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Motorcycle News, News

Radical Honda takes camo to extreme

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Camo motorcycle riding pants were once a big thing and now it looks like urban camouflage paint is coming to motorcycles.

Royal Enfield recently launched the Himalayan Street in grey camo and Californian electric motorcycle company Fly Free has a model in grey camo.

Now, famous Swiss custom motorcycle company Gannet Design has produced this custom Honda CB1000R in grey camo paint.

Just what you need to ride in stealth mode around the urban landscape.

And if you wear camo pants, jacket and helmet, the zombies won’t see you!

Camo paintGannet Design Honda CB1000R in Camo camouflage paint

Camouflage paint is often used on prototype motorcycles so that when the manufacturers take it out on public streets for testing, it disguises the shape of the motorcycle.

Gannet designer Ulfert Jansson says their aim was to produce a completely new appearance mainly by changing the proportions and handlebar position.

So it seems a little strange that Gannet would hide its custom work that radically changes the shape of the Honda.

“The contemporary camouflage graphics on the tank and the paneling was created by precise painting work and was gradually built up in seven layers,” Ulfert says.

“By using paint layers, we could control each single element and place it without any deformation you would get by using foil. Therefore the result is very precise and you can clearly see the impeccable paint job by Walter (Oberli).”Gannet Design Honda CB1000R in Camo camouflage paint

Building process

The bike was built by Stefan Fuhrer, a former MotoGP racing mechanic and his crew at Fuhrer Moto and was fitted with 422 Corse parts such as Rotobox carbon fibre rims and CeraCarbon carbon forks.

The project started with initial loose sketches and design studies by Ulfert.

“Many people underestimate the importance of balance and proportion in a custom build,” Ulfert says.

“Just by changing the stance, angles and position slightly, you get an entire new perception and attitude of a bike.”

“The front is incredibly beautiful and hot,” Stefan says.

“Through CNC milling, we have created a new fixation design for the front light and the mini windshield.

With the new three-piece CNC mechanism, we can now change the height of the headlight and adjust the windscreen to any angle.

“The front headlight has been moved forward by 60mm and slightly lowered.

“This new special fixation together with the Multiclip, the triple clamp, and the carbon fork give this bike a very technical and cool visual impression like in a Transformer movie.”

Light forks and wheels

The carbon forks also feature Dyneema and a unique patented Ceramic technology to make them stiffer, lighter and more durable.

A typical 43mm steel front fork inner tube weighs about 1kg, while the CeraCarbon is only 237g.

It is 75% lighter than the conventional steel front fork inner tubes, and reduces the unsprung weight by 1.5Kg on the complete forks.

The Rotobox wheels are also up to 50% lighter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Best Bargain Performance Used Motorcycles

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Motorcycles have long appealed to speed freaks on a budget—but not all bargains are equal. No matter what your favorite discipline of motorcycling is, there are certain bikes that are criminally undervalued.

The letters APRC stand for Aprilia Performance Ride Control, and when the system was launched as part of a special edition in Europe in 2010, it was a revelation. Seemingly plucked straight from Max Biaggi’s WSBK racer to make you a better rider, the suite included a quickshifter, traction control, and two firsts for street bikes: launch and wheelie control.

For 2011, Aprilia made it standard fitment on the RSV4 in the U.S., and ever since, the glorious-sounding V-4 motor hasn’t just been powerful, it’s also been easy to ride at the limit. Look for a 2013 or newer model, because that’s when Aprilia added ABS to the APRC package. Spend a measly $7,000 and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most exciting sportbikes ever built.

If your definition of performance is finding maximum velocity, then you need a Suzuki Hayabusa in your life. Faster motorcycles have been built since, but the Hayabusa was an instant classic when it was released in 1999 with a claimed top speed of 194 mph. That number terrified European legislators, and it led to a nearly decade-long gentlemen’s agreement between most Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to cap top speeds at 186 mph (300 km/h). That means you want a ’99 or ’00 model; otherwise, you’ll have to turn to the aftermarket to defeat an electronic governor that Suzuki installed on later bikes.

