Tag Archives: News

News

Police renew call to identify riders

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ACT police have renewed their call for help to identify two riders who were videoed in separate incidents where a car swerved toward them while they were legally lane-filtering.

The incidents occurred on Majura Parkway on Tuesday, October 30. One incident is shown in this video which we published on November 2.

Police were made aware of this video a day later and began investigating.

A second video later emerged showing another rider also being intimidated by the same driver.

This surely demonstrates that the first incident was not accidental. Instead, the driver seems intent on causing alarm and/or injury.

ACT Police made their first call to identify the riders in late November.

Second call for riders

The riders have not yet come forward so they have now renewed their call.

Police seek riders in lane filtering incidents call
The rider in the second incident

It seems the driver cannot be charged without police interviewing the riders.

If you are one of the riders or you know the riders, please contact ACT police.

Police issued these details of the incident:

About 4:30pm, the riders were separately travelling northbound on Majura Parkway, Majura, when a green Ford Falcon swerved, almost colliding with the riders. At the time, the riders were lawfully lane filtering.

If you are one of the motorbike riders affected please contact ACT Policing on 131444. Please quote reference 6327970.

Police are also urging anyone who knows the motorbike riders or who witnessed or has dash-cam footage of this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Please quote reference 6327970. Information can be provided anonymously.

ACT Police have confirmed they will alert us on the outcome of their investigation into these incidents.

Legal filtering

Interestingly, these incidents occurred only a few weeks after the ACT made lane filtering legal.

Lane filtering is now legal in all states and territories (except NT and WA which is expected to follow shortly) and has been legal in NSW more than four years.

So there is no excuse for this driver’s ignorance of the laws as the ACT is inside the state of NSW.

Not only is lane filtering legal but it also benefits all motorists as it helps move heavy traffic more quickly.

What does it take for drivers to understand this?

You can do your bit to educate drivers by sharing this article you are reading now as well as this “Open letter to drivers“.

Perth incident

Meanwhile, in another road rage incident in Perth on Sunday, October 28, a driver swerved at a rider twice.

We posted YouTube video of the incidents, but it has since been removed.

However, it showed the driver trying to hit the rider at traffic lights, then a second time further down the road.

At the end of the video the driver gets out at traffic lights to have a go at the rider, but forgets to engage his handbrake! His car almost rolls into the car in front.

We contacted WA Police to make them aware of the video.

They said they would investigate and we have continued to follow up, but they say they are still investigating.

Filtering rage

Drivers trying to obstruct riders has been happening ever since lane filtering was introduced.

Check out this video from last year sent to us by Newcastle rider Harry Criticos.

“I was filtering legally when a driver stuck his whole body out in an attempt to block me,” the 2016 Triple Black R 1200 GS rider told us.

“I did not stop and he did make contact with the bike. I hope it hurt.”

It might be worth telling your driver mates that this particular motorist not only got hit, but also copped a $325 fine and three demerit points.

Lane filtering is legal 

Surely it is time for some major advertising campaigns in each state to advise motorists that riders are allowed to filter and what benefits there are for ALL motorists.

That was the major finding of an online poll we conducted in 2016, yet there are still no major ad campaigns.

So far, lane filtering education campaigns have been minimal and mainly aimed at riders, not the general motoring public.

We not only need major ad campaigns, but also roadside signage such as this photoshopped sign.

lane filtering signs consensus duty defend filter call
Here’s a sign we’d like to see!

We are not aware of any polls about lane filtering in Australia.

However, in California where lane splitting (filtering at higher speeds than 30km/h) is legal, polls have found it is vastly unpopular among other road users. The main objection is that it’s unfair!

That breeds hostility which results in stupid behaviour such as in the above video.

Lane filtering lane splitting America danger bosch filter call
Lane splitting is unpopular in the USA

So long as lane filtering remains unpopular and/or erroneously believed to be illegal, motorists will do stupid and dangerous things to stop riders filtering.

Police ‘not interested’

Not only are authorities not interested in educating the motoring public about lane filtering, but police don’t seem to help, either.

Harry says police were initially not interested in following up on his complaint about this driver.Lane filter Incident call

After we published the video, Harry went back to the police to find out why they did not charge this driver.

Eventually the driver was charged.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, News

ARRC future an exciting prospect according to Allerton

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Australian completes two days of testing at Chang International Circuit.

Image: Supplied.

Three-time Australian Superbike champion Glenn Allerton believes his future with Next Gen Motorsports in the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) is an exciting prospect following a two-day test in Thailand this week.

The BMW-squad, who are still seeking partners to make the endeavour come to fruition alongside its ASBK commitments, intend on entering the Asian series, which will introduce a 1000cc Superbike category for the first time next year.

Allerton made significant improvements on day two of testing at Chang International Circuit equipped with a Dunlop control tyre, lodging the fifth fastest time.

“It was just good fun to come away and I’m really excited for what the future holds for both myself and the team,” Allerton commented. “I was really amazed by the level of competition of the ASB1000 riders. They were all super-fast and I can’t wait to be able to race against them in 2019.

“The team did a fantastic job to dial out the issues we had on Tuesday, which made my job so much easier. This was proven with the time we were able to yesterday”

Next Gen Motorsports team manager Wayne Hepburn added: “I feel as if we can be a lot more competitive. The effort which both the team and Glenn put in was second none and I’m very proud of all of them. It was nice to meet the ARRC competitors, teams and officials. Everyone in the paddock made us feel right at home and looked after us very well, so I would personally like to thank everyone on behalf of the team.”

The next official ARRC test is set to take place at Sepang International Circuit on 5-6 March, ahead of the season-opener on 8-10 March.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, News

Ravenhorst confirms AMA Supercross 250SX West entry

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Australian to pilot Husqvarna FC 250 in American series.

Image: Foremost Media.

Long-time Australian motocross and supercross privateer Tomas Ravenhorst will enter the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in the 250SX West category as part of privately funded operation.

Ravenhorst will race aboard a Husqvarna FC 250 with the assistance of an American dealership as he tackles the highly-desired series for the first time in his career, with hopes to make each and every main event of the regional championship.

“It’s been one of my personal goals, and I had an offer to go over last year and it fell through at the last minute,” Ravenhorst explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had a pretty good supercross season here, I’m feeling fit and I just want to go give it a go. The goal is to make the main events – every main event is the goal.

“I’m not looking to set the world on fire, but I want to make the main events and hopefully get some good results in them. My brother and I will go over, along with one of my friends – my brother is my mechanic. My gear sponsor – Bolt Everywear – has quite a few connections over there, so he’s organised a lot of it for me and will help me out along the way.”

The Victorian wound up 12th in the Australian Supercross Championship SX2 standings this year, being the highest placed privateer in the competitive category.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Still Buelling Along

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The EBR plant has been shuttered for a couple of years now, but the people who bought the company out are still producing EBR1190s in small numbers by hand from their facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan – as well as supplying parts to whoever needs them.

EBR Motorcycles Press Release:

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – EBR Motorcycles, the American-made superbike designed by the legendary Erik Buell, are back in limited production.

“We are going to keep the iconic brand in production with specialized and performance builds.” says Bill Melvin, an avid motorcyclist who is leading the company he acquired in 2016.

When high volume production at EBR’s Wisconsin assembly plant ended in 2017, Melvin moved a smaller operation to his e-commerce warehouse in Grand Rapids, Mich. EBR, which maintains its original offices in East Troy, Wis., has been fulfilling parts orders from the inventory for dealers and existing EBR owners ever since.

Now, EBR plans to keep the iconic brand alive on the street and track with production in Grand Rapids. EBR brought two of its top assemblers to Grand Rapids, where they are hand-building three of the exotic EBR 1190 superbikes, capable of hitting over 185mph in race trim.

“The approach is to keep it boutique and high performance driven, ala Bugatti, Koenigsegg, or Lotus,” Melvin says. More updates and motorcycles are planned for 2019, he adds.

Engine builder Eric Weber “Eroc” and chassis builder Elliot Malzahn recently put the finishing touches on their first three editions, whose fairings will get custom paint treatments to celebrate their return. Weber began building motorcycles at the Buell factory in 1996. Malzahn began in 2000.

“It’s great to see the iconic legacy in experienced hands like Eroc and Elliot,” says Melvin. “We are fortunate the team of legacy employees stay involved to keep the only American Superbike in production. We recently received our 2019 EPA certification.”

The Erik Buell-designed motorcycle is unique with its fuel tank incorporated into the aluminum frame to keep its center of gravity in an ideal position. The front brake rotor is located on the perimeter of the wheel with an 8-piston inside-out caliper to maximize stopping power. The hand-built fuel-injected 1190cc V-twin engine produces a peak of 185 hp at 10600 rpm. The final pricing will be determined by the custom finishing touches.

The company is part of the 35 year legacy of Erik Buell, a motorcycle racer and world renowned engineer for Harley-Davidson and the Buell Motorcycle Company in the 1980’s. Mr. Buell started EBR in 2010 and Mr. Melvin acquired the assets of the company in 2016.

