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    RiderBOT
    Honda Motorcycles has pulled the covers off the 2026 CB1000F, a retro-styled performance naked that draws inspiration from the iconic CB750F from the 1980s. Built on the acclaimed CB1000 Hornet platform, the new F-badged model takes a different approach with its completely retuned Fireblade-derived engine and premium specification.
    Motivating the bike is a familiar 999cc inline-four borrowed from the 2017 Fireblade, though it has been significantly reworked to deliver a more characterful riding experience, according to Honda. Maximum power drops to 91kW (down from the Hornet’s 111.6kW), while torque peaks at 103Nm. Honda’s engineers have deliberately shifted the power delivery lower in the rev range, creating what they describe as an “off-beat” character through revised camshafts, extended intake funnels, and a new 4-2-1 exhaust system feeding a period-correct three-chamber megaphone muffler.

    Gearing changes reinforce the bike’s more relaxed nature. First and second gears get shorter ratios for snappier acceleration, while third through sixth are taller for comfortable cruising.
    The styling is pure 1980s homage. Clean lines flow from the fuel tank through angular side covers to the tail unit, with bold graphics inspired by Freddie Spencer’s AMA championship bike. A single round LED headlight flanked by twin horns, chrome downpipes, and that megaphone exhaust complete the throwback aesthetic. Three colour schemes will be available: Wolf Silver Metallic with Blue Stripe, Wolf Silver Metallic with Grey Stripe, and Graphite Black.

    Suspension spec is a step up from the Hornet, with 41mm Showa SFF-BP USD forks offering preload, compression, and rebound adjustment. The rear shock uses Showa’s separate-pressurisation design with Pro-Link, tuned for a supple ride. Four-piston radial Nissin calipers grip 310mm floating front discs, with cornering ABS managed by a six-axis IMU.
    Electronics include ride-by-wire with three riding modes plus two user-customisable options, adjustable wheelie control, and Honda Selectable Torque Control. The 5.0-inch TFT dash uses optical bonding for improved visibility and offers Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, and music. Honda Smart Key handles ignition duties.

    At 214kg kerb weight with a 795mm seat height and 2.8-metre turning circle, Honda claims the CB1000F “handles like a middleweight but with big bike feel.” The fuel tank holds 16 litres, and with consumption of 5.6L/100km, range should exceed 280 kilometres.
    Honda will offer three accessory packs – Sports, Comfort, and Travel – along with individual items including a quick-shifter, luggage options, and protection gear.
    At time of writing, it is unclear if the bike will be made available in Australia.
    2026 Honda CB1000F. 1 of 9   The post Honda reveals CB1000F retro naked bike appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Ducati has confirmed that its updated Multistrada V4 Rally will hit Australian showrooms in January, 2026, priced from $43,800 rideaway.
    For 2026, the Multistrada V4 Rally receives a host of updates aimed at making its adventure-touring flagship even more capable for long-distance travel.
    The Italian manufacturer announced the latest Rally at a media event last week, showcasing refinements across the chassis, electronics, and rider aids that build on the model first launched in 2023.

    At the heart of the updates is the evolved Adaptive Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) EVO system, which has been enhanced to read road conditions and riding style in real-time.
    Also new is an automatic lowering device, which drops the bike’s height when speeds fall below 10km/h. The system automatically raises the bike back to normal ride height once you exceed 50km/h on-road or 20km/h off-road.

    Safety receives a boost with Forward Collision Warning, which alerts riders to potential frontal impacts via a dashboard pop-up. The radar-based system complements existing Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection technology.
    Ducati has also refined the combined brake system with a new rear-to-front strategy that activates the front brake when only the rear lever is used, reducing pitch and improving comfort, particularly when riding two-up.

    The 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine carries over unchanged, delivering 127kW and 121Nm. The counter-rotating crankshaft, said to be derived from MotoGP technology, works against wheel gyroscopic forces for sharper handling, according to Ducati.
    The Rally variant focusses long-distance comfort with its 30-litre fuel tank, improved windscreen (40mm wider and 20mm higher than the standard V4), and standard centre stand and heated grips.

