Riding the Ducati Superleggera V4 at Mugello

Ducati Superleggera V4 Test by Adam Child ‘Chad’
Images Milagro and Ducati

Dry weight is 159 kg, a colossal 16 kg weight saving over the standard V4 Panigale. Peak power is 224 hp in standard road trim, or 234 hp with the supplied race exhaust/kit. The race kit removes road mirrors, number plate etc and drops the weight further to 152.2 kg. Despite its V4 Stradale motor revving to 16,500rpm, and capable of lapping just over two-seconds slower than an Italian Superbike around Mugello, service intervals are at a perfectly normal 12,000 kilometres and it’s a normal homologated road bike.

Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, lightened, counter-rotating crankshaft. 81 x 48.4 mm bore. 14.0:1 compression

Don’t be misled into thinking this is ‘just’ a Panigale with a race pipe and big wings. No, this is an entirely new bike from the ground up. It is, for starters, the world’s only homologated bike with a carbon chassis (which saves 1.2 kg over the standard bike). Carbon wheels account for another 3.4 kg saving. Even with its homologated power output of 224 hp, that’s enough to give the it record-breaking power to weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg.

5 split-spoke carbon fibre rear rim 6.00″ x 17″

Let’s chat about the huge bi-plane wings. The exclusive and, I would say, attractive wings are fascinating and directly derived from MotoGP. Back in 2016, there weren’t any restrictions in the size and shape of the wings, which means the GP16, Ducati’s last MotoGP bike before downforce-curbing regs were introduced, had the most effective wings of all time. In fact, the downforce created by the Superleggera is higher than the GP20, a bike that must conform to strict regulations on wing size.

The wings are larger than the current MotoGP bike due to restrictions on their size in MotoGP

At 167 mph the wings are claimed to produce 50 kg of downforce, 20 kg more than the current Panigale with its single wing. At 186 mph that’s up to 61 kg, more weight than Dani Pedrosa in race leather – enough to improve stability and reduce wheelies, therefore allowing better acceleration, braking and corner entry.

At 167mph the wings produce 50kg of downforce, 20kg more than the current Panigale with its single wing

The electronics package is brand-new since simply transferring the electronics from the current Panigale R to the lighter, more powerful, extra downforce Superlegerra wouldn’t work. As you’d expect, it gets the full range of goodies: cornering ABS, slide control, traction control, anti-wheelie, launch control, an up and down quick-shifter, and changeable engine braking strategies. Rider aids can be trimmed and changed to meet personal demands while Ducati has also added three additional new rider modes, simply A, B, and Sport – two are track specific, the third for the road. There’s also a new RaceGP dash mode, for track use only, which shows your lap times, splits, and riders aids. Pre-programmed tracks are already saved, like Mugello, so you can simply work on improving your lap time and splits.

Riding the Superleggera V4

Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit with GP valve and titanium spring. Carbon fiber single-sided swingarm

Once out of pit lane the clutch is now needless as I fire in a few quick gear-changes towards turn one. The bark between fast gear changes sounds like a gun going off and echoes around the historic grandstand.

It’s over 30-degrees out here and the Pirelli slicks have been scrubbed and then cooking on warmers, so there’s no need to take it steady. Immediately the carbon-chassis of the Superleggera wants to turn, feeling light, accurate, and fast steering. Out of turn five, I’m recalibrating to sheer intensity of the V4’s power and torque, yet only tickling the throttle.

Fully adjustable 43 mm Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork with TiN treatment, billet fork bottoms

This Ducati might have the power of the factory’s WSBK contender, or near as damn it, but it’s usable and smooth. I’m a little rusty from the enforced lay-off due to the plague and braking and accelerating at the wrong points, but the bike is allowing me to do so without a hint of complaint.

165 kW (224 hp) @ 15,250 rpm – 174 kW (234 hp) @ 15.500 rpm with full racing exhaust

On the long straight I tuck in behind the sizable screen, tap the gears, push my arse up against the bump stop and revel in the ride. The liquid smooth Stradale motor loves to rev, while upshifts are almost seamless and incredibly quick. Each flick of the left foot slaps me in the head with another tidal wave of power. Yes, Mugello is over five-kilometres long but has never felt so short or so fast.

