Cruising around Spain on my bicycle today!
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook
Monthly Archives: September 2020
Yamaha XSR700 Review
Yamaha XSR700 Review
Motorcycle Review by Wayne Vickers
This week we’re looking at the smaller of the two from Yamaha’s retro ‘Sport Heritage’ range. For the unfamiliar, the XSR lineup consists of the bigger brother XRS900 which runs the impressive 847cc triple shared with the MT-09 (which probably gets the most attention) – and the XSR700 as reviewed here which runs the equally impressive 655 cc parallel-twin also shared with the MT-07LA.
And yep, it’s learner legal, but try not to think of it as just a ‘first bike’ to just ride for a bit and then trade in for something bigger and better like some of the other entry level offerings. There’s plenty to like about the smaller XSR and I could not only see it being a long term prospect kept well beyond the learning period for a lot of riders, its a quality bike in its own right. So, we’ll cover the obvious stuff first.
The whole driveline is shared with the MT-07LA which you can read more about here – and it’s terrific. Smooth delivery from idle with a generous helping of character from the 270-degree crank, its essentially vibe free, torquey and incredibly easy to use. As they say – if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it. And this definitely ain’t broke. Throttle feel and fueling are both spot on, the box is great, quick-shift isn’t needed here. Get it past 3 and a half grand and it pulls solidly. Highway cruising sits you at around 4 and a half which is right in the meat and potatoes for plenty of overtaking poke.
It’ll lift the front happily from lower speeds when asked to and keep it up right through to fourth – it’s actually a surprisingly well balanced wheelie bike! And it’s a very proven package with truck loads of them on the roads all over the world. Today’s learners don’t know how good they’ve got it!Switchgear is all excellent Yamaha fare and both the clutch and brake operation is light and easily controlled. The brakes are well specced too for the package. Twin 282 mm wave discs up front and a 245 mm in the rear, both ends get ABS. Plenty of power without being intimidating on initial bite.
On top of that familiar driveline, they’ve added some really nice styling. Starting from the back for a change, the circular LED tail light is uniquely executed and really stands out – a stylish blend of old meets new. I like it. It’s quite different – and that in itself is no bad thing.
Moving forward from there, the seat has a nice old school shape with two different leather finishes and has the XSR700 ‘logo’ (which is featured in a few places) embossed into the back. The seat height is slightly higher than the MT-07LA by the way at 835 mm compared to 805 mm, but doesn’t feel tall at all.
It has a 14-litre aluminium tank – the same capacity as the MT-07LA, which will see you comfortably past the 300 km range, with a red plastic strip bolted on top. I’m torn as to whether I like the exposed bolts if I’m honest. One minute I’m liking the bit of edginess it adds, the next minute I think it’s a bit of an afterthought. It doesn’t seem to look out of place though. This new for 2020 colour scheme is called ‘dynamic white’ by the way. A tasty nod to some of the old schemes from years gone by and to my eyes is a much nicer look than the outgoing scheme. The gold cast alloy wheels complete the vibe.
Up onto the dash and I really, really like what they’ve done here. It’s as simple and nice a dash as I’ve seen for a retro styled bike. A round shape reflecting an old analogue dial, tacho around the outside, gear shift indicator on top, large speedo in the middle and fuel at the bottom. I’d personally like to see the rev numbers a little larger so you can pick them out more easily at speed, and a temp gauge using half of the fuel meter space, but it’s nicely done. I dig it – it completes the picture and helps to give the bike a real identity when riding.
Moving further forward and there’s more nice touches of brushed aluminium around the classic shaped headlight. All in all I think the designers have done a nice job. The more I looked at it, the more there was to like. Same goes for the XSR900 for that matter. It’ll be interesting to see how the sales go this year compared to the MT-09.
On the road it’s always going to be a very similar thing to the MT-07LA which again is no bad thing. Seating position is quite comfortable – reach to the bars is easy and relaxed. The seat is nice and narrow and leg over is easy. Lots of room to move your body around – slipping from urban cruiser mode to a more sporty ride position to carve some corners is a doddle. It feels light (186kg wet) and quite agile with its short wheelbase of 1405 mm. That translates to a nimble, easily maneuverable ride in traffic and perfect for both someone learning their way around riding, and someone more experienced who can take a little more advantage of it.
Suspension-wise I found nothing to complain about with the front, but I did feel the rear pogo-ing probably more on this than the MT-07LA. Could do with some more damping for mine, but unfortunately unlike the MT-07LA it’s not adjustable. It’s most noticeable on repeated bumps – especially mid corner where it upsets things a little if you’re pressing on and the bike will sit up more than I’d like. But I’m probably a fussy bastard who’s been spoilt. A learner will probably not find this a limitation and an experienced rider who wants to push harder will probably be looking at the bigger XSR anyway.
