Energica fans in the Eastern United States now have a well respected dealership to turn to: Hudson Valley Motorcycles. See below for details.

Begin press release:

---

Energica Motor Company S.p.A. continues to expand in the United States: a new commercial agreement with Hudson Valley Motorcycles in the significant market of New York State and the Northeast Region of the U.S. has just been signed. This will delight hundreds of riders all over the east coast who have been clamoring for Energica to open a retail presence there.

New York has the fifth largest number of motorcyclists in the U.S., with over 392,771 registered street bikes in 2017 and accounted for over 4% of all motorcycles sold in the country that year. According to Plug-In America, New York is also the second largest market for EV vehicles, with about 30,645 currently registered and a growth rate of 67% in just the last year. There are over 2,400 charging stations already in place in the state, the fourth-highest number in the country, behind three states (California, Texas, Florida) where Energica already has dealer representation.

Highly ambitious plans have just been announced by Governor Cuomo to add over 10,000 additional charging stations and expand the New York EV units in operation to 800,000 – so the outlook for electric motorcycles to follow the growth in electric cars in New York is very positive.

“We know that riders have precisely the same concerns as drivers do about the range of EV and the frequency of charging stations. Like cars, this is the #1 barrier to purchase by consumers. Our bikes will travel for over 100 miles on a single charge, so the challenge is the number of places to charge up, especially DC Fast Chargers that Energica alone of all electric motorcycles is able to use,” Stated Stefano Benatti, CEO, Energica Motor Company Inc. “The massive build-out of charging stations planned for New York makes that state a rival for California as a market for electric motorcycles.”

The new relationship between Energica and Hudson Valley Motorcycles is particularly noteworthy as the dealer will have exclusive representation for the entire Northeast region, incorporating Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont – altogether equally the size and importance of the New York market.

“The attraction of electric for avid riders isn’t just ecological. It’s the immediate acceleration and absolutely linear torque,” says Richie Alexander, General Manager for Hudson Valley Motorcycles. “We have a deep experience in sportbikes and racing, but also in electric; and this makes Energica a perfect fit for us. Energica’s high-performance bikes will be a great option for those of our customers who want something truly different and unique.” Richie adds that “We saw enormous interest at the New York IMS show about Energica and that made us very excited to sign up with them. And we are already getting a ton of phone calls from riders wanting to test ride the most powerful electric motorcycles you can buy for street use.”

The post Energica Enters A New Commercial Agreement In New York and NE U.S. appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

The future of safety between motorcycles, cars, pedestrians, and even the very roads we occupy was displayed in a joint venture between Ducati, Audi, Ford, and Qualcomm at CES 2019, in Las Vegas. 

Begin press release:

---

Ducati continues its safety-focused research by taking part – together with Audi and Ford – in the first US demonstration of a communication system that interlinks vehicles, street infrastructure and pedestrians.

This test follows the one completed in Germany last July (here the press release). The latter saw the ConVeX (Connected Vehicle to Everything) project – a key part of Ducati’s “Safety Road Map 2025” strategy which aims to develop new safety systems and technologies – showcased in Europe for the very first time. The initial stages of this strategy will see ABS Cornering extended to the entire Ducati range and the market launch, in 2020, of a bike with front and rear radar.

Ducati, Audi AG (NASDAQ: AUDVF), Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), announced the companies’ continued joint efforts to help accelerate commercial deployment for C-V2X direct communication technology for roadside safety, traffic efficiency and automated driving. As a part of the Consumer Electronic Show^® 2019 (CES 2019), a Ducati Multistrada 1260 as well as Audi and Ford vehicles, demonstrate driving situations utilizing C-V2X direct communications. All vehicles were equipped with C-V2X technology utilizing the Qualcomm^® 9150 C-V2X chipset to demonstrate a cooperative intersection use case, exhibiting how C-V2X can be used between vehicles to negotiate the right of way in entering a four-way, non-signalized intersection where intention sharing and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions make the use of a wireless sensor such as C-V2X ideal.

