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News

Anderson ‘expected to win’ AUS-X Open with champion status

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Sydney event offers pre-season break according to the factory Husqvarna rider.

Image: Foremost Media.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson believes he’s ‘expected to win’ tomorrow night’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney as he enters as the reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion.

Anderson, who lifted the AUS-X Open crown on night two last year at Qudos Bank Arena, says the prestigious event offers a beneficial break in his preparations for an extensive 2019 campaign that’s set to see him defend the prized number one plate.

“It’s cool to come to here, race and have fun more than anything,” Anderson told MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s a good event and good competition, but coming in as a champion, you’re expected to win. I’d say it’s preparation, but first and foremost, I’m contracted to do the US series, but after that’s over, it’s one of my number one races to try come over and do. It’s a nice little break in the off-season.”

The American ace will be joined by Australian legend Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) and fellow AMA regular Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) as the headlining riders of the AUS-X Open, which marks the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

TeamMoto Motorcycles launch Australia’s biggest bike sale!

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TeamMoto Motorcycles launch Australia’s biggest bike sale!
TeamMoto Sale Yamaha
TeamMoto Sale!

Over 250 models slashed to clear

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TeamMoto Sale KTM
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TeamMoto Sale Poster
TeamMoto Sale!

– PLUS submit a finance application and go in the draw to share in $5000 worth of prizes.

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Make a finance application and win!

Terms and conditions apply

Motorcycle News, News

Soriano Tigre | Obscure Spanish motorcycles | R.Soriano SA

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Obscure Spanish motorcycle marques

1944 96cc Soriano Tigre

With Phil Aynsley

As a change from obscure Italian marques how about an obscure Spanish one?

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

R.Soriano SA was founded in Madrid in 1941 by the impressively named Ricardo Soriano Hermensdorff von Scholtz, Marquis of Ivanrey.

He was quite a talented engineer who lived in France, Switzerland and Spain at various times. He designed and built a range of small two-wheelers but not before some interesting stops along the way!

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

In France he and a fellow marquis built the Soriano-Pedroso car from 1919-1924. In 1930 he turned his attention to outboard racing engines for hydroplanes.

Both four and six cylinder OHC designs were built with OSSA manufacturing a small run of the four cylinder motor (a supercharged 658cc unit).

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

The six cylinder was closely based on the four and a modified (to DOHC) version powered Jean Dupuy to the World Speed Record of 79.04mph in 1939.

An intriguing development came in 1942 when the US Army Corps of Engineers asked Evinrude to adapt the Soriano motor to power what became known as Storm Boats.

While their modified design was highly thought of, without any original plans or machine tools, it could not be made in the required time frame, so the project was abandoned.

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

In a precursor to Soriano’s own motorcycles, Manuel Giró (the founder of OSSA) fitted one of the supercharged fours to a BMW chassis, then later a sidecar, on which he won the Spanish Championship just after the war!

After a few prototypes made before the war, the first Soriano bikes were manufactured in 1942 and were designed to be a “people’s motorcycle” – not dissimilar to the Vespa concept of 15 years later.

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

A feature of the bike was the use of small, 8 inch diameter wheels – which made for a very compact, “unthreatening” bike. In 1944 the improved Tigre model was released, followed by the Puma, Lince (Lynx) and Pantera.

About 6000 Sorianos were produced before the company quit the motorcycle business (they also made industrial motors, generators and the like).

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

This bike is a 1944 96cc Tigre. And as a final piece of trivia, the Tigre featured on a stamp issued by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in 2003!

News

Reed contemplates future ahead of AUS-X Open return

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Two-time AMA Supercross champion actively seeking factory contract.

Image: Foremost Media.

Australian supercross legend and two-time world champion Chad Reed is contemplating his future as he embarks on his return to the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney this weekend.

Reed is actively seeking to cement the closing stages of his illustrious career, indicating sponsorship is what is currently holding up a desired contract with the Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing outfit.

The 36-year-old acknowledges that tomorrow night’s Triple Crown encounter could very well be his last on home soil, although he’s adamant that’s not the plan, expressing his excitement and appreciation to go racing with the JGR-operated squad is at an all-time high.

“Realistically, it could be my final race,” Reed declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “That’s not the plan, but there is that chance. Over the last six months I’ve really come to terms with what I want – I know what I want, and I know what I don’t want. I don’t want to go racing on anything less than a factory bike.

