Monthly Archives: June 2021

MotoGP, News

Gresini confirm 2022 MotoGP tilt and rider line-up with Ducati

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Gresini and Ducati tie-up for MotoGP 2022

Starting from next year, Gresini Racing will be back as an Independent MotoGP Team, with Ducati as the manufacturer of choice. This decision has been strongly supported by Fausto’s family, and it leads to a whole new project tied with the Borgo Panigale brand for the next two seasons.

Team Gresini will be back in full control of their Premier Class effort and will do so with the all-Italian line-up of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Enea Bastianini, two talented young riders who are no strangers to Fausto and Gresini Racing.

Nadia Padovani – Gresini Racing Team Owner/Principal

“It’s a very emotional moment for each of us. In previous months, our efforts merged with a strong emotional push to shape the future of Gresini Racing, and now are immensely proud and happy to make the official announcement. It is a project born out of continuity and based on values upon which Fausto built this amazing institution. My thank you goes first and foremost to Carmelo Ezpeleta for making sure we never felt alone during these months, to Ducati for trusting our projects, to Flex-Box who joined us in this new challenge as title sponsor and obviously to Fabio and Enea: I’m sure they will give their best to wave the Gresini Racing banner high.”

Gresini previously spent seven years with Aprilia, but now enter a new chapter with Ducati.

Gigi Dall’Igna – Ducati

“We’re incredibly happy to have reached this agreement with Gresini Racing for the next two MotoGP seasons. We had laid down the foundations of a possible agreement with Fausto already at the end of last year and we would like to thank – from the bottom of our hearts – his family for carrying this project forward with us. Gresini Racing has been an especially important institution in MotoGP for many years and we are confident this partnership, which can count on two very talented riders such as Enea and Fabio, will be of great satisfaction for all parties involved.”

Carmelo Ezpelete – Dorna Sports

“First of all, it is a pleasure to continue working with Gresini Racing as an Independent Team. I know how much Fausto cared about this project and I’m sure he would be very proud of it now. I had the opportunity to speak with Nadia in recent weeks and I see in her, in her sons and the whole team the determination and the great passion for this sport that characterized him so much. We’re thrilled that Gresini Racing will continue, at least, 5 more years in the Premier Class”.

Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici motorcycles

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

MV Agusta To Attempt World Record Of Most Countries In 24 Hours

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If successful, it will be 11 countries traversed within a single day.

Begin press release:

On the longest day of the year, the summer solstice of June 21st, MV Agusta, together with journalist Valerio Boni, will attempt to beat the record of the most countries visited in 24 hours on a motorcycle.

Boni will set off on a 2000 km ride across Europe, respecting all the traffic and speed regulations, starting from Malmö in Sweden and ending at the MV Agusta headquarters in Schiranna, Italy, setting the mark of the most countries visited at 11:  Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and of course, Italy. A real endurance test for Boni and his 2021 edition Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS.

Valerio Boni, 62, is an Italian motorcycling journalist. A true motorsport enthusiast, he’d ride anything with wheels and an engine and has a particular predilection for endurance raids. He was among the first Italian riders taking part in African rallies, and rode 125 cc Cagivas to victory in Morocco and Egypt. He also has a passion for long distance, round-the-clock challenges. Last month he set the Guinness World Record for the longest distance on a minibike in 24 hours.

MV Agusta named the enterprise “TVEE”, Turismo Veloce Europe Endurance, inspired by the TEE, Trans Europe Express, the legendary train service that operated in Europe from 1957 to 1991, and which represented, at the time, the fastest and most stylish way to travel across the continent before the advent of high-speed.

But Boni’s quest won’t be stopping at the world record, since he will also attempt to gain SaddleSore 1600K and SaddleSore 2000K certifications from the Iron Butt Association, the “World’s toughest Motorcycle Riders”. The challenges consist in riding respectively 1.600 km and 2.000 km in less than 24 hours.

Valerio Boni commented: “This long, epic ride across Europe will certainly be challenging for both rider and bike, but the 2021 edition of the Turismo Veloce, in its production version, has everything it takes to achieve the objective in the best conditions. Thanks to the Turismo Veloce’s onboard technology we will be able to share the adventure in real time on the official website www.mvagusta.com”

For the Model Year 2021, MV Agusta engineers have been working hard at improving comfort and aerodynamics protection. They also optimised torque and fuel consumption, making the renewed MV Agusta, which also features the new MV Ride App, possibly the most exclusive touring bike of all times. It certainly will be the most reliable, comfortable and stylish for Boni’s 2.000 km ramble across the old continent.



