New 2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE | Blown naked goes a bit more upmarket but not coming to Oz

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Kawasaki’s supercharged naked Z H2 was well received in the market when released earlier this year and in 2021 it will be joined in overseas markets by a slightly more full-featured sibling with the advent of the Z H2 SE.

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Here in Australia though KMA have decided to stick with the H2 model for now and have no immediate plans to import this new SE variant. 

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Z H2 SE also boasts a huge array of electronic rider aids including, electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes (linking KTRCS sport traction control), power modes, traction & launch control, selectable power modes an up/down quick shifter plus Cornering Management Function, launch control and Intelligent anti-lock Brake System working in conjunction with high-spec’ Brembo Stylema calipers and radial master cylinder. 

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Electronically damped 43 mm Showa SFF-CA (cartridge) forks and a high-spec BFRC lite rear shock now work with Showa’s Skyhook technology. With a 1 millisecond reaction time, Skyhook adjusts the damping electronically to suit vehicle speed and suspension stroke speed as the suspension follows and automatically reacts to the dips and deviations in the road surface.  Deceleration is also considered, allowing the pitching that occurs under braking to be managed.

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

An all LED lighting package illuminates the Z H2 SE while a Bluetooth equipped TFT allows connection with a Smartphone for a variety of functions courtesy of Kawasaki’s free to download Rideology app. 

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE at a glance

  • Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension with Skyhook EERA Technology
  • Brembo Stylema Monobloc Brake Calipers and Brembo Front Brake Master Cylinder
  • Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
  • Powerful 998cc Balanced Supercharged Engine
  • Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS)
  • Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)
  • Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF)
  • Electronic Cruise Control
  • Integrated Riding Modes
  • Assist & Slipper Clutch
  • Dog-Ring Transmission
  • Specially Designed, Lightweight Trellis Frame
  • Aggressive Sugomi Styling and Minimalist Bodywork
  • LED Lighting
  • All-Digital TFT Color Instrumentation
  • Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE Specifications
Engine 998cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, supercharged
Bore x Stroke 76.0 x 55.0 mm
Compression Ratio 11.2:1
Claimed Power 197 hp @ 10,500 rpm
Claimed Torque 101 ft-lbs (137 Nm) @ 9500 rpm
Induction DFI, 40mm Throttle Bodies
Gears 6-speed dog-ring, return shift
Clutch Assist & slipper clutch
Frame Trellis, high tensile steel
Forks Showa SFF-BP Fork with KECS Compression and KECS Rebound Damping, plus Manual Spring Preload Adjustability
Shock Uni-Trak, Showa Gas-Charged Shock with KECS Compression and KECS Damping, plus Manual Spring Preload Adjustability
Tyres/Wheels 120/70-17 (F), 190/55-17 (R)
Front Brakes Dual 320mm Disc, Radial-mount Brembo Stylema Monobloc Calipers, Brembo Master Cylinder, KIBS
Rear Brake Single 260mm disc with single-piston caliper, KIBS
Electronics Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Showa Skyhook Technology, KECS Linked Integrated Riding Modes, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Power Modes (3), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Engine Brake Control (KEBC), Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift & downshift), Electronic Cruise Control
Instrumentation TFT
Kerb Weight 241 kg
Seat Height 830 mm
Wheelbase 1455 mm
Rake / Trail 24.9° / 104mm
Fuel Capacity 22.7 L
Service Intervals 12,000km (12 months)
Available N/A
Price N/A
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE

Source: MCNews.com.au

Kawasaki wrap up two days of WorldSBK testing at Aragon

KRT draw a line under 2020

Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea made more positive steps with the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR at Motorland Aragon this week, despite weather conditions preventing them from riding on the final day of their planned two-day test.  However, KRT states that a highly productive session was held on Wednesday with Lowes posting 66 laps and Rea 57 laps.

Jonathan Rea

Rea finished off with the fastest single lap time, a 1’49.716, with Lowes very close with his 1’49.832 best.

Fog and poor track conditions rolled in on Thursday, meaning the KRT squad decided to not risk any more track action.

2021 KRT ZX-10RR
Jonathan Rea – 1m49.716s

The first day was positive because we kept working with the items we had from the recent Jerez test. We really worked step-by-step on the engine side to understand all the feelings I have and all the different parameters we can explore with the new bike. We drew some really good conclusions. The lap time was very fast and I feel good on the bike – but I feel the potential is much better. We did not do any mileage on day two as the weather was full of fog all morning and afternoon so we packed up early, content and satisfied with our winter test programme so far. It has been really nice to ride so fast after Estoril and our first impressions of the new Ninja ZX-10RR are already positive. We have been fast, consistent and the feeling with the bike is getting better lap-by-lap. I am looking forward to some downtime now at home with my family. All the team, all the staff can go home and relax after a great season. I want to thank everybody for the huge effort at these winter tests, and this season during difficult times. We are going to recharge and get ready for the 2021 season.”

