Riders get ready to rumble!

If you head into roadworks, get ready to rumble over new temporary yellow rumble strips that have been deemed a safe for motorcycles.

The temporary portable rumble strips have been trialled in NSW for the past two years and have been used in other states including Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland for a few years.

Now the bright yellow 20mm high strips are being formally introduced into NSW. 

Rumble safelyRumble strips roadworks

Rumble strips roadworks
Temporary rumble strips are used throughout the world

We asked SafeWork NSW if the strips would pose a slip hazard for riders, but they claim they “are safe for vehicles to drive over, including motorcyclists”.

We suggest riders approach the strips slowly and at right angles so the front wheel doesn’t slip along the leading edge.

They will be installed along with road signs and warnings on selected roadwork sites where the speed limit is 60km/h or less.  

These rumble strips do exactly that … they “rumble” or vibrate when you ride over them.

They may also cause a slight bump in your bike’s steering.

Roadworks crashes

Hartford Classic 250 Riding scooter motorcycle roadworks rumble
Waiting at roadworks lights

SafeWork NSW Executive Director Operations, Tony Williams, says the temporary strips are a response to crashes at roadworks.

“With the current amount of roadwork projects and investment in NSW the more workers we have out there developing our infrastructure, the more we need to address the risks associated with construction work,” he says. 

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for roadworks.

“Many workers are seriously injured or killed when hit by moving plant, or in on-site vehicle collisions. 

“Last month a worker sustained multiple fractures after he was struck by a vehicle when collecting warning signs at a Hornsby roadwork site. 

“Rumble strips are a simple way to remind drivers and motorists that they are in a higher risk area. 

“Other essential safe work systems include separating workers from moving plant and vehicles wherever possible, with physical barricades, exclusion zones and segregated work processes.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Suzuki still serious about turbocharging

We have been reporting on Suzuki’s turbocharging plans ever since they unveiled their Recursion concept in 2013.

Suzuki Recursion - Katana turbo blown turbocharging
Suzuki Recursion

Over the years there have been rumours about mid-capacity turbo sports bikes of 500-700cc capacity and even a turbo version of their Hayabusa or new Katana.

Each year they have hinted at turbocharging and we fly expected to see one at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan were they had said they would release several new mnkdles.

Instead, we got an updated DR Big V-Strom!

Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Dr Big
Updated DR Big Strom!

Serious about turbocharging

But Suzuki is still serious about turbocharging tech.

British insurance broker website Bennetts says it will be a a GSX 700 Turbo and have released new patent drawings that seem to support that theory.

It shows the turbo located closer to the cylinder heads which makes the engine more compact and reduces turbo “lag”.

The drawings show a tubular frame, compact low exhaust and twin radiators.

Will it be revealed in 2020? Who knows! We’ve almost given up predicting the launch of their forced-induction model.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki is forging ahead with their supercharged models. They now have four models – H2, H2R, H2 SX and the Z H2.

Kawasaki Z H2 - Bimota
Kawasaki Z H2

They’ve also bought Bimota and are powering their new Tesi with a H2 supercharged engine.

turbocharging
Bimota Tesi H2

Even BMW is considering forced induction for their M bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Final Action Of 2019 For Rea In Jerez

Overall it was pretty good. I had good motivation for this test. Normally at the end of a busy season it is easy to get lost but we focused on quality rather than quantity. We did a lot of back-to-back testing of things we had ideas to try out during the year. Then we tested some new items and new ideas. The biggest thing was in my riding position on the bike and getting used to the rear brake lever on the handlebar, plus some different engine braking. Aside from that Pirelli brought some different tyres. At the end we could do a time attack with a qualifying tyre and that put us right there. It was hard at the end doing that, because a couple of hours before the session finished there was oil all over Turn One. The track was compromised a bit but I still feel that we did a really good job at this test, both with our outright pace and also consistency. We are where we should be and I am really happy to sign off on an incredible 2019. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/final-action-2019-rea-jerez


Jonathan Rea ended the 2019 WorldSBK year today with the final day of a two-day test at Circuito de Jerez in Andalucia, Spain. &nbsp
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

WorldSBK Jerez test topped by Rea on day two

Image: Supplied.

The 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) is edging ever-closer as the final test of 2019 is all done and dusted.

