Category Archives: Motorcycle News

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Jason Anderson dominates Sydney Supercross

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Justin Brayton wins Australian Supercross Championship

The fourth instalment of the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney has concluded in front of a sell-out crowd, with current World Champion Jason Anderson taking the win in all three final heat races. 

The American dominated the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty of five-position being handed to the Aussie legend for using the Shannons Shortcut Lane a second time. 

AUS X Open Chad Reed Brayton
Chad Reed was penalised five positions in the third final

Jason Anderson

“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come,” commented Anderson.

Scotland’s Dean Wilson made a successful return to racing in position two, with Gold Coaster Dan Reardon putting in a solid ride for position three to finalise the podium at the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney.

AUS X Open Jason Anderson Podium
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderon 75
Dean Wilson 62
Daniel Reardon 60

Both domestic class champions were crowned under the bright lights of Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night. Each championship was a hard-fought affair this year, with both coming down to the very final race putting immense stress on the riders.

Honda 1-2 in Australian Supercross Championship

The Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship. Brayton was followed home in P2 by teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon.

Justin Brayton

“I’m stoked to win this championship,” commented Brayton. “I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”

AUS X Open Justin Brayton Champ
Justin Brayton

AUS-X Open Results

SX1 Final 1

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Justin Brayton +3.724
  3. Dean Wilson +7.364
  4. Dan Reardon +11.788
  5. Luke Clout +11.887
  6. Brett Metcalfe +13.134
  7. Chad Reed +20.359
  8. Jace Owen +25.250
  9. Lawson Bopping +28.480
  10. Dylan Long +30.505

SX1 Final 2

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dan Reardon +3.353
  3. Dean Wilson +4.015
  4. Chad Reed +8.670
  5. Brett Metcalfe +14.420
  6. Justin Brayton +16.270
  7. Luke Clout +19.227
  8. Lawson Bopping +23.333
  9. Jace Owen +23.776
  10. Dylan Long +25.272

SX1 Final 3

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dean Wilson +2.014
  3. Dan Reardon +9.058
  4. Dylan Long +14.071
  5. Justin Brayton +18.705
  6. Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
  7. Jace Owen +21.064
  8. Brett Metcalfe +22.203
  9. Luke Clout +36.894
  10. Robbie Marshall +1 lap

SX1 Overall

  1. Jason Anderon 75
  2. Dean Wilson 62
  3. Daniel Reardon 60
  4. Justin Brayton 53
  5. Chad Reed 47
  6. Brett Metcalfe 44
  7. Luke Clout 42
  8. Dylan Long 40
  9. Jace Owen 39
  10. Lawson Bopping 35

Final SX1 Championship Points

  1. Justin Brayton 115
  2. Brett Metcalfe 106
  3. Dan Reardon 90
  4. Jace Owen 84
  5. Dylan Long 77
  6. Luke Clout 72
  7. Robbie Marshall 57
  8. Lawson Bopping 53
  9. Jesse Dobson 41
  10. Nicholas Sutherland 39

Jay Wilson SX2 Champion

Yamaha’s Jay Wilson completed the ultimate comeback to the sport tonight in Sydney, with the New South Welshman coming back from the brink of retirement just one year ago, to claim the coveted SX2 Championship.

Wilson secured the title in dramatic fashion, as he only just qualified for the main event in the final transfer position.

The chaos continued to unfold, with Wilson’s poor qualifying position giving him the very last gate pick, and subsequently, he didn’t get off the line well in any of the three races.

Despite the drama, tears flowed at the conclusion of Main Event number three, as Wilson was crowned Champion.

Championship aside, the race for the AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night on the top step of the podium due to an incredible pace.

In position two was 2017 Champion Jackson Richardson, and DPH Motorsports Hayden Mellross in third.

