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Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Announces Discover the Ride

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With multiple different facets, Discover the Ride aims to be an experiential component to the International Motorcycle Show tour aimed toward getting non-riders interested in motorcycling. 

Begin Press Release: 

Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS) Announces New Initiative: Discover the Ride

Discover the Ride Brings the Motorcycling Lifestyle to Non-Riders on Electric Motorcycles

Santa Monica, CA (November 8, 2018) – The Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS), the industry leader for connecting powersports’ top brands with enthusiasts and buyers, today announced its newest show feature, Discover the Ride, a forward-thinking initiative that serves the entire motorsports industry. While IMS always has great displays and content for seasoned enthusiasts, Discover the Ride is specifically designed to introduce riding to those interested in riding motorcycles.

In addition to inviting its loyal community of nearly 300,000 motorcycle riders across the country to enjoy the show, attendees can help spread the thrill of two-wheels with their friends and family through Discover the Ride, the approachable motorcycling experience designed for non-riders.Discover the Ride will feature five main attractions including an indoor electric motorcycle demo course, an area for children to experience two wheels, a wheelie machine for experienced riders to test their skills, stationary motorcycles to learn how to engage the clutch and shift gears, and an educational content series called New To 2, designed to help new riders navigate the world of motorcycling through videos and live presentations at the show. The debut for Discover the Ride is at IMS Long Beach, which takes place November 16-18, 2018 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

“The powersports industry is evolving rapidly, specifically with the introduction of electric vehicles and a new generation of riders entering the market, and we wanted to highlight these trends in a fun and interactive way throughout the 2018-2019 IMS tour,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President, Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows®. “We are very excited to bring this new attraction to IMS, not only to present the latest developments within the industry, but also to create an educational hub for new and experienced riders alike with a goal of increasing interest in motorcycling.”

IMS teamed up with industry veteran Robert Pandya to bring Discover the Ride to life, partnering with leading companies such as Zero Motorcycles and Stacyc to help inspire new riders through creating easily approachable programs. Discover the Ride will be unveiled at IMS Long Beach Media Day, which will take place on Friday, November 16, 2018. To register as media for IMS Long Beach please visit this link.

“IMS is the only national show series that can invite attendees to explore the world of motorcycling, and it’s a welcome challenge to be a conduit for new riders, and find ways to increase our riding family,” said Robert Pandya, Program Manager, Discover the Ride. “Through Discover the Ride and New To 2 we’re inviting new riders to experience the world of motorcycling in a unique way, and then introducing them to the brands at the shows.”

New Rider Course in Partnership with Zero Motorcycles – The New Rider Course will give non-licensed IMS attendees the opportunity to ride a motorcycle for the first time and learn riding basics from expert instructors. This is the largest portion of Discover the Ride, which is made possible thanks to Zero Motorcycles, the electric motorcycle leader, that has leveraged their advanced battery management systems to speed govern motorcycles that would otherwise only be available to riders with M1 Motorcycle licenses. The indoor demo course will host a fleet of speed-limited electric Zero Motorcycles to give participants the experience of riding a motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment. Zero Motorcycles have no transmission, feature ABS as standard equipment, and its zero emissions make an indoor experience on one of the most advanced motorcycles in the world a possibility. In addition to Zero Motorcycles, IMS has also partnered with Yamaha to feature its power assisted bicycles at Discover the Ride, which will be used for participants to show the ability to balance prior to riding the Zero Motorcycle, and also be available to demo on the enclosed track. Instructors from Total Control Training will be on hand at each show to give instruction and guidance and gear will be provided by Cycle Gear, Shark Helmets, HJC and Shoei.

Kids Zone Presented by Allstate – The Kids Zone joins Discover the Ride in partnership with Stacyc, featuring a closed course of battery assisted balance bikes for children to experience riding for the first time, which is the ideal way to introduce riding to kids as young as two. Participants will have the option to ride the balance bikes with or without the addition of a speed limited electric motor depending on their skill.

