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Motorcycle News, News

Road bike sales steady amid second quarter industry boom

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News 8 Jul 2020

Road bike sales steady amid second quarter industry boom

Section: General

Yamaha the top-selling brand to date during first half of 2020.

Image: iKapture.

A spectacular second quarter of sales in the motorcycle industry has seen the road bike market remain steady at 15,243 new bikes sold between January to June 2020.

According to reports from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), that figure sees road bike sales decrease by 2.7 percent in comparison to the 15,668 sold during the same quarter of last year.

Overall, a total of 52,838 vehicles inclusive of new motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs) have been sold this year, in comparison to 42,457 during the same period in 2019. This represents a 24.5 percent increase in total sales, a bright spot in an economic environment that has been predominantly negative over the past four months.

Honda reported 12,563 sales for a 23.8 percent market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 sales for 23.4 percent share, Kawasaki with 6545 sales for 12.4 percent share, KTM with 4391 sales for 8.3 percent share and, finally, Suzuki with 3594 sales for 6.8 percent market share.

“It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” FCAI CEO Tony Weber said. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 percent (overall) is significant and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.

“The ATV and SSV segment is up a remarkable 50.9 percent and now represents 27.5 percent of the total market. And off-road bikes are also on fire, with an increase of 42.4 percent and claiming 39.5 percent of the total market.

“People can’t go for overseas holidays and for quite some time they couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail-bike riding.”

The leading road bike brand so far in 2020 has been Yamaha with 2624 sales, ahead of Harley-Davidson (2613), Honda (2373), Kawasaki (2262) and BMW (1258). Brands to increase include Husqvarna by 134.9 percent, Indian 40.2 percent, KTM 21.6 percent, Kawasaki 12.4 percent and BMW 8.8 percent.

It was the Kawasaki Ninja 400 that sold highest in the road bike segment at 636 sales, achieving a 30.3 percent rise, followed by the newly-introduced Yamaha Tenere 700 (530), Harley-Davidson Street 500 (433), Yamaha MT07L (382) and Honda CB125E (377).

Detailed results (Top 10)

Detailed results (Comparison report)

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Dirt bike sales soar in Australia through second quarter

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News 8 Jul 2020

Dirt bike sales soar in Australia through second quarter

Section: General

Yamaha the top-selling off-road brand among extraordinary 2020 results.

Image: Supplied.

Australia has experienced an unprecedented rise in dirt bike sales through the second quarter of 2020, increasing by over 40 percent in comparison to the first half of last year.

Understood to be as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has revealed that the industry is currently experiencing an extraordinary upturn.

In the opening six months of the year there has been 20,885 dirt bike sales, which is well above the 14,666 sold between January to June one year ago. The top-selling off-road brand was Yamaha at 6170 sales, followed by Honda (5497), KTM (3338), Kawasaki (3099), Husqvarna (1526) and Suzuki (1255).

Each of those brands remarkably recorded dirt bike sales increases, Yamaha by 49.2 percent, Honda 31.4 percent, KTM 36.6 percent, Kawasaki 72.8 percent, Husqvarna 59.8 percent and Suzuki 8.5 percent. Brands such as Sherco and Gas Gas aren’t currently part of the FCAI reporting.

The highest-selling motocross bike to date is the Yamaha YZ250F at 403 sales, followed by the Yamaha YZ450F (345), Honda CRF450R (334), Kawasaki KX450 (298) and Honda CRF250R (256). Enduro is led by the Yamaha WR450F (745), ahead of the KTM 300 EXC (554), KTM 350 EXC-F (433), Honda CRF450L (423) and KTM 450 EXC-F (323).

“It is wonderful to see some strong sales from our member motorcycle brands,” FCAI CEO Tony Weber said. “A year-on-year increase of 24.5 percent (overall) is significant and signals improving conditions for both members and dealers.

“The ATV and SSV segment is up a remarkable 50.9 percent and now represents 27.5 percent of the total market. And off-road bikes are also on fire, with an increase of 42.4 percent and claiming 39.5 percent of the total market.

“People can’t go for overseas holidays and for quite some time they couldn’t even go for holidays within Australia. So, we believe that instead of spending up big on expensive family vacations, people are treating themselves in different ways and this could mean they are taking up new sports like trail-bike riding.”

Overall, a total of 52,838 vehicles inclusive of new motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Side-by-Side Vehicles (SSVs) were sold from January to June 2020, in comparison to 42,457 during the same period in 2019. This represents a 24.5 percent increase in total sales, a bright spot in an economic environment that has been predominantly negative over the past four months.