116 Nm (85.6 lb-ft) @ 11,750 rpm – 119 Nm (87.7 lb-ft) @ 11.750 rpm with full racing exhaust

I start to gel with bike and circuit but despite getting into the flow and really starting to make the engine shout, the front end remains planted. In my chosen race B riding mode there’s no hint of a wheelie or instability and it feels more like playing an Xbox game.

Mugello is wide and open but still the Superleggera shrinks it to the size of a car park. Now I’m only changing gear when the shift lights illuminate, but in no time at all I’m in fifth gear and tap into top before that notorious blind rise of Mugello. Fast bikes get notably flighty over the crest, some even weave as the suspension extends, but the winged Superleggera is rock-solid and clearly loving those 60-odd kilos of winged downforce.

Ducati Superleggera V4 Review

Then hard on the brakes into turn one and back down the gears. The Brembo Stylema R calipers grab the 330mm discs like a dog holding onto his favourite stick, yet the forks take the strain, and again the stability is faultless. The limiting factor isn’t the brakes but the rider. I don’t know of any other bike that can brake this late and remain so planted.

Hydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch

The wings are clearly adding to this stability, but so is the carbon fire chassis, which now has more flex and feel than before. Everyone knew this Superleggera was going to be fast, after all the figures stand out for themselves, but like the braking, I didn’t expect the handling to be so far ahead of the game.

Ducati Superleggera V
Carbon-fibre frame and swing-arm

I’ve ridden offensively powerful WSBK Ducatis before and even congratulated Chaz Davies on the size of his testicles after sampling his animal Superbike at Imola a few years ago. This Superleggera, however, is incredibly forgiving and easy to ride considering its jaw-dropping power.

As my bravery and confidence improves, I opt to flick to A mode, which delivers full power and torque in the lower gears. To be fair, Mugello isn’t a wheelie-happy track (I only used first gear to leave pit-lane), but in this sharper mode there’s certainly more kick lower down. But again, the front is unflustered, only lifting slightly on the first application of throttle when the wings aren’t really working at low speeds.

330 mm semi-floating discs, radial Brembo Monobloc Stylema R 4-piston calipers with Cornering ABS EVO

Verdict

Yes, it’s priced at $150,000 and Ducati are only making 500 of them. And, regrettably, some will never be ridden, on the road or track. But beyond these negatives I can’t find any faults. This is a genuine superbike for the road, a machine capable of lapping within a few seconds of a top-flight factory race bike and, incredibly, can be ridden on the road. However, I doubt we will ever see one on the road, as it will likely be the poster bike for the next generation, in the same way I had a poster of a Honda NR 750, next to Pamela Anderson.

What number might you end up with…?

So you want to buy one?

I want one, where do a sign? For your $150,000 you don’t just get a motorbike. Oh no, new owners will have access to the ‘SBK Experience’ which allows them to ride the World Superbike Ducati around Mugello. Yes, included in the price, is a few laps of Mugello on Chaz or Scott’s work bike.

And yes the WSBK experience is of course available to Australian owners as well however due to the current COVID environment this experience has been postponed until 2021. The custom made leather suit and helmet are also available to Superleggera V4 owners in Australia.

Furthermore, if you want to splash out further, you can splash out another 50k and get to ride the actual Ducati Desmosedici GP20 MotoGP race machines as used by Petrucci and Dovizioso.

However, this is limited to just 30 applicants and you must be the ‘correct’ size. And if you really, really, really want to spend some money, Ducati is offering colour matching Dainese air-bag leathers, and a carbon-fibre helmet from Arai. If you’re going to cash in your pension, you might as well spend it all. ScoMo is going to have to up the limit for early superannuation withdrawals somewhat!

