Motorcycle News, News

Honda Releases Second Scheduled Update To Gold Wing Navigation

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Honda said that it would release updates to the Gold Wing navigation system periodically, and here is the second one. 

Begin Press Release:

Honda Completes Second Scheduled Gold Wing Navigation Update

 – TORRANCE, Calif.

The second of two planned navigation updates for the Gold Wing is now available, Honda announced today.

The first scheduled update, which corrected a daylight savings date change and provided revisions to retain functions after the ignition is switched off and back on again, was made available last October.

This second scheduled update adds the ability to support a significant increase in the maximum number of navigation waypoints, up to 99 per route. In addition, the update prevents the XM source from switching in low-signal-strength areas, and it enables more seamless interaction between the dash and iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR smart phones.

All 2018 and 2019 Gold Wing models share the same navigation platform; 2019 models come standard with the first update, whereas it is available via download to owners of 2018 models. Now, owners of 2018 and 2019 Gold Wing models can download the second update. Details on how to download and install the updates are available here. Customers can also sign up to be automatically notified when future updates are available.

In keeping with its commitment to supporting customers, American Honda works continuously to provide Gold Wing navigation software updates, including map upgrades, which are free for both 2018 and 2019 models. Owners of 2017 or earlier Gold Wing models can purchase map upgrades here.

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

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Motorcycle News, News

Alpinestars Highlights Some Womens Gear, Including A Tech-Air Touring Jacket

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Alpinestars has been on the front lines of airbag technology in riding apparel, and that includes gear for both men and women. Check out the options below.

Begin press release:

Product Name – STELLA ANDES PRO DRYSTAR® Jacket TECH-AIR® Airbag Compatible (suggested retail price – $549.95) + TECH-AIR® STREET airbag (suggested retail price – $1,149.95)

Category – Women’s All Weather Riding / Adventure Touring

Description – Designed specifically for the female form and using Alpinestars exclusive DRYSTAR® membrane, the Stella Andes Pro DRYSTAR® Jacket offers true versatility with 100% waterproofing and great levels of breathability, even in difficult riding conditions. The technically advanced construction of this jacket offers protection and abrasion resistance and is adaptable to all weather conditions. The Stella Andes Pro is also compatible with Alpinestars leading active airbag protection system, Tech-Air®.

Tech-Air® is a groundbreaking electronic airbag system that offers riders upper body protection and the freedom to ride both on and off road and in a wide range of weather conditions. The Tech-Air® Street System incorporates the airbag’s electronic control unit, componentry and airbag, which when inflated covers the back, kidney areas, chest and shoulders. The Tech-Air® System, sold separately and completely self-contained, offers the possibility for the airbag to be used in conjunction with an Alpinestars airbag-compatible textile outer jacket. The innovative and versatile Tech-Air® Street airbag system can be used with any type of motorcycle and/or scooter without the need to set-up, pair or reconfigure bike-to-rider or bike-to-passenger settings. The system is therefore immediately ready to be used at any time for any bike on any surface, and can be used equally for road riding and off road adventure touring.

Product Name – JET ROAD V2 GORE-TEX Glove with Gore Grip Technology (suggested retail price – $189.95)

Category – Road Riding

Description – A premium adventure touring glove that features an updated design for a more streamlined fit, the Jet Road V2 features a premium GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable membrane plus PrimaLoft® lining for excellent thermal properties. Incorporating class-leading material engineering and technical innovation, this CE-certified touring glove has a hard polymer knuckle for class-leading protection.

Product name – Firm Boot

Category – All Weather Road Riding

Part of the OSCAR by Alpinestars heritage collection, this vintage-military style OSCAR Boot has its roots in café-racer culture and is packed with class- leading protection to offer comfort and style.

• Main upper material made in full grain leather with vintage effect finish.
• Toe-box and heel counter internal reinforcement give structure support and impact resistance.
• Quilted and padded shift guard offers comfort and protection.
• Alpinestars anatomical foam-backed dual density PU ankle disk protection.
• 3D mesh lining for high levels of breathability and perforation on tongue for more ventilation. Anti-sliding suede in heel.
• Zip closure on medial panel plus adjustable leather leg strap and metal eyelet lacing closure system ensure easy entry and highly personalized fit.
• Replaceable anatomical EVA footbed with comfort lining on top.
• Alpinestars exclusive vulcanized rubber with heel microporous for shock absorption
on heel area, designed for optimal combination of comfort and grip.
• This boot is CE-certified to 13634:2010 standards.











