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Motorcycle News, News

Kawasaki Makes Donation to Support MMI Education Programs

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Kawasaki has donated 36 new models to help support MMI Education Programs.

Begin Press Release: 

KAWASAKI DONATES MORE THAN $300,000 IN PRODUCT SUPPORT TO MMI EDUCATION EFFORTS

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announces its support of Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) education efforts that will include a donation of 36 Kawasaki products, including motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and personal watercraft. The equivalent retail value reaches a total of more than $300,000 and utilizes Kawasaki’s wide-range lineup with Ninja®, Z family, Versys®, Vulcan®, KX™, and KLX® motorcycles, Brute Force® ATVs, Mule™ side-by-sides, and Jet Ski® personal watercraft models.

“The MMI is a fundamental part of our industry,” said Bill Jenkins, Senior VP Sales and Operations. “The industry-leading technical training educates and guides future professionals of our industry and feeds our dealers with qualified technicians.”

Kawasaki’s efforts are designed to support MMI’s technical training programs that prepare its graduates for future technician positions and careers at Kawasaki dealerships across the nation. After completing MMI’s core program, students take elective courses that help to familiarize them with specific product lines and maintenance procedures, ensuring professional-level service.

“For nearly three decades, Kawasaki has trusted MMI to train the skilled technicians who maintain and service their products across the nation,” said Roger Speer, Campus President, MMI Phoenix and Orlando. “This latest contribution of vehicles gives our students the opportunity to train on the very latest Kawasaki products, so they graduate from MMI ready to hit the ground running.”

“We’re thrilled to give the MMI and future technicians the best education on Kawasaki models,” said Patrick Kelly, Director Customer and Technical Support. “These 36 Kawasaki models will add to the curriculum and continue the successful K-Tech Specialist Program.”

Throughout the years, MMI’s technical training programs have paved the path for Kawasaki dealership technicians as well as several of Kawasaki’s amateur and factory racing support team technicians.

The post Kawasaki Makes Donation to Support MMI Education Programs appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Competition, News

Penrite Honda expands with Chiodo signing for 2019 season

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Rising talent joins Herfoss in championship-winning ASBK team.

Image: Supplied.

Penrite Honda Racing will expand to a two-rider operation for the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) after signing Mark Chiodo to join defending champion Troy Herfoss.

Chiodo, 20, impressed as a rookie this season as part of Team Suzuki Ecstar, rounding out the year with a best result of fourth overall at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix support races.

To be joining the title-winning factory team of Honda Motorcycles Australia, operated by the Victorian-based ER Motorsport organisation, is a significant step in the young career of Chiodo.

“I’m really excited to be joining Penrite Honda Racing for my second year in the Superbike class,” explained Chiodo. “It will be a perfect platform for me to work from within a title-winning team and I know that the CBR1000RR SP is a truly competitive package.

“Hopefully this year I can consistently be within the top five and possibly battling for podiums. The ER Motorsport crew is really tight-knit and I’m happy to be working with the likes of Stewart Winton and Shaun Clarke for the season ahead. I’m really thankful for the opportunity provided by Deon and the team.”

Penrite Honda Racing team owner Deon Coote welcomed Chiodo to the squad alongside Herfoss, also appointing renowned technician Stewart Winton to work within the team managed by Shaun Clarke.

“The Penrite Honda Racing team is now in a position to expand to two riders following a successful season with Troy and we’re looking forward to 2019,” Coote commented. “It’s always good to support a young talent like Mark, he will fit in well alongside Troy and I think our team environment will be a positive for his career.”

The first official appearance of Chiodo aboard Penrite Honda Racing’s CBR1000RR SP will come during Motorcycling Australia’s ASBK pre-season test to be held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 2-3 February.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, News

Cortese completes first test on WorldSBK-spec Yamaha YZF-R1

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WorldSSP champion makes debut along with GRT Yamaha outfit.

Image: Supplied.

Recently-crowned WorldSSP champion Sandro Cortese has experienced his first taste of Yamaha’s premier class contender in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) following two days of testing this week in Jerez, Spain.

Cortese was joined by new teammate Marco Melandri in GRT Yamaha’s first appearance as WorldSBK squad, the German contender lodging the eighth fastest time as he begins to come to terms with the larger and more powerful motorcycle.

The number 11 dubbed the outing a ‘special experience’, acknowledging he faces a steep learning curve in his transition from the Supersport category.

