Harley recalls Street models over rusty brakes

Harley-Davidson Australia has recalled 4798 Street 500 and Street Rod 750 models over problems with rusty brake calipers.

The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says that brake calipers may become rusty in the bore area.

“This corrosion could result in the pistons dragging in the caliper bore,” it says.

“If this condition remains undetected it could lead to increased brake drag, posing a risk of accident and serious injury to the rider and other road users.”

Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Wills outlines 2019 program aboard KTM machinery

New South Welshman to challenge MX2 category once again this year.

Image: Foremost Media.

Dylan Wills has outlined his program for the upcoming Pirelli MX Nationals, confirming he’ll return to KTM machinery in a unique set-up for his 2019 campaign.

Gaining support directly from KTM Australia, Wills will receive assistance from Davey Motorsports throughout the entirety of the 10-round series, while his 250 SX-F contenders will be maintained by former factory mechanic Jess Foreman at Hunter Valley Motorsports.

Bringing his own partners to the program has injected confidence within the talented New South Welshman, who finished up fifth in the MX2 standings last year with an overall win to his name.

“KTM has come to the party, so they’re going to supply my bike, parts and everything that goes with it,” Wills explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ll end up riding under the Davey Motorsports truck for the year, so the Davey guys have put a pretty good support program together for me, and we’ve worked together to get some great sponsors for the year.

“I’m just finalising gear and a few personal sponsors now. I’ll be getting my bikes through KTM, but Hunter Valley Motorsports is where my bike will actually be maintained for the year. My longtime friend and former mechanic Jess Foreman is now working there and he’ll look after my bikes for the year with race prep and everything.

“In my eyes, that’s a bit different and bit extra from a bike shop that you usually wouldn’t be able to get, so those guys have made my program easier not only on my pocket, but also life in general – it makes it much easier for me.”

Coming from the factory supported DPH Motorsport Husqvarna outfit back into a small and low-key operation, Wills expressed his mindset is at an all-time high as he takes a slightly different approach to the new season.

“My mindset is the best it’s ever been,” he added. “I wouldn’t say I’ve secluded myself, but I’ve just stuck to doing my own thing. I’ve linked up with John Bova – he’s racing in MXD and he’s a really hard working kid – I see the effort he puts in, so I’ve kind of taken him under my wing to show him the ropes a little, but mainly to have him as a training partner.”

The opening round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for 17 March at Appin in New South Wales.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Suzuki signing Maxwell breaks collarbone in training incident

ASBK title threat undergoes surgery in a bid to make Phillip Island test.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Wayne Maxwell has been operated on after sustaining a broken collarbone while training in South Australia last Sunday, now facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) test at Phillip Island.

Maxwell, 36, was in attendance at the Tour Down Under and completing his own kilometres on the bicycle while in Adelaide when an incident resulted in the injury. He underwent surgery at The Avenue Hospital in Melbourne on Wednesday with Dr Greg Hoy.

“It is frustrating, but it is what it is,” Maxwell told CycleOnline.com.au after having the injury plated and screwed. “It’s just an accident and can always be worse, so luckily I have got good people around me. I’ve got it fixed now, so we will look to get back on the bike and then go from there.”

Maxwell is no stranger to rebounding from collarbone injuries, riding to victory at Wakefield Park in 2014 on his way to that year’s Australasian Superbike Championship. On that occasion he underwent surgery just weeks out from the series’ penultimate round to maintain his title lead.

Because of that experience, Maxwell is confident he will be able to turn laps at Phillip Island’s official ASBK test on 2-3 February. With only one week to recover, mileage may be limited as he looks forward to the opening round of 2019 between 22-24 February.

“I broke my right collarbone in 2014 and went to Wakefield a few weeks later and managed to get the win,” he added. “Greg Hoy, the surgeon, is one of the best in Australia and I’ve now got a plate and 10 screws in there, so I’m fairly confident I can make the test next week and be good to go at round one.

