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How To Match The Right Motorcycle With Your Personality

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(Contributed post)

Experienced riders and newcomers alike often feel like their ride could use a more personal kind of upgrade. While the technical details of a new motorcycle purchase are essential, many motorcycle enthusiasts purchase vehicles more on the basis of how the bike looks and feels that they do on any technical specs.

That said, things like safety, fuel economy, and insurance costs are basic details that should never be overlooked. A beautiful ride is one thing, but it is important to see the entire picture. While we recommend knowing everything, there is to know about any bike you might decide to purchase, and we know that the attitude and character of the bike are just as important to the true motorcycle enthusiast. With that in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make the right choice.

#1: Listen to What Other Enthusiasts Have to Say

Talk to actual riders about their bikes. Find out what they like and what they don’t. Find out what they would want in their next bike that their current ride doesn’t deliver. All riders’ tastes vary so catalog the information and decide what details are of the most personal importance. Take note of the styles, makes, and models that seem to have the kinds of specifications you find most appealing.

Rider forums and social media channels are also excellent sources of information. Take particular note of posts from riders who discuss specific makes and models that sound appealing. Learn everything possible – both positives and negatives. The perfect ride may not exist, but some bikes will be a better fit for certain riders than they will be for others.

There are also some excellent informational resources that can help move the selection process along more quickly. Many professional bloggers and custom writing services like this collaborate on and publish information that places the wants and needs of the rider in the spotlight. You’re reading one of those pieces right now. Keep reading for more inspiration, and you might discover a few things you didn’t even know you wanted in a bike.

#2: Get A Few Non-Biased Opinions

No, the technical details might be as exciting as a blog post about top riding destinations, but they are nonetheless important. Some bikes just aren’t suited for the types of climates, altitudes, and terrains the rider would want them to tackle.

Part of knowing that a bike is a good match is knowing that it can perform the way the rider expects. The only way to find out is to read a few objective consumer reviews. Get the facts. Doing so can help keep you from making a disappointing choice.

#3: Compare Models Side-By-Side

Go to several different dealerships and speak with the sales reps about the different models they have available. Remember, the goal of any dealer rep is to make a sale so don’t expect unbiased opinions here. This is why a bit of independent research is essential before walking into a dealership. Get several opinions from people who have a vested interest in selling a bike. Most are riders themselves and will give you honest opinions about the advantages and disadvantages based on what they find out about your wants, needs, and personal tastes.  

As a parting note, always trust your feelings and intuition. Just because a bike is popular doesn’t mean it’s all that great or that it would be a good fit for you. Be patient, assess all available options, and make the best possible selection. A new bike is an investment that no rider wants to regret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

BSB 2019 | Hickman on BMW | Fores to Honda | Linfoot on Yamaha

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BSB 2019 Rider Line-up taking shape

More pieces of the BSB 2019 puzzle have fallen into place with Smiths Racing BMW confirming that Peter Hickman will be joined onboard the brand-new S1000RR by James Ellison.

31-year-old Hickman from Louth in Lincolnshire remains with Alan and Rebecca Smith’s team for a third successive season having finished in an impressive fifth place in the 2018 Bennetts BSB series with a double podium finish at Thruxton to ensure qualification into the Showdown for a second successive season, from where he scored another podium at Assen.

Peter Hickman

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be staying with Smiths Racing for 2019. Myself, Rebecca, Alan and all the team get on so well and really gel as our results prove, so staying with them was always what I wanted. And now we’re welcoming James into the fold too, someone I’ve worked with before in 2016 and we got on great, he helped me a lot that year and I really think we’ll motivate and push each other. He’s a championship contender and so am I, so between us we have one of the strongest teams on the grid and to say I’m excited is an understatement. Along with all that we have the new Smiths BMW S1000RR which looks absolutely stunning and I can’t wait to throw my leg over it in testing before it gets real at BSB and on the roads.”

BSB Rnd Thruxton Hickman Image DYeomans AUYA
Peter Hickman – Smiths BMW 2018 – Image Dave Yeomans

Hickman had a stellar season on the roads too, winning at every major road race, including the Isle of Man TT Races, International North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix as well as this month’s Macau Grand Prix. Peter also claimed the outright TT lap record at 135.452mph on his way to victory on the Smiths BMW in the Senior TT race. Hickman will also contest the full closed roads programme once again as in 2018.