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Competition, News

MXGP champion Herlings unlikely to make Argentina opener

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Full extent of recovery to be determined in six weeks.

Image: Supplied.

Further information has been released on Jeffrey Herlings’ recovery after breaking his foot last week, indicating the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider is unlikely to make the opening round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship in Argentina.

Herlings immediately flew back to Belgium after suffering the injury at the Albaida circuit in southern Spain and underwent a procedure with renowned surgeon Dr Claes to fix fractures in his right foot.

The defending champion will change his cast next week and is scheduled for a consultation with medical staff in six weeks to determine the full extent of the recovery time, making his appearance at the 3 March opener doubtful.

“I landed strangely from a jump and was at an angle when I went too close to the track ‘wall’ of dirt at Albaida,” Herlings explained. “I got my foot caught between the bike and the mud. I knew we were in trouble, and we had the operation as soon as possible when we saw the foot was starting to swell.

“This is obviously not the best way to start 2019 but we’d been riding and preparing well and we have to work now to get back to that level. The good news is that Dr Claes and his team were really happy with how the operation went and I don’t have any more pain or swelling.

“In six weeks time we’ll know more and it all depends how the bone heals. Thanks for all the messages from the fans. We’ll be back strong.”

The Dutchman dominated the 2018 MXGP World Championship, winning 17 of 19 rounds on his way to a maiden premier class crown.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

Is Ducati planning a naked V4 like the Penta?

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Ducati could be considering a naked version of its V4 Panigale along the lines of this sexy custom V4 Penta by italian design company Officine GP Design.

Only nine of these V4 Penta models will be made and they start at an eye-watering €100,000 (about $A157,000, $US114,500, £87,300).Ducati V4 Penta

This ridiculous promo video seems to show that its purpose in life is to be a thing of beauty to be displayed by the pool, rather than actually ridden!

However, Ducati has a history of collaborating with design houses and other institutions to design custom motorcycles that end up being the inspiration for production models.

So there is every chance that the V4 could shed its fairing and become a naked model the Hypermotard or the axed Streetfighter model.

V4 PentaDucati V4 Penta

However, designer Luca Pozzato has been a little too adventurous for this to translate faithfully into a production model.

For a start, it features expensive and heavy girder forks. Ducati is unlikely to follow suit.

Girder forks have been around for a while and were famously used in the Kiwi-designed Britten V1000 and Ariel Ace.

They have also featured in many recent custom and electric motorcycles, including the expensive Curtiss Zeus electric bikes.

The Penta V4 F-Girder forks were made in collaboration with FG Racing and feature a “parallelogram mode of operation”.

Luca has also added plenty of expensive bronze powder coating and standard equipment:Ducati V4 Penta

  • Jonich SX spoked wheels which cost about €1400 (about $A2200) per wheel;
  • Hand-stitched leather seat by exclusive leatherwoods company Foglizzo;
  • Fuel tank, fuel cap, levers and footrests provided by official Ducati partner Rizoma; and
  • Premium Ohlins suspension.Ducati V4 Penta

Penta V4 bike will come with a special gift box and there will be a range of V4 Penta-branded accessories available only for owners.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Progressive International Motorcycle Show Announces New to 2 Website

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New riders at the IMS Discover the Ride feature. Photo credit: Manny Pandya/Progressive International Motorcycle Shows.
New riders at the IMS Discover the Ride feature. Photo credit: Manny Pandya/Progressive International Motorcycle Shows.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) has announced NewTo2.com, an online platform within the shows’ Discover The Ride feature dedicated to educating a new generation of riders.

Discover The Ride, a forward-thinking initiative that serves the entire motorsports industry and new to IMS this year, is designed to introduce riding to those interested in motorcycling. The initiative is comprised of five interactive activities: the New Rider Course in partnership with Zero Motorcycles and Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles, the Kid’s Zone presented by Allstate, XDL Wheelie Experience, Dyno Experience and New To 2.

As a new series of online videos now available to consumers, NewTo2.com includes live presentations at IMS, educating new riders on the world of motorcycling. The videos and live presentations at the show are hosted by Monique Filips and Jordan Diggs, experienced motorcyclists, as well as surprise guests in certain markets, guiding riders through the different types of motorcycles to choose from, the gear needed, how to get started and tons of advice for the journey into motorcycling.