SX2 Final 1

  1. Jy Roberts
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.837
  3. Dylan Wills +2.506
  4. Jacob Hayes +3.404
  5. Hayden Mellross +4.526

SX2 Final 2

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +3.821
  3. Hayden Mellross +5.505
  4. Dylan Wills +7.762
  5. Jay Wilson +8.879

SX2 Final 3

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.534
  3. Hayden Mellross +1.435
  4. Josh Osby +2.681
  5. Jacob Hayes +3.510

SX2 Overall

  1. Cameron McAdoo 66
  2. Jackson Richardson 65
  3. Hayden Mellross 56
  4. Dylan Wills 53
  5. Jacob Hayes 45
  6. Jay Wilson 43
  7. Josh Osby 42
  8. Aaron Tanti 39
  9. Tomas Ravenhorst 37
  10. Kaleb Barham 36

SX2 Final Championship Points

  1. Jay Wilson 103
  2. Hayden Mellross 97
  3. Jacob Hayes 91
  4. Wilson Todd 75
  5. Jackson Richardson 74
  6. Josh Osby 68
  7. Aaron Tanti 62
  8. Dakota Alix 61
  9. Dylan Wills 60
  10. Bradley Taft 50

Two-Stroke Cup

The two-stroke cup class was taken out by KTM’s Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney. The two spent most of the race dueling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.

Best Whip

Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini.

International Showdown

In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans.

Best Trick competition

Finally, in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliffhanger backflip to claim the trophy.

The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

LCR launch MotoE Team with DePuniet and Canepa

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Motorcycle racing welcomes a new era with the launch of the MotoE Championship (officially the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup) in 2019 and the LCR Team is pleased to announce its participation in the series with Randy De Puniet and Niccolò Canepa as official riders for the LCR E-Team.

Lucio Cecchinello (LCR Team Principal)

“This project is a new challenge in my career and I am very proud to be part of it with the brand-new LCR E-Team because this new series represents a part of racing’s future. I am also very happy to be back working with my former Chief Technician, Paolo Cordioli (who helped me to set up the LCR Team in 1996) and also Luciano and Thomas Betti, both former international champions of previous electric bike competitions. When Randy (De Puniet) accepted our proposal to be part of this new project, I was very happy because he lined up for the LCR Team for five years in the past (2003/2004 in the 250cc class and 2008/2009/2010 in the MotoGP class) achieving amazing results (18 times on the podium, including 4 victories in LCR colours). Niccolò has a very impressive career record also, including the 2007 Superstock World Title and the 2016/2017 FIM World Endurance Title, and is keen to start this new challenge aboard the MotoE”. 

The new championship, which will run alongside MotoGP, will feature low-noise, zero-emission motorcycles that are powered by renewable energy sources.

The inaugural calendar consists of five rounds that will take place during MotoGP events (Jerez de la Frontera, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Spielberg and Misano) and a first test on November 23-25 at Jerez.

The LCR E-Team is ready embrace the new challenge with a strong line-up that features highly-respected technical staff, talented former LCR rider De Puniet and the 2017 Endurance Champion, Canepa.

Randy De Puniet

“Of course I am very happy to be part of the first MotoE Championship and for me it is even better because I return to the LCR Team where I raced for 5 years in my MotoGP career. I had my best racing memories with this team so it’s amazing to be back with Lucio and his squad. Regarding MotoE World Cup, everything will be new for everybody, but thanks to this test in November in Jerez we will gather more information on the bike and the riding style. I think it’s going to be fun with 18 identical bikes using the same tyres, so I cannot wait to start this new challenge”.

KTM MotoGP Test - June 2016 - Jerez - Randy De Puniet
Randy De Puniet

Niccolò Canepa

“I am very happy to be part of this new project in its debut season and, most of all, doing it in LCR colours. I think this is one of the most high-level teams in the paddock and I have a very good relationship with Lucio. Now I can’t wait to try this bike for the first time in Jerez. I am actually training a lot to get ready for the start of the season and this first test in November will give us important information on the bike configuration. Lucio has put together a very professional crew and, from my side, I will do my best to reward the team with good results”.

Niccolò Canepa – GeeBee Image
Motorcycle News, News

Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service

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GSX-R owners of the affected models and years should hurry to take part in the incentive program for the Suzuki GSX-R recall before it expires.