    Ducati has repositioned the swingarm pivot higher to improve anti-squat characteristics under load, while the rear brake disc grows to 280mm for better stopping power when fully laden.
    The 6.5-inch TFT display receives updated graphics and more intuitive controls for heated grips and seats. Ducati Connect integration handles navigation, calls, and music through compatible helmet intercoms.
    Three variants will be offered: Radar (with all radar systems), Adventure Travel & Radar (adding aluminium panniers and heated seats), and Full Adventure (including an Akrapovic exhaust and carbon front guard). Two colour schemes are available: Ducati Red with brushed aluminium tank and black wheels, or Jade Green with brushed aluminium tank and gold wheels.
    2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally. 1 of 11 Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post 2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally price and specs confirmed appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Harley-Heaven is kicking off a new era under the ownership of Motorcycle Holdings (MCH) by giving customers the chance to win a brand-new Harley-Davidson X500 S motorcycle and thousands worth in genuine Harley-Davidson gear.
    To celebrate the acquisition and welcome new and existing riders into the revitalised Harley-Heaven family, the company is launching a major competition, and one lucky winner will ride away on a new, special-edition bike and 5 other lucky customers will receive $2,000 of Genuine Harley-Davidson Ride Gear Pack.
    “This is an incredible way to mark our new chapter with Motorcycle Holdings,” said executive general manager of Harley-Heaven and Peter Stevens Motorcycles Scott Ryan.
    “We’re not just changing ownership; we’re doubling down on our commitment to the Harley-Davidson lifestyle and community here in Australia. We are particularly excited to offer the new Harley-Davidson X500 S, a unique model tailored specifically for our Australian riders, as the grand prize.”
    The competition is open to both new customers signing up to the Harley-Heaven database and existing customers who update their contact and preference details. The prize pool includes:
    Grand Prize: One NEW Harley-Davidson X500 S Motorcycle (valued at $10,495), the Australian-specific model designed for the ultimate local riding experience. Runner-Up Prizes: Five (5) winners will each receive a $2,000 Genuine Harley-Davidson Gear Pack, ensuring they ride in style and comfort with the best authentic gear. Entry is simple: New riders can sign up to the database, and existing members can update their profile information to ensure they receive the latest news, events, and offers from the new Harley-Heaven.
    The competition is open from till 23rd of November. Full terms and conditions, along with the entry form, are available here.
    “The enthusiasm and loyalty of the Harley-Heaven community are second to none,” added Scott Ryan. “We encourage everyone to take just a moment to update their details and enter. Someone is going to have the ride of their life!”
    CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION
    The post Harley-Heaven gives customers a shot at new Australian-Specific Harley-Davidson X500 S appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Hundreds of readers shared their fondest Island experiences for a chance to be there
    FOR DECADES, fans have flocked to the Island to watch legends battle it out on one of the world’s most spectacular circuits. For a chance to win double passes to this year’s event, plus a copy of the shiny new MotoGP25 video game, we asked readers to share their fondest memory of the Aussie round.

    Winner (Double Pass + MotoGP25 video game): Sarah Roffey
    “My fondest memory is from 2019. But not because of the MotoGP directly, because of the trip to get there. Everyone raves about the racing at Phillip Island, but let’s be honest – half the magic is in just getting there. Nothing ever goes to plan – lost luggage, saddle bags disintegrating (thanks, super glue and gaffer tape), roadside stoppages, wrong turns… and that’s before we even hit Victoria. But that’s what makes it an adventure!
    “Looking back at my Instagram and Facebook memories that logged our trip. Day 2 I noted ‘big holes in the bottom of my saddle bags – nothing some wood, super glue, gaffer tape, gardening gloves and zip ties couldn’t fix’… Then Day 4 ‘Smooth sailing – Dad offered to take my wet weather gear and hoodie since I’ve been having trouble with my bags. Few hours later – my belongings are in the bushes beside some remote stretch of road. Thanks Dad!’
    “I often look at these posts with the photos and reflect on how great it was to be able to travel on my bike with my parents and mates and have such a great time. I wish I could do it every year – riding roads like Putty, Dead Horse Gap, Wiseman’s Ferry, Mount Hotham and many more. I am usually the one that has the drama – and wouldn’t have it any other way!”