Honda reported 12,563 sales for a 23.8 percent market share, followed by Yamaha with 12,344 sales for 23.4 percent share, Kawasaki with 6545 sales for 12.4 percent share, KTM with 4391 sales for 8.3 percent share and, finally, Suzuki with 3594 sales for 6.8 percent market share.

Detailed results (Top 10)

Detailed results (Comparison report)

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

All-new KX250 headlines 2021 Kawasaki model range

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News 8 Jul 2020

All-new KX250 headlines 2021 Kawasaki model range

Section: General

Updates also made to KX450 in addition to off-road variants.

Image: Supplied.

Kawasaki has uncovered the 2021 KX250 and KX450 models, the former of which is all-new and includes an electric start for the first time in addition to a haul of performance-increasing upgrades.

The 2021 model KX250 builds on engine changes from the previous year to make it the most powerful KX250 to date. Its striking appearance features slim, ergonomic bodywork, plus it now has a factory-style 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar Handlebar.

In addition to a high-revving engine, it now features new electric start, new coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch and a new slim aluminum perimeter frame that improves handling to enable quicker lap-times, making the KX250 even more potent on the race-track.

The powerful engine of the KX250 features upgrades to both the top- and bottom-end for increased power, improved brakes offer more control when harnessing the power of the stronger engine and an updated KX450-style frame and fine-tuned suspension settings to create the ultimate performance package.

Engine changes are inclusive of new processing for intake and exhaust ports, exhaust cam timing, stiffer valve springs, combustion chamber design and flatter piston crown, longer connecting rod, lighter crankshaft design and revised pressure balance inside the crankcase.

Complimenting the electric start, a lightweight, compact Li-ion battery helps keep weight down, as does an automatic centrifugal decompression system fitted to the exhaust cam, which lifts one exhaust valve to facilitate starting.

The KX250’s new slim aluminium perimeter frame is based off of its KX450 counterpart and with lightweight, nimble handling and slim ergonomics in mind. The new frame offers a better overall rigidity balance and, while many of the parts are common with the KX450’s frame, the cast parts like shock tower mount and engine hangers were designed specifically for the needs of the KX250.

Adding to the frame’s rigidity balance is the use of the engine as a stressed member. The steering head area, main frame rails with updated cross-sections, line for the swingarm brackets, and wider lower frame rails have all been revised and contribute to the overall rigidity balance.

The addition of a KX450 swingarm delivers the rigidity necessary to match the frame and helps to increase traction at the rear wheel. The center of gravity and key dimensions such as swingarm pivot, output sprocket and rear axle locations have all been carefully selected so that the rear tire drives the bike forward.

The lower triple clamp has been revised for optimised rigidity and reduced weight, while contributing to the front’s ability to absorb bumps. In the rear, linkage ratios have been revised, now using the same as those found on the KX450 motorcycle, contributing to both increased absorption and damping performance. Both front and rear suspension feature new fine-tuned settings that are designed to match the frame.

For 2021, a revised design on the top of the fuel tank allows an even flatter progression from the seat to the tank, which gives the rider greater freedom of movement and facilitates sitting farther forward. The single-piece radiator shrouds are now slimmer where they come in contact with the rider’s legs and positioned closer to the frame. Engine covers have been redesigned and are smooth in order to not impede rider movement.

Meanwhile, the Kawasaki KX450 returns as the flagship model in the line-up for 2021 and boasts several new updates to maintain its edge as a leader in its class. For 2021 the KX450 receives engine updates for increased performance and a new 1-1/8” Renthal Fatbar handlebar.

Those engine updates include a dry film lubricant coating on the piston skirt, while larger diameter clutch plates and revised friction material have also been utilized. A coned disk-spring hydraulic clutch offers improved clutch performance.

The championship-proven technology of KX race machines has now been purposely tuned for off-road competition, as Kawasaki announces all-new race ready off-road KX XC models with the all-new 2021 KX250XC and KX450XC models. These are in addition to the KLX450R, which remains as the brand’s registrable model.

These models share many winning traits with their motocross counterparts including the engine, frame, chassis and styling, paired with unique cross-country tuning and settings such as suspension settings, gearing, off-road 21/18-inch wheel combination, Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, brake components, skid plate and kickstand. Softer suspension settings and shorter gearing ratio help to create the optimal handling off-road race package for the KX XC line-up.

