How clever is this Showa suspension that automatically lowers the seat height when the bike is stationary, allowing short people to mount and dismount easier!
No more tip-toeing at the lights or teetering over when trying to get the sidetone down.
The Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) Heightflex suspension system has electronically controlled activators in the hydraulic valve to control oil supply.
Showa has displayed the new suspension system on a Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin.
Honda Africa Twin
Tall adventure bikes are a natural choice for such a system. They are lowered for mounting and dismounting, but still retain good ground clearance for off-road duties.
However, Showa says it can also be fitted to other models.
Showa doesn’t detail how much it lowers the bike, but they say it will drop in about a second and will resume normal height a few hundred metres after you start again.
Not only does it lower when the bike is stationary, but it also levels out to adjust for the rear weight of a pillion or luggage, much like other systems used on some BMWs and Ducatis.
Sounds like a god-send for short riders.
Although, there are other, cheaper ways short riders can adapt to tall bikes.
Showa has also announced an EERA electronically-controlled steering damper.
It adapts the damping force in real time to control tank-slappers, speed wobbles and other adverse steering inputs.
The system seems similar to the Swedish Ohlins electronic steering damper.
The Japanese suspension company says both systems were developed during World Superbikes, the Dakar Rally, the Motocross World Championship and the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Whereas medication and group therapy focus on the damage veterans have sustained, the VCR provides an experience that teaches them how to continue living.
Indian’s new Ride Command infotainment system features updated software and mobile app integration.
Begin Press Release:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES RIDE-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES FOR INDUSTRY-LEADING RIDE COMMAND® INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
New Software Update & Mobile App Offer Online Route Planning with Wireless Bike Transfer & Remote Vehicle Information Accessibility
MINNEAPOLIS (November 30, 2018) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, continues to enhance its rider experience with the announcement of an all-new Ride Command® mobile phone app and software update. Ride Command is the largest, fastest, most customizable system on two wheels, featuring an industry-leading, glove-compatible, seven-inch touchscreen. Its latest software updates allow riders to easily plan ride routes via a desktop platform, while an all-new Ride Command mobile app wirelessly transfers the directions to the bike’s navigation system and provides remote accessibility to key vehicle information.
Owners can update their Ride Command by visiting a local dealership or by quickly downloading the software to a USB drive at RideCommand.IndianMotorcycle.com. The website also serves as the platform for riders to plan ride routes with up to 100 waypoints. The point-by-point directions can then be wirelessly transferred to the bike using the Ride Command mobile app and a Bluetooth® connection to the infotainment system. The pairing of these new technologies allows riders to view vehicle data, including fuel level, oil life, tire pressure & battery charge remotely on their mobile device. Riders can also track rides, view service recommendations and log maintenance within the mobile app. The Ride Command mobile app can be downloaded for free in the Apple Store and Google Play.
“We continually focus on enhancing the rider experience,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director for Indian Motorcycle. “Our industry-leading Ride Command infotainment system is an easy-to-use platform that enables us to continually expand features with exciting new software updates. Pre-ride route planning and remote vehicle data accessibility are features our riders have asked for, and we’re excited to deliver these technologies.”
Riders can set push notifications within the Ride Command mobile app and receive alerts for important service reminders. The app also tracks rides and allows riders to conveniently share completed or planned rides with friends on Facebook.
Riders can further update their Ride Command by downloading the free 2018 map updates at the Ride Command website or via a local dealer. New Chieftain and Roadmaster owners receive three years of complementary map updates.
The new Ride Command updates further expand Indian Motorcycle’s ride-enhancing technologies announced earlier this year, as the 2019 Chieftain lineup and the 2019 Roadmaster are equipped with three selectable ride modes and rear cylinder deactivation for improved rider comfort when traveling at slower speeds. Pricing for the 2019 models begin at $21,999 for the Chieftain, $24,999 for the Chieftain Classic, and $25,999 for the Chieftain Dark Horse and Chieftain Limited. Roadmaster pricing starts at $28,999.
Know your thresholds for when it’s too hot, too cold, or too wet to ride. The same goes for state of mind, your health, and your level of conditioning.
Yamaha ace undergoes successful operation to repair ruptured achilles.
Image: Foremost Media.
Popular Queenslander Dan Reardon has successfully undergone surgery to repair a ruptured achilles tendon sustained at last weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland, allowing him to immediately start his recovery.
Reardon struck a tough-block prior to completing his Superpole lap in New Zealand, forcing him to come up severely short on the finish line double and ultimately resulting in the injury.
“Everything went well yesterday – I walked into surgery early in the morning and fixed the achilles,” Reardon told MotoOnline.com.au. “Now I’m in a half-cast for the next seven to 10 days until I get my stitches out, then I’m in a boot for about eight weeks before I start rehab.