“The way it’s worked out spending time on a Suzuki again brings back some amazing memories, and being able spend time in Charlotte and hangout with JGR – I really think I’ve bonded with the team, and my level of appreciation and excitement of the level they want to go racing at is at an all-time high.

“For me, it’s basically up to sponsorship – if we can pull off sponsorship and do a multi-year deal and lock in my future for the next couple of years, then I’d love to work with the promoters on coming back [to the AUS-X Open].”

The famous number 22 missed last year’s edition of the AUS-X Open due to a severely broken ankle that went onto hinder his 2018 campaign in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and since August he’s been sampling JGR’s Suzuki RM-Z450, contesting the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship finale and Monster Energy Cup with the team.

Describing his last two races as a blast, the AMA Supercross all-time starts record holder says if this weekend does in fact happen to be his last outing, he’d be exiting the sport with only the fondest memories of his final moments out on track.

“At the Ironman national and Monster Energy Cup, I had an absolute blast,” he continued. “If that’s my going away and that’s my last thought, I’m happy with that. So, this weekend I’ll definitely ride my arse off and do myself, the brand and the Australian fans proud. I don’t think this will be my last trip down, but if it is, I’m going to make the most of it.”

Reed is set to be joined by 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), fellow contender Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and retired four-time world champion Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Yamaha) in tomorrow night’s action.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

AUS-X Open ‘my style of racing’ declares Hayes

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American guest a dark horse in SX2 championship race.

Image: Foremost Media.

Serco Yamaha’s Jacob Hayes has declared the tighter confines of Qudos Bank Arena serve as his ‘style of racing’ on the eve of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, marking the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship this weekend.

Hayes, the 2018 AMA Arenacross champion, will draw upon his years of experience in the fierce and aggressive discipline in hopes of earning his maiden main event victory on Saturday night, and ultimately the SX2 crown.

A dark horse in the title race, the American sits 13 points shy of current leader Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and is tied with teammate Wilson Todd for third.

“I’m tied with Wilson for third, and I’m 13 points out of the lead,” Hayes explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s just riding dirt bikes, and anything can happen. My goal is to go out there and win a main event – I haven’t won an overall. My goal is to win all three if I can and go out with a bang. It’s my style of racing – it’s tight and I’m excited to do battle.

“I’ve watched this race for many years and dreamt about racing it, so to be here and bang bars is going to be fun. It’s tight racing and I’ve done it for many years now – I’m no stranger to it. I feel like I’ve enjoyed the Triple Crown, but this weekend they’re doing it a little different where they’re back-to-back – we don’t have the 450s in between – so that’ll cut our rest time.”

Hayes admits he’s struggled to come to terms with the hard-packed soil in the opening rounds here in Australia, particularly with his start-gate preparation. Although with the the AUS-X Open set to boast a metal starting grate in tomorrow’s three-race encounter, he’s confident it will only play into his favour.

“I’m pumped we’re using a grate this weekend behind the start line – the dirt has caught me off-guard over here. The first couple of rounds I was caught way off-guard – I remember telling my mechanic that I didn’t how to pack my gate because the dirt is so hard here. I think that’ll play into my favour – I’m familiar with doing starts like that.”

The initial practice and qualifying sessions are set to take place this afternoon at the Sydney Olympic Park venue before racing kicks off tomorrow.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure | More grunt | Sharp looks

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While the new R 1250 GS had been revealed earlier in the year it was not until this week at EICMA that BMW took the wraps off the big daddy R 1200 GS Adventure for model year 2019.

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Like the regular GS, the Adventure, as you expect, gets all the same updated mechanicals including the new ShiftCam version of the Boxer engine. 

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

This latest powerplant also realises a hefty 7 per cent increase in capacity from 1170cc to 1254cc courtesy of both a bigger bore and longer stroke. 

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

Power is up from 125 to 136 horsepower while torque is boosted further from 125 to 143 Nm. The rpm those peaks arrive at are unchanged for the power figure at 7750 rpm but peak torque now arrives 250 rpm earlier at 6250 rpm.

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

BMW claim that improvements lower in the rev range in regards to torque delivery are also notable, with 110 Nm already available as low as 2000 rpm, and the previous peak of 125 Nm already surpassed by 4000 rpm.