Joining Hickman in the Smiths Racing BMW squad will be experienced Cumbrian James Ellison, who joins Smiths Racing BMW from rivals Anvil Hire TAG Racing. Originally from Kendal but now residing at Swadlincote in the Midlands, the 38-year-old is a former World Endurance and double European Superstock champion who has just missed out on the BSB title in the past.

James Ellison

“First of all I just want to thank Alan, Rebecca and Darren for giving me this opportunity. I had an incredibly difficult 2018 season for various reasons, we had great pace but were lacking one key component that stopped me from getting the results which both myself and the TAG team were capable of. They are such a friendly, family-run team that made me feel so welcome, so I want to say a huge thank you to them and I wish them the best of luck in the future. I figured it would be impossible to call 2018 my ‘last’ season in BSB after having so many successful seasons fighting for the championship and it is just not in my nature to walk away knowing I can still fight for the BSB title given the right tools. The Smiths Racing BMW team have had another strong season with Hicky proving they are true title contenders and I’m delighted to be teaming up with Hicky again. We are really good friends off track but of course tough rivals on it and I believe we will push each other all year and work closely together to speed up the development of the all-new BMW S1000RR. The support from the fans has been incredible, even when I was struggling, which means so much to me and I can’t wait to start testing in March.”

BSB Smiths BMW Ellison Hickman
Ellison and Hickman at BMW

BSB Musical Chairs

Other recent movements in BSB include Jason O’Halloran heading from Honda to McAMS Yamaha and Dan Linfoot to Tag Racing Yamaha. Their previous positions at Honda have been filled by Xavi Fores alongside Andrew Irwin. 

BSB McAMS Yamaha Jason OHalloran Mackenzie
Jason O’Halloran and Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha for BSB 2019

Before the 2018 season had even finished Josh Brookes announced his move to Be Wiser Ducati where he will be joined by MotoGP exile Scott Redding. The pair should be a force to be reckoned with on the new Panigale V4 R.  In addition to their British Superbike Championship campaigns, Redding and Brookes are also hoping for wild card appearances at least one event in the World Superbike Championship.

Australia’s Ben Currie makes the step up to Superbike with the JG Speedfit Kawasaki squad alongside Glenn Irwin. 

BSB Showdown Oulton Park Ben Currie P Podium ImageDyeomans
Ben Currie makes the step up to Superbike with JG Speedfit Kawasaki

Christian Iddon and Keith Farmer are expected to ride for Tyco BMW while Ryan Vickers steps in to the RAF Kawasaki squad.

Danny Buchan is definitely in with a good chance aboard the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki and has the benefits of being one of the few top runners not to move teams for the new season. 

Danny Buchan #83 is definitely in with a good chance aboard the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki

Buildbase Suzuki have confirmed Bradley Ray but it seems that a possible second GSX-R1000R seat is yet to be filled in that team.  Luke Mossey and Gino Rea will ride for OMG Suzuki. 

Who will rise to the top?

With Shane Byrne’s recovery from injury seemingly further delayed, 2018 BSB Champion Leon Haslam heading to World Superbike, and second place getter Jake Dixon heading to Moto2, it will be very interesting to see how the form guide for season 2019 shakes up when things get underway in the 12-round series at Silverstone over Easter next year (19/21 April).

Who is your money on?

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Chad Reed wins FIM Oceania Championship in Auckland

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Monster Energy S-X Open
International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship

AUS X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship SX Chad Reed
Chad Reed claims inaugural FIM Oceania Championship in Auckland

Australian Chad Reed has won the inaugural Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship in front of a huge crowd at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

AUS X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship SX Atmosphere
Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship

Reed left the entire field in his wake to win all three feature races at the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland, to make a remarkable run to victory on the night, and of the overall Oceania championship.

AUS X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship SX Chad Reed
Chad Reed claims inaugural FIM Oceania Championship in Auckland

Chad Reed

“Oh man, I’m so stoked to become the first ever FIM Oceania Supercross Champion! Coming back to NZ is always awesome, this crowd was amazing and for me, I’d love to be back and defend my title and supporting this championship. We had some epic battles in Sydney and tonight in Auckland and with that bit of rain in the morning I just rubbed my hands together and everything just came together today.”

