This 3D-printed electric motorcycle has several features that could come to future bikes including airless tyres, forkless steering and a flexible bumper.
The NERA E-Motorcycle prototype was made by NOWLAB manufacturing laboratory which has locations in Boston, Berlin and Singapore.
3D printing
They claim it is the world’s first fully 3D printed working e-motorcycle.
They make a lot of sense for adventure bikes where a puncture can leave you stranded in remote areas.
Nera e-motorcycle
Interestingly, the rhomboid-shaped front tyre looks much wider than the rear.
You can see more clearly in this photo.
It could have something to do with the forkless steering, although they don’t describe what that is or its benefits.
As for the flexible bumper, we thought it was for rear-end crash protection, but they say it replaces rear suspension, perhaps like an old cart spring.
If it works, it may be a cheaper alternative to conventional shock absorbers which can be expensive.
While we welcome advances that make manufacturing cheaper, we don’t think we will be riding around on rhomboid tyres anytime soon.
What Bates does—by hand—is custom jackets, riding suits, boots, gloves, retro saddles, and pillion seats. We got to see where these bespoke gear are created.
SX2 champion Wilson to head up Australian contingent stepping up to SX1.
Image: Foremost Media.
A selection of Australian Supercross Championship SX2 contenders heading to this weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland will step up to the premier class for the New Zealand event, including recently-crowned champion Jay Wilson.
Wilson, a regular challenger in the New Zealand MX Nationals, will return to the Josh Coppins-operated Altherm JCR Yamaha squad, this time aboard a YZ450F in a special one-off appearance.
“It’s sort of a one-off, no pressure race for me,” Wilson explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “New Zealand is like my second home – I do a lot of racing over there with the JCR team and Josh Coppins. It will be nice to get back over there and do a supercross, so I’m really excited about it and also jumping back on the 450.
“I’ve been enjoying it – supercross has obviously been really good for me this season. To race on the bigger bike with some good dudes, I’m just pumped to be doing it. It’s not completely pressure-free as I’ve got my own personal goals that I want to achieve over there, but there’s no championship on the line – if I go there and get a good result, then that’s a bonus for me and the team.”
Amongst the contingent of 250 riders graduating to SX1 for the weekend is DPH Motorsport Husqvarna duo Hayden Mellross and Dylan Wills, plus KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Dakota Alix.
This is despite the report acknowledging that motorcycle crash rates have decreased as a proportion of the number of riders. (In NSW and Victoria alone, rider numbers have increased as much as 74% in a decade.)
Suggestion box
The uni report also suggests:
Licence refresher courses for older and returned riders;
Promote high-visibility motorcycle clothing and research into its effects;
Increase motorcycle visibility technology such as modulating headlights;
Support national standards for motorcycle protective clothing;
Reduced speed limits in high-speed zones, rural areas and intersection;
Increase speed limit enforcement;
Increase rider licensing requirements;
Promote technologies to mitigate multi-vehicle crashes;
Improve the quality of rural roads;
Evaluate roads for their specific motorcycle safety; and
Reconsider the learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS) to also consider bike type, not just power-to-weight ratio.
Visibility fear
While some of the recommendations have merit, there is a fear among riders that authorities will twist words such as “promote” and “support” into “mandatory”.
This could lead to mandatory high visibility clothing, mandatory protective clothing minimums and mandatory technology such as emergency braking, traction control and crash sensors.
It has been compiled using 2005-2014 data from police crash reports in several states, vehicle registrations in Victoria and NSW, and Redbook motorcycle specifications.
The Monash Uni report reflects previous studies with findings such as older rider numbers and associated crashes are increasing.
However, it also found some new and interesting characteristics such as the fact that the number of riders choosing more powerful motorcycles has doubled.
It also claims to show that the crash and injury severity risks on high power-to-weight-ratio bikes are higher.
Here is a summary of the crash stat findings:
Fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes increased 20%;
Rural areas are more dangerous for riders;
Most popular motorcycle types — sport, off-road and cruisers — also have the highest incidence of severe injury crashes;
Unlicensed and novice riders are more likely to crash older motorcycles;
Severe injury risk in motorcycle crashes is higher at intersections and in multi-vehicle collisions; and
Risk is lower in 50km/h zones.
What do you think of the Monash University report? Leave your comments below.