“I’ve got plenty of time to get it right – this injury can take up to five months to heal, but it can also heal sooner. I won’t push it – I don’t have to be back by a particular time, so whenever it feels like it’s ready, I’ll start trail riding and having some fun.
“I might be riding by February, but it all just depends on the injury and the risk versus reward. It’s too early to say. I think I still may go to the states and do some supercross there – that was always part of the plan and the series goes until May, so that could still be a viable option. For the time being, I’ll just enjoy the time off and let the body heal.”
Reardon promoted himself to third in the Australian Supercross Championship this year after landing on the podium at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney finale, becoming the highest-placed Australian at the prestigious event.
GS Safari heads to New South Wales High Country in 2019.
Image: Supplied.
BMW Motorrad Australia is celebrating its 25th anniversary of BMW Safari with a five-day tour in 2019, which will see the GS Safari head to the New South Wales High Country.
Since 1994 BMW Safari has played a valuable role in the lives of BMW motorcycle owners and enthusiasts across Australia, from hosting tours in tropical rainforests in far north Queensland, to mountainous trails in Tasmania, BMW Safari events have been providing pure motorcycling adventures for almost 25 years.
Commencing in Windsor north of Sydney on 7 April 2019, the ride will take participants on a five-day tour through the motorcycle paradise of northern New South Wales. Riders will experience an abundance of riding highlights across a variety of off-road trails and dynamic bitumen roads that lead them to the completion of the ride in Coffs Harbour on 12 April.
The week will pay homage to the heritage of BMW Safari events of past, whilst looking towards the future and celebrating the evolution of GS motorcycling in Australia.
There is also the opportunity for participants to combine the Safari with a BMW Off-Road Training course which aims to build rider confidence and skills before the five-day ride.
The three defendants charged with speeding detected by police on Lidar guns had their fines overturned.
Now, SAPOL is temporarily withdrawing Lidar guns until legislation is amended to resolve the legal issues with regard to the evidentiary certificates.
They are also withdrawing 125 speeding fine prosecutions.
South Australian Ride to Review spokesman Tim Kelly says anyone who copped a Lidar speed fine and has not yet paid should apply for a review.
Contact [email protected]ov.au or write to SAPOL addressing the request to Expiation Notice Branch, GPO Box 2029, Adelaide, SA 5001.
Impact for other states?
While the judgments were delivered in the South Australian Supreme Court, they could have an impact for all states and territories if the calibration of the guns is questioned.
However, there is no movement yet by other states to withdraw Lidar guns.
The three decisions were all based on an argument put forward by lawyer Karen Stanley of Stanley Law. Her full statement on the judgments is included in full at the end of this article.
Karen Stanley
The judgments are based on a previous case run by Ms Stanley in 2016 case where speeding charges were thrown out because of the police calibration methods for the LIDAR hand-held speed gun. In one of the three recent cases, a motorcyclist was recorded riding 126km/h in a 60 zone in Adelaide.
“My attack was to the certificates that prosecution uses to prove that the guns were accurate,” Karen says.
Lidar gun ‘not at fault’
LIDAR is used around the world
She points out that the Lidar guns are not necessarily inaccurate or unreliable, but that the police method of calibration, and the way police certify their accuracy, is at fault.
Whether the judgments will apply across all states and territories will depend on the wording of the certificates and what the law says, she says.
“However, I expect that the broad principles His Honour addressed in the substantive case of Police v Hanton, will apply in all states,” she says.
“The Crown may appeal against the judgments so until that time has lapsed, it would not be appropriate to draw conclusions about the future of speeding charges from these judgments” Reviewing methods
Justice David Peek criticised South Australian Police for failing to change their testing system since the 2016 verdict.
He wrote that police appeared willing to “accept the odd setback in terms of a not-guilty trial because the cost of that is less than fixing the system”.
There is no word yet from government on changes to legislation to allow police to start using the guns again.
Meanwhile, SAPOL say they will continue to use other “well-established speed detection options” such as hand-held radar devices and fixed and mobile speed cameras.
Stanley Law statement regarding South Australian Supreme Court Judgments
POLICE v HANTON [2018] SASC 96
POLICE v MILLER [2018] SASC 97
POLICE V HENDERSON [2018] SASC 98
On Thursday 19 July 2018, the South Australian Supreme Court published three significant judgments about the use of hand held LIDAR speed guns to detect vehicle speeds. These cases all relied on the argument successfully raised in Police v Butcher, a 2016 Supreme Court decision that resulted in speeding charges against the defendant being dismissed. While the individual cases are complex, the unifying issue in each was the reliance by prosecution on a certificate to prove the accuracy of the speed guns used to detect the speed of the defendants’ vehicles. Justice Peek found that the certificate relied on by the prosecution was not capable of proving the accuracy of the speed gun to within the margin of error stated in the certificate.
