All posts by mcnews

Are motorcycle sales defying pandemic?

Anecdotal evidence and reports from around the world suggest that the motorcycle market might be surprisingly defying the COVID-19 crisis with increasing sales.

Dealers tell us that after the lockdown started to ease, sales have increased substantially, especially among premium motorcycles.

One dealer told me he believed customers had adopted the view that they may as well enjoy themselves while they still can!

Defying the lockdown

That may just be the case as sales have been defying the dismal economic trend in some countries since the easing of lockdown restrictions.

KTM factory Virus meme pandemic coronavirus Covid-19KTM factory

KTM Group boss Stefan Pierer says they have actually increased global sales during the pandemic and had not had to lay off any staff. Most of the sales have been in off-road bikes for their group which also includes Husqvarna and Gas Gas.

The US has experienced its best performance since 2016 in the first four months of the year compared with a 12% drop in car sales. Interestingly, off-road bike sales have increased while road bike sales are down.

That could be why Harley-Davidson has slowed production and last week sacked 90 staff at their York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania and 50 at their Tomahawk facility in Wisconsin.

Harley-Davidson 115th anniversary 110th 105thHarley’s Pilgrim Road factory where a worker tested positive for coronavirus

They are not along in the jobs cutback with Triumph Motorcycle slashing 400 jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic as well as their plan to move more production from Hinckley to Thailand.

Australian sales

defyingFirst quarter sales results

Australian motorcycle sales in the first quarter of this year were understandably down, but only by 2.5% compared with countries such as Italy which was down 65% due to the coronavirus.

Sales figures for the second quarter are expected to be released later this week.

We don’t expect they will be near as bad as car sales which show a continued steep decline.

In May alone, car sales were down a massive 35.3% which was the 26th consecutive month of negative growth for the market.

It’s not just the pandemic that is causing the sales collapse, but also the ongoing drought, late-summer floods, bushfires, tight lending conditions, unfavourable exchange rates and political uncertainty. 

While the first and second quarter motorcycle sales results may be promising, there is still plenty of pessimism for the coming quarter when the pandemic recession really starts to hit.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Covid crisis claims Compass Expeditions

The COVID-19 pandemic has sadly claimed the Australian-based Compass Expeditions worldwide motorcycle travel company.

A Facebook statement from the company blames their closure on the “subsequent collapse of forward bookings coupled with complete lack of business confidence going forward”.

Several other motorcycle travel companies have temporarily stalled or dramatically dropped their prices.

I contacted Compass Expeditions for more details, but they have not yet responded.

Charley Boorman big adventurer adventureCharley Boorman in the Flinders Ranges on the 2014 Compass Expeditions outback tour

A few years ago I travelled with the company on their first outback tour with Charley Boorman. They have conducted several more tours in Australia with Charley.

I found they were a highly and honourable professional company.

Compass Expeditions offers refunds

So I was not surprised to find their statement says they will offer refunds to all customers:

Currently Compass Expeditions is in a financial position to refund ALL deposits paid for ALL tours booked, however this will not always be the case if we choose to ‘hang on’, and all indicators point towards Australians not being permitted to travel internationally for a long time yet, it is therefore only prudent for us to refund all monies owed and close the doors, now,  considering 75% of our clients are Australian.

Back in February when we contacted the company about their pandemic refund policy, spokesman Craig Jackson pointed out their terms state that any cancellation within 90 days is non-refundable.

However, it now appears they have done the honourable thing for their customers.

“We offered the option to roll over deposits until 2021/22 or refund deposits, 95% took the refund  option, which is what we would have done if we were in the same situation,” their statement says.

“However this has left us financially vulnerable. We have decided to cease operations now and still be in the position to refund all deposits owing as soon as possible.

“Everyone with current deposits has been contacted personally and refunds have been organised.”

I hope their integrity and honesty is rewarded should they restart the company after the international borders re-open.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tarform Luna is an electric pineapple express

The Tarform Luna electric motorcycle is claimed to be more environmentally sound as it uses non-toxic, biomaterials such as flax for body panels and pineapple material in the seat.

It was unveiled last December with the special Founder Edition costing from $US42,000 (about $A61,200).

Now the standard Racer and Scrambler models are available for pre-orders starting from $US24,000 (about $A35,000).

Tarform scramblerTarform Scrambler Tarform racerTarform Racer

Luna production starts in late 2020 for delivery in 2021.

Taras Kravtchouk, the New York founder of the Tarform Luna electric motorcycle says their bikes use “honest materials that do no harm to our environment”.

