Energica is pushing forward with motorcycle safety systems that could benefit both electric and internal combustion motorcycles. This time, Energica is partnering with a prestigious German university.
Begin press release:
The Technical department of Energica Motor Company is among the flagships of Energica’s Innovation. The development of Energica motorcycles goes also through relationships with prestigious international universities.
The Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles is partnering with German University of Applied Sciences “Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes” for E2R Project: a step-based lane change assistant for motorcycles, based on an innovative camera system for early detection of hazards.
The assistant will support motorcyclist needs like:
– Protection of the blind spot area
– Monitoring of distant vision for approaching vehicles
– Monitoring of approaching objects to the motorcycle
– Keeping an overview in critical situations
“In these years we never stopped at the status quo that current technology offered. We continued to do research, creating new know-how “. Says Giampiero Testoni CTO Energica.
“By getting involved with universities Energica can take advantage of working with new talents, facing new challenges”
“For us safety is one of the most important topics while riding a motorcycle. That is why we are developing innovative sensor systems for motorcycles in Saarbrücken. We are glad to have such an innovative and powerful partner like Energica for this challenge”. Team E2R from university of applied sciences “htw saar”.
“We have announced the sixth consecutive Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo and we’ve signed a contract extension for 2020 and 2021,” says Gerardo Zamora, Governor of Santiago del Estero. “Dorna Sports has invested in us once again. We’re proud because a lot of passionate people have worked to achieve this. Work on the public infrastructure alongside private investment. And we’re happy because, at each race weekend, the amount of fans has increased, having a positive and specific impact on sport in the Termas de Rio Hondo economy and, more indirectly, in the region. Those who haven’t yet been able to make it to a Grand Prix in Argentina now have the chance to do so over the next three years to see the spectacular scope of a MotoGP event.”
When what you get is more than you expected with BSA’s A65 motorcycle
If I’d been able to, I would’ve got a Triumph Bonneville. Instead I got this BSA because I wanted a British motorcycle, the price was right, and I loved it.
“At XControllers we’re very happy to be able to announce our partnership with MotoGP, becoming the official SONY PS4 personalised controller for the MotoGP videogame and the MotoGP eSport Championship,” says Daniel Vidal, Manager XControllers. “We think this synergy between the two brands is something never seen before – an official competition controller for playing at the highest level. And, of course, there had to be a personalisable controller for MotoGP fans too!”
The previous column talked about the Capriolo 75. This week an even more unusual Capriolo is featured.
A rare Capriolo is this Cento 50
The Cento 50 (150) was debuted at the Milan Show in 1953 and is a rare example of a non-BMW influenced flat twin and also the smallest capacity such design to make production.
The Cento 50 was notable for the 150 flat twin powerplant
The pressed steel frame was very similar to the 75’s and the motor also carried over some features, such as usage of face-cams. The pressed steel Earles fork of the prototype was replaced by a normal telescopic fork for production.
The chassis was also similar to the Capriolo 75’s
Notable advanced features included indicators within the tail light and a neutral indicator light. A single carburettor was used, partially housed within the rear of the engine unit for a very clean appearance. Output was 8 hp and top speed was 95 km/h.
Power output was 8hp, enough for a top speed of 95km/h
Two versions were produced, with the later (coming in 1955) being easily distinguished by the full width brakes.
Capriolo Cento 50
Production ceased in 1956. Only some 500 were built making this sophisticated motorcycle highly collectable.
Only 500 of the Cento 50 were made in two versions, making them very collectableCapriolo Cento 50
With pricing for Honda’s Africa Twin and Adventure-Sports versions released back in May, year’s end sees the 2019 editions of the Adventure-Sports arriving, with pricing remaining the same and a brand new colour – Digital Silver Metallic – available from Australian dealers just in time for your Christmas adventures.
2019 Africa Twin Adventure-Sports in Digital Silver Metallic
The Africa Twin Adventure-Sports stands out as the harder edged off-road option, being taller, with more upright seating position, flatter seat (920mm height), and extended wind protection, as well as a standard sump guard and side pipe. A larger fuel tank with 5.4L extra capacity is also featured, as is longer travel suspension. Read on below for full details.
Honda’s 2019 Africa Twin Adventure-Sports arrives in Digital Silver Metallic for $19.499 for the ABS/Manual and $19,999 for the ABS/DCT version
Honda’s massively successful Africa Twin has only been on the market a couple of years but the impact it has made in the adventure-touring market has been huge.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Combining an excellent price point compared to many rivals in the sector, along with rugged looks, a charismatic parallel twin and genuine go pretty much anywhere ability it relaunched Honda into the adventure-touring category and immediate success.
For 2018 Honda has updated both the base model CRF1000L Africa Twin but also added a new Africa Twin Adventure Sports model, aiming to extend the platform even further into long-range off-road ready territory, with 2019 models remaining unchanged.
