Grand Prix racing in the US has a long history at legendary tracks such as Daytona, Laguna Seca and Indianapolis. In 2013, the impressive new Hermann Tilke-designed 5.513 km Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, joined the MotoGP™ calendar and become an instant hit – with its cutting edge facilities and a capacity for 120,000 fans.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Autocar Professional has published a report on motorcycle sales numbers from October 2021, and it doesn’t look good. Six of the major OEMs sold a total of 14,77,313 two-wheelers, which is a substantial 26 percent lower than the same month last year (October 2020: 19,85,690).
The report mentions that a significant factor is the continuously increasing petrol prices, which recently crossed the Rs 100-a-litre mark ($1.35) across the country. The original article mentions that the cost of fuel increased by 6.99 percent over October. A large portion of motorcycle sales from India comes from the commuter segment, and the high fuel prices have kept new buyers away.
Hero MotoCorp, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world, sold 5,27,779 units in India in October. This is a 33 percent decline when compared to October 2020, when it sold 7,91,137 two-wheelers. On the bright side, sales numbers were higher than that of September 2021, by 22,317 units — a 4 percent increase from September 2020.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) saw sales decline by 20 percent from 4,94,459 in October 2020 to 3,94,623 in October 2021. Unfortunately, retail numbers were down from September 2021 — by 15 percent – from the 4,63,379 units it sold in the previous month.
Commenting on the sales performance, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director, Sales & Marketing, HMSI, said: “With the much-awaited festival season in progress, we are witnessing a gradual rise in engagement, registering more inquiries from prospective customers with each passing day. We expect this auspicious period to amplify the positivity in terms of conversions.”
The silver lining was that October 2021 saw 50 million sales since the manufacturer started operation in India in 2001. HMSI, which has a 26 percent overall two-wheeler market share, is also expanding its portfolio in India to include more larger-capacity models.
TVS Motor Co, which has a 14.24 percent share in the Indian two-wheeler market, sold a total of 2,58,777 units in October 2021 — a 14 percent drop from the 3,01,380 units sold in the same month last year.
However, it saw a 6 percent rise in sales versus September 2021, which sold 2,44,084 units.
Autocar Professional reports that the company’s recently launched Raider 125 commuter motorcycle and Jupiter 125 scooter have garnered decent sales in the past month.
Bajaj Auto sold a total of 198,738 bikes in October 2021, which is a substantial 26 percent drop from October 2020’s 2,68,631.
The report mentions that Bajaj’s export numbers have dropped too — from 2,01,659 in October 2020 to 1,92,565 in October 2021. Combined sales are 391,303 units, which is a 17 percent decline from 4,70,290 units sold last October.
Overall, Bajaj has had a solid fiscal year in sales, with export numbers from April to October going up 56 percent yearly.
Last month, Royal Enfield sold 40,611 motorcycles, while it sold 62,858 units in October 2020 — a 35 percent year-on-year drop. On the flipside, numbers are up by 49 percent compared to September 2021, with 13,378 more units sold in October.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to be the manufacturer’s talisman in its new avatar and tops its sales charts.
Suzuki Motorcycle India has reported a 16 percent drop in sales year-on-year, from 67,225 to 56,785 units. About month-on-month growth from September to October 2021, the manufacturer sold an additional 1,177 two-wheelers, a 2 percent hike.
Rohan Kanwar Gupta, VP & Sector Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA (Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited), said, “The volumes also reflect some impact of extended supply chain disruptions (semiconductor chip shortages) on the production of high end (>150cc) two-wheelers.”
“Nonetheless, sequential growth in domestic wholesale volumes indicates some revival attributable to the festive season. This is in line with the retail registration data, which also saw a nine percent sequential growth in October 2021, with volumes touching 9,90,000 units. A healthy pace of vaccination leading to abatement of fear regarding further waves of infection, decent farm cash-flows and preference for personal mobility are expected to support volume recovery in the near-term even as elevated cost of ownership continue to pose a risk.”
