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Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service

GSX-R owners of the affected models and years should hurry to take part in the incentive program for the Suzuki GSX-R recall before it expires.

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Suzuki Announces Enhanced Incentive Program for GSX-R Recall Service

Customers with affected GSX-R models are eligible for free pick-up and delivery in addition to the $100 prepaid Visa card when recall is completed

Brea, CA (November 8, 2018) – Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is announcing that free pickup and delivery is now part of the trial incentive program announced in September to increase completion of the front brake master cylinder recall service on select GSX-R models. For a limited time Suzuki will arrange to have a customer’s affected motorcycle transported to a Suzuki dealership for the recall service and then returned at no charge. The free pickup and delivery offer is in addition to the incentive that provides eligible customers a $100.00 prepaid Visa card upon completion of their motorcycle’s recall service.

Suzuki’s goal is to reach customers who own or ride affected 2004 – 2013 GSX-R600/750 and 2005 – 2013 GSX-R1000 models, and to inspect and repair the front brake master cylinder on those affected models as quickly as possible. The eligible period for the Visa card incentive and the free pickup and delivery option runs between September 1, 2018, and November 30, 2018. The number of free motorcycle transportation opportunities and incentives are limited, and will be fulfilled on a first come basis.

“Safety is our number one priority and we want to ensure every affected GSX-R is repaired. We created this trial incentive program to bring additional attention to the brake master cylinder recall service on these GSX-R models.” said Steve Muthig, SMAI Vice President of Service. “We recognize that taking your motorcycle to the dealer for any recall service can be inconvenient and with the $100 prepaid Visa card we hope to offset that inconvenience to our valued customers. With free pickup and delivery we can help customers who may have weather concerns or other obstacles preventing them from getting their motorcycles to the dealership for the recall service.”

Customers who want to arrange transportation of their affected GSX-R to the dealership for the recall service can contact the Suzuki Customer Service Department at (714) 572-1490. A customer service representative will coordinate the transportation of the motorcycle to the dealer and its recall service.

Suzuki began notifying eligible customers of the trial incentive program on September 1, 2018. The program requires customers to get their affected motorcycles to an authorized Suzuki dealer for recall repair completion between September 1, 2018 and November 30, 2018. After the recall service is done, customers can register the repair at a special website and once that claim is verified from the dealer-submitted warranty claim, qualified customers will be sent the prepaid Visa card.

“Our dealers know of the importance of completing any recall service and have been briefed about the trial incentive program for the GSX-R brake master cylinder,” continued Muthig. “We will work closely with every dealer and customer to make sure their affected motorcycle receives all necessary recall service.”

Suzuki customers can check to see if their motorcycle, ATV or scooter have any outstanding recall or service campaigns by visiting the Safety Recall Information page on www.SuzukiCycles.com.

The post Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain

We’d never have guessed that Ural would partner with Zero to produce an electric prototype, and now they have! We can’t wait to see what this looks like in person at the Long Beach IMS weekend.

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A TOTALLY NEW EXPERIENCE:

THE URAL ALL-ELECTRIC PROTOTYPE

FIRST PHASE

Ural Motorcycles finalized the first development phase of an all-electric sidecar motorcycle.  The electric prototype was built on the existing one-wheel drive cT chassis, utilizing Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary powertrain package (motor, batteries, controller and other components). California-based company ICG developed the overall design and was responsible for fabricating the initial prototype. Zero Motorcycles also provided the necessary engineering support during development and testing of the prototype that made this project possible.

At a glance, it’s still a Ural, but the electric bike offers a totally new experience

We always knew our sidecar is the perfect platform to build an electric motorcycle because it can offer what regular two-wheeled motorcycles don’t: passenger comfort, stability and safety, not to mention more space for batteries. Electric Ural is very easy to control, thanks to a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. It’s very stable thanks to its three wheels. It doesn’t have clutch or gear shifter, twisting the throttle is basically all you need to operate the bike. And it accelerates very quickly – for a Ural … Overall it’s a fun and very versatile vehicle that you can use almost like a car.

Ural

PROOF OF CONCEPT

Proof of concept was the main goal for this project. We went through several iterations, searching for the best configuration of the electric powertrain package. One of the main challenges was to find the optimal location for the batteries while maintaining passenger comfort, storage capacity and stability distinctive to Ural sidecars.

