Watch this epic 10,000km ride across Siberia

A photo of a dilapidated bridge in Siberia was the inspiration for this epic trip across Russia and Mongolia beautifully captured in this 30-minute “Broken Roads to Siberia” video.

Broken Roads to Siberia 

The 10,000km “Broken Roads to Siberia” journey started when Finnish rider Jyri Koski started planning an off-road route to the infamous Vitim River Bridge in Siberia.

It’s an old train bridge crossing the Vitim River which is only six-foot-wide path. Its old metal structure is covered with rotting wooden planks, which can be slippery due to frequent ice in the area.

Once the route was planned, Jyri needed a riding partner and a host for his planned travel film, so he sent a message to his friend Tuukka Josefsson with a picture of the dangerously dilapidated bridge.

“Do you want to join me for a motorcycle ride to this bridge in Siberia?” Jyri asked in the message.

Tuukka was in immediately!  

Bikes and gearSiberia

“Next important task was to select the motorcycle for the adventure,” Tyre says.

“It had to be light enough, yet strong enough to carry all the gear and take the beating as well as a great off-roader and of course fun to ride.

KTM 690 Enduro R filled all our requirements.”

Jyri and Tuukka replaced the air filter box with an additional 6.5-litre fuel tank and carried extra five-litre fuel canisters with them.

That gave them about 400km fuel range, depending on the riding conditions.

Riding gear was another important selection as Jyri and Tuukka needed protection from Siberia’s harsh conditions.

They chose Rukka’s new “Rough Roads” motorcycle wear, specially made for adventure riding.

For light and rugged luggage, Jyri and Tuukka opted for Kriega’s luggage system.   

Film festivals

Wildfire dangers in Siberia
Wildfire dangers in Siberia

Their journey through Russian wilderness, Altai mountains, Mongolian deserts and Siberian taiga takes its toll on the young riders as seen in their video.

“Broken Roads to Siberia” has been selected for several film festivals around the world: French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival, Travel FilmFest International Film Festival, MotoTematica Rome Motorcycle Film Festival and The Adventure Travel Film Festival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Industry Council Swings Into Action!

Longtime motorcycle industry thinktank the MIC has noticed Americans aren’t buying quite as many motorcycles as they once did – prior to the Great Recession of a decade ago, anyway – and has decided to take not-so-swift action by hiring The Centauric Group to get to the bottom of why the heck not?

“This is not designed to be a quick fix, nor is it just about sales,” said Chuck Boderman, MIC vice chair, and vice president, motorcycle division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To us, this sounds like the kind of project that could keep people with advanced degrees busy for quite some time, and will require lots of meetings and strategic planning.

“Centauric has committed an impressive multi-disciplinary team of behavioral scientists, engineers, and business consultants, and takes a unique approach to problem-solving. We are excited to be working with them on this critical initiative,” saidsaid Paul Vitrano, MIC board chair and senior assistant general counsel at Indian Motorcycle and Polaris Inc.

From its suite of offices in tony La Jolla, California, Centauric’ site says it “offers an array of consulting services specifically targeting the challenges facing today’s leaders and their organizations. From Fortune 100 companies to start-ups, across sectors from financial services to high-tech and healthcare, we help clients survive and thrive at pivotal moments.”

Good luck MIC and Centauric! We eagerly await the next motorcycle boom.

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MIC Press Release:

MIC Launches Long-Term Initiative

to Attract New Riders

  • Consulting firm Centauric LLC selected to lead research-based phase of long-term program
  • Strategic plan to be unveiled at the MIC’s AIMExpo Presented by Nationwide

 

IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2019 – The Motorcycle Industry Council is launching a broad, long-term initiative to bring more people into the world of motorcycling, the MIC board of directors announced today.

 “It’s clear the industry needs to reach and inspire new customers. While many of us, with our individual businesses, have taken steps to grow ridership, we also should be working together, and the MIC wants to help make that happen,” said Paul Vitrano, MIC board chair and senior assistant general counsel at Indian Motorcycle and Polaris Inc. “To help us fully understand the barriers to entry, and to create an inclusive strategic plan to conquer those barriers that will be available to all stakeholders, we have partnered with a team of researchers and strategists to bring fresh perspectives to this challenge and opportunity.”

 Following a months-long competitive search, the MIC hired consulting firm Centauric LLC to lead the first phase of this initiative. “Centauric has committed an impressive multi-disciplinary team of behavioral scientists, engineers, and business consultants, and takes a unique approach to problem-solving. We are excited to be working with them on this critical initiative,” Vitrano said.