Complete information on the entire 2021 KX motocross and off-road range is available now at www.kawasaki.com.au. Models are due to arrive in Australia during the third quarter of this year.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Smart helmet calls for help after crash

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Emergency call systems are coming to motorcycles and helmets with a French company the latest to release a helmet that calls for help if you crash.

The Kosmos Smart Helmet has sensors which detect a crash and then uses your paired phone and a proprietary app to contact emergency services.

However, just in case you’ve only had a small fall or dropped your helmet, the system first contacts the rider to check.

If the rider doesn’t respond to cancel within a certain time, the emergency call is placed and provides details on the riders location as well as relevant health information.

It’s not the first helmet with this technology.

Help helmets

Several other helmets that call for help after a crash are also being developed.

They include the Encephalon (Brain) from Nand Logic in the USA, the Indian-made Quin and even a Thai Helpmet. And in December, US college student Ty Uehara won $US2000 to develop his ConTekt helmet that will call emergency (911) if you have been in a crash.

Call bikes

These emergency call systems have been available in cars for some time and are now mandated throughout Europe with motorcycles and possibly helmets expected to be included in the future.

It also may not be long before it is mandated in Australia after an Austroads report last year found that motorcycles should be fitted with the automatic crash call technology to reduce emergency response times which are more lethal in our rural and remote areas.

It points out that motorcyclist deaths have remained stable in major cities over the past decade, but increased in regional and remote Australia by up to almost 50% in recent years.

BMW Motorrad was the first motorcycle company to offer an SOS button in Europe.

BMW's SOS button
BMW’s SOS button

It is not yet available in Australia because of an eCall hardware update and the lack of a nationwide rollout. Telstra also does not yet have the right hardware.

Germany tech company Bosch is the latest to join the hi-tech safety revolution.

The Bosch system uses an “intelligent crash algorithm installed in the vehicle’s inertial sensor unit” to identify a crash via the various sensors such as an accelerometer and lean sensor.

It pairs with their Help Connect phone app to send your location to a Bosch Service Centre.

All of these systems have similar failsafe

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle safety scholar Dr Wigan retires

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Australian motorcycle road safety will be a little poorer with the retirement of 50+-year scholar and transport consultant Dr Marcus R. Wigan.

The Emeritus Professor of Transport and Information Systems Edinburgh Napier University says it is time to hang up his mortar board and enjoy his Yamaha MT-10 in his retirement.

Over the past half century Dr Wigan, aged 78, has produced many interesting papers on a range of subjects including transport and, in particular, motorcycling.

One of his enduring themes is the need for more comprehensive and qualitative crash data.

He says governments and big business often exploit poor data, resulting in poor decisions.Dr Marcus

Dr Wigan has consulted to many governments and businesses and says his papers have been cited many decades after publication.

His papers have helped formulate policies on several motorcycle issues such as front number plates, parking, lane filtering, rationalising helmet standards and road hazards.

One of the most famous reports on motorcycling is the Leuven Project study into a particularly congested route in Belgium.

It found that when 10% of car drivers swapped to motorcycles – congestion was reduced for all road users by 40%. When 25% of car drivers swapped – congestion was eliminated altogether.

That report also cited Dr Wigan’s research.

Dr Wigan: safety mindset

Dr Wigan and family

His motorcycle safety mindset was probably forged in the 1960s while at Oxford University in the UK where he had his first and last exchange with a traffic cop after riding his Norton way too fast.

“I was roaring up the white line on Folly Bridge Road, helmet-less and in rowing gear, at 60mph in a 30mph zone (in the UK) when I was flagged down and instead of having a book-sized set of infringements thrown at me, I was asked: ‘Why?’

“I said: ‘Because I have eight other people in the Hertford College first VIII waiting anxiously for me.’ He explained very carefully how stupid I had been and why and let me go.

“I have NEVER forgotten this and it has guided me in my riding ever since.”

Future challenges

As he departs for those winding roads into the hills, Dr Wigan says these are the challenges facing motorcycling:

  1. Being recognised in the spectrum of sub-car mobility. This places motorcycles as transport in context instead of as a safety problem; and
  2. Getting high-quality credible research that supports my first point!

Potted riding history

Dr Wigan once held an FIM International Racing Licence, but began his riding career in 1956 with a Lambretta scooter in the UK while studying at Oxford.

He bought a 1946 Norton ES2 single ex sidecar in 1962 for 8 quid and sold it for 8 quid.

In 1964 he bought his first new motorcycle … a Vespa Sportique 150cc that he took on his “first honeymoon”.