Some critics say electric vehicles are not environmentally sound because of the emissions involved in extracting the precious metals for the batteries and the toxicity of recycling material at the end of the battery’s life.

Evolution in extraction, manufacturing and recycling processes is reducing those impacts with less use of materials such as cobalt and increasing use of repurposed lithium-ion batteries.

Tarform electric pineapple expressTarform’s electric pineapple express

However, the jury is still out on the real impact of EVs.

Reports about the whole-of-life impact of electric vehicles compared with internal-combustion-engine vehicles vary substantially.

Pineapple express

Taras hopes to improve the whole-of-life environmental impact by using biomaterials in the construction of his bike, such as pineapple in the seating.

He also claims materials have been “ethically” sourced.

Other components are not permanently glued or bonded, making upgrades and repairs easy.

Taras says his goal is to use fully recyclable materials and no petroleum-based products. Of course that will mean something other than conventional tyres.Tarform electric pineapple express

“At Tarform we treasure the freedom to ride in nature and feel responsibility to build vehicles that do no harm to our environment,” he says.

The Tarform is powered by a 41kW air-cooled electric motor that drives the rear wheel via a roller chain and has almost 200km of city range

The Luna uses a 10-kW lithium-ion battery pack, reaches 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 150km/h.

It uses Ohlins suspension and IRS brakes.

The 3.3-kW onboard charger can charge the battery up to 80% in 50 minutes.

Tech features include blind spot detection system that vibrates the seat to warn the rider, a 180-degree rearview camera and an app to track data about the bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Which Occurs More Often in Dallas: Motorcycle or Car Accidents?

(Contributed article for our North American readers)

Motor vehicle accidents injure and kill countless Texans every year. The city of Dallas is no exception. In fact, Dallas has more motor vehicle accidents than nearly every other city in the entire state. 

In 2018 alone, there were 31,950 motor vehicle crashes in Dallas, TX.194 of these accidents were fatal, and 867 resulted in serious injuries to passengers. 

It is important to note, however, that these 31,950 total accidents in Dallas involved various types of motor vehicles. Two of the most common types of vehicles involved in Dallas motor vehicle accidents are passenger cars and motorcycles. But which type of vehicle results in more accidents in Dallas? Read on to find out and learn more about what you can do after an accident in Dallas, TX. 

Dallas Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in General

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 14.47 people per 100,000 died on Dallas streets in 2017. One source notes that Dallas reported 1.57 speeding fatalities per 100,000 people—the most in the United States. Additionally, Dallas had the fifth-highest rate of fatal traffic accidents among the 25 largest cities in the United States. 

To be frank, Dallas roads can be dangerous. However, some types of vehicles can put you and your loved ones at risk more than others. 

Car vs. Motorcycle Accidents: Which Occurs More Often?

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported the following statistics in 2018 with respect to passenger car vehicle accidents: 

  • 487,421  total crashes; 
  • 48,252 non-incapacitating injury crashes; 
  • 8,383 suspected serious injury crashes; and
  • 1,763 fatal crashes.

While Texas did experience a decrease in overall traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2018, these numbers are still concerning. 

With respect to motorcycle accidents, TxDOT reported the following statistics in 2018: 

  • 7,863 total crashes;
  • 2,735 non-incapacitating injury crashes; 
  • 1,844 suspected serious injury crashes; and
  • 436 fatal crashes. 

A quick comparison of the statistics for car and motorcycle accidents in Texas will provide a quick answer—passenger car accidents are by far more common in Texas. However, these numbers don’t necessarily show which type of motor vehicle is more dangerous or more prone to accidents. 

The Real Question—Which Type of Vehicle Is More Dangerous?

Passenger cars are the primary mode of transportation for most Americans. This is the main reason that there are so many more passenger car crashes than motorcycle crashes each year.

However, based on the TxDOT statistics above, less than 1% of the 487,421 total passenger car accidents in 2018 were fatal. This percentage is very small compared to the number of fatal cases in motorcycle accidents. In 2018, nearly 6% of the 7,863 total motorcycle accidents were fatal. 

In fact, in 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a car crash per vehicle mile traveled. Thus, while car accidents occur more often than motorcycle accidents, this does not mean that motorcycle accidents are “safe” by any means. 

Motorcycle Accidents in Dallas

There are numerous reports of motorcycle accidents in and around Dallas, TX. Often, these accidents occur at no fault of the motorcyclist and are instead due to the actions of other negligent drivers. 

