An Italian company plans to build a motorcycle with a howling, 150kW, upside-down, two-litre, triple engine and is seeking crowd-funding for the wacky idea.
While many motorcycle manufacturers are trying to build bikes with a lower centre of gravity for more stability, Nembo Motociclette says mass centralisation as featured in MotoGP bikes is more important.
With a rider on top of the bike, an upside-down engine with the heavy crank at the top would centralise mass.
Nembo say the bike will have 150kW of power, 210Nm of torque and weigh just 160kg.
They say it would be great for racing, but the video doesn’t seem to prove its speed or handling prowess. However, it does sound fantastic!
Upside-down history
The upside-down Nembo has been around for a while and was first publicly featured at the 2012 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este” at Lake Como, Italy.
Kinda got a nice ring to it hey? For those that don’t know Kenny, he is not your typical, irascible old bike racer. Far from it. As a lover of all things beautiful on both two, three and four wheels, Kenny can still be seen taking up the rear of the field at most classic races regularly on his trusty ninety year old Douglas together with either a very rare 250cc Manx Norton, G50 Matchless or one of his many other lovely classic racing bikes.
Kenny and his extremely rare 250 Manx Norton – Image by Colin Rosewarne
If you were lucky enough to be at last weekend’s Island Classic, he raced one of his two magnificent blood red Norvins. This time it was the all-conquering 1300cc monster that at some time held every unlimited classic racing title in this country ably ridden by Mildura’s Peter Guest. Riding such a beast is a great effort in itself for Kenny considering he weighs not much more than the front wheel of one of these monsters.
Ken Lucas at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Yeah so what you say, another old bloke with a few toys. Well, yes you would be right he’s an oldie but golden oldie. Kenny turns 88 years young next month and has raced all over the world with and against some of the greats of quite a few eras.
Until a couple of years back Kenny also raced his beautiful 700 Manx Norton outfit – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Yes, good but here’s the kicker – he’s raced his toys for over 70, yes 70 years! There’s barely a classic race meeting without a Ken Lucas race or the like in its race program to honour a great racer and truly lovely human being.
Those fortunate enough to meet and get to know the bloke will readily tell you of his cheekiness, generosity and love of a medicinal scotch after his race day.
Kenny and Brenda with his trusty Douglas – Image by Colin Rosewarne
With his loving wife of many years Brenda, their motorhome has played host to countless racers, legends of the sport, officials, sponsors and the odd tired out photographer looking for a seat where there’s always a yarn, a cuppa and a chunk of Brenda’s homemade fruit cake on offer. Kenny and Brenda are pure history and for those interested to learn, a bottomless pit of racing, racer history and practical engineering knowledge.
Kenny 37 and Chris Beaumont 741 getting rounded up by Pete Birthisel 111 outside latter both on Indians – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Walk past his motorhome at your peril when he’s unpacking for a race as if you are within earshot you will often get a cheeky yell and be asked to push one of his beautiful racing collection up to the pit shed for him, or vice versa at the end of the day and join him for a quiet medicinal scotch. Old school, trusting, but sharp as a tack.
Never afraid to hold court Kenny is seen here with Rick Begg left and Craig Longhurst kneeling – Image by Colin Rosewarne
As one would expect at 88 years young, he’s more than a tad deaf, can’t find his hearing aids and as a consequence has introduced many fellow racer pit campers nationwide with an early morning Sunday wakeup call to ABC Radio’s Macca’s All Over Australia while he gets his toast on. At home – he’s absolutely no different. Every day out in the shed with his harem of 60 plus beautiful, rare and exotic racing wives – all with a story. All with a yarn or six.
Ken Lucas exits pit-lane on a Vincent at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
The generosity of this man sees busloads of eager bike club members visit to get an insight into the man, a tour of his magnificent garages, and if he really likes you a ride on one of his steeds. Something largely unheard of in this day and age.
Kenny 371 on his 250 Manx Norton getting rounded up by Charlie Palmer 37 on Ken’s Douglas – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Well, what more can this man achieve? Good question! He got to do a Lap of Honour at this year’s Island Classic with Isle of Man winner Cam Donald in his Katana sidecar. Kenny raced the IOM TT himself way before the majority of our readers were even thought of.
