Category Archives: News

News Articles

Competition, News

Rea quickest on day two of Jerez WorldSBK testing

Leave a comment

Lowes and Haslam behind four-time champion on the timesheets.

Image: Supplied.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) has topped the times for the second consecutive day of Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) testing in Jerez, Spain, where four teams continued to work on their 2019 set-ups.

Rea continued with his sensational pace out on track for the second and final day of testing, as the 2018 world champion was continuing to work on getting the chassis in tune with the engine on his ZX-10RR. Explaining that his new bike offers even more potential than the 2018 Ninja, he was a force to be reckoned with, setting the fastest lap time of 1m38.713s.

On the other side of the garage, new team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team – WorldSBK) was left with one bike after a big crash on Monday. However this didn’t stop the Brit putting the laps in, as he reached over 100 on the second day. Ending the day in third with a time of 1m39.766s, Haslam was able to continue with his base setting of the ZX-10RR and will take some strong pace into the winter.

It was a telling two days for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team, as they began to understand the work they will need to do to bridge the gap to the green and red machines out on track. Working through their small updates for 2019, Alex Lowes had a strong test sitting in second position for most of the day, bridging the gap to fastest man Rea.

Whilst for team-mate Michael van der Mark, it was a tough test as he was riding injured from his crash in Qatar, which resulted in a fracture to his wrist. Working to get more grip and acceleration on exit amongst other factors, Lowes finished in second position overall, 0.664s off Rea’s pace whilst van der Mark was sixth and 1.379s behind.

Lessons continued to be learnt for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad with Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista getting to grips with the all new Panigale V4 R. British rider Davies is continuing to struggle with his shoulder injury sustained over the summer break, meaning he isn’t riding at 100 percent.

Moving his focus over to electronics and throttle connection on his new machine, it was a busy day for Davies who finished in fifth overall. Whilst for Bautista, he had a more challenging second day with his V4 R, suffering two crashes during the day around Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto.

Able to walk away from both crashes, Bautista was still happy with the bike as he works on his base set up and understanding the WorldSBK machine. Putting in an impressive pace on his debut, Bautista was able to finish in fourth, with a lap time of 1m39.845s.

For new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha, Sandro Cortese and Marco Melandri were continuing to get to grips with the YZF-R1. Happy with the progress they have made, 2018 WorldSSP champion Cortese was still working on adapting and adjusting to premier class machine, whilst Melandri was working on his base setting and with the Pirelli tyres.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Super SOCO electric motorcycles to land in Australia

Leave a comment

Urban Moto to bring Super SOCO electric motorcycles to Australia

Urban Moto Imports will be the new distributor for Super SOCO electric motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand heading into 2019.

Super SOCO TS
Super SOCO TS

Super SOCO have already made a name for themselves with their award winning SOCO TS and SOCO TC, and a focus on intelligent design in transportation.

Super SOCO TC
Super SOCO TC

Starting out in early 2015 with ambitions to introduce new electric motorcycles to the world, Super SOCO now exports to 54 countries from a state of the art manufacturing facility with a goal of achieving 300,000 production units annually. Super SOCO is managed by manufacturing and distribution group, Vmoto Limited, which now specialises in electric powered two wheel vehicles.

Charles Chen – Vmoto CEO

“We are very delighted to reached agreement with Urban Moto Imports, a very successful Australian premium motorcycle distribution company, to distribute Vmoto’s Super SOCO electric vehicle products in Australia and New Zealand markets. With Urban Moto Imports’ strong dealership network in Australia and New Zealand and its professionalism in the motorcycle industry, we are very excited and confident that the exceptional quality and design of Super SOCO electric motorcycles will be embraced and celebrated by consumers in Australian and New Zealand.”

Since day one of operations, Super SOCO has brought its products into the spotlight of major partnerships and investors such as Bosch, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, Shunwei, Jiufu and Weigao. The company based in Nanjing China now holds over of 205 patents, and has received a number of international awards, including Germany’s “iF Product Design Award”, Japan’s “G-MARK Excellent Design” and “Good Design Award”

SuperSOCO TSR Cockpit Heinzl Group
Super SOCO TS1200R cockpit

Urban Moto Imports added that it is excited to embrace the new era electric motorcycles and strongly believes Super SOCO will become a strong brand in Australia.