AUS X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship SX Chad Reed
Chad Reed
SX1 Results – S-X Open
  1. Chad REED  25-25-25 | 75
  2. Hayden MELLROSS 20-18-20 | 58
  3. Dean WILSON 22-22-14 | 58
  4. Christian CRAIG 12-20-18 | 51
  5. Justin BRAYTON 14-14-22 | 50
  6. Luke CLOUT 18-16-16 | 50
  7. Jackson RICHARDSON 16-13-12 | 41
  8. Jay WILSON 10-15-15 | 40
  9. Lawson BOPPING 15-11-10 | 36
  10. Dylan LONG 11-10-13 | 34
Monster Energy S-X Open
International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship
  1. Chad REED (AUS) 122
  2. Dean WILSON (SCO) 120
  3. Justin BRAYTON (USA) 103
  4. Luke CLOUT (AUS) 92
  5. Jason ANDERSON (USA) 75
  6. Dylan LONG (AUS) 74
  7. Lawson BOPPING (AUS) 71
  8. Daniel REARDON (AUS) 60
  9. Hayden MELLROSS (AUS) 58
  10. Christian CRAIG (USA) 51
Ben Townley – Kiwi Favourite

Kiwi ace Ben Townley put in a sweet show for his home crowd, going bar-to-bar with rival Ronnie Mac to win the Boost Mobile International Showdown.

The pair traded blows on the track before literally trading blows off it to cap off a huge win for the ANZACs over the Internationals.

Ben Townley

“The showdown went to plan, Ronnie jumped the gun as I expected so I had to trail him all the way to the last corner, and was able to sneak up the inside and just pile drive him into the dirt and yeah that was it, he was on the floor and I was able to get the victory for the ANZACs. This event just goes to show that motorsport as a whole, there’s appeal for events of this calibre and I know there were Kiwi kids in the stands tonight dreaming of being the next Chad Reed in the future so the sport is bright for us, we just need to capitalise on the success of this event.”

AUS X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship SX Atmosphre
Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship

SX2

In the SX2 class, it was American ace Dakota Alix who took the spoils form Aussie Ryan Marmont, with local kiwi Josiah Natzke claiming the final podium spot.

With no Supercross series in New Zealand, it was a huge challenge for Natzke on the world-class track but the youngster was up to the challenge to finish as the fastest Kiwi for the event.

Josiah Natzke

“Us Kiwi’s don’t have Supercross so this event means a lot really. I think there were lots of people here tonight who don’t have anything to do with moto so it’s just good for the whole thing, it’s good for the riders, the young people coming here, there are heaps of young kids out here tonight, so it’s just mint for everyone.”

SX2 Results – S-X Open

  1. Dakota ALIX (USA)
  2. Ryan MARMONT (AUS) +4.236
  3. Josiah NATZKE (NZ) +11.990
  4. Ethan MARTENS (NZ) +34.239
  5. Logan BLACKBURN (NZ) +43.097
  6. Brad GROOMBRIDGE (NZ) +1 lap
  7. Madison LATTA (NZ) +1 lap
  8. Maximus PURVIS (NZ) +1 lap
  9. Kyle HARTLEY (NZ) +1 lap
  10. Ryan GWYNN (NZ) +2 laps
  11. Liam HUTTON (NZ) +2 laps

Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland

The 2018 Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland was supported by Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and Monster Energy. 

The Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship consists of two rounds at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney (November 9-10) and Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland (November 24) events and is sanctioned by FIM Oceania (FIMO).

The Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland was hailed a huge success with 21,126 screaming fans on hand to witness the inaugural running of the event.

Images by Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

Video shows hi-vis does not work – even for cops!

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This British video of a police officer with sirens going and a hi-vis jacket and bike shows that some motorists still don’t see riders.

It shows a police special escort group of BMW R 1200 bikes escorting British Prime Minister Theresa May with the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command in London.

Right from the start it shows a van driver doesn’t even see the police officer with hi-vis gear, flashing lights and sirens.

This video comes as a Monash University report into motorcycle accidents suggest riders and bikes be more visible.

The report, quaintly titled “Current Trends in Motorcycle-Related Crash and Injury Risk in Australia by Motorcycle Type and Attributes” suggests promoting high-visibility motorcycle clothing and research into its effects.