Ducati Superleggera V4

2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 Specifications

Superleggera V4
Engine
Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, lightened, counter-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromic timing, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled
Displacement 998 cc
Bore X stroke 81 x 48.4 mm
Compression ratio 14.0:1
Power (EU homologation) 165 kW (224 hp) @ 15,250 rpm – 174 kW (234 hp) @ 15.500 rpm with full racing exhaust
Torque (EU homologation) 116 Nm (85.6 lb-ft) @ 11,750 rpm – 119 Nm (87.7 lb-ft) @ 11.750 rpm with full racing exhaust
Fuel injection Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies with aerodynamic valves. Variable length intake system
Exhaust 4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes
Transmission
Gearbox 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2
Primary drive Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1
Ratio 1=38/14 2=36/17 3=33/19 4=32/21 5=30/22 6=30/24
Final drive Regina ORAW2 chain ; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket in Ergal 42
Clutch Hydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch
Chassis
Frame Carbon fibre “Front Frame”
Front suspension Fully adjustable 43 mm Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork with TiN treatment, billet fork bottoms, lightweight springs, fully adjustable.
Front wheel 5 split-spoke carbon fibre 3.50″ x 17″
Front tyre Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit with GP valve and titanium spring. Carbon fiber single-sided swingarm.
Rear Wheel 5 split-spoke carbon fibre 6.00″ x 17″
Rear tyre Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 200/60 ZR17
Wheel travel (front/rear) 120 mm (4.7 in) – 130 mm (5.1 in)
Front brake 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema R 4-piston callipers with Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Cornering ABS EVO
Instrumentation Last generation digital unit with 5″ TFT colour display
Dimensions/Weights
Dry weight 159 kg (350 lb) – 152.2 kg (335.5 lb) with racing kit
Seat height 835 mm (32.9 in)
Wheelbase 1.480 mm (58,3 in)
Rake 24,5°
Front wheel trail 100 mm (3,94 in)
Fuel tank capacity 16 l
Number of seats Single seat
Safety equipment
Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO,  Auto tyre calibration.
Standard equipment
Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2, Full LED lighting with Daytime Running Light (DRL), GPS module, Lap Timer EVO 2, PIT limiter, Ohlins steering damper, Quick adjustment buttons, Lithium-ion battery, Auto-off indicators, Chassis in carbon fiber, Carbon fiber fairings, Carbon fiber wheels, Carbon fiber mudguardsÙ Biplane wings in carbon fiberÙ High-flow air filterÙ Type approved Akrapovič silencer in titanium.
Additional equipment
Front and rear paddock stands, Battery maintainer, Racing Kit: Akrapovič Titanium racing exhaust. Machined mirror block-off plates, License plate mount removal plug, Swing arm guard, Carbon fibre clutch cover,Ducati Data Analyzer+ (DDA+) with GPS module, Side stand removal kit, Front and rear lights removal kit, Racing fuel tank cap, Brake level protection, Bike cover. 
Ready For Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Anti-theft
Warranty
Warranty (months) 24 months unlimited mileage
Maintenance (km/months) 12,000 km (7,500 mi) / 12 months
Valve clearance adjustment (km) 24,000 km (15,000 mi)
Standard Euro 4
Fuel Consumption 8 l/100km – 185 g/km Consumption and Emissions (only for countries where Euro 4 standard applies)
Price $150,000 approx.

2020 Ducati Superleggera V4 Images

Source: MCNews.com.au

Bultaco Streaker 125 two-stroke racer

Bultaco Streaker

With Phil Aynsley

One of Bultaco’s rarer models was the Streaker, with only 750 odd examples of this 119 cc two-stroke single produced between 1977-1979 in the black model and 1979-1984 in the white A model.

The Bultaco Streaker weighed just 85 kg dry and was good for 116 km/h
The Bultaco Streaker weighed just 85 kg dry and was good for 116 km/h

Obviously aimed at the racing mad youth market the Streaker was quite a competent machine. Output was an advertised 13.3 hp at 9000 rpm (in reality closer to 10 hp) with a 85 kg dry weight, enabling a real world top speed of 116 km/h.

Despite receiving the 125 designation the Streaker was a 119 cc single-cylinder
Despite receiving the 125 designation the Streaker was a 119 cc single-cylinder

Notable features were a six-speed gearbox and alloy wheels.

Alloy wheels were a standout feature on the Bultaco Streaker
Alloy wheels were a standout feature

The 119 cc (advertised as a 125) model was supposed to be mainly for export markets, while a 75 cc version, that used the same chassis, was to be for domestic consumption. The 75 was also used as the basis for a “single class” race series with one notable rider to get his career underway in it being Sito Pons.

The Bultaco Streaker 125 was actually an export model, with a 75 version run for a domestic single-make race series
The Bultaco Streaker 125 was actually an export model, with a 75 version run for a domestic single-make race series

Source: MCNews.com.au

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ exhibition opens on November 28

The Motorcycle at GOMA
28 November 2020 through to 26 April 2021

A stunning exhibition examining the history of the motorcycle from a design and artistic perspective will be on display from late November at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

‘The Motorcycle’ will feature more than 100 motorcycles from the 1870s to the present day, right across GOMA’s entire ground floor.