“I am really pleased with my first WorldSBK test with the new team and with the Yamaha YZF-R1,” said Cortese. “It was a special experience for me because I’ve never raced a superbike before, but I think we made a big step over these two days and I now have a much better understanding of how to race this bike.

“Of course, I’m still facing a steep learning curve, and I also need to prepare my body for the demands of racing this bigger bike, as I can feel it wasn’t ready after two full days on track here! Now I understand how I have to work with this bike and I am really looking forward to returning to Jerez with the team in January.”

GRT Yamaha will return to action early in 2019, with pre-season testing getting underway in Jerez on 23 January.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, News

WorldSBK newcomer Bautista back to MotoGP for Jerez test

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Former MotoGP regular to replace Ducati test rider Pirro.

Image: Supplied.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati WorldSBK newcomer Alvaro Bautista will be back on board a MotoGP bike at Jerez this week as he takes part in the two-day test for Ducati Team.

Bautista, who just completed his final MotoGP campaign with Angel Nieto Team this year, made his WorldSBK debut this week aboard Ducati’s all-new Panigale V4 R superbike, which saw him wind up with the fourth fastest time after two days of testing at Jerez.

Ducati has decided the former MotoGP regular will replace usual test rider Michele Pirro after the Italian underwent surgery to correct an acromioclavicular dislocation suffered in his heavy crash at the Italian grand prix.

The Spaniard impressed last month when he filled in for an injured Jorge Lorenzo at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, piloting the factory Ducati Desmosedici GP18 to fourth position.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, News

Richardson shopping for premier class deal in 2019

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Queenslander makes 450 debut at S-X Open Auckland.

Image: Foremost Media.

Days after making his SX1 debut in a one-off appearance at the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland, popular Queenslander Jackson Richardson has declared he intends to graduate to the premier class full-time in 2019 should an opportunity come available.

The two-time Australian Supercross SX2 champion, who spent an injury-riddled 2018 season with Penrite CRF Honda Racing, is one of numerous riders out of contract for next year with just a limited number of vacancies across teams.

“I intend on going to a 450 in 2019, but unfortunately there aren’t any rides available – they’re pretty much all taken,” Richardson explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s the same in the 250 class, so at the moment I don’t have a ride at all.

“I’m not too sure what I’m going to do yet – I’d like to step up to a 450 – that would be the first bid I make. I want to be on a 450 for sure because I fee like I ride one good. I’d like to get a 450 ride for next year and step up.”

Richardson’s maiden 450 supercross outing saw him wind up seventh overall in New Zealand, finishing behind a host of domestic and international talents that made the journey to Mount Smart Stadium.

“It was good [on the 450] and overall it was pretty good weekend,” he added. “I would’ve liked my result to be a bit better, but it was good to get out there with dudes like Reedy and all that – it was mint. It was an amazing atmosphere there, the place was sold out – it was ridiculous.”

The number 57 returned to Australia in 2016 after racing in America, taking out the SX2 title with Serco Yamaha before embarking on a full-time campaign with the team in 2017. An injury cut his outdoor title hopes short, although he bounced back for supercross and lifted the SX2 crown for the second consecutive year.

A transition to Honda in 2018 was once again marred by a shoulder injury, which ultimately saw him return to riding just weeks ahead of the Australian Supercross Championship opener.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, News

Rea quickest on day two of Jerez WorldSBK testing

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Lowes and Haslam behind four-time champion on the timesheets.

Image: Supplied.

Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) has topped the times for the second consecutive day of Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) testing in Jerez, Spain, where four teams continued to work on their 2019 set-ups.

Rea continued with his sensational pace out on track for the second and final day of testing, as the 2018 world champion was continuing to work on getting the chassis in tune with the engine on his ZX-10RR. Explaining that his new bike offers even more potential than the 2018 Ninja, he was a force to be reckoned with, setting the fastest lap time of 1m38.713s.

On the other side of the garage, new team-mate Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team – WorldSBK) was left with one bike after a big crash on Monday. However this didn’t stop the Brit putting the laps in, as he reached over 100 on the second day. Ending the day in third with a time of 1m39.766s, Haslam was able to continue with his base setting of the ZX-10RR and will take some strong pace into the winter.

It was a telling two days for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team, as they began to understand the work they will need to do to bridge the gap to the green and red machines out on track. Working through their small updates for 2019, Alex Lowes had a strong test sitting in second position for most of the day, bridging the gap to fastest man Rea.