With India celebrating a festive season that typically brings about a notable rise in numbers, next month will likely paint a more optimistic picture for two-wheeler sales.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Joining the slew of new Triumph special edition models for 2022 will be a Rocket 3 R ‘221’ and Rocket 3 GT ‘221’ Special Edition, boasting a unique paint scheme to set them apart, and naturally only available for a single year.
Expected to arrive in Australia from January 2022, the Triumph Rocket 3 R 221 will start from $35,850, while the Rocket 3 GT 221 will start from $36,850 – both ride-away prices.
The new paint scheme features Red Hopper across the tank and front mudguard, with special ‘221’ knee pad graphics. The tank will include stickers under the clear coat, listing capacity, torque, power and bore by stroke figures, alongside the manufacturer and its country of origin.
In contrast, the mudguard brackets, headlight bowls, flyscreen, side panels, rear bodywork and radiator cowls are all in Sapphire Black.
221 represents the bikes torque figures, delivered at 4000 rpm and boasting the most offered in a production motorcycle from the 2458 cc triple-cylinder.
Horsepower certainly isn’t lacking either, with 167 hp at 6000 rpm, with a torque assist clutch fitted, alongside helical-cut six-speed gearbox.
Electronics include cornering ABS and cornering traction control thanks to an IMU, with a colour TFT display, My Triumph connectivity and an optional Bluetooth module which allows GoPro interaction, turn by turn navigation and more. Four ride modes adjust throttle response and traction control.
Showa provides suspensders front and rear with a monoshock mated to the single-sided swingarm, including a piggyback reservoir and joined by a set of 47 mm USD cartridge forks boasting compression and rebound adjustment.
Top-spec Brembo Stylema calipers are also fitted, on 320 mm floating rotors, while a Brembo M4.32 four-piston unit is mounted to the rear 300 mm rotor – something you’d more commonly see adorning the front of a motorcycle.
Wheels are cast aluminium 20-spoke lightweight units, with Avon Cobra Chrome tyres standard fitment.
A sculpted seat is designed for comfort and support, while the Rocket 3 R offers two settings of vertical adjustment for the foot controls, while the Rocket 3 GT in comparison adds three horizontal adjustments as well.
Seat height is an inviting 773 mm on the R, while the GT bumps that up to 750 mm, with both running an 18 L fuel tank. LED lighting is fitted all-round, with DRLs found in the headlights.
Standard features on both models include Hill Hold Control, cruise control, keyless ignition, keyless steering lock, an under-seat USB and on the Rocket 3 GT, heated grips.
Source: MCNews.com.au
To commemorate and celebrate the 1969 achievement of Malcom Uphill’s first ever production 100 mph lap of the Isle of Man TT, Triumph will release a Thruxton RS Ton Up edition for 2022. Like many of these new special edition Triumphs they will only be available for a single year.
Australian pricing has been confirmed to start at $27,150 ride-away, with arrival expected from January, 2022.
A host of special features are found on the Ton Up edition, starting with an Aegean Blue fuel tank complete with Jet Black knee pad graphics and hand painted silver coach lining.
A seat cowl in Fusion White is also fitted and runs Carnival Red infill, with hand-painted black coach lining, as well as the new ‘100 Special Edition’ graphic to further set the bike apart. A front mudguard with the same colours will also be run, while side panels will be in Jet Black with the Thruxton RS Ton Up logo, which also appears on the headlight bowl and rear mudguard.
Other cosmetic features include matt aluminium silver fork protectors, blacked out wheels and engine covers, as well as shock unit springs.
For those craving an even greater cafe racer fix, a matching Aegean Blue cockpit fairing will be available, but as an accessory, so you’ll have to cough up for that one separately.
The basis for the Ton Up Special Edition is the Thruxton RS, build around the Bonneville 1200 cc engine, producing 105 horsepower and 112 Nm or torque at 4250 rpm, with dual up-swept silencers.