BMW R Dyno
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure on the dyno

The accompanying dyno chart shows a momentary slight dip in torque around 5000 rpm which presumably corresponds with when the short duration and low lift cam lobe swaps over to the more aggressive longer duration and higher lift lobe.

BMW R GS Adventure Action
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

It will be interesting to see how this transition feels on the road but BMW are claiming much improved levels of refinement and smoothness with the updated engine. The gearbox too is claimed to work better than before. 

BMW R GS Adventure Scene
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

On the chassis front the new GS Adventure runs slightly less steering head angle (65.1 compared to 65.5-degrees of the previous model), a marginally shorter wheelbase (1504 compared to 1510 mm) and more castor (95.4 compared to 92.7 mm on predecessor).

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The new GS Adventure is also 15 mm longer but is 28 mm slimmer between the mirrors than before, however, at 268 kg BMW’s claimed wet weight figure is 8 kg heavier than quoted for the previous machine.

BMW R GS Adventure Action
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Wheel travel remains 210 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear while the latest model benefits from Dynamic ESA ‘Next Generation’ with automatic load compensation. 

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Rim and tyre sizes remain the same at 120/70-19 and 170/60-17, as do the brake rotor sizes of 305 mm (F) and 276 mm.

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Likewise the 30-litre fuel capacity and 890-910 mm adjustable seat height remains unchanged but the low option now gets down as low as 820 mm. Presumably both the suspension and seat unit needs to be changed in order to realise that low figure, which would likely also reduce the wheel travel and ground clearance while possibly compromising suspension performance, and ruling out the fitment of ESA. 

BMW R GS Adventure Studio Exclusive
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The brilliant new 6.5-inch TFT screen is standard complete with bluetooth connectivity which allows navigation prompts to be displayed on the dash and your music/phone to be controlled via the well sorted BMW Multi-Controller. I love this technology. 

BMW R GS Adventure Dash
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

At this stage we believe BMW Motorrad are expecting stocks of the new R 1200 GS Adventure just in time to buy yourself one for Christmas! Buy me one too while you are at it….

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Engine
Capacity cc 1,254
Bore/stroke mm 102.5 x 76
Output kW/hp 100/136
At engine speed rpm 7,750
Torque Nm 143
At engine speed rpm 6,250
Type Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW Shift Cam
Compression 12.5/1
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON (option:
Valves per cylinder Ø intake/outlet mm 4
Ø Throttle valves mm 52
Engine control BMS-O
Emission control Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard EU-4

Electrical system
Generator W

508
Battery V/Ah

12/12
Headlamp Full-LED (option:LED daytime riding light)
Rear light LED brake light/rear light
Starter W 900

Power transmission
Clutch Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Transmission Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Primary ratio 1.650
I 2.438
II 1.714
III. 1.296
IV. 1.059
V 0.943
VI 0.848
Secondary drive Shaft drive
Secondary ratio 2.910

Suspension
Frame construction type Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine.
Front wheel control BMW Motorrad Telelever, central spring strut, 37 mm
Rear wheel control Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA Next Generation)
Spring travel, front/rear mm 210/220
Castor(unladen weight according to DIN) mm 95.4
Wheelbase(unladen weight according to DIN) mm 1,504
Steering head angle(unladen weight according to DIN) °  65.1
Front Brakes Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial brake callipers
Rear Brakes Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard (part integral), disengageable (option: ABS Pro)
Front Wheels Cross Spoke, 3.00 x 19”
Rear Wheel Cross Spoke, 4.50 x 17”
Front Tyres 120/70 R 19
Rear  Tyres 170/60 R 17

Dimensions and weights
Total length mm 2,270
Total width including mirrors  mm 952
Seat height 890/910 (820 to 910 possible)
Empty weight according to DIN, kg road-ready 268
Permitted total weight kg 485
Fuel tank capacity l 30

Performance figures
Fuel consumption (WMTC)l/100 km 4.75
CO2 g/km 110
Acceleration 0-100 km/hs 4.0
Top speed km/h >200
News

Move to emergency motorcycle brake assist

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German automotive technology company Continental AG plans to be the first with a motorcycle emergency brake-assist system that applies extra brake pressure when it senses a crash.

Their system would not be automatic like in some cars that take over braking duties from the driver.

Continental recognises that motorcycles are different to cars and say their system would only assist the rider.

It works by using accurate fifth-generation radar sensors to detect imminent crash dangers.