Whilst for team-mate Michael van der Mark, it was a tough test as he was riding injured from his crash in Qatar, which resulted in a fracture to his wrist. Working to get more grip and acceleration on exit amongst other factors, Lowes finished in second position overall, 0.664s off Rea’s pace whilst van der Mark was sixth and 1.379s behind.

Lessons continued to be learnt for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad with Chaz Davies and Alvaro Bautista getting to grips with the all new Panigale V4 R. British rider Davies is continuing to struggle with his shoulder injury sustained over the summer break, meaning he isn’t riding at 100 percent.

Moving his focus over to electronics and throttle connection on his new machine, it was a busy day for Davies who finished in fifth overall. Whilst for Bautista, he had a more challenging second day with his V4 R, suffering two crashes during the day around Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto.

Able to walk away from both crashes, Bautista was still happy with the bike as he works on his base set up and understanding the WorldSBK machine. Putting in an impressive pace on his debut, Bautista was able to finish in fourth, with a lap time of 1m39.845s.

For new WorldSBK team GRT Yamaha, Sandro Cortese and Marco Melandri were continuing to get to grips with the YZF-R1. Happy with the progress they have made, 2018 WorldSSP champion Cortese was still working on adapting and adjusting to premier class machine, whilst Melandri was working on his base setting and with the Pirelli tyres.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Jarvish Launches X and X-AR Smart Helmets

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Back in October, Gabe Et-Hokin wrote about Taiwanese company Jarvish’s new smart helmets. The carbon fiber Jarvish X helmet offered built-in cameras and wireless connectivity while the Jarvish X-AR adds a rear view camera and a head-up display.

Today, the Jarvish X and Jarvish X-AR helmets were officially launched, along with a Kickstarter campaign to fund the company. Pricing for both helmets are also lower than what Gabe was initially told, with the Jarvish X priced at $699 and the Jarvish X-AR at $1,599.

Begin Press Release

JARVISH SMART MOTORCYCLE HELMETS INTEGRATE AI AND AR TO KEEP RIDERS ON THEIR BIKES

X-Series offers 360° visibility, AI cameras, voice assistant integration and in-helmet HUD navigation

Intelligent helmet systems specialist JARVISH today launches its X-Series smart motorcycle helmets. The X-AR and X models* have been designed with a range of technology integrations, such as voice control, noise cancellation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in memory, to give riders a safer, more enjoyable on-road experience. The X-AR model also includes an augmented reality-powered head-up display (HUD), which offers rear-camera view.

JARVISH X-Series: X/X-AR

Packed with safety-enhancing features, the new JARVISH X-Series connects with voice services such as Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri or OK Google. Both the X-AR and X helmets are voice-activation only (no tap-to-talk), allowing riders to control the cameras, make a call, adjust the volume, play music and more, while keeping their focus on the road.

Strong and lightweight, thanks to a pure carbon fiber construction designed by a professional helmet design company based in Germany, the X-Series’ full-face fit is comfortable and its stylish all-in-one design includes top of the range built-in HD surround sound speakers, noise reduction microphone and front 2K camera as standard.

Journeys can be recorded in FHD video via the built-in front 2K camera and stored on [removable] 16GB (optional up to 256GB) memory cards in the helmet. The video can also be broadcast in real-time to user’s social media account by voice command, while the app lets users download footage to their smartphone and personal cloud server.

JARVISH X-series smart helmets will also be featured with an individual audio processor that works not only for active noise cancellation, but also provides stunning high-resolution sound regeneration quality.

JARVISH X-AR

The X-AR model leverages optical waveguide technology on the HUD for riders who prefer visual instructions. The technology behind this ensures that, even in bright light, these projections are always clearly visible. The HUD can be controlled and retracted easily via voice command.

The X-AR helmet has the ability to display directions, and notify the wearer of traffic and weather conditions, indicators, speed, hazard road signs and incoming caller IDs on the HUD. It even shows 2K rear-view images so the rider has 360° visibility while on the road.

Battery life – USB and Wireless charging

The JARVISH X-AR battery lasts for four hours during continuous use, while the X model can be used for more than six hours. Both helmets support wireless charging and can be quickly charged via micro-USB up to 80% within just 90 minutes (wireless charging pad sold separately).

