Norton Motorcycles has really been through the wringer this year, and now under new leadership, there are a lot of questions about the future.
Recently Bennetts Bike Social had a chance to sit down and chat with the Interim CEO of Norton Motorcycles, John Russell. During that conversation, he discusses some new motorcycle, what motorcycles won’t make it to production in the future.
Russell said that Norton doesn’t just plan to let nostalgia rule here and wants to push the brand into the future with modern manufacturing techniques and new bikes.
He said that the company is doing all it can to protect trademarked historic Norton motorcycle names, but he didn’t say whether or not all of the names recently trademarked by the company would become production models.
The company’s current task is getting the current V4 engines up to Euro 5 compliance for future models. Russell did say that the Commando as it exists at the moment is nearing the end of its lifecycle. The bike will leave the lineup after this run of bikes. A new Commando could return in the future, but it’s unclear when.
He also said that alternatively powered bikes (electric) are certainly on the company’s radar, but what Norton would need out of an electric is vastly different than what other companies might be looking for. At the moment there is nothing much to report other than the fact that the parent company TVS, will likely supply the technology once it’s ready.
If you want to watch the whole interview, it’s over 36 minutes long and you can see the whole thing below.
The FIM has taken due note of the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision to impose a four-year period of ineligibility on 31-year-old Andrea Iannone.
The period of ineligibility begins on the 17th of December 2019.
This effectively puts an end to his career as a professional motorcycle rider.
Could we see Cal Crutchlow take up a seat with Aprilia in 2021..? Or will Jorge Lorenzo stage a comeback…?
Aprilia Statement
Aprilia Racing acknowledges the decision of the Losanna TAS and the four-year sanction for Andrea Iannone.
The ethical and sporting values to which Aprilia Racing has always aspired include zero tolerance for any practices prohibited by the regulations and require the acceptance and observance of judgements even though, on this occasion, it is a hard decision that seems to go well beyond what the papers, the scientific evidence and even the previous judgement issued by the International Federation indicated.
From the beginning of this matter, Aprilia Racing chose to stand by their rider and even at this time, as a matter of consistency, they support him, having believed and continuing to believe that he acted in good faith.
Massimo Rivola – Aprilia Racing CEO
“Judgements must be observed and accepted, even if many elements of this decision arouse perplexities, even from a purely scientific point of view. We do not regret having stood by Andrea and, to the contrary, we continue to stand by him at this time. This matter, with its extremely long times, has heavily damaged Aprilia Racing and our strategies for this and upcoming seasons. However, we must now look to the future, and it is our duty to quickly find a high-level solution that embraces the project we began with Andrea and that allows us to continue our growth, which is there and is clearly evident.”
Andrea Iannone Statement
Please find attached the CAS Media Release below detailing the decision concerning Iannone
Fashion trends and tighter emissions controls will inevitably force some motorcycle models to disappear from the showrooms. Estimating when that will happen is difficult.
While it doesn’t consider the pressure of European emissions controls which could terminate some models even sooner, it basically looks at the rate of sales from 2010 to 2020 and calculated the current average change per quarter.
Bikesure business manager Robert Balls says the estimated change data was then applied for the next decade to produce a list of estimated model expiring dates.
Some of the most popular motorcycles which feature in the list include Yamaha R6, Kawasaki ZX600, Honda CBR900, Peugeot Speedfight, Piaggio Zip, among many other rider favourites.
“While these bikes were popular in their time, in many cases it was probably due to their affordability and reliability as first-time bikes rather than because of their style,” Robert says.
“Many will think fondly of the bikes on this list, but unless that reaches beyond nostalgia, these bikes will continue to become an increasingly rare sight. Whatever you choose to ride, we will continue to offer bespoke policies that keep your wheels on the road.”
Here’s a list of the top 10 motorcycles and scooters that are destined for extinction by 2030, followed by the number of vehicles on British roads at the start of this year and the quarter of their expected extinction:
Vehicles on road
Extinction date
Yamaha YBR125
Suzuki GSF 600
Kawasaki ZX600
Piaggio Vespa LX
Peugeot Speedfight
Honda CBR900
Honda CG125
Piaggio Zip
Kawasaki ZX900
Other motorcycles which could, sadly, no longer be seen on British roads by 2030 include:
As his recovery continues, Marc Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team confirm he will not participate in the remainder of the 2020 MotoGP season and aims to return to racing in 2021.
Working through his recovery programme and tracking the progress of his arm, Marc Marquez in conjunction with Honda, his team and multiple expert doctors, has elected to officially delay his return to action until 2021.
Iannone asserted that the source of the prohibited substance was contaminated meat that he had ingested in Malaysia prior to the 2019 Sepang FIM World Championship MotoGP™ and that accordingly, he should be fully acquitted and that the Challenged Decision should be annulled. WADA, on the other hand, sought the imposition of a four-year period of ineligibility on the grounds that Iannone had failed to establish to the requisite standard that the origin of the prohibited Tribunal Arbitral du Sport Court of Arbitration for Sport substance in his sample resulted from meat contamination, and that as a consequence, the imposition of a four-year period of ineligibility was the appropriate sanction.
The team confirmed that Marc Marquez, in conjunction with Honda, his Repsol Honda Team and multiple expert doctors, has elected to officially delay his return to action until 2021. Stefan Bradl will continue to partner 2019 Moto2™ World Champion Alex Marquez in Repsol Honda colours for the final two races of the year.