New To 2 live presentations enable crowds of new and non-riders a forum to ask questions and receive answers about motorcycling. In addition to the New To 2 online educational content, the Kid’s Zone presented by Allstate introduced more than 864 kids to Stacyc’s electric balance bikes on a closed course track. Furthermore, countless experience the power and ability to shift through the gears at the Dyno Experience with Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha. New and experienced riders got a balance check busting a wheelie at the XDL Wheelie Experience.

The next stop on the IMS tour is Minneapolis, followed by Washington D.C., and ending in Chicago. For information and tickets, visit motorcycleshows.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle News, News

Pirelli Partners with Kramer Motorcycles to Become Official Tire Supplier

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It’s been an unwritten rule between Kramer riders, at least in the US, that Pirelli tires work great with Kramer Motorcycles. Now it’s official.

Begin press release:

Pirelli Tire North America has reached an agreement with Kramer Motorcycles USA to become the sole tire supplier for the brand’s race-ready sportbikes. Kramer, which focuses its efforts solely on track-only motorcycles, will rely on the race-proven performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO™ Superbike slicks.

“Partnering with Kramer Motorcycles is a great addition to the Pirelli brand”, said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “Kramer’s attention to detail with producing high-end race bikes is second to none. The brand’s commitment to supplying customers with race-ready machines fits perfectly with the DIABLO™ Superbike tire. Pirelli is constantly updating its racing slicks with new technology, and just like Kramer, remains focused on giving all riders access to the brand’s latest offerings.”

The four-year-old German motorcycle manufacturer, led by founder Markus Kramer, builds race-ready sportbikes that are powered by KTM engines. Each customer gets a high-performance machine that is tailored for them, including the WP suspension components. Kramer currently offers two different models in North America, the HKR EVO2 S and HKR EVO2 R. The S model features an 80 horsepower KTM 690 LC4 engine, race-focused chassis, tunable suspension, selectable engine mapping and advanced braking systems. The R model includes all of the S models features as well as upgraded components, superior braking system and forged wheels.

Joe Karvonen, president of Kramer Motorcycles USA, says, “We are excited to forge this partnership with Pirelli Tire. Kramer Motorcycles strives to achieve maximum performance out of our machines and the Diablo slicks make that possible. The Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike slicks have proved themselves to be exceptional when paired with our lightweight HKR EVO2 models.”

Pirelli has spent the past 15 years as the official tire supplier for all classes in the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, which has played an instrumental role in the development and technology of the DIABLO™ Superbike slicks. The Kramer S and R models will come equipped with 120/70-17 SC2 compound front tires. On the rear, a 160/60-17 sizing will be used on the S model, while the R model comes with a 180/55-17, both in SC2 compound.

Click here for full details and specs about Kramer Motorcycles.

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit www.pirelli.com.


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News

Kawasaki trademarks retro Meguro name

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Kawasaki has filed trademark applications for the retro name Meguro in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Europe, and the Philippines.

The trademark application seems to point to the development of more retro models such as the successful Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe and the new W800 Cafe (pictured above).

Meguro invested in Harley-Davidson during the Wall Street Crash of 1929 to gain technological know-how.

They used that knowledge to start making gearboxes and by 1937 were making their own motorcycles.

Megruo supplied bikes for the Japanese police and military and even went racing in the 1950s.

The company offered a range of motorcycles from 50cc to 350cc, but they were too expensive.

Kawasaki-Meguro B8 125cc 1
Kawasaki-Meguro B8 125cc

Meguro revived

Kawasaki saved the company from extinction in 1960 and made several models in a Kawasaki-Meguro partnership.

Together they made 125cc, 175cc and 250cc single-cylinder models, 500cc K-series twin and the 625cc Kawasaki W.

The W625 was the inspiration for the development of the retro parallel-twin W650 in 1999.

Kawasaki replaced the W650 with the the 775cc W800 in 2011.

While that air-cooled model appeared destined for extinction thanks to Euro emissions standards, Kawasaki surprised by unveiling the W800 Cafe at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last November.

Kawasaki W800 in surprise return z400 meguro
W800 Cafe

Kawasaki Motor Australia confirms the W800 Cafe will arrive later this year.

Pricing and full specifications are not yet available for the retro model as production is not until mid-2019.

But it seems clear that Kawasaki intends to mine its historic roots with more retro models.

However, the name Meguro is not well-known outside of Japan.

