Indian Motorcycle Announces Integration Of Apple CarPlay
Indian announced today the integration of Apple CarPlay to its model year 2020 lineup of bikes equipped with the 7” Ride Command system.
Apple CarPlay comes to Indian Motorcycles
Owners can simply download the new software and install it themselves via the integrated USB port on 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models that were optioned with navigation.
Owners simply download the update to a USB key, plug it into the USB port on their bike and do the download to enable Apple CarPlay integration on their motorcycle.
Apple CarPlay comes to Indian Motorcycles
MCNews.com.au is a big fan of Apple CarPlay integration on touring motorcycles and have enjoyed interacting with the systems on Honda’s latest Africa Twin and Gold Wing.
iPhone users can easily access Apple Music, Maps, send messages with Siri and more now through Indian’s Ride Command 7” screen and a supported Bluetooth headset (not included) – all on a user-friendly interface that iPhone users will instantly recognise. This integration also increases global accessibility to navigation.
Apple CarPlay comes to Indian Motorcycles
Apple CarPlay is just one of several improvements made to Indian Motorcycle’s leading Ride Command system. Riders can now expect improved navigation location management, improved boot time, audio muting and control improvements (including navigation audio), widget fixes and a new fuel economy widget, and improved search functionality within navigation.
Apple CarPlay comes to Indian Motorcycles
Owners can stay up-to-date with the latest technology by accessing a simple, free software download at home or through their local dealership.
PRA No. – 2020/18378 Campaign Number – PSR14 Date published – 30 Jul 2020
Supplier – PS Importers Traders who sold this product – Authorised Aprilia dealers Where the product was sold – Nationally Dates available for sale – 1 January 2017 – 15 June 2020
The front brake pad friction material could potentially separate from the back plate, resulting in reduced braking performance.
What are the hazards?
Reduced brake performance may result in a dangerous fall or collision, causing serious injury or death to the rider or other road users.
What should consumers do?
Affected owners should contact their authorised Aprilia dealer to book a brake pad inspection and, if potentially faulty brake pads are found, they will be replaced free of charge.
For more information, owners should contact their nearest authorised Aprilia dealer or email [email protected]
One of the biggest issues women cite with riding is how to deal with helmet hair, but now Aussie invention Hightail may have solved the problem.
Hightail ($A55) is simply a hair net device that attaches to the back of the helmet and holds long hair in place. Obviously, it works for long-haired men as well as women!
Inventors Jen Burch and Jon Dazeley of Sydney say Hightail stops long hair from splitting, breaking and becoming tangled in the wind.
There are many specialty scarves and ties on the market that promise to deal with helmet hair.
Some work with long hair, some with short hair, but all of them you place in your hair.
“The key difference with Hightail is it attaches to the helmet, so there is no extra steps to use,” Jon says.
“It also means you can have a slow-mo movie moment when you take the helmet off and your hair cascades down.”
Hightail origin
Jen and Jon came up with the idea on a ride from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains.
“It was a long ride and Jen’s hair came loose from where she normally had it tucked down her jacket,” Jon says.
“It was a tangled mess when we got to Jindabyne. We were cold, hungry and the tangled drama was not fun!”
So they set about inventing the Hightail for which a patent is now pending.
Hightail review
Jon sent me a Hightail for review even though he noted “you don’t have enough hair to review the product (neither to I) but maybe you could suggest someone you know”.
I did and she says it is easy to use and works just fine, m even with “product” in your hair.
Instructions are included with the product, but it’s best to watch this video featuring Jen for a more comprehensive explanation of how to attach the device, even though it is really rather simple.
Jon says Hightail will fit on most helmets but some can be problematic.
“If you are concerned about the particular helmet you want to install, please let us know the make and model and we will be able give some insight,” he says.
About the inventors
Jen and Jon
Jen grew up in the American Naval town oif Virginia Beach, joined the Navy in 2001 and was shipped to Japan three years later where she bought a Suzuki GSXF 400 Slingsling to get around.
She meet Kiwi-born Jon through Eharmony in 2013, when he was transferred to the US office of by his Sydney company.
Jon returned to Australia six weeks later and managed to convince Jen to first come for a holiday and then move to Sydney permanently in 2014.