Jonathan Rea
Alex Lowes – 1m49.832s

Day one was pretty good for me. Of course the temperatures in Aragon are a little bit cold, so it took a while for the track to warm up so that we could get into some proper testing. With new parts to try we wanted to take the opportunity to confirm some of the things that we tried that were positive in Jerez. A couple of things that worked well last week have worked well this week, so from my side we are really happy. Two tracks, in two different temperature ranges, and we feel really good with the new bike. The guys worked very well and there is always a lot to do at testing, especially when you have got new parts, fitting stuff on-and-off the bike and so on, so thanks to them. Unfortunately the weather was not our friend today in Aragon but we had a good day yesterday, a good couple of days in Jerez last week, and we know the areas we are working on going into the 2021 season. We have had strong tests this side of the season and now we are looking forward to going home and relaxing a little bit.”

Alex Lowes

Having already confirmed some important items on day one the team and technical staff can now define the next steps to take with machine-set-up in 2021 which boasts a much more significant aero package in the new model, along with further ligthening of the engine internals and base geometry changes.

The next tests take are scheduled for January 2021. 

Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW G 310 R updated for 2021

2021 BMW G 310 R


BMW have announced an updated G 310 R for 2021, with the popular LAMS machine to receive a host of updates to refine the package on offer. The bike is expected to arrive in Australia in Q1 or 2021, although pricing and full specifications are yet to be announced. Styling has also been tweaked, particularly around the tank and radiator cowls for a cleaner look.

The 2021 BMW G 310 R alongside the G 310 GS

The 313 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that comprises the heart of the G 310 models will now be Euro5 homologated, and receives an electromotive throttle controller, with BMW promising a more sensitive throttle response as a result. Power remains 34 hp at 9500rpm and torque peaks at 28 Nm at 7500 rpm, offering strong if not class leading power.

2021 BMW G 310 R – Polar White

With a bit of a reputation for being easy to stall the G 310 R also receives a new automatic idle speed increase system that when starting prevents the engine from stalling suddenly. That’s going to be a welcome addition to new riders facing the challenge of learning clutch control for the first time.

2021 BMW G 310 R – Cosmic Black

A shift-assist clutch is another addition, providing a light feel at the lever, as well as limiting compression lock on aggressive downshifting.

2021 BMW G 310 R

Also new for 2021 is an LED headlight and indicators, joining the existing LED taillight, with the headlight to include daytime running lights, with the rider able to switch between high beam, low beam and DRLs.

2021 BMW G 310 R

A premium update designed to accommodate a larger variety of riders is the additional of adjustable levers for both the brake and clutch, offering four positions and removing the need to retro-fit adjustable levers.

2021 BMW G 310 R

2021 will see the BMW G 310 R arrive in three colour options, Cosmic Black, Polar White and with a Sport Limestone Metallic option also available. Engine housing covers, footrest plate and grab handle have all also been painted Titanium Grey Metallic on the new models, for a much darker look that helps draw the bike together.

2021 BMW G 310 R – Sport Limestone Metallic

We’ll have to wait for full specifications to see whether there are any other tweaks, as well as for pricing and more specific availability information. For now, we just know the new G 310 R will be arriving in Australia in Q1, 2021.

2021 BMW G 310 R
2021 BMW G 310 R
2021 BMW G 310 R

Source: MCNews.com.au

New F1 style light signals to be required for FIM track certification

New lighting systems to become mandatory

High-tech light panels will be mandatory at all circuits that host events in the FIA Formula One World Championship & FIM MotoGP World Championship from 2022, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, FIM WorldSBK and FIM EWC from 2023, as part of a new safety partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

The light panels can be operated by race control or trackside by marshals and are used to display crucial information to competitors including flag information, weather status, and if a safety car or virtual safety car has been deployed.

Currently in F1, the championship promoter is responsible for transporting the top-level panels to each race but then removes them for the next one, meaning that other events on those circuits do not have access to this safety technology. The new requirement will mean that every championship competing on these circuits will have access to F1 levels of safety technology.

Each of the FIA Grade 1 circuits on the F1 calendar will need to install the T1-spec homologated light panels, which have passed the latest FIA Standard 3504-2019.

Each of the FIM circuits on MotoGP, World Superbike, and Endurance calendars will need to install the T1 or T2 spec homologated light panels.

The requirement will extend to other FIA Grade 1 or Grade 2 circuits hosting FIA Championship events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023, where T2-spec panels will be mandatory, and FIA Grade 3 circuits hosting FIA Championships in 2024 where the T3-spec light panel will be required.

These panels undergo rigorous testing by the Federal Institute of Metrology laboratory in Switzerland, where they are examined under a number of conditions including rain and direct sunlight.

British company EM Motorsport is currently the only manufacturer to have passed the FIA tests for T1 and T2 light panels, with several other manufacturers currently in the process of homologating their products. Spanish company Pixelcom has passed the FIA T2 tests and is currently the only provider for FIA-homologated T3 panels.

This new requirement builds on the collaboration between the FIA and FIM on circuit safety and follows the introduction of a joint circuit paint standard earlier this year.