Begin Press Release:

Suzuki Announces Enhanced Incentive Program for GSX-R Recall Service

Customers with affected GSX-R models are eligible for free pick-up and delivery in addition to the $100 prepaid Visa card when recall is completed

Brea, CA (November 8, 2018) – Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) is announcing that free pickup and delivery is now part of the trial incentive program announced in September to increase completion of the front brake master cylinder recall service on select GSX-R models. For a limited time Suzuki will arrange to have a customer’s affected motorcycle transported to a Suzuki dealership for the recall service and then returned at no charge. The free pickup and delivery offer is in addition to the incentive that provides eligible customers a $100.00 prepaid Visa card upon completion of their motorcycle’s recall service.

Suzuki’s goal is to reach customers who own or ride affected 2004 – 2013 GSX-R600/750 and 2005 – 2013 GSX-R1000 models, and to inspect and repair the front brake master cylinder on those affected models as quickly as possible. The eligible period for the Visa card incentive and the free pickup and delivery option runs between September 1, 2018, and November 30, 2018. The number of free motorcycle transportation opportunities and incentives are limited, and will be fulfilled on a first come basis.

“Safety is our number one priority and we want to ensure every affected GSX-R is repaired. We created this trial incentive program to bring additional attention to the brake master cylinder recall service on these GSX-R models.” said Steve Muthig, SMAI Vice President of Service. “We recognize that taking your motorcycle to the dealer for any recall service can be inconvenient and with the $100 prepaid Visa card we hope to offset that inconvenience to our valued customers. With free pickup and delivery we can help customers who may have weather concerns or other obstacles preventing them from getting their motorcycles to the dealership for the recall service.”

Customers who want to arrange transportation of their affected GSX-R to the dealership for the recall service can contact the Suzuki Customer Service Department at (714) 572-1490. A customer service representative will coordinate the transportation of the motorcycle to the dealer and its recall service.

Suzuki began notifying eligible customers of the trial incentive program on September 1, 2018. The program requires customers to get their affected motorcycles to an authorized Suzuki dealer for recall repair completion between September 1, 2018 and November 30, 2018. After the recall service is done, customers can register the repair at a special website and once that claim is verified from the dealer-submitted warranty claim, qualified customers will be sent the prepaid Visa card.

“Our dealers know of the importance of completing any recall service and have been briefed about the trial incentive program for the GSX-R brake master cylinder,” continued Muthig. “We will work closely with every dealer and customer to make sure their affected motorcycle receives all necessary recall service.”

Suzuki customers can check to see if their motorcycle, ATV or scooter have any outstanding recall or service campaigns by visiting the Safety Recall Information page on www.SuzukiCycles.com.

The post Act Now To Take Part In Enhanced Incentive Suzuki GSX-R Recall Service appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain

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We’d never have guessed that Ural would partner with Zero to produce an electric prototype, and now they have! We can’t wait to see what this looks like in person at the Long Beach IMS weekend.

Begin Press Release:

A TOTALLY NEW EXPERIENCE:

THE URAL ALL-ELECTRIC PROTOTYPE

FIRST PHASE

Ural Motorcycles finalized the first development phase of an all-electric sidecar motorcycle.  The electric prototype was built on the existing one-wheel drive cT chassis, utilizing Zero Motorcycles’ proprietary powertrain package (motor, batteries, controller and other components). California-based company ICG developed the overall design and was responsible for fabricating the initial prototype. Zero Motorcycles also provided the necessary engineering support during development and testing of the prototype that made this project possible.

At a glance, it’s still a Ural, but the electric bike offers a totally new experience

We always knew our sidecar is the perfect platform to build an electric motorcycle because it can offer what regular two-wheeled motorcycles don’t: passenger comfort, stability and safety, not to mention more space for batteries. Electric Ural is very easy to control, thanks to a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. It’s very stable thanks to its three wheels. It doesn’t have clutch or gear shifter, twisting the throttle is basically all you need to operate the bike. And it accelerates very quickly – for a Ural … Overall it’s a fun and very versatile vehicle that you can use almost like a car.

Ural

PROOF OF CONCEPT

Proof of concept was the main goal for this project. We went through several iterations, searching for the best configuration of the electric powertrain package. One of the main challenges was to find the optimal location for the batteries while maintaining passenger comfort, storage capacity and stability distinctive to Ural sidecars.