Jen now rides a Triumph Bonneville while Jon, who has been riding most of his life, rides a Kawasaki GTR1400.
A 52-year-old driver who ploughed his Kia Rio head-on into several club riders in Kyogle, northern NSW, killing one and injuring four others last year has face court in Lismore.
Royce McCocker, of Warwick, Queensland, was charged on 26 March 2020 for the accident that occurred on Sunday, 20 October 2019.
He was to have faced Kyogle Local Court on 10 June 2020, but that was moved to 29 July in Lismore Local Court because of COVID-19.
His matter was re-listed in court this week for 26 August 2020.
Club riders
The carnage occurred when six club riders from the Sons Of The Southern Cross SMC were heading south out of Kyogle and the Kia was heading north, allegedly on the wrong side of the road.
One of the club riders, Wes “Pop” Carlton, 55, suffered critical injuries and sadly died at the scene.
Wes “Pop” Carlton (Image: Facebook)
Another rider, a 56-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Lismore Base Hospital before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The other two riders, aged 52 and 53, suffered serious injuries and were taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment.
The injured riders were named as “Smiley, Wellsy and Browny”.
Two more riding in the SOTSC group were not hit.
Driver charged
The driver and sole-occupant of the car, a 52-year-old man, was trapped for a short time before being released and taken to Lismore Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.
Image: Seven News
Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by the Far North Coast Crash Investigations Unit.
Following extensive inquiries, the 52-year-old driver was arrested on 26 March 2020 at his Warwick home.
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and driver not keep left of centre dividing line.
His licence has been suspended.
Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of all riders killed and our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery for all those injured in these crashes.
Group crashes
North American group riding crash (Image: Associated Press)
Indian Motorcycle will join Honda and Harley-Davidson in offering Apple CarPlay to owners of 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models with navigation.
Honda Goldwing was the first with Apple CarPlay in 2018 and Harley followed a year later with the software update to its Boom! Box GTS Infotainment Systems on their Touring models.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow riders to access some phone apps such as access Google Maps for navigation, traffic and weather reports, as well as some other apps such as Spotify.
Indian Motorcycle Australia & New Zealand National Marketing Manager Tom Mendey says the free update for Aple CarPlay is available now for owners with the 7″ Ride Command system.
“It’s free to do at home via the website provided and a suitable USB device or can be taken into a dealership for the update,” he says.
To use the device, the phone must be plugged into the bike via its charging cable.
The screen will mirror the phone, allowing riders to access it through the touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control or a handlebar control.
It will also allow riders to stay up to date with the latest vehicle information; plan and track routes; share rides with others; and keep maintenance records.
Story by Clement Salvadori. Photos by Dick Tatlock.
We Americans don’t often think of motorcycles as being purely utilitarian, since we use them mostly for traveling to interesting places, sporting along back roads and maybe a bit of backwoods exploring. But Honda figured there could be a market for this eminently efficient little go-anywhere 125, rigged to do all sorts of jobs around the farm or on the ranch. Back when horses were considered the standard get-around vehicle, roads and tracks were often narrow and twisty, prone to getting muddy after a rain, and that darned critter had to be fed even when it wasn’t being ridden.
Honda first used the CT designation in 1964, for the CT200, a high-piped explorer bike with a single seat. And a 90cc engine; obviously some marketing type felt the 200 number would sell more bikes than the diminutive 90. By 1966 Honda understood that buyers appreciated a more honest designation and changed the alpha-numerology to CT90. The T stood for Trail, as in a machine that was capable of following rustic paths through the woods, perhaps leading to wondrous adventures.
Then in 1971 Honda introduced a little 122cc OHC single-cylinder engine with a one-piece cylinder head in the SL125 Motorsport model, later used in the TL125 Trials version and a few months later in the XL125 dual-purpose bike. For 1976 this engine was modified slightly, with a two-piece head and the cubic capacity increased to 124cc.