Franck Vayssié, FIM Circuit Racing Commission Director

The FIM and FIA share a strong bond in terms of safety and this further strengthens that cooperation. Making these light panels mandatory at FIM circuits that host MotoGP, Superbike and Endurance World Championships will help to ensure the highest levels of safety for all series that race on these top-level tracks.”

Technical Requirements for panels can be found here

Source: MCNews.com.au

Kymco Has a New Adventure Scooter – The DT X360

“Do a 360!”

Taiwanese scooter manufacturer, Kymco, just introduced a ton of newly updated scooters to the market along with their first adventure scooter: the DT X360.

At first glance, – I’m just going to put this out there – it comes nowhere near close to being as cool as the new Honda X-ADV (Seriously, Honda, hook me up over here). I wouldn’t particularly call this maxiscooter an “Adventure Scooter”, but there sure is some offroad potential with the vehicle.

The most notable ‘offroad’ features found on this scooter would be the adventure beak and the semi-knobbed tires.

The scooter features a 321cc thumper producing 28.2 ponies and 22 lb-ft of torque, has a seat height of 31.5 inches, LED lighting all around, a mega-sized storage compartment (as most scooters do, but this one, in particular, can hold two full-size helmets with room to spare), keyless ignition and a sizable LED full-color display with USB ports ready at the sides.

Although this isn’t an off-roading beast, this will be a great option for riders living in countries with fewer paved roads and lots of dirt pathways. It would be great to see Kymco add a few more features to make it more off-road friendly; perhaps a slightly upgraded suspension to provide riders with some slightly extra clearance (in the photos it looks as though it’s about standard scooter height).

2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders setbacks

Currently, we have no information regarding pricing or official release date for this ADV scoot.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Dakar Rally Hasn’t Been Cancelled – New Route for January 2021

#DiscoverTheRoute

Seriously, COVID-19 has managed to bugger its way into all our lives and destroy everything that we hold dear; especially motorcycle events. Although MotoGP had a successful start-up and managed to make do with this series of unfortunate events, many other motorsports divisions haven’t had the same luck.

If I made a list of things far more dangerous than the Coronavirus, Dakar Rally would be up at the top. Dakar Rally is bad-ass, tough, excruciating, nauseating, dangerous…. Should I continue? Luckily for those of us locked in the house, organizers of the Dakar Rally event have confirmed that the event will take place in January 2021 without a hitch. 

“The preparation, and in particular the reconnaissance, had to be conducted according to a schedule adapted to the 2020 travel restrictions. The rally will be held under unusual conditions drafted in a protocol designed to ensure maximum protection against the spread of the Covid-19 virus”, the organizers said in a release.

Unfortunately, the Rally loses some of its “WTF” potential with the addition of a new route that will shorten the original 8000-mile trek to the tune of 3200 miles. This new route will take place in Saudi Arabia and is planned to be 4750 miles long in its entirety.

Although we are losing some distance for this event, the organizers assure us that there are far more technical areas that will put riders’ navigation skills to the test resulting in a much more interesting race. Previous Dakar Rally’s feature long stretches of desert sand before things get spicey, so hopefully, this new event cuts some of that ‘nothing-ness’ out of the equation.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

The first day was positive because we kept working with the items we had from the recent Jerez test. We really worked step-by-st…

The first day was positive because we kept working with the items we had from the recent Jerez test. We really worked step-by-step on the engine side to understand all the feelings I have and all the different parameters we can explore with the new bike. We drew some really good conclusions. The lap time was very fast and I feel good on the bike – but I feel the potential is much better. We did not do any mileage on day two as the weather was full of fog all morning and afternoon so we packed up early, content and satisfied with our winter test programme so far. It has been really nice to ride so fast after Estoril and our first impressions of the new Ninja ZX-10RR are already positive. We have been fast, consistent and the feeling with the bike is getting better lap-by-lap. I am looking forward to some downtime now at home with my family. All the team, all the staff can go home and relax after a great season. I want to thank everybody for the huge effort at these winter tests, and this season during difficult times. We are going to recharge and get ready for the 2021 season
.
📸 @geebeeimages
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@krt_worldsbk @alpinestars @araieu @monsterenergy @showaperformance @oakleymotorsports @insidebikes #team65


Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

High-Tech Light Panels to be mandatory at all MotoGP™ tracks

High-tech light panels will be mandatory at all circuits that host events in the FIA Formula One World Championship & FIM MotoGP™ World Championship from 2022, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, FIM WorldSBK and FIM EWC from 2023, as part of a new safety partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Eric Granado and WithU Motorsport join forces for 2021

Matteo Ballarin – Team Principal: “We are very happy to announce this agreement with Eric Granado for the 2021 season. He has proven to be a good rider in different categories and, above all, he has great experience in the MotoE World Cup, having participated in the series for the last two seasons. Among his greatest achievements to date, last year’s Valencia Grand Prix comes to mind – where he won both races fighting with us in the last laps. The WithU Motorsport team are delighted with the agreement and we hope we can be fighting for the top positions and the title in 2021. We have a lot of work and a great future ahead of us together.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here