Monthly Archives: July 2020

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Defending ASBK Champions eager to get back on track

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Panigale V2 being prepped for two-up rides with TB

DesmoSport Ducati welcomes the release earlier this month of the final Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar, with racing set to get underway at Winton Motor Raceway on September 19 & 20.

In a year like no other, DesmoSport Ducati is primed and ready to get back on track and finish the 2020 season across the five remaining rounds in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

Team Co-Owner, Troy Bayliss

“Phillip Island feels like a lifetime ago really, but Mike has continued to put in the work off the bike when we were unable to ride, and both he and Ben have found something more from the V4R, so it will be great to go racing again and put it to the test.

“As for me, I actually got to put some laps in on the new Panigale V2, and it was so much fun! I actually had such a good time, that Ducati have agreed to let us build one into a two-up bike for the rest of the year, so should things settle down, keep your eye’s peeled for an opportunity to jump on the back with me, although be warned, I might be a little rusty.”

Ducati Panigale V
Troy Bayliss and DesmoSport Ducati are preparing a Panigale V2 as a two-up ride bike for ASBK rounds

While subject to constantly changing government rules and regulations, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has been working hard to ensure our championship moves forward. With the dates now cemented in place, DesmoSport Ducati has continued to test and develop the V4R with Mike Jones aboard the bike and is prepared to resume racing to defend the 2019 ASBK title.

Team Co-Owner, Ben Henry

“It’s been a year that no one could predict, that’s for sure, but the break from racing has allowed me to spend some more time with my family and working on my business, Cube Performance Centre, which has been fantastic. If anything, the break has just highlighted how much I love our sport and has me motivated more than ever to perform at the racetrack. Mike has been able to ride the bike, and we’re confident that we’ll be ready come September.”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Mike Jones main straight Cover
Mike Jones – Image by TDJ

Cube Racing Set to Return to the Track

And of course over in the other half of the DesmoSport Ducati Team at an ASBK event is the Cube Racing Supersport effort where TB’s teenage son Oli Bayliss has been honing his craft and despite the lull in racing young Oli has been training hard and also testing the Cube Racing YZF-R6 regularly at Morgan Park.

Oli Bayliss

“I don’t think anyone can tell what will happen next with everything that’s going on, but I’m happy that MA have set a calendar for a little later in the year. There’s a good chance that we might be able to race the last five rounds and finish the season. Even though there hasn’t been any racing, I’ve still been able to do a few track days, I’ve been training harder than ever and I feel really good on the bike, so it will be great to get back on the grid and actually race again. I just wanted to thank everyone that’s stood by us as a team, and me as a racer this year. My brother just opened a gym, Apex Performance and Fitness, I see how hard Ben works at Cube Performance Centre, and I know that all our sponsors work just as hard in their businesses, so I really appreciate everything that you all do so we can get on track.”

Team owner, Ben Henry

“We’ve been lucky to get some solid track time for Oli over the last few weeks and he’s continued his progression, despite the lack of racing. He’s physically stronger, and his confidence continues to grow with every outing on the bike. He’s unofficially set the fastest time for a 600 at Morgan Park and he’s set times in race simulations that would see him win in previous years, so I’m just looking forward to getting him back into a race situation to develop his race craft and continue his progression.”

Revised 2020 ASBK Calendar

  • ROUND 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
  • ROUND 2 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC: 18 – 20 September
  • ROUND 3 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC: 2 – 4 October
  • ROUND 4 – Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW: 16 – 18 October
  • ROUND 5 – Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD: 6 – 8 November
  • ROUND 6 – International MotoFest The Bend, SA: 20 – 22 November

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Quad Lock adds wireless phone charger

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Wireless charging is now available with the Aussie invention, Quad Lock, so you can more conveniently mount your phone on your bike and charge it on the run.

Quad Lock already has a $A44.95 charging accessory, but you need to plug in a USB cable which is a little messy and time consuming (like about two seconds!).

Now with this $A134.95 wireless charging head accessory that fits on the current mount, you simply attach the phone and it starts charging.

It is a bit bigger than the previous charger, but not unsightly.

Wireless charging

Having your phone charged while you are out on a ride is not only a convenience, but also a safety device.

If you get lost, crash or fall ill, your phone will still have charge so you can ring emergency and they can track you.

The company says some of the chargers already sent out to customers have an issue with the O ring becoming detached. They have provided a video of how to easily re-assemble it.

They assure us that future units will not have this issue.

I have been using a Quad Lock for several years and have been using the charger for several months without any issues.