The post MV Agusta To Attempt World Record Of Most Countries In 24 Hours appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Motorcycle News, News

Book review: The Best of Drives 1

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I’ve literally been around the world with Barry Green on a mixture of two and four wheels.

Barry is the author of several motorsport books and now a travelogue of great drives and cars around the world called “The Best of Drives 1”.

It should be of interest to MotorbikeWriter readers whether you are also into cars or not as it is prefaced with Barry’s early career as an amateur motorcycle racer and peppered with references to two wheels.

And, of course, the greatest “drives” are also the greatest roads to ride.

The satin-paged 174-page book costs $55 including postage and packaging anywhere in Australia and is available online at: Barry Green — Author.

It’s an motivational read laced with inspiring images that will make you want to get behind the wheel or handlebars of your favourite steed and go exploring.

Barry has worked for many years in newspapers and motoring magazines and retired last year as the RACQ’s motoring editor on the day the lockdowns started.

After a career of driving exotic and expensive cars, Barry went straight out and bought a rare 2010 Triumph Thruxton in white with a red frame that reminded him of his old 1959 Triumph Thunderbird 650. You simply can’t get two wheels out of the blood!

Motoring editor retires to two wheels
Barry on his Thruxton

His retirement also gave him plenty of time to come riding the hills around South East Queensland with me; that is, when he was not penning this great read.

As motoring editor at The Courier-Mail for a dozen years I partnered with Barry on many local, national and overseas motoring events and launches.

I’m in awe of his driving and riding abilities and I enjoy his good humour and reminiscences of a similar “wild-child” youth.

This book now has me in awe of his poetic and descriptive writing talents that figuratively put you in the saddle as he takes you to some of the greatest roads in the world in some of the most iconic and often relevant cars such as a Mini around the streets of London, a Citroen 2CV in Provence, or Italian supercar drifting twins from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Of course, there is a big section on Australian roads including several of our local SEQ riding routes. 

Even though I know these roads like the proverbial back of my glove, it is refreshing to read Barry’s perspective. 

ROHITESH UPADHYAY breaking the record for world's longest no-hands wheelie October 2019

And I now know why he lingers a little longer on the McAfee’s Lookout bend of the Mt Glorious Road … that’s where he was married to his life-long partner.

The book starts in the 1970s when Barry was inspired by the cult film Easy Rider to become a self-confessed wild child, drag-racing a Kawasaki triple before a succession of road and dirt bikes passed through the garage of his rental where there was always a tallie in the rattly fridge to welcome his like-minded mates.

I don’t think I would be alone among MotorbikeWriter readers in relating to much of that scenario.

And like Barry, starting off on motorcycles instilled the most basic motoring skills and mechanical sympathy that breeds a talented motorist.

He finishes his book with an eclectic selection of vehicles he has driven over the years that range from a 1965 Austin-Healey 2000 Mk IIIA to a 2008 HSV Maloo R8 and on to a 2015 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

Thankfully he includes one of my favourite well-balanced raw Italian sports machines, the 1976 Lancia Beta Coupe. 

Hopefully my all-time fave — the Fiat 124CC — will feature in The Best of Drives 2, coming soon!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Andy Goldfine: Ep. 14 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

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Episode 14 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Andy Goldfine Aerostich Roadcrafter Ride to Work Day
Andy Goldfine, wearing one of his iconic Roadcrafter suits.

Our guest on Episode 14 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Andy Goldfine, founder of Aerostich and inventor of the iconic Roadcrafter textile motorcycle suit. Andy is also event organizer for the International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day, which takes place each year on the third Monday in June. The 30th annual event is scheduled for June 21, 2021. We talk about how Andy became a motorcyclist, what motivated him to invent the Roadcrafter, how products are selected for the Aerostich catalog, why motorcycling is a social good, the advantages of lane splitting/sharing, and other topics.

You can listen to Episode 14 on Spotify, SoundCloud, and iTunes, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends!

Check out previous episodes:

The post Andy Goldfine: Ep. 14 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle News, News

Steve McQueen Edition Triumph Scrambler 1200 To Be Offered at Mecum Auction in August

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Proceeds from the Sale of the Exclusive Triumph Motorcycle to Benefit Boys Republic.

Begin press release:

Triumph’s Serial No. 0278 of 1,000, 2022 Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition motorcycle will be offered for public sale on Saturday, August 14th in Monterey, California, at The Daytime Auction, hosted by Mecum Auctions, with all proceeds from the sale donated to the Boys Republic, a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian school and treatment community for troubled youth. The motorcycle is one of an exclusive run of just 1,000 produced globally and boasts a serial number that matches the number plate ran by Steve McQueen in the International Six Days Trial (ISDT). Held annually at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course during the world-renown Monterey Car Week, The Mecum Daytime Auction will additionally feature 600 classic and collector cars as well as approximately 100 vintage and antique collector motorcycles available for purchase, Aug. 12-14.

