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Energica Adds New Dealers In Maryland And The Mid-Atlantic

East coast riders looking for an Energica now have another option.

Begin press release:


Energica Motor Company S.p.A. continues to expand in the United States: a new commercial agreement with CYCLEMAX in the significant mid-Atlantic region, encompassing the nation’s capital, has just been signed. This new Energica motorcycle dealer in Gaithersburg, Maryland will delight riders in the area who have been asking that Energica open a retail presence within easy distance.

The Metro DC area where CYCLEMAX is situated is one of the strongest for EV in the U.S. According to Plug-In America, Maryland has 11,144 EV vehicles and Virginia another 9,669 with a growth rate last year of 48.5% and 36.1% respectively. Both states have ambitions plans to grow EV use and the EV charging infrastructure, benefiting not only electric car owners, but also Energica owners.

Maryland is committed to increasing the number of charging stations from 1,500 to over 5,000 in the next three years to accommodate 300,000 EV in the state by 2025. Maryland is also a “Section 177” state adhering to the CARB standards set by California for ZEV to become at least 8% of all passenger vehicles by 2025. Virginia likewise plans to reach 15% EV penetration of all vehicles in operation by 2027 – with the charging network to match.

“We know that riders have exactly the same concern that drivers do about range and the placement of charging stations. In fact, this is the #1 barrier to EV purchase by consumers. Since our bikes will travel for more than 100 miles on a single charge, the challenge is the number of places to charge: especially DC Fast Chargers that Energica alone of all electric motorcycles is currently able to use.” stated Stefano Benatti, CEO, Energica Motor Company Inc. “The massive build-out of charging stations planned for the mid-Atlantic region is a very encouraging development for our future sales.”

CYCLEMAX is ideally suited to take advantage of this imminent expansion of electric into the two-wheeled segment. The dealer has sold EV2 since 2015 and is already perhaps the biggest seller of electric motorcycles on the East Coast. In addition, CYCLEMAX is bounded on all sides by four of the top 10 counties in the U.S., including Howard County in Maryland and Loudoun, Fairfax and Arlington Counties in Virginia. These two states and DC together have over 320,172 registered motorcycle owners, about 3.7% of all riders in the U.S. Ten of the 25 top counties in the U.S. for household income, plus the whole southern tier of Pennsylvania including Philadelphia, are also in easy reach of the dealership.

“What I love about electric isn’t just the ecological benefit of zero emissions.
It’s the amazing acceleration and absolutely linear torque,” says Donald Figliozzi, Owner of CYCLEMAX. “And with Energica I’m now able to introduce a high performance electric motorcycle that every motorcycle enthusiast needs to experience.”

Donald adds: “Ever since I convinced my parents to get me a Yamaha MX80 motorcycle when I was just six years old, I’ve loved the excitement of going fast on two wheels. Many years later, after riding all types of gas motorcycles I now have a new level of excitement riding electric motorcycles.  Most people don’t realize that riding electric is a completely different riding experience all together, the first ride always exceeds expectations. It enhances your senses where it matters most, the ride itself.”

About CYCLEMAX

CYCLEMAX has been serving Washington Metro area riders since 2010 and is currently a leading electric motorcycle dealer in the Mid Atlantic area.   Starting with motorcycle service in 2010, CYCLEMAX has experienced exponential growth, becoming a motorcycle dealer in 2013.

Founder Donald Figliozzi fell in love with the idea of riding motorcycles at the tender age of six when he noticed a small dirt bike through the windows of a local motorcycle dealership near his home town of Potomac, Maryland. Fascinated and determined to ride he talked his parents into buying him a Yamaha MX80 dirt bike.  At the same time, he influenced his father to buy a Yamaha 750.  Ever since, Donald has followed his passion for riding motorcycles both off road and street.  Over the last few years his interest in popularizing no-emission electric motorcycles has helped to make CYCLEMAX a destination motorcycle dealer in Maryland.

