Motorcycle festival and HOG rally in Walcha

A “freak show” of motorcycling will combine with the return of the national Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally in Walcha from November 15-17, 2019.

The Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles is being organised by Inside Line Events International who was behind the proposed TT events for either the Oxley Highway or the Sunshine Coast.

David Rollins on his Ducati Panigale - Getting an Aussie TT event over the line Walcha Freak Show motorcycles HOG rally
David Rollins

Founder David Rollins says those events have not been completely shelved, but they have given birth to this new event.

“We developed a good relationship with the people of Walcha in that time, we’ve earned their trust and now we want to repay it,” he says.

“The town is providing us with first-class facilities so that we can stage an event to remember.”

Among the attractions for the weekend will be a “Hell Climb” hillclimb, custom show, flat-track exhibition racing, stalls, music, outdoor cinema, trade show, globe of death, donuts and burnouts in a closed-off arena.

HOG will have guided rides and HOG members will lead off the Thunder Rally.

Punters will be invited to have a go at the flat track like Brisbane’s Dust Hustle event on a purpose-built track on vacant land next to the town’s racecourse.

“The Freak Show of Motorcycles will be like the Summernats for motorcycles,” David says.

“We’re expecting about 5000 attendees a day for the three days of the event.”

HOGs and more

National HOG rally to return in 2019
Thunder Run at the last National HOG Rally in Tamworth

HOG members should be glad to see the return of their national rally.

It was last held in 2015 at Tamworth and followed by open Harley Days rallies at Wollongong in 2016 and 2017.

HOG members were unhappy with the open format so there was no 2018 national rally.

Now the national HOG rally will return at Walcha to run alongside the Freak Show which is described as a festival of motorcycles of all types.

Harley-Davidson Australia customer experience manager Gaz Luxmore says the partnership between the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson is “a perfect way of bringing together different riding communities and incorporating the national HOG Rally”.

“The lovely, motorcycle friendly town of Walcha and the fantastic roads of central NSW will create a magnificent backdrop for a truly unique and spectacular event,” he says.

Walcha crossroads

Walcha was chosen for the event because it sits at the crossroads of some of the best motorcycling routes in NSW taking in the Oxley Highway, New England Highway, Waterfall Way and Thunderbolts Way.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says Walcha is “known for being popular with motorcycle tourists”.

The rally will be held in the Walcha racecourse and sale yards with various levels of camping right up to five-star “glamping”.

“All accommodation has been booked out in Walcha already, but there is still heaps in Armidale and Tamworth. Plus we will have on-site camping options from standard tents to Lawrence of Arabia style,” David says.

Shuttle buses to and from events, accommodation and the town centre will be provided.Walcha Freak Show motorcycles HOG rally

Harley Owners Group spokesman Andrew Kidd says Walcha is a “reasonable size town with good facilities”.

“Much like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the surrounding towns will be more than able to handle the volume of riders coming to the event,” he says.

“The local roads are renowned as some of the best riding roads in the country so come along and enjoy a great event and some fantastic roads.”

Protestors line up at Walcha Royal Cafe business on the Oxley Highway
Riders in Walcha at the Royal Cafe

David says the one ticket will gain access to all areas and sites that Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles has to offer.

Tickets go on sale at the end of March and David says they will be “competitively priced”.

Event website, Facebook and Instagram are now online.

David says they have major sponsorship support from Harley-Davidson Australia and the NSW Government’s major events agency, Destination NSW.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall says the motorcycle event will deliver more than $1.7 million in visitor expenditure to the region.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Will 5G networks make riding safer?

5G phone networks may make autonomous driving and vehicle sensors more sensitive and reliable, but will the faster networks also increase driver distractions?

A Spanish automotive company has demonstrated how 5G capability will improve inter-vehicle communication to detect vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.

Ficosa used Barcelona’s 5G network to demonstrate its Bitax telematic platform which combines Wi-Fi and cellular technology to operate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) technology.

V2V and V2X uses sensors in each vehicle to detect the other, or an obstacle and then send alerts to the other vehicle to avoid a collision.

Ducati has been working with Bosch on a similar system and plans to introduce it next year.

Bosch radar warns riders of traffic autonomous 5g
Bosch radar warns riders of traffic

However, Ficosa is the first to launch the technology after connecting 500 vehicles in Denver, Colorado.

In its Barcelona demonstration, Ficosa showed how Bitax could detect a pedestrian via a thermal camera in traffic lights, a cyclist equipped with a “high-precision geolocation” unit and a car stopped by the roadside in low-light conditions.

The company says this proves the tech can also detect other vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.5g V2V autonomous automated

“These use cases show how C-V2X technology offers a safer and more comfortable driving experience by allowing the vehicle to communicate with everything around it (other cars, traffic lights, traffic signals, pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes, etc).