    Runner-up (Double Pass): Cindy McCulloch
    “My fondest memory of the Aussie MotoGP is yet to come! Hopefully! Every year my partner yells at the TV like the riders can hear him, and I’ve just started watching too (I’m even doing my first track day this weekend!). Winning tickets would mean we finally swap the lounge-room commentary and spilled chips for our very first MotoGP memory together at Phillip Island – and that would top them all.”
    Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Alan Orchard
    “In 2012 sitting at Lukey Heights with my mum, who is now 104 years old, and my wife and daughter cause it was her 10th birthday and my mum asking me why the bikes don’t fall over when they are leaned over so much as we watched Casey Stoner on the gas out in front winning his last outing at Phillip Island. I had to explain to Mum about the sticky tyres they were riding on.”
    Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Brian Taylor
    “When Wayne Gardner overcame all sorts of issues, one being his fairing nearly falling off, then on the podium he comes out with ‘I rode my f**king balls off for you folks today’. What a bloody legend!”
    Consolation prize (MotoGP25 video game): Will Glazebrook
    “Taking the day off school and going down with my grandpa and brother to the 2019 MotoGP at the Island, buying a Dovi (Andrea Dovizioso) shirt and being amazed at the speed and sound of the bikes down the straight, and then getting to meet Dovi and get him to sign my shirt! It was the best day ever for a 12-year-old to meet my idol.”
    The post 2025 OZ GP | Competition Winners appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Aussie Moto3 rider Jacob Roulstone’s promising career has hit a major setback, with the young talent now facing the prospect of being left without a ride for 2026.
    Jacob Roulstone is facing an untimely exit from the MotoGP paddock after his options for Moto3 in 2026 dried up in Indonesia. The Australian has been on the lookout for a ride after he learned before the summer break that current team Tech3 would be hiring Finnish JuniorGP star Rico Samela for 2026.
    The 20-year-old currently sits 15th in the Moto3 standings. But there are plenty of mitigating circumstances, not least the fact he broke two bones in his neck in January which caused him to miss all of preseason, as well as the first two races. Roulstone started working with Fabio Di Giannantonio and the Italian’s management before the summer to find a competitive Moto3 seat for next year.
    But the Roulstone family confirmed to AMCN after Indonesia that his options had faded and the possibility of securing a Moto3 ride for next year “are pretty much a zero”. That seems harsh in extreme for a rider that secured a maiden front row start just three rounds ago and a best-ever result of fifth in Indonesia.
    This season was always going to be tough after Roulstone broke two bones in his neck in a testing fall in January. Having missed all of preseason plus the first two rounds, he was always playing catch-up. Since then, Roulstone’s shown clear progression from 2024. But he’s also still learning how to be at his most effective at the end of races. A first front row at Misano showed what’s still to come from the Wollongong native.
    The post Roulstone facing Moto3 exit appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Major WorldSBK grid slots filled as Oliveira replaces Van der Mark at ROKiT BMW, with another big name to join the Pata Maxus Yamaha official squad
    BMW has completed its factory line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, confirming Miguel Oliveira will step across from MotoGP to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. The Portuguese rider will partner recent signing Danilo Petrucci on the BMW M 1000 RR.

    Oliveira, 30, brings seven seasons of premier-class experience and a strong record of five MotoGP wins plus four additional podiums. He began his world championship journey in 2011 in the 125cc class, raced in Moto3 from 2012, and became a mainstay in Moto2 between 2016 and 2018 before graduating to MotoGP in 2019. The 2026 campaign will mark his first full-time tilt at WorldSBK as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport factory rider.
    Shaun Muir (ROKiT Team Manager)
    “I’m delighted we can finally announce the signing of Miguel Oliveira to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Miguel has enjoyed an impressive career in MotoGP, and his arrival in WorldSBK is one of the most anticipated in recent years. We strongly believe he has the character, temperament, and skill set to take the BMW M 1000 RR to the very top and to continue the excellent work that Toprak has delivered over the last two seasons. We look forward to the first opportunity to get him on the bike. In the meantime, our focus remains on finishing this championship as strongly as possible and building on that success as we move into 2026.”
    Sven Blusch (Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport)
    “We are very happy to welcome Miguel Oliveira as a new factory rider for our ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Miguel has impressively proven throughout his career that he three Grand Prix classes, including five in MotoGP, he brings valuable experience and a high level of professionalism to our project. Together with Danilo Petrucci, his new teammate, he forms a strong and competitive rider duo. The two already know each other well. This constellation gives us the opportunity to take the next steps in our development and to further reinforce BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s ambitions in WorldSBK. The entire team is very much looking forward to working with him. But for now, our focus is on the remaining races of this season, with big goals: we want to win the world championship title again with Toprak Razgatlioglu and build on Michael van der Mark’s strong performance at Magny-Cours in order to also play a decisive role in the battle for the manufacturers’ title. Michael’s time in our WorldSBK project will come to an end after this season. I would like to sincerely thank him for his commitment, his successes and his achievements during his five years in our WorldSBK team. We are currently working on opportunities for further collaboration with him within the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family and would be delighted to move into a new future together with him.”
    Miguel Oliviera
    “To join the BMW family in the World Superbike Championship is an exciting step in my career, one in which I see tremendous potential. I am becoming part of a project that is not only ambitious and competitive, but has also made a significant impact on both the championship and the motorcycle industry. Being involved with a new team, working alongside strong partners, and embracing a new championship format gives me great motivation to deliver my very best. I want to sincerely thank Mr. Sven Blusch, Technical Director Chris Gonschor and Team Principal Shaun Muir for their trust and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter together.”
    Oliveira’s arrival finalises BMW’s 2026 WorldSBK roster alongside Petrucci, signalling a renewed factory push as the brand targets front-running form with its latest-spec M 1000 RR.
    Meanwhile, Yamaha Motor Europe has confirmed Xavi Vierge will step into the factory Yamaha WorldSBK squad for 2026, having ridden with the factory HRC squad for the past 4 years. The 28-year-old Spaniard, a race winner and podium finisher across Moto2 and WorldSBK, will make his first outing on the R1 at a post-season test in Jerez following the 2025 finale next month.