Morbidelli an impressive sixth on day one aboard the Yamaha.
Image: Supplied.
The all-new Petronas Yamaha SRT outfit made it’s official entry into the MotoGP paddock this week at Valencia’s post-season test in Spain, with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo sampling the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time.
Morbidelli, who just completed his rookie MotoGP campaign, immediately gelled with the Yamaha, which was evident through his quick-time of 1m32.085s, ranking him sixth on the result sheets.
“It has been a great first day,” said Morbidelli. “I felt good with the bike as soon as I got in it and the connection with the team is really good. I managed to get some laps in this afternoon that were solid and fast.
“I have more time to find in my riding, as I get to know the bike and understand its strengths and weaknesses, to get the most out of this test. I have been surprised how smooth the Yamaha is to ride and how easy it is to understand.”
Moto2 graduate Quartararo enjoyed his first 38 laps in MotoGP with a best-lap of 1m33.850s, placing the teenager in 23rd position while being the third fastest rookie.
“The first day of the test has gone really well,” Quartararo stated. “It was a shame we didn’t get to do more laps because of the conditions, which weren’t the best, but I am happy because each time I went out onto the track I improved. So far in the middle of the corner and the exit we are quite strong but I am losing time in braking.
“The team are encouraging me to believe in the brakes because at the start you think you’re not going to be able to get stopped but in the end you can do it and I enjoyed that. The most impressive thing about my first outing on the Yamaha was the power, especially on the first straight, and also the brakes. Hopefully we can have good conditions tomorrow because we want to work on braking and improving the feeling.”
The duo will return to the circuit today along with full MotoGP contingent for day two of the official test.
Standout year has national number three linked to Serco Yamaha seat.
Image: Foremost Media.
New South Welshman Aaron Tanti has revealed his racing future is locked in for the 2019 season where he’s to remain in the MX2/SX2 category, following the closure of the Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing team.
Tanti experienced a breakout year in 2018, capturing a number of race victories on his way to third in the Pirelli MX Nationals MX2 standings, making him a favourable contender for the crown next season.
While unable to disclose the team he’s contracted to, the number 18 has been heavily linked to a position at the champion-winning Serco Yamaha outfit alongside regular Nathan Crawford, expected to prompt the departure of MX2 champion Wilson Todd.
“I’ve got a big thing for next year and I’m happy with it,” Tanti declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “I don’t think I can say too much yet, but I’m 100 percent racing – I’ve got something sorted in MX2.
“This was my first year riding full-time and it was massive learning curve. I’m going to have to learn how to control a championship and on my bad days, I’m going to have to make them as good as they can be. I learned a lot this year and it’s been a big eye-opener – I’m going to be ready for 2019.”
Despite earning the crown with Serco Yamaha, speculation circulating at AUS-X Open Sydney indicates Todd will return to DPH Motorsport aboard Husqvarna machinery for the first time in his career after a potential opportunity in Europe failed to come through.
With the Australian Supercross Championship now at a close and this weekend’s S-X Open Auckland the final racing commitment for many teams and riders, the domestic silly-season is set to kick into overdrive throughout the coming weeks.
Spaniard 18th fastest on opening day of MotoGP testing at Valencia.
Image: Supplied.
Multi-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo has made his debut with Repsol Honda at the opening day of Valencia’s post-season MotoGP test in Spain.
After completing a two-year stint with Ducati at the weekend, where he finished 12th for ninth in the standings, the Spaniard completed his initial laps aboard the championship-winning RC213V before rain called for a premature end to the day.
The number 99 logged 30 laps with a best time of 1m32.959s, granting him 18th overall on the day – 1.543s off the fastest time set by Maverick Vinales (Yamaha Factory Racing).
Missing four of the last five grand prix, Lorenzo is still nursing a wrist injury, which he believes improved drastically in recent weeks, ultimately allowing him the race the season finale on Sunday along with this week’s two-day test.
For 2019 BMW’s premium sports tourer, the R 1250 RS receives the new 1254cc ShiftCam boxer twin, with significant power gains of 11hp and 18Nm of torque, now reaching 136hp and 143Nm. While BMW also boast significantly optimised refinement and running smoothness – especially at low rpm.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
The intake camshafts are further designed for asynchronous opening of the two intake valves, resulting in enhanced swirl of the fresh, incoming mixture and more effective combustion. Other technical changes to the engine relate to the camshaft drive – now taken care of by a toothed chain (previously a roller chain) – an optimised oil supply, twin-jet injection valves and a new exhaust system.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
Two riding modes as standard adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences, while the standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to providing the best possible traction. The set-off assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.