Over the years there has been a host of other motorcycles, including race bikes and a stint of racing, culminating in an Indian Scout which he recently sold for his current Yamaha MT-10.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Royal Enfield Launches Slide School

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In cahoots with veteran flat track racing champ and instructor Johnny Lewis, Royal Enfield has concocted a plan to introduce people to the sport in one 3.5-hour bite. For $250, you’ll learn the ropes on a RE FT411, all gear provided, including Sena communicator for real-time instruction. Schools are scheduled at Lewis’s Moto Anatomy facility in central Florida, along with several around the US in conjunction with select American Flat Track rounds.

Press Release:

Royal Enfield Launches Slide School Presented by Moto Anatomy
Johnny Lewis to lead flat track training program
MILWAUKEE, Wis (July 7, 2020) — American Flat Track racer Johnny Lewis will host Slide School presented by Royal Enfield, a multi-faceted flat track training program in 2020. Lewis will use a combination of Royal Enfield FT411 and a soon-to-be added FT 650 motorcycles as the primary training tools used in the curriculum. Lewis initially developed the program in India and will now debut at select tracks across the U.S. and also at his Moto Anatomy training facility in Florida this year.
“I’m excited to continue building a deeper relationship with Royal Enfield,” said Lewis. “It was a great opportunity to fine tune the program in India while being immersed in the Royal Enfield culture. I was also able to see first hand just how much potential the FT411 has as a training tool. I am impressed by its versatility and can’t wait to get my students on the FT411. Royal Enfield is committed to growing motorcycling and I’m proud to be part of that effort.”
Lewis will run Slide Schools out of his Moto Anatomy facility in central Florida including in conjunction with select AFT rounds. During the schools, Slide School participants will be taught the basics of flat track and then given one-on-one direction and coaching from Lewis. The program will equip any level rider with the skills needed to become a proficient flat tracker.

Johnny Lewis’s head is permanently looking left.

The program is built around a three and a half hour course with the FT411. Participants will use gear provided by JUST 1 Racing, EVS Sports and have the option to ride with the Bluetooth Sena communication systems, all for $250.
Additional stops will be added throughout the remainder of 2020. Classes are limited to eight participants per time slot and appropriate mask and social distancing guidelines will be in place to ensure a safe environment for all riders and coaches.
To learn more about Slide School and to sign up, visit https://www.moto-anatomy.com/slideschool.
2020 Slide School Dates
July 19: Center Hill, FL following Volusia AFT
August 8: Cleveland, OH
September 13: Gettysburg, PA following Williams Grove AFT
October 6: Travelers Rest, SC
October 18: Center Hill, FL following Daytona Beach AFT
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the mid-size motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 110 dealers in North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. RENA currently offers the Bullet 500, Classic 500, Himalayan and the all new 650 Twins: INT 650 and Continental GT 650 motorcycles along with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.

The post Royal Enfield Launches “Slide School” appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Artigas beats Acosta by 0.003 seconds in Estoril

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The European Talent Cup riders also had two races in Estoril, and the day would belong to one youngster: Openbank Aspar Team’s David Alonso. The Colombian left the field in his wake in Race 1, cantering his way to a 6-second victory as teammate Ivan Ortola finished P2. The latter was challenging Alonso – along with a whole host of other riders in Race 2 – but a jump start saw him get two long lap penalties. Alonso made no such errors and in the last quarter of the race, his pace proved too strong. It was maximum points for the number 80 rider, with Alberto Ferrandez (Cuna de Campeoñes) and Angel Piqueras (Talent Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) picking up podiums.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

Motorcycle News, News

Harley-Davidson LiveWire Completes First U.S. Border-To-Border Ride

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California resident Diego Cardenas has completed the first known U.S. border-to-border ride aboard a Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle. Cardenas’ journey began at the U.S. Mexican border and ended at the U.S. Canadian border, covering over 1,400 miles on his H-D electric motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire Border-To-Border Ride

From Press Release:

In the past few months, the world has found new ways to celebrate momentous life achievements. Riding motorcycles has been one such outlet – especially new motorcycles that are groundbreaking, like Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire™.  

Diego Cardenas, a California resident, was hoping to spend June 30, 2020, in Spain celebrating his 50th birthday. This Spring, he knew he was going to need a new plan, but he wanted it to be something he was passionate about — a trip he could do that allowed him to maintain social distancing but also be memorable and unique. So, he set on a new plan, riding his LiveWire motorcycle from the U.S. Mexican border to the U.S. Canadian border using the West Coast Green Highway, WCGH. The WCGH is a network of electric vehicle DC fast charging stations located every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5 and other major roadways in Washington, Oregon, and California. 