 With the MIC’s in-depth library of primary industry research as a starting point, Centauric has begun conducting secondary and additional primary research that, after a series of ideation and solution labs involving a mix of industry stakeholders, will lead to a strategic plan. The plan will be presented at the MIC’s American International Motorcycle Expo Presented by Nationwide in September in Columbus, Ohio.

 “This is not designed to be a quick fix, nor is it just about sales,” said Chuck Boderman, MIC vice chair, and vice president, motorcycle division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “It’s about showing people how motorcycles can fit into and enrich their lives, no matter where they live, what they do, what their hobbies are, or how old or young they are. This will take time, so we are committed to building a campaign that takes the long view.  We strongly encourage the entire industry to attend AIMExpo to learn more about the program, and how united as one, we can attract new riders to motorcycling.” 

 To register to attend AIMExpo presented by Nationwide, September 26-29, click here.

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The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

 The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at mic.org.

The post Motorcycle Industry Council Swings Into Action! appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Harley affair is a real-life true love story

If you are interested in reading a true love story with motorcycles as a central theme, check out Mary Jane Black’s debut novel, “She Rode a Harley”.

The 256-page book is a tale of abuse, true love and loss. It is published by She Writes Press and goes on sale in October 2019.

You can pre-order the paperback at $US16.95 and Kindle at $US9.95 from Amazon.

Harley build is a true love story

True love

“She Rode a Harley”  starts with the school teacher’s account of her escape from an abusive marriage.

Mary Jane then meets and falls in love with Dwayne on a blind date.

Dwayne, a biker since he was 13, teaches her how to save herself by believing in her own strength, power, and individuality.

Harley build is a true love story
Mary Jane

They marry and Dwayne also teaches Mary Jane how to build and ride a Harley.

On our wedding day, Dwayne and I made a vow to love each other until death and to buy a Harley together,” Mary Jane says.

“Within a year we bought and rebuilt together our first Harley, a 1980 Shovelhead. It’s called that because the top of the motor looks like an upside-down shovel.

“Eventually, Dwayne brought home my first Harley which was a police Road King. Hesitant at first, I loved the feeling when the large motorcycle rumbled beneath me as we danced down the highway.

“Even though I don’t own a Harley now, I still see myself as a biker, a Harley rider.”

The bike becomes a symbol for Mary Jane’s newfound independence and strength.

Tragedy strikes

Mary Jane ends up following the white lines with Dwayne through 15 years of marriage.

Traveling together, they learn to be partners, both on and off the road, until Dwayne is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Mary Jane writes of caregiving, and the joy and pain inherent in a love meant to last.

She not only has to take on a new role as caretaker, but also bike mechanic.

The story I tell of my marriage to Dwayne was building inside of me from the moment we sat in a doctor’s office and received his cancer diagnosis,” Mary Jane says.

“We had a remarkable love story. know everyone probably says that. However, we were both over 40 and love had almost wrecked both of us before we got together.

“I escaped an abusive relationship before I met him.

“At my first memoir workshop three years after Dwayne’s death, the dam inside me broke, and I wrote the first essay for the memoir. By the time I went home, I had three essays completed. 

In the pages of my book, Dwayne lives again. I want my readers to meet this remarkable man, for them to join us on the incredible road trip that was our life together.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

2019 Triumph Rocket 3 R/GT | First Look Review

Triumph Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT
Triumph has given its Rocket 3 muscle bike a major makeover, with the new Rocket 3 GT touring cruiser (left) and Rocket 3 R roadster (right) both powered by a 2,458cc in-line triple. (Photos courtesy Triumph)

In the late ’90s
and early aughts, there was a displacement war going on among cruisers, with
engine sizes growing from 1,449cc (Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88) to 1,510cc
(Victory 92C), then up to 1,670cc (Yamaha Star Road Star), 1,795cc (Honda
VTX1800) and finally, breaking the two-liter barrier, 2,053cc in the Kawasaki
Vulcan 2000, which debuted for 2004.

Triumph Rocket 3 R
Both Triumph Rocket 3s roll on new lightweight cast aluminum wheels shod with Avon Cobra Chrome tires. The rear is 240mm wide.