New motorcycles, team changes and rookie and returning riders made headlines across the two days at the Circuito de Jerez, which took place in more-or-less untroubled conditions.

Despite a handful of red flags, it was Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) who topped the timesheets, whilst closely behind were Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).

Having just been pipped for top slot at lunchtime, the KRT squad were back on top come the end of the test, as Jonathan Rea was the first rider into the 1m38s. The time, which is under Alvaro Bautista’s race lap record from last year, slotted him nicely at the top whilst teammate Alex Lowes completed day two of the test in fourth place.

Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) enjoyed a successful comeback to WorldSBK and finished just outside the top ten in 11th, as he continued to become more accustomed to the bike. Aboard the Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki, Lorenzo Savadori finished 15th and began to get used to Showa suspension.

Yamaha were once again leading the charge to Kawasaki, although this time it was Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing – Yamaha) who was second. The Frenchman bolted up to the top just after lunch but was pegged back by the reigning five-time WorldSBK Champion. Eager to improve the feeling on fresh rubber whilst the bike works a treat on old tyres, Baz is back at the forefront of WorldSBK.

Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team) suffered a mechanical problem which resulted in an oil leak and subsequent crash at turn one, bring out the red flags. Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) and Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) also crashed on oil.

Van der Mark finished in third overall, just 0.007s from Baz. Having been inside the top four for most of the day, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team) finished seventh, refining his feeling with Ohlins suspension, as he’d not used it before. On the 2020 R1, Niccolo Canepa was eighth. GRT Yamaha’s top rider was Federico Caricasulo in 13th, whilst Garrett Gerloff was 14th.

WorldSBK rookie Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the leading Ducati Panigale V4 R rider in fifth, as the British rider continued his understanding of the team and bike in WorldSBK-spec. Redding has pleased the entire team at Aruba.it Racing – Ducati with his quick adaptation, adding to the positive mood inside the box.

The focus for the team on a whole was the balance of the bike and to try some new parts on the rear end. For Chaz Davies, the Welshman finished in ninth and was over 1.5s behind Jonathan Rea. BARNI Ducati’s Michele Pirro was in 12th place.

The best of the BMWs was once again Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), as the British rider continued his progress and used all of his famed development skills in order to get the bike to his liking. The 2013 WorldSBK Champion leapt up to sixth in the final ten minutes of action, making it three British riders inside the top five.

New teammate and former WorldSBK title rival Eugene Laverty was quietly going about his business, as he finished in tenth place on his return to the Shaun Muir Racing fold.

It was former Moto2 rider Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) who set the pace ending on top of the WorldSSP timesheets ahead of Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Randy Krummenacher (MV AGUSTA Reparto Corse).

The next test for the WorldSBK circus will take place back at the Jerez circuit before moving immediately on to Portimao, from the 21-26 January.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Thanksgiving turkey attacks motorcycle cop!

Maybe we should carry a turkey with us on our motorcycles this Thanksgiving to protect us from getting a speeding ticket from the police.

It certainly worked for this driver who will be giving thanks to a turkey this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving turkey

The driver didn’t have the turkey in his car; it just showed up to rescue him from the motorcycle cop who had pulled him over for speeding.

But perhaps it would be a good idea to have one on hand!

Anyway, the incident occurred in San Francisco and the Livermore Police Department thought it funny enough to release the body camera video.

After the wild turkey chases the officer, he gives up and says: “You’re not getting a ticket, he doesn’t want you to get a ticket!”

We don’t think it was a Thanksgiving prank, but a genuine situation.

The department has also posted the video on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Maybe we should add turkeys to this guide on what to do when pulled over by police!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW reveals R 18 Big Boxer details

Details of the Big Boxer engine in the new BMW R 18 cruiser have finally been revealed in Munich overnight.

The air/oil cooled boxer will have 1802cc of capacity and develop just 67kW (91hp) at 4750rpm, but a whopping 158Nm of peak torque at 3000 revs.

More than 150Nm will be on tap from just 2000 to 4000 revs.

Despite the enormous pulling power, BMW says the “generously sized flywheel mass” will provide “exemplary running smoothness”.

It will idle at a lumpy 950rpm and hit the limiter at a lazy 5750rpm.

However, we still don’t know what the final appearance of the bike will be.

Following two independent custom shop R 18 concepts, BMW Motorrad unveiled their Concept R 18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2019 and a second concept, the more modern R 18/2, was unveiled at EICMA earlier this month.