It also suggest increasing motorcycle visibility technology such as modulating headlights.

Well, the British police officer above has his motorcycle lights flashing but still wasn’t seen.Police hi-vis high visibility clothing

If even bike cops officers can’t be seen, what more could we riders possibly do to be seen and heard on the road?

Most riders resist mandatory hi-vis gear as is required for Victorian novice riders and France where riders have to carry a hi-vis vest to wear the vest during a breakdown.

Many claim they are still not seen even when wearing bright gear and on brightly coloured motorcycles.

Hi-vis myth debunked

While Monash Uni suggests hi-vis Prof Richard Huggins of University of Melbourne says there is no research that proves hi-vis vests aid safety.

Richard says he has studied many scientific studies about hi-vis clothing and says there is no conclusive evidence it is safer for riders.

However, there are several international studies with varied findings suggesting:

  • Dark clothing is more visible in certain lighting situations;
  • Hi-vis rider gear may be less visible in certain conditions; and
  • Hi-vis clothing could create a “target fixation” for motorists, causing them to steer toward the wearer.

Richard also says he regularly wears a hi-visibility jacket when riding, but has still been hit by a car.

“The driver claimed they didn’t see me, from a distance of less than 2m, as they changed lanes on top of me,” he says.Hi-vis vest

The Victorian Motorcycle Council also says hi-vis is a safety myth, claiming:

  • Modern research shows that people don’t recognise or react to motorcycles, rather than not seeing them at all;
  • Drivers are more likely to see a bike but make an error in timing; and
  • All bikes have hard-wired headlights yet no research has been done on how this affects hi-visibility.

Some say group rides with lead and tail-end riders in hi-vis vests destroys our argument.

However hi-vis vests on group rides are not worn for safety reasons. They are there to help distinguish those riders from the others so that riders don’t accidentally pass the lead rider or fall behind the sweep.

Hi-vis vest age submission
Tail-end Charlie

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Triumph engined Moto2 era progresses on day two at Jerez

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2019 Moto2 Jerez Test Day Two

Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) topped the second day of testing for the new era of Moto2 in southern Spain despite a crash, with the Malaysian GP winner having just been beaten to the honour late on Friday.

Moto Test Jerez Day Luca Marini
Luca Marini

Marini’s 1:41.524 put him just over two-and-a-half-tenths clear of his nearest rival, Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), with the Brit once again a force to be reckoned on his return to the Gresini squad.

To compare this new 765 triple-cylinder era to the previous CBR600RR powered, the fastest Moto2 lap at the Jerez race weekend back in May was a 1m41.890 by Lorenzo Baldassarri on a 33-degree track temperature in FP3. Conditions for this test are around five-degrees cooler. 

Moto Test Jerez Day Sam Lowes
Sam Lowes

Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) completed the top three, and was another frontrunner who crashed. Remy Gardner (SAG Team) ended the day less than a tenth off Marquez, with the top five completed by Friday’s fastest, Lorenzo Baldassarri (Pons HP 40). The Italian was close though, just 0.044 off Gardner.

Rain interrupted action mid-way through the day, and in the final session only Steven Odendaal (NTS RW Racing), Lukas Tulovic (Kiefer Racing) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went out. 

Jorge Navarro (Speed Up Racing) began his Speed Up career in a solid P6 in a tight top ten, with Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Augusto Fernanández (Pons HP40) in seventh and eighth respectively. Tetsuta Nagashima (SAG Team) and Xavi Vierge (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) completed the top ten on Day 2.

Moto Test Jerez Day Brad Binder
Brad Binder fastest KTM framed machine in P13

Then came the first of the rookies: Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46), another who impressed despite a crash. Bulega was also the quickest debutant on Friday and ended Day 2 in P11 – more solid form from the Italian as fellow rookies Fabio Di Giannantonio (Speed Up Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) took P16 and P17 respectively.

Marco Bezzecchi (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was P24, whereas reigning Moto3 World Champion Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) sits on the sidelines injured. His teammate, Brad Binder, was P13 and fastest KTM, with Martin’s replacement Iker Lecuona beginning his stint just behind Bezzecchi.

Marco Bezzecchi – P24

“We had a quite positive second day, although we unfortunately didn’t ride too much because the weather changed. I was working even more on my riding style, which became better today. But still, we have to continue our good work in terms of riding style and also regarding chassis setup. All the team is very motivated and also KTM helps a lot. Tomorrow we will try to go faster.”