To be clear; the Supreme Court did not say that the speed guns were inaccurate. Rather, the Court found that prosecution could not prove that the devices were accurate by relying on the certificate. Speculation on social media that the judgments have “proved” that speed guns are inaccurate and unreliable, is incorrect.
There is always a presumption of innocence and prosecution must prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that the offence was committed. One of the things that prosecution need to prove for speeding charges is that the device used to detect the vehicle is accurate. It would be cost prohibitive for prosecution to prove the technology behind the speed devices in every case. This would require experts to give evidence at every trial on how the devices work. To simplify this, the law in Australia allows the prosecution to rely on certificates, signed by a senior police officer, that certify the accuracy of the speed gun used. That certificate then becomes proof of the accuracy of the speed gun and the onus then switches to the defendant to provide “proof to the contrary” of what is certified.
While it may appear that this shifting of the evidentiary burden means that in speeding cases the defendant has to prove that they are not guilty, in actual fact, this only occurs once prosecution have proved that the device is accurate. It’s the certificate that prosecution relies on to prove this. The burden of proof only switches to the defendant once there is proof of the accuracy of the device.
The argument in the 2016 case, and in each of the three judgments handed down last week, was that the prosecution could not rely on the certificate because prosecution could not prove that the gun was accurate to the extent certified in the certificate, ie, within a margin of +2/-3kph. Without the certificate, there was no evidence of the accuracy of the device and therefore prosecution could not prove the speed of the vehicle. This is why the alleged speed of the defendant was irrelevant. For these purposes it does not matter whether the alleged speed was 5kph over the speed limit or 100kph over the speed limit.
Speed guns are required to be calibrated every 12 months in accordance with the Australian Standards. This involves an extensive process of testing the gun in a simulator. When a speed gun is calibrated, a report is issued which states that the gun is accurate to within a specific margin of error.
In addition, police are required to perform a number of daily tests, as prescribed by the manufacturer. These tests are recorded as pass/fail. The law requires that these tests are performed on the day that the device is used. The results of these tests are then used when producing the certificate.
In each of judgments published in July 2018 Justice Peek held that prosecution could not rely on the certificate because the daily testing by police doesn’t show that the devices are accurate to within +2/-3kph. The finding in each of these cases is the defendant did not need to prove that the device was inaccurate, but only that the daily testing done by police didn’t prove that the device was accurate to the extent claimed in the certificate. Without the certificate the prosecution was unable to prove the speed of the vehicles.
In addition, Justice Peek made a number of criticisms of the current testing regime of speed detection devices, and the circumstances under which the certificates are issued. Justice Peek further expressed concern that despite warnings in 2016 (Butcher) and 2017 (Henderson), the prosecution of speeding charges has continued without addressing the issues raised in the earlier cases.
SAPOL has issued a statement confirming that they are assessing the judgments “to fully comprehend if changes need to occur”. These judgments make it abundantly clear that changes need to occur. While SAPOL and prosecution continue to prosecute speeding charges in the manner they have to date, defendants will continue to have speeding charges dismissed. The argument first raised in Police v Butcher is clearly not a “one-off” as stated at the time.
The judgments handed down last week are lengthy and complex and will require further analysis in order to determine what ramifications these judgments have beyond the individual cases, although it is already clear that the broader implications are significant.
There is some commentary on social media about what impact these judgments will have on expiation notices issued since SAPOL was first put on notice about problems with relying on the certificates. At this stage it is too early to speculate on this.
Frenchman satisfied with direction heading into 2019.
Image: Supplied.
With four days total under his belt aboard the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16, Johann Zarco has declared he’s still working on locking down a base setting aboard the Austrian MotoGP machine.
The Frenchman wound up 19th on day two of testing in Jerez, Spain, although the number five confirmed laying down a fast-lap wasn’t the focus throughout the two days, instead he enhanced developments in his transition from Yamaha machinery.
“Some more days with the KTM and I’m happy because I made a step that I was looking for,” Zarco explained. “It gave confirmation for the technicians for which direction we have to go. We began today on a better level and I was improving my lap-time. We then moved to test different things and could not do so many laps.
“We are still working on my base setting. We are not working to be the fastest one out there but the base is coming better and better every time I go out, and I can see that because the lap-time is there and I can repeat it relaxed. It means this is the direction we need.
“This engine is giving a good feeling to go out of the corner. Even if you miss it the bike will go and this is still one of our strong points and when we go faster we will be able to use it even better.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager Mike Leitner spoke of Zarco’s continued adaptation to the RC16, stating his understanding of the motorcycle greatened after clocking up 120 laps in the two-day test.