We accumulated a lot of data to be used in the next phase of the project

WHAT’S NEXT

The company has no immediate plans to manufacture an all-electric model at this time. The decision will ultimately be based on market research, consumer and industry experts’ feedback. We estimate it would take approximately 24 months to ramp up serial production upon final design approval. Production bike design would incorporate the latest battery technology and charging options.

WHERE TO SEE

The Electric Ural will be displayed at the Progressive Motorcycle Show in Long Beach November 16-18, 2018. Ural Motorcycles is currently organizing demo-ride events. Locations and dates to be announced. Sign up here to be first in the know.

The post Ural Builds All-Electric Prototype Based On Zero Powertrain appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Marco Melandri & Cortese on GRT Yamaha for WSBK 2019

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GRT Yamaha Step Up to WorldSBK
with Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese in 2019

Yamaha has reached an agreement with Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese that will see the two riders campaign factory supported Yamaha YZF-R1 machines for the GRT Yamaha Team, who will step up to contest the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2019.

The move to the premier class for GRT Yamaha comes after two incredibly successful seasons in the FIM World Supersport Championship. In 2017 the team secured the world title with Lucas Mahias, who returned with the team in 2018 to finish as runner up to Cortese in the championship. GRT Yamaha also finished both seasons as the top team in the series, making a significant contribution to Yamaha’s domination of the class.

While GRT Yamaha will be new to the FIM World Superbike Championship in 2019, in Melandri and Cortese they have two riders with vast experience gained in both prototype and production racing. This experience will be critical as the team adapt to the demands of racing in the premier production class.

WorldSBK 2016 - Aragon - Marco Melandri
WorldSBK 2016 – Aragon – Marco Melandri

A former 250cc World Champion and MotoGP race winner, Melandri has claimed an impressive 72 podium finishes, including 22 race wins, since making his debut in the FIM World Superbike Championship aboard a Yamaha YZF-R1 back in 2011. The 36-year-old from Ravenna in Italy was second in the championship that year, his best result to date, but has finished inside the top five in every season he’s contested since. Since stepping away from MotoGP Melandri has ridden for every European manufacturer in WorldSBK, Aprilia, Ducati, BMW, and also was for a period of time the official test rider for MV Agusta’s WorldSBK campaign. 

WorldSBK 2016 - Aragon - Marco Melandri
WorldSBK 2016 – Aragon – Marco Melandri

Although 2019 will be Cortese’s first season in the FIM World Superbike Championship he also brings a wealth of experience with him to the GRT Yamaha team. The 28-year-old German took five race wins and 10 podium finishes on his way to being crowned as the first ever Moto3 World Champion in 2012. Cortese is also the reigning World Supersport Champion, having secured the title in his debut season in the class aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6 with a podium finish in the final round in Qatar.

Sandro Cortese – GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team

“To win the WorldSSP championship and then step up to WorldSBK with the GRT Yamaha Team is like a dream come true for me. I’m super happy to be a part of this new project and, although it’s a big step, I am really looking forward to the challenge. I can’t wait to jump on the Yamaha YZF-R1 for the first time in Jerez later this month to start the familiarisation process. It will be like Christmas for me; I’ve never ridden such a big bike before and I am like a small kid who can’t wait to get his present! The bike will be more physically demanding to ride than the Yamaha YZF-R6 and, with three races every weekend instead of just one next year, I will definitely need to work on my fitness over the winter to ensure I’m ready.”

WSBK Losail WSSP Sandro Cortese celebrating the title
Sandro Cortese celebrates the 2018 World Supersport title

Melandri and Cortese will get their first opportunity to test the Yamaha YZF-R1 they’ll campaign in GRT Yamaha colours in 2019 during a two-day test at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, which gets underway on 26th November.

Filippo Conti – GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Manager

“I am really delighted to be stepping up to the WorldSBK championship with Yamaha, it’s like a dream come true. We started this project in WorldSSP and now we are moving up to WorldSBK, which is very important for the team but also for Yamaha’s production racing program. It’s a big step for us and we know we will be facing a steep learning curve in our debut season, but our two riders bring with them a wealth of experience. Riders don’t come more experienced than Marco, who has been a frontrunner in WorldSBK since he came to the championship in 2011. And while 2019 will be Sandro’s first season on a WorldSBK machine, he’s the reigning WorldSSP champion and a former Moto3 World Champion, so I expect him to adapt quickly to our Yamaha YZF-R1. We need to learn a lot in this new category, but our target is clear; we want to be as competitive in WorldSBK as we have been in WorldSSP. Maybe this isn’t possible in our debut season, but that’s the goal for the future.”