After the XL125 was introduced, the Australian importers decided there could be a more useful purpose to this machine. First, they made the saddle more comfortable, since riders might have to spend a long time on the bike. And the saddle was for just one person, backed up by a big luggage rack good for carrying lots of stuff, from sacks of grain to sick lambs. Sheep stations in Australia often ran to thousands of acres, and here in Texas we had the King Ranch. A smaller front wheel was preferable for handling, and the CT got a 19 incher rather than 21 on the XL. The first three gears in the transmission were lowered for more plunking power. The original CT125 frame had a geometry that was similar to the Trials bikes, useful in the rough but not on the road; that was changed in 1976 to improve rideablity.
American Honda decided to import this model for 1977. That piqued the interest of someone in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which ordered a bunch—how many appears to be unknown. Apparently the government soon lost interest, and American motorcyclists were equally disinterested. Honda had to get rid of its stock, so dealers who wanted Gold Wings and CB750s and XL350s had to buy some of these. Besides Honda’s official “Motorcycle Identification Guide 1959- 2000,” the only mention of the CT125 that I could find was in a 12-page color ad in the February 1977 issue of “Cycle” magazine describing many of Honda’s 34 models that were available that year, including the three-wheeled ATC 90. Rather than being touted as a useful working vehicle for farm or ranch, the CT was described as being a pleasant little adventure bike good for traipsing off the roads.
Its engine had a bore of 56mm, stroke 49mm, with a chain-driven overhead camshaft. A single Keihin carburetor fed the engine from the 1.6-gallon tank, while a trochoid pump circulated 1.6 quarts of oil through the engine and transmission. Compression ratio on the XL was a hefty 9.4:1, while on the CT it was lowered to a modest 8:1, considering the engine would probably spend a lot of time idling. The Australian model actually had a clutch that could be locked in disengagement while in gear, perhaps useful for opening and closing gates without having to fumble for neutral. Apparently U.S. laws were not happy with that notion and the device did not appear on the version sold here.
Power went back via helical gearing to a wet multi-plate clutch, then through five gears, and onto the 14-tooth front sprocket that was connected to the big 52-toother at the rear wheel. And the chain was fully enclosed, which meant it rarely needed adjustment. A tubular steel frame cradled the engine, with an inverted (upsidedown) oil-damped telescopic fork up front having 4.5 inches of travel. A pair of oil-damped shock absorbers at the back had 2.5 inches of movement. Small single-leading-shoe drum brakes were on both wheels, good for stopping in the rough, and capable on paved roads since the bike had a top speed of less than 60 mph. A modest 51 inches connected the two axles.
The single seat was 32 inches above the ground and quite comfortable, the only distraction being the 80-mph speedometer, with turn signal, high beam and neutral indicator lights. Wide handlebars had brush protectors to keep vegetation from beating on the rider’s hands. The crankcase itself had a long steel loop protecting it on both sides, as well as a bash plate underneath. An interesting addition were the big mud flaps on the back of both fenders, a sure indication that this Honda was expected to go to very muddy places. At the back of the left side of the swingarm, close to the shock, was a small handle bolted securely in place. Now, this could be used for dragging a deer out of the woods, or more likely it was a handhold for when the rear wheel was properly stuck in the mud and needed to be lifted out. With gas in the tank, the bike’s weight was only 250 pounds.
Worldwide, the CT125 was on the market from 1975 to 1985, but in the U.S. it was one year only. Farmers and ranchers appeared much more interested in the ATC 90 than in this two-wheeler. And sporty types opted for the XL125.
While a motorcycle festival in France has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s biggest motorcycle rally in the USA will go ahead next week despite almost 1000 Americans dying every day.
However, the festival which had already been postponed from June to 3-6 September 2020 has now been further postponed to June 2021 for their 10th event.
“The intensification of the situation has made it impossible for us to continue to prepare the ‘Hors Serie’ (out of series) edition as we imagined it at the beginning of June,” officials say.
“And even if we were to bring the project to fruition, where would the pleasure be in coming together without the spontaneity, coolness, craziness and freedom?
“What is the point in holding an event based on exchange and sharing at a time when everywhere we go, we have to keep our distance?”
In France, only a handful of deaths from coronavirus are recorded daily, with 184k confirmed cases, 81,311 recovered and 30,223 deaths so far.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Main Street at the 2014 Sturgis rally
In the USA, about 1000 Americans die every day from the virus. There have been more than 4.4m cases in the USA and a total of more than 152,000 deaths so far.