    Vierge completes Yamaha’s refreshed 2026 rider roster. He will join Andrea Locatelli in the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team, while Remy Gardner and new signing Stefano Manzi will line up for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
    Niccolò Canepa (Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Sporting Manager)
    “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Xavi Vierge that will see him join the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team for 2026. He brings a lot of experience to our project, both from within Superbike and his time in Grand Prix racing. We are excited to see what he can achieve and look forward to starting our journey together. Through the winter, we will continue to work hard on developing the R1 and with Vierge joining Locatelli at Pata Maxus Yamaha and Manzi moving up from Supersport to join Gardner at GYTR GRT Yamaha, we have four young and hungry riders on the bike next year which is an exciting prospect.”
    The post Oliveira WorldSBK Bound With BMW in 2026 appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    175kW homologation special ups the ante for all superbikes
    Having delivered two WSBK riders’ titles and three manufacturers’ crowns since 2022 the existing Ducati Panigale V4 R is a dominant force in the premier series for road-based machines – so its rivals probably won’t be too pleased to see a completely revamped and even more impressive homologation machine launched in time for the 2026 campaign.

    It’s not a surprise to see a new Panigale V4 R join the range for next year. After all, the standard Panigale V4 was completely redesigned for 2025, ditching the signature single-sided swingarm and adopting a new chassis and styling, so an ‘R’ version aimed at racing was always sure to follow. But the sheer extent of the updates will come as a surprise, with Ducati porting across knowledge from its MotoGP bike development to hike the level of aerodynamic performance.

    The basics of the 2026 Panigale V4 R are borrowed from the standard Panigale V4, including the ‘Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm’ that replaces the old single-sider, alongside a redesigned front frame, using the engine as a stressed chassis part. Both the frame and swingarm are designed to be more flexible than their predecessors, by 40% and 37% respectively, in the pursuit of improved grip at the extreme lean angles that modern race tyres allow. When a bike is cranked on its side, the suspension – designed to work when it’s upright – can’t do much to absorb bumps, so adding controlled chassis flex helps keep the rubber firmly in contact with the asphalt.

    On the R, the swingarm pivot height is adjustable over an 8mm range, with four positions, and the Ohlins TTX36 rear shock, while similar to last year’s, has a stiffer spring to counteract the fact the new swingarm is longer, and a redesigned linkage to allow substantially more ride height adjustment. Up front, the Ohlins NPX25/30 forks are carried over from the previous Panigale R, with Brembo’s latest Hypure calipers mounted at their bottom and gripping 330mm discs that can be optionally uprated to larger 338.5mm rotors with the ‘Pro’ brake package. A more extreme ‘Pro+’ pack switches the calipers for Brembo GP4 units.

    Power comes, as before, from a short-stroke, 998cc version of Ducati’s Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, packing 160.3kW at 15,750rpm and 114.5Nm at 12,000rpm. That’s the same peak power as the previous version, but torque is higher and Ducati claims a significant boost in midrange performance. Adding the optional, track-only Akrapovic exhaust and a race engine map hikes power to 172.8kW, and when used in conjunction with special Shell oil developed for the bike, the peak goes to 175.7kW. It’s a tiny fraction less than the previous generation could achieve with the same mods, but the new version of the engine meets the latest Euro5+ emissions rules and the extra torque means overall performance should feel stronger. Top speed, with those track mods, is a remarkable 330.6km/h, and even straight from the showroom the bike will hit 318.4km/h thanks to revised gearing that makes the most of the engine’s power.