The trademark application actually says the name could be used for “two-wheeled motor vehicles; motorcycles; scooters; mopeds; bicycles; structural parts for motorcycles”.

So “Meguro” could start appearing simply as badging on a range of retro models.

Or it could be the name for a whole new platform of neo-classic motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Anything goes with electric RMK E2

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Electric motorcycles are not bound by the physical constraints of internal combustion engines, so just about anything goes, like this electric E2 from Finnish company RMK.

Electric motors can be just about any shape and size and you can use multiple motors, while the batteries can also be any shape and size, especially if they are made up of a collection of smaller batteries linked together.

This allows designers to do whatever they want, says prolific designer Roland Sands. Consequently, we’ve seen some strange electric motorcycle, like this Johammer J1!

Johammer J1 electric motorcycle hydrogen - own
Johammer J1 electric motorcycle

RMK says their “unconventional frame architecture” offers plenty of room for a large battery while keeping the overall bike weight at about 200kg.RMK E2 prototype electric motorcycle

RMK E2

The RMK E2 is still just a prototype, but the final production version will probably stay with the hubless rear wheel which incorporates an electric motor in a direct-drive situation.

They say the advantage of having the motor in the rear hubless wheel is lower rotational mass than a conventional bike while retaining similar unsprung mass. Tyre changes will also be easy.

RMK is moving into the testing phase, so final specifications have not yet been set.RMK E2 prototype electric motorcycle

However, the company does say the battery size “can be configured for 200-300km carefree riding, depending on customer preference”.

That’s not bad, but it’s nowhere near as good as Zero Motorcycle which has up to 320km of range.

With all electric vehicles, the range is a malleable figure.

It really does depend on how the vehicle is ridden/driven, ambient temperature and the consistency of throttle.

For example, range is totally opposite to a normal engine which goes further on the highway than in the city.

RMK E2 prototype electric motorcycle

RMK say their fast-charging system will charge from flat to 80% in about two hours.

That’s a long time to wait to do another 160-240km.

Instant torque

RMK claim 50kW of power and “instant 320Nm torque from standstill all the way to a limited top speed of 160km/h”.

They say the motor has enough torque braking effect to be the primary rear brake. So it doesn’t need a brake disc, although the left lever does control regenerative motor braking.RMK E2 prototype electric motorcycle

The front wheel has a conventional set-up of dual brake discs controlled by the right lever.

Regenerative braking in most electric motorcycles and cars dramatically reduces the need for braking. In fact, when we rode the original 2014 Harley LiveWire in LA, we didn’t once use the brakes in traffic, except for the final stop.

Also, like the LiveWire, the RMK E2 has no gears.RMK E2 prototype electric motorcycle

The dashboard is on the tank and, together with the low headlight, offers a “clean electric experience with no clutter in your field of vision”.

However, tank-mounted instruments will be difficult to see while trying to keep your eyes on the road ahead.

There is no word on production schedule or pricing, but we hope it would be less than the LiveWire arriving in August in North America and Europe at just under $US30,000.

When the LiveWire arrives in Australia next year, it should cost more than $41,000!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Yoshimura Introduces 2019 KTM 790 Duke Alpha T Slip-on and FE Kit

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The KTM 790 Duke engine should be let free to roar. Yoshimura’s Alpha T exhaust let’s it do so.

Begin press release:

One of the most anticipated bikes to come from KTM in years is the 2019 790 Duke. This parallel twin engine naked bike is built for excitement on the streets, and we couldn’t wait to see what we could add to this new orange machine.

Known for its racing prowess and its ability to deliver performance we developed a Alpha T Works Finish slip-on for the new 790. The aesthetics are perfect for the 790 and the sound was enhanced along with the performance. Peak horsepower was increased by as much as 4%! The radical sound that the Alpha T offers is second to none and the Alpha T removes 3 pounds when compared to the stock system.

We also developed our famous Fender Eliminator Kit for the new 790. Kit includes a clean rear tail light and gives the radical naked bike lines back to the 790 Duke.

Proudly made in the USA!

2019 KTM 790 Duke Alpha T Slip-on and FE Kit pricing and info

2019 KTM 790 Duke Street Alpha T SO SS/SS/CF WF 
Part # 16790BP520
MSRP: $526.31
QUALIFIED MANUFACTURER DECLARED “REPLACEMENT PART”

2019 KTM 790 Duke Fender Eliminator kit 
Part # 070BG167900MSRP: $168.41

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