Fun fact: Hayabusa is Japanese for “peregrine falcon,” a predator of the blackbird. The name emphasizes that this bike took over the top-speed title from Honda’s CBR1100XX—also known as the Super Blackbird. If you want to carry luggage or a passenger, source a steel rear subframe from 2001-on models. You’ll pay a 10-pound penalty, but the aluminum subframes from 1999 and 2000 have a reputation for having a hard time with more than their own weight.

The Hayabusa may be all about speed, but you’ll have to exhibit patience to find an example that hasn’t been modified. Once you do, you should be able to put it in your garage for about $5,000. There aren’t many cheaper ways to flirt with 200 mph.

If your thrills require a mix of street and dirt, consider KTM’s 990 Adventure. Introduced in 2007 as an evolution of the 950 Adventure, the 990 (actually 999cc, but who’s counting?) played the foil to BMW’s R1200GS, showing that big adventure bikes did not have to be street-biased. The KTM was more than competent in the dirt thanks to a 21-inch front wheel, fully adjustable WP suspension, towering ground clearance, and light weight (for the category). With a seat height of 34 to 36 inches, depending on model year and specification, only tall riders need apply.

RELATED: Best Used Triumph Motorcycles- Tiger 1050, Tiger 955i, Sprint ST, Daytona Super III

Still, the 990 Adventure set the standard for adventure-bike performance in the dirt while barely giving up performance on the street. The combined aptitude makes it an excellent platform to see sights thousands of miles away while carrying all the gear you’ll need for weeks spent away from home, no matter how you get there. Pay special attention to the water-pump shaft seal and clutch slave cylinder, and you should be good to go.

Throughout the years, there was a base model and a top-of-the-line model (S or R, depending on the year), and near the end of the run, a Baja and a Dakar. Base-model early bikes can be easily sourced for $5,000, or budget another $500 for the S with the better paint scheme—just know that you’ll lose ABS and gain taller, stiffer suspension in the process.

If your focus is 100 percent dirt, look to Yamaha and its two-stroke YZ250. In 2005, Yamaha introduced an aluminum frame, and has scarcely touched the bike since. The 2015 model came with new plastics, but they fit on machines going back to 2002, so cosmetic updates can be made cheaply.

The YZ250 has a long and successful race history, with multiple national AMA championships in motocross and Supercross. It may not be winning titles today, but it’s still a competent machine that’s well-suited for beginners and experts alike. Plus, it’s just a few mods away from cross-country duty as well.

The MSRP for a brand-new YZ250 motocrosser currently retails for $7,399 (add $100 for the cross-country YZ250X). As always, maintenance is key, but you can snag a two-year-old example with low hours for around $4,500.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Competition, Motocross, News

Metcalfe recovers from vertebrae fractures in time for Appin

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Penrite Honda Racing ace cleared to ride this weekend’s MX Nationals.

Image: Foremost Media.

Brett Metcalfe has revealed he’ll line-up for this weekend’s Pirelli MX Nationals season-opener at Appin in New South Wales despite suffering a number of vertebrae fractures in his lower back six weeks ago.

The Penrite Honda Racing talent sustained the injury while testing, and after recently  receiving a doctor’s clearance, he’s set to pilot his CRF450R for the first time since the incident tomorrow in a training session.

While grateful to be in an adequate state to line-up this weekend, the extended period on the sidelines comes as a hinderance to the beginning of his campaign, where he’s considered as a title favourite in the highly-competitive MX1 category.

“I’ve had an injury and it will be six weeks since it happened this Sunday,” Metcalfe revealed to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had a bit of a crash during our pre-season testing and fractured the wings on the four vertebrae in the lumbar spot.

“The plan is to line-up for the race – I’ll probably have one test ride tomorrow, and then that’ll be it. The first goal was to make it with a doctor’s clearance, and then the next goal is to line-up for the race and complete the day’s racing with as many points as we can get.”

Alongside a switch to KYB suspension confirmed in January, the Victorian-based Honda squad will transition to Bridgestone tyres – marking the re-entry of the brand in motocross with a factory operation – as well utilising FMF exhaust systems.