Harley-Davidson Chopper c.1973 (engine: 1941) Private collection, Mackay
Photograph: Andrea Beavis

It will run the full design gamut from the earliest 19th century steam-powered motorcycle, the circa 1870 Perreaux Vélocipède à vapeur on loan from Paris, right through to new electric bikes heralding the future, such as the Savic C-Series Alpha, a 2020 release from Australian automotive designer Dennis Savic.

Savic 2020
Courtesy: Savic Motorcycles Photograph: Jason Lau

The exhibition will appeal not only to bike and motor sport enthusiasts but to anyone with an interest in social history, popular culture, design and technology.

The Motorcycle’ offers multiple interactive experiences for visitors of all ages and it includes a green screen motorcycle riding experience, a motorcycle design studio where you can build and customise your own virtual bike and a mobile companion site to help you navigate 150 years of motorcycle design history and learn the stories behind each of the bikes on display.

Henderson Four 1912
Courtesy: Clyde Crouch Collection Photograph: Robert LaPrelle

Curated by distinguished US-based design curator and physicist Professor Charles M. Falco and writer and filmmaker Ultan Guilfoyle in collaboration with QAGOMA, the exhibition explores pioneering motorcycles and classic commuters, off-road bikes and speed machines, as well as custom creations and motorcycle designs of the future. Among the many highlights in the exhibition will be:

A rare 1906 Spencer, one of the very earliest Australian motorcycles designed and manufactured in Auchenflower, Brisbane;

Spencer 1906
The Australian Motorlife Museum – Paul Butler Collection Photograph: Penelope Clay

A 1920 Indian Scout “Munro Special” created by the legendary NZ rider Burt Munro;

Indian Scout Streamliner 1920 Courtesy: Clyde Crouch Collection Photograph: Robert LaPrelle

A 1927 Harley-Davidson FHA 8-valve speedway racer with sidecar;

The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning that set an Australian land speed record in its day and more recently a world record for the highest price paid at auction for a motorcycle;

Deus Ex Machina ‘The Drover’s Dog’ 2009
Courtesy: Joseph Mildren / Deus Ex Machina, Sydney Image courtesy: Deus Ex Machina

Impressive speed machines such as a 1916 Indian 8-valve board track racer, a 1974 Ducati 750SS and a 1994 Britten V1000, created by New Zealand design engineer, John Britten;

The 2016 Dakar winning KTM Rally 450 motorcycle ridden by celebrated Australian motorsport champion Toby Price;

KTM Rally 450 2015
Toby Price Collection
Image courtesy: Future7Media and KTM GROUP

Sleek custom objects of desire including the 2016 Black Knight designed by Max Hazan, Bandit 9’s 2016 Eve Mk II, Craig Rodsmith’s 2018 Corps Léger and the 2019 Fuller Moto ‘2029’.

Rodsmith Corps Léger 2018
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum © Haas Moto Galleries LLC.
Photograph: Grant Schwingle

During ‘The Motorcycle’, audiences can also experience ‘Full Face: Artists’ Helmets’, a showcase of some of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists responding to the motorcycle helmet. Artists featured in ‘Full Face’ include Archie Moore, Brian Robinson, Callum McGrath, Eric Bridgeman, eX de Medici, Ghost Patrol, Guan Wei, Kate Beynon, Madeleine Kelly, Monika Behrens, Nell, Reko Rennie, Robert Moore, Shaun Gladwell and TextaQueen.

Cake Kalk OR 2019 Courtesy: CAKE

Accompanying the exhibition is a major film program screening in the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque that includes classics such as The Great Escape 1963 starring Steve McQueen and contemporary interpretations of motorcycle culture captured in films such as Akira 1988, The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 and Finke: There and Back 2018.

Indian Chief with sidecar 1940 Arundel Collection
Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

‘The Motorcycle’ is accompanied by a hardcover 320 page book co-published with Phaidon. Celebrating the history and future of the motorcycle, the book includes images of the motorcycles featured in the exhibition and essays from the exhibition co-curators. Purchase at GOMA store or online at qagoma.store.

Spencer 1906
The Australian Motorlife Museum – Paul Butler Collection Photograph: Penelope Clay

Tickets to ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ are now on sale at qagoma.qld.gov.au/motorcycle.