The fact of the matter is that regardless of what precautions you take, motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than passenger cars. Failure to wear a helmet can make matters even worse. In fact, in 2018, 49% of motorcyclists killed in an accident were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. 

What to Do Next If You Are Involved in a Car or Motorcycle Accident in Dallas

Regardless of which type of accident occurs more often, the fact remains that there is always a chance that you might be involved in a motor vehicle accident in Dallas. Whether your primary mode of transportation is a motorcycle or a passenger car, if you sustain injuries in a collision, it is important to know your rights and what steps to take.

What Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover

If you are involved in a car or motorcycle accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to damages. Legal “damages” are the “costs associated with your car accident that you might be entitled to receive to help you recover.” [source: https://www.injuryrelief.com/dallas-car-accident-lawyer/]

Damages that you may be able to recover in a motor vehicle accident case include compensation for: 

  • Property damage to your vehicle; 
  • Past and future medical expenses; 
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity due to your injuries; 
  • Pain and suffering; 
  • Stress and anxiety; 
  • Emotional distress; and 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life. 

If any of the above legal damages exist in your case, it is imperative that you take action so that you can begin working toward your recovery. Knowing your rights and what you may be entitled to recover is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. 

When to Start Taking Action

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Dallas, don’t wait. One of the most important things to note about car and motorcycle accidents in Texas is the statute of limitations. 

A statute of limitations is essentially the timeframe in which you must bring a certain type of legal claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a car or motorcycle accident claim is two years. This means that you must file your legal claim within two years from the date of the accident. Failure to do so could result in losing your right to recover compensation. Thus, make sure to act quickly to ensure that you give yourself enough time to bring any legal claims. 

If you are ready to take action, consider reaching out to a motorcycle or car accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. If you don’t feel ready to take that step quite yet, you should at least start looking for resources online to help you determine what next steps to take, if any. 

Regardless of where you are in the process, don’t forget to seek medical attention as soon as practicable. Car and motorcycle accidents can cause significant physical and emotional trauma, so make sure you take care of yourself first and foremost. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle Connectivity: A Tool For Safety Or A Distraction?

(Contributor post)

The daily lives of people have always been heavily influenced by the technologies that are currently available to them. Whether it’s in the way that people are so heavily reliant on their smartphones to get them through the day, or in how people use vehicles to move from point to point efficiently is proof of how important technology is to the average person.

One piece of technology that is often heralded to be a technological leap comes in the form of the Internet of Things. Imagine a world where devices are able to share information and interact with one another. This creates a whole ecosystem similar to that of Apple and Samsung in how their devices are able to synergize with each other in order to create a seamless user experience that not only increases convenience, but also productivity. But first things first, what exactly is the Internet of Things, and how does this technology affect motorcycle safety?

The Internet of Things

Simply put, the Internet of Things refers to the concept of connecting devices to the internet. These devices can be anything from cell phones, headphones, lamps, microwaves, washing machines, etc. This interconnectivity is what allows these devices to interact with each other. Imagine opening a fridge and finding that the milk’s run out, and the fridge suggests to make an online purchase for milk. Or how a person can open their garage door, turn on lights, and heat dinner through a microwave, all while driving home from work. This interconnectivity is what allows for an unprecedented level of productivity and efficiency.

How Does This Relate To Motorcycle Safety?

Simply put, a motorcycle equipped with smart sensors can work in synergy with bio-sensors that can measure a rider’s health and it can also detect other vehicles to help reduce the risk of an accident. Data such as speed, road conditions, weather, and obstacles can be used to alert a rider of potential dangers ahead.

IoT-capable motorcycles might even be able to provide real-time diagnostics on the bike’s condition by collecting data from the bike’s sensors. A faulty part can be easily detected by the bike’s sensors, which would then prompt the bike to alert the rider that there’s something wrong with the bike. This extends to aspects of the bike such as suspension, oil levels, engine condition, etc. It can also be used by manufacturers to provide timely recall information, or to give riders a hassle-free diagnostic without the need to bring the bike to a mechanic’s garage.

The Human Factor.

While all these conveniences might sound nice, the danger here lies in the fact that riders might become too reliant on technology, and in turn, neglect the very basics of road safety. Even with all these pieces of technology, the ultimate determinant of whether a rider makes it to his destination safely will always be his decision-making skills, sobriety, and riding skill.

We should never forget that technology is merely a tool, and that it can be used or misused, just like any other tool. An overdependence on these technologies should not be a reason to have our responsibilities on the road diminished, especially considering the fact that according to these Pensacola Personal Injury attorneys, one of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving.