Joseph Elasmar – Urban Moto Imports CEO

“We are forever in a changing landscape for both motorcycles, motorcycle culture and transport for the general public. Electric powered vehicles are already beginning to become the norm and for many reasons including their practicality of being less expensive to run, their low environmental impact and affordability for high quality. In congested built up cities, Super SOCO electric motorcycles offer the general non-driving community, the chance to own an affordable and economical form of transport that is light, practical and good looking at the same time. Commuting just became that little bit more special with the Super SOCO and we are very confident it will lead the way in the electric motorcycles space.”

Super SOCO Australia & NZ have also announced the model lineup to include Super SOCO TS, TC and the C-UX scooter variants.

Super SOCO TS

The Super SOCO ‘TS’ TS1200R is an electric ‘moped’ as the brand describes it, and is developed in co-operation with Bosch, and designed to meet the needs of modern riders.

Super SOCO TS
Super SOCO TS

The Super SOCO TS boasts a range of up to 160km, with 120Nm of torque and features two Li-Ion batteries of 26Ah each. Charge time is approximately five hours, with the brand claiming a running weight of just 78kg including the batteries.

Super SOCO TS
Super SOCO TS

The two-seat e-bike features a wheelbase of 1320mm and will accelerate up an incline of 15-degrees from a standstill.

An LED headlight and taillights, smartphone connectivity, an electronic braking system (EBS) with two disc brakes, front and rear, recovers power into the batteries.

A light weight aluminium and steel alloy frame assists in keeping weight down and the peg position can be changed to suit various rider heights.

Super SOCO TS Range
Super SOCO TS

A FOC or field orientated control system is used as an ECU and brain of the e-bike, with a large LCD display featuring three different modes and keyless locking system.

Super SOCO TC

The Super SOCO TC is a cafe racer styled option with a higher torque output than the TS – 150Nm compared to 120Nm – and also features a three-speed proportional drive system, working similarly to a gearbox or ride modes. Styling features include the retro headlight, heightened ‘bars, leather clad flat seat and eight-split-spoke wheels.

Super SOCO TC
Super SOCO TC

A Bosch 17-in magnetic power motor is featured and delivers that strong torque figure thanks to two Lithium battery packs with overcharge protection, over discharge protection and temperature protection. Like the TS, the TC offers up to a 160km range.

Super SOCO TC
Super SOCO TC

The three gear options further provide differing levels of performance from energy effecient through to maximised performance. The CBS brake system features a 240mm disc brake with twin-piston floating caliper on the front, and 180mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper.

Super SOCO TC
Super SOCO TC

Instruments are a single dash with LCD display with automatic contrast adjustment to the conditions, lighting is full LED, and the BMOS intelligent interactive system syncs with your mobile phone to for information on the TC. Foot-pegs are also six-position adjustable.

Super SOCO C-UX Scooter

Super SOCO also have the CU-X electric scooter, featuring a 115Nm electric powerplant, and a max range of 80km at a testing speed of 45km/h, as well as a climbing ability of 15-degrees from stop. The scooter itself weighs 70kg and runs 12-inch wheels with 180mm disc brakes.

Super SOCO CU X Scooter
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters

Other features include a multi-function LCD display with 150-degree viewing angle. An integrated camera also allows recording of trips. LED tail-lights also feature along with an electronic braking system.

Super SOCO CU X Scooter
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters
Super SOCO CU X Scooter
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters
Super SOCO CU X Scooter
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters
Super SOCO CU X Scooter
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace | Cafe Racer

Leave a comment

2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace Limited Edition

Triumph recently pulled the covers of the Bonneville T120 Ace limited edition, a model which will see a run of only 1400 model worldwide to celebrate the first generation of cafe racers, as well as the iconic Ace Cafe in London.

Interested Australian customers are invited to place an order through their dealer. Limited stocks of the machine are expected to land in Australia during the second-quarter of 2018. Pricing is yet to be officially confirmed but Triumph Australia have indicated that the Bonneville T120 Ace limited edition should be around 18-19k, +ORC.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

This special edition features a host of special features, such as the blacked out urban ‘traffic light racer’ theme, including a matt Storm Grey/Ace Cafe stripe paint scheme and graphics.

Also featured is the ‘Head down – Hold on’ tank graphic design, as well as black four bar Triumph tank badges, black intake covers and engine badges and a black bench seat.