There have also been some spy shots, but not a full reveal which is expected early next year.

Even before a production model R 18 cruiser has rolled out of the Spandau factory gates, BMW Motorrad Australia is taking orders and deposits and has set up a dedicated site.

Big Boxer detailsBMW R 18 Big BoxerBMW R 18 Big Boxer

BMW says the Big Boxer engine will have overhead valves and a separate engine and transmission housing, but otherwise the same structural features of their first boxer which had laterally controlled valves.

It is BMW’s highest-capacity twin-cylinder boxer engine in motorcycle series production.

The Big Boxer weighs a hefty 110.8kg and has a 107.1mm bore and 100mm stroke.

Other features are large ribbed cylinders and heads with a vertically split aluminium engine housing.

Unlike their classic air-cooled two-valve boxer engines, the crankshaft is forged from quenched and tempered steel.

It has an additional main bearing at the centre, which is necessary to prevent “undesirable bending vibrations of the crankshaft”.

Like the crankshaft, the two connecting rods with I-shaft are mounted on plain bearings and are also forged from quenched and tempered steel.

They accommodate cast aluminium pistons with two compression rings and an oil wiper ring. The running surface of the light metal cylinders is coated with NiCaSil.

Lubricating and cooling oil is supplied by a wet sump lubrication system with a two-stage oil pump via sleeve-type chain driven by the crankshaft.

Two camshaftsBMW R 18 Big Boxer

Modern features include four valves, dual ignition, a modern combustion chamber architecture, intake manifold injection and the BMS-O engine management system for optimum torque and to meet Euro emissions targets.

However, it uses the classic OHV configuration for its valve drive of the legendary R 5 to R 51/2 from 70 years ago.

2016 BMW R 5 Hommage
2016 R 5 Hommage concept

As in the historical role model, the two camshafts are positioned to the left and right above the crankshaft in the Big Boxer.

BMW says the advantage of this “twin camshaft boxer” is shorter pushrods which reduces moving masses, minimises deflections and lowers linear expansions for a stiffer valve drive with improved control precision and higher speed stability.

In the traditional BMW Motorrad boxer design, the two pushrods actuate one pushrod per cylinder side for the intake and one for the exhaust side, guided in a sealed pushrod tube on the top of the cylinders. The two intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder head are actuated in pairs via fork toggle levers.

In contrast to today’s widespread engine technology, valve clearance compensation is not effected by means of hydraulic elements, but – as was the case in most classic air-cooled BMW two-valve boxers for decades – via one adjusting screw with one lock nut for each valve.

As was formerly the case in the classic two-valve boxers, valve clearance adjustment (0.2 – 0.3 mm) in the R18 Big Boxer is also quick and easy. The valves are made of steel, with a disc diameter of 41.2mm on the inlet side and 35mm on the outlet side. The valve angle is 21 degrees on the inlet side and 24 degrees on the outlet side.

TransmissionBMW R 18 Big Boxer

It is married to a constant-mesh six-speed transmission and self-reinforcing single-plate dry clutch with anti-hopping function to prevent rear-wheel lock-ups on rapid downshifts.

The transmission is located in a dual-section aluminium housing and is designed as a four-shaft transmission with helical gear pairs.

The gearbox input shaft with lug dampers drives the two gearbox shafts with the gear wheel pairs. An output shaft is provided to bridge the distance and reverse the direction of rotation. A reverse gear is available as an optional extra. This is driven by an intermediate gear and an electric motor and can be shifted manually.

As in all BMW motorcycles with boxer engines, torque is transmitted from the gearbox to the rear wheel in the R 18 via a propeller-shaft or universal-shaft drive with universal joint, shaft and rear-axle drive with bevel and ring gear.

The propeller shaft and universal joint are classically nickel-plated and open, as used by BMW Motorrad in models up to 1955.

A so-called tripoid joint is applied on the gearbox side for length compensation.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Three riders injured in two getaways

Three riders have been injured in getaways from police and a crime scene in the past week on the Gold Coast.

A rider who evaded Gold Coast Police about 7pm yesterday (29 November 2019) was later injured in a crash with a car at Broadbeach Waters.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Rio Vista and Hooker Boulevards, where the motorcycle and a car had collided.

The rider was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the car was not physically injured.