The following year, Triumph came along and topped them all with the Rocket III, which got its thrust from a massive 2,294cc in-line triple, albeit with an extra cylinder compared to the more traditional V-twins. But, just as a hippopotamus doesn’t have many teeth but the ones it does have are truly impressive, the Rocket III’s 4-inch cylinders were the same size as those in a Chevy 350ci V-8.

Read: 2014 Triumph Rocket III Touring Road Test Review

The Rocket III’s was – and continues to be – the largest engine of any mass-produced motorcycle, and when we strapped it to the dyno back in 2005, it spun the drum to the tune of 127 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque – an unheard-of amount of grunt that has only been beaten by a more recent version of the Rocket III. The 2010 Rocket III Roadster made more than 160 lb-ft of torque.

Triumph Rocket 3 R engine
Arranged longitudinally, the Rocket 3’s liquid-cooled 2,458cc in-line triple has three massive cylinders, three hydroformed exhaust headers exiting on the right side and a pair of howitzer-sized mufflers.

Of course, if you’ve been paying attention, then you know that Triumph recently unveiled the Rocket 3 TFC, a $29,000 limited-edition Triumph Factory Custom that was a major reboot for the Rocket 3 platform, and it’s powered by an even bigger in-line triple displacing 2,458cc and making a claimed 168 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. At nearly 2.5 liters, the new Rocket 3’s engine is larger than that of many automobiles. The Rocket 3 TFC is also a much more modern platform than its predecessor (which is probably why the “III” was replaced by “3”), with updated styling, an aluminum frame, a single-sided swingarm, carbon fiber bodywork and a full suite of electronics.

Read: 2019 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) First Look Review

Now Triumph has
unveiled two production models, the Rocket 3 R and the Rocket 3 GT, the latter
aimed at those who like to travel longer distances, with or without a
passenger. Claimed engine output is 165 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, in
a package that weighs nearly 90 pounds less than the previous-generation Rocket
III.

Triumph Rocket 3 R
The Triumph Rocket 3 R is a roadster with height-adjustable midmount foot controls.

Mass-optimized performance enhancements to the liquid-cooled engine include a new crankcase assembly, a new lubrication system with a dry sump and integral oil tank and new balancer shafts, which makes the new, larger engine 40 pounds lighter than its predecessor. On the right side is one of the Rocket 3’s most eye-catching styling elements – a trio of hydroformed exhaust headers leading to a pair of howitzer-sized mufflers, which Triumph says produce a “unique deep growling triple” soundtrack.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT
The Triumph Rocket 3 GT is a touring cruiser with a lower seat height, fore-aft adjustable feet-forward controls and a standard passenger backrest.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission with a torque-assist clutch, and all that asphalt-buckling power reaches the rear wheel through a stout driveshaft. Throttle-by-wire and an IMU support a host of electronic features, including four riding modes, cornering optimized ABS and traction control, cruise control and hill hold control.

Triumph Rocket 3 R Brembo brakes
Big bikes need big brakes, and the Rocket 3s have a pair of top-shelf Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers up front, and cornering ABS is standard.

Slowing down the
Rocket 3 are top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers, and its
adjustable fork and rear shock are made by Showa. New lightweight cast aluminum
wheels are shod with Avon Cobra Chrome tires, and the rear a full 240mm in
width.

Triumph Rocket 3 R TFT display
Fully modern in every sense, the new Triumph Rocket 3s have TFT instrument displays and a full suite of electronics. Monza-style gas cap is one of many premium styling touches.

The Rocket 3 leads the way with a pair of round headlights that have been a signature styling feature of many Triumphs since the Speed Triple was introduced in the mid ’90s. Lighting is fully LED with daytime running lights. Other standard features include a TFT display, a USB charging port and keyless ignition and steering lock.

Triumph Rocket 3 R headlights
Like many Triumph models, the Rocket 3s have the distinctive twin round headlights that became iconic on the Speed Triple in the mid ’90s. These are LEDs with daytime running lights.

Both Rocket 3 models feature sculpted rider and passenger saddles, and an accessory in-fill pad makes it easy to switch between two-up and solo seating configurations. Seat height for the rider is 30.4 inches on the Rocket 3 R. At 29.5 inches, it’s even lower on the Rocket 3 GT, which comes standard with a brushed aluminum passenger backrest. As a roadster, the Rocket 3 R has midmount foot controls with two vertical position settings (0 inch / -0.59 inch). The touring-oriented Rocket 3 GT has feet-forward foot controls with three horizontal positions (-0.98 inch / 0 inch / +0.98 inch), and the passenger backrest is also height adjustable.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT with luggage
For the long haul, both Rocket 3 models can be accessorized with soft saddlebags, a tank bag and/or a tail bag.