“We’ve made a few switches this year, Bridgestone tyres being one of them,” Metcalfe added. “It’s pretty cool for the sport to have another tyre manufacturer in the game – it hasn’t been done in a long time in motocross. It’s pretty exciting, and the feeling I had with them prior to the injury was great.

“We’re also using FMF exhaust systems – it’s cool because I was always fairly close with the FMF guys in the States. And then there’s the switch to KYB suspension, which has been really good. Once I get healthy, we’re pretty excited with how we stand and hopefully we see the results on the track.”

It was determined today that the MX Nationals will introduce a new Sprint format for 2019 consisting of two short, back-to-back outings, followed by a traditional moto. The format will alternate between the MX1 and MX2 categories – the premier class set to debut the structure this weekend.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Sprint format to be rolled out at 2019 MX Nationals rounds

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First Sprint race to feature in the premier class this weekend at Appin.

Image: Foremost Media.

A new Sprint format will be introduced to the Pirelli MX Nationals at select rounds this season, with the first to be rolled out in the premier class this weekend at Appin’s season-opener in New South Wales.

The Sprint format will be applicable to the MX1 and MX2 and will alternate at each round, where two eight-lap back-to-back motos will take place alongside one 16-lap moto in MX1, as the quarter-litre division will also utilise two eight-lap races back-to-back, followed by an 11-lap outing to complete the day.

Sprint format races will be scored as two separate races, then added together to create a traditional single-race score – the highest points score will then be granted normal race points, with first receiving 35 points.

The traditional two-moto format will continue to take place, the MX1 division using a 16-lap structure for both motos, while MX2 will feature a 16-lap encounter followed by an 11-lap moto. Race distances are subject to change following qualifying, where lap-times will ultimately determine the length of each race, while wet conditions could also see the Sprint format reverted.

“The Sprint format rotates – round one it’s MX1, round two is MX2,” MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams told MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s only MX1 and MX2 – MXD doesn’t change. They basically have two eight-lap races with five minutes in between – the collective points of them equal one moto, which will be followed by a traditional moto in the afternoon.

“We didn’t want to do it every round, the way we’re doing it, it allows the spectators to see a short-course race at every round, and it reduces the work load for teams that have MX1 and MX2 riders.”

The traditional two-moto schedule will be the sole format for the MXD, 125cc Gold Cup, Junior Rookies and YZ65 Cup categories. A similar Sprint format was rolled out last year at Ranch MX’s double-header.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

Call for longer roadworks warranty

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New roads and roadworks in Australia are falling into disrepair too soon while short warranty periods are allowing contractors to avoid fixing their mistakes.

Australia has “defects liability periods” (DLP) from as little as three months to seven years, but mainly around two years.

This follows a move in Britain to hold road contractors to account for potholes and other road failures from the current two-year period to five years.

Apart from the misuse of taxpayer funds, the lack of decent warranty periods poses a danger to motorcyclists as potholes are a significant hazard for motorcyclists.

Shoddy roadworks have been blamed for many crashes and even rider fatalities.

Road failure example

Victorian Motorcycle Council chairman Peter Baulch says another example of failed road surfaces is the Peninsula Link Freeway which opened in February 2013.

He says the “whitish discolouration” in this composite photo he supplied is sand and clay from the subsoil under the road being forced up through cracks in the asphalt surface.Roadworks warranty

“Ultimately these cracked sections will break up completely and become flying missiles as cars and trucks pass over them,” he says.

“To date there has not been any remediation undertaken to halt or repair this problem, which will only get worse, particularly as winter approaches and water penetrates the subsoil.

“It is worth noting that this problem first became visible and noticeable in late 2018; exactly five years after this freeway was opened.”

There are no doubt many other examples in other states, including recent cases in Queensland and NSW where new roadworks started melting in the heat.

Melting tar claims first crash victim Mt Glorious costly repair bitumen warranty
Melting tar

Rider reps agree

Peter says contractors should definitely be held accountable for failed roadworks and South Australia’s Ride to Review spokesman Tim Kelly agrees that a five-year warranty is “a great idea”.

However, Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce is concerned about long warranties.

“There would be general contractual obligation to repair defects but I would be surprised if anyone would agree to a guarantee for five years,” Steve says.