We accumulated a lot of data to be used in the next phase of the project

WHAT’S NEXT

The company has no immediate plans to manufacture an all-electric model at this time. The decision will ultimately be based on market research, consumer and industry experts’ feedback. We estimate it would take approximately 24 months to ramp up serial production upon final design approval. Production bike design would incorporate the latest battery technology and charging options.

WHERE TO SEE

The Electric Ural will be displayed at the Progressive Motorcycle Show in Long Beach November 16-18, 2018. Ural Motorcycles is currently organizing demo-ride events. Locations and dates to be announced. Sign up here to be first in the know.

The post Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Villopoto confirms AUS-X Open Sydney absence

Headlining American will not line-up inside Qudos Bank Arena tonight.

Source: Supplied.

Four-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto has confirmed he’ll be absent at today’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney, citing personal reasons following his father’s passing last week, along with an unforeseen issue.

The Yamaha ambassador was set to join headlining riders Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing), Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in the prestigious event, although he’s vowed to make it up to Australian fans that will complete a sell-out crowd this evening.

“I just want to share a note with the S-X Open Supercross fans to sincerely apologise as I will not be there today,” Villopoto stated via a social media post. “As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years.

“I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realise a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon.”

The AUS-X Open Sydney will feature a unique Triple Crown format across both SX1 and SX2 categories, as the night show boasts an extensive entertainment schedule, including the 2-Stroke Cup, Celebrity Challenge, Best Whip, FMX Best Trick and more.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Riders urged to check motorcycle spokes

Riders have been urged to check the spokes on their motorcycle wheels more frequently in the wake of one rider finding his badly handling bike had 10 loose spokes.

The result of loose spokes can be poor handling and can cause rapid tyre deflation on tubeless tyres.

Brisbane rider Mark Taylor says he had loose spokes on his four-month-old BMW R 1200 GS tightened during a tyre change at 3000km.

He had only ridden another couple of thousands kilometres before 10 spokes came loose again, causing the rear end to slide around.

Loose spokes
Mark and his GS

“The bike nearly bucked me off coming down a mountain road and started to oversteer in the corners,” he says.

“It scared the life out of me. I thought I was going to buy the farm.

“The dealer confirmed it’s a faulty wheel with 10 loose spokes.

“BMW Motorrad Australia have no replacements, so my bike will be off the road for up to five weeks until a new wheel comes from Germany.”

Other riders on BMW internet forums have also complained of the same issue.

BMW R 1200 GS spokes
BMW R 1200 GS spoked wheel

We contacted BMW Motorrad Australia who advised there is no safety recall on this issue.

“However, there is a service campaign and owners are encouraged to contact their dealer if there are concerns,” a spokesman says.

Mark is not happy and has contacted the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission seeking a safety recall on the model.

“My main issue is that these bikes are not safe to ride and should all be recalled straight away to be checked for potential deadly faults,” Mark says.

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding says that if an owner finds a safety related problem with their motorcycle they should always alert the manufacturer and ask for it to be investigated.

“Not only is this a safeguard against continuing to ride a bike with a potential safety risk but it may also give an early warning to the manufacturer of a possible defect affecting a wider group or riders.”

All riders whose bikes have spoked wheels should periodically check them for loose, broken or rusted spokes.

It’s a simple process.

Just lightly tap each spoke with a screwdriver or metal object.

They should all make a similarly pitched “ping” sound. If they make a lower, dull “thud”, then they are loose.

To tighten a spoke, turn the nut or “nipple” on the end closest to the tyre in a clockwise direction.

Like tuning a piano or guitar, you need to get the spoke to make the same tone as the surrounding spokes. Don’t over-tighten.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
https://motorbikewriter.com/riders-urged-check-spokes/

AUS-X Open’s Saturday schedule to air live on Fox Sports

News 10 Nov 2018

 

Free-to-air replay to be televised on 10 Boss this Sunday afternoon.

Image: Supplied.

The 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney will be aired live on Fox Sports once again this Saturday night, with a free-to-air replay scheduled for 10 Boss.

Fox Sports 506 will televise the night show live between 7:00-10:00pm AEDT (local time), including the Triple Crown main events to decided the Australian SX1 and SX2 championships.

