Husky Returns to the Street!

Husqvarna Unveils Production VITPILEN 701 and SVARTPILEN 701 Concept

I admire motorcycle companies that are willing to take risks when it comes to design, and Husqvarna has certainly done that with the production VITPILEN 701 unveiled in Milan earlier this week. Prototypes have been displayed for quite some time, and the production machine follows earlier designs very closely. It also looks a lot like the production VITPILEN 401 introduced at EICMA last year.

While the Swedish design of the VITPILEN 701 might be polarizing, the concept is attractive. Strip the machine down to its essence, and power it with a single-cylinder engine. Simplicity with modern technology, including a claimed 75 horsepower — a massive power figure for a single.

The videos below talk about the design goals, which are principally centered on simplicity in a complex world. It is worth taking a look at those, as well as the following press release from Husky. The press release also discusses the prototype of the SVARTPILEN 701, a more upright, dirt-oriented machine powered by the same big 693cc single.

By the way, you can take a look at the full specifications for the VITPILEN 701, which reveals a claimed weight of 346 pounds (wet, without fuel). Husky says the VITPILEN 701 will be available for purchase in the United States beginning in the Summer of 2018.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to unveil the production VITPILEN 701 machine, while also introducing the all-new SVARTPILEN 701 concept motorcycle at EICMA – the annual motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. With the historic brand continuing to take dynamic steps towards fulfilling their progressive vision of street motorcycling, both models will be on display for the duration of the show in Italy.

Forming new additions to Husqvarna’s exciting range of ‘Real Street’ motorcycles, these two new machines are powered by robust yet sophisticated single-cylinder motors that are housed within a minimalistic layout. Both motorcycles have been created to provide a genuine riding experience.

The all-new VITPILEN 701 machine represents a bold step into new territory for Husqvarna Motorcycles. Inspired by the same unique design approach that runs through the whole VITPILEN family, the VITPILEN 701 perfectly embodies Husqvarna’s progressive vision for innovative and accessible street motorcycles.

Simultaneously launched at this year’s EICMA show is the SVARTPILEN 701 concept machine. Inspired by the resurgence of the iconic flat track scene, the new SVARTPILEN 701 is a progressive single-cylinder motorcycle that is designed to deliver an authentic riding experience.

VITPILEN 701

The VITPILEN 701 is the highlight of Husqvarna´s re-entry into the street motorcycling segment. Impressing both the media and the public during its first launch as a prototype in 2015, it has now reached production and is expected to be available in North America in summer of 2018.

Bringing about a new era of motorcycling for the sophisticated urban traveler, the VITPILEN 701 perfectly mixes enjoyable performance for novice and expert riders with a simple yet progressive design and a unique style.

Largely inspired by the brand’s Swedish heritage, the VITPILEN 701 is a modern motorcycle that features some of the most state-of-the-art technology available.

From the trellis frame to the powerful single cylinder motor or the standard WP suspension and Brembo brakes, this machine is bristling with premium components.

VITPILEN 701 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Simple yet progressive design
• Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
• 75 hp engine – the most advanced single cylinder available on the market
• High quality components and technology as standard
• Ride-by-wire throttle
• Cutting edge switchable ABS
• Slipper clutch
• Extensive range of Husqvarna accessories

Dramatic Saturday AUS-X Open win for Wilson on debut in Sydney

Championship tightens as Brayton battles to seventh in SX1 main event.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson made a glorious return to the top step of the podium in Saturday’s opening night of the 2017 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, round four of the Australian Supercross Championship.

The first time we saw the SX1 bikes on track tonight was in heat one, and Wilson worked his way by Dan Reardon (Mega Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki) early to go onto a 3.6s victory.

Former champion Reardon kept Dylan Long (CDR Yamaha) at bay for second, as Nick Schmidt (Wilson Coolair Motul Suzuki) and Todd Waters (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) were fourth and fifth respectively. Kade Mosig (DPH Motorsport Yamaha) recovered from an early fall in the tunnel for P7.

American duo Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) put on a show in SX1 heat two, but it was the headline guest Anderson who was able to fend number one plate-holder Brayton off for a 0.3s victory.

Behind them Jesse Dobson (Penrite Honda Racing) went third, with Nathan Crawford (Mega Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki) and FMX ace Robbie Marshall (Honda) the top five. Luke Clout (Crankt Protein Honda Racing crossed the line fifth despite a crash, while Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) and RJ Hampshire (Geico Honda) both fell victim to falls on the first lap.

It was an entertaining fight for victory in the first SX1 semi-final, as Penrite CRF Honda Racing’s Joel Wightman rode a composed race to lead Long and Mosig across the line. Just 2.2s separated the top five, including Waters and Schmidt.

Out of the gates it was Clout who led the way, however he went down entering the tunnel and that saw Ferris take charge at the front. From there he stretched out a 1.4s lead, topping Crawford and Dobson. Hampshire also encountered troubles, dropping him well down the order and ultimately out of the race.

Out front in the SX1 LCQ main event was Waters and that’s where he stayed, trailed across the line by American rising talent Hampshire as those two made the main event later tonight. Behind them was Clout, who traded blows with Schmidt – the latter coming off second best but neither made it through in the end.

An intense SX1 class main event saw Wilson return to the top of the podium in a Rockstar Energy Husqvarna 1-2, but he had to work for it throughout the 20-lap final.

It was Australian rookie Crawford who took the hole-shot and led the opening five laps after capitalising on the Shannons Shortcut and stretching a lead, before teammate Reardon took charge on the sixth lap. He controlled the race for the next five laps, until Wilson made the pass directly after the whoops and that was where he remained.

From behind though, after going down in the first turn, Anderson charged to second after moving by Reardon in the closing laps. Behind the podium trio, Mosig put up a solid fight for fourth, while Ferris edged Crawford for fifth.

Next came Long in his first AUS-X Open appearance as the final rider to make the entire 20 laps. It was a difficult final for Brayton, who also went down in the first turn, eventually going a lap down and only crossing the line in P7. Still, in the standings, he leads by 10 points from Ferris, with Reardon a further six in arrears in third.

Night two of the 2017 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney will mark the fifth and penultimate round of AUS Supercross, where Brayton will be eager to bounce back to solidify his place at the top of the 450 standings.

Twice Pipes CR500????

Sometimes you just have too much time on your hands but what fun this beast looks to be.

Dirt Bike Magazine's latest 2-Stroke project in the RAW! The AEO Powersports CR500AF with dual FMF exhaust ripping up some SoCal trails on it's maiden voyage.

Max Nagl Joins TM

The perception of the TM Factory Racing team is skewed somewhat, as the Italian manufacturer are not necessarily one of the big six. Eyebrows were raised when it was first announced that Max Nagl, a former Grand Prix winner and title contender, was moving across to the team that has not even featured in the premier division in recent years.

Could this move be one that revitalises Max Nagl’s career though? There is no denying the fact that he will lack the support and infrastructure that he had at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing the last three years, but the fall from such an elite outfit will also mean that less is expected of him. Nagl was simply phenomenal in his maiden season aboard an FC 450, one of the most sought after machines in the paddock, but he then struggled to rediscover that magic in the years that followed. There was always hope though.

Max Nagl spent three years with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna (Husqvarna Motorcycles/J.P Acevedo)

Now most will be impressed if he can finish inside of the top ten consistently, because no one has managed to do that aboard a TM. The bike could be capable in the right hands though, as Davide Guarneri danced on the cusp of the top ten when he last piloted the machine. Would he really have fared much better on a Japanese or Austrian machine? Exactly.  It is rather difficult to shake the stigma that surrounds TM though and, consequently, Nagl could be in a position to impress and boost a dwindling fan base.

Just finishing in the top ten will be enough to garner attention, as mentioned above, and that is something that he has lacked recently. Nagl is not the most outgoing rider in the paddock nor is he a hit on social media, so it is fair to say that he does not have the largest following in the top ten. Now, however, most will scour the results just to see how he has performed aboard the foreign machine. That increase in relevance could aid him further when his contract expires in twelve months, especially seeing as he believes that he still has a lot more to give in MXGP.

The deal with TM Factory Racing is almost guaranteed to work out for Nagl, even if he struggles to fulfil his potential, as if he flounders in the lower half of the top ten, then an uneducated fan would automatically assume the machine is to blame. Although this deal could be considered the beginning of the end for the nine-time Grand Prix winner, it may also turn into a fresh start that becomes one of the biggest talking points of the new season.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Husqvarna Motorcycles/J.P Acevedo

KTM & Dakar

KTM showcase their new 450 Rally bike ahead of Dakar

“We’re going in confident but humble,” stated Dakar champion Sam Sunderland as he helped unveil KTM’s new 450 Rally bike at EICMA.

EICMA, Europe’s biggest motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, was the stage for KTM to officially show the world its new 450 Rally bike, which they hope will take them to an astonishing 17th consecutive Dakar Rally victory next January.

With press from all corners of the globe watching on, KTM pulled back the covers on a bike that has taken them two years to develop.

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

In October they raced it in a black livery in Morocco, but in Milan it was sporting its thoroughbred race colours.

As the nature and terrain of the Dakar Rally has developed, it’s clear KTM have engineered their latest offering to mirror that.

Most certainly a visual step forward in the evolution of rally bikes, the new 450 Rally looks sleeker, slimmer and trimmer than its predecessor.

It looks closer to an enduro bike than we’ve seen before.

Under that new bodywork features an all-new engine with higher peak performance balanced by a new engine management system with a better throttle body to improve response.

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

It’s got a new air box and a completely new frame to improve agility and handling.

New rear suspension is mated to a new swing arm. There’s a lot going one, more than KTM are willing to talk about this close to Dakar.

“It’s been two years of testing to get to this stage,” told Sunderland. “We spent a lot of time in 50 degree heat in Morocco doing durability testing.

“A lot of work has gone into this bike from the whole team, and with the win at our first outing in Morocco, it’s a good sign for Dakar.”

 

New Gas Gas GP Model

First Look: Gas Gas Enduro GP model

 

Gas Gas have announced a pair of factory edition models labelled Enduro GP for their 250cc and 300cc two-stroke bikes.

Mirroring that of their race bikes used in the Enduro World Championship, the Enduro GP models feature a series of upgrades and improvements over the production spec bike.

A new competition benchmark by Gas Gas incorporate a long list of new specifications and components, which proudly shows off a new look.

A high performance engine with a cylinder head with new combustion chamber achieve greater power and delivery for the most demanding riders. 

Rekluse & FMF partnership

 

The Gas Gas Enduro GP has a new clutch cover and housing from the Rekluse company for increased efficiency and cooling performance.

The exclusiveness of this model is evident in its smallest details, at a visual level and even regarding the sound for two-stroke lovers, with a complete exhaust system developed by FMF especially for Gas Gas.

Kayaba fork upgrade

 

For the Enduro GP edition, the Kayaba forks have a new anti-friction treatment in black (DLC coating) guaranteeing a boost in performance and to give even more confidence to the rider and adapting to any type of terrain.

The front end features new X-Trig triple clamps finished in red anodising, and Renthal 997 handlebars, new handlebar clamps and grips by same brand.

In addition to the long list of new features added to the front end is a new axle puller for easy removal and a floating front disc to improve feel and increase braking power.

The factory look

 

Naturally the Enduro GP model is given the factory makeover. Gas Gas reflect their 100% 'Factory Racing' spirit of the new GP 2018 on the outside with a fresh design of its plastic covers and graphics to give a faithful replica of its GP motorcycles. 

The new Enduro GP features black spokes and a black anodised aluminium rear sprocket.

The look is completed by a new racing seat, the same as used by the Gas Gas riders in the World Championship to offer greater grip and safety.

The Enduro GP models will be available from November.

 

New Specification Gas Gas Enduro GP 250/300*

• Rekluse clutch cover and housing exclusive to EnduroGP for increased efficiency and cooling
• Cylinder head with a new combustion chamber for greater torque and more precise response for the most demanding riders
• Complete FMF exhaust system - Gas Gas EnduroGP
• Renthal 997 handlebar and Renthal grips give greater feel and comfort to the rider
• X-Trig machined red anodised triple clamps. They give a greater feeling in the front end and a reduction in weight.
• New machined handlebar clamps give a greater firmness and strength to the handlebar mounting system
• Kayaba 'Factory Racing' EnduroGP forks incorporating a new black anti-friction treatment (DLC coating) guaranteeing perfect feeling for the rider on any type of terrain
• Front wheel axle handle for quicker and easier removal
• Floating front brake disc for increased performance and improved front brake feel
• Black spokes
• EnduroGP seat for extra grip. Exclusive factory racing team colour scheme
• Exclusive EnduroGP plastic covers and graphics
• Black anodised aluminium rear sprocket

