WorldSSP champion makes debut along with GRT Yamaha outfit.
Image: Supplied.
Recently-crowned WorldSSP champion Sandro Cortese has experienced his first taste of Yamaha’s premier class contender in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) following two days of testing this week in Jerez, Spain.
Cortese was joined by new teammate Marco Melandri in GRT Yamaha’s first appearance as WorldSBK squad, the German contender lodging the eighth fastest time as he begins to come to terms with the larger and more powerful motorcycle.
The number 11 dubbed the outing a ‘special experience’, acknowledging he faces a steep learning curve in his transition from the Supersport category.
“I am really pleased with my first WorldSBK test with the new team and with the Yamaha YZF-R1,” said Cortese. “It was a special experience for me because I’ve never raced a superbike before, but I think we made a big step over these two days and I now have a much better understanding of how to race this bike.
“Of course, I’m still facing a steep learning curve, and I also need to prepare my body for the demands of racing this bigger bike, as I can feel it wasn’t ready after two full days on track here! Now I understand how I have to work with this bike and I am really looking forward to returning to Jerez with the team in January.”
GRT Yamaha will return to action early in 2019, with pre-season testing getting underway in Jerez on 23 January.
Former MotoGP regular to replace Ducati test rider Pirro.
Image: Supplied.
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati WorldSBK newcomer Alvaro Bautista will be back on board a MotoGP bike at Jerez this week as he takes part in the two-day test for Ducati Team.
Bautista, who just completed his final MotoGP campaign with Angel Nieto Team this year, made his WorldSBK debut this week aboard Ducati’s all-new Panigale V4 R superbike, which saw him wind up with the fourth fastest time after two days of testing at Jerez.
Ducati has decided the former MotoGP regular will replace usual test rider Michele Pirro after the Italian underwent surgery to correct an acromioclavicular dislocation suffered in his heavy crash at the Italian grand prix.
The Spaniard impressed last month when he filled in for an injured Jorge Lorenzo at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, piloting the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP18 to fourth position.
Queenslander makes 450 debut at S-X Open Auckland.
Image: Foremost Media.
Days after making his SX1 debut in a one-off appearance at the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland, popular Queenslander Jackson Richardson has declared he intends to graduate to the premier class full-time in 2019 should an opportunity come available.
The two-time Australian Supercross SX2 champion, who spent an injury-riddled 2018 season with Penrite CRF Honda Racing, is one of numerous riders out of contract for next year with just a limited number of vacancies across teams.
“I intend on going to a 450 in 2019, but unfortunately there aren’t any rides available – they’re pretty much all taken,” Richardson explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s the same in the 250 class, so at the moment I don’t have a ride at all.
“I’m not too sure what I’m going to do yet – I’d like to step up to a 450 – that would be the first bid I make. I want to be on a 450 for sure because I fee like I ride one good. I’d like to get a 450 ride for next year and step up.”
Richardson’s maiden 450 supercross outing saw him wind up seventh overall in New Zealand, finishing behind a host of domestic and international talents that made the journey to Mount Smart Stadium.
“It was good [on the 450] and overall it was pretty good weekend,” he added. “I would’ve liked my result to be a bit better, but it was good to get out there with dudes like Reedy and all that – it was mint. It was an amazing atmosphere there, the place was sold out – it was ridiculous.”
The number 57 returned to Australia in 2016 after racing in America, taking out the SX2 title with Serco Yamaha before embarking on a full-time campaign with the team in 2017. An injury cut his outdoor title hopes short, although he bounced back for supercross and lifted the SX2 crown for the second consecutive year.
A transition to Honda in 2018 was once again marred by a shoulder injury, which ultimately saw him return to riding just weeks ahead of the Australian Supercross Championship opener.
Overnight Jerez hosted the second and final day of testing where four Motul FIM Superbike World Championship teams continued to work on their 2019 set-ups.
Ducati Panigale V4 R – WSBK
Over 600 laps of the 4.2km circuit were run by the eight riders, and steps were made ahead of what is set to be an interesting 2019 season with new bikes, new teams and new riders.
Marco Melandri
Despite all the changes, it was still that man, four-time World Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) who led the way. Rea continued with his sensational pace out on track for the second and final day of testing, as the 2018 world champion was continuing to work on getting the chassis in tune with the engine on his ZX-10RR.
Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager
“Jerez has been the final test of the season and the last time all at KRT will work together in 2018 to give our riders the best package to challenge limits and attack the stopwatch. We are so happy with Rea’s end of year performance and we are all together working so hard to start in Australia with a Jonathan Rea nobody has ever seen before. The biggest surprise is that he is the most motivated of any team member! Leon has accepted a difficult challenge this year but after three years out of this championship he has demonstrated a huge motivation to be on top again and to give his best again. In his blood he has racing fuel and we are sure we can help him a lot to make the best of himself. It will not be easy with only three months to arrive at 100% in Australia for the first race. But, for Leon to be so high in the rankings at this test, ahead of several WorldSBK race-winning riders from last year, is something we must recognize in him. Big credit to him and we can be sure he will be in the show next year. I want to use this last event of the year for KRT’s racing activities to thank all our sponsors. Especially Kawasaki but also Monster, Motocard, ELF and all the others that make this dream possible. Thanks to the fans to give us power to continue working hard every year and especially the KRT riders. They are the ones who always give their maximum on our ZX-10RR. Big respect to them.”
Jonathan Rea
Rea explained that his new bike offers even more potential than the 2018 Ninja, he was a force to be reckoned with, setting the fastest lap time of 1.38.713.
Jonathan Rea
“It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the work. It is always difficult when the track is not in great shape. In all those tight corners, with the ruts developing, it is difficult to feel the confidence to push to the maximum. Aside from that, the track temperatures are very critical here with the base tyre that we have. Like yesterday, we tried some different things with the bike and at the end of the day we tried something quite interesting with the balance. I felt really good with an old tyre so that is something to keep working with in 2019. I also did a longer run in the middle of the day. We did pretty much what we set out to do at this test and I was on the pace on day one, so we could go testing straight away.”
Jonathan Rea
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea
“Honestly speaking, maybe we missed a little bit of time to still try a couple of things, but not the important ones. The priorities, the important points to work with and understand the direction for next year, have been tested. They have been good and some we even tested and then tested again to reconfirm. We have a new engine so we have to confirm some points for next year. We have been focused on the balance of the chassis and we have made another step forward. We have been working with Showa, to improve our package, and it has been positive. We also gave Pirelli information on the new tyres. Finally, Johnny was able to do the fastest lap with the qualifying tyre and then the fastest lap with race tyre. We have collected all the information we needed and now we will start thinking about the best points to prepare for more tests in January.”
Jonathan Rea
On the other side of the garage, new team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team – WorldSBK) was left with one bike after a big crash on Monday. However this didn’t stop the Brit putting the laps in, as he reached over 100 on the second day. Ending the day in third with a time of 1.39.766, Haslam was able to continue with his base setting of the ZX-10RR and will take some strong pace into the winter.
A few people threw it down the road on Tuesday
Leon Haslam
“I am really happy with these two days. We really worked on my feeling with the bike. Not making too big a change and not trying any of the soft, experimental tyres. Every time we put a new tyre in we did not really gain much time but we just worked on the race set-up and race distance, and on changing my style to adapt to the bike. Every time out, every session, every day, we are getting a few tenths closer and in the end I was really happy with my pace on tyres with a lot of laps on them. I managed to get out on track with Jonathan for a few laps and see how he has changed in his style to make the bike go forward. That helped a lot.”
Leon Haslam
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Leon Haslam
“This test was good because the time we had in Motorland Aragon at the previous sessions was a bit short but we continued our text programme here and I am very satisfied with the result. As everybody knows Leon has been out of this championship for three years, and now he is mixing with riders who have been winning races in the last couple of seasons in WorldSBK. Leon being one of the fastest guys with a qualifying tyre makes me confident. We did 100 laps today and he was fit, motivated and we did not make so many changes to the bike. Leon adapted himself to the bike and in the end, especially over distance, he is there. He is more than there. After ten laps his speed is very, very competitive.”
Leon Haslam
It was a telling two days for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team, as they began to understand the work they will need to do to bridge the gap to the green and red machines out on track. Working through their small updates for 2019, Alex Lowes had a strong test sitting in second position for most of the day, bridging the gap to fastest man Rea.
Alex Lowes
“It’s been a good two-day test here in Jerez and we managed to work our way through what was a pretty big list of things, some positive some not so much, but that’s what testing is for. Yesterday we worked on the front of the bike and today on the rear, before putting together the best combination of the two. I was quite happy with how I felt on the bike today; we’ve highlighted two main areas that we want to focus on at the January tests, so it was good to end the season on a positive note. A massive thank you to the guys in the team for all their hard work this year; now we’ve got some time to recharge the batteries before getting back to it here in Jerez in January.”