“Riding Modes Pro” is now available as an optional equipment item, featuring the additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro” (configurable); and Dynamic Traction Control DTC.
The new R 1250 RS also features a LED headlamp as standard and in addition to this, the LED daytime riding light is available as an optional equipment item.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA is also available as an optional extra, providing automatically adaptive damping to the situation according to riding state and manoeuvres, and also automatic compensation in all load states.
The R 1250 RS also allows customers to choose from a variety of seat height variants as part of the optional and special equipment range. The 820mm seat is the standard version. The 790mm “low” version is also available as well as the 760mm “extra low” and 840mm “sport” version. As such, a total spectrum covering a height difference of 80mm is offered between the lowest and highest seat variant ex works.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
The R 1250 RS also features ‘Connectivity’ as standard including a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen, which in conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad Multi-Controller, means riders can access vehicle and connectivity functions swiftly and conveniently.
With an active Bluetooth connection to any standard smartphone, the rider can also enjoy listening to music during travel. In addition, the freely available BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow-based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly via the TFT screen. The BMW Motorrad Connected App is available for free from the Google and Apple app stores.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
2019 BMW R 1250 RS highlights
Evolved boxer engine with BMW ShiftCam Technology for variation of the valve timings and valve stroke on the intake side.
More power across the entire engine speed range, optimised fuel consumption and emission levels, increased running smoothness and refinement.
Increased output and torque to 100 kW (136 hp) at 7750rpm and 143Nm at 6250rpm.
Capacity increased to 1254cc (previously 1170cc).
Asynchronous valve opening on the intake side for optimised swirl and more effective combustion.
Camshaft drive now via toothed chain (previously roller chain)
Optimised oil supply and piston base cooling.
Knock sensor system for optimised travel suitability.
Latest generation of BMS-O engine control and use of twin-jet injection valves.
New exhaust system for optimum performance characteristics.
Two riding modes, ASC and Hill Start Control as standard.
Riding Modes Pro, featuring additional riding modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control Pro and Dynamic Brake Assistant DBC, available as an optional equipment item ex works.
Electronic suspension Dynamic ESA “Next Generation” available with fully automatic load compensation.
LED headlamp for the R 1250 RS (completely new design)
Connectivity multifunctional instrument cluster with 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display offering many features as standard.
BMW R 1250 RS – Black Storm Metallic (Standard Edition)
This traditional BMW Motorrad colour gives the R 1250 RS a dynamic look and as in all other versions, a newly designed model inscription is applied. Cylinder head covers with the lettering “ShiftCam” – referencethe new engine generation – set it apart from the predecessor model at first sight.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS – Black Storm Metallic
The body finish is to be found on the fuel tank cover, the rear side sections on the left and right, the upper trim section, the front wheel cover and the radiator trim elements. The contrast here is provided by the central fuel tank cover in Night Black, the main and rear frame finished in black matt and black brake calipers as well as wheels and front spoiler in Asphalt Grey metallic matt.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS – Black Storm Metallic
Upside-down fork slider tubes anodised in silver (without Dynamic ESA) or gold (with Dynamic ESA) add a technological accentuation, underscoring the sporty, active riding qualities of the new R 1250 RS.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Exclusive
This style variant emphasises the new R 1250 RS by means of a body finish in Imperial Blue metallic. The cylinder head covers in Agate Grey metallic matt provide a discreet contrast, as does the main frame finished in the same colour.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Exclusive – Imperial Blue Metallic
As an additional contrasting colour Asphalt Grey metallic matt on the front spoiler and cast wheels underscores the exclusive character of the new R 1250 RS. In conjunction with the black embossed seat in the rear section, the main frame coated in black matt gives the new R 1250 RS a harmonious look.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Exclusive – Imperial Blue Metallic
The body finish Imperial Blue metallic is to be found on the fuel tank cover, the rear side sections on the left and right, the upper trim section, the front wheel cover and the radiator trim elements. Meanwhile, gold brake calipers and slider tubes in silver or gold emphasise the motorcycle’s appearance.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Sport
In this style variant the R 1250 RS Sport features the colour Austin Yellow metallic with cylinder head covers in Agate Grey metallic matt with ShiftCam inscriptions. The wheels in Night Black, the powertrain coated in black and the black main frame give the R 1250 RS a particularly appearance.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Sport – Austin Yellow metallic
Meanwhile the main frame coated in Lightwhite and the striking Austin Yellow metallic is the dominant colour, appearing on the fuel tank cover, the rear side sections on the left and right, the upper trim section, the front wheel cover and the radiator trim elements.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS Sport – Austin Yellow metallic
The dynamic qualities of the new R 1250 RS are highlighted by means of silver anodised slider tubes, gold brake calipers and a high-end stainless steel engine spoiler.