CYCLEMAX may be found at the following location:

CYCLEMAX
7913 Cessna Avenue, Suite B
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: 301-869-6629

Home

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Pirelli Introduces All-New Diablo Supercorsa Compound for Track Day Use

Pirelli’s release below doesn’t get into much detail about the differences between the TD and the Supercorsa’s other compounds, but in general, having a broader range of operating temperatures helps riders who ride to and from the track.

Begin press release:


Pirelli Tire North America is excited to announce the availability of an all-new track day-specific motorcycle compound of the DIABLO™ Supercorsa family. Pirelli’s latest offering, as well as all DIABLO™ Supercorsa products, is DOT approved and geared towards delivering motorcyclists the ultimate combination of racetrack performance and durability and will be available in a total of seven sizes.

“We’re proud to offer this DIABLO™ Supercorsa special compound for track day use as it’s designed to keep up with the performance and technology of today’s sport bikes,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli.  “The solution is incredibly versatile, giving riders the ability to cover both street and racetrack in a DOT legal package. It provides riders the opportunity to competitively log laps at their local track day and hop on the street to ride a scenic canyon route back home.”

These special tires feature a unique “TD” tire sticker, creating a distinct look on the sidewall in comparison to other tires in the Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa lineup. Trackside vendors will offer the tire for sale across the country and at upcoming events including March 29-31 at Chuckwalla and MSR-Houston, April 12-14 at CMP and April 16 at Aprilia Racer Days, COTA.

“I’m so excited for the new Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa compound for track days”, said Jake Zemke, former professional AMA Superbike racer. “I started on this project with Pirelli last year to help bring a further DOT tire to the market that is stable, safe and with extremely high grip levels for the track. It offers amazing grip and stability in a DOT-legal package. Whether on the street or racetrack, this new Pirelli Supercorsa special compound for track day use is the new standard for a high performance do-it-all tire.”

The track day tires are available now through your local Pirelli racing vendors in the United States and Canada. For more information and to find your authorized local trackside vendor, visit Orion Motorsports (U.S. Midwest, East Coast and Canada) at omracetires.com or CT Racing (U.S. West Coast) at ctracetires.com.

Available Sizes:

  • 110/70-17
  • 120/70-17
  • 140/70-17
  • 160/60-17
  • 180/55-17
  • 180/60-17
  • 200/55-17

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit www.pirelli.com.



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MV Agusta Announce 2019 Dragster 800 RR America

The red, white, and blue edition of the Dragster 800 RR will be available in just 200 units globally. 

Begin press release:


The name “America” holds a prominent place in MV Agusta heritage.

Just over 25 years ago the first Brutale, designed by Massimo Tamburini revived the name “America” with an immediately recognizable color scheme: red, white and blue.

Fast forward to 2012 and the very first 800 three-cylinder platform America was introduced. Today renowned designers CRC Workshop have conceived an all new interpretation, Dragster 800 RR America.

The new Dragster “America” finished in the attractive color scheme of mica blue base with iridescent reflections and horizontal graphic cuts, enhancing the original characteristics of the Dragster 800 RR making it even more of a stand out from the crowd.

Class leading technical features and as always an extreme attention to detail including a fuel tank adorned with stars paying respect to the 750S from forty-five years ago. The saddle boasts stitching with gold highlights and unique materials for both the passenger and rider. Beautiful spoke wheels pay homage to the colors of the American flag: red hub, blue spoke retainers and white rims. Of course the “America Special Edition” decal graces the instrument cluster cover alongside its progressive production number.

The MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR America will be produced in a limited edition of just 200 units globally and comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

MSRP of $19,998 including 3 Years Factory Warranty and Roadside Assistance with the Dragster 800 RR America now available at dealerships whilst stock lasts.

More information can be found at https://mvagustausa.com/model/dragster-800-rr-america-2019/.













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Netflix’s “Burn Out” Is The Latest Terrible Motorcycle Movie

The Netflix original Burn Out is a French movie about a racer looking for his big break when he gets sucked into the crime underworld and forced to run drugs on a Ducati 1299 Panigale. No, the film is not inspired by the life of Marco Lucchinelli, if that’s what you’re thinking (too soon?).