Alex Lowes
Whilst for team-mate Michael van der Mark, it was a tough test as he was riding injured from his crash in Qatar, which resulted in a fracture to his wrist. Working to get more grip and acceleration on exit amongst other factors, Lowes finished in second position overall, 0.664s off Rea’s pace whilst van der Mark was sixth and 1.379s behind.
Michael van der Mark
“It’s been a really interesting test, but it’s a shame that I’m still not fully fit after sustaining a wrist injury in the final race in Qatar. Still, we completed a lot of work here in Jerez; the first day we had a long list of things to try and I didn’t really feel comfortable on the bike, but today was much better. Again, we were trying many things, mainly with the geometry and suspension but also the electronics. This afternoon I managed to find my rhythm, improve lap by lap and we made some steps forward. Initially we were struggling a little on corner entry, but at the end we found quite a good solution. I’m really happy with the end of the second day and I’m already looking forward to January.”
Michael van der Mark
Lessons continued to be learnt for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad with Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista getting to grips with the all new Panigale V4 R.
Ducati Panigale V4 R
British rider Davies is continuing to struggle with his shoulder injury sustained over the summer break, meaning he isn’t riding at 100%. Moving his focus over to electronics and throttle connection on his new machine, it was a busy day for Davies who finished in fifth overall.
Chaz Davies
Chaz Davies
“It was a positive test. We learned quite a lot about the bike, and we have a better understanding of what we need to focus on during the winter break to improve the package. We took several sets of tires to race distance and also tried a new swingarm with positive feedback, but in general the main thing at this stage is to avoid confusion, and I think we have pretty clear idea of the direction we need to go in. We have a lot of information to process, now we just need to put it together. I will undergo surgery next week on my injured shoulder, and then I’ll resume training to make sure to be 100 percent fit come next test.”
Chaz Davies
Whilst for Bautista, he had a more challenging second day with his V4 R, suffering two crashes during the day around Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto.
Alvaro Bautista
Able to walk away from both crashes, Bautista was still happy with the bike as he works on his base set up and understanding the WorldSBK machine. Putting in an impressive pace on his debut, Bautista was able to finish in fourth, with a lap time of 1.39.845.
Alvaro Bautista
“Today we started to make some changes to the setup to see how the bike reacts, and we found some positives as well as some room for improvement. In terms of pace, we’ve improved a lot as I was able to lap consistently in the 1’40 mark, while on the flying lap I felt there was less grip even though track conditions were a bit better in theory. I still need to understand the limits of the tires, anyway. In general, we’ve completed our program and I’m happy with how these first two days went.”
Alvaro Bautista
For new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha, Sandro Cortese and Marco Melandri were continuing to get to grips with the YZF-R1. Happy with the progress they have made, 2018 WorldSSP champion Cortese was still working on adapting and adjusting to a Superbike, whilst Melandri was working on his base setting and with the Pirelli tyres.
Sandro Cortese – GRT Yamaha WorldSBK
“I am really pleased with my first WorldSBK test with the new team and with the Yamaha YZF-R1. It was a special experience for me because I’ve never raced a superbike before, but I think we made a big step over these two days and I now have a much better understanding of how to race this bike. Of course, I’m still facing a steep learning curve, and I also need to prepare my body for the demands of racing this bigger bike, as I can feel it wasn’t ready after two full days on track here! Now I understand how I have to work with this bike and I am really looking forward to returning to Jerez with the team in January.”
Sandro Cortese
Andrea Dosoli – Yamaha Road Racing Manager
“This has been a very positive test, from more than one perspective. With the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK team, our reference team in WorldSBK, we were able to evaluate new hardware and start to define the specification of our 2019 machine. Together with his crew Alex worked his way through a very detailed test plan and we achieved our goal of coming away from this test with a clear direction for development. Michael’s test was compromised somewhat by his injury, but we will confirm the direction with him in January, once he’s back to full fitness. Overall it was a positive test with the Pata Yamaha riders, both of whom showed good pace here in Jerez, and it means we are on target to improve our consistency in 2019 and be in a position to fight for podium finishes at every track. The step up to WorldSBK by GRT Yamaha in 2019 is an important milestone in our project. It doubles the number of YZF-R1 machines on the grid but, more importantly, it underlines Yamaha’s commitment to providing a progression path for young riders that stretches from national R3 championships all the way up to the FIM Superbike World Championship; a fundamental aim of our racing program. Bringing together Sandro and a rider as experienced as Marco at GRT Yamaha is already working well, with both team and riders impressing with how quickly they’ve adapted to this new challenge. It required a huge effort from everyone at Yamaha Motor Europe to realise this project, but already we can see those efforts paying dividends.”
