2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Tech Presentation Video

As I was listening to MV’s R&D Director Brian Gillen describe all the technical stuff  going on inside the new Brutale we posted yesterday, and scribbling notes as fast as I could type, it occurred to me, wouldn’t it be cool if there was a way to record all this? Well, now there’s a thing called “video.” Brian’s one of the sharpest engineers in the motorcycle biz, and while he’s talking about the new Brutale, bits of this 45-minute presentation are almost like a motorcycling TED Talk. To tame its 208 horsepower, the new Brutale is as high-tech as they come. We thought you might enjoy it, and it saved me a ton of typing.

With no further ado, watch the video below.

Related Reading: Whatever: A Heartwarming Immigrant Success Story

The post 2020 MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Tech Presentation Video appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

New flagship factory GasGas TXT GP trials line-up

Factory Limited Edition 2020 GasGas TXT GP 300

Following the recent launch of the 2020 GasGas TXT Racing line-up after the acquisition of the Spanish brand by the KTM Group, GasGas has now released their flagship factory edition trials machines, the TXT GP range.

Australia will receive the top of the range GasGas TXT GP 300.

A limited number of the 550 top tier machines produced will be coming to Australia and are due to arrive by September of this year as the new Australian dealer network takes shape for the GasGas brand.

Using the experience and know-how earned from 15 successful FIM Trial World Championship campaigns, each GasGas TXT GP model is designed and built to deliver uncompromised performance when used on the most challenging terrain.

Australia will receive the top of the range GasGas TXT GP 300.

Providing riders with everything they need to perform at the very highest level, all TXT GP models feature parts used on the official GasGas Factory Racing machine of Jorge Casales.

In some markets the TXT GP models are available in four capacities, 125, 250, 280 and 300 but Australia will only receive the top of the range TXT GP 300.

2020 GasGas TXT GP

Fitted with premium suspension components, a carbon-fibre airbox, factory racing graphics and many other technical highlights, GasGas TXT GP models allow riders to excel no matter how difficult the competition.

All parts featured on TXT GP machines will be available for purchase from official GasGas Motorcycles dealers, for use on all TXT Racing models.

Source: MCNews.com.au

AMA MX start pushed back further

AMA Motocross now planned to start in August

The ongoing growth of the pandemic across the globe continues to play havoc with sporting fixtures everywhere and the latest series to be further delayed is the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

The previously announced opening pair of events were slated to begin in just over two weeks, on July 18, with the Circle K Ironman National in Indiana, followed by the GEICO Motorcycle WW Ranch National in Florida on July 25. However, due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, notably recent spikes of positive cases in a significant number of states, series managers deem it necessary to push back the start of the series once more. MX Sports Pro Racing will now look to begin the season in August.

From the moment we were forced to delay the original start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in May, we have diligently worked towards developing as complete a championship-calibre calendar as possible for both our athletes and our fans,” said Carrie Russell, CEO of MX Sports Pro Racing. “In tandem with our event organisers, we have been in constant communication with local officials from the government, health department, and department of public safety for each respective venue to ensure every National is operated in accordance with social distancing measures established by each county and the CDC.

Following the recent spike in positive cases around the country, a pause is warranted as we evaluate the impact of the stall in state-issued reopening phases and newly implemented travel quarantines,” continued Russell. “Our manufacturers are the lifeblood of American motocross, and we stand by them with our support in times of need. As a result of recent developments, MX Sports Pro Racing needs to take the definitive and proactive step of postponing the start of the season temporarily, which will allow us to work through the current challenges we face.”

In response to this latest decision, MX Sports Pro Racing and event organizers will continue to maintain extensive communication with local officials. The evolution of the pandemic has included dramatic changes from one week to the next, and as states and counties take necessary action to confront the latest concerns of the coronavirus spread, MX Sports Pro Racing will be in a position to take immediate action when the opportunity arises to confirm events at a future date when the time is right.