“For cars to ‘talk’ to the city, however, latency must be kept to a minimum. So, it is essential to roll out 5G capabilities.”

That means they need the higher-frequency signals of the next-generation network which has shorter range but less radio interference.

5G advantages/disadvantages

However, there are advantages and disadvantages in the faster network.

Speeds can be up to 10Gbps which is about 1000 times faster than most 4G signals. It is claimed it will download a movie in 10 seconds.

That would make it even faster than the best broadband network.

Great! So drivers will be tempted to watch Netflix instead of paying attention to the road.

Distracted drivers are already a major danger to riders.

St Paul Police Department has even axed its popular motorcycle unit over distracted driving crashes.

cops distracted drivers
Image from St Paul Police Department Facebook page

Apart from Barcelona, 5G has already been rolled out in some parts of the USA, South Korea, Sweden, Estonia, Turkey, Japan and China. Australia is expected to introduce 5G next year.

Samsung and several other Android brands will release 5G phones this year, but Apple will wait until 2020.

While 5G might help with the coming wave of automated and semi-automated vehicles using VC2V and V2X technology, it may not work in remote areas where riders are more likely to travel.

However, like current 4G phones, your next-gen phone will also be able to use previous generation signals for phone calls and data use.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Gold makes Indian Roadmaster an elite bike

As if the Indian Roadmaster isn’t special enough, the company has released an Elite version with a 600-watt stereo system and gold-leaf paint that took more than 30 hours to paint by hand.

Indian Australia spokesman Christopher Gale says they have already sold one of the $52,995 (ride-away) limited-edition bikes to a Perth customer. 

He says they do not yet know when they will be delivered or how many will be available in Australia.

The company has been releasing these special Elite models for the past few years and they have all sold out rapidly.

Last year Indian Motorcycle released a limited-edition Chieftain Elite in a hand-painted and “marbled” silver paint job at $47,995 ride away which was the same price as the 2017 hand-painted Chieftain Elite in Fireglow Red Candy with Marble Accents.

Indian Roadmaster Elite2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

This range-topping costs $10,000 more than the “standard” Roadmaster and for that you get a whole lot more bike as well as exclusivity which is priceless.

The bike already features a host of features including rider modes, rear-cylinder deactivation, Ride Command infotainment system, heated grips and seat, electronic windscreen and more.

The Elite is hand painted in Wildfire Red and Black Crystal livery with real 24-karat gold-leaf badging that takes about 30 hours.2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

If the paintwork doesn’t take your breath away, the 600-watt audio system with speakers in the fairing, top box, and saddlebags will.

It also features billet mirrors and passenger floorboards, full leather upholstery right down to the pillion armrests.

Indian will make only 200 of the Roadmaster Elite models.

2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite

Meanwhile, Indian Motorcycle Australia is running a promotion on 2018 model bikes, offering a 116ci big-bore kit for free. The kit costs $5250 fitted.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

WPS Announces New Distribution With Heated Gear Manufacturers California Heat

California Heat brings heated gear to the Western Power Sports Lineup. 

Begin Press Release: 


WPS Announces New Distribution With Heated Gear Manufacturers California Heat

Pylesville, Maryland, February 26, 2019 – California Heat, LLC, a leading manufacturer of heated clothing, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS) to distribute its diverse catalog of 12V powersport and 7V battery powered heated gear.

Over the last 59 years, WPS has become the fastest growing distributor in powersports due to their outstanding service and product offering coupled with outstanding delivery and distribution.

“We knew from the moment we met the WPS team that the partnership was meant to be,” said Jennifer Ambrose, Director of Corporate Relations. “Both companies have built a family business based on customer care and with consumer feedback driving their solutions. It’s that family feel combined with superior service that makes this partnership successful.”

California Heat offers a lifetime warranty on their heating elements and plugs. Finewire™ heating elements are composed of interwoven, highly conductive microfibers that have a heavy-duty coating applied. This superior craftsmanship creates an extremely durable product that heats up quickly, ensuring comfortable warmth during any cold weather activity.

“WPS loves the entrepreneurial spirit that companies like California Heat embodies,” National Sales Manager, Ronnie Wehr, explained. “California Heat saw a need in the industry for comfortable heated equipment, developed it, and now with WPS, will be able to distribute it quicker and easier to dealerships throughout North America.”

WPS will begin distributing California Heat’s clothing and accessories throughout the United States and Canada.

About California Heat
After accumulating over 20 years of combined experience working for the industry’s leading heated clothing manufacturer, the team realized people were in need of a quality, affordable brand they could trust. A clothing line was designed that incorporated the most Cutting-Edge Technology and Superior Craftsmanship, confidently backed by a Lifetime Warranty. By listening to customer feedback on qualities they enjoyed in a heated brand, then combining it with a passionate belief in personable customer care…California Heat was born. Learn more about California Heat by visiting www.california-heat.com.