Ken Lucas rides with Cam Donald at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
So what else can this modern day octo-superman achieve? Kenny was quite rightly recognised for his immense contribution to our motorcycling industry, our sport and countless participants over many decades with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Australia Day honours list. A big win for the common man!
Ken Lucas with a Vincent at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Congratulations Kenny John Lucas OAM – you’re a legend in so many ways to so many people and we look forward to seeing you (and hearing you) for many years to come!
Ken Lucas with his Douglas at the 2019 Island Classic – Image Rob Mott
Yamaha’s 2019 XMAX 300 scooter has arrived with the popular scooter retaining the same attractive price that it boasted in 2018, $6999.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
The XMAX 300 features motorcycle-type forks, a large 15-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear, alongside a compact chassis, providing this Max family scooter with agile handling, while retaining a high level of comfort.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
An efficient liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 292cc Blue Core engine is matched to a twist-and-go V-Belt automatic transmission, offering effortless performance ideal for mid-week commuting through the congested urban jungle, or even a weekend escape into the countryside.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Standard XMAX 300 safety features include ABS and traction control, as well as the convenience and security of smart keyless ignition.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Borrowing DNA from Yamaha’s top-of-the-range TMAX scooter, the high-tech appearance of the XMAX 300 is achieved with full LED twin-eye headlights, and a third central LED light which illuminates when high beam is activated. The tail lights also feature LED bulbs.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
The instrument panel consists of an easy-to-read analogue speedometer and tachometer with a central multi-function LCD display. A handlebar-mounted control switch allows effortless scrolling through the displays.
2019 Yamaha XMAX 300 – Matt Silver
Generous underseat storage is roomy enough to hold two full-face helmets or a heap of gear or groceries, ensuring everything can be stored securely in the scooter, or that the XMAX 300 is capable of handling shopping duties.
Electric bicycles in the snow, bikes made in Thailand and Europe, lower prices, higher costs, tariff wars and removable batteries are all part of the Harley-Davidson and Polaris 2018 sales and revenue results.
Snow business
Harley-Davidson spent the weekend showing off its new electric bicycle and scooter to young thrill-seekers at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, before announcing their 2018 results.
2018 sales results
No wonder they are seeking a new and younger audience as the company report their motorcycles sales results were down 6.1% in 2018 to to 228,051.
The big problem is in the US where sales were down 10.2% to 132,868, while international sales were actually up 0.4% to 95,183. Australia, however, was down 21.2% to 7019.
It’s not just Harley feeling the domestic pinch. Indian Motorcycle was also down “low-double digits” percentages last year in North America, but up “single-digit” percentages worldwide. (Unlike Harley, Indian’s parent company, Polaris, does not give actual figures, but vague percentages.)
Also, unlike Harley, Indian Motorcycle was up 8.7% to 836 in Australia, one of only four companies to register growth in the market which was down 9.6%.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on international steel and aluminium plus retaliatory tariffs in Europe and China have cost Polaris more than $30m. Harley hasn’t specified the cost.
Trump meets with Harley execs in February 2017
As a response, both companies are building more motorcycles overseas.
Given Australia’s free trade agreement with Thailand and our proximity to South East Asia, we could expect motorcycles and/or parts to come from there. Could we also expect lower prices?
Polaris increased prices in “some markets”, mainly Europe, not in Australia. They are also “accelerating European motorcycle production in Poland”.
If that is any indication, their electric bicycle and scooter will also be quite expensive.
New riders
Harley say their goal with these electric vehicles is to attract new riders.
They also point out that these products will not require a motorcycle licence. That’s important because the increasing and prolonged process of obtaining a motorcycle licence is one of the main reasons millennials are not riding.
Harley have been on a big push over the past year to teach more people to ride through their Riding Academy and claim to have licensed more than 52,000 new riders in the USA.
Interestingly, the battery design is intended to be removable.
It will enable owners to carry the battery in one hand “to an apartment or office space to charge using a charging dock that plugs into any standard household power outlet”.
This is not a feature of the upcoming LiveWire. However, it may be a feature in other electric motorcycles from the Milwaukee brand.
Official Harley artist’s impression a small electric bike
Harley boldly proclaimed they will “lead the electrification of motorcycling”.