“I’ve only spent a limited amount of time on the GSX-R, so even though I won’t be at full pace, the more laps, the better. Pirelli have an updated tyre, so I want to get my head around that and do what I can. It might only be limited laps, but it’s still better than nothing.”

Maxwell was one of the major movers of this year’s silly season, transferring from Yamaha Racing Team to Suzuki’s factory-supported outfit alongside triple ASBK champion Josh Waters and satellite entry Alex Phillis aboard GSX-R1000R machinery.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Kangaroo Valley features in ride video

Kangaroo Valley, south of Sydney, features one of the famed motorcycle roads in Australia and is the subject of the latest Roads We Ride road safety video series.

Check out the Oxley video featuring local rider Alex Donnelly and wife Ann on their BMW R 1200 GS.

More videos

It’s not the only video of the Oxley Highway that we have featured.

First there was veteran motorcycle journo Mick Matheson’s fantastic review of the road in 2016.

Shortly afterwards, the Roads and Maritime Services decided to reduce speeds along the road after a road safety review.

Their decision was met with howls of protests and a petition supported by riders and locals.

The RMS decided to review their decision and eventually decided to reduce the mountain section from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The result was a substantial drop in riders and trade on the road.

This prompted John Keogh of Gingers Creek Roadhouse to put together this drone video to show off the road’s attractions and bring back riders.

  • What do you think of this video series? Does it make you a better and safer rider or is it a waste of taxpayer’s money? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Limited production for Triumph Thruxton TFC model

Limited edition motorcycle boasts significant enhancements.

triumph thruxton tfc

Image: Supplied.

Only 750 units will go into production of Triumph’s Thruxton TFC model, which was unveiled yesterday at the Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) global launch.

With even more style, power and performance, the incredible new Thruxton TFC raises the bar to become the definitive sports classic and the new pinnacle in the legendary Thruxton line-up. Rare and truly special, this first production TFC model celebrates the best of British engineering, detailing and finish in a never-to-be-repeated version.

With only 750 ever being sold worldwide, the Thruxton TFC will be Triumph’s most exclusive and desirable modern classic. Featuring premium TFC badging and instrument faces with gold detailing, and a beautiful individually-numbered plaque on the top yoke, each one will be completely unique and never to be repeated.

Every Thruxton TFC owner will also receive a special tailor-made TFC handover pack unique to their bike, featuring a numbered letter signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor, a personalised custom build book, and a beautiful Thruxton TFC bike cover. Visually striking, the new Thruxton TFC features unique beautifully engineered lightweight carbon fibre bodywork, including a stunning one-piece carbon cockpit fairing, front mudguard, seat cowl, heel guards and silencer end caps.

Additional exquisite detailing includes billet machined aluminium top yoke with TFC branding, premium brushed nickel mirror centres, tinted screen, beautiful real leather seat with stitched detailing, and billet machined aluminium oil filler cap.
All of this comes on top of a whole host of beautiful blacked out features, including premium black anodised multi-spoked wheels, black Ohlins RSU springs with black decals, black engine covers and a black tail tidy.

To perfectly complement the black theme and real carbon fibre, the Thruxton TFC is available in one signature paint scheme – a distinctive Carbon Black, with brushed tank knee pad detailing, and hand painted gold lining. And that premium gold detailing is applied across the whole motorcycle, from the gold lining on the fairing, to the gold detailing in the badging and instrument faces, unique key with gold detailing, and even a stylish custom gold chain.

The Thruxton TFC also retains all of the distinctive core Thruxton features, such as the brushed flip-top Monza fuel cap, twin throttle bodies with brushed intake finisher, Daytona R foot pegs and clear anodised aluminium swing arm. The limited edition model achieves an incredible 10PS more power than the standard Thruxton R.

This is delivered by significant engine upgrades including a whole host of lighter weight engine components, high compression pistons, and revised ports and cam profile. Along with the higher power, the Thruxton TFC also delivers an incredible high torque punch low down and across the entire rev range, peaking at 115Nm.