I didn’t find myself pushing it hard that often though to be honest, possibly because I wasn’t 100 per cent happy with the handling. Instead I found more its its sweet spot as somewhat more of a little retro hooligan tool. Maybe that was just the mood I’m in at the moment… It’s perfectly happy to cruise about and would make a fine commuter. It’s an absolutely ripping low speed wheelie bike..
Where does that leave us then? Well, it’s a competitive little segment now I guess, the naked learner approved light-middleweights. I’m not convinced there’s much out there that’ll top this. I’d probably buy the XSR over the MT-07LA just for the styling. And then maybe look to get the shock modified or bung in an aftermarket unit as you started to push the limits a bit harder if you were that way inclined.
Yamaha XSR700 Summary
Why I like it
- Lovely silky smooth proven drivetrain
- Learner legal! But definitely not just for learners.
- Solid torque from low down. Loves a wheelie 🙂
- Nice retro styling and finish overall
I’d like it more if
- Exhaust note could be a little more aggressive
- Could do with a better rear shock
| 2020 Yamaha XSR700 Specifications | |
| Engine | 655cc Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 2-cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 78.0 x 68.6 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0 : 1 |
| Claimed Power | 38.3 kW (51 hp) at 8000 rpm |
| Claimed Torque | 57.5 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Induction | EFI |
| Gears | Constant mesh 6-speed |
| Clutch | Wet, non quick-shift |
| Frame | Steel Diamond |
| Forks | 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel front |
| Shock | Swingarm (link), 130mm travel |
| Tyres | 120/70 ZR17 (F) / 180/55 ZR17 (R) |
| Front Brakes | Hydraulic dual discs, 282mm – ABS |
| Rear Brake | Hydraulic single disc, 245mm – ABS |
| Electronics | ABS |
| Instrumentation | LCD |
| Wet Weight | 186 kg |
| Seat Height | 835 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1405 mm |
| Rake / Trail | 24.5-degrees / 90 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14 L |
| Warranty | 24 months unlimited kilometres |
| Available | Now |
| Price | $12,899 ride away |
Source: MCNews.com.au
Kengo Kiyama Honda CB500R
Honda CB500R Racer
With Phil Aynsley
The interesting thing to note about this Honda CB500R is that it was the product of the company’s Research & Development department, not the Racing department (RSC).
Based in Saitama, the R&D’s first design was built in 1971 and used the road-going CB500’s frame. It was raced by Morio Sumiya in that year’s All Japan Championship. For 1972 this much more focused bike was constructed and was ridden by Kengo Kiyama in the Open Class, winning several races.
It used a CB500 motor as its base with the capacity increased to 651 cc (64 x 50.5 mm). Numerous modifications from the stock motor included the following – the crankshaft was machined from solid; high-compression pistons with only two rings; dry-sump lubrication; larger, magnesium oil pump; magnesium sump and (smaller) oil filter housing; dry clutch; sand-cast cylinder head with magnesium valve cover; larger valves with stiffer springs and hardened seats; close-ratio five-speed gearbox; Kokusan electronic ignition. The Keihin 31mm carburettors were the same as used on the CR750.
The frame was made from chrome-moly steel, using 25mm diameter tubes, while the forks were also from the CR750. Power is 80 hp at 10,700rpm, with a dry weight of 138kg.
This bike was first displayed at the 1971 Tokyo Show and after it was retired kept in storage until Italian mechanic Carlo Murelli was offered his choice from Honda’s race bike collection as a retirement present after many years of working in Japan for Honda RSC (then HRC) on the NR500 and NS500 projects, amongst others.
Prior to joining Honda he worked on race tuning CB500s during the early ‘70s in Italy. In 2016 this bike was auctioned in the UK bringing in just under AUD$150,000.
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Kengo Kiyama’s Honda CB500R
Source: MCNews.com.au
Apple TV+ Reveals “The Long Way Up” Trailer Featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
Apple TV+ has announced a trailer for Long Way Up, starring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. McGregor and Boorman have two other critically acclaimed motorcycle adventure series, entitled Long Way Round (2004) and Long Way Down (2007). The Long Way Up covers 13,000 miles and spans over 100 days as the two travel from the tip of South America to Los Angeles, California. In the past, the duo has relied on motorcycles featuring internal combustion engines. This time, McGregor and Boorman made the entire trek on Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles.