Jeremy Lu, CEO of JARVISH, said: “The X and X-AR do not replace the need for smart, safe riding, but our vision is to enhance the motorcycling experience with smart features that mean a rider can focus on the road ahead without any distraction. We have combined the ultimate rider benefits with a stylish, lightweight helmet for motorcyclists who love their technology as much as the journey. Police officers and motorcycle riders in Taiwan are already wearing the first generation of JARVISH smart helmets, so we are sure our latest models, the X-Series, will prove to be just as popular worldwide.”

Safety Features

Both the X-AR and standard X model are fully certified, including ECE R22.05 (Europe, Australia), DOT (US and Canada), CNS 2396, CNS 13438, CNS 13439 (Asia), FCC (electronic radiation safety certifications).

Both helmets are also Apple MFi certified. With voice activation, users can place calls and trigger navigation on iPhones (and Androids) without manually interacting with a smartphone or having to unlock the screen.

Kickstarter Campaign

The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign kicks off on November 27 with a target of $50,000. The MSRP is USD 1,599 for JARVISH X-AR, USD 699 for JARVISH X.

The purpose of the campaign is to be able to recruit more engineers to make the HUD fully integrated into the main board system, and create AR applications for the JARVISH smart helmet eco-system. JARVISH aims to start shipping JARVISH X from April 2019 and JARVISH X-AR from August 2019.

*The X model has the same features as the X-AR but without the augmented reality (AR) HUD and the rear camera.

JARVISH will exhibit the X model helmets and the X-AR prototypes for the first time in public at CES 2019. Location: JARVISH Booth, Sands Hall G – 52443. More information about JARVISH at CES will be released soon.

Technical Specifications

JARVISH X

  • Height: 25cm
  • Length: 35cm
  • Width: 25.5cm
  • Weight: 1350g +- 250g
  • Material: Pure carbon fiber
  • Battery life: More than 6 hours
  • Compatible system: Above Android 4.4, iOS 8.3
  • Sensor: Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer
  • Camera: 2K Full HD front-facing camera
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
  • Certification: CNS/DOT/ECE/MFi
  • Voice control: Yes
  • Built-in memory:16GB (support to expand 256G)
  • Waterproof: IP57

JARVISH X-AR

  • Height: 25cm
  • Length: 35cm
  • Width: 25.5cm
  • Weight: 1700g +- 250g
  • Material: Pure carbon fiber
  • Battery life: Approximately 4 hours
  • Compatible systems: Above Android 4.4, iOS 8.3
  • Sensor: Gyro, e-compass, accelerometer, ambient light, pressure
  • HUD: Retractable, optical waveguide design
  • Camera: 2K Full HD front and rear cameras
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
  • Certification: CNS/DOT/ECE/MFi
  • Voice control: Yes
  • Built-in memory: 16GB (support to expand 256G)
  • Waterproof: IP57



































The post Jarvish Launches X and X-AR Smart Helmets appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

News

Potholes causing more riders to crash

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Riders are three times more likely to be involved in crashes caused by potholes and poor road surfaces than any other vehicle type.

A new British Automobile Association survey found that while potholes cause damage to cars, they are a greater injury threat to riders.

They say riders swerving to avoid potholes can also cause crashes.

It comes as a new Monash University’s Accident Research Centre report into motorcycle crashes suggests governments improve the quality of rural roads and evaluate roads for their specific motorcycle safety.

Potholes fixationRoad maintenance potholes

Some critics say that our fixation on the state of our roads and poor roadworks is over the top and riders should simply ride to the conditions.

However, the conditions are getting worse and councils and governments continue to duck for cover when riders crash and dare to seek compensation.

Gold Coast rider Robyn Love is still awaiting a reply to her claim for combination after crashing her Harley in unswept roadworks on the Lions Rd in June.

Lions Rd crash loose gravel repairs
Loose gravel on Lions Rd that caused a crash

There is no doubt that potholes are dangerous to riders.

A pothole can cause a big jolt in the front suspension, kick the handlebars about and possibly damage a rim. But at least the suspension is set up to absorb most of the impact.

However, bumps or a seam of humps in the middle of a lane caused by heavy vehicles pushing the tar up may be even more dangerous.

They can lift the front wheel off the ground, kick the bike left or right into the bush or oncoming traffic, or cause a tank slapper where the handlebars oscillate wildly.