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RiderBuds Reach Indiegogo Goal In 3 Hours!

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Motorcyclists who ride with earphones are well aware of the issues associated with using them. First, most earphones/earbuds protrude from the ear and make donning a helmet a challenge without pulling them out of place. Second, many earbuds do nothing to protect a rider’s hearing by attenuating the noise of high-speed wind flowing past the helmet. RiderBuds appear to address both of these issues. You can bet that we’re anxious to test them!

Begin Press Release:

Discover RiderBuds: The Ultimate Earphone for Motorcycle Riders

The innovative audio solution for riders successfully reaches its crowdfunding goal in 3 hours.

New York, NY – November 7- RiderBuds™has just launched its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, and after only 3 hours reached its $30,000 goal and has more than doubled since.  

RiderBuds

Two styles of tips will be supplied with RiderBuds.

RiderBuds™ are known as the “Ultimate” earphones for riders: they combine comfort, crisp sound at any speed, and protect your hearing.

RiderBuds

Note how typical earbuds protrude from the ear.

“We’ve created quite literally the smallest earphones ever made,” says Maurice Dziubinski, CEO and founder of the startup.

RiderBuds are specially made for motorcycle riders and are sized to fit entirely inside the ear canal. Maurice said,  “This is the only and best way to make sure they don’t interfere with the proper wear of the helmet, no matter how tight it is.”

Say goodbye to earphones getting dislodged, breaking seal, or becoming uncomfortable on long rides.

The startup founder claims to have done his homework. “Over the last year of research and development, I’ve talked with over 1,000 riders around the world in the process. We’ve also done a few thousand surveys. We’ve listened and created what everyone wanted – RiderBuds is the final solution to all of riders’ main challenges with audio.”

RiderBuds are funding through Indiegogo now – early adopters can still pre-order them at the special $129 price, discounted $70 off the MSRP.

RiderBuds Indiegogo Campaign Page

They will go to production as soon as their campaign ends, and deliver the final product around May 2019.

RiderBuds

 

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Yamaha To Debut Some Interesting Concepts at CES 2019

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Yamaha is set to unveil some exciting concepts in January at CES 2019.

Begin Press Release: 

IWATA, November 9, 2018 – Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) announced today that it will exhibit five models at CES 2019, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, to be held in Las Vegas, U.S.A. over four days from January 8 to 11, 2019.

The Yamaha booth will feature a total of five models, including 1) the Public Personal Mobility(PPM), a people service system based on low-speed autonomous driving, which has many potential applications such as in transport infrastructure and business utilization, 2）the next-generation concept model of industrial-use unmanned helicopters, which will have a higher payload to provide unprecedented air solutions, 3) the TRITOWN concept model, which offers completely new electric personal mobility through its two front wheel LMW mechanism, 4) the NIKEN large sports bike launched in 2018, which also utilizes the LMW mechanism, and 5) an installation of artificial intelligence technology developed by Yamaha Corporation, with which Yamaha Motor shares the Yamaha brand. In addition, Yamaha Motor will conduct demonstrations of the PPM featuring an “AI conductor” on the dedicated paths adjacent to the venue during the period of the tradeshow.

This exhibition aims to discover new partners from any field of endeavor, creating technological innovation and new businesses through open innovation.

Yamaha Motor Booth Overview

■Period: Tuesday, January 8 to Friday, January 12, 2019
■Venue: Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A
■Yamaha Motor Booth: South Hall 2 / Booth size: 225m²

Models Exhibited

■Public Personal Mobility (PPM) (Reference vehicle)

Mobility service system with a wide range of potential applications based on low-speed autonomous driving and passenger-cargo shared usage

PPM is a form of comfortable and convenient on-demand compact low-speed mobility for “one-mile” short-distance travel. Its simple construction enables customization for a variety of applications, such as transportation of passengers and/or cargo, or further conversion into a mobile sales kiosk. In anticipation of further future autonomous travel, provisions for a variety of user-friendly mobility service applications will be showcased such as the AI-based facial recognition registration and communication between the vehicle (robot) and the passenger (human).