Police say it was a “traffic intercept” but the rider allegedly failed to stop.

“Police did not follow,” they say.

The man remains in hospital and has yet not been charged.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1902374337

Stolen bike

It follows an incident earlier in the week where two men were hospitalised in serious conditions after trying to flee on a stolen motorcycle after an alleged break-in attempt in Kingsholme.

Police believe they were attempting to break into a home on Upper Ormeau Road around 6pm, when they were caught by neighbours.

One of the neighbours reportedly was hit in the face with a bag wielded by one of the mean and another suffered a broken nose in the scuffle.

The two alleged offenders fled the scene on a motorbike but crashed a little way down the road.

They’ve were taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital in serious but stable conditions.

A 26-year-old Logan Central man and a 33-year-old Logan Central man were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, armed robbery and burglary.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Great Holiday Gifts For Motorcycle Riders

Get ready for the holidays with this assorted collection of gifts for the motorcycle riding friend or family member.
Get ready for the holidays with this assorted collection of gifts for the motorcycle riding friend or family member.Harley-Davidson

’Tis the season of giving and who doesn’t want to be prepared for the holidays? This time we’re giving you a helping hand by rounding up some of the best motorcycle gifts that you could give the special motorcyclist in your life. From gadgets designed to simplify life to must-have riding essentials that make time on a motorcycle more enjoyable, we highlight the best of the best accessories for the modern motorcycle rider.

Ladies Saki Café Leather Jacket

Ladies Saki Café Leather Jacket
Looking for a gift idea with a bit of attitude? Then check out the AGVSPORT Ladies Saki leather jacket, designed with the perfect combination of performance and style. This jacket blends a performance riding fit with premium hand-finished cowhide leather, fine detailing, and Smoothways CE Level 2 soft armor, making it comfortable on or off the road. To help you finish your holiday shopping right, use the discount code BMG2019 for 25% off and free shipping at checkout. MSRP: $399.99AGVSPORT

Howard Leight By Honeywell Laser Lite High-Visibility Disposable Foam Earplugs

Howard Leight By Honeywell Laser Lite High-Visibility Disposable Foam Earplugs
Motorcyclists are exposed to high levels of noise. In an effort to keep your ears in healthy condition a good set of earplugs are a must-have. Of all the types we’ve tried over the years, these disposable foam earplugs from Howard Leight are our favorite. The two-tone magenta colorway make them easy to spot and the contoured-T shape makes them easy to insert and remove from the ear canal. Other earplugs may offer a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), but the 32-decibel-rated Laser Lite plugs let the right amount of noise in allowing for a cleaner, crisper hearing experience whether riding with or without a Bluetooth-enabled headset both on the street or racetrack.Honeywell

Motorcyclists are exposed to high levels of noise. In an effort to keep your ears in healthy condition a good set of earplugs are a must-have. Of all the types we’ve tried over the years, these disposable foam earplugs from Howard Leight are our favorite. The two-tone magenta colorway make them easy to spot and the contoured-T shape makes them easy to insert and remove from the ear canal. Other earplugs may offer a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), but the 32-decibel-rated Laser Lite plugs let the right amount of noise in allowing for a cleaner, crisper hearing experience whether riding with or without a Bluetooth-enabled headset both on the street or racetrack.

Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish 5-Ounce Aerosol AJ2719-06

Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish 5-Ounce Aerosol AJ2719-06
There are few things we dislike more than a dirty motorcycle. Make sure your pride and joy remains clean and shiny with this can of spray polish. The formula was first introduced by a variety of Japanese OE brands years ago but fast-forward to today, and this spray polish is exclusive to Original Bike Spirits. The polish cleans virtually anything from plastic to painted surfaces and even glass. It also works as a lubricant in a pinch to free stuck parts. The smaller 5-ounce travel size makes it easy to toss in a bag.Original Bike Spirits

Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ Front And Rear Tires

Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ Front And Rear Tires
Sport motorcycles perform best with fresh rubber. And Dunlop offers the right shoe for the job with its Sportmax Q3+ tires. The Q3+ tires are designed as a do-it-all tire solution for sport riders who ride in any road condition, both on the street and racetrack. These Sportmax hoops stand out with fast warm-up time, sharp but not overly so contour, and high level of adhesion against asphalt. The icing on the cake is their impressive levels of durability and competitive price tag.Dunlop