The companies also exhibited additional Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) safety scenarios, demonstrating the maturity and potential of C-V2X technology. The V2V use case featured the Intersection Movement Assist (IMA) scenario, which is a key countermeasure to address angle collisions at intersections, while the V2P scenario exhibited how C-V2X can be used to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. The V2I use case featured the Work Zone Warning scenario, which is designed to provide drivers advanced warning of road construction ahead allowing them to maneuver in a safe manner.

This week’s Las Vegas demonstrations follow the successful showings of C-V2X trial validations and interoperability conducted throughout 2018 in Europe, Japan, Australia, China and the United States, as well as the first live C-V2X interoperability demonstration between a motorcycle, vehicles and roadside infrastructure, which was hosted by several leading automotive and technology companies, including Ducati and Qualcomm Technologies.

Ducati, Audi, and Ford are amongst several global automakers who have closely evaluated C-V2X technology for its reliability, high-performance capabilities and readiness through rigorous testing. Currently, C-V2X is the only V2X alternative that provides a clear evolution path to 5G, in a backward compatible manner, and is designed to deliver reliable and consistent performance in realistic driving scenarios. While complementing other Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensors, such as radar, lidar, and camera systems, C-V2X direct communications supports an ever-expanding set of safety use cases, as well as enhanced situational awareness by detecting and directly exchanging vital information. Additionally, C-V2X is designed with a focus on security, benefitting from established security transport layers and application protocols defined by the automotive standards communities, including ISO, ETSI and IEEE 1609. Because C-V2X can be easily integrated into all wireless modems to offer direct and network communications, its implementation is cost-effective, which is especially important as the automotive industry continues to move towards adding wireless connectivity in all vehicles.

“This demonstration is showing use cases in which advanced technologies can significantly improve the safety of motorcycle users,” said Pierluigi Zampieri, Vehicle Innovation Manager at Ducati Motor Holding. “C-V2X communication is one of the key projects of the Ducati 2025 safety road map. There’s no better place than CES to talk about our roadmap towards the future”.

“Audi has demonstrated a novel C-V2X use case together with Ford, Ducati and Qualcomm Technologies. The four-way stop use case provides a glimpse of how cooperative driving will be possible with C-V2X in the future. Besides additional safety, C-V2X is designed to also improve comfort and efficiency, which can be applied to both current and future autonomous driving,” said Anupam Malhotra, Director, Connected Vehicles & Data at Audi of America, Inc. “Audi has demonstrated commercial viability of cellular-based V2X services through the Audi Traffic Light Information service and plays a leading role within the 5GAA to develop this technology further”.

“Imagine a person suddenly steps into the street from out of view and your vehicle stops because it was alerted by that person’s smartphone. This is just one example of how C-V2X can connect smart vehicles to a smart world,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle Platform and Product. “We invite other automakers, governments and tech companies to join the significant momentum building for a C-V2X ecosystem”.

“As part of Qualcomm Technologies’ ongoing work with Ford, Audi and Ducati, we are excited to continue strengthening our mutual efforts towards accelerating C-V2X’s commercial deployment. This new chapter in our longstanding relationships outlines our collective goal to realize the full potential of C-V2X as a global solution for next-generation vehicle connectivity, safety and autonomy,” said Nakul Duggal, senior vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies. “We look forward to showcasing the latest results of this relationship as several Ford, Audi and Ducati vehicles demonstrate C-V2X interoperability in real-world driving situations”.

The demonstration by Ducati, Audi, Ford, and Qualcomm Technologies will be conducted live in Las Vegas by appointment and will also be livestreamed at Qualcomm Technologies’ automotive booth in the North Hall (booth #5609), and in the Central Hall (booth #TBD) throughout the show. The demonstration will also be shown in the Audi and Ford booths.