That powerplant is backed up by a switchable traction control system and three riding modes, as well as ABS, torque assist clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, an immobiliser and underseat USB.
An impressive level of specification is also on display, with dual Brembo four-piston M50 radial calipers, 310 mm rotors, and high performance Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.
Öhlins provide the rear shock units, with piggyback reservoirs and full adjustability, while forks are likewise fully adjustable and Showa 43 mm USD big-piston units. Seat height remains a manageable 810 mm.
Other features include the Monza-style fuel cap, single bullet seat, bar-end mirrors, DRL/LED headlight and there’s a host of genuine accessories available, from clip-ons through to luggage.
Source: MCNews.com.au
The Street Twin received the limited edition Gold Line version in 2021, and 2022 will deliver a new special edition, this time the EC1, which Triumph claim is inspired by the custom-classic motorcycle culture of London’s East End.
The 2022 Triumph Street Twin EC1 is expected to arrive in Australian dealers from January, 2022, with pricing to start from $17,150 ride-away.
The Street Twin EC1 will feature a contemporary custom-inspired Matt Aluminium Silver and Matt Silver Ice paint scheme, including EC1 graphics across the tank and side panels. An optional accessory fly screen in matching Matt Silver Ice will also be available to further that look. Both front and rear mudguards are Matt Aluminium Silver.
The Street Twin EC1 is based on the latest Euro5 compliant Street Twin, featuring the High Torque 900 cc Bonneville twin, and producing 65 hp and 80 Nm of torque from just 3800 rpm. For a traditional look is a set of twin up-swept mufflers.
Two ride modes offer differing throttle maps and traction control settings, with ABS also fitted, as well as a torque-assist clutch for a lighter lever pull.
A handlebar mounted scroll button allows easy control, with an analogue speedometer joined by digital rev-counter, incorporating the menu system. An under-seat USB is also ready to charge mobile devices, with an immobiliser standard fitment.
Suspension is 41 mm cartridge forks up front while the dual rear shocks offer pre-load adjustability. A Brembo four-piston front calliper clamps a single 310 mm rotor up front. Pirelli Phantom Sport Comp tyres are factory fitted to the cast aluminium wheels, with an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear. Nissin provides the rear two-piston caliper on a 255 mm rotor.
The bench style seat is at a very manageable 765 mm. Fuel capacity is 12 litres, with a wet weight of 216 kg. Service intervals are a generous 16,000 km, helping keep long term ownership affordable.
Source: MCNews.com.au
The last couple of years have been hard on the motorcycling industry. Manufacturers have had to deal with the slowdown brought about by COVID-19, the Suez Canal situation, and the chip shortage. Just as things were starting to look up, there came news that there might be more troubled times ahead. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association has issued a warning to its members, informing them of a magnesium shortage that poses a significant threat to production.
Despite what some of us might think, magnesium is used on more than just high-spec wheels and components. Many manufacturers also use the metal in chassis construction, and its unavailability may bring regular motorcycle production to a halt. Here’s where the issue stems: currently, China supplies 95% of the world’s magnesium. The People’s Republic is now facing a power crisis that has caused the energy-dependent magnesium industry to short supply.
RideApart reports that Europe hasn’t imported magnesium since September 2021. As a result, the metal’s price has inflated to seven times as much as it cost at the start of the year.
The source also reports that this, with the semiconductor shortage, may cripple the motorcycle industry. Manufacturers have already reported a steep drop in sales owing to the lack of semiconductors, and so the ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocyclesis) is calling for its production to return to Europe.
The ACEM released a statement saying, “Europe is expected to run out of magnesium stocks by the end of November, with production shortages, business closures, and associated job losses to follow.”
“To that effect, our industries jointly call on the European Commission and national governments to urgently work towards immediate actions with their Chinese counterparties to mitigate the short-term, critical shortage issue as well as the longer-term supply effects on European industries.”
Analysts have mentioned that they don’t see the semiconductor situation getting better until mid-2022 or 2023, leaving manufacturers to do with the current supply in stock. We certainly hope there’s a viable solution that can be achieved sooner and will keep you posted on any updates.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Go Chucky! Putting in a strong ride through the desert, Daniel Sanders has taken his first day win at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and now lies second overall in the provisional standings – less than one minute behind the leader. Daniel will open Wednesday’s stage four.
“Yeah, happy with that. It was a good stage today, I rode really well this morning and caught up to the guys ahead quicker than I thought I would. From there we just rode in a pack. It wasn’t too tricky after the refueling, we took it in turns to lead and I just made sure I didn’t make any big mistakes or crash. The day went well – I felt comfortable on the bike today and was able to relax a little, which means I could concentrate more on the road book, too. It all came together really well. It was a long day in the dunes and certainly tiring, but I’m still feeling good and looking forward to opening tomorrow. For sure, it’s not going to be easy, but it’s really good experience for me, so hopefully I’ll do a good job and not lose too much time to the others.”
Increasing his experience and continuing to learn the terrain of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Sanders has once again shown he’s right up there with the very best. Setting off third into the 293km special, Daniel immediately set about chasing down his two closest rivals ahead of him. With his GASGAS RC 450F performing perfectly beneath him, the young Aussie was able to catch up and take the stage lead by the second checkpoint.
With the three rally leaders grouped up and riding together, it was difficult to make up any more time, but Daniel was still able to focus on his navigation and ultimately finish the stage just under three minutes ahead of the second-placed rider. His advantage at the end of the day means that Sanders moves up to second overall in the event standings and lies just 57 seconds behind the provisional rally leader.
Placing second on stage three, Matthias Walkner continues to put in fast, consistent performances at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star is yet to finish outside the top two, and continues to lead the overall standings with the rally now past the halfway point. With navigation proving to be less challenging than on previous days, Matthias chose to keep to a strong but steady pace through the Liwa Desert, not wanting to make any mistakes. Together with the current top racers in the event’s overall standings, Matthias ultimately ended up riding the latter half of the stage as part of a group, with each taking it in turns to lead.
Finishing the stage as second fastest, Walkner successfully defended his advantage in the provisional rankings. Although with a lead of just under one minute, the KTM 450 RALLY rider knows he must still attack the final two stages of the event to ensure he stays on top of the leaderboard.
“I had another solid day today. Finishing second again means I don’t have the best starting position for tomorrow, with not so many lines in the sand ahead of me. There have been the usual changes in the standings with different people leading out, and others have had some issues. Sanders will open tomorrow, and Adrien is looking strong. There are two days left and I’m still leading the overall, so I’ll continue to do my best and take it day-by-day.”
Wednesday’s stage four is the penultimate of the rally and will cover a total of just over 400km. Leading out, Sanders will face a tough timed special of 251.98km.
Source: MCNews.com.au
Suddenly everybody knew who the Doctor, number 46 and Vale was. A young man who came from the Adriatic coast of Italy and raced motorcycles for a living had become a World star, a celebrity. A charismatic, cheeky, fun-loving World Champion who became a true legend; I just jumped aboard and loved every minute of it. In Britain just 18,500 fans watched Vale win his first-ever 500cc Grand Prix at Donington Park in 2000. A year later the crowd had doubled, three years later trebled and four years later quadrupled.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
During these days of rest, Marc has continued to feel unwell and has suffered from vision problems, which is why this Monday he was visited by the ophthalmologist Dr. Sanchez Dalmau at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, who examined him and performed the tests, which detected a new episode of diplopia.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
During these days of rest, Marc has continued to feel unwell and has suffered from vision problems, which is why this Monday he was visited by the ophthalmologist Dr. Sanchez Dalmau at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, who examined him and performed the tests, which detected a new episode of diplopia.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