PPM demonstration

uring CES2019, Yamaha Motor will conduct demonstrations of the PPM featuring an “AI conductor” on the dedicated paths adjacent to the South Hall which houses the Yamaha Motor booth. After facial recognition registration on devices provided at the Yamaha Booth or the boarding point, the passenger can control the specific AI conductor on their demonstration vehicle. In addition, the AI conductor controls the start and stop of the vehicle through the passenger’s gestures. Visitors can experience the future of personal travel made possible by the Yamaha autonomous systems.

■Next-generation industrial-use unmanned helicopters

Delivering flight high above ground level as well as a 70kg payload capability to provide new air solutions (Reference product)Industrial-use unmanned helicopter concept model

Building on Yamaha Motor’s 35 years of experience in industrial-use unmanned helicopter, this concept model features series of innovations that enables the payload of 70kg, double that of the latest model. Flight controls will also be updated to feature latest technology such as collision avoidance, stable flight in atmospheric turbulence, and terrain following flights in mountainous areas. In addition, utilizing its autonomous flight capabilities, this model can provide unprecedented air solutions for a range of applications such as aerial delivery, measurement, inspection, aerial photography, and surveillance through attachment of application-specific equipment. (The image shown here is the latest FAZER R G2, Automated Navigation Unmanned Helicopter.)

■Unveiling of New TRITOWN Design (Reference vehicle)

Electric personal mobility for enjoyable and comfortable last-mile travel

Compact electric stand-up riding mobility with LMW (two front wheel mechanism). The simple structure in which the rider’s posture controls the balance of the vehicle means that it can be brought to a stop while still in a riding position. The lightweight and compact body makes for easy operation, creating a short-distance mobility tool accessible to a diverse range of people, and making last-mile travel enjoyable and exciting. The TRITOWN concept exhibit was the talk of the Tokyo Motor Show 2017, and the new design will be exhibited for the first time at CES2019.
(The image shown here is of the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 concept model)

■New Leaning Multi Wheel NIKEN launched in 2018

Motorcycle that delivers both relaxation and excitement via two front wheels (Production vehicle)

New model LMW with an 845cm 3 liquid-cooled in-line three-cylinder engine. The NIKEN is a next-generation LMW that provides advanced LMW technology with a combination of unwavering cornering capability supported by a sense of stability, and a high-quality cruise performance that maintains rider comfort even over long distances. By adopting a new and exclusively-developed steering mechanism, not only is the sense of stability unique to LMW, but also sporty and smooth cornering as well as a natural steering feel are provided. In addition to the sense of stability, with the introduction of a range of other control technologies, NIKENowners are treated to a relaxed ride even during long distance touring. This new model enables the riders to enjoy both the trip to the destination and also after arriving at the destination.

■Installation of artificial intelligence technology

Exhibition by Yamaha Corporation, with which Yamaha Motor shares the Yamaha brand (Reference product)

This installation showcases artificial intelligence technology developed by Yamaha Corporation. The system analyzes and corrects the music performance in real time, aiding the performer to create a natural performance close to the musical score.

The post Yamaha To Debut Some Interesting Concepts at CES 2019 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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TeamMoto Motorcycles launch Australia’s biggest bike sale!

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TeamMoto Motorcycles launch Australia’s biggest bike sale!
TeamMoto Sale Yamaha
TeamMoto Sale!

Over 250 models slashed to clear

Top Deals

2018 YAMAHA WR450F, SAVE $2610

2017 HONDA CRF450R, SAVE $3,844

2018 KAWASAKI KX450F, SAVE $3,804

2017 YAMAHA TRACER 900, SAVE $5,615

2016 KTM 1290 ADVENTURE TOUR, SAVE $6,900

2018 KTM 1290 SUPERDUKE R, SAVE $4,915

2017 MV AGUSTA F3 675 RC, SAVE $7,014

TeamMoto Sale KTM
TeamMoto Sale!