Option 719 Spezial finish Stardust Metallic
The high-quality paint finish Stardust metallic with metallic effect gives the new R 1250 RS a particularly exclusive touch. It is applied with enormous attention to detail by means of an elaborate painting process that involves gold and glass flakes being mixed into the brown-bronze base colour so as to provide effects when the finish is later exposed to the light. The body finish is to be found on the fuel tank trim elements, the side sections and the top of the front wheel cover – in the R 1250 RS also on the upper trim section.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
Painted graphic accentuations in gold round off the overall impression. The main frame and cylinder head covers are finished in Agate Grey metallic matt, giving the new R 1250 RS a pronounced look of refinement in conjunction with the powertrain finished in black and the rear frame. Cast wheels in Night Black and gold brake calipers additionally emphasise the motorcycle’s character.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
A supplement to Option 719 Spezial paint finish is the separately available seat in black/brown with contrasting seams and Option 719 Signet.
2019 BMW R 1250 RS
Engine
Capacity cc
1254
Bore/stroke mm
102.5 x 76
Output kW/hp
100/136
At engine speed rpm
7750
Torque Nm
143
At engine speed rpm
6250
Type
Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW Shift Cam
Compression
12.5/1
Fuel
Premium unleaded95 RON (option:
Valves per cylinder Ø intake/outlet mm
4
Ø Throttle valves mm
52
Engine control
BMS-O
Emission control
Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard EU-4
Electrical system
Generator W
508
Battery V/Ah
12/12
Headlamp
Full-LED (option:LED daytime riding light)
Rear light
LED brake light/rear light
Starter W
900
Power transmission
Clutch
Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Transmission
Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Primary ratio
1.650
I
2.438
II
1.714
III.
1.296
IV.
1.059
V
0.943
VI
0.848
Secondary drive
Shaft drive
Secondary ratio
2.818
Suspension
Frame construction type
Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine.
Front wheel control
Telescopic fork
Rear wheel control
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA Next Generation)
Spring travel, front/rear mm
140/140
Castor(unladen weight according to DIN) mm
110.8
Wheelbase(unladen weight according to DIN) mm
1530
Steering head angle(unladen weight according to DIN) °
Pramac Racing’s Bagnaia fastest of the premier class newcomers.
Image: Supplied.
Recently-crowned Moto2 world champion Francesco Bagnaia topped the list of MotoGP rookies on day one of testing at Valencia, finishing up 11th on the timesheets while debuting with Pramac Racing.
The number 63 experienced his first taste of the Ducati Desmosedici GP18, lodging a best-time of 1m32.39s, just 0.980s off the pace from leader Maverick Vinales (Yamaha Factory Racing).
“Unfortunately the rain stopped us after only 38 laps,” Bagnaia explained, “But I’m really very satisfied with this first day. Honestly, we just tried to lap as much as we could. We’ll start working on the setup tomorrow. My first feeling? The bike is impressive.”
Fellow Moto2 graduate and Team Suzuki Ecstar newcomer Joan Mir was 15th at the end of the day with a 1m32.787 time, marking his first official appearance with the squad after already sampling the Suzuki in Japan.
On his first ever outing on a MotoGP machine, Fabio Quartararo was able to get 38 laps under his belt to set a quickest time of 1m33.850s, which also marked the maiden outing for the newly-introduced outfit Petronas Yamaha SRT.
The last of the rookies was KTM Tech3 Racing’s Miguel Oliveira, logging a total of 33 laps while recording a quick-time of 1m35.118s. The test also signifies Tech3’s transition to KTM machinery. Testing will resume today for day two.
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