Yet in the land of freedom and litigation, the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will go ahead from 7-16 August 2020.
This is despite 62% of the 7000 people who live in Sturgis, South Dakota, voting last month against holding the famous rally, the biggest tourist event in the state.
It seems that vote was overturned by threats of litigation from a gift wholesaler based in nearby Rapid City.
The rally has attracted about half a million people in recent years with a record of 2015 of 739,000.
Authorities still expect several hundred thousand to attend the rally.
That’s hundreds of thousands of people from all over the USA and perhaps from many other countries coming to the small rural town.
There they could spread or pick up the virus, then take it back to their home state or country.
Rally organisers and city officials say they will have various “modifications” for health reasons which you can hear about in this video from Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen.
The Black Hills Motorcycle Film Festival which was to be part of the rally will now be held online from 14-16 August for free! Click here for details.
Decision to cancel hybrid Motocross of Nations confirmed
Section: Competition
MXGP season to instead include Mantova on revised 2020 schedule.
This year’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) has now been cancelled altogether by Infront Moto Racing and the FIM after plans to host a hybrid event within an MXGP weekend didn’t eventuate.
Initially scheduled for France and then more recently moved to Great Britain as part of an MXGP round, the historic event won’t go ahead at all in 2020.
“Infront Moto Racing and the FIM regret to inform that the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations scheduled to take place on 25-27 September in Matterley Basin, Great Britain, has been cancelled,” a statement confirmed.
“Despite all the efforts by the local organiser [Steve Dixon] and Infront Moto Racing, there is no other viable option but to cancel the 2020 edition of MXoN due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Additionally, information from nearly all of the non-European teams who normally attend this event is that due to COVID-19, travel restrictions and quarantine protocols, they will not be able to take part in this year’s event.
“Taking all these factors into consideration and given the prestigious profile of the event, Infront Moto Racing and the FIM have decided to cancel the event and look forward to an exceptional Monster Energy FIM MXoN in 2021!
“Consequently, the MXGP of Winchester in Matterley Basin (Great Britain) to be held on the same weekend has also been cancelled. This event will now be replaced by the Grand Prix of the Citta di Mantova in Mantova to be held on 30 September.
“Infront Moto Racing and the FIM would like to thank the National Federations, organisers, the manufacturers, partners, riders, teams and fans for their cooperation, patience, understanding and support.”
Currently two rounds into the 2020 season prior to the pause, the new-look MXGP World Championship calendar will resume with three-straight rounds at Kegums in Latvia, beginning on 9 August.
2020 MXGP World Championship calendar (revised): Rd1 – 1 March – Matterley Basin, Great Britain (Women) Rd2 – 8 March – Valkenswaard, The Netherlands (Women) Rd3 – 9 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd4 – 12 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd5 – 16 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd6 – 6 September – Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Women) Rd7 – 16 September – Faenza, Italy Rd8 – 20 September – Faenza, Italy Rd9 – 30 September – Mantova, Italy Rd10 – 4 October – Mantova, Italy (Women) Rd11 – 11 October – intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos, Spain Rd12 – 18 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd13 – 21 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd14 – 25 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd15 – 1 November – Pietramurata, Italy Rd16 – 22 November – Neuquen, Argentina TBC – Orlyonok, Russia TBC – Agueda, Portugal
Win a Lowrider S with Harley-Davidson’s Let’s Ride Challenge.
Begin Press Release:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INVITES YOU TO RIDE TO WIN WITH THE LET’S RIDE CHALLENGE
It’s Time to Ride
MILWAUKEE (July 29, 2020) – For more than 117 years, the experience of two wheels is Harley-Davidson’s contribution to the world to bring people together and help riders experience freedom for the soul. Now, more than ever, Harley-Davidson is showcasing the power of riding with the Let’s Ride Challenge.
Through riding-related activities, participants earn Let’s Ride Challenge entries for a chance to win prizes celebrating the community and spirit of two wheels including a custom 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S motorcycle and weekly drawings for additional prizes.
“More than building machines, Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure,” said Jon Bekefy, General Manager of Brand Marketing. “The Let’s Ride Challenge is Harley-Davidson’s invitation for all riders in this challenging time to rediscover adventure through socially-distanced riding to find freedom for the soul.”