XDL Wheelie Experience – This exciting feature is for riders who want to test their wheelie skills in a controlled environment, while improving their balance and throttle skills with the help of XDL stunt pros. It also provides riders the opportunity to experience the exhilarating torque of Zero Motorcycles that have not been governed to reduce power for the New Rider Course. The XDL Wheelie Experience is a motorcycle attached to a stand in a manner that allows wheelies without forward movement; it’s fun to watch and more fun to try.

New To 2 – This new series of online videos is matched with a series of live presentations at IMS, educating new riders on the world of motorcycling. New To 2 videos and live presentations at the show are hosted by Monique Filips and Jordan Diggs, as well as surprise guests in certain markets.

Dyno Experience – This feature gives IMS attendees the opportunity to get on a real motorcycle that is securely mounted to a dyno to experience starting a motorcycle up, engaging the clutch and shifting through the gears, while feeling the torque of the motorcycle with the guidance of an expert. Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha will host dyno’s at IMS Long Beach.

“Every brand in the industry is working to bring new riders into motorcycling. We see the International Motorcycle Shows as the leading opportunity to expose new riders across the country, alongside the great OEM programs and displays,” Harris said.

To learn more about the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® Tour, please visit: motorcycleshows.com.

The post Progressive International Motorcycle Shows Announces Discover the Ride appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Jaguar Land Rovers Venture Capital Fund Announces Its Investment in Arc Electric Motorcycles

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Arc Electric Motorcycles has received an investment from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund.

Begin Press Release: 

INMOTION VENTURES INVESTS IN ARC VECTOR – THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

● Arc has pioneered Vector, the most efficient, safest and most fulfilling electric motorcycle experience yet

● Vector will be revealed in Milan on 6 November

● Vector comes with groundbreaking haptic ride-wear and connected HUD helmet

06 November 2018, London – InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, today announces its investment in Arc, which today unveils ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI). Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body.

The investment from InMotion Ventures, along with Mercia Fund Managers, the Proof of Concept & Early Stage Fund which is part of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, and a number of industry specialist angels, will support Arc with its global ambition for Vector to be the cleanest, safest, and most fulfilling motorcycle on the road.

The brand new bike, will be revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Show today. The Arc show stand will showcase the brand, along with the bike itself and its groundbreaking intelligent haptic ride-wear and connected Heads-Up Display helmet. A virtual reality ride experience will also be available for attendees.

The Arc team consists of industry-leading professionals, coming together to develop and build an all-new experience on two wheels.

Mark Truman, Founder & CEO, Arc, said: “Our aim has always been to bring technology, performance and safety together to create an entirely new two-wheeled experience. Vector

isn’t just a motorbike; it’s the world’s first fully-electric café racer, it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a sensory riding suit – all working in unison to create an experience package like no other. We’re delighted to get the support of InMotion for this exciting launch phase. The team shares our vision and we’re looking forward to working together and creating more ground breaking products.”

Sebastian Peck, Managing Director, InMotion Ventures, said: “Electric vehicles are pivotal for the future of urban mobility, helping people travel through cities quickly and cleanly as possible. We want to make sure that we’re not only changing the way people move but delivering unparalleled outdoor experiences while doing so. With Arc’s technology and vision, the Vector is an incredible development in the next generation of motorcycle travel.”

The post Jaguar Land Rover’s Venture Capital Fund Announces It’s Investment in Arc Electric Motorcycles appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Limited edition Triumph Bonneville T120s showcased at EICMA

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Diamond Edition and Ace models to be released in 2019.

Source: Supplied.

Triumph will introduce two limited edition Bonnveille T120s in 2019 dubbed the Diamond Edition and Ace, following an announcement at Milan’s EICMA show in Italy.

Based on the timeless Bonneville T120, the new for 2019 Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition celebrates the 60th anniversary of the most famous British motorcycle in history. Born in 1959 and named after the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, the original T120 set the benchmark for style, capability and handling, and today’s generation takes the legend to an even higher standard.

The 2019 Bonneville T120 Diamond Edition takes all of the classic style and modern capability of the standard Bonneville T120 and brings an even higher standard of finish, including an exclusive white and silver tank design with striking ‘Union flag’, and unique Bonneville T120 Diamond logo on the side panels. A limited run of only 900 unit will be available worldwide,

The Bonneville T120 Ace, is built to celebrate the very first generation of cafe racers and London’s legendary Ace Cafe – the spiritual home of classic British motorcycling.