The post Ducati Partners With Audi and Ford To Debut Car-To-Bike Communication Technology At CES appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Begin Press Release: 

---

American Motorcyclist Association announces 2019 schedule for KTM AMA National Adventure Riding Series

Nationwide series features 14 opportunities to get out and ride

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has released the schedule for the 2019 KTM AMA National Adventure Riding Series, presented by Kenda Tires, which features 14 events in 10 states organized by AMA-chartered clubs and promoters.

Adventure riding is one of the fastest growing classes of motorcycling. Adventure bikes are comfortable enough to conquer hundreds of miles of interstate without a whimper and are rugged enough to climb the highest mountain passes. Since 2007, the KTM AMA National Adventure Riding Series has provided opportunities for adventure motorcyclists to enjoy some of the best routes, roads and two-track trail in the nation.

KTM returns as a series sponsor for the third consecutive year. The company boasts a lineup of well-equipped adventure bikes that are great options to ride in the series’ events.

“The 2017 season was a really good year for KTM sponsoring the AMA National Adventure Riding Series, and 2018 turned out even better,” KTM Ride Orange Manager Mark Hyde said. “The series is home to many great adventure rides across America. Each year, we have been able to attend more events, meet more adventure riders and show off the capability and style of KTM’s adventure models.”

AMA Recreational Riding Manager Heather Wilson said the events are intended for adventure riders of all skill levels and are a great way for new adventure riders to learn more about the discipline.

“These events are so popular, many fill up far in advance,” Wilson said. “The event organizers work hard to ensure the riding is memorable and that riders have a great group-riding experience.”

As part of its sponsorship, KTM will award one series participant an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2020 KTM Adventure Rider Rally.

Supporting series sponsors include AMA Member Benefit Partner ADVmoto. Event participants will be entered to win products from sponsors Helite Moto, Seat Concepts and IMS Products.

2019 KTM AMA National Adventure Riding Series schedule

April 27-28: Perry Mountain Tower Run Adventure Rally
Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club — Stanton, Ala.

May 4-5: Yosemite Adventure Tour
Family Off-Road Adventures — Buck Meadows, Calif.

May 16-19: PA Wilds 1000
Pine Barrens Adventures — Port Matilda, Pa.

June 1-2: Durty Dabbers
Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club — Lock Haven, Pa.

June 8-9: Ride for Research
Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders — Wabeno, Wis.

June 8-9: Ozark 200
Arkansas Dirt Riders, Inc. — New Blaine, Ark.

June 22-23: Big Bear Run
Big Bear Trail Riders — Big Bear, Calif.

August TBD: Dirt Daze Adventure Rally
Dirt Daze — TBD, Vt.

September 7-8: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride
Appalachian Trail Riders — Pineola, N.C.

September 14-15: Show Me 500 National Adventure Ride
Midwest Trail Riders Association — Bixby, Mo.

September 28-29: Big Woods 200
Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders — Wabeno, Wis.

September 28-29: Buffaloe 500 National Adventure Ride
Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club — Columbus, Ind.

October 12-13: Renfro Valley Adventure Ride
Appalachian Trail Riders — Mount Vernon, Ky.

November 29-30: L.A. — Barstow to Vegas
District 37 Dual Sport — Palmdale, Calif.

The series schedule and detailed information about the events can be found at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Riding/Adventure-Riding. Participants must have a current AMA membership.

Be sure to follow the series’ official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AMAAdventureRiding. Post your photos from the events on social media using #AMAadv.

The post AMA announces 2019 schedule for KTM AMA National Adventure Riding Series appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Wait, how old is Jeff Ward? He was already a grizzled veteran when he won his second AMA Supermoto championship in 2006 – which is the same year he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. He’d already been inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, after winning several thousand AMA Moto- and Supercross titles. If Wiki has it right, Jeff Ward is 57 years old. 

---

AFT Press Release:

The post Jeff Ward Is Going to Race American Flat Track TTs appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

WestX1000 provides us with stage one updates from Dakar 2019.

Begin Press Release: 

---

Just Another Day in the Dunes

A Promising Stage One at the Dakar Rally Gives the United States Hope

Even the best racers and biggest trucks could be swallowed whole by the mountains of sand making up the Ica region surrounding Pisco.