The road is especially dangerous to motorcycle riders because of the fact that motorcycles inherently have less protection than cars. While new safety tech is always good to have, riders shouldn’t rely too much on technology, especially when that piece of tech is merely in its infancy stage.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aprilia USA presents 2020 Limited Edition RSV4 and Tuono Misano collection on Facebook Live, Sunday, June 28

Aprilia USA will be presenting the 2020 Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono Limited Edition Misano collection on Facebook Live. Those looking to soak up a few hours on a Sunday afternoon are encouraged to check out this broadcast featuring Aprilia’s limited edition RSV4 Superbike and Tuono Supernaked models.

From Press Release:

2020 Limited Edition RSV4 and Tuono Misano collection

I would like to invite you to join me this Sunday, June 28 at 5:30pm (PST), when Aprilia USA will host a Facebook live presentation from Buttonwillow Raceway of the new Limited Edition RSV4 and Tuono Misano collection.

Join in to learn more about availability of the new model at dealerships, the model characteristics and how Aprilia’s racing heritage has influenced the creation of this iconic model: https://www.facebook.com/events/2924768980985652/

We will be hosting our first Aprilia Racers Days track experience the following morning, and I cannot wait to get on the track for my first time since February, especially on these new machines.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Motorcycle tours become electrified

Range and recharging times may still be an issue for electric motorcycles, yet it looks like the motorcycle travel industry may become electrified.

A few years ago, Eidelweiss Motorcycle Tours in Europe started hiring electric Zero motorcycles, although it appears that is no longer the case.

Perhaps they had too many customers running out of charge a long way from home!

However, that hasn’t stopped Swedish company CAKE who make lightweight electric motorcycles.

They have formed a partnership with Skoj P Hoj to offer electric enduro and off-road test rides and guided tours using their Kalk models.

That makes a lot more sense than electric road bikes.Cake Kalk electrified bike tours

Electrified off-road tours

Off-road tours are usually shorter than road tours, although finding charging points might be more difficult out in the country.

Paris-Dakar and enduro race veteran and owner of Skoj P Hoj, Olle Ohlsson, believes “electric is the future” and says they have several benefits over traditional bikes.

Olle Ohlsson with the Cake Kalk electrified bikesOlle Ohlsson with the Cake Kalk electric bikes

“These bikes don’t disturb: there is nearly no noise, no pollution,” he says.

“And the ease of riding — with no clutching or changing gears — means that the addressable market is sky-high.

“It’s a whole new layer of business opportunity.

“We have had world-class athletes and beginners riding and with pre-set riding modes it means everyone has a blast.” 

Skoj P Hoj, can take groups of five for half or full-day explorations, on the trails north of Stockholm. The bikes being used are all CAKE Kalk, street-certified enduro/off-road bikes.

Cake Kalk

Cake Kalk electrified bike toursCake Kalk

The Cake Kalk weighs only 69kg and has a top speed of about 80km/h.

They say range is up to three hours, depending on “a number of different aspects, e.g. riding style, rider weight, weather conditions, temperature, road surface and tyre pressure”.

Charging takes 90 minutes from flat to 80% or 2.5 hours to full charge from a standard outlet.

Presumably riders could head out for three hours of enduro riding the trails, then stop somewhere for a long lunch where they plug in and then ride home.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fastest electric motorcycle challenge

In 2013, French bespoke motorcycle company Voxan unveiled the Wattman which was then the world’s fastest and most powerful electric motorcycle.

The Voxan Wattman had a 150kW (200hp) motor capable of a 170km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds which was faster than a Porsche 911.

However, it did not retain its title for long.

A year later, along came the 150kW Lightning LS-218, so named because it had a top speed of 218mph (346km/h).

Lightning LS-218Lightning LS-218

That’s also the world’s fastest road-registrable production motorcycle, eclipsing the Kawasaki H2 supercharged bike with a top speed of 337km/h.

Kawasaki H2 paintKawasaki H2

Fastest electric challenge

Now Voxan has built a performance version of the Wattman which will be unveiled on Wednesday (1 July 2020) on social media and their website.

The performance Wattman took to the track for the first time on 12 March 2020, but testing was interrupted by the COVD-19 crisis.

Testing recommenced in Monaco on 4 May when the lockdown was lifted in the principality.

Voxan Wattman fastestWattman gets an aerodynamic streamliner fairing

It will challenge Lightning’s speed record on the Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia in July 2021.