Source: Supplied.

The new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace follows from the hugely successful Thruxton Ace of 2015, with a stripped-back and blacked-out take on the very first generation of cafe racers.

Built to echo the ‘head down – hold on’ teenage biker ethos of the day, and celebrate the spiritual home of the modern classic British motorcycle the legendary Ace Cafe, the Bonneville T120 Ace provides a unique and stylish one-of-a-kind Ace version of the beautiful Bonneville T120 Black.

Based on the stylish Bonneville T120 Black, the new 2019 Bonneville T120 Ace brings a unique level of premium finish, including an exclusive Matt Storm Grey paint scheme, with contrasting centre stripe, unique Bonneville T120 Ace logo on the side panels, and Ace Cafe logo on the front mudguard. Only 1400 will be available worldwide.

Both models will receive a numbered certificate of ownership signed by Nick Bloor, Triumph’s CEO, while the Ace will also feature Mark Wilsmore signature, the managing director of the Ace Cafe London. Pricing and availability in Australia is still to be determined.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

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Australian Off-Road Championship calendar made official for 2019

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Venues and dates confirmed for next year’s championship.

Image: John Pearson.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has made the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship calendar official, confirming the dates and locations of each round.

Next year’s championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for round seven as the series will return to Broken Hill for a four-hour desert Cross Country.

Kicking off the season will be rounds one and two in Gympie, Queensland, taking place 9-10 March. The series will then move to New South Wales for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April.

Rounds five and six will see the championship then return to Kyogle in New South Wales after a successful event in 2017, pencilled in for 20-21 July.

Broken Hill will feature on 10-11 August and then it’s off to SA from 31 August-1 September, however the venue is still to be announced. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016, scheduled for 14-15 September.

2019 Australian Off-Road Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 9 March – Gympie, QLD
Rd2 – 10 March – Gympie, QLD
Rd3 – 6 April – Dungog, NSW
Rd4 – 7 April – Dungog, NSW
Rd5 – 20 July – Kyogle, NSW
Rd6 – 21 July – Kyogle, NSW
Rd7 – 10-11 August – Broken Hill, NSW
Rd8 – 31 August – SA
Rd9 – 1 September – SA
Rd10 – 14 September – Penshurst, VIC
Rd11 – 15 September – Penshurst, VIC


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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2019 Honda CBR500R | More grunt | Sharper looks

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For 2019 Honda’s highly successful CBR500R gets a make-over with a fresh set of sleeker clothes along with some meaningful mechanical updates for the new model year. 

Honda CBRR Scene
2019 Honda CBR500R

The eight-valve parallel twin has altered cam timing and more lift on the valves which Honda claims translates to a 4 per cent boost in mid-range power and torque from 3000-7000 rpm. 

Honda CBRR
2019 Honda CBR500R

Also new for 2019 is a slip-assist clutch which comes with the dual benefits of a lighter clutch pull combined with a slipper function on decelearation. 

Honda CBRR Studio
2019 Honda CBR500R

A repositioned battery has allowed for a straight intake tract for the PGM-FI fuel-injection system.

Honda CBRR Scene
2019 Honda CBR500R

At the other end the exhaust system now features dual exits in the single high-rise muffler. 

Honda CBRR2019 will be the seventh year in production for the CBR500R and Honda has given the model a more lithe but at the same time more muscular look to the comfortable learner legal machine. 

Honda CBRR
2019 Honda CBR500R

The clip-on bars now sit lower and the riding position is canted a little more forward, while the seat itself is a little slimmer than before but retains the low 785 mm seat height. 

Honda CBRR Action
2019 Honda CBR500R

New LCD instrumentation adds an upshift indicator light along with a gear position indicator. The shift-light is factory set at 8,750 rpm but can be adjusted in 250 rpm increments for the boy/girl racers. 

Honda CBRR Studio
2019 Honda CBR500R

Indicators are now LED to match the rest of the lighting package. 

Honda CBRR
2019 Honda CBR500R

A new single-tube rear shock with larger diameter piston promises improved damping control and is nine-stage preload adjustable.  Forks are as before, 41mm, and offer 120mm of travel. 

Honda CBRR Shock
2019 Honda CBR500R

Honda claim a range of up to 480 km from the 17.1-litre fuel cell. 

As for when it arrives, it seems sometime early in 2019 is about as close a date as we can predict for now. 

Honda CBRR Studio
2019 Honda CBR500R

 

Image Gallery
ENGINE
Type Liquid­ cooled, parallel twin
Displacement 471  cc
No of Valves per Cylinder 4
Bore & Stroke 67 mm x 66.8 mm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Max. Power Output 35kW (47 hp) @ 8600 rpm
Max. Torque 43Nm @ 6500 rpm
Oil Capacity 3.2 L
FUEL SYSTEM  
Carburation PGM FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.1 litres
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) 29.4 km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM  
Battery Capacity 12V 7.4AH
ACG Output 25A/2000rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet multi-plate
Transmission Type 6 speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME
Type Steel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L ́W ́H) 2080 mm x 755 mm x 1145 mm
Wheelbase 1410 mm
Caster Angle 25.5 degrees
Trail 102 mm
Seat Height 785 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Kerb Weight 192 kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front Conventional telescopic front forks, 41mm, pre­load adjustable
Type Rear Prolink mono with 5-­stage preload adjuster, steel square pipe swingarm
WHEELS
Type Front Multi­-spoke cast aluminium
Type Rear Multi­-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front 17 x MT3.5
Rim Size Rear 17 x MT4.5
Tyres Front 120/70ZR – 17M/C
Tyres Rear 160/60ZR – 17M/C
BRAKES
ABS System Type 2­ channel
Type Front Single wavy disk, 320 mm, 2 piston caliper
Type Rear Single wavy disk, 240 mm, 1 piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer,
dual trip meters, digital fuel level gauge & fuel
consumption gauge, digital clock, gear position
indicator
Security System HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System)
Headlight Low 13W. Hi. 12.8W
News

Black colour variation on offer for 2020 Suzuki Katana

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Suzuki accepting orders exclusively through online ordering system.

Source: Supplied.

Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has revealed the 2020 Katana will be available in two colour variations after the Glass Sparkle Black colourway was unveiled at EICMA in Milan, Italy, alongside the Metallic Mystic Silver option.

With high demand and limited supply, Suzuki will take orders exclusively online, offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to the arrival in the third quarter of 2019.

As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, the first 50 Katanas pre-ordered online will also receive a bonus exclusive Katana themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995 with their bike delivery.

“This is an exciting initiative that ensures a unique and premium experience for new Katana customers,” said Suzuki Motorcycles Australia’s national marketing manager Lewis Croft. “The Katana is a very special model for Suzuki, it’s not just another model in an already crowded market. Availability will be limited, therefore we will be taking orders on behalf of our dealer network to ensure we can supply genuine customer orders.

“Our online approach allows customers to secure their Katana whilst also nominating their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery, they also have the ability to arrange finance and insurance quotes and also trade-in valuations if required prior to arrival.

“Customers wanting a printed brochure can still access them from their Suzuki dealership. Any customers unable to complete the online order themselves can simply visit a dealership, who will be able to guide them through the online ordering process onsite at the dealership.”

The 2020 Katana was initially unveiled at Intermot in Cologne, Germany, last month. To secure your bike, visit www.store.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/katana.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

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Business as usual for Wilson while SX2 title heats up

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Top four SX2 contenders within 13 points of the championship.

Image: Foremost Media.

Saturday night’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney is set to serve up a thrilling SX2 Triple Crown as the Australian Supercross Championship is decided at Qudos Bank Arena, but it will be business as usual for points leader Jay Wilson.

The Yamalube Yamaha Racing ace holds an 11-point advantage over DPH Motorsport Husqvarna’s Hayden Mellross, who declared yesterday he’ll do whatever it takes to snatch the crown, while Serco Yamaha duo Wilson Todd and Jacob Hayes are just a further two markers behind.

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of indoor racing could see anything happen at the Sydney Olympic Park venue, Wilson is adamant his regular approach will grant him the best opportunity of being crowned champion.