Let’s Ride Challenge
Riders can earn entries by participating in the following:
Join the Let’s Ride challenge on the Harley-Davidson app and track miles
– Ride 0 – 600 miles to earn 5 entries
– Ride 601-1200 miles to earn an additional 5 entries
Demo Harley-Davidson® motorcycles
– Demo a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle for 5 entries
– Take a second demo ride for an additional 5 entries
Take Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course and learn to ride to earn 15 entries
Ride Epic Rides
As part of the Let’s Ride Challenge, Harley-Davidson has curated rides from passionate members of the Harley-Davidson community and dealerships to provide new ways to get out of the garage and start riding again.
There are three types of rides to explore through a dealership or through the app, all while promoting safe and socially-distant riding:
Short Rides: It may have been a minute since the last ride around the block or seeing something new. These short rides can help mix up the daily routine.
Day Ride: Nothing helps seize the riding season more than a full day of riding. These day rides help plan an epic day trip.
Overnight Ride: Take a ride to celebrate what it means to get on the open road, all without crossing state lines. These rides will help plan an epic ride while riding responsibly.
We invite all riders, and riders of all skill levels, to celebrate life on two wheels:
Ask a local Harley-Davidson dealership about rides with fellow motorcyclists to experience new ways to interact with the riding community and discover new rides.
Download the Harley-Davidson App to plan a route, share it with friends, track a ride, and find epic rides nearby.
Win a Custom Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S Motorcycle
This customized 2020 Low Rider S motorcycle celebrates how the culture and community of motorcycle rallies have inspired Harley-Davidson motorcycle designs. The custom Low Rider S motorcycle is inspired by the 1980 FXB Sturgis and features a 117 Stage IV kit and a bevy of Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories.
In addition, every week a winner will be randomly selected to win an assortment of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and a Yoder Smokers Competition Pellet Grill.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
Upgrade your BMW with the new WP Apex Pro components.
Begin Press Release:
WP LAUNCHES PREMIUM SUSPENSION PRODUCT SERIES FOR BMW S 1000 RR
NEW APEX PRO SHOCK, CARTRIDGE, AND STEERING DAMPER DEVELOPED FOR THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE UPGRADE
Based on its high performance setup, WP Suspension launches a new series of premium APEX PRO suspension components for the BMW S 1000 RR. This sports package consisting of APEX PRO 7746 Shock, APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge and APEX PRO 7117 Steering Damper guarantees with outstanding performance and razor-sharp precision that no racetrack or country road is safe from this APEX-Predator.
The APEX PRO COMPONENTS were designed with the influence of the experience of the latest motorsport champions and are built to win.
The APEX PRO 7746 Shock turns every bike into the ultimate performance machine. With separately adjustable high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping that can be easily adjusted to the track using standard tools, the bike can be adapted to any change in riding conditions in a matter of seconds. Extremely low manufacturing tolerances and the use of high-quality high-tech materials not only ensure constant damping performance but also provide crystal-clear and direct feedback from the ground.
The APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge makes the BMW S 1000 RR become one with the road. The cartridge, which is fully adjustable with standard tools, can be adapted to the individual requirements of the rider in just a few simple steps using adjusters for compression and rebound, and tickles the motorsport genes out of the BMW S 1000 RR with incredibly efficient and constant damping performance – with the APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge, ground contact is significantly improved and both bike and rider benefit from exceptional agility and increased confidence in the bike and the track.
The series is topped off by the APEX PRO 7117 Steering Damper. Tailored to the demands of motorsport racing, this steering damper tames all antics of the BMW S 1000 RR and enables extremely agile handling despite rich damping characteristics. Adjustable with little effort directly at the piston rod, the damper is not only an absolute lightweight – its slim design makes it look just as simple and perfectly complements the appearance of the BMW S 1000 RR.
The APEX PRO COMPONENTS for the BMW S 1000 RR are now available at WP Suspension Authorized Centers. Further details can be found at www.wp-suspension.com or visit one of our Authorized Centers (AC) for a personal consultation.
In March 2020, 
Competition Pellet Grill.