There is also a premium one-of-a-kind exhaust system just for the Thruxton TFC, with Vance & Hines titanium silencers and carbon fibre end caps, with a unique laser etched co-branded logo. Significant weight savings across the entire motorcycle make the Thruxton TFC five kilograms lighter than the Thruxton R for an even more dynamic and agile ride – delivered by engine component refinements, carbon fibre bodywork, aluminium engine cradle rails, rear mudguard removal, and a lighter weight battery.

In addition to the weight saving, the Thruxton TFC also has a category leading higher level of specification and equipment, with fully adjustable Ohlins upside down NIX30 front forks and fully adjustable Ohlins piggy back reservoir rear shocks with billet machined aluminium adjusters.

There are also high specification Brembo four-piston M4.34 radial monobloc callipers and twin floating Brembo front discs, delivering excellent stopping power, and unique race specification Metzeler Racetec RR super sticky tyres. The premium specification continues with a Brembo radial master cylinder and MCS span and ratio adjustable brake lever plus matching clutch lever.

Increasing the level of rider-focused technology are three upgraded riding modes unique to the Thruxton TFC (Rain, Road and Sport), which now adjust throttle map, ABS and traction control settings to better suit the riding conditions or rider preference. This is enabled via the latest generation ride by wire, which delivers enhanced rideability, safety and control.

For enhanced visibility, lower energy consumption and greater durability, the Thruxton TFC features all-LED lighting, including seven-inch headlight with signature profile daytime running light (market specific availability), compact LED indicators, tail light and rear light.

ABS and traction control are also fitted for maximum safety and control, both implemented with minimal visual impact – compact, responsive and unobtrusive. Optimised to reduce lever effort for the rider, the torque-assist clutch makes the bike even more comfortable over long journeys and in stop-start riding, while the USB charging socket improves convenience.

An engine immobiliser is also fitted as standard on the Thruxton TFC, with a transponder incorporated into the new high-value gold badged key. Pricing and availability in Australia is still be determined. For more information, visit www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Police answer motorcyclists’ questions

Queensland police and Transport Main Roads department officials will be on hand next month to answer riders’ questions on legislation, road rules, Australian Vehicle Standards and other topics.

The latest “Community Engagement Day” will be held on Saturday 16 February 2019 at Beechmont, between 8am-12pm.

Acting Sgt Adam Samuels says they will have a free barbecue for riders at the park where the hang gliders launch, opposite the new Flying Bean Cafe.

Questions and answers

Many riders may have questions about whether their tail tidy or handlebars are legal, but they may be reticent to approach the police for fear of being fined.

However, Adam assureds riders there is no need for concern about copping a fine.

“The event is for community engagement only not for enforcement,” he says.

“It’s about getting guys to come in and ask about their fender guards, exhausts and bars and clear stuff up.

“It gives them an opportunity to come in safely, knowing it is not about enforcement.

“They can ask questions and get ideas on what they can do to make sure their bike is legal. They can also book in with TMR for an inspection.”

North Upright

Police talk to riders at a 2016 Operation North Upright event enforce road safety week questions
Police talk to riders at a previous Operation North Upright event

Operation North Upright has been operating in South East Queensland for the past couple of years.

Police say the operation is designed to “talk with any bike riders, give advice and listen to their concerns”.

Riders have claimed previous similar events have been accompanied by a high presence of police in the area, enforcing road rules and vehicle compliance.

Road Safety messages from Operation North Upright

  • The faster you go, the harder you hit. And on a bike, you’ll always come off second‐best. The only thing speeding gets you closer to is a crash.
  • Riding tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t get on the bike if you’re tired.
  • Ride to be seen and don’t assume you’re visible to everyone.
  • Lane filtering is legal, remember to be safe and follow the road rules.
  • Look after yourself and your bike. The right gear and regular maintenance can save your life.
  • In 2017, 50 motorcyclists died and 953 were hurt or seriously injured in crashes on Queensland roads.