Tech specs have not yet been revealed, but the original has a 12.8kWh battery that can fully re-charged in 30 minutes and have 180km of range.

Voxan Wattman fastestTech specs coming on Wednesday

Wattman is the product of a joint venture between boutique French manufacturer Voxan Motorcycles and formerly bankrupt electric sports car company Venturi.

Voxan started making the Wattman in 2014 at the Solesmes Electric Vehicle Manufacture plant in Sarthe, near the famous Le Mans circuit. The plant is “super-green” as it is run totally on “clean energy”.

In 1999, Voxan started making small numbers of motorcycles with a 996cc V-twin petrol engine.

Venturi is a manufacturer of electric sports cars called Fetish and Voltage.

Its BB2.5 prototype has reached 495km/h in testing while their new BB3 has 2200kW of power and is expected to reach up to 700km/h.

Together they hope to gain the title of the world’s fastest electric motorcycle.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Gizmo uses light to sterilise your helmet

Taiwanese company Lucky International has launched a GermBuster gizmo that uses ultraviolet light and ozone to sterilise and deodorise your motorcycle helmet.

In the wake of the panic over the pandemic, company spokesman Billy Chao contacted us to see if we were interested in selling their GermBuster through our website.

President Donald Trump would love it as he seems to think that along with injecting disinfectant we could also shine light inside people to cure them of COVID-19.

By the way, you can check the date of this story; it’s not April 1!

Motul motorcycle helmet cleanerNow, we know helmets get sweaty and grotty inside and can smell funky. But we usually just use a dedicated spray to deodorise them or pull out the removable pads and liner and give them a wash.

Click here to check our tips for cleaning your helmet.

Sterilise the hi-tech wayGermbuster is claimed to sterilise your helmet

However, that is not hi-tech enough for some.

So lucky for them, Lucky International has developed their GermBuster.

I can’t vouch for it and when I asked where to get it and how much it costs, the contact Billy Chao just wanted us to buy it via email.

I also couldn’t find any reference to the company or the product online.Germbuster is claimed to sterilise your helmet

However, I thought you might get a good laugh out of the press release they sent:

Wear a dirty and bacteria motorcycle helmet that caused hair loss and bald.

Due to sweating, dirt, food particles (I am not sure how you get food in your helmet!) and air born (sic) bacteria getting rubbed into the helmet padding and breeding in the warm environment, it is possible that your scalp may become infected. If so it could impact on scalp health and even hair growth

Bacteria in your helmet may also affect your hair growth

Your helmet becomes a breeding ground for air borne bacteria due to sweat, dirt and food particles that could infect your scalp and cause hair fall. It could also affect growth of new hair.Germbuster is claimed to sterilise your helmet

What you can do

The total solution, use GermBuster UVC + OZONE sterilizer and deodorizer,

Helmet sterilizer. Available all kind of helmet.

They say it comes with a free “adjust stand”, is USB rechargeable and can also be used to sanitise shoes, masks and nail scissors.

  

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

World’s biggest bike show postponed

The world’s biggest motorbike show has been postponed from this November for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, switching new model launches to the virtual world.

The announcement that the EICMA show in Milan will be postponed a year follows the recent axing of the competing biennial Intermot in Cologne in October.

We wonder if this is the start of the end for motorcycle shows, anyway.

These shows have been the world’s biggest and most motorcycle companies have used them to launch new models, prototypes and concepts.

However, the strong competition for the limelight has forced many companies to conduct launch their new models on social media a few days before the shows open.

On Tuesday night, MV Agusta will hold a virtual media launch of its new Brutale 1000 RR.MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Blue & White M.L.

Other new model launches have also been conducted on social media, rather than flying moto journos around the world.

It’s cheaper and gets them just as much media exposure.

We expect this virtual launch program will accelerate in the wake of these motorcycle shows being postponed over the pandemic.

Shows and events postponed

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising2019 Brisbane DGR

Many other motorcycle shows and events have been cancelled or postponed, including the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride which this year goes virtual.

Yet the world’s biggest motorcycle event, the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota will go ahead.

It can attract up to a half a million riders and pillions. Perhaps not this year, though.

2015 Sturgis Motorcycle RallySturgis Motorcycle Rally

The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from August 7-16 will not include the usual parade, opening ceremony and B-1 bomber flyover.

Vendors will be required to wear personal protective equipment.

Mass testing is being considered for the safety of residents, but has not been approved.

Each test could cost $75 to $150 per person.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com