Also factoring as the opening round of the inaugural S-X Open FIM Oceania Championship, a highlights replay will be broadcast on the new-look 10 Boss from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday, 11 November.

Of the international markets, only New Zealand has been confirmed by organisers so far, also due to air live at Sky Sports 1 on Saturday evening from between 9:00pm-12:00am.

MotoOnline.com.au will feature updates from trackside within Qudos Bank Arena via our regular Racefeed feature, including updates and results as they happen throughout the title-deciding weekend in Sydney.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

RiderBuds Reach Indiegogo Goal In 3 Hours!

Motorcyclists who ride with earphones are well aware of the issues associated with using them. First, most earphones/earbuds protrude from the ear and make donning a helmet a challenge without pulling them out of place. Second, many earbuds do nothing to protect a rider’s hearing by attenuating the noise of high-speed wind flowing past the helmet. RiderBuds appear to address both of these issues. You can bet that we’re anxious to test them!

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Discover RiderBuds: The Ultimate Earphone for Motorcycle Riders

The innovative audio solution for riders successfully reaches its crowdfunding goal in 3 hours.

New York, NY – November 7- RiderBuds™has just launched its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, and after only 3 hours reached its $30,000 goal and has more than doubled since.  

RiderBuds

Two styles of tips will be supplied with RiderBuds.

RiderBuds™ are known as the “Ultimate” earphones for riders: they combine comfort, crisp sound at any speed, and protect your hearing.

RiderBuds

Note how typical earbuds protrude from the ear.

“We’ve created quite literally the smallest earphones ever made,” says Maurice Dziubinski, CEO and founder of the startup.

RiderBuds are specially made for motorcycle riders and are sized to fit entirely inside the ear canal. Maurice said,  “This is the only and best way to make sure they don’t interfere with the proper wear of the helmet, no matter how tight it is.”

Say goodbye to earphones getting dislodged, breaking seal, or becoming uncomfortable on long rides.

The startup founder claims to have done his homework. “Over the last year of research and development, I’ve talked with over 1,000 riders around the world in the process. We’ve also done a few thousand surveys. We’ve listened and created what everyone wanted – RiderBuds is the final solution to all of riders’ main challenges with audio.”

RiderBuds are funding through Indiegogo now – early adopters can still pre-order them at the special $129 price, discounted $70 off the MSRP.

RiderBuds Indiegogo Campaign Page

They will go to production as soon as their campaign ends, and deliver the final product around May 2019.

RiderBuds

 

The post RiderBuds Reach Indiegogo Goal In 3 Hours! appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Yamaha To Debut Some Interesting Concepts at CES 2019

Yamaha is set to unveil some exciting concepts in January at CES 2019.

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IWATA, November 9, 2018 – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) announced today that it will exhibit five models at CES 2019, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, to be held in Las Vegas, U.S.A. over four days from January 8 to 11, 2019.

The Yamaha booth will feature a total of five models, including 1) the Public Personal Mobility(PPM), a people service system based on low-speed autonomous driving, which has many potential applications such as in transport infrastructure and business utilization, 2)the next-generation concept model of industrial-use unmanned helicopters, which will have a higher payload to provide unprecedented air solutions, 3) the TRITOWN concept model, which offers completely new electric personal mobility through its two front wheel LMW mechanism, 4) the NIKEN large sports bike launched in 2018, which also utilizes the LMW mechanism, and 5) an installation of artificial intelligence technology developed by Yamaha Corporation, with which Yamaha Motor shares the Yamaha brand. In addition, Yamaha Motor will conduct demonstrations of the PPM featuring an “AI conductor” on the dedicated paths adjacent to the venue during the period of the tradeshow.

This exhibition aims to discover new partners from any field of endeavor, creating technological innovation and new businesses through open innovation.