Bumps are also harder to see and seem to be less likely to be fixed than potholes in yet another example of how the authorities ignore and neglect motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Minimalist Motorcycle Apparel Reviews

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When I was prepping for my recent ride on the Mid-Atlantic BDR, I wanted to pack as light as possible. Minimalism and preparedness are often mutually exclusive, which is why motorcyclists of the Boy Scout mentality can be seen taking half an hour to figure out where to pack their extra layers, camp chairs, and cheese boards. Preparedness is important but it can go too far. It’s the same mentality that afflicts couples putting together their wedding registries. “We’ll definitely need a silicone mold for baking madeleines and a crystal punch bowl that converts into a cake stand.” Or maybe not.

There’s nothing worse than filling an entire pannier with T-shirts and clunky hiking boots, so I concentrated on slimming down my off-the-bike wardrobe. My guiding principle was “less but more functional.” I wanted everything I packed to be appropriate for multiple purposes. I grabbed a couple of merino tees and a pair of travel pants from Mission Workshop and a pair of Boulder Boots from Lems, and other than socks, undies, and a cold-weather layer, that was all I needed for a week on the road.

Was it enough for eight days?

Lems Boulder Boots

The perfect pair of off-the-bike footwear needs to be rugged enough to hike in, packable enough to occupy as precious little space on the bike as possible, and stylish enough to wear around town (if style is something you value).

Lems Boulder Boots are the only shoes I’ve discovered that meet all the criteria. With a thin flexible sole, they can be folded onto themselves to become about the size of a coffee mug (each) or folded flat to be barely larger than a sandal. At 9.9 ounces, they’re also incredibly light.

The Boulder Boots are considered minimalist shoes, so their zero-drop heel and barely there sole might take some getting used to. If you plan on hitting the trails, make sure to let your body get acquainted with them first. For around town, however, they’re immediately comfortable. The wide toe box and thin sole mean they feel more like slippers than shoes. After a long day of standing on the pegs in bulky riding boots, they’re a treat for the feet.

The standard Boulder Boots are constructed in leather and canvas, but I opted for the all-leather version to class things up a bit. After being folded up and thrown in a pannier, they creased slightly along the folds as you’d expect, but still look good. The standard canvas/leather model would probably fare a bit better.

The Boulder Boots are lined in a soft flannel. I’ve only worn them in fall weather, so I can’t attest to their breathability in warmer climes, but they’re super soft, even if the plaid pattern seems a bit overkill. I like plaid as much as the next guy, but I don’t need every element of my wardrobe to be done in it.

Now that the trip has ended, the Boulder Boots have become a staple in my everyday wardrobe. I love my Red Wing Iron Rangers, but next to the Boulder Boots, they feel like cinder blocks. At $150 ($125 for the canvas/leather versions), the Boulder Boots are reasonably priced given their functionality and comfort. In terms of durability, they seem well-constructed, but I’ll have to put more miles on them to see how they hold up.

The Boulder Boots’ utility and packability make them required gear for the touring motorcyclist. One for the Aerostich catalog (that great compendium of moto paraphernalia), I say.

Mission Workshop Signal Five-Pocket Pants

Bringing more than one pair of pants on a motorcycle trip seems excessive. But what to bring? Jeans are too heavy and aren’t comfortable to hike in. Travel/hiking pants look out of place anywhere but on the trail, and even there they can look a bit Old Navy circa 1999—baggy and with too many zippers and pockets.

The Signal pants from San-Francisco-based Mission Workshop have a modern, slim silhouette but with all the functionality of typically unstylish technical apparel. Constructed of a four-way stretch nylon with a water-repellent finish, the Signal pants are perfect for parking the bike and hitting the trail, or for a night on the town.

For the motorcyclist who values off-the bike apparel that’s technical, stylish, and well-made, Mission Workshop’s Signal pants are in a class by themselves.

Hand pockets are lined in mesh (think bathing suit), and they have a discreet zip pocket built into the seam on the right leg—a good spot for stashing a few emergency bucks, which, unfortunately, you’ll have few of left after buying the Signals.

Urban style and backwoods functionality come at a cost. As in—wait for it—$225. Yikes.

It’s a real shame they’re so pricey because they’re the only pants you’ll ever want to wear. Every pair of pants should be this comfortable. Finally, there’s a pant with pajama-like comfort that isn’t pajamas—something a self-respecting grownup can wear on an airplane; to the grocery store; or, I don’t know, on a hot date at the farmers’ market where, if you accidentally squish an heirloom tomato against your crotch, you can wipe it off and not suffer the indignity of having a crotch stain while on a hot date. So there’s that First World problem solved.