Vespa GS150 1960
Courtesy: Vespa House and Frank Tonon Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Upcoming Nowra rounds of AORC season now cancelled

News 31 Jul 2020

Upcoming Nowra rounds of AORC season now cancelled

Back-up date in November to become final stop of the championship.

Image: Foremost Media.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has moved to cancel the scheduled Nowra rounds of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) as a second wave of coronavirus continues to surge.

Scheduled for 29-30 August in New South Wales, the COVID-19 pandemic’s recent spike of cases in Victoria and New South Wales has resulted in state border restrictions that have made the event impossible to go ahead.

“AORC management will continue to monitor the potential impacts this may have on the current remaining 2020 championship dates,” an announcement by MA stated. “However, the decision to cancel the Nowra round will not impact the NSW off-road state title on the same weekend, which will still go ahead as planned.”

A back-up date previously announced has been brought into play by organisers, with the venue and state to be confirmed on the weekend of 14-15 November as the championship finals. Next on the AORC revised calendar is now round seven and eight at Omeo, Victoria, between 19-20 September.

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship calendar (revised):
Rds 1-2 – 22-23 February – Toowoomba, Queensland
Rds 3-4 – 14-15 March – Dungog, New South Wales
Rds 5-6 – Cancelled
Rds 7-8 – 19-20 September – Omeo, Victoria
Rds 9-10 – 17-18 October – Wynyard, Tasmania
Rds 11-12 – 14-15 November – TBC


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

KTM presents rare opportunity to purchase MotoGP team bikes

News 31 Jul 2020

KTM presents rare opportunity to purchase MotoGP team bikes

Own one of two 2019 factory RC16s as part of an exclusive package.

Image: Supplied.

KTM Motorsports has placed a pair of race-prepared 2019 model RC16 MotoGP bikes on sale as part of an ultra-exclusive package that includes a set of leathers and helmet from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pol Espargaro.

Last year marked a significant step forward for KTM’s MotoGP project, with Espargaro qualifying on the front row at Misano and earning eight top 10 finishes for 11th in the championship standings.

Priced at 288,000 Euros ($475,000 AUD), the package will also include a VIP MotoGP Event Pack, which includes hospitality, a behind the scenes tour, meet and greet with KTM riders and a full set of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team wear.

If you have a serious enquiry about the rare opportunity, contact KTM Motorsports by emailing [email protected] and expressing your interest. KTM reserves the right to compile a buyers list and make a final decision on the destination of the two race bikes.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Riders help relay COVID-19 tests

Bloodbikes Australia is playing an integral part in transporting COVID-19 tests from suburban testing centres to medical laboratories.

Founder Peter Davis says they recently extended their free service offers from delivering blood to other medical products including breast milk.

However, they are currently being primarily deployed to take COVID-19 tests to medical laboratories.

“Our first runs of COVID samples started with our Sydney volunteer, Richard Alder, for St Vincents,” Peter says.

“It involved delivering consumables, label bags etc, picking up samples from the temporary testing stations and getting it to St Vincent’s Sydney laboratory for analysis.”

Bloodbikes Australia has become an integral part of transporting COVID-19 tests from testing centres to medical laboratories.
Richard picks up a sample

Tests ramped up

Two Bloodbikes Australia Brisbane volunteers have now stepped into the breach for Mater Pathology as thousands of residents of southern Brisbane and Logan City have queued up for hours to be tested following a new outbreak.

“Given the increased testing and the temporary, drive-through testing stations, the Mater Pathology couriers just couldn’t cover all the runs,” Peter says.

“Rather than delay analysis and results they called on Bloodbikes Australia, which is exactly our charter to fill in when all else fails.”

Peter has run samples from Metro Medical Centre Springfield Lakes and fellow volunteer Nick Carrigan has taken samples from a temporary testing centre in Cleveland.

Bloodbkes Australia tests
Nick picks up a sample

Both are delivering the tests to the Mater Laboratory at Mater Hill in South Brisbane.

“It was so great to feel like you’re helping in the COVID fight rather than being an observer,” says Nick.

Peter says the Canberra Bloodbikes Australia Volunteers may soon be doing test runs for the Canberra Hospital.

He called on people in medical services to contact him about providing services.

He says volunteers can contact the Bloodbikes Australia Facebook as demand for their services ramps up with the second wave of coronavirus infections.

Volunteers can also email Peter Davis on [email protected].

Peter recently rode to NSW and the ACT recently to visit volunteers before borders started closing down.