I’m looking forward to getting a wireless charger!Quad Lock wireless charging head

They are easy to fit, discrete, quick to mount and remove your phone, robust and secure.

While the chargers are waterproof, I found with the cable charger that if you get water on the plug end that goes into your phone, it may not work until you dry it off.

The Quad Lock is available for motorcycles, scooters, cars, bicycles and runners.

You can buy the mount (RAM, handlebar or mirror), the case to suit your iOS or Android phone, a waterproof covering if required and the charging units separately or as a pack to save money.

How to fit

Quad Lock wireless charging head

They are very easy to fit with just a few allen bolts and they are very secure with the screws tightened.

The charging units sit on top of the mount with a lead that goes to your battery, a USB port or SAE connector.Quad Lock wireless charging head

To mount your phone, hold it at a 45-degree angle until it slots into place, then twist it clockwise to a vertical or horizontal position where it remains securely in place.

To remove the phone, simply push the blue tab and rotate anti-clockwise.

That makes it useful if you are riding along and see something worthy of a photo – no fumbling in your jacket for your phone, just grab it and take the shot, then re-attach it. (Obviously, stop first!)

The wireless charger should make that a little less fiddly as there is no need to remove a cable.Quad Lock wireless charging head

Although it is very secure, it does vibrate which makes it impossible to use the camera or video function on the move.

There are various places you can mount your phone – handlebar, mirror, triple clamp or RAM mount.Quad Lock wireless charging head

The mirror fitting is especially useful for scooters which often have conventional handlebars. It also puts the phone up nice and high so you don’t have to divert your eyes far from the road ahead to see the screen.

There is also an extension arm that you can fit to raise the phone up even higher in your field of vision. And now you can also get a ball mount to match a RAM fitting.

Quad Lock mobile phone mount
Quad Lock mobile phone mount with extension

It is handy to have the phone in front of you for navigational purposes and being able to rotate it to a wide or vertical orientation is very useful.

However, if you just use your phone for calls and music, most Bluetooth devices allow you to operate the controls without touching your phone.

It can be a bit distracting when text messages flash up on our phone while riding. There is a real temptation to read them! However, you can also turn this feature off or exercise some willpower.Quad Lock charging head

Riders often criticise car drivers for texting while driving, so we strongly advise against using it for texts unless you are stopped.

Aussie riders may also find that it is illegal to even touch the phone while riding, although the laws are a bit vague, says the Australian Motorcycle Council.

If you want to access any of the touchscreen facilities, you would need to have special gloves with touch-sensitive finger pads.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Helmet intercoms to be crash tested

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Helmet accessories such as intercoms and cameras must be crash-tested with the helmet type to be legal under new United Nations rules that come into effect from July 2023.

The changes are part of an upgrade to United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 22.05 standard which has been accepted for use in Australia since 2016.

New UN ECE 22.06 laws also include testing for head rotation in a crash, visor shatterproof durability and the ability of modular helmets to protect you when the chin bar is in place and when it is open.

UN ECE 22.06 rules will coexist with ECE 22.05 rules for a further three years, so there is no immediate impact for Aussie riders.

It is the first change to regulations for two decades.

Accessories crash-tested

Helmet still crash tested in Australia rated
Crash testing a helmet

Under the new rules, helmets with any proprietary accessories must be crash-tested with and without the accessories fitted.

This includes, integrated intercoms and cameras, peaks and visors.

Testing will measure adverse effects on energy absorption, sharp edges and field of vision.

As for aftermarket accessories, they will have to be fitted in accordance with the helmet manufacturer’s instructions.

Furthermore, all accessories will have to be tested with all types of helmet (full-face, open-face, modular, adventure, MX, etc).

The rules also says that helmets must not be modified from original manufacturer specification.

The Australian Motorcycle Council has pointed out that the EC rules only affect the helmet at the point of sale.

They say it should not impact on the owner’s desire to fit accessories, so long as they do not affect the integrity of the helmets.

For example, you shouldn’t drill holes in the helmet to fit them.

It is expected that with the rapid development of intercom and camera technology, many helmets may have standard inbuilt mounting cavities by the time 22.06 comes into force.

Other changes include:

Mark Taylor - Are modular helmets safe in a crash?
Nolan N104 modular helmet with internal sun visor
  • Modular helmets must be crash-tested with and without the chin guard in position;
  • Visors must be able to withstand the impact of a steel ball at 60m/s to ensure they don’t shatter, fracture or deform, while the visor housing must be capable of holding the visor in place and must not break;
  • Helmets will be tested for rotational forces in a crash;
  • Sun shields must be able to move separately from the visor and all helmets with a sun shield must be tested with the shield in its working position; and
  • Helmets may be required to have reflective stickers in some countries, so these must be supplied with the helmet at the point of sale with instructions on where and how to apply them.