Yamaha Motor Booth Overview

■Period: Tuesday, January 8 to Friday, January 12, 2019
■Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A
■Yamaha Motor Booth: South Hall 2 / Booth size: 225m²

Models Exhibited

■Public Personal Mobility (PPM) (Reference vehicle)

Mobility service system with a wide range of potential applications based on low-speed autonomous driving and passenger-cargo shared usage

PPM is a form of comfortable and convenient on-demand compact low-speed mobility for “one-mile” short-distance travel. Its simple construction enables customization for a variety of applications, such as transportation of passengers and/or cargo, or further conversion into a mobile sales kiosk. In anticipation of further future autonomous travel, provisions for a variety of user-friendly mobility service applications will be showcased such as the AI-based facial recognition registration and communication between the vehicle (robot) and the passenger (human).

PPM demonstration

uring CES2019, Yamaha Motor will conduct demonstrations of the PPM featuring an “AI conductor” on the dedicated paths adjacent to the South Hall which houses the Yamaha Motor booth. After facial recognition registration on devices provided at the Yamaha Booth or the boarding point, the passenger can control the specific AI conductor on their demonstration vehicle. In addition, the AI conductor controls the start and stop of the vehicle through the passenger’s gestures. Visitors can experience the future of personal travel made possible by the Yamaha autonomous systems.

■Next-generation industrial-use unmanned helicopters

Delivering flight high above ground level as well as a 70kg payload capability to provide new air solutions (Reference product)Industrial-use unmanned helicopter concept model

Building on Yamaha Motor’s 35 years of experience in industrial-use unmanned helicopter, this concept model features series of innovations that enables the payload of 70kg, double that of the latest model. Flight controls will also be updated to feature latest technology such as collision avoidance, stable flight in atmospheric turbulence, and terrain following flights in mountainous areas. In addition, utilizing its autonomous flight capabilities, this model can provide unprecedented air solutions for a range of applications such as aerial delivery, measurement, inspection, aerial photography, and surveillance through attachment of application-specific equipment. (The image shown here is the latest FAZER R G2, Automated Navigation Unmanned Helicopter.)

■Unveiling of New TRITOWN Design (Reference vehicle)

Electric personal mobility for enjoyable and comfortable last-mile travel

Compact electric stand-up riding mobility with LMW (two front wheel mechanism). The simple structure in which the rider’s posture controls the balance of the vehicle means that it can be brought to a stop while still in a riding position. The lightweight and compact body makes for easy operation, creating a short-distance mobility tool accessible to a diverse range of people, and making last-mile travel enjoyable and exciting. The TRITOWN concept exhibit was the talk of the Tokyo Motor Show 2017, and the new design will be exhibited for the first time at CES2019.
(The image shown here is of the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 concept model)

■New Leaning Multi Wheel NIKEN launched in 2018

Motorcycle that delivers both relaxation and excitement via two front wheels (Production vehicle)

New model LMW with an 845cm 3 liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine. The NIKEN is a next-generation LMW that provides advanced LMW technology with a combination of unwavering cornering capability supported by a sense of stability, and a high-quality cruise performance that maintains rider comfort even over long distances. By adopting a new and exclusively-developed steering mechanism, not only is the sense of stability unique to LMW, but also sporty and smooth cornering as well as a natural steering feel are provided. In addition to the sense of stability, with the introduction of a range of other control technologies, NIKENowners are treated to a relaxed ride even during long distance touring. This new model enables the riders to enjoy both the trip to the destination and also after arriving at the destination.

■Installation of artificial intelligence technology

Exhibition by Yamaha Corporation, with which Yamaha Motor shares the Yamaha brand (Reference product)

This installation showcases artificial intelligence technology developed by Yamaha Corporation. The system analyzes and corrects the music performance in real time, aiding the performer to create a natural performance close to the musical score.

The post Yamaha To Debut Some Interesting Concepts at CES 2019 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Brayton on provisional pole at AUS-X Open Sydney

News 9 Nov 2018

 

Brayton on provisional pole at AUS-X Open Sydney

Hayes tops SX2 timesheets as Cuka and West earn junior class titles.

Image: Supplied.

Current Australian Supercross Championship SX1 points leader Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) has landed on provisional pole in Friday’s qualifying at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.

The number one plated American lodged a stellar 32.005s time to position himself atop the timesheets, as Yamaha-mounted Dan Reardon sliced his way to the second fastest time of 32.650s, just ahead of international star Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) in third.

Reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) was fourth fastest, followed by fifth’s Lawson Bopping in his return to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team.