In the grand tradition of biker B-movies, Burn Out has a script seemingly written by a film school dropout who knows as little about motorcycles as he does about plot devices and character development.

It’s easy to get duped into watching because there’s a slew of Ducatis in the movie, including 959 and 1299 Panigales, an old Monster Dark, a Hypermotard, and a Diavel. There’s also a brief cameo by a Kawasaki Ninja H2 and a KTM dirt bike. Some Dainese and Arai product-placement add to the hope that “maybe—just maybe—this one will be different.” It isn’t.

The film begins at a trackday where our moody protagonist, Tony, draws the attention of a team owner looking for new talent to partner alongside real life ex-racer Chris Walker (who does not appear in the film). After Tony’s invited to a tryout—because motorcycle racing, like high school cheerleading, depends on shame-based person-to-person comparisons to uncover true talent—he discovers his baby mama has been robbed of $50,000 worth of drugs she’d stashed in her sofa. Tony, the can’t-catch-a-break good guy, is forced to “work nights” for the mustachioed family man who runs the drug game and a sinisterly neck-tattooed henchman.

Burn Out commits the usual cardinal sins of biker movies: Ducati V-twin engine noises are replaced with inline-four noises, and a perfectly good Arai XD4 is rendered unsafe after Tony, ironically, uses it to crush a man’s skull (“experience—smash!— the Arai—smash!—difference!”).

After destroying a perfectly good helmet, our protagonist loses his innocence and loses his way. Perhaps the murdering had something to do with it. But it was a nice helmet. Regardless, the whole thing unravels when Tony gets too “burned out” trying to simultaneously maintain his day job as a forklift operator, become the next Johann Zarco, and run drugs to save his family. So I guess the moral is: Don’t bite off more than you can chew, otherwise you’ll “burn out.” Real deep stuff.

Not even Ducatis can redeem a movie this terrible. If you’re looking for motorcycle drama, better stick with watching MotoGP.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Lightning Strike Electric Motorcycle First Look

After months of teasing out aspects of its new model, the day has finally arrived. Lightning Motorcycles officially launched the Strike, an electric sportbike with a variety of configurations to match both budget and ride style.

The standard Strike will start at $12,998 and features a 10-kWh battery and AC induction motor which promises 90 hp, 180 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 135 mph. This battery will offer a range of 70/100 miles highway/city and come with Level 1 and Level 2 charging options. Level 1 provides a full charge overnight from a standard 110-volt outlet at home, while Level 2 offers a full charge in two to three hours at any J1772 public charging station. Level 3 fast-charging and a more efficient onboard charger (from 3.3 kilowatts to 6.6 kilowatts) are options for the standard strike, but each upgrade will cost $1,500 a piece.

There will also be a midrange Strike that packs a larger, 15-kWh battery. It’s power output and charging inlet configuration are the same as the standard Strike, but its range is increased to 105/150 miles highway/city. Weight goes up slightly as well, with the midrange Strike weighing 465 pounds. The standard Strike tips the scales at 455 pounds. The Level 3 charging upgrade and onboard charger upgrade are options here too. A midrange Strike will start at $16,998.

The Strike Carbon is the best of the best, with a 20-kWh battery capable of 150/200 miles highway/city. It’s got 120 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, all three charging inlets, and the 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger. Regarding other elements of its build, the Strike Carbon will also come with the Lightning Performance Package. That means Öhlins suspension throughout, Brembo braking kit, and an AIM Strada racing dash. It weighs 485 pounds, will price at $19,998, and be the first version of Strike to be delivered to customers starting July 2019.

The standard Strike can be upgraded with some or all of the performance parts included on the Carbon.


RELATED: Zero SR/F Electric Motorcycle First Look


Engineers sought to make the Strike as aerodynamically efficient as possible, so devised its sportbike look through wind tunnel testing to help reduce drag and thereby improve range. The rider triangle was developed more for street riding, with an emphasis on comfort and broader usability. It’s more open and natural than the ergos of Lightning’s LS-218 superbike, which provided inspiration for the Strike.