The base model arrives standard with ABS now in the Australian line-up. The three model Africa Twin range now starts with a manual/ABS model at $17,499 then steps up to the new Adventure Sports model at $19,499 for the manual/ABS variant before topping out at $19,999 for the Adventure Sports with DCT. Thus the base model can no longer be ordered with the DCT transmission and ABS is standard across the range.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Africa Twin Adventure Sports Changes Summary
5.4 litre bigger fuel tank – 24.2 litres
Fly-By-Wire Throttle
Three Riding Modes
50mm taller seat height, flatter seat
Longer travel suspension
Lithium-Ion battery saves 2.3kg
Modified Air-box & Exhaust
Stronger mid-range response
Lighter Balancer Shaft
Off-Road pegs
Stainless Spokes
Heated Grips
AC Charging Socket
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Africa Twin v Africa Twin Adventure Sports comparison
Side-by-side with its sibling, the CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is obviously taller, with a flatter seat profile and more upright riding position. The fairing and screen offer more wind protection and a large sump guard and side pipe fully protect the machine. An extra 5.4L fuel capacity extends range beyond 500km, while heated grips and an AC charging socket add comfort and convenience.
The 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports will be available in one 30th anniversary Tricolore paint scheme to celebrate the XRV650’s launch in 1988.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Mr K. Morita, Large Project Leader (LPL)
“Our CRF1000L Africa Twin has proven itself a worthy successor to the original and very much the ‘Go Anywhere’ machine that we set out to make. Over the last two years it’s a motorcycle that’s covered millions of kilometres, and we have received plentiful feedback from owners. For 2018, with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports we have used the revised CRF1000L as a starting point and added everything the long-distance rider needs to get the very most out of any adventure.”
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
2018-2019 Honda Africa Twin Model Overview
The four-valve 998cc parallel twin Unicam unit’s tractable and usable all-day performance belies its extremely compact dimensions. They are the result of clever packaging touches such as housing the water pump within the clutch casing, and using the engine’s balancer shafts to also drive water and oil pumps. As a result, longitudinally, it is the same length as Honda’s popular 500cc engine, and its short height contributes to the Africa Twin Adventure Sport’s 270mm of ground clearance.
For 2018, a modified airbox improves the power unit’s mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and also contributes to the improved performance.
A significant addition to the Africa Twin platform for 2018 is its new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Also new is an extended range of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) input.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gearshifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.
The semi-double cradle steel frame provides the ideal balance of high-speed stability matched to genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The engine is mounted on 6 engine hangers, which keeps vibration to a minimum, avoiding the need for steering dampers. The new lithium-ion battery saves 2.3kg on the 2017 Africa Twin’s lead unit, and the Adventure Sports version shares several detail changes made to improve the platform’s off-road ability and durability.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs are unchanged for 2018. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are constructed from stainless steel. In addition to the standard dual-purpose 90 front/150 rear rubber, block tyres are also approved for fitment.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Dual LED headlights maintain the original Africa Twin’s presence and the seat height adjusts 20mm from the 900mm to 920mm (both respectively 50mm higher than the standard model). The 24.2L fuel tank – and the engine’s fuel efficiency of 21.8km/l (WMTC in DCT mode) – provides a range of over 500km.
Many riders may not realise that if they are involved in a crash, they may not be covered for what could be a very long and expensive ambulance ride.
Freebies
The good news for permanent Queensland and Tasmanian residents is that they are covered. Even if they travel interstate and crash. That includes all emergency pre-hospital ambulance treatment and transport Australia-wide.
If you crash outside the state and receive an invoice for ambulance treatment and transport, just send it to the Queensland or Tasmanian ambulance service with proof of residency for payment.
Interestingly, Queensland won’t pay up if a Tasmanian makes a clam in that state!
Costly ambulance ride
However, if you are not a resident of those states, the cheapest ambulance callout fee is $382 in NSW. Then it rises massively.
NT is $790, ACT $959, Western Australia $967, South Australia $976 and Victoria – a popular destination for interstate riders – is a massive $1204.
That’s just for starters.
Depending on the length of the ambulance ride and the services required, it can cost thousands.
And you will still be liable for the cost even if someone else calls an ambulance for you and you refuse service.
Insurance
Many riders erroneously believe they are covered by Medicare.
Others believe their private medical insurance will cover the ambulance ride, but that may not always be the case.
Have a look at the fine print in your insurance now before you head off interstate these Christmas holidays.
If not, you can pay a fairly small membership fee (usually under $100 for a family) to the ambulance service in your state. But that still won’t cover you interstate.
You can also upgrade your insurance to include ambulance cover, or you can opt for a specialist ambulance cover.