Undoubtedly, these changes will make more expensive, but also safer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders in the dark over face masks

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Victorian police and health officials have left motorcycle riders in the dark over whether helmets are suitable and legal substitutes for face masks.

The move to mandatory face masks in Melbourne City and Mitchell Shire from Thursday (23 July 2020) comes as coronavirus infection rates spiral.

The measures could soon be matched in NSW where there is talk of further restrictions similar to countries around the world that are mandating masks when in public.

Masks clarification

MV COVID mask
MV Agusta has launched the COVID mask which is not guaranteed to protect!

Riders confused about the new direction and $200 fine have called for clarification on the measures.

So I contacted the Victorian Police and they simply replied:

The interpretation of Chief Health Officer restrictions is a matter for the Department of Health and Human Services. I recommend you contact DHHS with your questions.

So I did.

First, I checked the Victorian Health Department website which answers some of these questions.

It says that the mask can be either a cloth mask or a one-use surgical mask that covers both the mouth and nose. Click here for more details.

If your pillion is under 18, they do not have to wear a mask.

However, it notes that a scarf or bandana does not offer the same amount of protection as well-fitted face masks:

This is due to the type of fabrics they are made from. Properly constructed cloth masks are made from at least three layers of materials, including a water-resistant outer layer.

So that may rule out most motorcycle face masks.VLAD Act Vlad laws

Whether police would be concerned about judging the thickness of materials is doubtful but it could depend on whether a rider they have pulled over gives them a hard time!

It still doesn’t answer the question about whether a helmet is an approved substitute for a face mask.

The health department is obviously busy trying to sort out the rapid-fire changes, so they hadn’t responded to my calls and emails by the time of publication. I will update if/when they do.

‘Madness’

John Eacott

Meanwhile, riders remain in the dark and Australian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott says it’s “madness with everyone offering opinions but no facts.”

He says powered two-wheelers don’t feature in the health department website and points to this section which refers to cars which he says may carry across to PTWs:

DO YOU HAVE TO WEAR A MASK WHILE DRIVING?

If you are driving in a car by yourself or with a member of your household, you do not need to wear a face mask but you should carry one with you for when you exit the vehicle. If you are in a car with other people for work or rideshare purposes then you must wear a mask.

That should mean a helmet is ok, but when you stop you will have to don a mask.

That would make sense and heed UK motorcycle riding surgeon Dr Tommy Lim’s warning to riders about wearing a mask under their helmet.

He told Visordown that riders could blackout if they wear a surgical mask under a full-face or modular motorcycle helmet.

Dr Lim said the material that filtered particles before they entered the lungs could reduce oxygen to riders and potentially cause a blackout:

Surgical masks restrict your breathing. This can be fatal at high speeds when your adrenalin kicks in. Adrenalin will cause your heartbeat to double depending on your speed. This, in effect, will make you breathe faster and these masks will restrict your breathing and give your heart a hard time. Next, your brain will also suffer due to lack of oxygen until you blackout.

I think riders are smart enough to realise they should open their vents and/or visor for more air.

Conclusion

In the end, perhaps you should heed the advice of Premier Daniel Andrews:

The rules are to serve all of us and I will just say that if you have a question in your mind, should I be doing this, the answer almost certainly is no. You should not.

On behalf of all Aussie riders, I wish those riders affected by the lockdown the best of health!

Masks
Source: World Health Organisation

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

40 Years Edition GS models coming

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To celebrate BMW Motorrad’s fourth decade of adventure models, 40 Years Editions of their F series will arrive in Australia at the end of 2020 and early next year.

BMW Group Australia Product Communications Manager Nick Raman says prices and final specifications of the F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure will be available closer to the release date.

He also says details of Australian celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the GS will be released soon.

Apart from special GS 40th anniversary paint and graphics, they will come with full LED lighting and a USB charging device in the cockpit.

ABS Pro and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) will become standard fittings.

BMW Motorrad Australia General Manager Andreas Lundgren says the new models will also have a “raft of new option packages to complement their celebrated handling prowess on all road conditions including gravel”.

“They also make a statement by evoking BMW’s legendary models of the past in a significant year for the GS model line.”

40 Year Editions

Here is the official BMW press release on the 40 Years Editions anniversary models:

F 750 GS

BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

In Light white, sports style or as “40 Years GS Edition”, and with expanded standard equipment

The new BMW F 750 GS now steps up in the new basic Light white paintwork with the tank centre cover painted in the vehicle colour. The black matt painted rims, black handlebars and seat bench in red/black make for a striking contrast.