From Press Release:
The trailer for “Long Way Up,” the epic, new Apple Original series from stars Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman is now available. The first three episodes of the 11-part unscripted series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, September 18. New episodes will roll out weekly, every Friday.
“Long Way Up” reunites McGregor and Boorman for the ultimate adventure in travel and friendship after more than a decade since their last motorbike adventure around the world. In their most challenging expedition to date, the two cover 13,000 miles over 100 days from Ushuaia at the tip of South America to Los Angeles. In order to contribute to the sustainability of the planet, the duo travels on modified electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire® motorcycles.
Using cutting-edge technology, they travel through 16 border crossings and 13 countries along with their longtime collaborators, directors David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, who follow in the first two electric Rivian trucks ever made.
“Long Way Up” was created and executive produced by Ewan McGregor, Charley Boorman, David Alexanian and Russ Malkin.
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung and LG smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices, as well as at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. The Apple TV app will be available on Sony and VIZIO smart TVs later this year. For a limited time, customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy one year of Apple TV+ for free. This special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device.*
Source: RiderMagazine.com
BMW Plans Boxer-Style Electric Bike
BMW Motorrad looks like it may go ahead and produce an electric motorcycle that looks like a traditional Boxer-powered bike.
In June 2019, the company unveiled their BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster with a boxer-styled electric powerplant.
Now they have filed 11 trademark filings with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) with nine referring to “DC” motorcycles.
The two others include terms “CE02” and “CE04” which probably refers to their plans for an electric C1 scooter with a detachable roof, seat belts and car-like crumple zones.
The Bavarian company has had an electric scooter, the C-Evolution, for some time and has shown its Concept Link electric scooter and electric S 1000 RR concept called the eRR.
BMW is pulling out all stops with their electric car fleet, but has been slower to electrify their two-wheeled models.
Various BMW Motorrad executives have varied in their ideas about when to bring an electric motorcycle to the market in the next five years.
But maybe things are now moving more rapidly with this latest trademark filing.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
SENA Makes Pairing Easier
Pairing helmet intercoms used to be a fiddly process, but now QR codes are making it easier.
You may have recently used a QR code when checking in at a restaurant during this pandemic, so you will know how easy it is to use.
Just turn on your phone’s camera and hold it over the code, and it brings up a window which you click to then enter details.
Some helmet intercom products are now using a similar QR code system and the latest is popular Bluetooth company Sena with their Smart Intercom Pairing (SIP) system.
It will work with nearly all Sena devices and many Sena-powered devices with Bluetooth 4.1 that are branded by companies such as Harley-Davidson, Schuberth, Shoei, HJC, Polaris, Klim, Nexx, ICON, AGV, and more.
How it works
Instead of using your phone’s camera to scan the QR code, the Sena SIP system works via their Sena app which does much the same.
Just scan your friend’s QR code and you’re paired.
Watch this quick how-to video:
Sena speakers
Meanwhile, Sena is bring the speaker quality fight up to JBL-powered Cardo intercoms with Premium HD speakers from their new 50R and 50S soon available for their 10C Pro, 10C EVO, 20S, 20S EVO, and 30K devices.
We sampled the speakers when we tested the new 50R unit.
Not only to do the speakers have more bass and 7% more volume, but are also slimmer and therefore more comfortable against your ears.
Sena will roll out upgrades for each device’s firmware to ensure HD speaker audio quality is maximised.
The Sena Utility app and 30K Utility app will also be updated with the audio equaliser function that is included in the 50 Utility app. It allows the user to customise frequency and volume.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
MotoE ™: How do the Cup standings look ahead of Misano?