But again, make sure it covers you Australia-wide.
Also, find out if the cover includes just emergencies or non-emergencies as well and includes all pre-hospital treatment.
Some pensioner and concession cards may either provide free cover for an ambulance ride and treatment or at least a discount on ambulance insurance.
If you only need insurance while you are interstate, the cheapest option could be set-period travel insurance. Just make sure ambulance services are included.
2018 New Zealand Suzuki Series Round 1 – Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park
The first of this year’s three round Suzuki Series at Taupo’s Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park on Sunday had it all – suspense, thrill-a-minute motorcycle racing and certainly drama all the way.
There were internationals stars, returning former Kiwi champions, riders making their debut rides – a few even celebrating their debut victories, plenty of passing, a couple of crashes, wheelies and slides … there was something for everyone.
There’s little time for anyone to catch their breath because more can be expected at Round 2 on the outskirts of Feilding this coming weekend too. The series will have its traditional public street race spectacular to wrap it all up on Boxing Day, racing around Whanganui’s famous Cemetery Circuit.
But there’s plenty that will happen before then and the Suzuki Series riders will no doubt arrive at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon this weekend with the adrenaline still coursing through their veins after a frenetic series opener in Taupo.
Shane Richardson – 2018 New Zealand Suzuki Series Round 1
Supporters of every bike brand had reason to celebrate, and possibly reason to commiserate too, with this year’s edition of the popular three-round Suzuki Series perhaps boasting more talent per kilometre of tarmac than has ever before been seen in New Zealand.
Wainuiomata’s Shane Richardson had more reason than most to break out the champagne late on Sunday, the 23-year-old taking a borrowed Kawasaki ZX-10R bike to top the premier Formula One superbike class.
He didn’t win a race but two runner-up finishes were good enough, and he will take a slender four-point advantage over defending Suzuki Series F1 champion Scott Moir (Suzuki GSX-R1000) to Manfeild this coming weekend.
Taupo’s Moir twice finished third in this premier F1 class on Sunday, a solid performance and a good platform on which to build his title defence over the coming races.
The first F1 race on Sunday was won by Whakatane’s Mitch Rees and the second F1 race by his younger brother, fellow Honda Fireblade rider Damon Rees.
It was Richardson’s debut outing on a 1000cc superbike, the man from the Wellington region more familiar to race fans as a Supersport 600 class campaigner, one who has enjoyed plenty of success over recent years, including in the United States.
Shane Richardson
“I’m more than happy with this result, my first time in New Zealand racing on a big bike. Battling with Damo (Rees) again feels like a bit of déjà vu from the 2017 season. The racing was so tight. It was good. It’s such a good class right now and I’m over the moon. I didn’t expect to be leaving this track with the points lead. Obviously I would have liked to win both races today and that was my goal, but, realistically, being my first time on a superbike, I didn’t think it was possible.”
Interestingly, it was also Damon Rees’ Suzuki Series debut on a superbike. With three wins from four starts, it’s probably fair to say that the 23-year-old Rees was the most dominant individual racing on Sunday.
The Team Rees Racing Honda man impressed by taking his Carl Cox Motorsport-backed Honda CBR600RR to qualify fastest and then win both races in the Formula Two (600cc) class on Sunday, setting a new F2 lap record in the process.
2018 New Zealand Suzuki Series Round 1
On both occasions he finished ahead of fellow Kiwi international Avalon Biddle (Kawasaki ZX-6R), from Waimakariri, with Manukau’s Toby Summers (Kawasaki ZX-6R) claiming third overall for the day.
Then, perhaps even more remarkably, Whakatane’s Rees qualified fastest in the 1000cc Formula One superbike class. Rees’ elder brother, Mitch, then took his Team Rees Racing Honda CBR1000SP1 to win the first of the day’s two F1 races, but it was rising star Damon who stepped up to win the next race, his first ever victory on a superbike.
Unfortunately for the two Rees brothers, they were both unable to finish one of their two F1 outings. Damon ran off the track in the first F1 race and, because he was deemed by a marshal to have dropped the bike, was not permitted to continue. Mitch failed to start the second F1 race when his bike threw a chain during the warm-up lap.
Instead it was Richardson who was credited with the overall win in the F1 class, with Taupo’s Moir taking the runner-up spot and Rangiora’s Jake Lewis (Yamaha YZF-R1) completing the F1 podium.
Damon Rees will complete this series racing both classes, but, for the upcoming nationals, he will concentrate solely on the superbike class.