The sports style in San Marino blue metallic is also new for the BMW F 750 GS, while a tinted windscreen delivers a sporty touch. BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

Granite grey metallic rims, silver handlebars and a black-grey seat bench and galvanised radiator cowl additionally make a high quality impression.

Conversely, the visually eye-catching BMW F 750 GS “40 Years GS Edition” with the “40 Years GS” logo on the fairing side panels is dedicated exclusively to the “40 Years GS” anniversary.BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

Its yellow hand-protector bars and seat bench in black/yellow with GS logo unmistakably evoke an icon from 40 years of GS history, the BMW R 100 GS. Black matt painted rims, silver handlebars and a galvanised radiator cowl round off this exclusive anniversary appearance.

F 850 GSBMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

In Racing red, Rallye style or as “40 Years GS Edition”, and with expanded standard equipment:

The new BMW F 850 GS comes in the new basic Racing red paintwork with tank centre cover also painted in the vehicle colour. This contrasts with the black-coated fixed fork tubes, black rims and seat bench in black/grey.

In Rallye style and Racing blue metallic colour, the BMW F 850 GS together with the hand-protector bars, black fixed fork tubes and black-red seat bench emphasises its sporty character. The gold rims and galvanised radiator cowl accentuate its luxury feel.BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

The “40 Years GS Edition” BMW F 850 GS celebrates the 40th anniversary of the BMW GS models in Black storm metallic with “40 Years GS” logo on the fairing side panels. Exclusive yellow hand-protector bars, gold rims and a seat bench in black/yellow with GS logo also ensure a high level of recognition. Black fixed fork tubes and a galvanised radiator cowl are further hallmarks of this anniversary model.BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

The standard equipment of the BMW F 850 GS has been further enhanced with a windscreen adjustment mechanism and a TFT display including convenient Connectivity functions.

F 850 GS Adventure

BMW F 850 GS Adventure
F 850 GS Adventure

In Ice grey, Rallye style or as “40 Years GS Edition” and with expanded standard equipment

In the new basic Ice grey paintwork with tank centre cover painted in the vehicle colour, the new BMW F 850 GS Adventure fulfils aspirations for adventure, off-road competence and touring capability.

The black fixed fork tubes and rims and grey-black comfort seat blend in homogeneously and harmoniously.

F 850 GS Adventure Style Rallye
F 850 GS Adventure Style Rallye

The new BMW F 850 GS Adventure in Rallye style and Kalamata metallic matt paintwork signifies sporty talents and a sense of adventure. With its gold rims and fixed fork tubes, the new BMW F 850 GS Adventure appears both dynamic and aesthetically-pleasing at the same time.

The sports windscreen and a black/grey upholstered Rallye seat with 890mm seat height enhance the BMW F 850 GS Adventure’s sporty appearance.

The new BMW F 850 GS Adventure as “40 Years GS Edition” is also dedicated to the special anniversary of the BMW GS models. The “40 Years GS” logo and yellow hand-protector bars are distinctive hallmarks of the anniversary GS in Black storm metallic paintwork.

Black-coated fixed fork tubes, gold rims and a black/yellow upholstered seat bench for two with 860 mm seat height round off the BMW F 850 Adventure’s tribute to the GS family’s 40th anniversary.
A TFT display including convenient Connectivity functions is now also standard on-board.

New and modified optional equipment and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories for F 750 GS and F 850 GS

The new BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure all feature new components of the Pro riding modes optional equipment.

As per GS models with boxer engines, a reworked throttle response in DYNAMIC riding mode now ensures elevated dynamics and riding enjoyment.

Furthermore, dynamic engine brake control and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) now feature in Pro riding modes. Other new Pro riding mode features include the preselection of up to four riding modes for the button assignment on the right handlebar controls (only in conjunction with the Connectivity optional equipment in the BMW F 750 GS).BMW 40 Years anniversary F series GS models

An extra low seat bench as well as modified lowered suspension will be available as optional equipment for all three models in the future, ensuring even better ground accessibility when stationary.

Original BMW Motorrad Accessories now supply a holder for the BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure for mounting the BMW Motorrad Navigator above the standard TFT display; a beneficial element when the driver is stationary off-road. This holder was previously reserved exclusively for GS trophy machines and deployment vehicles.

The ex-works “Preparation for navigation device” optional equipment is still available for positioning on the handlebar clamp as before.