Against all odds, it’s a “rookie” who leads the standings, with MotoE™ rookie but two-wheeled wealth of experience Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP). The Swiss rider, who has experience in ten full seasons of Moto2™ and three more in 125cc, hasn’t taken long to adapt to the Energica Ego Corsa, as evidenced by a podium finish registered in Andalusia… which was followed up with a victory. Those results put him eleven points ahead of another rookie, a certain Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40). The number 40 – formerly a race winner in both Moto2™ and WorldSBK – claimed a rostrum spot in the second race in Jerez; taking advantage of an incident between Eric Granado and, the winner of the 2019 edition, Matteo Ferrari.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Hopefully the rain will have stopped in 2021
On August 14th, 1977 Silverstone took over the World Championship status and hosted the British Grand Prix for the first time. It was a major chapter in the history of the sport which just had to happen. A purpose-built safer circuit replacing the legendary road circuit. Others were soon to follow suite. Rijeka in Yugoslavia, Brno in Czechoslovakia, the Nürburgring and the Sachsenring in Germany realised were the future lay. They built new circuits to ensure their futures as World Championship venues while never forgetting the exploits of the riders and teams that had established the very foundations of modern day MotoGP racing with their skill, bravery and in some cases their lives.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Landers times three, Kelly and Petersen get it done
After the close racing that occurred in Saturday’s Supersport race one, the expectation was that there would be a repeat performance in Sunday’s race two. However, an incident going into the chicane on the opening lap took out Saturday’s winner Richie Escalante. The HONOS Kawasaki rider and current championship leader was unhurt but unable to rejoin the race. That left the battle for the lead to the other two frontrunners, Sean Dylan Kelly and Brandon Paasch. Then, inexplicably, Paasch appeared to fall off his Celtic HSBK Racing Yamaha, which ended his day.
With both of his fiercest rivals out of the race, that left Kelly with a gaping lead aboard his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki. At the checkers, he won by more than 18 seconds over his teammate Lucas Silva, who celebrated his first-ever podium finish. Third place went to a somewhat somber Aguilar Racing Yamaha rider Jason Aguilar, who appreciated the podium finish but wished that attrition hadn’t played a factor in his result.
“Definitely a crazy race,” Kelly said. “I’m glad I was first into the first corner to avoid everything that happened behind me. I honestly had no idea what was going on. I did hear something in the first corner. It didn’t sound too good, but of course at the end of the day we all hear things while we’re riding. So, I wasn’t too sure what was going on. Today, I really focused on myself. I feel like, yesterday, I was a bit too worried about the fight with everyone, and it obviously didn’t go my way. I mean, okay, P2. Good yesterday, but we’re here to win. Today I just went out with a different mentality and went out there to win, and it showed in the lap times. I just focused on myself. I did very consistent 44’s in the first five laps. I knew I had someone behind me. I wasn’t sure if it was Branden (Paasch) or Richie (Escalante), or even both of them. I really didn’t know. I just kept my head down and did my own thing. Five laps or six laps in, from one moment to the other I didn’t hear a bike. Then on my board I saw plus-12. That’s not very usual. I wasn’t expecting that at all. I kept on doing my laps and then looked back just to make sure if that was right, I didn’t see anyone very close. It felt eternal. But I’m very happy to get these 25 points. Of course, unfortunate that our main rivals went down. It’s racing. At the end of the day, we don’t want anyone going down. I would have liked to do a last-lap battle like my first victory in Atlanta. At the end of the day, my objective is to win the championship, so this is really good for us to get 25 (points) on our main rival. Just super grateful to be here in the first spot. Thank you to my whole M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen arrive
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 range
Husqvarna Motorcycles have announce the availability of the MY20 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 range – two Learner Approved street models that feature modern designs and a few new technical features and colours for 2020.
Both models retail for a RRP of $6,195 with a suggested ride away price of $7,095 inclusive of on-road costs. Budget in some bar-end mirrors before you ride it home!
With its fresh and simple approach to motorcycling, the Vitpilen 401 is stripped of all that is unnecessary to guarantee an exciting riding experience. The extremely lightweight chassis – 151 kg without fuel – is matched to the strong performance of the 44 hp single cylinder engine.
The Svartpilen 401 is a progressive, rugged motorcycle with timeless appeal and is perfect for urban exploration. Single cylinder engine, streel trellis frame, low weight and high-performance WP APEX suspension.
Ensuring improved pillion comfort for 2020, both the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 feature extended, bolt-on subframes. A new, quality painted finish with subtle silver and bronze accents highlight the unique Vitpilen and Svartpilen designs.
2020 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401
- Extended sub-frame for increased pillion comfort
- Striking new graphics, trim and paint finish
- Powerful yet tractable 373 cc, 44 hp, 37 Nm, single cylinder engine
- Lightweight and nimble handling
- Vitpilen 401: 151 kg without fuel
- Svartpilen 401: 152 kg without fuel
- LED headlight and tail light
- Accessible size: 835 mm seat height
- Extremely low fuel consumption and running costs
- LAMS approved for new riders
Accompanying the Vitpilen and Svartpilen range is the Functional Clothing Street Collection – a selection of quality items that deliver the highest standards of protection, ideal for modern motorcyclists. Husqvarna Motorcycles also offer an extensive line-up of Accessories – high-quality items that add additional protection, durability and style. View the 2020 Husqvarna Motorcycles Street Gear Guide here.
Source: MCNews.com.au