It should be noted that any extension to the defects liability period would be likely to result in a higher cost for roadworks contracts.

However, a short warranty and low contract price may be false economics as it would possibly cost a higher rate to get contractors to return to fix faulty roadworks after the warranty period.

Warranty periods in states

Melting tar claims first crash victim Mt Glorious warranty
Electronic sign (difficult to read with the sun on it!)

We contacted roads departments in all states and territories to ask about their roadworks contract warranty periods.

A NSW Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson says they require all road works to be delivered “defect free, fit for purpose and in accordance with contract requirements and specifications”.  

“As per industry practice, contracts also specify a defects liability period during which contractors warrant the works and return to remedy any defects identified.”

They did not specify the warranty period.

“Warranty periods vary across contracts and from maintenance to construction projects,” the spokesperson said.

“The duration and terms of warranty periods are confidential under the respective agreements entered into with Roads and Maritime Services contractors.” 

VicRoads Director of Procurement Services, Felicity Roberts, says all their contracts include a defect liability period, which requires any issues arising shortly after a project is complete to be repaired.

“For current contracts, the DLP is between one and two years, depending on the size and scale of the project delivered,” she says.

It is believed there are no current plans to change this time period.

A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says most of their construction contracts have a defects liability period of just three months.

“However some major projects may have longer defect periods,” the spokesperson said. Roadworks warranty

“With any project involving the use of asphalt, the supplier provides an additional warranty of up to two years. 

“If additional infrastructure such as service utilities are installed, we generally require these works to be carried out without disturbing the road surface.

“When this isn’t possible we require the installer to warrant the integrity of the site for two years.”

WA Main Roads says their contracts include provisions for the correction of defects caused by poor construction processes. 

“The length of the defects liability or corrections period will vary depending on the form of contract, but typically ranges from one year to seven years,” they say. 

“In addition to these contractual requirements, Main Roads has resources in place to provide a timely response to maintenance issues on its network, including repairing potholes.”

None of the roads departments was able to provide details of the number of call backs for warranty works “as this information is subject to confidential obligations under relevant contracts”. 

In other words, the taxpayer never finds out!

Other states and territories have not yet replied to our request for information.

UK warranty

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says their proposed specifications on highway roadworks would demand the contractor returns to bring the road surface back to normal in five years.

“Potholes are the biggest enemy for road users and this government is looking at all options to keep our roads in the best condition,” he says.

“Road surfaces can be made worse by utility companies, so imposing higher standards on repairs will help keep roads pothole-free for longer.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Yamaha YZR-M1 has to improve declares Vinales

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Spaniard finishes seventh after starting from pole in Qatar.

Maverick Vinales declares his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 has to improve after finishing seventh in Sunday’s opening round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship in Qatar.

Vinales was tipped as a favourite to win the season-opener, lighting up the timesheets during pre-season testing and even landing on pole at Losail International Circuit.

Overcoming a poor start from P1, the Spaniard struggled to maintain his position within the lead group, admitting he lacked grip when behind a rider, preventing him from attacking and overtaking.

“At the start I got a lot of wheelie, I couldn’t keep the gas fully open and I missed the inside a little bit, so I couldn’t keep a good line,” Vinales explained. “Obviously, we have to improve the bike. When I’m alone I can do really good lap times, even in the middle of the race I could ride 1m55s-lows on my own.

“But as soon as I’m behind another rider I suffer this lack of grip on the rear, and I couldn’t attack and overtake. We have to improve, and so do I. We need to keep working. The positive point is that we now know where we have to improve, and this is very important.”

Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati Team) narrowly edged reigning champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) for victory in Qatar, just 0.023s separating them across the line.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Sanders targeting increased strength following FE 501 debut

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Victorian earns double-victory in E3 class at Toowoomba AORC.

Image: Foremost Media.

Daniel Sanders is targeting increased strength following his first outing aboard the big-bore Husqvarna FE 501 last weekend at Toowoomba’s opening rounds of the Yamaha bLU cRU Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC).

Sanders, who transitioned from the E2 category to E3 for this season, captured victory in both rounds one and two, while winding up second in the unofficial outright times behind Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team).