Damon Rees
“Mitch celebrated his first superbike race win here at Taupo last year and now it was my turn, maybe there’s something about the Rees family and this track, eh? Back-to-back wins in the F2 class was awesome… that was certainly my plan at the start of the day. I earned pole position and I was reasonably comfortable winning those races. Avalon (Biddle) was riding exceptionally and she certainly pushed me to begin with. But I had just the little bit more. The first time I’d hopped back on a 1000cc superbike was only about three weeks ago. First race didn’t finish so well for me but the second one did. I holeshot the race and led from start to finish. So that was three wins from four starts for me today… we’ll just quietly forget about the one where I got no result. I’m feeling so at home on the superbike now and I think I’m only going to get faster.”
Damon Rees – 2018 New Zealand Suzuki Series Round 1
Though F1 and F2 race wins eluded the Suzuki camp, they did still have plenty of reason to smile on Sunday. Taupo’s Brad Groombridge loves the power of his Suzuki dirt bikes, but he discovered there was a whole new level of bravery required when he made his debut at the weekend on a 1000cc superbike.
More accustomed to racing his Suzuki RM-Z450 or Suzuki RM-Z250 dirt bikes in motocross, enduro and cross-country events, his main focus at the weekend was in actually avoiding any encounters with the dirt and staying in control of a Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbike.
The reigning New Zealand enduro and cross-country champion, who is also ranked No.2 in the national MX2 motocross class, jumped at the chance to try a different motorcycling code… and no, he wasn’t able to avoid a little accidental off-track dirt biking.
Groombridge raced in the Formula Sport class, the 28-year-old finishing second and eighth in his two outings, good enough for third overall, behind experienced road-racers Brendon Coad and Steve Bridge. A podium finish on his road-racing debut probably better than Groombridge could have dreamed of.
Brad Groombridge
“I received a call about a week ago from (Suzuki’s national superbike champion) Sloan Frost and he said he had a spare bike for me if I wanted to give it a go on a superbike. I went down to Wellington on Thursday (just last week) to pick the bike up and I managed to have a ride on a ‘bucket’ bike at a local kart track for about 40 minutes, so that was my first road-bike experience. I have ridden a road bike up and down the road before, but no significant distance. The transition went pretty well and my track times were pretty good, straight off the bat. It was a learning experience trying to find my braking markers at 260kmph and not using any rear brakes … it’s all front brake really. There were a few different things I had to figure out. The first few times at full throttle down the main straight were a bit scary, but then I got used to the speed and I was okay. I did have one ‘off’, when I low-sided the bike and slid into the ‘kitty litter’, but it was nothing too major. I am committing to doing the whole Suzuki Series and also now will do the 2019 New Zealand Superbike Championships too. None of the dates clash with my enduro, motocross or cross-country events, so I’m free to race the superbike.”
Standings following the 2018 NZ Suzuki Series Round 1
Formula One Superbike
Shane Richardson (Wainuiomata) 44 points
Scott Moir (Taupo) 40
Jake Lewis (Rangiora) 36
Formula 2 600
Damon Rees (Whakatane) 51 points
Avalon Biddle (Waimakariri) 44
Toby Summers (Manukau) 38
Formula 3
Jacob Stroud (Palmerston North) 26 points
Leigh Tidman (Taumarunui) 22
Glen Skachill (Wellington) 20
GIXXER Cup
Jesse Stroud (Hamilton) 48 points
Zak Fuller (Taupiri) 47
Shane Miller (Sanson) = Clark Fountain (Greymouth); 38
Post Classics, Pre-89, Senior
Duncan Coutts (Whangarei) 51 points
Peter Bogusz (Paraparaumu) 44
Gian Louie (Hastings) 40
Post Classics, Pre-89, Junior
Scott Findlay (Auckland) 51 points
Chris Sales (Palmerston North) = Dean Bentley (Lower Hutt); 42
BEARS (non-Japanese bikes) and Formula Sport, Seniors
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Ixon Gyre Jacket
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Ixon Gyre Jacket
Large mesh panels, combined with a removable Drymesh waterproof liner, and a separate padded winter liner allow you to be ready to ride, regardless of the conditions, while the versatility to meet changing conditions is always on hand.
Ixon Gyre Jacket
Multiple adjustments and pockets, both internal and external, along with stretch panels all work together to ensure a good fit and plenty of storage on the move, while colour options include Black/Yellow, Black/White and Black/White/Red.
Ixon Gyre Jacket
The Ixon Gyre Jacket is available in sizes Small to 3XL, for $429.95 RRP. See your local Ixon stockist or the Ficeda Accessories website for more information.
Ixon Gyre Jacket
Ixon Gyre Jacket features
Racing style collar
Mesh panels – front, back and sleeves
Removable waterproof and breathable Drymesh liner
Removable vest warm liner
Cuffs with tightening strap
Bottom tightening with buckle
External shells on shoulders
Flex material on elbows and back of shoulders
Two external pockets
Four internal pockets
One waterproof wallet pocket
Connection with trousers thanks to loop and zip 270°
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