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Luke Clout finished sixth on the timesheets ahead of Australian supercross legend Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing), while the top 10 was rounded out by Jace Owen (Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing), Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing) and Dylan Long (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team).

American guest Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha) topped the SX2 times with a blistering 33.090s, comfortably edging out Jy Roberts’ (Husqvarna) time of 33.896s. Serco Yamaha’s Wilson Todd pushed through for the quickest time, as the top five was rounded out by championship leader Jay Wilson (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing).

Positions six through to 10 were completed by Aaron Tanti (Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing), Hayden Mellross (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna), Jackson Richardson (Penrite CRF Honda Racing), Dylan Wills (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) and Josh Osby (Raceline Pirelli KTM).

Mason Rowe (KTM) captured victory in the SX2 qualification race, which saw the top four riders granted an opportunity to contest tomorrow night’s show. He was joined by Cooper Pozniak (Yamaha), Blake Cobbin (KTM) and Josh Brewster (KTM) in the first four.

Former champion Ryan Marmont (KTM) dominated both heats of the 2-Stroke Cup, defeating Justin Carafa (Yamaha) and Taylor Potter (Honda) in the opening outing, while the second time out he beat home Danny Ham (Yamaha) and Carafa.

A third in the Junior Lites class was enough for Yamaha’s Jake Cuka to clinch the title, while Brandon Steel (KTM) broke through for the overall win in Sydney ahead of Steel and Jai Walker (Husqvarna).

The Junior 85cc championship was wrapped by Brad West (Kawasaki) following a thrilling finale, as the night was taken out by Cambell Williams (KTM), Jack Mather (KTM) and Ryder Kingsford (Yamaha).

Qualifying and racing resumes tomorrow night along with an extensive schedule of entertainment at Qudos Bank Arena for the main show of the AUS-X Open, which will mark the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Raceline’s Evans ruled out of AUS-X Open weekend

News 9 Nov 2018

 

Early end to supercross season prompts speculation on future in Sydney.

Image: Foremost Media.

Outdoor revelation Mitch Evans will skip this weekend’s final round of the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship in Sydney.

Evans, 19, won’t be in action at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney despite declaring he is 100 percent fit and had been preparing for the international event.

Although details remain scarce, speculation mounting at Qudos Bank Arena suggest Evans will now part ways with Raceline KTM after it was initially expected he would stay-put for 2019. It’s a major development in KTM’s plans for next season, with Raceline widely being tipped to be taking over factory duties from next year.

Representatives from the Raceline team and KTM Australia declined to comment when contacted this week, while attempts to contact Evans have been unsuccessful. He will be in attendance on the sidelines this weekend, according to a brief statement made via social media.

One major rumour surfacing since his announcement that he will miss Sydney is that Evans will instead embark on a European career from next year, linked to a full-time MX2 World Championship seat as the local silly season moves into overdrive.

Evans had a phenomenal outdoor season on debut in MX1 this year, finishing second behind triple champion Dean Ferris in the Pirelli MX Nationals and then going on to claim fourth overall as part of Team Australia in the Motocross of Nations (MXoN).

Remaining committed to representing Australia alongside Hunter Lawrence and Kirk Gibbs at RedBud, Evans missed the opening the three rounds of supercross but returned at Port Adelaide’s penultimate round, finishing a promising sixth overall.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Anderson ‘expected to win’ AUS-X Open with champion status

Sydney event offers pre-season break according to the factory Husqvarna rider.

Image: Foremost Media.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson believes he’s ‘expected to win’ tomorrow night’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney as he enters as the reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion.

Anderson, who lifted the AUS-X Open crown on night two last year at Qudos Bank Arena, says the prestigious event offers a beneficial break in his preparations for an extensive 2019 campaign that’s set to see him defend the prized number one plate.

“It’s cool to come to here, race and have fun more than anything,” Anderson told MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s a good event and good competition, but coming in as a champion, you’re expected to win. I’d say it’s preparation, but first and foremost, I’m contracted to do the US series, but after that’s over, it’s one of my number one races to try come over and do. It’s a nice little break in the off-season.”

The American ace will be joined by Australian legend Chad Reed (Autotrader Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) and fellow AMA regular Dean Wilson (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) as the headlining riders of the AUS-X Open, which marks the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au