In a battle between man, machine and Mother Nature, it seemed that yesterday man and his machine have prevailed – this time around. Special Stage One was a relatively short and fast-paced race. The route, 70-percent of which were dunes, sifted out the top competitors who, as it turns out, includes the Americans.

“Although it was a short stage today, it was a very large learning curve for me. The computer equipment on the bike is tricky to pick up right away. Because I didn’t know how to work it, I made some errors, which made me a little frustrated with my results. But ultimately, I was happy with how I was able to move up in the overall position from my starting point. I had to remind myself that I’m in Peru living my dream and not to let anything break my spirit.” – Skyler Howes #73, Garrett Off-Road Racing team

Ricky Brabec (#15) broke into the top three, nabbing the third seat in bikes leaving everyone but Joan Barreda (#5) and Pablo Quintanilla (#6) in his dust. Andrew Short (#29) made great time landing himself at 13 in the ranks. And Garrett Poucher (#71), Skyler Howes (#73) and Nathan Rafferty (#104) fought hard for better starting positions come Second Stage Two, which took off a little later this morning. A relief for riders needing to catch up on some Zzz’s. Poucher and Skyler will begin at the 45th and 46th positions while Rafferty will set off at 97th.

Household name, Robby Gordon, experienced some minor setbacks which had forced him to miss his originally scheduled scrutineering date. But it all worked out in the end, as Gordon and teammate Kellon Walch (#316) drove formidably, finishing 21st in the car rankings. Driver Blade Hildebrand, his co-pilot Bill Conger (#367) and teammates Cole Potts and Max Eddy (#346) also did well for themselves leaving the start line this morning 34th and 43rd in line. Last of the Americans, but certainly not least, Casey Currie (#343), a friend and protégé’ of Robby Gordon’s, promised to make a name for himself at Dakar, in the new Side-by-Side (SxS) class. With a rise in popularity, we’re seeing these leisure utility vehicles pop up in more and more off-road events. And Currie plans to battle his way to the podium in his, earning 6th in class by the time he reached the end of his road book.

Altogether, the first special stage seemed to go off without a hitch. The day produced only a single recorded withdrawal and one non-critical medical situation when a car barrel rolled, so there’s still a lot of folks with skin in the game. And racers aren’t giving in yet! Some delays at the beginning could be expected, but just about everyone reached the proverbial checkered flag unscathed. Tuesday January 8th will offer challengers less dunes but many more kilometers with over 200 for the liaison to San Juan de Marcona in addition to the special stage. Is this where we’ll see competitors begin do drop off, as they so famously do at Dakar? Will the lack of sand be a help or a hindrance? Will the American’s keep up their pace? There’s only one way to find out…

Key points:

Ø Rankings of Americans

BIKE

3. Ricky Brabec #15 – 01h 00’ 28” Bike

13. Andrew Short #29 – 01h 04’ 29” Bike

45. Garrett Poucher #71 – 01h 16’ 58” Bike

46. Skyler Howes #73 – 01h 17’ 04” Bike

97. Nathan Rafferty #104 – 01h 38’ 39” Bike

CAR

21. Robby Gordon, Kellon Walch #316 – 01h 10’ 49”

34. Blade Hildebrand, Bill Conger #367 – 01h 16’ 11”

43. Cole Potts, Max Eddy #346 – 01h 22’ 03”

SIDE-BY-SIDE

6. Casey Currie #343 – 01h 16’ 08”

Ø Top Three Motorcycles

1. Joan Barreda #5 – 57’36”

2. Pablo Quintanilla #6 – 58’10”

3. Ricky Brabec #15 – 01h 00’ 28”

Ø Sara Garcia #98 fell into 111th place overall but shouldn’t be deterred. There’s so much more Dakar left!

Ø 17 women are racing in the 2019 Dakar Rally.

The post Dakar 2019: Just Another Day in the Dunes appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.