The takeaway is, if you can afford them, they’re perfect for stashing on the bike, and tackling whatever comes your way when you’re off it. For most of us, we’ll just have to wait for Old Navy to make something similar (and of lower quality).

Mission Workshop Sector Merino Tee

Two T-shirts. Two thousand miles. That was the goal. As with the other apparel, the tees needed to be a bit technical—no wrinkled, reeking schmattas that would make me unpleasant to be around after a day in the saddle. Mission Workshop once again comes through with a stylish, functional upgrade.

The Sector tee is constructed of a unique thread: lightweight merino wool spun around a core of nylon for added durability. If you think merino wool is only for cold weather, think again. It’s breathable, helps regulate body temperature, and is naturally odor resistant.

The Sector tee has a slub cotton look with a slight sheen that differentiates it from standard cotton tees. In terms of odor resistance, the Sector does a commendable job. After sweating all day under an airbag-equipped riding jacket, I didn’t smell fresh as a daisy but the zone of stench was confined to my personal space. The tees didn’t pass my own pit test but other people (apparently) couldn’t smell me. I’ll call that a win. A regular tee would have let me down; each morning I would have put on a clammy rag of a T-shirt and known I’d be the smelly kid. The Sector tees felt “clean” every morning without looking like something gym rats would wear to crush their dailies in.

I wish the collar was ribbed to help it keep its shape, but other than that, it’s a great T-shirt, which for $72 it’d better be. Mission Workshop makes expensive clothes.

At the end of the day, for motorcycle travel, the minimalist wardrobe can be put together well. So even if Mission Workshop’s wares are priced beyond your means, or offend your sense of frugality, they offer a model for the type of gear that can take you from saddle, to trail, to table.

Verdict

Gear Grade Summary Price
Mission Workshop Signal Pants B The Signal pants are an A+ pair of pants, but their high price makes them out of reach for most. $225
Mission Workshop Sector Tee B MW’s merino tees mate high performance with low-key looks, but could use a ribbed collar and a more down-to-earth price. $72
Lems Boulder Boots A The only travel boot on the market that’s as stylish and comfortable as it is packable. Panniers rejoice. $150

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

News

Flex commissions ban good for consumers says YMF

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Ban introduced by Australian Securities and Investments Commission comes into place.

Image: Foremost Media.

A ban on flex commissions implemented by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as of 1 November 2018 has been met with encouragement from national management at Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF).

The high-profile ban on flex commissions is across the automotive finance market including motorcycles for consumers, introduced to result in fairer and more transparent loans for customers.

Flex commissions were previously paid by lenders to dealerships, which ASIC says led to loans being granted at excessive and opportunistic rates since the higher the interest rates, the larger the commissions earned by dealers.

The ban is anticipated to provide consumers interest rates based on their financial position through an individual credit score, rather than their ability to negotiate. Now the lender determines the interest rates offered and dealers cannot suggest alternate higher rates that earns them added commissions. Lower rates can be offered however, of benefit to the consumer.

YMF, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Australia, launched in 2002, and available throughout Yamaha dealerships across the country. YMF national sales manager Michael Singh said the new simplified model will certainly result in greater transparency for consumers and that customers will receive the right product for their financial situation.

“The flex commission changes will be good for consumers,” Singh stated. “At YMF we always try to ensure that the product is right for the customer and that it fits their budget. The new flex changes will help to speed up the loan application process within Yamaha dealerships, making it even more convenient for consumers, which is very important to us.”

Interest rates are now largely to be determined by each customer’s Equifax Australia Credit Score. YMF has invested new technology and has completed extensive training within its dealer network to coincide with regulations set by ASIC. Turnaround times for YMF applicants to receive interest rates on finance will be within seconds once data collected by the dealer is entered into the system.

An indicative rate can be quoted by dealers prior to applying for finance, however a final and accurate rate will only be generated once the application has been lodged. A responsible lending factor to ensure credit criteria must still be met, while the ability for lenders to conduct finance promotions through manufacturers will remain unaffected.

According to ASIC, lenders who do not comply with the ban face penalties of up to $420,000 per contravention and ASIC will be monitoring lenders to ensure they are complying and the prohibition is operating as intended. A review of procedures has been taking place for around five years, leading up to the flex commissions ban.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au