About Western Power Sports
Boise, Idaho based Western Power Sports (WPS) distributes over 130,000 products; including off-road and street motorcycle, ATV and UTV, snowmobile, and watercraft parts and accessories to dealers nationwide. Currently one of the fastest growing nationwide delivery systems of powersports industry products, WPS distributes products through its regional warehouse network; with locations in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; Ashley, Indiana; and Midlothian, Texas. Learn more about WPS by visiting www.wps-inc.com.

The post WPS Announces New Distribution With Heated Gear Manufacturers California Heat appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Indian riders head to Cooly Rocks On

Indian Riders Motorcycle Group members from around Australia will head to the nostalgic Cooly Rocks On Festival in Coolangatta from June 5-9.

Indian Motorcycle Australia spokesman Christopher Gale says the Coolangatta festival is a “national gathering at a preexisting event which complements our brand”, rather than a traditional motorcycle rally.

Chris says more details about the IRMG involvement at Cooly Rocks On will be released to members soon.

“It’s still a work in process,” he says.

Cooly Rocks On

Image from Cooly Rocks On Facebook page
Image from Cooly Rocks On Facebook page

Cooly Rocks On is an annual festival of nostalgic music, dancing, cars, motorcycles and fashion from the 1950s to ‘70s.

Indian Motorcycles is a sponsor at this year’s event which has in the past been sponsored by Harley-Davidson.

The event attracts tens of thousands every year to the Gold Coast.

IRMGIndian riders celebrate the first anniversary

IRMG was formed in 2015 and buyers of new Indian motorcycles have since been given free membership.

“A large proportion of our customers join IMRG and continue to renew their membership,” Chris says.

Members receive a gift pack including a special t-shirt, badges and patches.

When it was formed in 2015, brand manager Peter Harvey said the group would not have chapters and presidents.

“We want to keep it fairly informal, but it will depend on how the members want it to go,” he told us.

The Cooly Rocks On gathering follows other major national events to which IRMG members have been invited.

Ian Moss with Indian and Victory riders
Ian Moss

A highlight was the 2016 “Ride to Alice” for the Finke Desert Race. Among the riders was Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss. The ride aimed to raise awareness for the annual Black Dog Ride which Indian Motorcycles has sponsored in recent years.

Members have also been invited to other major events such as the opening of the Perth dealership.

Mostly IRMG members ride together at dealership level.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

The Search is on for the 2019 REVIT! Womens US ADV Team

Now’s your chance to join the 2019 REV’IT! Women’s US ADV Team.

Begin Press Release: 


THE SEARCH IS ON! JOIN THE 2019 REV’IT! WOMEN’S US ADV TEAM

Since 2017, REV’IT! Women’s Team members have played an integral role in product testing and brand representation in the ADV community, each through her own interpretation of “adventure riding”—whether that’s rugged, long-distance journeys to backwoods trail rides. The team underscores the brand’s commitment to the growing population of female motorcyclists, and works to highlight women’s contributions to the riding community, specifically the adventure segment.

REV’IT! is looking for two riders to join its US Women’s Adventure Team in 2019. The search is open to woman adventure riders of any age and experience level residing in the continental United States, with the ability to share their gear experiences and a desire to expand female ridership in the ADV community. Interested applicants can visit www.revitsport.com to apply now through March 13, 2019.

COULD IT BE YOU?

2019 REV'IT! Women's US ADV Team

“The REV’IT! Women’s ADV team has connected me with so many female riders across the country,” says Amelia Kamrad, who has been on the team since its inaugural year. “I now have a network of amazing women around the country advancing female participation in this sport, and helping to cheer each other on.”

Kamrad will return to the REV’IT! women’s team for the 2019 season alongside Erika Bean and Jenna West, for a team total of five (including the two new members). They will continue to represent REV’IT! at events across the country participate in its product testing program, one which has already yielded feedback to be incorporated into future REV’IT! women’s gear.

Erika Bean calls the team a vehicle for empowerment. “I have gained confidence not just as a rider, but as a female rider in a male dominated sport. Our team presence at rallies and events has contributed to a larger overall shift in attitude: Women are being acknowledged and accepted as adventure riders, too. I encourage all women riders with a passion for motorcycles and adventure to join us in the movement.”

The new team members will have a direct interface with REV’IT! product designers to provide gear feedback, and will receive brand support for individual projects, trips and more.

SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT

Are you an excited, ambitious rider with a penchant for gritty adventures, dirt-packed escapes or just mapping your own course in the world? We’re looking for female adventure riders of any age and experience level who reside in the continental United States and who have the ability to share their gear experiences with a community – whether that’s the ADV world at large, your own local ride groups, or another specialized group you’re tapped into.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

You’ll need to be able to take a decent photo (or have a pillion rider who does – professional photography skills are not needed, but a decent eye is), and do enough regular riding to put our gear to the test. Most importantly, you should want to expand female ridership in the ADV community!