The minimal fender set-up is thanks to the removal kit fitted as standard in most markets, with bullet LED indicators as standard fitment.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

The 2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace will be a limited run of 1400 worldwide, each of which will come with a numbered certificate, signed by both Nick Bloor and modern Ace Cafe founder Mark Wilsmore.

Naturally the T120 Ace is based on the Bonneville T120 Black, with the 1200cc High Torque twin Bonneville engine, dedicated chassis and suspension set-up for relaxed riding every day, all day, alone or with a pillion.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

The character of the Bonneville T120 comes to life through the 1200cc High Torque eight-valve, parallel Bonneville twin engine, built specifically for the modern classic riding style, and producing a peak torque figure of 105Nm at just 3100 rpm – 54% more than the previous generation.

Accurate throttle response is provided by Triumph’s latest generation ride-by-wire fuel-injection and engine management system, with the six-speed 1200 Bonneville engine engineered for a charismatic tone and 270° firing interval.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

Behind the 1200 engine’s exterior sits a liquid cooling system, integrated to minimise  visual impact while achieving cleaner emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency – 13% better than the previous generation. This, combined with a new extended service interval of 16,000km dramatically reduces the overall cost of ownership.

Peashooter style exhausts, follow a clean ‘straight line run’ achieved through a twin skin design that covers the pipe run through the cat box and out again. It delivers the  sound of a British twin, with a deep and rich exhaust note that matches the T120 character.

The Bonneville T120 Ace also shares all of the T120 Black’s rider-focused technology to deliver control, safety and rider confidence, while maintaining the authentic Bonneville style and character.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

Triumph’s variable anti-lock braking system (ABS) brings a high level of safety and control to the Bonneville, alongside the ride-by-wire system and switchable traction control system.

Two riding modes are linked to the ride-by-wire system, with the two options ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ providing the rider with greater control and safety for varied road conditions. The torque assist clutch also brings a light touch and feel to the lever for everyday ridability.

The T120 Ace also incorporates daytime running lights (DRL) that delivers a distinctive light pattern and enhanced power efficiency for long term durability (in most markets). The LED rear light is built into the classically inspired tail set-up, with an integrated number plate light.

Triumph Bonneville T Ace
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace

Other standard features include heated grips with a three-mode settings, while an underseat USB socket provides for riders needing charge up their essential devices.

A transponder integrated into the T120 key it matched to an engine immobiliser, boosting security, with stylish twin clocks packed with features and boasting 3D dial faces, cleverly incorporating a digital menu system. Elegant switchgear presents simple controls for easy access to the key features on the twin clocks at a rider’s fingertips.

Bonneville T120 Ace Specifications
Engine Type Liquid cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel twin
Capacity 1200 cc
Bore/Stroke 97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Maximum Power 80 PS / 79 BHP (59 kW) @ 6,550 rpm
Maximum Torque 105 Nm @ 3,100 rpm
Fuel system Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Exhaust Black 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin black silencers
Final drive X-ring chain
Clutch Wet, multi-plate assist clutch, cable operated
Gearbox 6-speed
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Swingarm Twin-sided, tubular steel
Front Wheel 32-spoke 18 x 2.75in
Rear Wheel 32-spoke 17 x 4.25in
Front Tyre 100/90-18
Rear Tyre 150/70 R17
Front Suspension KYB 41mm cartridge forks, 120mm travel
Rear Suspension KYB twin shocks with adjustable preload, 120mm rear wheel travel
Front Brake Twin 310mm discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, ABS
Rear Brake Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length 2,170 mm
Width (Handlebars) 785 mm
Height Without Mirrors 1,125 mm
Seat Height 785 mm
Wheelbase 1,445 mm
Rake 25.5 º
Trail 105.2 mm
Dry Weight 224 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity 15 L
Instruments LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip status, fuel consumption display, traction control status and throttle mode display.
Fuel Consumption 4.5 l/100km (63 MPG)
CO2 Emissions 103.0 g/km

Source: MCNews.com.au

Facebook, News, WSBK

It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the…

Leave a comment

It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the work. It is always difficult when the track is in not great shape. In all those tight corners, with the ruts developing, it is difficult to feel the confidence to push to the maximum. Aside from that, the track temperatures are very critical here with the base tyre that we have. Like yesterday, we tried some different things with the bike and at the end of the day we tried something quite interesting with the balance. I felt really good with an old tyre so that is something to keep working with in 2019. I also did a longer run in the middle of the day. We did pretty much what we set out to do at this test and I was on the pace on day one, so we could go testing straight away. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/rea-tops-jerez-times


Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

Facebook, News, WSBK

Jonathan Rea – It was a positive final day.