A wide range of
accessories are available for both models, including heated grips (standard on
the GT, optional on the R), a quickshifter, GoPro integration, turn-by-turn
navigation via the My Triumph app, Bluetooth connectivity, tire-pressuring
monitoring, luggage (soft saddlebags, tank bag and tail bag), a sport windscreen
and various handlebar and seat accessories.

The 2019 Triumph Rocket 3 R will be available in Korosi Red (shown) or Phantom Black, and the Rocket 3 GT will be available in Two-tone Silver Ice and Storm Grey with Korosi Red pinstripe decal (shown) or Phantom Black. Pricing and availability will be announced at the Rocket 3 press launch, which is scheduled for November.

Read: Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 LE Sneak Peek

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Meat Us in Sturgis

Something about being on the open road all day on a motorcycle unleashes the caveman meat-eating side of me. You? Hmmmm, that inspires some sort of touring bike comparison in which we ride from BBQ joint to BBQ joint… I can almost see it now – Smokin’ Hot Sport-Tourer Smackdown!

Thor Drake has gone us one better, teaming up with the Traeger smoker people and Indian to build a Chieftain that does the smoking while you’re doing the riding. Genius.


Indian Press Release:

Renowned custom builder Thor Drake of See See Motorcycles had a dream to cook while out on the open road.  After months of thought he decided to bring together two heritage brands – Indian Motorcycle and Traeger Wood-Fired Grills.

Thor Drake, genius.

Custom building a one-of-a-kind Indian Springfield Darkhorse with an Ironwood 885 wood pellet grill, attached as its sidecar. The end result is an all-time classic.

This Springfield Darkhorse features a fully functional Traeger Ironwood Grill, allowing the rider to experience the thrill of riding while cooking a delicious wood fired meal. Leave those greasy spoon diners in the rear-view mirror and chow down on juicy brisket, smoky ribs, and killer pulled pork wherever your travels take you.

This beast will make its debut at the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, rolling thunder and smoke at this world-famous South Dakota event.

A video of the design, concept and building of the bike will launch shortly after the Sturgis Rally.

About Traeger:

Traeger Grills, headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for over 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Traeger pellet grills use 100% all-natural hardwood fuel to infuse food with flavorful smoke, making food taste delicious and most of all, memorable. As the inventor of the original and world’s top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger utilizes wood-fired convection power to provide 6-in-1 versatility; grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ meals to perfection every time. Visit www.traegergrills.com for more information and to purchase Traeger grills and accessories.

The post Meat Us in Sturgis appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Rabat and Reale Avintia Racing pen two-year deal

Reale Avintia Racing team have announced a new agreement has been reached with Tito Rabat for the 2020 and 2021 MotoGP™ seasons. The former Moto2™ World Champion will continue for two more years with the team owned by Raul Romero, who now aims at getting state-of-the-art bikes with the latest factory specifications, as well as a factory technical crew. Furthermore, and thanks to the excellent relationship between Esponsorama and Rabat family, the team is in negotiations with a major sponsor to complete an ambitious project which will allow Reale Avintia Racing to fight for strong results in the upcoming seasons.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

New Gear: Joe Rocket Reactor 3.0 Jacket

Joe Rocket Reactor 3.0 Jacke
Joe Rocket Reactor 3.0 Jacket.

Mesh? Leather? Why not both? Joe Rocket’s Reactor 3.0 jacket is made from a combination of Free Air mesh and 1.2mm leather, and it even includes a removable windproof liner for cooler temps. The Reactor 3.0 includes CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor, a back pad and fitment adjusters at the waist, wrists and forearms, and it uses heavy-duty YKK zippers. It’s available in Black, Red/Black and Blue/Black in men’s sizes S-3XL for $239.99.

See your dealer or visit joerocket.com

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Are you ready for the next phase? Welcome to the Pro Draft!

The quickest nine from Europe, comprising of three from each console, and the fastest three from the Rest of the World, one per console, will then qualify for the Global Series, a six-race Championship that will be held at three different locations visited by the MotoGP™ World Championship. But before that, one last step will be held: The Final Draft. 

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

David Johnson to race Ulster Grand Prix with Honda Racing

David Johnson ready to fire at Ulster GP

Aussie road racer David Johnson will be jetting to Dundrod from the heat of his Adelaide home to race in the 2019 fonaCAB Ulster Grand Prix that gets underway next week, August 3-10. 

The 36 year old will be having his first outing on the Honda Racing machines since the Isle of Man TT when he lines-up on the UGP grid for the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races.

“I am looking forward to the Ulster because I will be riding bikes I am familiar with this year.” Johnson explained before leaving Australia.

“When I rode for the Tyco BMW team last season I didn’t even sit on the bike before I got to Dundrod. I am also hoping the team will have a test day at Kirkistown before practice begins at the Ulster.”

IOMTT David Johnson Supertock Podium HondaImage
David Johnson on the Superstock podium – TT 2019

Johnson was a last minute replacement in the Moneymore based Tyco squad last August after Michael Dunlop opted to sit out the 2018 UGP following his brother William’s death.

The Adelaide racer made the most of his opportunity, giving the carbon fibre framed HP4 superbike it’s first international race rostrum after taking third place in Saturday’s curtailed Superbike race.

Johnson has been a steadying influence since joining the Honda Racing squad for 2019. The Adelaide man was overjoyed to claim his first podium finish at the TT with third place in the Superstock race.

“I had an awesome TT and we made big improvements with the bikes.” Johnson says.

“It was amazing, better than any race win I’ve ever had and I have gelled well with the team. My stocker was working perfectly.”

IOMTT David Johnson Supertock Podium HondaImage
David Johnson on the Superstock podium – TT 2019

After many seasons of roads success the official Honda team has not had an easy ride with the latest edition of the Fireblade. Johnson is confident he can overcome the issues that have dogged John McGuinness, Guy Martin and his current teammate Ian Hutchinson, who will miss this year’s Ulster to have further surgery on his injured leg.

“You have to knuckle down and make things work.” Johnson says.

“I get a set up and I don’t make changes until I need to and when I do I make them work.”

IOMTT David Johnson Supertock HondaImage
David Johnson – Superstock TT 2019

That determined approach paid off for the Aussie at the TT2019 and he is certain he can perform a similar feat at Dundrod.

“At the TT my bike was so different to what anyone had ridden in the past few years.” Johnson explained.

“We went against the Honda grain and my bike was chalk and cheese compared to Hutchy’s, especially on the suspension settings. What worked for me didn’t work for other people and we will have new linkages and a swing arm for the Ulster.”

IOMTT Superstock David Johnson
David Johnson – TT 2019

The Aussie had been confident he would have made a major step forward with the superbike in the Senior race but a broken crank sensor ended his race after just a lap.

Having previously helped develop the Norton superbike racer, Johnson has been inspired by the success of Conor Cummins over the past two seasons on the similar Padgett’s Honda Fireblade.

“I look at Conor and I see him riding unbelievably well.” Johnson says.

“The badge on the tank is the same as the one on our bikes and he is making it work.”

IOMTT David Johnson Superbike Pits HondaImage
David Johnson in the pits on the Superbike at TT 2019

Dundrod has not always been a happy hunting ground for the Australian though. Riding a Wilson Craig Honda in 2016, he crashed at Quarterlands during practice and broke his back. A year later he bounced back to take a 4th place finish in the Superstock race on the 4Anjels BMW.

“I want good weather and dry roads this year to really enjoy riding around here.” he said.

IOMTT David Johnson Supertock HondaImage
David Johnson – Superstock TT 2019

Now 36, Johnson feels this could be his time if the conditions are right.

“The older I am getting the faster I am going.” he joked.

“I’ve taken great confidence from the TT podium this year and the TT and Ulster are my favourite circuits. The two guys at the front at the moment, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison, plus Conor, are all setting the benchmark pretty high but I think I can push to be up there at the front with them.”

Another international road race podium is definitely on the cards Johnson says.

“A podium is within reach at Dundrod. It will be hard and a win would be another step but that’s what we have to work towards with a perfect set up for the bike.”

IOMTT David Johnson Superbike HondaImage
David Johnson on the Superbike – TT 2019

Source: MCNews.com.au

Can Viñales and Rossi fight for Brno victory?

“During this summer break, it was important to take some time off after the first part of the season and rest a bit,” said the nine-time World Champion, having been eighth last time out at the Sachsenring. But now, I can’t wait to be back on track, back aboard my M1 and concentrate on this second part. We will have two consecutive GPs where it will be necessary to work well and get the best possible results.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here