Michael van der Mark
Jerez WorldSBK Test Day One Unofficial Times
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1.38.713
Alex Lowes (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) 1.39.377 (+0.664)
Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1.39.766 (+1.053)
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1.39.845 (+1.132)
Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1.39.852 (+1.139)
Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team) 1.40.092 (+1.379)
Marco Melandri (GRT Yamaha Team) 1.40.235 (+1.522)
Lowes and Haslam behind four-time champion on the timesheets.
Image: Supplied.
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) has topped the times for the second consecutive day of Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) testing in Jerez, Spain, where four teams continued to work on their 2019 set-ups.
Rea continued with his sensational pace out on track for the second and final day of testing, as the 2018 world champion was continuing to work on getting the chassis in tune with the engine on his ZX-10RR. Explaining that his new bike offers even more potential than the 2018 Ninja, he was a force to be reckoned with, setting the fastest lap time of 1m38.713s.
On the other side of the garage, new team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team – WorldSBK) was left with one bike after a big crash on Monday. However this didn’t stop the Brit putting the laps in, as he reached over 100 on the second day. Ending the day in third with a time of 1m39.766s, Haslam was able to continue with his base setting of the ZX-10RR and will take some strong pace into the winter.
It was a telling two days for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team, as they began to understand the work they will need to do to bridge the gap to the green and red machines out on track. Working through their small updates for 2019, Alex Lowes had a strong test sitting in second position for most of the day, bridging the gap to fastest man Rea.
Whilst for team-mate Michael van der Mark, it was a tough test as he was riding injured from his crash in Qatar, which resulted in a fracture to his wrist. Working to get more grip and acceleration on exit amongst other factors, Lowes finished in second position overall, 0.664s off Rea’s pace whilst van der Mark was sixth and 1.379s behind.
Lessons continued to be learnt for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad with Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista getting to grips with the all new Panigale V4 R. British rider Davies is continuing to struggle with his shoulder injury sustained over the summer break, meaning he isn’t riding at 100 percent.
Moving his focus over to electronics and throttle connection on his new machine, it was a busy day for Davies who finished in fifth overall. Whilst for Bautista, he had a more challenging second day with his V4 R, suffering two crashes during the day around Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto.
Able to walk away from both crashes, Bautista was still happy with the bike as he works on his base set up and understanding the WorldSBK machine. Putting in an impressive pace on his debut, Bautista was able to finish in fourth, with a lap time of 1m39.845s.
For new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha, Sandro Cortese and Marco Melandri were continuing to get to grips with the YZF-R1. Happy with the progress they have made, 2018 WorldSSP champion Cortese was still working on adapting and adjusting to premier class machine, whilst Melandri was working on his base setting and with the Pirelli tyres.
Urban Moto to bring Super SOCO electric motorcycles to Australia
Urban Moto Imports will be the new distributor for Super SOCO electric motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand heading into 2019.
Super SOCO TS
Super SOCO have already made a name for themselves with their award winning SOCO TS and SOCO TC, and a focus on intelligent design in transportation.
Super SOCO TC
Starting out in early 2015 with ambitions to introduce new electric motorcycles to the world, Super SOCO now exports to 54 countries from a state of the art manufacturing facility with a goal of achieving 300,000 production units annually. Super SOCO is managed by manufacturing and distribution group, Vmoto Limited, which now specialises in electric powered two wheel vehicles.
Charles Chen – Vmoto CEO
“We are very delighted to reached agreement with Urban Moto Imports, a very successful Australian premium motorcycle distribution company, to distribute Vmoto’s Super SOCO electric vehicle products in Australia and New Zealand markets. With Urban Moto Imports’ strong dealership network in Australia and New Zealand and its professionalism in the motorcycle industry, we are very excited and confident that the exceptional quality and design of Super SOCO electric motorcycles will be embraced and celebrated by consumers in Australian and New Zealand.”
Since day one of operations, Super SOCO has brought its products into the spotlight of major partnerships and investors such as Bosch, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, Shunwei, Jiufu and Weigao. The company based in Nanjing China now holds over of 205 patents, and has received a number of international awards, including Germany’s “iF Product Design Award”, Japan’s “G-MARK Excellent Design” and “Good Design Award”
Super SOCO TS1200R cockpit
Urban Moto Imports added that it is excited to embrace the new era electric motorcycles and strongly believes Super SOCO will become a strong brand in Australia.
Joseph Elasmar – Urban Moto Imports CEO
“We are forever in a changing landscape for both motorcycles, motorcycle culture and transport for the general public. Electric powered vehicles are already beginning to become the norm and for many reasons including their practicality of being less expensive to run, their low environmental impact and affordability for high quality. In congested built up cities, Super SOCO electric motorcycles offer the general non-driving community, the chance to own an affordable and economical form of transport that is light, practical and good looking at the same time. Commuting just became that little bit more special with the Super SOCO and we are very confident it will lead the way in the electric motorcycles space.”
Super SOCO Australia & NZ have also announced the model lineup to include Super SOCO TS, TC and the C-UX scooter variants.
Super SOCO TS
The Super SOCO ‘TS’ TS1200R is an electric ‘moped’ as the brand describes it, and is developed in co-operation with Bosch, and designed to meet the needs of modern riders.
Super SOCO TS
The Super SOCO TS boasts a range of up to 160km, with 120Nm of torque and features two Li-Ion batteries of 26Ah each. Charge time is approximately five hours, with the brand claiming a running weight of just 78kg including the batteries.
Super SOCO TS
The two-seat e-bike features a wheelbase of 1320mm and will accelerate up an incline of 15-degrees from a standstill.
An LED headlight and taillights, smartphone connectivity, an electronic braking system (EBS) with two disc brakes, front and rear, recovers power into the batteries.
A light weight aluminium and steel alloy frame assists in keeping weight down and the peg position can be changed to suit various rider heights.
Super SOCO TS
A FOC or field orientated control system is used as an ECU and brain of the e-bike, with a large LCD display featuring three different modes and keyless locking system.
Super SOCO TC
The Super SOCO TC is a cafe racer styled option with a higher torque output than the TS – 150Nm compared to 120Nm – and also features a three-speed proportional drive system, working similarly to a gearbox or ride modes. Styling features include the retro headlight, heightened ‘bars, leather clad flat seat and eight-split-spoke wheels.
Super SOCO TC
A Bosch 17-in magnetic power motor is featured and delivers that strong torque figure thanks to two Lithium battery packs with overcharge protection, over discharge protection and temperature protection. Like the TS, the TC offers up to a 160km range.
Super SOCO TC
The three gear options further provide differing levels of performance from energy effecient through to maximised performance. The CBS brake system features a 240mm disc brake with twin-piston floating caliper on the front, and 180mm rear disc with single-piston floating caliper.
Super SOCO TC
Instruments are a single dash with LCD display with automatic contrast adjustment to the conditions, lighting is full LED, and the BMOS intelligent interactive system syncs with your mobile phone to for information on the TC. Foot-pegs are also six-position adjustable.
Super SOCO C-UX Scooter
Super SOCO also have the CU-X electric scooter, featuring a 115Nm electric powerplant, and a max range of 80km at a testing speed of 45km/h, as well as a climbing ability of 15-degrees from stop. The scooter itself weighs 70kg and runs 12-inch wheels with 180mm disc brakes.
Super SOCO C-UX Scooters
Other features include a multi-function LCD display with 150-degree viewing angle. An integrated camera also allows recording of trips. LED tail-lights also feature along with an electronic braking system.
Triumph recently pulled the covers of the Bonneville T120 Ace limited edition, a model which will see a run of only 1400 model worldwide to celebrate the first generation of cafe racers, as well as the iconic Ace Cafe in London.
Interested Australian customers are invited to place an order through their dealer. Limited stocks of the machine are expected to land in Australia during the second-quarter of 2018. Pricing is yet to be officially confirmed but Triumph Australia have indicated that the Bonneville T120 Ace limited edition should be around 18-19k, +ORC.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
This special edition features a host of special features, such as the blacked out urban ‘traffic light racer’ theme, including a matt Storm Grey/Ace Cafe stripe paint scheme and graphics.
Also featured is the ‘Head down – Hold on’ tank graphic design, as well as black four bar Triumph tank badges, black intake covers and engine badges and a black bench seat.
The minimal fender set-up is thanks to the removal kit fitted as standard in most markets, with bullet LED indicators as standard fitment.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
The 2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace will be a limited run of 1400 worldwide, each of which will come with a numbered certificate, signed by both Nick Bloor and modern Ace Cafe founder Mark Wilsmore.
Naturally the T120 Ace is based on the Bonneville T120 Black, with the 1200cc High Torque twin Bonneville engine, dedicated chassis and suspension set-up for relaxed riding every day, all day, alone or with a pillion.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
The character of the Bonneville T120 comes to life through the 1200cc High Torque eight-valve, parallel Bonneville twin engine, built specifically for the modern classic riding style, and producing a peak torque figure of 105Nm at just 3100 rpm – 54% more than the previous generation.
Accurate throttle response is provided by Triumph’s latest generation ride-by-wire fuel-injection and engine management system, with the six-speed 1200 Bonneville engine engineered for a charismatic tone and 270° firing interval.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
Behind the 1200 engine’s exterior sits a liquid cooling system, integrated to minimise visual impact while achieving cleaner emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency – 13% better than the previous generation. This, combined with a new extended service interval of 16,000km dramatically reduces the overall cost of ownership.
Peashooter style exhausts, follow a clean ‘straight line run’ achieved through a twin skin design that covers the pipe run through the cat box and out again. It delivers the sound of a British twin, with a deep and rich exhaust note that matches the T120 character.
The Bonneville T120 Ace also shares all of the T120 Black’s rider-focused technology to deliver control, safety and rider confidence, while maintaining the authentic Bonneville style and character.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
Triumph’s variable anti-lock braking system (ABS) brings a high level of safety and control to the Bonneville, alongside the ride-by-wire system and switchable traction control system.
Two riding modes are linked to the ride-by-wire system, with the two options ‘Road’ and ‘Rain’ providing the rider with greater control and safety for varied road conditions. The torque assist clutch also brings a light touch and feel to the lever for everyday ridability.
The T120 Ace also incorporates daytime running lights (DRL) that delivers a distinctive light pattern and enhanced power efficiency for long term durability (in most markets). The LED rear light is built into the classically inspired tail set-up, with an integrated number plate light.
2019 Triumph Bonneville T120 Ace
Other standard features include heated grips with a three-mode settings, while an underseat USB socket provides for riders needing charge up their essential devices.
A transponder integrated into the T120 key it matched to an engine immobiliser, boosting security, with stylish twin clocks packed with features and boasting 3D dial faces, cleverly incorporating a digital menu system. Elegant switchgear presents simple controls for easy access to the key features on the twin clocks at a rider’s fingertips.
Single 255mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Length
2,170 mm
Width (Handlebars)
785 mm
Height Without Mirrors
1,125 mm
Seat Height
785 mm
Wheelbase
1,445 mm
Rake
25.5 º
Trail
105.2 mm
Dry Weight
224 Kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
15 L
Instruments
LCD multi-functional instrument pack with analogue speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty indication, service indicator, clock, trip computer, scroll and mode buttons on handlebars, heated grip status, fuel consumption display, traction control status and throttle mode display.
It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the work. It is always difficult when the track is in not great shape. In all those tight corners, with the ruts developing, it is difficult to feel the confidence to push to the maximum. Aside from that, the track temperatures are very critical here with the base tyre that we have. Like yesterday, we tried some different things with the bike and at the end of the day we tried something quite interesting with the balance. I felt really good with an old tyre so that is something to keep working with in 2019. I also did a longer run in the middle of the day. We did pretty much what we set out to do at this test and I was on the pace on day one, so we could go testing straight away. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/rea-tops-jerez-times
It was a positive final day. We are putting the pieces together and we have to be satisfied with the work. It is always difficult when the track is in not great shape. In all those tight corners, with the ruts developing, it is difficult to feel the confidence to push to the maximum. Aside from that, the track temperatures are very critical here with the base tyre that we have. Like yesterday, we tried some different things with the bike and at the end of the day we tried something quite interesting with the balance. I felt really good with an old tyre so that is something to keep working with in 2019. I also did a longer run in the middle of the day. We did pretty much what we set out to do at this test and I was on the pace on day one, so we could go testing straight away. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/rea-tops-jerez-times
Back in October, Gabe Et-Hokin wrote about Taiwanese company Jarvish’s new smart helmets. The carbon fiber Jarvish X helmet offered built-in cameras and wireless connectivity while the Jarvish X-AR adds a rear view camera and a head-up display.
Today, the Jarvish X and Jarvish X-AR helmets were officially launched, along with a Kickstarter campaign to fund the company. Pricing for both helmets are also lower than what Gabe was initially told, with the Jarvish X priced at $699 and the Jarvish X-AR at $1,599.
Begin Press Release
JARVISH SMART MOTORCYCLE HELMETS INTEGRATE AI AND AR TO KEEP RIDERS ON THEIR BIKES
X-Series offers 360° visibility, AI cameras, voice assistant integration and in-helmet HUD navigation
Intelligent helmet systems specialist JARVISH today launches its X-Series smart motorcycle helmets. The X-AR and X models* have been designed with a range of technology integrations, such as voice control, noise cancellation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in memory, to give riders a safer, more enjoyable on-road experience. The X-AR model also includes an augmented reality-powered head-up display (HUD), which offers rear-camera view.
JARVISH X-Series: X/X-AR
Packed with safety-enhancing features, the new JARVISH X-Series connects with voice services such as Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri or OK Google. Both the X-AR and X helmets are voice-activation only (no tap-to-talk), allowing riders to control the cameras, make a call, adjust the volume, play music and more, while keeping their focus on the road.
Strong and lightweight, thanks to a pure carbon fiber construction designed by a professional helmet design company based in Germany, the X-Series’ full-face fit is comfortable and its stylish all-in-one design includes top of the range built-in HD surround sound speakers, noise reduction microphone and front 2K camera as standard.
Journeys can be recorded in FHD video via the built-in front 2K camera and stored on [removable] 16GB (optional up to 256GB) memory cards in the helmet. The video can also be broadcast in real-time to user’s social media account by voice command, while the app lets users download footage to their smartphone and personal cloud server.
JARVISH X-series smart helmets will also be featured with an individual audio processor that works not only for active noise cancellation, but also provides stunning high-resolution sound regeneration quality.
JARVISH X-AR
The X-AR model leverages optical waveguide technology on the HUD for riders who prefer visual instructions. The technology behind this ensures that, even in bright light, these projections are always clearly visible. The HUD can be controlled and retracted easily via voice command.
The X-AR helmet has the ability to display directions, and notify the wearer of traffic and weather conditions, indicators, speed, hazard road signs and incoming caller IDs on the HUD. It even shows 2K rear-view images so the rider has 360° visibility while on the road.
Battery life – USB and Wireless charging
The JARVISH X-AR battery lasts for four hours during continuous use, while the X model can be used for more than six hours. Both helmets support wireless charging and can be quickly charged via micro-USB up to 80% within just 90 minutes (wireless charging pad sold separately).
Jeremy Lu, CEO of JARVISH, said: “The X and X-AR do not replace the need for smart, safe riding, but our vision is to enhance the motorcycling experience with smart features that mean a rider can focus on the road ahead without any distraction. We have combined the ultimate rider benefits with a stylish, lightweight helmet for motorcyclists who love their technology as much as the journey. Police officers and motorcycle riders in Taiwan are already wearing the first generation of JARVISH smart helmets, so we are sure our latest models, the X-Series, will prove to be just as popular worldwide.”
Safety Features
Both the X-AR and standard X model are fully certified, including ECE R22.05 (Europe, Australia), DOT (US and Canada), CNS 2396, CNS 13438, CNS 13439 (Asia), FCC (electronic radiation safety certifications).
Both helmets are also Apple MFi certified. With voice activation, users can place calls and trigger navigation on iPhones (and Androids) without manually interacting with a smartphone or having to unlock the screen.
Kickstarter Campaign
The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign kicks off on November 27 with a target of $50,000. The MSRP is USD 1,599 for JARVISH X-AR, USD 699 for JARVISH X.
The purpose of the campaign is to be able to recruit more engineers to make the HUD fully integrated into the main board system, and create AR applications for the JARVISH smart helmet eco-system. JARVISH aims to start shipping JARVISH X from April 2019 and JARVISH X-AR from August 2019.
*The X model has the same features as the X-AR but without the augmented reality (AR) HUD and the rear camera.
JARVISH will exhibit the X model helmets and the X-AR prototypes for the first time in public at CES 2019. Location: JARVISH Booth, Sands Hall G – 52443. More information about JARVISH at CES will be released soon.
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