Leave a comment

It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the work. It is always difficult when the track is in not great shape. In all those tight corners, with the ruts developing, it is difficult to feel the confidence to push to the maximum. Aside from that, the track temperatures are very critical here with the base tyre that we have. Like yesterday, we tried some different things with the bike and at the end of the day we tried something quite interesting with the balance. I felt really good with an old tyre so that is something to keep working with in 2019. I also did a longer run in the middle of the day. We did pretty much what we set out to do at this test and I was on the pace on day one, so we could go testing straight away. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/rea-tops-jerez-times


Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

Motorcycle News, News

Jarvish Launches X and X-AR Smart Helmets

Leave a comment

Back in October, Gabe Et-Hokin wrote about Taiwanese company Jarvish’s new smart helmets. The carbon fiber Jarvish X helmet offered built-in cameras and wireless connectivity while the Jarvish X-AR adds a rear view camera and a head-up display.

Today, the Jarvish X and Jarvish X-AR helmets were officially launched, along with a Kickstarter campaign to fund the company. Pricing for both helmets are also lower than what Gabe was initially told, with the Jarvish X priced at $699 and the Jarvish X-AR at $1,599.

Begin Press Release

JARVISH SMART MOTORCYCLE HELMETS INTEGRATE AI AND AR TO KEEP RIDERS ON THEIR BIKES

X-Series offers 360° visibility, AI cameras, voice assistant integration and in-helmet HUD navigation

Intelligent helmet systems specialist JARVISH today launches its X-Series smart motorcycle helmets. The X-AR and X models* have been designed with a range of technology integrations, such as voice control, noise cancellation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in memory, to give riders a safer, more enjoyable on-road experience. The X-AR model also includes an augmented reality-powered head-up display (HUD), which offers rear-camera view.

JARVISH X-Series: X/X-AR

Packed with safety-enhancing features, the new JARVISH X-Series connects with voice services such as Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri or OK Google. Both the X-AR and X helmets are voice-activation only (no tap-to-talk), allowing riders to control the cameras, make a call, adjust the volume, play music and more, while keeping their focus on the road.

Strong and lightweight, thanks to a pure carbon fiber construction designed by a professional helmet design company based in Germany, the X-Series’ full-face fit is comfortable and its stylish all-in-one design includes top of the range built-in HD surround sound speakers, noise reduction microphone and front 2K camera as standard.

Journeys can be recorded in FHD video via the built-in front 2K camera and stored on [removable] 16GB (optional up to 256GB) memory cards in the helmet. The video can also be broadcast in real-time to user’s social media account by voice command, while the app lets users download footage to their smartphone and personal cloud server.

JARVISH X-series smart helmets will also be featured with an individual audio processor that works not only for active noise cancellation, but also provides stunning high-resolution sound regeneration quality.

JARVISH X-AR

The X-AR model leverages optical waveguide technology on the HUD for riders who prefer visual instructions. The technology behind this ensures that, even in bright light, these projections are always clearly visible. The HUD can be controlled and retracted easily via voice command.

The X-AR helmet has the ability to display directions, and notify the wearer of traffic and weather conditions, indicators, speed, hazard road signs and incoming caller IDs on the HUD. It even shows 2K rear-view images so the rider has 360° visibility while on the road.

Battery life – USB and Wireless charging

The JARVISH X-AR battery lasts for four hours during continuous use, while the X model can be used for more than six hours. Both helmets support wireless charging and can be quickly charged via micro-USB up to 80% within just 90 minutes (wireless charging pad sold separately).

Jeremy Lu, CEO of JARVISH, said: “The X and X-AR do not replace the need for smart, safe riding, but our vision is to enhance the motorcycling experience with smart features that mean a rider can focus on the road ahead without any distraction. We have combined the ultimate rider benefits with a stylish, lightweight helmet for motorcyclists who love their technology as much as the journey. Police officers and motorcycle riders in Taiwan are already wearing the first generation of JARVISH smart helmets, so we are sure our latest models, the X-Series, will prove to be just as popular worldwide.”