With the demanding stop now behind him, the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team talent is hopeful of building strength to capitalise on the additional power underneath him in hopes of topping long-time rival Milner.

“To win both days in E3 was good, especially battling up front with [Daniel] Milner for the overall, so it was a strong weekend,” Sanders explained.

“The Husqvarna FE 501 was definitely competitive for me and I will keep working to gain strength so I can throw it around more to make the most of it in the coming rounds. It’s been a positive start to the season and now we will look ahead from this stage in the season.”

The 2019 AORC series will resume on 6-7 April when rounds three and four are hosted in Dungog, New South Wales.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Tenere Tragics celebrate legendary Yamaha model with annual ride

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Five-day adventure ride takes place in New South Wales.

Image: Supplied.

The annual Tenere Tragics event has celebrated the legendary Yamaha adventure model with its 2019 edition, hosting five-day adventure ride last week in Bathurst, Goulburn, Tumut and Cooma before winding up in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains resort of Thredbo.

Participants were treated to a Yamaha bLU cRU ADV Skills Session with Yamaha legend Stephen Gall staged near Cessnock the day before the run started, where 23 Tragics gained riding instruction that was put to good use over the next five days riding a range of Tenere models, from original 600s right through to new XTZ1200 Super Tenere.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy chief technician and long-time Tenere adventure rider Gary Benn rode up from Victoria to his first event with a special XTZ750 twin fitted with many original Dakar Rally bike parts.

Factor Yamaha Dakar contender Rodney Faggotter made a special guest appearance to ride with the Tragics on the final two days, as Stephen Gall hosted an exclusive Q&A session with Rod at the end of day four at Cooma that offered a unique insight into his recent experience in the 2019 Dakar Rally.

Five first model 1983 XT600ZL Teneres joined the run this year – Dave Bottomley, Neil Asplin, Matt Parker-Charlton, Shane Johnston and organiser Andrew Clubb were the riders of the coveted original model large-tanked singles.

“It’s been another huge week filled with so much Tenere spirit,” said Andrew Club. “The run this year included stacks of the best Tenere riding in central and southern New South Wales, and while conditions were mostly dry, storms late on day two near Crookwell and overnight rain before the start of the final day from Cooma made for ground conditions that were absolutely perfect.

“The Tragics are an awesome pack brought together by the legendary Tenere brand that we celebrate all week long on the Tenere Tragics Run. The planning starts now for next year’s 10th anniversary Tragics run, and you bet the Tragics are pumped that the new Tenere 700 is coming in December!”

Pricing and availability of the highly-anticipated Tenere 700 was revealed last week by Yamaha Motor Australia.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Hixpania Hard Enduro added to 2019 WESS calendar

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Spanish event to host round four of World Enduro Super Series.

Image: Supplied.

The World Enduro Super Series (WESS) has announced the addition of Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro to the 2019 calendar as round four of the series, replacing the provisionally proposed Classic Enduro in Italy.

Now entering its fourth edition, the Hixpania Hard Enduro has quickly become one of Spain’s most prestigious races, and one of Europe’s most visible Enduro races. Annually attracting many of the world’s best enduro riders, it also welcomes a wealth of eager amateur competitors.

For 2019, the race moves from its original autumn date to become a summer event scheduled on 21-21 June, while the format of the race itself will remain unchanged.

Staged over three days, the opening day of competition will feature a Superenduro-style prologue in the heart of the Aguilar de Campoo’s medieval town. The second day’s ‘Campoo Extreme’ will take riders out on a challenging, 50-kilometre Cross-Country loop around the nearby lake, which competitors will complete three times.

Bringing proceedings to a close, the third and final day of competition – known as ‘Lost Roads’ – will feature a multi-lap Hard Enduro race located in the infamous nearby quarry.