Melvin and his father, Bill Melvin Sr., are motorcycle enthusiasts & industry experts with involvement in the sale process of the Cannondale Motorcycle factory, the Indian Motorcycle factory in 2004, the American Ironhorse Motorcycle factory in 2009, the Buell factory in 2010, and have assisted in the sale of major distributors, dealers, and suppliers.

For more information about EBR Motorcycles, call 262-642-1627 or email [email protected]

The post Still Buelling Along appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News

Strategy threatens motorcycle footpath parking

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Melbourne’s lauded motorcycle-friendly footpath parking is under threat from a discussion paper to update the city’s Transport Strategy.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp has released a discussion paper in June that suggested strategies for reducing the access of motor vehicles to the CBD for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

An alarming finding for motorcyclists is that only 3% support encouraging more motorcycles into the CBD.

That goes against all reports and studies that show motorcycles and scooters are a solution to traffic and parking problems, not a cause.

Another alarming result of the Melbourne strategy is that 80% support dedicated motorcycle parking.

Footpath parking threat bays plan centre strategy
Footpath parking in Melbourne

That likely means removing motorbikes and scooters from footpaths and providing allocated parking on streets.

The report says that “without allocated parking, increasing numbers of motorcycles clog up the footpath as ridership increases”.

That’s a big concern for Melbourne’s riders, although if there are fewer cars and trucks in the CBD, it may mean there is more on-street parking for motorcycles.

A compromise to the current loose footpath parking rules could be allocating painted bays on footpaths as is the practice in Brisbane.

Brisbane CBD motorcycle parking bays strategy
Brisbane footpath parking bays

That may help placate 54% of pedestrian respondents to the paper who say footpaths are becoming overcrowded.

However, that overcrowding is not just the fault of motorcycles, but also cafes, vendor stalls and bicycle parking.

Public meeting

The Melbourne discussion strategy will be presented at a Council Meeting on Tuesday 11 December at 5.30pm.

Council says members of the public may provide written submissions prior to the meeting.

However, there will be no opportunity to make verbal submissions during the meeting.

The draft Transport Strategy is now being completed and will be presented to Future Melbourne Committee in the new year. Further consultation will follow to finalise the Strategy.

Riders are encouraged to attend the meeting and protest quietly and peacefully with placards.

Concerns about strategy

In October 2014, Melbourne unanimously adopted a Motorcycle Plan that nurtured and encouraged motorcycles to the city.

However, the Independent Riders’ Group in Victoria has expressed concern ever since that Melbourne’s much-vaunted motorcycle footpath parking was still under threat from a growing number of pedestrians, a strong cycling lobby claiming footpath space, comments by a former RACV boss, an MCG parking ban and alternative road-centre parking.

The rival Victorian Motorcycle Council described the claims as “scaremongering”, saying there was only an issue about parking around Luna Park in the City of Port Phillip which they claimed to be involved in resolving.Melbourne zones discussion paper strategy

IRG spokesman Damien Codognotto is calling on riders to email Melbourne’s Lord Mayor and Transport Committee chair Nicolas Frances Gilley.

He says riders should object to the lack of consultation with the City of Melbourne’s Motorcycles In Melbourne Committee, the Motorcycle Expert Advisory Panel at VicRoads and other motorcycle and scooter organisations.

“There is only so much on-street space available so they can’t do much to allocate centre-of-the-road or curbside motorcycle and scooter parking,” Damien says.

“Increasing off-street bike parking only works for pushbikes (so far). Melbourne’s car park operators pay lip service to us but don’t act. Even park and ride facilities fail to provide secure parking for motorbikes. The majority of off-street car park operators do not want motorcycles cycles in their buildings.

“Painting parking boxes on footpaths is a waste of paint. Probably a move towards making riders pay for space. 

“The system in place now has worked for three decades. It is good for the city.

“In my opinion the anti motorcycling culture is widespread in Victoria and this attack on motorcycle and scooter footpath parking is part of that, pure discrimination.”

The IRG, which is a member of the Motorcycles In Melbourne Committee has also called for an improvement in off-street motorbike parking with facilities such lockers for protective clothing and a trial of forward stop lines for filtering motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Police okay Santa novelty helmet covers

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If you want to get into the Christmas spirit with a novelty Santa helmet cover, you can be assured the police will not play Scrooge and fine you for a non-compliant helmet.

Motorbike Writer subscriber Travis Yap of Victoria asked us whether a novelty helmet cover would be illegal.

He says he was concerned after reading articles about riders being fined for having painted helmets or attachments such as cameras and Bluetooth units.