It was back in 1964 when actor and motorcycle rider Steve McQueen, “The King of Cool,” helped to form and fund the first official Team USA to enter the famed ISDT motorcycle race held annually in Europe. His team members included Bud and Dave Ekins, Cliff Coleman and John Steen, all of whom piloted their very own Triumph motorcycle in the harrowing and iconic race. Their efforts across the pond were highly publicized, with countless magazines and news outlets including prominent feature articles about the race within their pages. As a result, imagery of McQueen atop his No. 278 Triumph at the 1964 ISDT remains prolific even today.

In celebration of the most famous movie star, stunt and motorcycle in history, the new Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition is inspired by the Triumph TR6 that pulled off that famous stunt in the iconic war movie classic, “The Great Escape.” This limited edition brings all the category-dominating specification, go-anywhere capability and advanced technology of the new 2022 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, and adds its own premium McQueen-themed paint scheme and extensive list of beautiful, unique details. First launched for 2019, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 has rapidly become a modern Triumph icon, setting a new benchmark in its category. Fully equipped with a selection of premium Scrambler accessories, fitted as standard, the Steve McQueen Edition is now officially the highest-specification Scrambler 1200 ever.

With just 1,000 Scrambler 1200 Steve McQueen Edition models available worldwide, each bike is individually numbered on the beautiful billet-machined handlebar clamp, which also features a laser-etched Steve McQueen signature. For even greater exclusivity, each bike comes with a unique certificate of authenticity stating the bike’s serial number, and carrying the signatures of Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor, and Chad McQueen, son of the legend himself.

An exceptional opportunity to acquire serial no. 0278 of the exclusive run of 1,000 McQueen-edition Scramblers will come about Saturday, August 14th in Monterey, as it crosses the Mecum auction block with a charitable twist. The highest bidder will not only become the proud new owner of this amazing motorcycle that bears a serial number matching the number plate ran by McQueen in the 1964 ISDT, but they will also write the check for its purchase directly to the Boys Republic school for troubled youth. The winning bidder will also be invited to attend the annual dinner of the Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show scheduled for October 2 as a Guest of Honor at the school located in Chino Hills, California. The school was founded in 1907 and has since helped more than 32,000 at-risk teenage boys and girls lead productive, fulfilling lives, including alumni Steve McQueen, who not only graduated from the school, but also later provided funding and support to the organization and its mission.

The Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Bidder registration is available online in advance and on-site for $200 and includes admission for two to each auction day. Those unable to attend and bid in-person are encouraged to register for telephone and internet bidding. Doors open each day at 8AM PT with the vehicle auction beginning daily at 10AM PT on Thursday, Aug. 12 and at 9AM PT on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13-14. Portions of the auction will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.

Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments including detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles. To view the list, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

Auction Schedule

The Daytime Auction – Monterey 2021

August 12-14, 2021

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa – Del Monte Golf Course

1 Old Golf Course Rd Monterey, CA 93940 

Bidder Registration: $200 in advance online and at the door; includes admission for two to each auction day

Preview: Gates open daily at 8AM PT

Auction: Vehicles begin at 10AM PT on Thursday, August 12 and at 9AM PT on Friday and Saturday, August 13-14

TV Schedule: To be announced

(All times Pacific)












The post Steve McQueen Edition Triumph Scrambler 1200 To Be Offered at Mecum Auction in August appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Tough Turban offers Sikh riders protection

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Sikh riders who want an exemption from wearing a helmet on religious grounds may soon have a “Tough Turban” option that will offer better protection than the traditional soft turban. 

A Tough Turban prototype has been made by a Canadian Harley-Davidson dealership and is now open for a manufacturer to produce.

It consists of three protective layers: non-Newtonian foam used in military armour and helmets that hardens on impact; 3D-printed chainmail; and a composite fabric used in bullet-proof clothing. 

The Tough Turban was developed in Ontario because it is one of several provinces in Canada that allows Sikhs a helmet exemption.

Tough Turban Sikh motorcycle helmet
Tough Turban

The UK introduced an exemption in 1976 and it has now spread to include New Zealand (up to 50km/h), India and Pakistan (Peshawar only).

In Australia, the Religious Discrimination Bill protects “religious activity” such as the wearing of a turban, but it does not override state laws, including road rules.

Sikhs in several states have sought exemptions, but so far only Victoria has granted a helmet exemption on religious grounds, but that is for cyclists only.

Germany and France have knocked back turban helmet exemptions  and Denmark is cracking down on helmet exemptions for health or religious reasons.

Pfaff Harley-Davidson spokesman Brandon Durmann says the turban prototype helps celebrate the “diversity of our ridership”. 

The Tough Turban was conceived and designed by Zulu Alpha Kilo, the dealership’s creative partner.

Zulu founder Zak Mroueh says the the idea came from staff members Dan Cummings and Vic Bath, who is from a Sikh background. 

“He was inspired by his father, who grew up in a small village in India and dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson, which to him was the ultimate symbol of freedom,” Zak says.

Tough Turban Sikh motorcycle helmet
Sikh Motorcycle Club of Ontario members testing the Tough Turban

The Sikh Motorcycle Club of Ontario is helping to test and improve the Tough Turban.

The full design considerations for the prototype have been open-sourced and released online, enabling any manufacturer in the world access to the virtual blueprint to make their version of a reinforced turban for riders in their region.

Aussie Sikhs

Sikh Motorcycle Club rides for charity sikhs turban
Aussie Sikhs

Sikhs have been in Australia since the 1880s.

There are now about 126,000 Sikhs here, according to the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census. It is the fifth largest religion after Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Victoria has seen the sharpest increase in the number of Sikhs with 52,762. The state with the second highest Sikh population is NSW with 31,737 Sikhs, Queensland 17,433, Western Australia 11,897, South Australia 8808, ACT 2142 and Northern Territory and Tasmania have under 700 Sikhs each.

Turban symbol

Amar says it takes about half an hour to wrap a turban which he describes as his “spiritual crown”.

He also points out that Sikh soldiers fighting with Allied forces at Gallipoli did not wear helmets.

The Sikh Council of Australia’s website gives this explanation for wearing the turban.

Unshorn hair (‘Kesh’) are also an essential part of the Sikh Code of Conduct. This makes Turban an essential part of a Sikh’s attire. Like the ‘Kirpan’ issue, this is another issue where the Government and its departments as well as the wider Australian community need to be informed about the importance of the Turban for a Sikh. More importantly, in order to tackle the hate crimes and discrimination based on the ‘looks’ the Australian community is being educated about the distinction between a Sikh and other members of the community who may also wear a Turban or cover their head or perhaps may look the same due to other items of clothing (for example the salwar and kameez for the women). Hopefully the Government will introduce measures which will allow the wider Australian community to be more aware and tolerant and not discriminate against someone wearing a Turban and not assume that they might be a terrorist.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Moto Guzzi USA Launches E-Commerce Site

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Moto Guzzi’s new e-commerce website directly connects customers with dealers.

Begin press release:

Launching today, Moto Guzzi USA now hosts a modern retail solution with their new e-commerce platform. Meeting the demand of enthusiastic motorcyclists and existing Guzzisti, who celebrate the brand’s 100th Anniversary in 2021, the e-commerce provides contemporary solutions to changing retail challenges, further supported by a dealer network that fulfills all orders, guaranteeing a more seamless approach without losing the personal and passionate dealer dedication, known by Moto Guzzi’s Proud Owners.

Following the demand of prior pre-order campaigns, managed online, customers have confirmed the benefit and convenience of online resources to support their purchase decisions. Additionally, the e-commerce solutions have grown awareness and interest in authorized Moto Guzzi accessories, as well as apparel and technical riding gear.

“Moto Guzzi is one of the most storied brands in all of motorcycling,” explains Mario Di Maria, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, “with such a strong history, we prioritized bringing these purchasing solutions online to better serve our customers, and the brand, as we celebrate our most exciting years yet. This is an important and appropriate step to strengthen our dealer network and increase their ability to serve customers, providing tools to satisfy their individuality and passion before they even step into the dealership.”

With the addition of an online retail platform, Moto Guzzi USA supports the needs of future owners with resources to shop models and accessories, customizing their purchase experience, and ultimately connecting with a dealership that can manage their needs with clear direction, and in a timely manner from a digital storefront accessible 24/7.

As a tool to prospective owners, and authorized Moto Guzzi dealerships, the Moto Guzzi online store can assist in qualifying customers for finance options and current sales promotions, allowing dealerships to anticipate stocking needs before inventory even leaves their dealership.

The Moto Guzzi e-commerce is now live at https://storeusa.motoguzzi.com/

Find out more about the latest Moto Guzzi motorcycles, Dealer locations, and Test Ride opportunities at MotoGuzzi.com.





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