It is our sole focus to host a successful season that will not only allow us to crown a pair of AMA National Champions, but will also allow our incredibly loyal fanbase to celebrate the return of racing by cheering on their favourite riders,” concluded Russell. “These are extraordinary times that have had a significant impact on our industry, and that has called for us to take unprecedented action on behalf of the well-being of our community. This sport is a family, and we will not be deterred from accomplishing our goal, despite this adversity. We remain steadfast in bringing everyone the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship they deserve. Our event organisers have put in far too much effort, while our broadcast partners, series sponsors, manufacturers, participants, and fans have all shown tremendous patience. We owe it to all of them to bring this season to fruition, and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Fuel of Geico Honda’s Sexton found legal following protest

News 2 Jul 2020

Fuel of Geico Honda’s Sexton found legal following protest

Two-time 250SX East champion’s crown finally made official.

Image: Octopi Media.

A fuel sample taken from Chase Sexton’s Geico Honda following the final round of Monster Energy Supercross has proven compliant following a protest lodged by Star Racing.

Sexton clinched back-to-back 250SX East crowns by winning the annual Showdown event in Salt Lake City ahead of Shane McElrath (Monster Energy Star Yamaha).

The AMA has now officially confirmed that the protest was unsuccessful and that the fuel used by Geico Honda in Sexton’s CRF250R was legal. The complete statement released can be read below:

Following the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East/West Showdown Main Event on June 21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, a protest regarding fuel was filed against the race winner, GEICO Honda team rider Chase Sexton.

After adhering to the Fuel Test Procedures stated in Appendix E of the 2020 AMA Supercross rulebook, Race Direction concluded that the fuel in question used at the season-ending event complies with the specifications listed in “Section 1 – General Equipment Standards, 1.10 Fuel Specifications.”

Across 9 rounds of racing, Sexton scored 9 more points, 218 to 209, than Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Shane McElrath to earn his second consecutive AMA Supercross 250SX East No. 1 plate. The decision of Race Direction is final. Race results are official.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Scheduled commencement of Pro Motocross postponed

News 2 Jul 2020

Scheduled commencement of Pro Motocross postponed

Coronavirus spike results in further delays to 2020 championship.

Image: Supplied.

The scheduled beginning to the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship has been delayed, with the series now looking to take-off in August.

MX Sports had planned to launch the series on 18 July with the Ironman National in Indiana, followed by Florida’s WW Ranch a week later on 25 July.

However, due to ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, notably recent spikes of positive cases in a significant number of states, series managers deem it necessary to push back the start of the series once more.

“From the moment we were forced to delay the original start of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in May, we have diligently worked towards developing as complete a championship-caliber calendar as possible for both our athletes and our fans,” said Carrie Russell, CEO of MX Sports Pro Racing.

“In tandem with our event organisers, we have been in constant communication with local officials from the government, health department, and department of public safety for each respective venue to ensure every National is operated in accordance with social distancing measures established by each county and the CDC.

“Following the recent spike in positive cases around the country, a pause is warranted as we evaluate the impact of the stall in state-issued reopening phases and newly-implemented travel quarantines. Our manufacturers are the lifeblood of American motocross and we stand by them with our support in times of need.

“As a result of recent developments, MX Sports Pro Racing needs to take the definitive and proactive step of postponing the start of the season temporarily, which will allow us to work through the current challenges we face.”

In response to this latest decision, MX Sports Pro Racing and event organisers will continue to maintain extensive communication with local officials.

The evolution of the pandemic has included dramatic changes from one week to the next and, as states and counties take necessary action to confront the latest concerns of the coronavirus spread, MX Sports Pro Racing will be in a position to take immediate action when the opportunity arises to confirm events at a future date.

“It is our sole focus to host a successful season that will not only allow us to crown a pair of AMA national champions, but will also allow our incredibly loyal fanbase to celebrate the return of racing by cheering on their favorite riders,” added Russell.