However, the system would have to be different to cars as motorcycles lane filter close to vehicles which could easily activate emergency braking systems and send riders tumbling into traffic.

When will drivers learn lane filtering is legal? assist
Click here to watch this driver try to hit this legally filtering rider!

Continental motorcycle spokesman Christian Pfeiffer says their system would first alert the rider via “haptic” vibrations in the handlebars.

“Low initial braking pressure then helps the rider with the active braking operation,” he says.

“If the rider does not react to the warning, emergency brake assist automatically builds up braking force if the rider has both hands on the handlebars. The deceleration is much less pronounced than in a passenger car emergency braking system.”

However, Continental may be beaten to the punch by Honda which has filed patents for an emergency braking that automatically stops a motorcycle if it detects an imminent crash.

Mandatory emergency brake assist?

A few years ago ABS was an optional safety system for those who wanted it. From the end of next year it will be mandatory in Australia. (See details at the end of this article)

How long before emergency brake assist also becomes mandatory on motorcycles?

The United Nations #STOPTHECRASH campaign has called for mandatory autonomous emergency braking that activates at slow speeds if an obstacle is sensed in front of the bike.

Of course, the makers of many of these electronic safety devices, Continental, Bosch and Denso, are supporters of the UN program.

A Melbourne university doctor has also called for bikes to be fitted with automatic emergency braking technology.

Continental safety

Emergency brake assist is not the only electronic safety technology Continental is developing.

They are also working on sensors that detect roadside speed signs and display them to the rider, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and automatic switching to high beam.

All these systems are based on Continental’s fifth-generation radar that go into production in 2019.

They use improved object detection algorithms that detect even smaller objects such as an exhaust that has fallen off a car.

The heights of objects can also be calculated by an elevation measurement device that detects the tail of a traffic jam under a bridge or road boundaries such as kerbs.

Continental claims their tech is now smaller and lighter.

It consists of a sensor cluster that measures acceleration and yaw rate, a radar system that analyses this data, plus brake and engine control units that activate on demand.

Continental say these can be fitted to motorcycles of all sizes from a single source, including the instrument cluster, that warns the rider of an imminent collision.

Mandatory ABSabs mandatory combined braking assist

From November 2019, all new motorcycle models sold in Australia will either have anti-lock braking systems (ABS) or combined braking systems (CBS).

ABS will be mandatory on motorcycles, trikes and scooters over 125cc, while either ABS or CBS will be mandatory on those under 125cc.  Trail bikes under 250cc and all enduro and trials bikes are exempt.

If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active.

Countries with mandatory ABS on designated motorcycles in all European nations, Japan, India, Brazil and Taiwan.

Even the USA – the land of freedom of choice – is now considering making ABS mandatory.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/emergency-motorcycle-brake-assist/

News

RiderBuds smallest earphones for riders

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RiderBuds earphones claim to be the smallest, softest, toughest, quietest and most secure earphones for riders that won’t come out when you put your helmet on or take it off.

Founder Maurice Dziubinski says he has spent hundreds of hours testing the earphones and has even had 1000 Beta testers around the world including Australia and New Zealand.

The company launched an Indiegogo campaign this week to raise funds to go into production and it was fully subscribed in less than three hours.Riderbuds earphones

Delivery is now expected in May 2019 and they will cost $US199 (about $A275, €175, £150).

Maurice says supporters can still contribute to the crowd-funding campaign and get an earlybird discount of $US129.

“We achieved 100% of our funding goal in less than three hours, and 200% of our funding goal in 12 hours,” he says

“All because of the prep work we’ve put into this and basically nailing our product.

“Our real internal goal is raising over $US100,000.”

RiderBuds

Maurice says riders have been “putting up with sub-quality audio” for years.

He says the problems are inferior wind-noise cancelling, dislodging when putting on your helmet, discomfort around the ears, or breaking cables.Riderbuds earphones

We agree. It is difficult finding earphones that work well with helmets.

However, he claims RiderBuds will fit under any helmet, never get dislodged, stay comfortable, deliver crisp audio at any speed, protect your hearing and be tough enough to avoid cable breakages.

The earphones look good and come with both silicone and foam tips in various sizes to fit most ears.Riderbuds earphones

We would like to see a lightning connection option for iPhones and a Bluetooth version like SlimBuds.