“These two new concepts are manifestations of that vision, and alongside the production 2020 LiveWire motorcycle, point to a broad portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of mobility over the next several years and inspire new riders with new ways to ride,” the company says.
We’re pretty stoked at the announcement of the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tire. Look for them in dealerships in upcoming weeks.
Begin Press Release:
Bridgestone Launches BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 Sports Radial Motorcycle Tires Bridgestone’s premier tire for the modern street sport bike rider with uncompromising performance
TOKYO (January 10, 2019) — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) announced the launch of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22, a new sports radial motorcycle tire for street use that will be part of its BATTLAX line of motorcycle tires. BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires will be available in one front tire size and five rear tire sizes when released in the U.S. and Canada in January 2019 and in other regions in February 2019.
The BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire is the successor to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, which is featured as original equipment on numerous sports motorcycles and is a top replacement tire choice for countless riders. Compared to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire boasts improved dry grip and lightness coupled with sufficient wet performance. These features provide sport bike riders peace of mind when the weather suddenly deteriorates or when driving on wet surfaces.
Technological Highlights
1. New Tread Pattern
To enhance cornering on rainy days, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire features an increased land-sea ratio on the tire’s shoulder in comparison to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire, and pattern rigidity has been optimized. These features contribute to improved wet performance and handling lightness.
2. New Compound (1) Optimized Resin Component
In designing the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire, steps were taken to optimize the resin component in order to develop a new compound that can function across a wide range of temperature conditions, including lower temperatures. This allows the tire to deliver higher grip on dry surfaces.
(2) Fine Particle Silica
The center compound of BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 rear tires utilizes silica comprised of particles that are smaller than those found in conventional tires to increase the area of the silica in the contact patch, the portion of a tire that makes contact with road surfaces. This composition enables the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire to better grip the road in wet conditions.
3. Optimized Contact Area
In the development of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire, Bridgestone employed its proprietary ULTIMAT EYE technology,*1 to measure and visualize the behavior of tire contact patches. This technology has also been used for developing tires for the FIM Endurance World Championship. Bridgestone has reduced the slippage area in the rear part of the tire’s contact patch in comparison to the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S21 tire. These changes contribute to improved grip and light handling of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tire while preventing declines in lifespan.
*1. ULTIMAT EYE is Bridgestone’s proprietary tire development technology for measuring and visualizing the behavior of tire contact patches. Conventional tire development consists of running simulations, building prototypes, and using laboratory measurements as well as actual vehicle tests to verify performance. ULTIMAT EYE, meanwhile, makes it possible to reproduce high-speed riding conditions that are equivalent to those of an actual vehicle in the laboratory, enabling tire contact patch behavior to be visualized. Together with conventional vehicle tests, this technology can contribute to improved tire performance through high-precision analyses and performance verifications with a solid scientific basis.
Ficeda Accessories and Ixon have announced the arrival of the Ixon Crank leather jacket in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as the Crank Air leather jacket in men’s sizes.
Ixon Crank Jacket – Men’s, brown
Leather jackets have always been an iconic motorcycling accessory, from Brando to Cruise, both for making a statement, as well as in providing essential protection.
The Ixon have introduced the Crank as everything those older jackets were, only better. Better materials, better stitching, better features, better protection and better comfort!
Ixon Crank Jacket – Women’s, black
The Ixon Crank jacket features soft, supple leather and is available in sizes for both men and women for $449.95 RRP, as well as in a ventilated version with the Crank Air.
Ixon Crank Jacket – Men’s, black
Ixon Crank Jacket features
Available in Mens and Ladies cut.
CE (1621-1) elbow and shoulder protectors
Removable thermal vest lining
Classic collar with press-stud
Fixed cotton lining
Back pocket for a CE back protector
Zipped cuffs with press-stud
Bottom adjustable with press-studs
1 waterproof wallet pocket
2 external pockets. 3 internal pockets.
Men’s sizes – SM-3XL
Ladies sizes – XS-3XL
Colours – Black or Brown
RRP $449.95
Crank Air Jacket
With all the features of Crank, along with perforated leather through the chest, back and arms, the Crank Air is ideal for Australian summers, ensuring much better airflow.