Moto Test Jerez Day Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi

Jake Dixon continued to make progress on his KTM framed machine on the second day of the 2019 preseason. The Briton finished second in the British Superbike Championship to Leon Haslam this season and the 22-year-old steps into the Moto2 ranks with Ángel Nieto Team. Dixon was three tenths quicker than yesterday in the two sessions that beat the weather, finishing 2.6 seconds off the top. 

Jake Dixon – P27

“I still don’t have the best feeling with the bike, we’re struggling a little bit, but we are working hard together with the team to understand this KTM. For example, today we improved the feeling with the front end. It is incredible the job that the team are doing to help me get comfortable. It is a shame that the rain came and limited the track time because we need as many laps as possible in these tests. We could do with another session in the dry because we have worked on some things that could help us improve. Hopefully it doesn’t rain tomorrow because otherwise we’ll have to wait until next year to try them.”

Moto Test Jerez Day Jake Dixon
Jake Dixon gets a taste of Moto2

The fastest MV Agusta on their return to the paddock was Stefano Manzi (MV Agusta Forward Racing), who slotted into fourteenth.

Sunday is the third and final day of testing at Jerez for the intermediate class as the new era of Triumph power begins.

Moto2 Jerez Test 2019 – Jerez
Day One-Two Combined Times

  1. Luca Marini 1m41.523
  2. Sam Lowes 1m41.792
  3. Alex Marquez 1m41.901
  4. Remy Gardner 1m41.991
  5. Lorenzo Baldasarri 1m42.035
  6. Jorge Navarro 1m42.196
  7. Marcel Schrotter 1m42.241
  8. Augusto Fernandez 1m42.264
  9. Tetsuta Nagashima 1m42.282
  10. Xavi Vierge 1m42.305
  11. Nicolo Bulega 1m42.311
  12. Tom Luthi 1m42.361
  13. Brad Binder 1m42.465
  14. Stefano Manzi 1m42.743
  15. Simone Corsi 1m42.782
  16. Fabio Di Giannantonio 1m42.812
  17. Enea Bastianini 1m42.875
  18. Steven Odendaal 1m42.880
  19. Andrea Locatelli 1m42.888
  20. Lukas Tulovic 1m42.916
  21. Khairul Idham Pawi 1m43.012
  22. Dominique Aegerter 1m43.123
  23. Jorge Martin 1m43.361
  24. Dimas Ekky Pratama 1m43.505
  25. Marco Bezzecchi 1m43.652
  26. Iker Lecuona 1m43.653
  27. Somkiat Chandra 1m43.900
  28. Jake Dixon 1m44.148
  29. Philipp Oettl 1m44.207
  30. Bo Bendsneyder 1m44.564
  31. Xaiver Cardelus 1m44.803

Source: MCNews.com.au

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Progress made on second day of MotoE testing at Jerez

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MotoE Jerez Test 2018
Day Two

The initial baby steps for the fledgling MotoE category continued at Jerez overnight. A dry start to the day saw times start to tumble before rain hampered progress for teams as they prepare for the inaugural FIM Enel MotoE World Cup.

Moto2 bikes were also on track overnight with their new Triumph engines and the top four all lapped in the 1m41s. As a gauge of relative performance, the top quartet of MotoE riders lapped in the 1m50s. With limited set-up time and familiarisation so far for the electric bikes, you would imagine that by mid-season next year that differential might perhaps half when progress really starts to be made. 

At this test some riders are sharing a single bike across a two-rider team which, along with limited battery life and long recharge times, means that riders in some cases are only getting a handful of laps each day. 

Teams are suggesting that battery management and engine temperature control will be some of the key deciding factors that will decide the outcome of the 5 races that will be staged in Europe for the inaugural MotoE season.

It was Bradley Smith (One Energy Racing) who topped the timesheets on day two and lowered the new e-bike benchmark to 1m50.265. 

Moto Test Jerez Day Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith

That was a full 1.5-second improvement over Friday’s fastest time set by 23-year-old Niki Tuuli. The Fin had to settle for second quickest behind Smith on day two.

In third there was Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), just over a tenth off Tuuli, with Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) another tenth and a half in arrears in P4. Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) completed the top five, but a little further back.