“Johann made a big step with his understanding of the bike and went into the 1m39s lap-times with used tyres and that was positive,” said Leitner. “Also his feeling on the bike was getting better but for sure we still have a lot of work to do with him also. We’ll work during the winter now to be ready for Malaysia.”
Popular New South Welshman on the market for 2019.
Image: Foremost Media.
Dylan Wills has expressed a desire to graduate to the premier class in 2019 while declaring his availability on the rider market, becoming one of many talented athletes endeavouring to lock down their future.
The number five, who piloted a Husqvarna FC 250 with DPH Motorsport this season, completed the Pirelli MX Nationals in fifth position after earning his maiden victory at Raymond Terrace, while he wound up ninth in the Australian Supercross Championship SX2 standings.
Wills, hailing from New South Wales, is adamant on securing a 450 deal, although with a number of MX2 contenders expressing interest in making the move to the category and just a limited amount of seats available, the process so far is proving to be a difficult one.
“I think my riding style suits the 450 more and I’ve kind of been waiting my time out in the 250 class until I’m at the right age to step up,” Wills explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “All along, I think my style has suited that bigger bike – I think that’s why I excelled on a 250 two-stroke – it all comes down to how I ride a bike.
“I’m definitely looking to step up next year – I’ve only been talking to one team, but I’d really love to put something together. I’m going to head to New Zealand and do a supercross race down there, but I’m going try and stay active on the bike – I’ll figure out a bike situation so I’m fit and ready to go.
“I’ll stay on the phone hassling people until I hopefully put something together. I think I’ve got talent there, and if someone was to give me the chance, I think I’d make the most of it. I work hard, and I’d love the opportunity to go race a 450 next year.”
Wills’ departure from DPH Motorsport Husqvarna strengthens Wilson Todd’s link to the outfit, the reigning MX2 champion tipped to rejoin the Victorian squad as Nathan Crawford and Aaron Tanti are anticipated the fulfil the two positions at Serco Yamaha.
Sikhs in Ontario are now allowed to ride in a turban instead of a helmet, joining riders in three other Canadian provinces as Australian Sikhs seek the same exemptions.
The Ontario government has granted the rule waivers to Sikhs in recognition of their civil rights and religious expression after a bill presented by parliamentarian and Sikh Prabmeet Sarkaria.
“The wearing of the turban is an essential part of the Sikh faith and identity, and exemptions for Sikhs have been successfully implemented in other provinces in Canada and across the world,” he said.
Sikhs are also exempt from wearing motorcycle helmets in Indian, the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia, and the UK introduced the exemption in 1976.
However, Denmark is following France by cracking down on helmet exemptions that allow riders to go without a helmet if they obtain a doctor’s note or have a legitimate non-medical reason such as wearing a turban.
Aussie Sikhs
Aussie Sikhs
The Sikh Motorcycle Club of Australia told us last year that motorcycle and bicycle helmet rules are discriminatory.
They are calling for an exemption for all cyclists and for motorcyclists and scooterists riding at low speeds only.
Founding member Daljeet Singh told us that while initiated male and female Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, Sikh Motorcycle Club members wear a bandana-style scarf underneath their helmets.
The Central Coast of NSW Sikhs say they have campaigned to Coffs Coast Council for the right to not wear helmets on city streets signposted up to 60km/h.
However, the matter would have to be decided by the NSW Centre for Road Safety (CRS). Neither council nor the CRS can find any record of contact from the group.
There are about 126,000 Sikhs in Australia, according to the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census. It is the fifth largest religion after Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.
Victoria has seen the sharpest increase in the number of Sikhs with 52,762. The state with the second highest Sikh population is NSW with 31,737 Sikhs, Queensland 17,433, Western Australia 11,897, South Australia 8808, ACT 2142 and Northern Territory and Tasmania have under 700 Sikhs each.
Unshorn hair (‘Kesh’) are also an essential part of the Sikh Code of Conduct. This makes Turban an essential part of a Sikh’s attire. Like the ‘Kirpan’ issue, this is another issue where the Government and its departments as well as the wider Australian community need to be informed about the importance of the Turban for a Sikh. More importantly, in order to tackle the hate crimes and discrimination based on the ‘looks’ the Australian community is being educated about the distinction between a Sikh and other members of the community who may also wear a Turban or cover their head or perhaps may look the same due to other items of clothing (for example the salwar and kameez for the women).
Hopefully the Government will introduce measures which will allow the wider Australian community to be more aware and tolerant and not discriminate against someone wearing a Turban and not assume that they might be a terrorist.
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