Online ‘Join the Drive’ resources: 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition Werkes Announces Ducati Panigale V4 Exhaust And Fender Eliminator

New products for the Ducati Panigale V4 from Competition Werkes.

Begin press release:


The Ducati Panigale V4 fender eliminator from Competition Werkes is here! Made from black powder coated lightweight stainless steel, the fender eliminator gets rid of the long, stick-like stock rear fender and relocates license plate and stock turn signals right under the tail section for a clean look. The fender eliminator kit includes brackets for stock or aftermarket turn signals of your choice, as well as an LED license plate light and all mounting hardware. Step-by-step installation instructions are included that make getting your new fender eliminator mounted a breeze.


The Competition Werkes GP Race Slip-On Exhaust for the Ducati Panigale V4 takes off pounds of weight and increases performance while making the V4 look and sound much, much better. Made from the finest stainless steel tubing, it is welded instead of bent to avoid weak spots, just like a MotoGP pipe. Much more affordable than a full system. Made in the USA.


You can hear the sound of the Competition Werkes GP Race Slip-On Exhaust for the Ducati Panigale V4 in the video below. The sound clip starts at 6:55.

The post Competition Werkes Announces Ducati Panigale V4 Exhaust And Fender Eliminator appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

MIC Release: U.S. Households With A Motorcycle Climbs To Record 8 Percent In 2018

Here at Motorcycle.com, we’ve always got a motorcycle laying around. Turns out more of America has one, too.

Begin press release:


If you’ve noticed more motorcycles tucked inside garages across the country, or parked out front, you’re not imagining things. Eight percent of U.S. households had at least one bike in 2018, the most ever recorded in decades of polling by the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Motorcycle households rose from 6.94 percent in 2014 (the last full survey) to a record 8.02 percent in 2018, an increase of more than 1.5 million homes. The United States Census Bureau’s most recent estimate put the number of U.S. households at 126,224,000. The MIC Owner Survey found that 10,124,400 of those homes had a motorcycle.

“The household penetration numbers have always been among the most important figures to us,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “We’re certainly happy to see more homes that have a motorcycle. Riders who talk about motorcycling to friends and neighbors help to inspire people who don’t yet ride.”

The number of motorcycles owned also reached record levels, according to the survey, jumping to 13,158,100 last year, an increase of more than 2.5 million motorcycles compared to 2014. It is even higher than the previous record from 2009 (11,704,500), which followed a long period of high-volume new-bike sales.

The estimated number of motorcycles in use rose to 12,231,000 in 2018, an increase of more than 2 million since 2014. And that number was more than 1 million better than the record figure from 2009, when 11,015,105 motorcycles were in use.

“Modern motorcycles are high-quality machines, enabling the pre-owned market to be a key part of the overall growth in the motorcycle and rider population,” said Jim Woodruff, secretary/treasurer of the MIC Board of Directors and COO of National Powersport Auctions. “The annual pre-owned market is actually three times larger than the new market. Used bikes appeal to many riders because there are so many options in terms of price and style.”

And what about riders who owned more than one motorcycle, or a home that had more than one rider and maybe more than one bike? The 2018 survey revealed that the number of motorcycles per household with a bike stood at 1.30, up slightly compared with 2014 when it was 1.23, but down compared to 1.53 recorded in 2009.

The percentage of motorcycles in running order was down 3 percentage points, from 96.1 percent in 2014 to 93 percent in 2018. But compared to a decade ago (94.1 percent) it was only down one percentage point last year.

“As used units become a larger part of the overall motorcycle population, it’s not surprising to see a slight decrease in the percentage of operating units,” Woodruff said. “Our research shows that the average age of a pre-owned motorcycle sold in the U.S. is approximately eight years old. Plus, vintage bikes are on trend now and many riders are keeping non-runners as part of their collection.”

The post MIC Release: U.S. Households With A Motorcycle Climbs To Record 8 Percent In 2018 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Dakar champion Price undergoes wrist surgery

Australian fan-favourite sets sights on 2020 Dakar Rally.

Image: Supplied.