Ixon Crank Air Jacket – Men’s, brown
The Crank Air Jacket is also available for $449.95 RRP, in men’s sizes Small to 3XL, in Black or Brown. See your local Ixon stockist for more information.
Check out the Harley-Davidson Garage Collection for timeless shirts and tees.
Begin Press Release:
AUTHENTICITY MEETS UNCOMPLICATED WITH THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON GARAGE COLLECTION
The Harley-Davidson® Garage Collection is designed to let personal expression shine, this stripped-down collection features easy-going yet functional pieces with retro-inspired graphics and rugged workwear styling.
The new men’s #1 Retro Slim Fit Tee (P/N 99215-19VM, $25*) and women’s Retro #1 Tee (P/N 99238-19VW, $25*) both embody just the right amount of authentic H-D style while keeping an effortless look. Made with 100% cotton jersey and a slim fitted design, these soft tees are comfortable yet stylish with printed H-D® graphics on the front. The men’s tee features the classic #1 H-D® graphic with red and blue on a basic black tee while the women’s tee has the same #1 H-D® graphic printed on a bright white tee.
Take it back to the ‘70s with the new men’s Retro Eagle Logo Slim Fit Tee (P/N 99212-19VM, $35*) and the women’s Retro Eagle Tank (P/N 99227-19VW, $30*). These pieces were created for the Garage Collection to celebrate the history of H-D® with Paul Smith’s original artwork from the ‘70s. Designed with a slim fit and effortless detail, the bright white tee and tank were both designed with red neckline, sleeve and armhole trim along with red printed graphics to add a perfect contrast.
The new Garage Collection is available in most Harley-Davidson dealerships and also available online at H-D.COM/GARAGE.
ROLL IN STYLE WITH NEW H-D® ANNIHILATOR CUSTOM WHEELS
Take any Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s style to the next level with the new Harley-Davidson® Annihilator Custom Wheels for 2018-later Softail® models. Whether you’re riding on winding country roads or city streets, these wheels demand attention for both style and performance. Designed and tested to hold true to H-D standards for fit and finishes, the Annihilator Wheel will personalize H-D® motorcycles with fit, function, style and performance accessories designed to enhance the ride. The 18” Front Annihilator Custom Wheel (P/N 43300590, $574.95*) in graphite is designed to ensure riders never settle for second place. With fierce lines on the rim, this wheel is made to take out the competition. 19” Front Annihilator Custom Wheel (P/N 43300593, $624.95*) in gloss black with highlights has the same effect and features. The added highlights on the gloss black finish create performance-inspired style.
Designed with the same goal, the 16” Rear Annihilator Custom Wheel (P/N 40900573, $574.95*) in graphite is the perfect rear wheel for going fast or cruising. The 16” Rear Annihilator Custom Wheel (P/N 40900571, $624.95*) in gloss black with contrast cut highlights makes for the perfect performance-inspired style addition. These wheels are designed with deep lines on the rim to ensure success and durability that will last for years.
These wheels require a separate purchase of model-specific Wheel Installation Kit, Sprocket Hardware and Brake Rotor-specific hardware. Download the 2019 Parts & Accessories catalog at WWW.H-D.COM/CATALOG for a complete listing of H-D Genuine wheels, tires, rotors and brakes.
*Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, excluding taxes and shipping. Prices at local dealerships may vary.
Nevertheless, the number 93 rider will be in Sepang for the three-day test, but the same can’t be said for teammate Jorge Lorenzo. He – like Marquez – underwent surgery at the beginning of September to fix the foot fracture sustained in his Turn 1 crash in Aragon. However, Lorenzo has since fractured his left scaphoid while training, which has put him out of the Sepang Test as he and the team agreed it was best to try and recover as much as possible for the Qatar Test.
Triumph’s sweet-sounding Speed Twin is the feel-good hit of the year
Some bikes make you speed. Some bikes make you look twice. And some bikes just make you feel good. Can you blame the Speed Twin for trying to do all three?
Muy contento de recibir el premio Mundo Deportivo al mejor deportista 2018 con leyendas como #EddyMerckx, #BobBeamon y #MariaJoseRienda! 🏅
Very happy to receive the Mundo Deportivo award for the best athlete 2018 with legends Eddy Merckx, Bob Beamon y María José Rienda! #71GalaMD