However, Maurice says although their earphones are all wired, they feature a “very unique modular cable system”.Riderbuds earphones

“We’ve also been pointing our supporters to certain Bluetooth dongles we’ve been testing out and have been very happy with,” he says.

While the testimonials say they are comfortable, we’ve found wires that come straight out of earphones break and hurt your ears. We would expect a 90-degree bend at exit might be better.

However, we will reserve judgement for when a pair of the production earphones arrive here for testing early next year.

Stay tuned.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/riderbuds-earphones-riders/

Motorcycle News, News

KLIM Announces Partnership with Inmotion Airbag Systems

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KLIM has announced its partnership with In&motion Airbag systems to enhance the safety of its high-end weatherproof garments. 

Begin Press Release: 

KLIM and In&motion : Enhancing the rider experience

In&motion Airbag

KLIM is partnering with In&motion, a motorcycle airbag company, to develop a wearable airbag system.

At KLIM, it is our mission to create gear that enhances the riding experience. We do this through the process of listening to rider feedback, researching new technologies, paying extreme attention to detail, and thoroughly testing gear.

As a company of riders, KLIM is constantly looking for better solutions. We search for the most innovative and high-performance materials, and partner with industry-leading technology providers by always asking the question: is there an ingredient or process that can further improve the riding experience?

In&motion Airbag

In&motion has received awards for its airbag systems including, the CES show’s Innovation Award for best wearable protection technology and the Reddot Award for product design, among others.

In&motion produces wearable airbag systems for motorcyclists and extreme sports including MotoGP. These systems use “smart” technology to constantly update and perfect the crash detection algorithms through data automatically collected from users.

By listening to feedback, collecting data, and analyzing results, In&motion also aims to improve the riding experience with better safety.

Through this partnership, KLIM and In&motion will be able to offer riders the best weatherproof garment experience on the market while taking safety beyond already premium abrasion and impact protection.

About KLIM

At KLIM we create the most technically advanced products in the world. We listen to rider needs and use real-world experience to engineer the most innovative riding equipment possible. Our team relentlessly drives for excellence in product and service because we believe riders shouldn’t be limited by their gear. Ultimately, we know everyone has limited time to ride and every experience should be the best it can be.

About In&motion 

Specialists in smart protection systems, In&motion, based in the French Alps, was founded in 2014 by 3 passionate engineers from the ECAM college of engineering in Lyon.

In&motion have already delivered three successful and innovative autonomous airbag systems and one mechanical trigger airbag system for top class activities, including:

  • MotoGP™, worn by top riders in the category
  • Competitive Skiing, approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and worn by over 100 athletes competing in World Cup and European cup tournaments
  • Road-focused motorcyclists
  • Equestrian, with a mechanical trigger airbag system for horse riders

To date, In&motion airbag systems have earned the CES innovation award two years in a row: in 2016 for the Ski Airbag Vest and in 2017 for the Moto Airbag Vest.

During the 3-year development period in competition, the airbag system has been worn and tested by the world’s best riders, from MotoGP™, to endurance racing (24h of Le Mans & Bol d’Or), BSB and French Superbike. The product is also approved by IRTA (International Road Racing Team Association).

Since May 2017, nearly 2 million kilometers have been ridden across Europe, in all conditions as part of the Airbag Revolution Campaign.  500 users: consumers, journalists and dealers were selected to take part in the campaign to provide data and feedback into the product.

Learn more about In&motion at www.inemotion.com.

In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag
In&motion Airbag

The post KLIM Announces Partnership with In&motion Airbag Systems appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Announces Discover the Ride

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With multiple different facets, Discover the Ride aims to be an experiential component to the International Motorcycle Show tour aimed toward getting non-riders interested in motorcycling. 

Begin Press Release: 

Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS) Announces New Initiative: Discover the Ride

Discover the Ride Brings the Motorcycling Lifestyle to Non-Riders on Electric Motorcycles

Santa Monica, CA (November 8, 2018) – The Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS), the industry leader for connecting powersports’ top brands with enthusiasts and buyers, today announced its newest show feature, Discover the Ride, a forward-thinking initiative that serves the entire motorsports industry. While IMS always has great displays and content for seasoned enthusiasts, Discover the Ride is specifically designed to introduce riding to those interested in riding motorcycles.