Sena 20S EVO Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset

Sena 20S EVO Motorcycle Bluetooth Headset
Riding motorcycles is a great way to disconnect from the world. But what about the times when you want to stay in touch? Sena makes it easy with its easy-to-use 20S EVO Bluetooth headset communication system. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes, the device easily attaches to the chin bar of most motorcycle helmets. Route and secure the hard-wired speakers, attach the microphone, and pair the device with your smartphone and you’ll be riding connected with the ability to navigate, listen to audio, or chat on the phone. You can also use Sena’s integrated group intercom function to speak to other Sena-equipped riders who are riding with you.Sena

Shoei RF-1200 Motorcycle Helmet

Shoei RF-1200 Motorcycle Helmet
When it comes to bang for the buck, few helmet manufacturers offer a better value than Shoei and its functional RF-1200 helmet. Introduced a few years ago, the RF-1200 is a do-it-all full-face helmet that works well in all conditions, and on all types of motorcycles, from a Harley-Davidson bagger to Ducati’s Panigale V4 S sportbike. The RF is outfitted with a rich feature set including a plush, modular interior, with adequate open/close ventilation, and Pinlock and Transitions (auto-tint) visor options. Plus it includes a variety of colors, with ultra-premium paint, and a five-year warranty.Shoei

Maxima SC1 Silicone Detailer

Maxima SC1 Silicone Detailer
One way to keep a motorcycle clean is to not get it dirty in the first place. Enter Maxima’s great-smelling SC1 silicone detailer. This spray-on coating enhances and protects plastic and vinyl surfaces making it ideal for off-road motorcycles. We apply it underneath the fenders of our dirt bike before we ride, which helps keep dirt from adhering to the motorcycle. This not only makes the bike easier to ride, especially in mucky conditions (keeps the machine light), but also eases cleaning chores post-ride. Make sure to buy a couple cans of it because you’ll be using it a lot.Maxima

One way to keep a motorcycle clean is to not get it dirty in the first place. Enter Maxima’s great-smelling SC1 silicone detailer. This spray-on coating enhances and protects plastic and vinyl surfaces making it ideal for off-road motorcycles. We apply it underneath the fenders of our dirt bike before we ride, which helps keep dirt from adhering to the motorcycle. This not only makes the bike easier to ride, especially in mucky conditions (keeps the machine light), but also eases cleaning chores post-ride. Make sure to buy a couple cans of it because you’ll be using it a lot.

Longacre 50417 (0-60 PSI) Tire Pressure Gauge

Longacre 50417 (0-60 PSI) Tire Pressure Gauge
Every motorcycle rider should have a good, high-quality tire pressure gauge. And this analog-style gauge from Longacre is a good option, especially considering its reasonable asking price. Motorcycle tires are often inflated under 60 psi, so the dial range is perfect for powersport use and a flexible hose with angled chuck makes it easy to reach tight places between the rear sprocket and the rim. Another plus, the gauge face is glow-in-the-dark, so it can be more easily read in low light.Longacre

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Hector Garzo, new rider at FlexBox HP 40

Sito Pons:
“I’m glad to announce the agreement with Héctor Garzó for the next two seasons. I must say that the test he made with the team in Valencia was impressed for all the team members. His adaptation to the bike was very fast and also his speed, finishing the test being one of the fastest riders. I am sure of the potential that Héctor has, I know him years ago when he competed in the European Championship, and this test has confirmed that he has a bright future. I am glad to have it in our project and I’m sure we’re going to help him grow up to be one of the best riders in the Moto2 category as we have done before with so many other rider. Héctor, in my name and the FlexBox HP 40 team, we warmly welcome you!”.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Héctor Garzó, new rider of the FlexBox HP 40

Sito Pons, main team
“I’m glad to announce the agreement with Héctor Garzó for the next two seasons. I must say that the test he made with the team in Valencia was impressed for all the team members. His adaptation to the bike was very fast and also his speed, finishing the test being one of the fastest riders. I am sure of the potential that Héctor has, I know him years ago when he competed in the European Championship, and this test has confirmed that he has a bright future. I am glad to have it in our project and I’m sure we’re going to help him grow up to be one of the best riders in the Moto2 category as we have done before with so many other rider. Héctor, in my name and the FlexBox HP 40 team, we warmly welcome you!”.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here