“I do have an 11-point lead, but anything can happen indoors,” Wilson shared with MotoOnline.com.au. “For me, I’ll be going there to do what we’ve been doing, and that’s winning races. I’ve been putting the work in and the team’s been solid, so there’s no reason why we can’t win and that’s how we’re approaching it.

“Everyone wants to win, I’ve just got to be on my A game and win as many races as possible. It’s not so much about working out or calculating what’s going on out there – if I go out and win, then we’re in a good position – that’s how I look at it.”

The Gold Coast-based athlete excelled at last year’s AUS-X Open to claim third, effectively rebooting his career. No stranger to tighter confines of an arena, he’ll be drawing upon his stadium cross and arenacross experience to ensure the number one plate lands in his hands.

“The atmosphere of it really makes people step up, but I just enjoy being there,” he continued. “It’s the sort of racing I grew up riding – the tight, indoor stuff – a lot of the practice tracks I grew up on were really tight, so I always did well at the stadium cross’.

“I went over and did the Arenacross UK series, and that’s a take-out fest – that opens your eyes to indoor racing, but I’ve done it for a while now and I think we’re in a good position.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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Hope for motorcycle racing to return to Barbagallo in 2019

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Motorcycle racing could return to Wanneroo Raceway in 2019

Following the return of recreational motorcycle activities to Barbagallo Raceway in September 2018, WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) and Motorcycling Western Australia (MWA) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to address works required to the circuit so that motorcycle racing can re-commence.

Wayne Maxwell, Mike Jones, Glenn Allerton
Wayne Maxwell, Mike Jones, Glenn Allerton – Wanneroo 2016 – Image Keith Muir

The MOU, jointly signed by WASCC President Russell Sewell and MWA President Tracy Simpson, pledged WASCC and MWA to cooperate in a spirit of mutual understanding and to develop a closer relationship of goodwill. Within a matter of weeks of the MOU being suggested, the commitment to work together resulted in a solution for the return of motorcycle racing at Barbagallo Raceway.

Ben Henry leads Ryan Hampton and Mike Jones
Ben Henry leads Ryan Hampton and Mike Jones – Wanneroo 2015 – Image Andrew Gosling

Subsequent to the presentation of a concept design by MWA, WASCC consultant engineer, Steve Brake of Calibre Consultants, prepared technical and works drawings in accordance with the requirements of Motorcycle Australia’s Track Guidelines – 2018 as well as the run-off calculations as indicated in Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Hall Report.

MWA forwarded these drawings to Motorcycling Australia (MA) who have provided written confirmation that, pending successful completion of the works and a subsequent inspection, MA would issue Barbagallo Raceway an appropriate license.

By the time the lights went out, it was all about Wayne Maxwell who snared the hole-shot in all three races. Maxwell defeated Stronach in race one by a massive 11.866sec with Anthony McFadden, also mounted on an S 1000RR in third.
Kings of Wanneroo 2014 – Image Steve Thibou

WASCC is currently reviewing the scope of works and obtaining costings with a view to dove-tailing the works into its programmed major works schedule in January 2019, concurrent with a planned re-surface of the raceway.

Motorcycle Racing Club WA and WASCC have agreed dates for the MCRCWA racing and other activities calendar for 2019 (pending issue of the MA track license). Members of MCRCWA were briefed by its Executive at a Town Hall meeting held on Wednesday, 7th November.

WASCC President Russell Sewell

“This is an exciting development for the sport of motorcycle racing in Western Australia following the unfortunate, extended absence from Barbagallo raceway. The new spirit of cooperation between the two main bodies representing tarmac based motorsports in Western Australia has been fruitful at both the Executive and management levels.”

2016 ASBK at Wanneroo – Image Trevor Hedge

MWA President Tracy Simpson welcomed the new agreement between the two bodies and noted that it was an important step towards getting motorcycle racing back at Barbagallo raceway. Tracy said that it has been a focus for MWA and new CEO Joe McCarthy to work with all parties to enable racing to resume at Barbagallo and is thrilled that a detailed plan has been provisionally approved for 2019.

2016 ASBK at Wanneroo - Image Keith Muir
2016 ASBK at Wanneroo – Image Keith Muir

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