK/MotoGP and Current ABSK rider, Bryan Staring, has also made the move to an Arai lid for 2022…
“From a young age I have always recognized Arai as the safety and comfort leader in the helmet industry, so when the opportunity to wear them came up I jumped at the chance, the Fit and vision for me is perfect and the advanced air flow system In the helmet makes fogging and heat in the helmet non existent. Arai’s experience and technology is still the industry leader in race helmets” he said.
Glenn is the conduit to entertain, educate, create and connect. His passion to ride motorcycle started at the age of 4 but quickly moved into racing. At 8 yo he started to compete in Motocross and started to win multiple Junior MX championships.
With over 30 years in motorcycling racing, wins in Motocross and Australian Superbikes with ASBK proves Glenn Allerton the results and is perfect match to the race developed Arai RX-7V Helmet.
Glenn Allerton Has a Reputation as a fighter to the checkered flag!
2008 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 1st
2009 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 2nd
2010 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 3rd
2011 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 1st
2013 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 2nd
2014 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 1st
2021 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 2nd
Bryan Staring has also made the move to Arai Helmets for the 2022 season, also wearing the top of the line RX-7V lid.
“Racing in Arai helmets is the dream for me. I couldn’t be happier to have the support of this well known manufacturer with an enormous history of being the helmet of choice for the world’s top riders. When selecting a helmet, there are many things that are important, like crash testing and safety standards, the quality of the materials in the shell, the fit and the energy absorption of the EPS foam.”
“Then for specific racing use, the ventilation, field of view and antifog capacity for racing in the rain, are all points to consider. Arai is a premium brand that excel in every one of these requirements.” he said.
Bryan Staring – Career Highlights:
2004 125GP Australian Champion
2009 Australian Supersport Champion
2010 Australian Superbike Champion
World Superstock 1000 Race Winner – 2012
Former MotoGP Rider – 2013
Former WSBK Rider – 2014
The RX-7V represents the summit of Arai’s knowledge, experience and know-how in helmet technology. With a PB-SNC² outer shell, the revolutionary VAS (“Variable Axis System”) visor system and a significant increased smoother area around the temples, the RX-7V offers the new benchmark in the premium helmet segment.
From the anti-microbial material liner with an even slimmer frame, to the ducts, improved diffuser and the integrated Air Channels, every part shows the attention to detail that is so typical for Arai. Arai has continually improved the “glancing off” performance by learning from real scenarios.
Thanks to the stronger, smoother shell and VAS, the RX-7V is closer to the ideal lid shape than ever. With VAS, the visor mounting position is lowered 24mm in pursuit of the ideal smoother shape that raises the ability of glancing off energy. As a result, this has made it possible for the shell to be completely smooth above the test line of the Snell standard.
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul say they are proud to announce that championship naming rights sponsor mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance has signed on again in 2022.
Insurance specialists mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance offers a range of products for both road and off-road motorcycling enthusiasts, and they understand how important your motorcycle is to every owner and because of this mi-bike offers cover for riders and their motorcycle with features and benefits most other motorcycle insurers just don’t provide.
Mark Bradley, General Manager, mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance: “We’re really pleased to be back as the naming rights sponsor and look forward to what will be a close and competitive season of racing.”
“At mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance, we offer a comprehensive range of insurance products that are designed so our customers can cover their specific insurance needs. This comes from a deep understanding of motorcycling, riders, and their needs. We believe that our involvement in ASBK as the naming rights sponsor shows we really mean what we say. For fans, competitors and officials associated with ASBK, we wish you all the absolute best in season 2022.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “We are confident that ASBK is set for a terrific year in 2022 and having mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance return as sponsors show they share our confidence in the championship.
“In 2022, we are looking forward to a full season of competitive and entertaining racing and the support of our sponsors is key to making this happen. I want to thank mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance for their continuing support on behalf of not only Motorcycling Australia but all fans and stakeholders.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters