News 18 Dec 2017

Falzon completes YRT YZF-R1M shakedown in Queensland

Top privateer makes first factory team appearance at Queensland Raceway.

Words: Russell Colvin

Source: Supplied.

South Australian rider Daniel Falzon had his first day at the office with Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) yesterday at Queensland Raceway, as he and the team prepare an assault on next year’s Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Falzon, 23, and longtime mechanic Liam Wilkinson flew up to YRT’s headquarters in Murrarie, Queensland a day early to get his machine accustomed to his liking.

“Within the first session I knew this Yamaha R1M was fantastic and simply handled extremely well,” Falzon told CycleOnline.com.au. “Every change we made was positive and we ended up with some really good lap times, which was a rewarding result for the team and me.”

After stepping off his Caterpillar-backed Yamaha R1 onto the up-spec R1M as part of the factory squad, the biggest difference Falzon found was the ‘upgraded’ performance, such as the rear shock and Brembo brake system.

“The added performance of the factory Yamaha R1M has certainly helped me feel comfortable on the bike,” he continued. “It did also help with the overall set-up of the machine as well, as it was well suited to my riding style from the start.

“Every change we made today was in the right direction and I put that down to Kev [Marshall] and Jeff [Dillon]’s experience with the Yamaha YZF-R1M. They both knew exactly what to change when explained any issues, I’m really grateful to have their knowledge behind me this season.”

Next time Falzon will saddle up on the bike will be at the official ASBK test, which takes place on 30-31 January at Phillip Island in Victoria.

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