JOIN US OFF THE BEATEN PATH

2019 REV'IT! Women's US ADV Team

Applications for the REV’IT! women’s team are open to residents of the continental United States identifying as women, now through March 13, 2019, at www.revitsport.com. For news and updates on the REV’IT! Women’s ADV team, follow along on the brand social channels, @revitadventure, #revitwomensteam, and facebook.com/revit.

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON MARCH 13, 2019

The post The Search is on for the 2019 REV’IT! Women’s US ADV Team appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

ICON Spring 2019 Collection Released

The ICON Spring 2019 collection brings all new gear as well as updates to existing items. Check out the new helmets, comm systems, race suits, jackets, pants, gloves, and women’s gear at rideicon.com.

Begin Press Release: 


ICON Motosports SP19

ICON Airform

ICON Spring 2019

The newest to the ICON helmet line, the AIRFORM SOLID combines trickle-down technology from our game-changing AIRFRAME PRO and AIRFLITE helmets, delivering top-shelf features for the everyday rider. Such features include a sculpted neck roll to reduce jacket interference, drop-down inner shield, and speaker cutouts in the EPS to accept your Bluetooth communication device speakers. The HydraDry moisture-wicking interior is coupled with deep airflow channeling in the EPS to enhance cooling. Learn more here.

WORLD STANDARD
Meets DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (Europe), & PSC (Japan) Helmet Safety Standards. Does not ship with PSC certification stickers unless purchased from an authorized dealer in that country.

SHIELD
Includes Dark Smoke Internal DropShield™ and Clear quick-change Fog-Free Optics™ Shield with Prolock™ shield locking system.

LINER
Hydradry™ moisture wicking liner.

SHELL
Injection molded polycarbonate shell for strength and durability.

Suggested Retail USD: $185

ICON Hypersport Suit

ICON Spring 2019You can say we have arrived, but the truth is we’ve always been here. Introducing the long-awaited ICON Hypersport™ suit. Constructed of a 1.1-1.3mm TracSpec™ leather chassis, ICON Attack Fit (pre-curved arms and legs), reinforced perforation zones, and integrated TPU speed hump, shoulders, elbows & knee caps. The Hypersport™ includes a full suite of D3O® impact protectors (shoulder, elbow, back, hip & knee). Four-way stretch material and accordion paneling in the flex zones ensure a comfortable and contoured fit in a full tuck position. Neoprene wrists and ankles are designed for ease of use and reduced cuff bulk. The removable, washable liner allows you to keep your gear smelling fresh, even when you don’t. The replaceable knee pucks round out the package, and the OG TPR chest logo lets them know who you’re reppin’. Learn more here.

FIT
Icon attack fit.

MATERIAL
1.1-1.3mm TrackSpec™ leather chassis.

PROTECTORS
D3O® impact protectors – Shoulders, elbows, back, hip, knee

FEATURES
Perforated Vent Zones, Integrated Flex Zones, Neoprene Wrist and Ankle Cuffs, Removable Washable Liner, TPR Chest Logo, TPU Shoulder/Elbow/Kneecaps, TPU Speed Hump, Replaceable Nylon Knee Sliders

Suggested Retail USD: $895

Check out the entire collection at www.rideicon.com.

The post ICON Spring 2019 Collection Released appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

LCR Team-E revealed in Brescia

Paolo Bertolotti (IVAR CEO): “Personally speaking, I really care about environmental sustainability and “circular economy”, and I try to bring this vision in our Company every day, when it comes both to big investments (such as installing photovoltaic panels on top of all our facilities) and daily measures (for instance we drive hybrid cars, use packaging made by recycled material, use electric vehicles for transportations inside the Company). There is a lot to do to preserve the environment, as individuals and as an enterprise, but we are proud to say we are a “zero emission” Company!  MotoE clearly support this cause: this is a revolution in motorsports and we want to be part of it, since the very beginning!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

LCR E-Team revealed in Brescia

Paolo Bertolotti (IVAR CEO): “Personally speaking, I really care about environmental sustainability and “circular economy”, and I try to bring this vision in our Company every day, when it comes both to big investments (such as installing photovoltaic panels on top of all our facilities) and daily measures (for instance we drive hybrid cars, use packaging made by recycled material, use electric vehicles for transportations inside the Company). There is a lot to do to preserve the environment, as individuals and as an enterprise, but we are proud to say we are a “zero emission” Company!  MotoE clearly support this cause: this is a revolution in motorsports and we want to be part of it, since the very beginning!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

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