“I wanted to be a part of Harley-Davidson history and have my future grandkids be able to talk about how their grandfather was the first H-D electric motorcycle owner to do such a ride,” said Cardenas. “I wanted to show the world that electric charging infrastructure is growing and be an inspiration for others to try riding electric motorcycles like the LiveWire.” 

On June 22, Diego started his epic trip from San Ysidro, CA. He rode over 1,400 miles and on his 50th birthday, June 30, he reached his goal by making it to the U.S. Canadian border town of Blaine, WA. Along the way, he did live social media reports of his progress and fans following along on his journey were able to meet him in person and cheer him on. He also made plenty of stops along the way to do a bit of sightseeing with his wife and eight-year old daughter who were along on the trip in a car.  

“The trip was unbelievable, such a great journey,” said Cardenas. “The West Coast Green Highway is a really good idea, there are so many options that you can be confident you will get to where you need to go. Also, if you pull up and cannot use one charger, you have additional ones super close by. It’s darn awesome! Please spread the word, this is so doable. If you have an electric motorcycle, or any bike, just get out and ride during these challenging times. Do a road trip, it helps during these stressful times to free your mind and body to see new things.” 

Cardenas’ journey can be found at this link, he also is the founder and creator of this page. His mission for the group is to bring together electric vehicle and non-EV riders to ask questions, get ideas and support the EV motorcycle riding community. 

Harley-Davidson LiveWire Border-To-Border Ride

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle News, News

Pirelli Makes E-MTB Tires Now

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As if flying up and down boulder-strewn mountainsides in spandex shorts wasn’t stressful enough on your body and your skinny bicycle tires, add electric assist and, well, your old bike tires aren’t up to it anymore. Enter Pirelli with some new high-tech rubber.

——————————————————————————————————Pirelli Press Release:

PIRELLI PRESENTS SCORPION E-MTB
THE E-MOUNTAINBIKE TIRE WHICH COMBINES RESISTANCE,
SUSTAINABILITY AND LIGHTWEIGHT

Pirelli launches Scorpion E-MTB, a new product family of tires dedicated to electric mountain bikes. Robust, durable, aggressive, they promise maximum performance to support the hard workloads of the latest generation e-mtbs. The SmartGRIP+ compound enhanced by Lignin offers top performances as well as attention to the environment.

(July 6, 2020) – Pirelli expands its presence into the e-off road world and presents Scorpion E-MTB, its first line of tires dedicated to electric mountain bikes.

The characterizing concept of the new product line is the proposal of a series of models tailored to the needs of this type of bike, where the assistance of the engine subjects the tires to stress that is higher on average than traditional MTB tires.

With over 120 years of experience in the production of products dedicated to motorized vehicles, Pirelli put all of its expertise and the wealth of patents and solutions developed over time into this new E-MTB range. It does this by taking into consideration one of its key values: sustainability, which is also the basis for the return of the company in the world of cycling.

The new Scorpion E-MTB tires are Tubeless Ready, which are aimed at e-riders who are also lovers of the Trail and Enduro disciplines. In short, the new E-MTB tires incorporate all the concepts already introduced in the other Scorpion MTB tire lines (XC, Trail, Enduro), where terrain consistencies, from compact to supple, become key factors for the tread profile  that’s designed for each specific surface conditions.

With the new line, Pirelli is one of the few bike tire manufacturers in the world to offer a complete range of tires dedicated to electric mountain bikes, which cover almost all disciplines as the new Scorpion E-MTB range offers three profiles.

  • M (Mixed Terrain) is the perfect tire for Trail and All Mountain tracks. It’s at ease on mixed surfaces where changes can also be unpredictable or sudden, from hard pack to loose grounds, and from stones to roots. Excellent grip without sacrificing smoothness.
    • R (Rear Specific) gives more traction to the rear wheel. Natural companion of the M, it proves to be a valuable asset in all situations of pushing and braking, ensuring grip and longer life to the rear wheel, in any context.

  • S (Soft Terrain) is the right choice for Enduro E-MTBs: it provides the best traction on soft and supple grounds. Its aggressive and very spaced blocks guarantee high grip when cornering and braking; perfect for aggressive riding, even in bike parks.

SmartGRIP+: MAXIMUM, SUSTAINABLE, RESISTANCE

The SmartGRIP+ Compound, the heart of the new tires, is a reformulation of the compound developed by Pirelli for its Scorpion MTB tires. It was produced in the Racing plants of the company, where the engineering of the well-known F1 tire compounds also take place.