To help keep people from looping the Strike and its 180 pound-feet of torque when the light turns green, Lightning refined throttle response to provide predictable and manageable power. There’s no specifics as to exactly how power delivery will be managed in today’s news, however.

Will the appeal of this Silicon Valley-engineered sportbike part you with your hard-earned cash? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

NSW Police cite speed in tragic week

NSW Police look set for a major crackdown on riders in the wake of five tragic motorcyclist deaths in the past week and a rider clocked at 193km/h in an 80 zone in north-western Sydney.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command issued a statement saying that the motorcyclist’s behaviour is the sort that is costing lives.

“Twenty motorcyclists have died so far this year in crashes, which is seven more than the same time last year,” he says. 

“The actions of this rider could easily have added to these sad and tragic numbers on our roads.”

Sydney rider

Police allegedly detected a 27-year-old man riding a Kawasaki at 193km/h about 1am on Thursday in the 80km/h zone on Old Windsor Road, Bella Vista.

The rider was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offences of drive at speed dangerous to the public, and exceeding the speed by more than 45km/h.

His licence was also suspended.

The North Kellyville man is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 24 April 2019.

Knee-jerk reaction

Sadly it seems this incident, plus the tragic coincidence of five rider deaths in the past week could lead to a knee-jerk reaction from policer the new NSW government.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce has warned riders that their behaviour could be “a big factor” in motorcycle crashes.

Steve Pearce siege highway combined braking ombudsman scrooge poor road repair reduce killer holiday regulations bias tragic
Steve Pearce

“In the case of motorcycle accidents, it is very hard to generalise when it comes to the cause,” he says.

“My view is rider attitude is a big factor. Attitude drives decisions. Decisions to speed, drink or use drugs before riding, wear inappropriate riding gear, this is a consequence of our decisions. 

“Car drivers make poor decisions and get away with it. Poor decisions by riders can be life or death decisions.

“I also think personal temperament is a big factor. Our emotions can quickly change decision making from cautious to aggressive, risk averse to risk taker.

“If we could train riders to monitor their temperament and attitude, I think we would see less motorcycle related trauma on our roads.

“I don’t think speed itself can be blamed, However we have to remember that the decision to speed introduces risk. Contact with roadside infrastructure and other vehicles at speed will punish you if it all goes to crap.”

Tragic deathsRoad safety crash accident motorcycle scam emergency reduce injured tragic

The five NSW rider tragedies in the past weekare:

  • Just before 7.30pm on Friday, emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Whittingham, after a motorcycle and two cars collided. Officers from Hunter Valley Police District rendered assistance. The 50-year-old rider died at the scene.
  • About 8.30am on Saturday, a motorcycle and a utility collided on Putty Road, Howells Valley, about 50km south of Singleton. The motorcycle rider, a 44-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was flown to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died. The driver of the utility, a 58-year-old man, was uninjured. He was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.
  • Just after 4.30pm on Sunday (24 March 2019), emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway at Meadow Flat, following reports a motorcyclist had come off his bike. Officers from Chifley Police District attended and found the 59-year-old man had died at the scene.
  • A 73-year-old rider died on Tuesday about 12.30pm. The KTM KTM rider was part of an organised ride heading south on the Lakes Way, between Smiths Lake and Bungwahl. Police say the man was negotiating a sweeping left-hand bend when his bike collided with a Toyota Hilux in the north-bound lane. Other motorcycle riders attempted to resuscitate the man, but he died at the scene. The 45-year-old male Toyota driver was tested at a nearby hospital and the motorcycle seized for mechanical testing. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
  • About 7.30am on Wednesday a motorcyclist died after losing control and crashing near Moree. The male rider, aged 57, died at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Our condolences to the families and friends of the riders.