Since completely switching off the ABS will no longer be permissible under legal homologation regulations in the future, the Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes provide suitably adapted controls for this purpose.

The ABS function can still be switched off on the rear wheel in Enduro Pro riding mode (BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure only). The HP logo will be omitted in future in all optional equipment scopes and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

The sports silencer for the BMW F 750 GS will only be provided via Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

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(Sponsored article for our North American readers)

Motorcycle accidents are among the most statistically common types of traffic collisions. The thrill of speeding down an open road with the wind in your hair may be addictive, but it can also be deadly. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast or if you are just considering joining their ranks, you should know what pitfalls to avoid when you are riding a bike.

Left Turn Collisions

In the US, left-turn collisions (right turns in countries where they drive on the left) are one of the most common types of accidents. It is easy to misjudge the distance of an oncoming car when you are making a left turn. Most left-turn accidents involving motorcycles occur when drivers who are turning left cannot see an oncoming bike.

Speeding

It is not a good idea to ride faster than the general speed of traffic. The higher the speed, the greater the impact in a crash. Any abrupt stop in traffic can cause rear-end collisions which can result in serious injury or death.

Lane Splitting

Motorcycles offer a deceptive amount of freedom. A motorcycle can weave in and out of traffic and it can drive in between lanes which is known as lane splitting (riding between lanes at speed as opposed to lane filtering which is riding slowly through slow-moving or stationary traffic). This can be dangerous because drivers may not be able to see you. If a car changes lanes when you are straddling lanes, it can cause a serious accident.

Car Doors

Not all serious accidents happen on the highway, especially if you are on a motorcycle. It is difficult to see a motorcycle approaching you if you are in the driver’s seat of a car. Motorcycles are often hit by opening car doors.

If a car runs into an open door, it is likely to be the end of the door. If a bicycle runs into an open door, the bicyclist may well be injured. If a motorcycle traveling 30 or 40 miles an hour hits an open car door, the rider may be seriously injured.

Uneven Roads

Potholes, road construction, and dilapidated asphalt can cause a motorcycle driver to lose control of their bike.

Crashing on a motorcycle can cause head injuries, internal bleeding, and broken limbs. Injuries to the lower extremities are the most common.

You should always wear a helmet and protective clothing when you ride a bike. You should also take a motorcycle safety class.

California witnessed 550 motorcycle accidents in 2016, according to the latest Government Highway Safety Association study. Insurance companies are well aware of the dangers of motorcycles and they will charge you more for insurance if you are a biker. They may try to get out of paying you what you are really owed.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will need a trained personal injury attorney to get you the money you deserve. Attorney Kenneth King has years of experience in negotiating with insurance companies. He will seek a fair settlement, so you can get on with your life.

Authoritative Sources: https://www.ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/ghsa_motorcyclists18.pdf

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Who are the youngest Grand Prix premier class winners?

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Top 10 youngest premier class Grand Prix winners:
1. Marc Marquez – 20 years, 63 days (Circuit of the Americas 2013)
2. Freddie Spencer – 20 years, 196 days (Spa-Francorchamps 1982)
3. Norifumi Abe – 20 years, 227 days (Suzuka 1996)
4. Dani Pedrosa – 20 years, 227 days (Shanghai International Circuit 2006)
5. Randy Mamola – 20 years, 239 days (Spa-Francorchamps 1980)
6. Jorge Lorenzo – 20 years, 345 days (Circuito do Estoril 2008)
7. Mike Hailwood – 21 years, 75 days (Isle of Man 1975)
8. Fabio Quartararo – 21 years, 90 days (Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto 2020)
9. Valentino Rossi – 21 years, 144 days (Donington Park 2000)
10. Casey Stoner – 21 years, 145 days (Losail International Circuit 2007)

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Pol Espargaro: “Painful” to finish so close to podium

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Throughout the weekend, the Spaniard was very pleased with how the RC-16 was performing. Espargaro admitted after Friday’s running, especially in the FP2 heat, that he expected the bike to perform worse than it did. Earning a Q2 place and then sticking in it P7 signalled a successful Saturday, and Sunday would also prove to be a great success. In conditions some riders described as tougher than Thailand and Malaysia, Polyccio was able to fight the likes of Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) for the whole 25-lap combat.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Dovizioso: “There were three times where I almost gave up”

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“For sure we will be stronger because the feedback you have in the race is much more important,” continued Dovizioso, talking about the upcoming Andalucian GP. “And also the consumption of the tyre, that’s clear now. We have to do something different, but everyone has the same chance now. If we can be faster, we will make a different race. Without that it will be another hard race.”

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here