Toby Price has undergone surgery to repair the damage sustained to his broken right scaphoid that was aggravated on his way to winning the 2019 Dakar Rally.

Price initially suffered the injury a month prior to the event and was hopeful he’d make it halfway through the 10-stage race, however the Australian overcame the odds and put in a heroic effort, earning his second-career Dakar victory.

Upon returning home to Queensland, Price immediately sought a medical evaluation with Dr Steve Andrews, and underwent a successful operation on Wednesday.

“They’ve fixed your fractured scaphoid five or six weeks ago, and it looks like it’s all gone back together reasonably well,” Dr Andrews explained to Price in a social media video. Unfortunately, the load of you riding in that timeframe has put a fair bit through the hold that that screw’s got in your scaphoid, and it’s started to collapse.

“It’s not healing and the distal end of the screw is starting to windscreen wiper and cause a big cavity in the distal pole of your scaphoid, so it’s not going to heal if we leave it there because it’s not well-fixed and it’s actually collapsing into the wrong position.

“What we’re going to do is take the screw out, put a new screw in through a different angle so that we can get some purchase on what bone is still there and good, and we’re going to pack some graft in from your hip to encourage it to heal and fill the hole in the distal part of your scaphoid so it can heal up.”

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ace is hopeful of plotting a title defence in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, however his sights are already firmly set on the 2020 Dakar Rally.

“As per usual it’s going to be a busy 2019,” Price told MotoOnline.com.au in a recent interview. “Hopefully we can back-up the world championship as well and the countdown to Dakar 2020 has already started – it never ends! It’ll be a busy year, but we’re looking forward to it and it will be a good time.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Are slow motorcycle sales cause for panic?

Motorcycle sales might be in a two-year slump in Australia, but there is no cause for general panic about the global motorcycle industry just yet.

Several motorcycle manufacturers are reporting growth in profits and even record sales, while many markets continue to increase in sales.

Perhaps the biggest saviour of motorcycling is the continued exponential growth in the Indian market.

Last year, more than 20 million motorcycles were sold in India. That’s up 2.6m from the previous year and almost double the sales of just seven years ago.Turban Sikh sikhs helmet panic

And don’t think that’s all scooters and 125cc motorcycles, either.

More and more motorcycles sold in India are what they call “superbikes” which are over 750cc in capacity.

China, Brazil and other developing countries are also recording massive growth in motorcycle and scooter sales.

No panic in mature marketsEnrico Grassi Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy Tuscany and Umbria: Heart of Italy panic

But it’s not just the developing nations that are doing well.

Mature markets such as Europe are up about 7% including the UK, up 2.9%.

The big concern is that the biggest big-bike market in the world, America, is marginally down last year.

However, there is no need for panic yet. US sales had been growing steadily since the big collapse from the 2008/09 GFC.

Maybe it’s a one-year blip. Let’s hope so, as it has a huge bearing on motorcycle manufacturers’ ability to turn a profit and keep bringing out new and exciting models.

Profit and panic

Meanwhile many manufacturers are continuing to post profits and/or record growth.

  • BMW Motorrad recorded its eighth straight year of global sales growth, up 0.9% with 165,566 bikes delivered;
  • Triumph was down slightly from 63,404 to 61,505, but still reported its second-biggest profit last year; and
  • Although slightly down, Ducati sold 53,004 bikes last year, its fourth straight year of more than 50k.

    Ducati Scrambler panic
    Ducati updated its popular Scrambler range in 2018

Japanese manufacturers are yet to post their 2018 figures.

All eyes will also be on Harley-Davidson who are expected to post a double-digit global slump in domestic sales, but good performances in developing markets.

Challenges

There is no doubt the motorcycle market is going through some changes and challenges:

Is it any wonder many have a bleak outlook for the industry?

Exciting future

But there are exciting and interesting times ahead as electric motorcycles may revive interest by tech-savvy millennials.

The current panic about a dying motorcycle industry remind us of Mark Twain’s famous quote: “The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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