– All your favourite manufacturers: Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Triumph, BMW and MORE at TeamMoto

TeamMoto Sale Honda
TeamMoto Sale!

– Learner approved, Motocross, Sportsbikes, Cruisers, Kids bikes, and MORE

TeamMoto Sale Various
TeamMoto Sale!

Save up to $7,000!

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+ HUNDREDS MORE ONLINE NOW AT TEAMMOTO.COM.AU

Sale across 10 manufacturers

All 16 locations, from Cairns to Frankston.

TeamMoto Sale Poster
TeamMoto Sale!

– PLUS submit a finance application and go in the draw to share in $5000 worth of prizes.

TeamMoto Sale Comp
Make a finance application and win!

Terms and conditions apply

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Soriano Tigre | Obscure Spanish motorcycles | R.Soriano SA

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Obscure Spanish motorcycle marques

1944 96cc Soriano Tigre

With Phil Aynsley

As a change from obscure Italian marques how about an obscure Spanish one?

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

R.Soriano SA was founded in Madrid in 1941 by the impressively named Ricardo Soriano Hermensdorff von Scholtz, Marquis of Ivanrey.

He was quite a talented engineer who lived in France, Switzerland and Spain at various times. He designed and built a range of small two-wheelers but not before some interesting stops along the way!

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

In France he and a fellow marquis built the Soriano-Pedroso car from 1919-1924. In 1930 he turned his attention to outboard racing engines for hydroplanes.

Both four and six cylinder OHC designs were built with OSSA manufacturing a small run of the four cylinder motor (a supercharged 658cc unit).

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

The six cylinder was closely based on the four and a modified (to DOHC) version powered Jean Dupuy to the World Speed Record of 79.04mph in 1939.

An intriguing development came in 1942 when the US Army Corps of Engineers asked Evinrude to adapt the Soriano motor to power what became known as Storm Boats.

While their modified design was highly thought of, without any original plans or machine tools, it could not be made in the required time frame, so the project was abandoned.

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

In a precursor to Soriano’s own motorcycles, Manuel Giró (the founder of OSSA) fitted one of the supercharged fours to a BMW chassis, then later a sidecar, on which he won the Spanish Championship just after the war!

After a few prototypes made before the war, the first Soriano bikes were manufactured in 1942 and were designed to be a “people’s motorcycle” – not dissimilar to the Vespa concept of 15 years later.

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

A feature of the bike was the use of small, 8 inch diameter wheels – which made for a very compact, “unthreatening” bike. In 1944 the improved Tigre model was released, followed by the Puma, Lince (Lynx) and Pantera.

About 6000 Sorianos were produced before the company quit the motorcycle business (they also made industrial motors, generators and the like).

PA Soriano
1944 96cc Soirano Tigre

This bike is a 1944 96cc Tigre. And as a final piece of trivia, the Tigre featured on a stamp issued by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in 2003!

Motorcycle News, News

2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure | More grunt | Sharp looks

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While the new R 1250 GS had been revealed earlier in the year it was not until this week at EICMA that BMW took the wraps off the big daddy R 1200 GS Adventure for model year 2019.

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Like the regular GS, the Adventure, as you expect, gets all the same updated mechanicals including the new ShiftCam version of the Boxer engine. 

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

This latest powerplant also realises a hefty 7 per cent increase in capacity from 1170cc to 1254cc courtesy of both a bigger bore and longer stroke. 

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

Power is up from 125 to 136 horsepower while torque is boosted further from 125 to 143 Nm. The rpm those peaks arrive at are unchanged for the power figure at 7750 rpm but peak torque now arrives 250 rpm earlier at 6250 rpm.

BMW R GS Adventure Engine
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure ShiftCam

BMW claim that improvements lower in the rev range in regards to torque delivery are also notable, with 110 Nm already available as low as 2000 rpm, and the previous peak of 125 Nm already surpassed by 4000 rpm.

BMW R Dyno
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure on the dyno

The accompanying dyno chart shows a momentary slight dip in torque around 5000 rpm which presumably corresponds with when the short duration and low lift cam lobe swaps over to the more aggressive longer duration and higher lift lobe.