Safety Features

Both the X-AR and standard X model are fully certified, including ECE R22.05 (Europe, Australia), DOT (US and Canada), CNS 2396, CNS 13438, CNS 13439 (Asia), FCC (electronic radiation safety certifications).

Both helmets are also Apple MFi certified. With voice activation, users can place calls and trigger navigation on iPhones (and Androids) without manually interacting with a smartphone or having to unlock the screen.

Kickstarter Campaign

The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign kicks off on November 27 with a target of $50,000. The MSRP is USD 1,599 for JARVISH X-AR, USD 699 for JARVISH X.

The purpose of the campaign is to be able to recruit more engineers to make the HUD fully integrated into the main board system, and create AR applications for the JARVISH smart helmet eco-system. JARVISH aims to start shipping JARVISH X from April 2019 and JARVISH X-AR from August 2019.

*The X model has the same features as the X-AR but without the augmented reality (AR) HUD and the rear camera.

JARVISH will exhibit the X model helmets and the X-AR prototypes for the first time in public at CES 2019. Location: JARVISH Booth, Sands Hall G – 52443. More information about JARVISH at CES will be released soon.

Technical Specifications

JARVISH X

  • Height: 25cm
  • Length: 35cm
  • Width: 25.5cm
  • Weight: 1350g +- 250g
  • Material: Pure carbon fiber
  • Battery life: More than 6 hours
  • Compatible system: Above Android 4.4, iOS 8.3
  • Sensor: Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer
  • Camera: 2K Full HD front-facing camera
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
  • Certification: CNS/DOT/ECE/MFi
  • Voice control: Yes
  • Built-in memory:16GB (support to expand 256G)
  • Waterproof: IP57

JARVISH X-AR

  • Height: 25cm
  • Length: 35cm
  • Width: 25.5cm
  • Weight: 1700g +- 250g
  • Material: Pure carbon fiber
  • Battery life: Approximately 4 hours
  • Compatible systems: Above Android 4.4, iOS 8.3
  • Sensor: Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer, ambient light, pressure
  • HUD: Retractable, optical waveguide design
  • Camera: 2K Full HD front and rear cameras
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
  • Certification: CNS/DOT/ECE/MFi
  • Voice control: Yes
  • Built-in memory: 16GB (support to expand 256G)
  • Waterproof: IP57



































The post Jarvish Launches X and X-AR Smart Helmets appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News, Uncategorized

All the Important Things First-Time Motorcyclists Must Know

Leave a comment

Contributed post

Being a first-time motorcyclist is not as simple as hopping on a bike and riding off into the sunset. A lot of thought and effort has to go into the process, a great number of precautions need to be taken, and many important pieces of information need to be remembered. If you don’t take any of these aspects into account, you could end up putting yourself and your fellow road users in real danger when you embark upon your first motorcycle journey.

Before you twist your throttle and begin burning some rubber, then, you should make sure to read on and check out all the important things first-time motorcyclists must know.

Don’t commit to a bike without thinking about it first

Buying your first motorcycle might be an incredibly exciting experience, but it’s also a massive financial decision to make. Quite simply, you could end up throwing a heap of cash towards your new venture, find that you don’t actually like this form of transportation, and then find it hard to recoup the cash that you spent when you decide to go back to driving a car. This means that, even before you become a fully-fledged first-time motorcyclist, you have to decide if it is actually the right course of action for you to take.

Importantly, this means looking at your financial options and weighing them up in comparison with how you plan on using your bike. If you only want to go out on weekend rides, then it’s important to find a finance and insurance deal that covers you for this lack of use. On the other hand, if you plan on using the bike as your only source of transport, then you need to find a deal that will cover you extensively. If you need assistance when it comes gauging your financial situation in comparison to your motorcycle usage, especially if you want to take out a motorcycle loan to pay for your venture, then make sure to head to https://www.crediful.com/best-motorcycle-loans/. By doing so, you’ll be sure to make the smartest choice possible.

As a rider, take target fixation seriously

Once you are out on the roads and enjoying your freedom as a motorcyclist, it’s time to start getting serious about staying safe. Importantly, this means taking target fixation incredibly seriously. This is the act of learning how to look towards the direction in which you wish to go — it might sound simple, but it’s a problem many first-time motorcyclists face.