* All these components are part of the new Gas Gas EnduroGP 'Factory Racing' product line

2017 Gobbler Getter National Enduro Highlights

Steward Baylor topped the Gobbler Getter National Enduro - the ninth and final round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in Stanton, Alabama, and by doing so claimed this second National Enduro title.

Anderson Preps for Aus-x

Jason Anderson is leaving nothing on the table at the Monster Energy AUS-X OPEN Sydney this weekend! When he says "When you gotta make a pass, you gotta make a pass", you know he's not going down without a fight!

Team Honda HRC MXGP | 2018 Riders Announced

Team Honda HRC MXGP | 2018 Riders Announced

The start of the EICMA trade show in Milan, Italy, was marked with the official roster reveal for Team Honda HRC MXGP in 2018. A few months ago it was announced that HSF Logistics, a refrigerated transport company based in The Netherlands, had signed a multi-year contract to serve as the title sponsor of Honda’s factory racing operation in the Monster Energy FIM Motocross World Championship, starting in 2018. This led to news that Evgeny Bobryshev was told that he would not be offered a contract extension to the team due to the addition of a then-unnamed rider, which was widely known to be Brian Bogers.

The EICMA news confirms the details: two-time champion Tim Gajser will remain with the team thanks to a multi-year contract with the brand, Brian Bogers will make his MXGP class debut with the full support of the factory team, and Calvin Vlaanderen will field the all-new CRF250R in the MX2 class.

The 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross World Championship kicks off in Argentina in early March with the MXGP of Patagonia.

The press release from Team Honda HRC is posted in full below…

On the eve of the annual EICMA Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy, Team HRC announced its rider line-up for the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship, MXGP, as part of its traditional factory motorsport announcement.

Tim Gajser, 2016 MXGP World Champion, remains with Team HRC aboard the #243 Honda CRF450RW, and is joined in the MXGP category by Brian Bogers as the 21-year-old Dutchman joins the factory outfit from the HSF Motorsport team.The third machine under the Team HRC awning will be Calvin Vlaanderen who will line up behind the MX2 gate on the Honda CRF250RW. The 21-year-old South African joins Honda, like teammate Bogers, from the HSF Motorsport team as part of the sponsorship deal with Team HRC and HSF Logistics, effective from the 2018 season onwards.The three motocross riders were joined on stage by their counterparts in HRC's factory MotoGP, Trial, and Dakar / Rally teams, bringing together a world-beating wealth of talent on two wheels.

Team HRC are testing throughout the off-season in preparation for the opening round of the 2018 MXGP series in Argentina on 3-4 March, where Tim Gajser has dominated for the last two years.

"We're very excited to announce our new team for 2018. Tim needs no introduction as two-time World Champion with HRC, and we welcome two promising young talents in Brian and Calvin. We have already announced the partnership with HSF for next season, but now we can see what this refreshed team will look like – with two CRF450RWs we will mount another strong challenge to see the World Champion crown return to Honda, and with a CRF250RW entry for Calvin, based on the all-new 2018 Honda CRF250R, we are supporting and developing future talent. Our testing programme with all three riders starts from now to make sure we're ready to start 2018 on top in Argentina in March." – Marcus Pereira de Freitas – Team HRC – MXGP

"It's great to stay with HRC into 2018 for another – we've already been a long time on this journey together and I’m so happy to continue. For 2018 I have new teammates which is something new to me – we are all young guys in the team and I think that's going to be good as we're all hungry for the challenge together. I'm really excited for the year ahead; we're fit and ready to go again. It's a pleasure too to be at EICMA with the rest of the family – the MotoGP guys, Dakar and the Trial team. It's a really strong family to be part of!" – Tim Gajser, MXGP – 243