Moto Test Jerez Day Mike Di Meglio
Mike Di Meglio

Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), meanwhile, was sixth fastest but from his time set on Friday, just ahead of Kenny Foray (Tech3 E-Racing).

Kenny Foray – P7

“I think we already learned a lot yesterday, so this morning we tried a lot of things, especially on my riding style. We could see, that it was immediately better and I have the feeling the second day is always easier. We were beginning to work on the setting, but when the rain arrived we didn’t have any chance anymore to confirm it on track. So, the second and the third session were quite useless. In the end, we didn’t do too many laps, which is a pity. I really hope for good weather tomorrow.”

Moto Test Jerez Day Freddy Foray
Kenny Foray

Randy De Puniet (LCR E-Team) put in the fastest time of the final session but couldn’t improve, and was down in eighth on Saturday

Josh Hook (Alma Pramac Racing) and Niccolò Canepa (LCR E-Team), completed the top 10.

Josh Hook – P9

“It is a fascinating experience and for this, I would like to thank again the Alma Pramac Racing team that gave me this opportunity. The feeling increase lap by lap and the performances are really interesting. There is still a lot of work to be done, for example on braking points, but the feeling is very positive”.

Moto Test Jerez Day Josh Hook
Josh Hook

On Saturday, Jesko Raffin’s (Dynavolt Intact GP) Energica Ego Corsa was ridden by Marvin Fritz as Raffin returned to Valencia for the season final of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto European Championship in which he’s already taken the crown.

There’s one more day of MotoE testing to go in Jerez, although the weather forecast looks in doubt that teams will get to make progress.

MotoE Jerez Test 2018
Day One-Two Combined Times

  1. Bradley Smith – One Energy 1m50.265
  2. Niki Tuuli – Ajo Motorsport 1m50.627
  3. Mike Di Meglio – Marc VDS 1m50.741
  4. Matteo Casadei – Ongetta SIC58 1m50.885
  5. Matteo Ferrari – Trentino Gresini 1m51.648
  6. Eric Granado – Esponsorama 1m51.842
  7. Kenny Foray – Tech3 1m51.853
  8. Randy De Puniet – LCR 1m51.906
  9. Josh Hook – Alma Pramac 1m52.281
  10. Niccolo Canepa – LCR 1m52.375
  11. Alex De Angelis – Alma Pramac 1m52.403
  12. Jesko Raffin – Dynavolt 1m52.675
  13. Lorenzo Savadori – Trentino Gresini 1m52.689
  14. Sete Gibernau – Pons 1m52.817
  15. Julian Miralles – Avintia 1m52.945
  16. Marvin Fritz – Dynavolt 1m53.355
  17. Nico Terol – Angel Nieto 1m53.834
  18. Maria Herrera – Angel Nieto 2m00.562
  19. Luca Vitali – Ongetta SIC58 2m06.560

Source: MCNews.com.au

News

Norton adds Superlight 650 racer

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Just a week after Norton launched the 650cc Atlas Nomad cafe racer and Ranger scrambler, they have added the Superlight road-legal racer.

While the Nomad will sell for £9995 (about $A17,700, $US12,750) and the Ranger for £11,995 ($A21,250, $US15,300), the Norton Superlight will sell for about £19,950 ($A35,350, $US25,500).

That’s a lot for a 650cc bike, but we expect its main purpose is to compete in the Lightweight TT class in next year’s Isle of Man TT.

It will be raced by 23-time IoM TT winner John McGuinness who moved from Honda t Norton this year but didn’t race because of injury.

Why does it cost so much?

Superlight by name …Norton Superlight

Well, for a start, it is covered in carbon fibre from the wheels to the body work and single-sided swingarm.

Together with a polished aluminium tube frame instead of steel in the Atlas models, so it weighs just a dashing 158kg.

That’s 20kg less than the Atlas and if you add the optional titanium exhaust system it drops another 6kg.

Suspension is top-shelf Ohlins with NIX 30 forks and TTX GP monoshock.

Norton TTX-GP 7
Ohlins TTX-GP shock

Brakes are big Brembo 330mm discs on the front with M50 calipers.

It also features an up-down quickshifter, IMU traction and ABS controllers, colour LCD dash and race-worthy electronics such as wheelie and launch control.