Police ask anyone with information about these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

(Main image of an unknown rider: NSW Police Facebook page)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Japan’s Version Of Motorcycle Speedway Racing: Auto Race

Stands are flooded with onlookers peering over an asphalt circuit, the crowd full of bidders anxiously filling out their betting cards. There’s music, and as it grows faster, gates in the center of the track lift to reveal eight motorcycles rolling into formation. This is Japanese Auto Race.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Competitiveness still to be determined according to Waters

DPH Motorsport Husqvarna rider to don red-plate this weekend.

Image: Foremost Media.

Following an inspiring last-to-first performance in brutal conditions at Appin’s season-opener, Todd Waters is still unsure of where he ranks in the MX1 field as the Pirelli MX Nationals heads to Wonthaggi in Victoria this weekend.

A shortened schedule at round one due to the horrendous conditions served up a number of surprises on the results sheets, with the mud-filled encounter denying riders and fans of an all-out showdown amongst the premier class’ heavy-hitters.

While rain is predicted in the lead up to Sunday’s second stop of the 10-round series, the Wonthaggi venue is set offer conditions that will promote intense and hard-fought racing.

“Unfortunately the weather is not what everyone wanted for the first round – we all wanted to showcase what we’ve been working on,” Waters explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’ve had a great pre-season and I’m back with Husqvarna – I was super excited for the first round, but the skies opened up and it was a mud-hole.

“It’s nice to come away with the win, but we still don’t really know where we’re at. I’m looking forward to Wonthaggi and seeing how we go against everyone.”

The DPH Motorsport Husqvarna talent will don the red-plate on his FC 450, as he currently leads Hayden Mellross (Raceline KTM Thor) and Kirk Gibbs (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) in the standings.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Improved physical condition for Lorenzo ahead of Argentina

Recovery progressing for the Repsol Honda newcomer.

Image: Supplied.

Jorge Lorenzo believes his physical condition has improved ahead of Argentina’s second round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship this weekend.

An injury riddled pre-season that saw him undergo surgery on a broken wrist was only intensified when the Repsol Honda newcomer crashed heavily during qualifying at Qatar’s season-opener, battering him for the first encounter of the year.

With three weeks to recover, the multi-time world champion is optimistic of the ‘new opportunity’ his RC213V will offer at the Termas de Rio Hondo venue.

“Despite not finishing where we wanted, Qatar showed that we have a lot of potential with the Honda,” said Lorenzo. “Argentina will give us a chance to continue to improve on the bike.

“I have been focusing fully on my recovery between races, the wrist is feeling better and the pain in my ribs has also improved a lot since the race. In the past Argentina has not been one of my strongest circuits, but the Honda presents a new opportunity.”

Lorenzo pushed through for a 13th place finish at Qatar in what was his racing debut with the Repsol Honda operation.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Roberts downplays added pressure of red-plate

Youthful talent holds MX2 points heading into Wonthaggi MX Nationals.

Image: Foremost Media.

MX2 points leader Jy Roberts has downplayed the added pressure of sporting the red-plate as round two of the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals looms this weekend at Wonthaggi in Victoria.

The Raceline KTM Thor talent put on an exceptional display at Appin’s mud-filled opener, overcoming Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) on the final lap of the one and only moto to secure his first overall victory in the category.

The youthful New South Welshman says he’ll take his normal approach into Wonthaggi, where he’s eager to evaluate his form against the competitive field in regular conditions.

“I’m just coming into it like any other weekend,” Roberts told MotoOnline.com.au. “I’m not thinking about the points lead or anything like that – we’re only at round two, so the season is only young. I’m going to try and get some consistent results to stay inside the top three of the championship.

“I’m not worried by the added pressure that everyone keeps talking about – we get paid to go out there and do our best, so that’s what I’m going to do.

“Appin was brutal, and I think it’s been raining this weekend at Wonthaggi, so the track is going to get pretty gnarly. It’s not going be smooth track, but I’m looking forward to seeing where my pace is at in normal conditions, and seeing where everyone else is.”

Roberts is currently trailed by Wilson and reigning champion Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in the points rankings.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au