Simply, when you’re out on your bike and you’re piloting it around the roads, you’re going to go in whichever direction your eyes are fixed upon — if you’re looking straight ahead, for instance, then you’ll carry on going forward. You have to go out of your way to become well versed with target fixation, though, so as to ensure that you stay safe when circumventing corners. Even a split-second of distraction can send you flying the wrong way at a corner — if this happens, then you could put yourself and your fellow road users in untold amounts of danger. So make sure you learn how to focus on your direction and make sure you learn how to block out any distractions that may seek to put you in danger.

Don’t forget to turn your choke off

Most modern bikes are fuel injected and don;t have a choke. However, bikes wth a carburetter have a choke and it’s very easy to forget to turn your bike’s choke off, so don’t worry if you do forget to do it once or twice in the beginning. You shouldn’t make a habit out of doing this, however, as that would see you run your bike unnecessarily. This would then strain your motor and put it under an amount of pressure, a pressure that’ll make it more susceptible to wear and tear in the long run. Also, it would see you waste your gas, and given the current price of it, that’s simply something you cannot afford to do.

Prepare properly for each journey that you make

Each journey that you make on your motorcycle, even if it’s just one to your local store, has to be taken with the utmost seriousness. This is because whenever you travel on your bike, wherever you go, there is always the potential for danger to arise. For this reason, preparing properly for each journey that you make is a must — you should adjust your mirrors to ensure that you can see as much around you as you can, and you should perform a pre-ride inspection to make sure your bike’s chain is working properly.

When you decide that you want to become a motorcyclist, make sure to heed the advice found above. Doing so could save you having to face a lot of trouble, and it could even save your life.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Potholes causing more riders to crash

Leave a comment

Riders are three times more likely to be involved in crashes caused by potholes and poor road surfaces than any other vehicle type.

A new British Automobile Association survey found that while potholes cause damage to cars, they are a greater injury threat to riders.

They say riders swerving to avoid potholes can also cause crashes.

It comes as a new Monash University’s Accident Research Centre report into motorcycle crashes suggests governments improve the quality of rural roads and evaluate roads for their specific motorcycle safety.

Potholes fixationRoad maintenance potholes

Some critics say that our fixation on the state of our roads and poor roadworks is over the top and riders should simply ride to the conditions.

However, the conditions are getting worse and councils and governments continue to duck for cover when riders crash and dare to seek compensation.

Gold Coast rider Robyn Love is still awaiting a reply to her claim for combination after crashing her Harley in unswept roadworks on the Lions Rd in June.

Lions Rd crash loose gravel repairs
Loose gravel on Lions Rd that caused a crash

There is no doubt that potholes are dangerous to riders.

A pothole can cause a big jolt in the front suspension, kick the handlebars about and possibly damage a rim. But at least the suspension is set up to absorb most of the impact.

However, bumps or a seam of humps in the middle of a lane caused by heavy vehicles pushing the tar up may be even more dangerous.

They can lift the front wheel off the ground, kick the bike left or right into the bush or oncoming traffic, or cause a tank slapper where the handlebars oscillate wildly.

Bumps are also harder to see and seem to be less likely to be fixed than potholes in yet another example of how the authorities ignore and neglect motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Carrasco continuing to take the world’s media by storm

Leave a comment

Featuring on all the largest news outlets in Spain throughout September shortly after she won the title, the coverage then spread throughout the world. From Marca in Spain, to El Pais to Ouest France, to the Italian La Gazzetta dello Sport, Carrasco has been featured all over Europe. And it’s not even just news articles, she has been interviewed for feature articles in well known and highly regarded outlets.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams take part in private Valencia test

Leave a comment

Among them is recently crowned FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Champion Raul Fernandez (Angel Nieto Team Moto3) and Spaniard Aron Canet, who is racing for the new Max Racing Team led by Max Biaggi and Peter Oettl. Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and teammate Sergio Garcia will be on track, as will the Kommerling Gresini Moto3 bikes of Gabriel Rodrigo and Riccardo Rossi. Leopard Racing’s Lorenzo Dalla Porta and new teammate Marcos Ramirez begin their testing schedules in Valencia, and so do the Petronas Sprinta Racing team Honda bikes of Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee. Team O’s Tony Arbolino will also be putting in the laps in Valencia. 

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here