“These are extraordinary times that have had a significant impact on our industry and that has called for us to take unprecedented action on behalf of the well-being of our community. This sport is a family, and we will not be deterred from accomplishing our goal, despite this adversity.

“We remain steadfast in bringing everyone the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship they deserve. Our event organisers have put in far too much effort, while our broadcast partners, series sponsors, manufacturers, participants and fans have all shown tremendous patience.

“We owe it to all of them to bring this season to fruition and we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”

Online tickets previously purchased for the Ironman and WW Ranch nationals will be honoured at to be announced rescheduled dates. Refund requests can be completed by contacting the respective event organisers.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Ducati Introduces White Livery For The Panigale V2

The Red Essence. In White. Also, huge picture gallery at the bottom.

Begin press release:


The color range of the Panigale V2 is extended with the new White Rosso livery, which goes alongside the monochromatic Rosso Ducati livery with which the bike was presented last November.

The new White Rosso livery has Star White Silk as its main color. The predominance of white enhances the design of the Panigale V2, highlighting the lines and the purity of the geometrical shapes. At the same time the details in Rosso Ducati emphasize its sporty and powerful character. Rosso Ducati colors the rims, the front air intakes and the deflectors of the upper half-fairings. These last two red touches ideally accompany the path of the airflows inside the motorcycle, i.e. those that feed the engine and those that pass through the radiator.

This new livery is completed with an additional touch of sportiness thanks to the positioning on the lower half-fairings of the large Panigale V2 logo, inspired by the graphics of Ducati Corse motorcycles.

Testimonial of the Panigale V2 and protagonist of the photo and video shoot of the new livery is the rider of the Pramac Racing Team, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. In fact, Pecco was able to enjoy a preview of the bike by testing it at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli.”

“Since 2016, my personal motto has been #GoFree. For me it means living in a light-hearted and carefree way, having fun and giving priority to the things you love to do. I think the Panigale V2 fits well with this definition and reflects my way of being, “ said Pecco Bagnaia after trying the Panigale V2. “The new livery, so white, is very beautiful and different from the usual. Despite being a street bike, it surprised me how much speed it can have when cornering. It is a fun, very stable and very sincere bike that allows you to go fast, safely, without becoming tired, while having a very strong and decisive character and personality. ”

The Panigale V2, presented less than a year ago and capable of immediately conquering an enthusiastic public, is the super-mid of the Ducati sports bikes and represents the entry model to the Panigale family. It is powered by the 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder engine (compliant with Euro 5 standard) and has a maximum power of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The power of the Panigale V2 allows riders to have fun on the track, delivering a motorcycle in the hands of the rider that never puts you in difficulty and can always be fully exploited. The delivery of the twin-cylinder is such that more than 70% of the maximum torque is constantly available beyond 5,500 rpm, allowing to get out of the corners quickly, even the slowest ones.

The chassis of the Panigale V2 is based on the monocoque frame and is dressed in an elegant and sporty design inspired by that of the Panigale V4. The fairing has extensive and clean surfaces that surround the mechanical components, enhancing the small size of the Superquadro twin-cylinder and creating a visually compact motorcycle.

The “family feeling” with the other Panigale models is also underlined by the single-sided swingarm, while the compact-sized single lateral exit exhaust, with under-engine silencer, emphasizes the clean lines of the Panigale V2.

The complete and modern electronic equipment, based on the 6-axis inertial platform, leaves no doubt about the sporting DNA of the bike. The electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control, includes the “cornering” functionality applied to the Bosch ABS, an electronic gearbox, with operation also in downshift and traction, engine braking and wheelie controls. All the controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified via the 4.3” TFT color dashboard with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and setting adjustments intuitive, as well as the immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.

The chassis has fully adjustable suspension with a Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) 43 mm in diameter and a Sachs shock absorber set up to make the bike intuitive, agile and fun; in addition, the specific calibration of the hydraulic brakes makes it comfortable for road use. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II multi-compound tires, which combine track performance with versatility on the road, also contribute to the dynamic qualities of the Panigale V2.

The ergonomics of the semi-handlebars and the rider seat offer a non-fatiguing position on the road and an efficient one on the track, thus allowing the rider to move freely.

The technical equipment is completed by a Sachs steering damper and by a Brembo braking system with M4.32 monobloc callipers activated by a radial brake master cylinder. The discs are 320 mm in diameter at the front with a single 245 mm disc at the rear. Braking is powerful, never excessively aggressive and always adjustable.

The Panigale V2 in White Rosso livery will be available in U.S. Ducati dealerships starting in August 2020.




























































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Twisted Road Teams With Windy-City Fox Motorsports In First Of Its Kind Demo-To-Own Program

Puts a new meaning to the “You Break It, You Buy It” policy. 

Begin press release:


Windy City-Fox Motorsports www.windycitymc.com, the premier network of motorcycle dealerships serving the greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas, has engaged with Twisted Road® to offer an incredible new motorcycle riding and purchasing experience, an experience that will provide riders convenient, easy and inexpensive access to motorcycles to test, rent, ride and own.

Twisted Road, the leading peer-to-peer motorcycle rental platform, has joined forces with Windy City-Fox Motorsports and their 15 retail locations with over 1,500 pre-owned motorcycles, to offer riders the largest selection of pre-owned, professionally inspected motorcycles for rentals, test riding and demo-to-own. This first-ever program allows Twisted Road to host Windy City-Fox’s expansive fleet of motorcycles on its site www.twistedroad.com for riders to ride and enjoy and possibly find their perfect ride. In addition, will make available to riders through Twisted Road its full array of services – from appropriate financing, VIP maintenance, and warranties – making bike ownership easy, affordable, and a dream in reality.

“Finding the right motorcycle to fit your riding style can take some miles”, acknowledges Mike Shedivy, President Windy City-Fox Motorsports. “Giving riders the opportunity to spend extended time on bikes provides a unique experience,” notes Shedivy. “Best of all, riders can also list their motorcycle on Twisted Road to
generate income.”

“Our Twisted Road platform along with the premier bikes and services of them, open the road to easy access to bikes and to the best buying experience to riders,” adds Austin
and dealers like Rothbard, CEO, Twisted Road. “And it will only get better as the number of bikes increase exponentially on Twisted Road as additional dealers across the US take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

About Windy City-Fox Motorsports & Twisted Road

Fox Windy City-Fox Motorsports commenced business in 2000 and today is among the largest motorcycle distributors in the U.S. representing nine premium OEM brands and serving riders in 15 locations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. WC-F is listed among Crain’s Chicago Business’ largest privately held businesses in Chicago employing approximately 400 people, teaching over 1,500 people to ride motorcycles annually, and delivering over 5,000 new and used motorcycles a year. For more information on Windy City-Fox Motorsports, please visit www.windycitymc.com or contact Mike Shedivy, President, at +1.847.849.0227.

Founded in 2017, Twisted Road allows owners to list their bikes for rental to prospective riders who, once verified, can search by brand, location or price to find the perfect ride. In just over two years of operation, and with a team of fewer than 10 employees, Twisted Road has seen its platform take root in 49 states. For more information, please visit Twisted Road or contact Austin Rothbard, founder and CEO at +1-847-323-9731.

The post Twisted Road Teams With Windy-City Fox Motorsports In First Of Its Kind Demo-To-Own Program appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Ducati unveils White Rosso Panigale V2

Ducati has unveiled a gorgeous White Rosso livery for the Panigale V2 which debuted at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last year in Ducati Red.

It is expected to be in showrooms in the next month.

Price has not yet been revealed, but the red V2 is $A22,900 ride away and if previous white editions are a guide, it should cost about $200-300 more.