He says they now have 87 volunteers Australia wide on the NSW Central Coast, Sydney, Canberra. Western NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Bloodbikes background

Bloodbikes started in Manchester, UK in 2011 and Peter launched Bloodbikes Australia in September 2019.

Volunteers make deliveries when all other methods have been exhausted and time is critical.

“It was started because there were circumstances when a motorcycles can be a lot faster than a car in making urgent deliveries of blood to where it is required,” Peter says.

Blood he has delivered has been used in surgery as well as transfusions for cancer patients.

Peter delivers blood supplies to the Mater Hospital
Peter delivers blood supplies to the Mater Hospital

“Bloodbikes Australia is entirely voluntary. We volunteer our time, fuel and motorcycles,” Peter says.

“We are not an emergency service and abide by all the road rules and speed limits. We are not police or ambulance ‘wannabes’.

“We are just motorcycle enthusiasts who want to make our passion for riding available to do some good in the community.”

As an essential medical service, urgent deliveries would also be exempt from any travel restrictions during the current pandemic.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

GOMA motorcycle exhibit confirmed

A special motorcycle exhibition in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) planned for November has been confirmed with the centre reopening after closing during the pandemic.

The Motorcycle: Design: Art, Desire exhibit will be a “one-off, world exclusive” at GOMA from 28 November 2020 to 26 April 2021.

It will include more than 100 motorcycles from the 1860s to the present day, drawn from private and public collections across the globe. 

Antipodean highlights will be a Brisbane-designed and built 1906 Spencer and the Kiwi-designed 1991 Britten V1000.

work of art
Britten Motorcycle Company Ltd, Christchurch, 1991 Britten V1000 purchased 1995 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds (Collection: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa)

GOMA Director Chris Saines says the centre will reopen from 7 August 2020 after the Queensland Art Gallery reopened on 23 June.

“Now, in line with the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Recovery and our COVID-19 safety plan in place, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our second site the Gallery of Modern Art as we prepare for our must-see summer exhibition, ‘The Motorcycle’,” he says.

“The exhibition will appeal not only to bike and motor sport enthusiasts but to anyone with an interest in social history, popular culture, design and technology.”

GOMA exhibit

work of art
1922 German Megola 640cc touring model (© Bonhams Auctioneers)

The GOMA exhibit has been curated by American physicist Professor Charles M. Falco and US filmmaker Ultan Guilfoyle in collaboration with GOMA. 

They were co-curators of the landmark 1998 Guggenheim Museum exhibition in New York, ‘The Art of the Motorcycle’ that ran for three months.

It was subsequently seen in Chicago, Bilbao, Spain, and Las Vegas, with a total attendance of more than two million people.

GOMA director Chris Saines
GOMA director Chris Saines

Prof Falco described himself as a passionate motorcyclist who had his first motorcycle at 15, his first crash at 15.5 and last year rode a 90-year-old motorcycle across the USA.

“For a sustainable future, the world needs motorcycles for personal transportation,” he says.

His co-curator says motorcycles are an example of how “design drives everything”.

Chris says the exhibit will include the earliest 19th century steam-powered motorcycle, right through to electric motorcycles and future designs.

work of art
1930 Majestic 349cc (Photographer: Olivier de Vaulx)

“Over its 150-year history, the motorcycle has undergone extraordinary reinvention, from steam power, to petrol-fuelled internal combustion engines to battery, and from humble backyard creations to custom-made, high-tech chrome speed machines,” Chris says.

work of art
1869 Michaux-Perreaux steam-velocipede, collection du musee du domaine departmental. (Photograph: Olivier Ravoire)

“More than just a means of transport, the motorcycle is a design object, with forms and styles that reflect innumerable cultural and societal influences.”

The exhibit will include bikes, films and interactive displays to appeal to “anyone curious about social history, popular culture, design and technology”.

Tickets are available now on the GOMA website.

GOMA marketing head Bronwyn Klepp says they are looking at extending motorcycle parking opportunities around the centre at least for the duration of the exhibit.

Goma parking
GOMA parking?

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Helmet intercoms are all about the bass

First it was Sena who increased their 50 series speaker diameter to 40mm to enhance bass response and now Cardo have introduced the Packtalk Black with 45mm speakers.

Packtalk Black is, of course, black, but all other features remain the same. They also offer 45mm JBL speaker replacements for existing Cardo units.