BMW R GS Adventure Action
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

It will be interesting to see how this transition feels on the road but BMW are claiming much improved levels of refinement and smoothness with the updated engine. The gearbox too is claimed to work better than before. 

BMW R GS Adventure Scene
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

On the chassis front the new GS Adventure runs slightly less steering head angle (65.1 compared to 65.5-degrees of the previous model), a marginally shorter wheelbase (1504 compared to 1510 mm) and more castor (95.4 compared to 92.7 mm on predecessor).

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The new GS Adventure is also 15 mm longer but is 28 mm slimmer between the mirrors than before, however, at 268 kg BMW’s claimed wet weight figure is 8 kg heavier than quoted for the previous machine.

BMW R GS Adventure Action
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Wheel travel remains 210 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear while the latest model benefits from Dynamic ESA ‘Next Generation’ with automatic load compensation. 

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Rim and tyre sizes remain the same at 120/70-19 and 170/60-17, as do the brake rotor sizes of 305 mm (F) and 276 mm.

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP

Likewise the 30-litre fuel capacity and 890-910 mm adjustable seat height remains unchanged but the low option now gets down as low as 820 mm. Presumably both the suspension and seat unit needs to be changed in order to realise that low figure, which would likely also reduce the wheel travel and ground clearance while possibly compromising suspension performance, and ruling out the fitment of ESA. 

BMW R GS Adventure Studio Exclusive
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

The brilliant new 6.5-inch TFT screen is standard complete with bluetooth connectivity which allows navigation prompts to be displayed on the dash and your music/phone to be controlled via the well sorted BMW Multi-Controller. I love this technology. 

BMW R GS Adventure Dash
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

At this stage we believe BMW Motorrad are expecting stocks of the new R 1200 GS Adventure just in time to buy yourself one for Christmas! Buy me one too while you are at it….

BMW R GS Adventure Studio
2019 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure HP
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Engine
Capacity cc 1,254
Bore/stroke mm 102.5 x 76
Output kW/hp 100/136
At engine speed rpm 7,750
Torque Nm 143
At engine speed rpm 6,250
Type Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with two overhead, spur gear driven camshafts , a counterbalance shaft and variable intake camshaft control system BMW Shift Cam
Compression 12.5/1
Fuel Premium unleaded 95 RON (option:
Valves per cylinder Ø intake/outlet mm 4
Ø Throttle valves mm 52
Engine control BMS-O
Emission control Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard EU-4

Electrical system
Generator W

508
Battery V/Ah

12/12
Headlamp Full-LED (option:LED daytime riding light)
Rear light LED brake light/rear light
Starter W 900

Power transmission
Clutch Wet clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically activated
Transmission Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gearing system
Primary ratio 1.650
I 2.438
II 1.714
III. 1.296
IV. 1.059
V 0.943
VI 0.848
Secondary drive Shaft drive
Secondary ratio 2.910

Suspension
Frame construction type Two-section frame concept consisting of main frame with bolt-on rear frame, load-bearing engine.
Front wheel control BMW Motorrad Telelever, central spring strut, 37 mm
Rear wheel control Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD spring strut, continuously adjustable spring preload by means of hand wheel, rebound-stage damping adjustable by hand wheel (Option: Dynamic ESA Next Generation)
Spring travel, front/rear mm 210/220
Castor(unladen weight according to DIN) mm 95.4
Wheelbase(unladen weight according to DIN) mm 1,504
Steering head angle(unladen weight according to DIN) °  65.1
Front Brakes Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial brake callipers
Rear Brakes Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
ABS BMW Motorrad Integral ABS as standard (part integral), disengageable (option: ABS Pro)
Front Wheels Cross Spoke, 3.00 x 19”
Rear Wheel Cross Spoke, 4.50 x 17”
Front Tyres 120/70 R 19
Rear  Tyres 170/60 R 17

Dimensions and weights
Total length mm 2,270
Total width including mirrors  mm 952
Seat height 890/910 (820 to 910 possible)
Empty weight according to DIN, kg road-ready 268
Permitted total weight kg 485
Fuel tank capacity l 30

Performance figures
Fuel consumption (WMTC)l/100 km 4.75
CO2 g/km 110
Acceleration 0-100 km/hs 4.0
Top speed km/h >200