In addition to inviting its loyal community of nearly 300,000 motorcycle riders across the country to enjoy the show, attendees can help spread the thrill of two-wheels with their friends and family through Discover the Ride, the approachable motorcycling experience designed for non-riders.Discover the Ride will feature five main attractions including an indoor electric motorcycle demo course, an area for children to experience two wheels, a wheelie machine for experienced riders to test their skills, stationary motorcycles to learn how to engage the clutch and shift gears, and an educational content series called New To 2, designed to help new riders navigate the world of motorcycling through videos and live presentations at the show. The debut for Discover the Ride is at IMS Long Beach, which takes place November 16-18, 2018 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“The powersports industry is evolving rapidly, specifically with the introduction of electric vehicles and a new generation of riders entering the market, and we wanted to highlight these trends in a fun and interactive way throughout the 2018-2019 IMS tour,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President, Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows®. “We are very excited to bring this new attraction to IMS, not only to present the latest developments within the industry, but also to create an educational hub for new and experienced riders alike with a goal of increasing interest in motorcycling.”

IMS teamed up with industry veteran Robert Pandya to bring Discover the Ride to life, partnering with leading companies such as Zero Motorcycles and Stacyc to help inspire new riders through creating easily approachable programs. Discover the Ride will be unveiled at IMS Long Beach Media Day, which will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018. To register as media for IMS Long Beach please visit this link.

“IMS is the only national show series that can invite attendees to explore the world of motorcycling, and it’s a welcome challenge to be a conduit for new riders, and find ways to increase our riding family,” said Robert Pandya, Program Manager, Discover the Ride. “Through Discover the Ride and New To 2 we’re inviting new riders to experience the world of motorcycling in a unique way, and then introducing them to the brands at the shows.”

New Rider Course in Partnership with Zero Motorcycles – The New Rider Course will give non-licensed IMS attendees the opportunity to ride a motorcycle for the first time and learn riding basics from expert instructors. This is the largest portion of Discover the Ride, which is made possible thanks to Zero Motorcycles, the electric motorcycle leader, that has leveraged their advanced battery management systems to speed govern motorcycles that would otherwise only be available to riders with M1 Motorcycle licenses. The indoor demo course will host a fleet of speed-limited electric Zero Motorcycles to give participants the experience of riding a motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment. Zero Motorcycles have no transmission, feature ABS as standard equipment, and its zero emissions make an indoor experience on one of the most advanced motorcycles in the world a possibility. In addition to Zero Motorcycles, IMS has also partnered with Yamaha to feature its power assisted bicycles at Discover the Ride, which will be used for participants to show the ability to balance prior to riding the Zero Motorcycle, and also be available to demo on the enclosed track. Instructors from Total Control Training will be on hand at each show to give instruction and guidance and gear will be provided by Cycle Gear, Shark Helmets, HJC and Shoei.

Kids Zone Presented by Allstate – The Kids Zone joins Discover the Ride in partnership with Stacyc, featuring a closed course of battery assisted balance bikes for children to experience riding for the first time, which is the ideal way to introduce riding to kids as young as two. Participants will have the option to ride the balance bikes with or without the addition of a speed limited electric motor depending on their skill.

XDL Wheelie Experience – This exciting feature is for riders who want to test their wheelie skills in a controlled environment, while improving their balance and throttle skills with the help of XDL stunt pros. It also provides riders the opportunity to experience the exhilarating torque of Zero Motorcycles that have not been governed to reduce power for the New Rider Course. The XDL Wheelie Experience is a motorcycle attached to a stand in a manner that allows wheelies without forward movement; it’s fun to watch and more fun to try.

New To 2 – This new series of online videos is matched with a series of live presentations at IMS, educating new riders on the world of motorcycling. New To 2 videos and live presentations at the show are hosted by Monique Filips and Jordan Diggs, as well as surprise guests in certain markets.

Dyno Experience – This feature gives IMS attendees the opportunity to get on a real motorcycle that is securely mounted to a dyno to experience starting a motorcycle up, engaging the clutch and shifting through the gears, while feeling the torque of the motorcycle with the guidance of an expert. Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha will host dyno’s at IMS Long Beach.

“Every brand in the industry is working to bring new riders into motorcycling. We see the International Motorcycle Shows as the leading opportunity to expose new riders across the country, alongside the great OEM programs and displays,” Harris said.

To learn more about the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® Tour, please visit: motorcycleshows.com.

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