Ducati says the White Rosso livery has “Star White Silk” as its main colour with Ducati Red colours the rims, the front air intakes and the deflectors of the upper half-fairings.Ducati Panigale V2 in white

This new livery is complemented by a large Panigale V2 logo on the lower half fairings, inspired by the graphics of Ducati Corse motorcycles.

To showcase the new livery, the bike in the photos was “modelled” by Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia of the Pramac Racing Team at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”.

Poetry in motion

Ducati Panigale in whitePecco with V2

As usual, the official Ducati press release has a lot of poetic description as well as some flowery “quotes” from Pecco:

“Since 2016, my personal motto has been #GoFree. For me it means living in a light-hearted and carefree way, having fun and giving priority to the things you love to do. I think the Panigale V2 fits well with this definition and reflects my way of being “, said Pecco Bagnaia after trying the Panigale V2.

“The new livery, so white, is very beautiful and different from the usual. Despite being a street bike, it surprised me how much speed it can have when cornering. It is a fun, very stable and very sincere bike that allows you to go fast, safely, without becoming tired, while having a very strong and decisive character and personality.”Ducati Panigale V2 in white

Panigale V2 power

Panigale V2 is Ducati’s entry model Panigale.

It is powered by the Euro5-compliant 955cc Superquadro twin-cylinder engine with 115kW of power (155hp) at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9000rpm.

More than 70% of the maximum torque is available above 5500rpm, allowing riders to exit corners quickly.

The chassis is based on the monocoque frame inspired by the Panigale V4 with a single-sided swingarm and under-engine silencer.Ducati Panigale V2 in white

The electronic rider-aid package includes “cornering” Bosch ABS, an electronic gearbox with up/down quickshift and wheelie control.

All controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) that can be modified via the 4.3” TFT colour dashboard.

It comes with fully-adjustable suspension with 43mm Showa Big Piston Forks and a Sachs shock absorber.

The V2 is shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II multi-compound tyres.

There is also a Sachs steering damper, Brembo brakes with M4.32 monobloc callipers activated by a radial brake master cylinder. The discs are 320mm at the front and single 245mm rear disc.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycling at turning point: Erik Buell

Innovative motorcycle engineer Erik Buell has turned his back on fossil fuels and says motorcycling is at a turning point.

Last year Erik launched the Fuell Flow electric motorcycle and Fluid e-bike that he claims is virtually future proof with a replaceable and updatable battery, motor and charger.

It also has a connected dashboard that automatically downloads software updates.

Fuell Flow and Fluid electric motorcycleFluid and Flow

Now, Erik has released the first in a two-part assessment of the current state of motorcycling and the electric future in a post-pandemic world.

Erik says our streets are getting more crowded, yet people want more space and the obvious solution is single-track vehicles … in other words, motorcycles.

Here is his assessment of our riding future.

Erik gets “close and personal”:

Let’s get personal here. I’m talking close and personal.

That is the closeness of city streets and personal freedom to travel. Because cities are getting bigger, and more packed. Yet people want freedom to move. We don’t want to be trapped and limited. We want to go where we want, when we want to.

When I look to the future, there is one compelling solution for urban/suburban transportation. Well, two actually, two wheels… two wheels in a single track with green power. Whether it’s a human pedaled bicycle, a pedal assisted electric bicycle or an electric moto, two wheels are the clear solutions for urban mobility.

On a single track two-wheeler, you basically take up the same space as you do walking. Driving a car or riding in an Uber is like walking down the street with your arms stretched wide out, taking the street for yourself.

Mass transport works to some extent, but it’s just not a pleasant experience, and it only gets you vaguely near the place you want to be. It’s also a very expensive endeavor that burdens city budgets. Sometimes these huge expensive vehicles are full and sometimes near empty. In either case they keep running from point A to B at Y o’clock despite the fact that you need to get from C to D at Z o’clock.