Travis bought a Santa Claus cover that simply slips over the helmet and has elastic on the bottom to hold it in place. There are no screws, velcro, glues or other attachments.

We asked the various state police services for their opinion.

Novelty helmet cover not illegal

VicPol simply replied: “It is not illegal to put a hat over the helmet”.

Queensland and South Australia police agreed that novelty helmet covers are legal but supplied a little more detail:

“Novelty helmet covers are not illegal, as long as the rider is wearing a motorcycle helmet that complies with Australian standards and is securely fastened. Riders will need to ensure that the novelty cover does not obscure their vision.”

We are still awaiting replies from other police services, but don’t expect they will vary from the same theme.

Helmet cover pros and consNovelty santa xmas motorcycle helmet cover

Apart from being fun on many occasions, not just Christmas, novelty helmet covers have some practical advantages.

They protect your helmet from dust, scratches and chips, as well as reducing wind noise.

However, riders should also be aware that there are some disadvantages.

They can also suppress important surrounding noises such as emergency sirens or the sound of screeching tyres.Novelty santa xmas motorcycle helmet cover

They also reduce ventilation which would make them stiflingly hot on a summer’s day, especially if being worn in a slow-moving toy run procession.

Since they are not securely fastened to the helmet, they can also flap around and shift at high speeds, potentially blocking your vision.

Most suppliers recommend they not be worn on the highway, but only at city speeds.

“I purchased it just for the silly season because it is a bit of fun,” Travis says.

“I expect it will get rather hot under there. I usually just commute to work so maybe I can put up with it for 20 minutes.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Cali Track Days Releases 2019 Schedule

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Cali Track Days is the home of the $100 track day in both Northern and Southern California. The 2019 schedule is packed with dates on both ends of the state. 

Begin press release:

Cali Track Days announces their 2019 season schedule for Northern and Southern California.

In June 2018, the passion project now known as Cali Track Days was formally introduced the motorcycle world. A new, affordably priced track day provider with the focus to drive motorcyclist to sharpen their skills on a race track rather than canyon roads.

The idea of a $100 track day with limited size groups, coaching, classes and little extras such as coffee and pastries took off in Northern and Southern California. In only half a season, Cali Track Days managed to hold a total of five sold out events split between Buttonwillow Raceway and Thunderhill Raceway while gathering a sizable following on social media with it’s unique marketing approach.

Cali Track Days will be hosting a total of ten events split up between Thunderhill Raceway and Buttonwillow Raceway in 2019.

March 11th – Buttonwillow Raceway

April 1st – Thunderhill Raceway East

April 29th – Buttonwillow Raceway

May 20th – Buttonwillow Raceway

June 3rd – Buttonwillow Raceway

July 1st – Thunderhill Raceway East

July 29th – Buttonwillow Raceway

September 16th – Thunderhill Raceway East

October 7th – Buttonwillow Raceway

November 4th – Thunderhill Raceway East

All Cali Track Days instructors are seasoned street and track guys that understand the struggles of being new to the track. They love to help inexperienced riders get the hang of the basics through one on one coaching and advice. With limited groups for better quality seat time, and complimentary “Master the Basics” classes, Cali Track Days offers a safe place to learn and improve riders’ skills.

Make sure to check out this unique provider at www.calitrackdays.com or contact Cali Track Day at [email protected] for more details.




The post Cali Track Days Releases 2019 Schedule appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News

Government blame for motorcycle theft

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The former Campbell Newman Government not only disrupted Queensland’s motorcycle industry with discriminatory VLAD laws, but may also have contributed to the state’s skyrocketing motorcycle theft rate.

RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding says the state’s rising car and bike theft rate is a result of the former government’s decision to pull out of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) about five years ago.

Consequently, Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has risen the most of any state. In the past 12 months it is up 10.2%, while the national rate is down 3.5%.

“It cost $200,000 a year to be part of the council,” Steve says. “But it gave us access to a lot of research, detailed analysis and effective programs such as the young offender program.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan has not replied to our request for comment about the current government rejoining the NMVTRC.

The massive rise in Queensland’s motorcycle theft rate has prompted a police and RACQ “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign to remind riders to secure their bike.

Motorcycle theft Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ wth a motorcycle disc lock

Theft campaign

In Queensland, the motorcycle theft hotspot is Brisbane where 232 bikes were stolen from 2012 to 2017.

Half were stolen from parking bays, 108 (47%) were taken from a residence and eight (3%) from businesses. 

Only 48% of stolen motorcycles are partially recovered. Most are disassembled and sold for parts. 

Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign leader Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich says 96% of stolen bikes were not fitted with a security device.

Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign motorcycle theft
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich launches awareness campaign

“The best way to prevent your motorcycle from being stolen is to take significant measures by using anti-theft devices like disc locks with audible alarms or tracking devices,” the Yamaha R1 fanatic says.

“With a loud motion sensor alarm in them they cost from about $50 and act to deter would-be thieves as well as alert the community who are witnesses to the crime.”

Steve, who is a keen Suzuki Bandit rider, says disc locks would make a “relatively inexpensive” Christmas gift for a rider.

If riders see or hear suspicious behaviour involving motorcycle theft, they can contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day. 

The Stop Stolen Motorcycles campaign consists of leaflet drops on bikes and at dealerships, as well as posters at carparks and social media.

Theft hotspots

State/Territory Local Government area Previous 12 month Past 12 months % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 2,436 2,632 8.0% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 1,655 1,879 13.5% 
QLD Logan (City) 1,056 1,288 22.0% 
VIC Hume (City) 1,025 1,113 8.6% 
ACT Greater ACT 1,199 1,098 -8.4% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 860 915 6.4% 
NSW Blacktown (City) 790 810 2.5% 
VIC Casey (City) 789 731 -7.4% 
VIC Moreland (City) 663 706 6.5% 
VIC Whittlesea (City) 780 695 -10.9% 

The national decrease in motorcycle theft in the past 12 months is a big turn-around.

Motorcycle theft rose 5% in the 2017/2018 financial year while all other vehicle theft across Australia dropped, according to NMVTRC figures.

The biggest change since then has been a marked decrease in theft in Western Australia which had been the worst performing state for some time. In the past 12 months, WA thefts are down a massive 21.3%.

As well as initiatives to make motorcycles safe from theft in Western Australia, the decrease has also been the result of a decline in the state’s economic fortunes since the mining downturn. 

Here’s how you can protect your bike

  • Use a secure disc lock with an alarm and a reminder cord attached to your handlebars so you don’t ride off with it still in place.
  • If you park your motorcycle outside your house, consider installing wireless outdoor security cameras or a motion sensor light near the bike.
  • Also, use the steering lock if your bike has one.
  • Even when parked in a secure location such as your garage or behind a locked gate, consider the extra security of using the steering lock, a disc lock or chain as well.
  • Pull out a spark plug or fuse, or have an immobiliser fitted.
  • Avoid parking your bike in railway or shopping centre car parks as these are notorious for theft.
  • Park in a locked carpark. If you have to park in the open, leave it where you can see your bike or in view of a security camera and/or under a light.
  • Otherwise, keep your bike out of sight, maybe parking it behind your car. If parking in a garage, block the bike with your car and ensure the garage is locked.
  • Use DataDot, DNA+ or a security tag to identify your bike.
    thief DNA+ invisible marker rampant campaign
  • When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
  • Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
  • Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
  • When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
  • Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
  • At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
  • Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
  • Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and relay your bike’s speed, location and direction.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Competition, News

Official Yamaha team exits EnduroGP championship

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Yamaha Motor Europe yet to confirm 2019 off-road plans.

Image: Supplied.

The factory-backed Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team has quit the EnduroGP World Championship, set to take on an alternate path from 2019 that’s yet to be announced.

Operating as Yamaha’s factory team for the past three years, the French-based squad has formally confirmed that it will exit the series next year.

“We’re very proud that Outsiders Yamaha Official Enduro Team have been our official representatives in enduro racing since 2016 and excited to soon see them move on to a completely new project,” explained Alexandre Kowalski, Yamaha Motor Europe enduro and rally racing manager.

“For the last three years, team riders have helped Yamaha be a key player in the Enduro World Championship and the prestigious ISDE. We are grateful to them for all their efforts. Loic Larrieu and Jamie McCanney have finished as world championship runners-up in their respective classes no less than five times. We are happy to confirm that Jamie will remain with the Yamaha family.

“Together with team manager Marc Bourgeois, they will both be a major part of our new project. As for Loic, we want to warmly thank him for his hard work and dedication these last three years and wish him all the best in his future projects.”

In 2016 and 2018 Larrieu was runner-up in the Enduro2 World Championship, also finishing second within the EnduroGP category in 2017. In addition, Larrieu claimed the outright victory at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) last year. McCanney took second in Enduro2 during 2017 and also P2 this year while contesting Enduro1.

KTM and Husqvarna ended their involvement in EnduroGP at the conclusion of last season, instead turning their off-road attention to the brand new World Enduro Super Series (WESS) that offers a mixture of enduro and extreme-type events on the calendar.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au