"It's like a dream come true for me to be part of the HRC family. Every time I walk through the paddock it's not possible to miss Honda and the setup they have, and I've always thought about the chance to join this family, and now I'm also part of it. I'm so excited to get on the bike – it looks amazing and when you see how Tim is riding it I can't wait to get 2018 started. I've already been in the same team as Tim, in 2009, so it's cool to be joining him again for next season, along with Calvin. It's amazing being here in EICMA with the rest of the HRC riders too, with Marc and Dani, Trial and Dakar, and to know that I’m now a part of that now is really an honour." – Brian Bogers, MXGP – 189

"it's unbelievable to be standing here today with all the other HRC guys being part of the factory team. I've always wanted to be part of a factory team since I was a kid, and now that the dream has come true it's incredible. I spend time watching the likes of Marc and Dani on TV, so to be joining them at EICMA to be announced as a factory rider is a blessing. I'm so excited to get on the new bike – I've seen pictures and heard things from different people and apparently it's unbelievable, so I'm so excited. I couldn't sleep last night looking forward to today's announcement and starting to test tomorrow!" – Calvin Vlaanderen, MX2 – 10

Maybe a New Indiana Track

Dubois County 4H Fairgrounds could get motocross track

By Matthew Crane on November 6, 2017

The Dubois County 4H Fairgrounds could be adding a mile-and-a-half motocross racetrack in time for the 2018 race season.

Vincennes-based Outlaw MX LLC., has plans to build the track on the 4H Fairgrounds if the 4H Council approves moving forward with a contract. Outlaw MX operates a track at the Knox County Fairgrounds already and would like to expand to Dubois County and build a larger track. The larger track could help them build the race popularity and attract national racers to Dubois County.

The track would be located in the northeast portion of a field the council leases to a local farmer. The field is on the northwest side of the fairgrounds.

According to 4H Council president Tammy Neukam, the field is used for hay but that area isn’t very productive. It isn’t used during the fair and has been identified as a good location for the track.

Per the contract, Outlaw MX will build the track which will be fenced in. During races, they will utilize the council’s bleachers. Neukam said they would likely have races one to two times a month during the season from March to October.

Outlaw MX will lease the track from the 4H Council for $600 per event and also pay for practice sessions. The track will not be open to the public and events will not occur during the 4H Fair, nor anytime livestock is at the fairgrounds.

Neukam said the County Park Board was in favor of the 4H Council’s plan and felt it would bring campers into the campground during events.

Neukam appeared before the Dubois County Commissioners Monday morning to notify them of the potential project. The commissioners were in support of the addition but request the council meet with the neighbors to the northwest of the track to hear any concerns they have.

“I would like to hear from these residents before you move forward,” Commissioner Elmer Brames said.

4H Council vice president Ed Boeglin told the commissioners that a meeting would be organized to hear from neighbors in the next two weeks before the contract with Outlaw MX was formalized. In regards to noise, Boeglin felt that the treeline between the neighborhood and the track would help with the noise. He estimated that the closest home to the track was about 700 to 750 feet from the track.

“We have a couple personal friends that live beside the Bicknell track and when we spoke to them, they said at first they heard them, but now they don’t hear it anymore,” Neukam said.

She added that according to the contract with Outlaw MX, races would occur between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on the weekend. She added that since they won’t have lights on the track, races cannot occur after dark.

Commissioner Nick Hostetter added that he felt the main concern would be the noise but admitted he would appreciate the new offering in the county since he has children that enjoy the sport. He pointed out that it would give children something else to do.

According to Boeglin, the majority of the riders are between four and 18-years-old; not many racers are adults. He said that at least a dozen racers in Dubois County head to Bicknell where Outlaw MX operates events at the Knox County Fairgrounds.

“This is good, clean fun,” agreed Boeglin. “It’s a controlled environment.”

He added that Outlaw MX would have an ambulance available during races and have offered to contract with St. Anthony first responders to be at the events.

Besides bringing in money for the fairgrounds, Outlaw MX has suggested that 4H leaders or clubs could provide concessions at the races to raise money.

The contract includes a clause that if either party decides to cancel, Outlaw MX must return the land to its original state within 120 days.

“I would like the neighbors to at least give it a try knowing we can cancel the contract,” Brames said.

If approved construction on the track will begin nearly immediately, but races aren’t expected to occur until next year.