2019 World Enduro Super Series updated calendar:
Rd1 – 10-12 May – Extreme XL Lagares, Portugal
Rd2 – 17-19 May – Trefle Lozerien AMV, France
Rd3 – 30 May-2 June – Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble, Austria
Rd4 – 21-23 June – Hixpania Hard Enduro, Spain
Rd5 – 30 July-4 August – Red Bull Romaniacs, Romania
Rd6 – 21-21 September – Hawkstone Park Cross Country, United Kingdom
Rd7 – 5-6 October – Solsona Enduro, Spain
Rd8 – 2-3 November – GetzenRodeo, Germany


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

News

Selfies the new scourge of road deaths

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If you think talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, a new trend of taking selfies has emerged to further endanger riders’ lives.

A US study has found more than 15% of drivers say they take selfies while driving. And 5% “go live” while driving, possibly imitating James Corden’s enormously popular Carpool Karaoke.

The Simply Insurance study, based on United States Department of Transportation data and a survey of American 1430 drivers, found 88% use their phones while driving, which includes handsfree.

Phone stats

It may not be as big in Australia where it is reported that only 1.5% of Aussie drivers illegally use their phones.

However, those statistics could be much less than the reality.

In NSW, about 40,000 drivers are fined each year for illegal use of a mobile phone.

Yet in a one-month trial of just two fixed special detection cameras on the M4 motorway and Anzac Parade and one mobile device, more than 11,000 offences were recorded. (They were not fined during the trial and there was no breakdown on talking, texting or taking selfies.)

In the same month only 1999 NSW drivers received mobile phones fines.

Selfies new scourge of road deaths
Camera detects a phone offence

The trial has now moved to a pilot program ending in April with no offence notices to be issued.

The cameras will be rolled out across the state later this year.

Misdiagnosed crashes

The problem is that many of the deaths occurring from illegal mobile phone use such as selfies go unreported, are “misdiagnosed” (possibly as speeding) or are categorised as distracted driving.

The US study found one in every four car accidents was caused by texting and driving. That does not include using the phone to make a call!

We wonder how many crashes in Australia could be attributed to illegal mobile phone use if only that was a category in the statistics and properly investigated by police, rather than just added to the “speeding” column.

And don’t think Aussies aren’t doing it, even though most support the tough penalties. In the US study, 94% of drivers support a ban on texting while driving, yet 98% claim they still do it.

So drivers seem to think it’s ok, so long as they get away with it.

However, it should be noted that US phone penalties are scant and low (see details further on in this article).

Tougher penaltiesSelfies new scourge of road deaths

Motorcycle riders are particularly keen on increasing mobile phone penalties.

We are endangered by mobile phone use as motorcycles are more difficult to spot in a driver’s periphery vision when it is glued to a phone.

Drivers who illegally use a mobile phone while driving should have their licence suspended, says the Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce.

NSW last year increased the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving in from four to five demerit points following reports of drivers being fined for not only talking on their phones, but updating their social media profiles and taking selfies.

However, Steve says the MCCNSW believes that licence suspension for illegal mobile phone use should be mandatory.

Australian penalties

The National Transport Commission amended the Australian Road Rules to make it illegal to touch a mobile phone at any time while driving or stopped in traffic, unless it is “secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle” or “the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press anything on the body of the phone or to otherwise manipulate any part of the body of the phone”.

Most states have adopted this ruling.

Mobile phone fines vary across the nation:

Fines around the worldselfies Vietnam - double mobile phone penalties

Fines vary around the world from no fine in many Asian countries to thousands of dollars and licence suspensions in Canada.

New Zealand has a low $80 fine which matches their low fines for speeding. Consequently 3.5% of Kiwi drivers use their phone while driving compared with the reported 1.5% in Australia.

Almost half (24) of American states have no hand-held phone ban. Some states only issue fines if the driver is in a school zone or committing some other traffic offence such as speeding. Arizona and Montana even allow drivers to text!

The toughest measures in the USA are in California. The state has a $US150 fine (about $A205) for the first offence and more than $US250 (about $A345) for a second violation and one point.

Canada has a distracted driving offence which attracts a $1000 fine and three demerit points. A second conviction could mean a fine of up to $2000 and a seven-day licence suspension. A third offence could mean a fine of up to $3000 and a 30-day suspension.

Fines in Europe vary from less than €50 (about $80) and one point in eastern Europe to €420 (about $A675) in the Netherlands and up to six points in the UK.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com