Power-to-weight ratio

The 650cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine in the Atlas models is basically half of the 120cc V4 Norton are working on for their engine V4 flagship model which is expected to be released next year.

In the Atlas Nomad and Ranger, it produces a modest 62kW of power at 11,000 revs and 64Nm of torquer.

In the Superlight it makes 78kW which gives it a racy power-to-weight ratio.

We are still awaiting news from Norton on the V4 and it remain s a mystery what the British company has planned for India.

The company last year signed a deal with India’s Kinetic Group to build 650cc motorcycles for Asian markets.

When we mentioned this before, the company was at pains to say all their bikes are handmade in England.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, News

Auckland sweep seals Reed S-X Open Oceania championship

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KTM-mounted American import Alix races to SX2 victory in New Zealand.

Image: .

Australian legend Chad Reed has clinched the 2018 Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship with a spectacular clean-sweep in Auckland, New Zealand.

Reed, 36, won all three finals in the SX1 Triple Crown main event to steal the title from previous leader, Scotsman Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsports Husqvarna).

It was a fitting return to NZ for Reed aboard the JGRMX Suzuki RM-Z450, untouched in technical conditions at Mt Smart Stadium. Reed’s trio of wins handed him the round two win from DPH’s Hayden Mellross – riding an FC 350 – and Wilson, who encountered clutch problems in final three.

The inaugural FIM Oceania championship belongs to dual AMA/world champion Reed by two points ahead of Wilson, with three-time Australian champion Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) a distant third after finished fifth tonight.

Image: .

KTM Motocross Racing Team duo Dakota Alix and Ryan Marmont – out of retirement – went 1-2 in the SX2 class, with Kiwi Josiah Natzke (Cannon Signage Honda) completing the podium.

Full report to follow.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

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New dashcam recorder for motorcycles

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More and more dashcam evidence is convicting traffic offenders and protecting vulnerable motorcyclists involved in SMIDSY crashes.

Riders have a few options:

  • Riders can wear a helmet camera which even Queensland police recommend and most police use, although victorian police still believe it is illegal;
  • They can wear an action camera on their body, but these are limited in vision and difficult to deploy for rear-enders; or
  • https://motorbikewriter.com/cops-motorcycle-police/
  • Permanent cameras can be mounted on and hardwired to the motorcycle.

The latter is becoming more popular, especially for commuters as they are a fixture, difficult to steal and will start recording as soon as you start the bike.

Basically they are a set-and-forget option … until you need them.

Then they supply looped intervals of recordings so you can easily find the bit you need.

Latest bike dashcam Dashcam 1

A new dashcam with the easy-to-remember name “Model MCDV2HD-W2G” is available online in December for $320 and through some specialist installers.

Not that you will need a professional installer.

Installation is easy with a Smart Power module that connects directly to the battery and switches power to the dashcam automatically after the engine starts and switching off when it stops.

With more bikes now using CANBus (a simplified wiring loom) and not having easy access to accessory/ignition power, the Smart Power module solves this issue.

The unit consists of two small front and rear cameras which are permanently fitted and difficult to see on most big bikes.

The front camera is a full HD 1080P device with a Sony IMX323 sensor that has a low light facility while the rear camera is a HD 720P unit.

This new model has a weatherproof main unit (IP65) and, of course, weatherproof cameras (IP67).

One of the niftiest features is that it has built-in Wi-Fi so you access it from a smartphone app (iOS or Android).

That should make it easy to access recordings while out on the road.

It includes GPS included to automatically confirm time and location of an event. Dashcam 1

The handlebar controller is retained from previous models to allow the rider to save particular files in a simple-to-find format.

You won’t need to search through a large number of video files to find just the one or two events that were notable. Pressing the button saves a file with a different prefix to allow quick and easy sorting and location. 

Data storage is by Micro SD card up to 128GB.

Distributors Chipatronic recommend and supply Samsung cards when you order (SD cards cost extra and depend on the size you order.) 

Video files can be re-played using the smartphone app or the card can be connected to a Windows PC where the files can be accessed and viewed in the same way as any external storage device.

Files are saved in MOV format which can be played by most up to date media player software including Windows Media Player, Photos, VLC and others.

To be able to view the maps from the GPS data on PC the user will need to download a free software package.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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