An innovative feature of this new formulation is the addition of Lignin to the basic composite of the SmartGRIP Compound. Lignin is a naturally sourced chemical component out of the craft pulping process of exhausted paper. Not only it is a low impact additive, but it also enhances performance in light of the unique speed and torque features associated with electric motors of modern E-MTB bikes. This performance enhancement comes with no compromise of the other characteristic of the SmartGRIP Compound formulation, which is the chemical grip.

The result is a version of the SmartGRIP which keeps its main characteristic of having superior dry and wet grip performances as well as Pirelli’s recognized excellence in craftsmanship. The rider benefits from enhanced tire performance, even under the higher speed and torque of E-MTB riding.  This blend of properties designed by Pirelli was crafted to positively impact rolling as well as the grip performance over rough terrain, with better overall handling.

In fewer words, more fun!

HyperWALL TECHNOLOGY: E-MTB SPECIFIC PROTECTION AND HANDLING

Bead and sidewalls of the new Scorpion E-MTB tires have been reinforced with HyperWALL (Patent Pending Pirelli) technology, also of Motorsport derivation. The newly developed construction of the bead and sidewalls area further increases tire performance in terms of stability and resistance to pinch-flats of the sidewalls. This is a key aspect, especially in off-road applications, in particular with the more demanding ones such as Gravity and E-MTB.

With its sophisticated rubber compound, this tread highly relies on and behaves strictly dependent on the stability and integrity of the bead and sidewall themselves. Pirelli introduced a construction that solidly anchors the bead and the rubber sidewall insert with a woven fabric flipper, making them behave as one whole solid piece instead of as separate components. HyperWALL improves the stability of the bead (+10%*), offers greater protection against pinch-flats (+50%*) and better handling (+25%**). (*Internal Pirelli laboratory tests – ** Outdoor blind test with Pirelli Field Testing testers in Sicily).

UNRIVALED LIGHTWEIGHT AT E-MTB RELIABILITY

Among tires with a similar level of protection available on the market now, Pirelli’s new Scorpion E-MTB tires are among the lightest: thanks to the concentration of applied technologies, the new Pirelli tires offer reliability and protection from the typical pinching of a DH rubber, at a weight of about 20% lower. The whole is seasoned with excellent grip and lots of fun. The new tire weights vary from 1.200g for the 27.5×2.6 to 1.330g for the 29×2.6 version.

Pirelli’s Scorpion E-MTB tires will be available on the EMEA, NAFTA & APAC markets starting from June 30, 2020 – Available in 29×2.6 and 27.5×2.6

velo.pirelli.com

 

The post Pirelli Makes E-MTB Tires Now appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Facebook, News, WSBK

Jonathan Rea Heads For Testing At The Home Of KRT

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I have been enjoying ‘van life’ and I stayed out in Misano after the test. I have been pretty much cycling around Italy with Fabien Foret and my mate Gaz for a good few days, in the campground I often stay at in Misano while observing social distancing. I have been cycling a lot, basically smashing the pedals. I also stopped off at Andrew Pitt’s place in Lucca. He is an old team-mate of mine and when he retired I ended up staying at his place for a couple of months a few years ago. It was good to be able to hit the roads on the bicycle that I used to ride there in the Tuscan hills. At Fabien’s we also did a bit of riding with Regis Laconi – even though we cycled at the correct distance from each other he definitely knows how to pedal a bicycle, I will tell you that much! So I have been full gas training since Misano. Thinking about Lockdown as an athlete, it was a strange period. We did not know when we would ride the racebike again so having no fixed date I was just trying to brush up with things I have struggled with in the past, like flexibility, and try to drop a couple of kilos safely, which managed to do. I feel in really good place and I am just trying to take my foot off the gas a little bit now because it is coming up to crunch time. We will go to Montmelo for testing now. It is super-fast and flowing and really suits my natural style. We got an afternoon there at the start of the season to do our team video shoot and I enjoyed the place. Now we will get to ride the track with all our main competitors. We were right in the mix testing at Misano, as far as lap time and consistency goes. I started feeling good with the bike again and I left there feeling great. Feeling comfortable with the bike before we go to Jerez for the race weekend will be the most important thing. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/jonathan-rea-heads-testing-home-krt


The Catalunya based Kawasaki Racing Team will make its final major step to restarting the WorldSBK season with a two day test at the Mont
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook