Suzuki revamps V-Strom range

Suzuki is tipped to unveil a revamped V-Strom range with an updated and maybe bigger engine with a cosmetic makeover to match the reborn Katana.

The company’s latest teaser video clearly shows the flagship 1037ccc model in all its glory with a squared LED headlight to reflect the more angular styling of the Katana model.

Does this mean more models in their range will follow this new design philosophy?

2019 Suzuki Katana deposits
Katana headlight

There is a clear shot of an updated tablet-style fully digital instrument panel which could mean updated connectivity and electronic wizardry.

It’s a blank screen and it looks like it doesn’t handle glare very well!2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1000

The windscreen looks taller, the seat is now split, it appears to have LED indicators, there’s an engine guard and is that a bigger fuel tank?

We also note different engine casings and a fatter exhaust pipe in the video which means they have likely updated the engine for next year’s tougher Euro5 emissions requirements.2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1000

That could also mean a bigger engine than the current 1037cc twin.

We won’t have long to wait to find out as the bike will be unveiled on Tuesday at the EICMA motorcycle showing Milan.2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1000

V-Strom 650 update?

This video only shows the flagship model, but we suspect the three 650 models will also get an update.

Why?

Because Suzuki Australia is currently offering great runout deals on both the 1000 and 650.

Check out the ride-away price bonuses:

The 250 “baby-strom” might also be in line for similar updates.

There may be some other treats from Suzuki at EICMA.

After years of teasing, Suzuki might unveil a turbo model, perhaps even a turbo Hayabusa or Katana. More likely it will be something in the mid-range engine capacity.

There will probably be a concept bike and an electric.

Some have even suggested a smaller version of the recently released Katana.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

Group Riding Best Practices

motorcycle group riding
Riding in a group, especially in busy urban areas, can be either fun and empowering or stressful and even dangerous. Follow the guidelines in this story, and hopefully your next group ride will be an enjoyable and safe experience.

For some, group riding is a quintessential part of the motorcycling experience, a rolling social gathering that happens as naturally as a family party. It’s a fun way to keep a group together when traveling, and modern communication technology has only made it easier. Yet even seasoned riders, if they spend most of their time solo or don’t know the others in the group well, can feel a bit unsure about the rules, expectations and etiquette of group riding. So to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of riding in a group and become the person everyone likes to ride with, we’ve put together this handy primer.

The Basics

Staggered formation. You’ve probably noticed how groups of riders space themselves out within their lane; we call this “staggered formation.” The purpose is pretty simple: it allows each rider a clear view ahead, along with space to the side for any quick or sudden maneuvering in the case of road hazards like potholes, rocks, critters, debris, etc. The leader is typically in the left portion of the lane, rider No. 2 is in the right portion, rider No. 3 in the left and so on. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends spacing yourself so that there is a two-second gap between you and the rider directly in front of you (see graphic below). As speeds increase, that means a longer distance, and at slow speeds (especially in heavy traffic areas) that means closing ranks and tightening up the formation.

Who rides where? Put an experienced, responsible rider in the lead position. The leader should obviously know the route you’re taking. The least experienced rider in the group goes next, in the No. 2 position behind and to the right of the leader. The last position, also called the “sweep,” should be another highly experienced rider. The sweeper should carry a first aid kit and tools, and should also know the route in case the group gets separated.

MSF staggered formation
Staggered formation is fundamental to group riding. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends maintaining a two-second gap between you and the rider directly in front of you, and roughly a one-second gap between you and the next rider in the formation. At slower speeds, that means tightening the ranks. Graphic courtesy the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Group size. Try to keep your group manageable — between five and seven riders is a good size. If necessary, break up large groups into smaller ones. 

Lane changes. Good leaders will be watching their mirrors, and will wait until there is a large enough space for the whole group to move over. Sometimes that’s just not possible, in which case the riders make individual lane changes, returning to their positions within the new lane. Maintain your speed when changing lanes! Remember that there are riders behind you who need to move over as well.

Communication. This is especially important in a group. The leader will often activate his or her turn signals early; following riders should also use their signals, essentially passing the message back. Some groups also like to use hand signals for upcoming turns: left arm straight out to the side for a left turn, left arm raised at a 90-degree angle for a right turn. There are a few other “universal” hand signals in the moto world: extending a hand down and opening and closing your fist tells another rider their turn signal is still on, and sticking a foot or hand out indicates a hazard in the road on either the left or right side. Below is a chart from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation showing some other common hand signals. Each group has their own way of communicating, so don’t be afraid to ask before you leave!

MSF hand signals
This chart from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation shows common hand signals used in group riding. Still, you should always check with your group to see if they use any special signals or ways of communicating.

Curves. When the road gets twisty, throw the staggered formation out the window. Forming a single file line gives you the space you need to lean and adjust your line if necessary. Remember this might also mean giving the rider ahead of you some extra space. 

Passing. Never blindly follow riders ahead of you when they pull out to pass a car. Move over to the left portion of the lane and wait until you have a clear view of the road ahead. That may mean waiting until the rider in front of you is safely back in the lane ahead of the vehicle you’re passing. Then check your mirror to make sure another speed demon isn’t trying to make the pass from behind you.

Being passed. Being passed by a single vehicle is easy: just let them go. There may be times when the vehicle doesn’t have the room to get around the whole group in one go. Don’t take offense, even if they’re obviously just being impatient. Open up a space and let them back in. There’s no sense in riding too close and putting yourself and the rest of your group in danger. 

But what if it’s another group of riders passing yours? Well, first off get in the habit of watching your mirrors (see Advanced Course below). That way you won’t be startled when riders start blasting past you. As the sweep rider, if you see another group approaching from behind, move to the right and wave them past. This lets them know that a) you see them, and b) you’re going to maintain your position to the right to safely allow them to pass. As a mid-pack or lead rider, keep an eye on your mirrors. If the headlight of the bike behind you moves to the right, look for passing riders and move right as well, waving them by. This can take time as the second group filters past, but just hold your right-side line and give your fellow riders a wave as they move on.

Staying together and on-track. Each group has its own procedure for this, and it’s something that should be discussed before you leave. Some groups prefer to stay in a pack at all times, with the leader pulling over immediately if you get separated, for example at a red light. Others, especially on long trips or when riding off-road, use the buddy system or back-marker technique. When approaching a turn or confusing intersection, check your mirrors. If you don’t see the rider behind you, pull over and wait. Basically you’re making sure that each turn is marked, and the sweep rider can pick up any stragglers.

Advanced Course

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about being a better group rider. Instead of blindly following the tail of the rider in front of you like a bored packhorse, being aware and proactive will make you a more proficient, safer rider with whom others want to ride!

Awareness. This is something you should be practicing anytime you’re on the bike, not just in a group. You’re always scanning ahead, checking your mirrors and watching the patterns of other drivers, right? Don’t get lazy just because you’re surrounded by your “pack!” Watch your leader. If your group is stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle and the leader starts to peer around them, you can guess that a pass is imminent. Be ready to change lanes or pass quickly, safely and efficiently, keeping the whole group moving. If you’re on a multi-lane highway, the sweep rider could move over early and “set a pick” for the riders ahead, keeping the lane open for them to easily slide over.

Look farther than 20 feet ahead of you. See that “stale” green traffic light that could be getting ready to turn yellow? Be prepared for the rider in front of you to hit the brakes if the light changes. See the guy in the SUV in the next lane over, slowing down and looking over his shoulder? He likely wants to change lanes — keep an eye on him, and consider slowing to let him in, especially if your group is a large one.

Go with the flow. Group riding rules are not always black and white. For example, on long highway stretches it’s common for the group to spread out as everyone finds their own pace. Just be sure that you follow your group’s established procedure for back marking at turns. In areas of heavy traffic and slow speeds, try to keep your formation tight. Don’t be “that rider,” who dawdles and allows large gaps to form between you and the rider(s) ahead, then bolts through yellow lights at the last second, leaving those behind high and dry or forced to attempt to make the light. If your group hits some twisties and you find that you can’t keep up, don’t worry, just ride at your own pace. Wave the rider(s) behind you past if they want to go faster; at minimum, the sweep rider will stay with you and the rest of the group will wait for you to catch up ahead. This is part of the fun of group riding: you know your “pack” will take care of you.

Try to be consistent. It’s a lot easier to ride with people who are predictable. Hold your line, be smooth and steady with your speed and pay attention to your surroundings. Your fellow riders will thank you!

Final Exam

No, there isn’t actually a final exam, but I do want to leave you with this parting advice, and it’s the most important: ride your own ride.

Ultimately, we are all responsible for ourselves and only ourselves. Even though you’re in a group of other riders, you alone are in control of your bike and are therefore on a solo ride. If the group is doing stuff that makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it. Ride your own pace, don’t run the red light even though the two riders ahead of you did, and if you need to take a break, signal to your group and pull over. And don’t attempt an unsafe pass — your group won’t leave you behind.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Maverick vs Marc and talking to lions

“Sometimes it’s good to get back on the bike and ride!” – Kevin Richardson makes comparisons between riders crashing and having sketchy moments with lions. Getting stuck back in straight away is the best medicine.
“There is no substitute for experience” – Kevin chats about getting wiser with age and limiting the risk – the same for MotoGP™ riders?
“The first time I rode a bike I was nine or 10” – Abraham discusses his first time riding motorcycles, which is later than a lot of other riders he’s racing with.
“We used to ride the minibike, even if it was snowing!” – Abraham talks about riding his first bike, even when the conditions didn’t exactly suit riding.
“I had a lump in my throat for Jack” – Simon Crafar talking about just how special it is to stand on the podium at your home GP, particularly at Phillip Island because motogp.com’s pitlane reporter chats about the track invasion at the end and seeing so many people cheering for you.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

A truly unforgettable experience

After a warm-up session on the demanding track, participants were then engaged in a series of driving exercises, watched over by trained professionals. Such sessions included dynamic braking and avoidance manoeuvres, dual lane challenges, oversteering and drifting sessions and a timed slalom before they combined these skills for a series of timed laps of the Blister Berg layout.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Marquez eyes Lorenzo’s points record in Sepang

“No, I never changed the strategy even when I was fighting for the Championship,” said Marquez, in response to a question about the points record. “The strategy will be the same. It’s true I can score the most points over 18 races but it’s a record we will remember if somebody gets it again, so I don’t care about this record. I’ll keep the same strategy, target to try finish on the podium but of course today my target is to win. My opponents will give an answer whether that will be possible over the weekend.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Malaysia: more than meets the eye

Widely referred to as simply ‘KL’, this is an enchanting city to discover as you soak up the intriguingly diverse Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, and sense the former influence of the British Empire on this striking capital. Make time to visit Little India and Chinatown, the old colonial centre around Merdeka Square and the area nicknamed the Golden Triangle in the heart of the downtown district.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Malaysian GP: Oliveira fit, Rabat sits out

Elsewhere, after he suffered a contusion to the wrist and hand during training between the races in Thailand and Japan, Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) will not take part in Malaysia. Although not unfit, Rabat doesn’t feel 100% as he and the team have taken the decision to rest ahead of the final round at Valencia.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Soaring Sepang temperatures throw up tough tyre test

The three flyaway rounds pose a real test to riders and teams alike, but also for Michelin too with Twin Ring Motegi, Phillip Island now the Sepang International Circuit posing very different but also very difficult challenges. This weekend, some of the highest track temperatures we see all year will be the test, alongside a circuit with quite an abrasive nature. Add to that some heavy rain, which is forecast over the weekend, and tyre choice plus tyre conservation becomes key.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Why are there so few electric cruiser bikes?

When Harley-Davidson announced it would make an electric motorcycle, most people thought it would be an electric cruiser style.

However, the iconic heavy cruiser company produced the naked LiveWire sports bike, instead.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle
LiveWire in action

Over the past decade, many other electric motorcycles have been launched, mainly by start-ups, and most have been dual sports, commuter bikes or sports bikes.

We can only find a few that you would vaguely consider an electric cruiser:

Maybe it’s because riders who cruise like to listen to and feel a big, lumpy engine.

They certainly won’t get that with a smooth and quiet-running electric motor.

Cruiser riders don’t need nor want aerodynamic fairings, a jockey riding position and flashy instruments that look like an iPad.

They prefer old-school chrome, a laidback riding position and analogue dials.

Electric bikes are usually aerodynamic to increase their range and have modern instrument screens.

Latest electric cruiserHadin electric cruiser

But that hasn’t stopped Chinese company Suzhou Wonder-Tech from producing the Hadin electric cruiser.

They say it is an “American-style” electric cruiser bike with feet-forward controls, beach bars, raked forks and a low-riding solo saddle.

However, it doesn’t look like a conventional cruiser. It’s more of a scooter-meets-cruiser.

And it won’t really cruise all that far with its 45kW motor having range of just 160km.

Hadin electric cruiser
Hadin has a tablet-style dashboard

Mind you, that’s 10km more than the Harley-Davidson LiveWire can manage while cruising on the open road!

The Hadin will be one of many electric motorcycles unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan next week.

We imagine it will be the only “cruiser-style” bike among them!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com