    Changes to the engine include new camshafts, lighter pistons, a heavier crankshaft and new conrods, as well as a redesigned intake that repositions the secondary fuel injectors for better atomisation.
    Visually, the bike adopts the same styling as the standard 2025-on Panigale V4 but adds race-style addenda including larger winglets – 20mm wider that the stock bike – and GP-style downwash ducts at the lower front edges of the fairing. These units, which Ducati calls ‘Corner Sidepods’, debuted on the company’s MotoGP bikes in 2021 and have since been mimicked across the grid in that series, but this is their first appearance on a road-going production bike. They’re intended to create downforce when the bike is at max lean, interacting with the road surface to produce ground effect, where the air between the surface of the bodywork and the ground is accelerated, reducing its pressure and sucking the bike downwards to increase front-end grip. The result, Ducati says, is that the front end holds a tighter line at max lean. In a straight line, the ducts have no effect on drag because they’re in the turbulent wash of the front wheel, so it’s downforce without a top speed penalty. While the bike only comes in red, it’s set aside from the normal Panigale by its bare alloy fuel tank.

    The second major innovation on the 2025 V4 R is the adoption of a race-style transmission that puts neutral at the bottom, below first gear, instead of between first and second. That means the shift between first and second is more direct and there’s no chance of hitting neutral when shifting between those ratios. Like MotoGP bikes, which also use a similar pattern, the Panigale V4 R has a neutral lock-out that makes it impossible to put the bike into neutral unless you simultaneously push a thumb lever on the right-hand bar.

    Other updates include the adoption of Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) software for the extensive rider-assist systems. Already used on the normal Panigale V4 and some other recent Ducati models, DVO simulates the inputs from 70 external sensors and feeds that info to the computer that operates the slide control, traction control, ABS, launch control and wheelie control systems, helping it make better judgements about how to use those controls.

    As standard, the bike weighs fractionally more than the previous R, coming in at 186.5kg, but that’s largely because, as a WSBK homologation machine, it must comply with the price cap for the series, set at 44,000 Euros. In Australia, that means a price of $75,200 AUD – not cheap by anyone’s counting, but less expensive than the Panigale V4 Tricolore or Panigale V4 Lamborghini, machines that might be limited-production but lack the thoroughbred racing nature of the V4 R.

    If you have the means, though, it’s all too easy to hike the price with options that make the V4 R an even more impressive package. The full titanium exhaust needed to unleash all that performance costs a whopping $16,230 AUD, the GP4 calipers are $8,326 and the discs to match them are another $7,888. Carbon wheels to replace the standard forged alloys add $10,820 AUD to the total. Go wild with the online configurator and it’s all too easy to race past the $130,000 AUD mark without ticking every box, so a fully-kitted V4 R could cost something close to twice the bike’s standard list price…

    The post Ducati Unveils Ballistic Panigale V4 R appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Two new four-cylinder Hondas get Chinese launch ahead of global unveiling
    There have been hints for months that Honda has been planning a new range of small four-cylinder bikes – including trademarks for the names CB500 Super Four, CB400 Super Four and CBR500R Four – and now two of those machines have officially broken cover at the CIMAMotor show in China.

    Details of the bikes are still scant, with Honda confirming only that their new four-cylinder engine measures 502cc (a CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four are expected for the Japanese market where licence rules favour bikes under 400cc) and that the machines feature a next-generation version of the E-Clutch that debuted on the CB650R and CBR650R. We also know there’s ride-by-wire and traction control, the former allowing the uprated E-Clutch system – which automatically disengages and reengages the clutch during gearshifts – to auto-blip the throttle when shifting down.

    Unlike more complex semi-autos, the E-Clutch doesn’t shift gears itself, you still do that with the foot lever, but it means you never have to use the clutch lever on the bars, even when starting and stopping. But since there still is a clutch lever, you can always override or turn off the E-Clutch and use the bike completely conventionally if  you prefer.

    The next-gen version on the CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four is more compact than the initial design, too, with the clutch operating servo repositioned to the left-hand-side of the engine, above the transmission, instead of bulging from the clutch cover on the right-hand-side.
    The bikes shown at CIMAMotor share the same engine – it’s expected to make around 55kW but no figures have been mentioned yet – and the same tubular steel frame, but look very different to one another. The CB500 Super Four is firmly in the retro camp, harking back to earlier models like the CB400SF and the CB750F, despite departing from the double-cradle used on those machines in favour of a design that uses the engine as a stressed component.