The penultimate round of the season will then see MotoE™ return to the Red Bull Ring, a track the Cup visited in 2019, for another fast layout that shows off the best of the Energica Ego Corsa. Finally, Misano will host the season finale. The Adriatic classic is familiar turf for MotoE™ and will stage two races, rounding out the season in style in 2021.
KTM’s LC4 engine is now fully prepped for Euro5 emission standards, forming the heart of an updated and refocused 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R, with the models expected to arrive in Australian KTM dealers from March 2021 onwards.
2021 KTM 690 SMC R – Image by Sebas Romero
Joachim Sauer – KTM Product Manager
“The LC4 has been a powerful component of the KTM 690 ENDURO R and KTM 690 SMC R but we’ve still been able to harness that asset and continue to develop both motorcycles to be a special part of our KTM portfolio. We’ve found ways to give riders a more exciting and upgraded package for 2021 that keep the bikes as references in their segment. They are unique in their own special ways and we want to keep making them as essential as they are exhilarating.”
2021 KTM 690 Enduro R- Image by Sebas Romero
2021 KTM 690 Enduro R Updates
The 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R offers a slim and manoeuvrable machine, equipped with cornering ABS, off-road ABS, motorcycle traction control and a sensitive motor slip regulation ensures a customizable setting for any condition or landscape. WP XPLOR Suspension (adapted from the Enduro range especially for the KTM 690 Enduro R) ensures grip, supplies confidence and channels the motor’s output to the road surface. The 74 hp and 73.5 Nm of torque and output are ideal for long treks on smooth tarmac at speed.
2021 KTM 690 Enduro R
For 2021 KTM have retained many of the refined strengths of the motorcycle but have applied key updates that make the 690 Enduro R even more of an essential choice. KTM have added improved ride mode functionality through the handlebar switch: Street mode enables two channels of ABS both on the front and rear of the bike.
2021 KTM 690 Enduro R
The Off-road setting disengages rear wheel ABS for that important rear braking feel for low-traction terrain. The ABS itself benefits from a new modulator unit to better regulate the force and application of the braking power required, which also means it can be activated ‘on the fly’ and there is no longer a need for a ‘dongle’.
The new dashboard has an ABS ‘button’ to provide a rapid way to switch off the rider aid for the full flow offroad setting. The same display now shows indicators for rpm and gear selection.
2021 KTM 690 SMC R Updates
The KTM 690 SMC R 2021 takes the torque and pace of the LC4 into a pulse quickening supermoto form with a top-quality chrome-molybdenum steel tubing chassis, WP APEX suspension, purposeful supermoto ergonomics, and wide-ranging electronic ABS modes such as Cornering and Supermoto mode (rear wheel deactivation of lean angle input).
2021 KTM 690 SMC R
The 2021 690 SMC R also has the same new ABS modulator as the KTM 690 Enduro R, permitting adjustment ‘on the go’ as well as the handy new dash, alongside improved Brembo brakes for the new year. Latest generation Brembo M4.32 monoblock caliper lifts the grade of stopping performance even further on the 320 mm front disc (240 mm rear) thanks to optimised stiffness.
2021 KTM 690 SMC R
As with its LC4 cousin, the KTM 690 SMC R gets a cosmetic makeover that lift its styling and appeal.
2021 KTM 690 SMC R LC4 powerplant
Additionally, a new specification of the catalytic converter has been fitted to the muffler, which sees Euro5 status of emissions for both LC4-equipped machines.
The KTM 690 ENDURO R and the KTM 690 SMC R MY 2021 will be available at authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from March 2021 onwards. For more info visit www.ktm.com.
The only problem for the team, and let us be honest it is a decent one, is that Mir’s team-mate Alex Rins could still win the title, although not on Sunday. Together with Fabio Quartararo, he is 37 points behind. With 50 points up for grabs in the final two races it could still be decided at the final round in Portugal. At least it gives the team time to prepare for both eventualities which was not the case for the Monster Yamaha team in that controversial finale at Valencia five years ago. Valentino Rossi arrived in the caldron of frenzied excitement and toxicity with a seven-point lead but having to start from the back of the grid after the shenanigans in Malaysia. The team, which was divided, had to prepare for both eventualities. Lorenzo won the title and wore the T-Shirt.
With Laverda’s new 1000 3C triple entering production in 1972, the company began development of an endurance racing version to take over from their successful 750 twin. After racing during the 1974 season revealed a tendency for a high speed weave to upset the bike (not to mention the riders), designer Luciano Zen introduced the distinctive ‘Space Frame’ chassis.
Laverda Corse 1000 3C endurance racer
A very large fairing was also fitted to provide superior weather protection during 24 hour races. The fuel tank was enlarged to 24 litres. A major change was the alternator being moved forward, providing increased ground clearance.
Laverda Corse 1000 3C endurance racer
Riders for the 1975 season included some well known names – Augusto Brettoni (with 13 Laverda mounted victories), Roberto Gallina (GP racer and later 500GP team owner), Marco Lucchinelli (who began his career with the team) and Georges Fougeray. The team’s best results were a 5th at Barcelona and a 10th at Spa.
Luciano Zen introduced the distinctive “Space Frame” chassis
Of the five bikes constructed only three are known to still exist, this one being a part of the Laverda Corse collection, with power ouput quoted as 95 hp at 7,800 rpm, with a wet weight of 210kg, while top speed was 240 km/h.