It’s all about the bass

Like Meghan Trainor sang, “It’s all about the bass”, although she refers to body size, not music quality.

Bass doesn’t really matter for intercom or phone conversations, but a lack of bottom end severely impacts sound quality for music, especially modern music that features a lot more bass.

Lower frequencies are wiped out by the abundance of mid to high frequencies caused by wind noise when riding.

Anything above about 50km/h can substantially reduce bass response. It is almost non-existent at highway speeds.

That leaves riders listening to shrill and distorted music which can be a dangerous annoyance.

To compensate, many riders now wear special filtered earplugs that reduce wind noise.

However, some of these can also decrease bass response.

I tested the new Sena 50R and found the bass response and volume substantially increased without any increase in distortion levels when turned up loud enough to hear over my Alpine filtered earplugs.

Sena 50R bass
Sena 50R

Is audio important?

We have published many stories about listening to music while riding.

Some don’t like it, but more and more are finding it not only relieves the boredom on long highway sections, but also helps them relaxant concentrate on riding.

Those who listen to the radio also receive important traffic and incident alerts.

So if you are listening to lots of music, it’s less distracting and tiring to listen to good quality audio rather than tinny, distorted tunes.

Note that the type of music you listen to can also positively and negatively affect your riding!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Buy your own pukka KTM RC16s MotoGP bike

Own your own genuine MotoGP machine

There is a wide choice of rapid and pulse-raising motorcycles in the KTM portfolio but the chance to own the fastest and most technically advanced of the lot is now within reach.

KTM Motorsports are putting two race-prepped 2019 KTM RC16s up for sale as part of an ultra-exclusive MotoGP package.

The motorcycle marked an important step forward for the factory in their young Grand Prix project, now just four years in existence.

Pol Espargaro used the bike to qualify on the front row of the start grid at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and logged eight top ten finishes and 100 FIM World Championship points in the brightest season yet for KTM in the world’s premium road racing series.


The new owners of the milestone MotoGP KTM technology will enjoy other benefits. These include:

  • A full set of Pol Espargaro’s race leathers
  • A signed Espargaro race helmet
  • A VIP MotoGP Event Pack for any 2021 event. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour, a meet-and-greet with the MotoGP riders and a full set of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team wear
  • Weekend access to the Red Bull Energy Station unit with full catering and refreshment options


A 2019 KTM RC16 and all the MotoGP trimmings can be obtained for a price of 288,000 euros which equates to around $475,000 AUD at today’s exchange rates.

Serious enquiries should be directed to [email protected] whereupon KTM reserve the right to compile a buyers list and make a final decision on the destination of the two race bikes.

Source: MCNews.com.au

MV Agusta roll out smart clutch system

Two years ago MV Agusta made sport touring more practical in their stylish Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS with a Smart Clutch System or semi-automatic transmission.

The system was developed with America’s Rekluse and allows the rider to use a conventional clutch to change gears or ride in semi-automatic mode.

Now MV is adding their SCS 2.0 version to the Dragster 800 RR, Dragster 800 RC and Brutale 800 RR (pictured above) for clutch-free starts and stopping.

Smart Clutch System

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso practical
MV tech Lorenzo explains the SCS system to MBW

Several other motorcycle companies including Honda are moving toward semi-automatic transmission systems.

I tried the SCS technical innovation in the Turismo Lusso while in Italy in 2018 and found it did not take away from the excitement of riding and selecting gears.

It just added to the convenience, especially around town as it allows you to stop and restart without touching the clutch lever.

Great for lane filtering or crawling in heavy traffic as the “standard” models have a moderately heavy clutch which can become tiring.

MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso practical
No need for a clutch takeoff

In auto mode, it also makes the most out of the in-line three-cylinder engine mated to a counter-rotating crankshaft.

It’s your choice. You can ride it like a twist-and-go scooter, changing gears without the clutch, or shift cogs as normal, using the clutch.

The SCS operates in parallel so there is no need for the ride to hit any switches to go from manual to automatic operation.

All of this with only 36g weight increase compared to a traditional clutch.

MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR smart clutch
Dragster 800 RR SCS

There is no word yet on when they will arrive in Australia or how much the SCS will add to the prices of the bikes.

However, it won’t be cheap as the Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS costs an extra $4200 to the price at $31,790 ride away, while the Turismo Veloce Lusso RC SCS is $35,880.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com