In Europe where streets are smaller, the support and infrastructure for two wheelers is exploding. In the US it is starting as well. In Asia, two-wheelers have always been the solution, and now the growth is in making them greener, less polluting, less noisy. Replacing the 60 million new gasoline powered two-wheelers sold annually with electric creates a huge impact on quality of life.

Motorcycling at turning point: Erik BuellFuell Flow

What is happening now?
These past months have definitely reinforced the importance of personal space and safety. Worldwide, the movement to change our habits is accelerating. Urban transportation should be a comfortable personal tool empowering us to better live our multitasking lives.

Personal urban transportation needs to incorporate communication and safety devices, so that the experience creates a connection between rider, vehicle, and the environment (city, suburbia, open outdoors).

A really well designed two-wheeler becomes one with the rider, with speed and range far beyond the rider’s ability. Those great two-wheelers make you feel like you have super-powers!

We have to blend this feeling with the needs of today and tomorrow. So quite frankly, innovation is critical – you cannot build a new future hanging onto the old ways. New urban electric vehicles must not only feel approachable but also integrate with the digital environment and technology that is part of our society.

The goal is not autonomous two wheelers. We know riders do not want to give up control – if they did they’d be on a subway reading a book. What riders do want, in fact, is more control. They want unobtrusive innovative safety devices. They want the next wave of technology integrated into their personal urban mobility vehicles.

And Beyond?
We can imagine many other form factors coming to the market as technology, needs and regulations evolve. One can think about compact electric 3 and 4-wheelers, but must think first of the importance of single track wherever possible to minimize space use.  We cannot take the engineering easy way out, but instead must push, push ourselves to innovate in the two-wheeler format. And this innovation must include a complete integration with smart cities (the famous V2V and V2X protocols to connect all infrastructure and vehicles) and further safety assistance.

Today we are at a turning point. The only question is, which way will we go?

Erik Buell

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

As Dirt Bike Sales Jump, MSF Offers Tips, Resources

Some useful tips, tricks, and basic things to remember from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Begin press release:


Off-highway motorcycle sales shot up 18.9 percent in the first quarter of the year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, which means more Americans are eager to get out and ride. And off-road riding can be the perfect social-distancing activity with family.

With the July Fourth long weekend here and a full summer ahead of us, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is reminding riders to wear all the proper gear from head to toe, and to be sure to do a pre-ride inspection of their motorcycle before heading out.

“For those new to dirt biking, hands-on training, like an MSF DirtBike School, is the best way to learn to ride,” said Andria Yu, director of communications for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and a DirtBike School coach. “Kids ages 6 and up can take a class with their family. But the MSF also offers an array of tips and resources online, most for free, at DirtBikeSchool.org.”

“We have downloadable booklets for parents who want to introduce their kid to dirt bikes, with information from how to determine if your child is ready for motorcycling to an outline of operating procedures and practice exercises,” Yu said. “And we have a Tips & Practice Guide for dirt riders.”

Another important aspect to off-road riding is respecting the outdoors.

“Always ride on designated trails and try to leave the area better than you found it,” Yu said. “Know which areas are open to dirt bikes, and obey all signs and posted rules. We all have to do our part and be custodians of our public lands. More great tips can be found at treadlightly.org.”
MSF DirtBike School Dirt Bike Riding Tips

  1. Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
  2. Except for dual-purpose models, never ride on paved surfaces except to cross when done safely and permitted by law — another vehicle could hit you. Dirt bikes are designed to be operated off-highway.
  3. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  4. Supervise riders younger than 16; dirt bikes are not toys.
  5. Never permit youngsters to ride dirt bikes that are too tall or too powerful for their capabilities.
  6. Don’t ride alone on remote trails. Use the buddy system.
  7. Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
  8. Take a hands-on riding course. Visit DirtBikeSchool.org.

 

The post As Dirt Bike Sales Jump, MSF Offers Tips, Resources appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.