    A single, round headlight above twin horns makes it instantly recognisable. The CBR500R Four, meanwhile, is a resolutely modern sports bike shape, avoiding the wing-laden look of many rivals and instead going to for a clean shape with crisp edges and flat panels, marked out by a distinctive headlight unit that sweeps across the whole nose of the bike. The two machines have different exhaust cans to suit their styles, but are otherwise mechanically identical, with the same upside-down forks and radial Nissin brake calipers, as well as a 5in TFT dash.

    The decision to unveil the bikes in China reflects the importance of that market, particularly when it comes to bikes in this class. The same show also saw the launch of the ZXMoto 500F – a Super Four-alike made by the new company formed by Zhang Xue, who previously set up the Kove brand.

    A more complete reveal of the new Hondas, including full specifications and the company’s plans for the models on other markets, is expected later this year, probably around the EICMA show in November.
    The post Honda CB500 Super Four and CBR500R Four appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT

    O’Show now world champ!

    By RiderBOT, in Articles,

    Jason O’Halloran capped a dramatic, rain-soaked finale at the Bol D’Or by guiding Yamaha to the 2025 FIM World Endurance Championship crown in the closest title fight in the event’s history
    Jason O’Halloran rode the last stint as the official Yamaha team won the 2025 FIM World Endurance Championship at the Bol D’Or in France by one point, the closest in the event’s history.
    The win also gave Yamaha the Manufacturer’s title for the second year in a row.
    YART entered the finale at the Circuit Paul Ricard with a one-point lead over BMW but after qualifying both teams were on equal points, meaning a winner-takes-all fight lay ahead.
    After two hours the Yamaha team of O’Halloran, Marvin Fritz and Karel Hanika was holding a 40-second advantage over BMW. However, a persistent loose fairing that cost extra time during three pit stops dropped them back to fourth.
    However, they never gave up and were back to third at the eight-hour mark.
    The race then developed into a nail-biting battle for the title with YART knowing it needed to finish second and ahead of BMW to take the crown.
    All three riders were suffering from a severe stomach bug and at dawn Hanika was so ill that O’Halloran and Fritz went back-to-back for three hours to let him regain some strength.
    As the hours ticked by, BMW maintained its advantage over YART with the Yoshimura Suzuki team leading.
    Then, with just 30 minutes remaining, everything changed. The BMW’s engine started smoking and blew up, meaning YART just had to finish to win the title.
    With 20 minutes to run, O’Halloran went out but the team’s nerves were on edge as rain started to fall, making conditions tricky.
    But O’Halloran stayed safe on a course he’d never ridden before and brought the Yamaha home for its third EWC title, adding to the ones taken in 2009 and 2023.
    It made Fritz and Hanika double EWC champions, with O’Halloran grabbing his first world title on debut.

    “It’s been an amazing season,” he said. “We won at Le Mans, then led at Spa before my crash, but we fought back to the podium. Obviously we had our issues at Suzuka and didn’t finish the race, which meant it all came down to here. It was my first time riding at Circuit Paul Ricard. I literally only completed my first laps in Private Practice on Tuesday, so I didn’t know what to expect. We worked through the 24-hour race as you do and never gave up.”
    O’Halloran also gave BMW credit for its huge effort: “You never ever want to see your competitors go out the way they did. BMW made a fantastic race and they also deserved to be standing here today.”
    The post O’Show now world champ! appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Fledgling electric motorcycle company ZERO Motorcycles has today announced a new partnership with Queensland-based dealership Australian Electric Motor Co, which will see the brand continue to trade in Australia following its stock liquidation this month. 
    ZERO Motorcycles was previously distributed under Peter Stevens Motorcycles before the retail arm was hit with financial struggles – which resulted in some 400+ ZERO units offered at auction.
    An industry insider told INFO MOTO that many of the ZERO models sold at auction may have been snapped up by ZERO’s overseas arm. It has been speculated that these models may be utilised by new distributors in Australian Electric Motor Co.
    “With our chapter alongside Peter Stevens coming to a close, we’re excited to continue building momentum with our longest-standing and best-selling dealer in Australia,” said ZERO Motorcycles director of international expansion Adrian O’Donoughue.
    “This new partnership ensures that both longtime owners and new riders can keep enjoying our bikes with full support for sales, parts, and service every step of the way.”
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post ZERO Motorcycles to live on in Australia appeared first on INFO MOTO.
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