Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Savic Motorcycles announces electric ‘colour’ options

Although Savic Motorcycles is yet to launch its electric Savic C-Series motorcycle, it has announced a range of three “colours” and other options.

Australia’s first full-size electric motorcycle company was to deliver the first batch of 50 bikes to customers by last December.

However, company founder and designer Denis Savic says they have been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and a delay in government support.

The Melbourne-based company recently secured $1.83 million in funding including contributions from the Victorian Government and co-investment of $657,000 from the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC).

Denis says this will allow them to deliver 20 bikes in the last quarter of 2022 with full production in 2023.

The C-Series consists of the 40kW Delta at $A19,990 ride away and the 60kw Alpha at $A26,990.

It is powered by a 16kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged to 80% in under four hours and deliver city range of up to 250km.

Savic Motorcycles has launched a website with a customised “Motorcycle Configurator” that allows customers to ‘build’ a motorcycle to their desired specifications.

While all prototypes have so far been silver, the configurator allows customers to chose from silver, matte black and “radiate aluminium” with the latter costing an extra $2000.

There are also black and silver badge options, tan and black leather seat trims and stock suspension or a Wilbers upgrade for an extra $3500.

Meanwhile, they have also launched Savic Clothing which they say will include a range of “ethical streetwear”.

Savic Motorcycles clothing

They are also developing an “eco-friendly clothing line with a similarly eco-conscious packaging experience using recyclable and fully compostable cardboard”.

Click here to check out their summer collection which features t-shirts, beanies, hoodies and sweatshirts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

“I will work harder than ever to show my potential”

“Moto2 is completely different to what I was used to in Moto3™. The bike is very different and not easy to understand the limit and it takes time to adjust to the weight, the power and the tyres. And the level of the other riders is super high. It is a very competitive class and it is down to the rider to make that final very important step.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Provisional 2022 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Entry List

A host of fast faces return to the grid, including 2020 and 2021 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40). The Spaniard will be joined by the likes of 2021 runner up Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP), multiple race winner Eric Granado (LCR E-Team), 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE), race winner Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and podium finisher Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40).

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Riders urged to complete Brisbane bike survey

The newly formed  Queensland Motorcycle Council is urging riders to fill out an online survey about motorcycling in Brisbane.

They believe it is important that the survey has a strong response as it will “demonstrate strong support from the motorcycling community” and show that the new group has some clout.

The new group formed this year more than 18 months after the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland closed largely due to a lack of support.

President Graham Keys says their discussions with Transport and Main Roads officials had resulted in a promised seat at the table for future relevant government meetings and road safety forums.

Now they want to prove to Brisbane City Council that they are a legitimate rider representative group.

They are encouraging riders to complete the council’s online survey to “help identify opportunities to improve the motorcycling experience in Brisbane”.

The survey will help Council to “identify and develop policies, plans and infrastructure to enable safe motorcycle travel in the city”.

In the past, we have been critical of the council’s motorcycle strategy, but they have been lifting their game with parking in recent years.

Motorcycle and scooter riders urged to make a submission to the Brisbane City Council draft transport plan - parking BCC bicycles
Brisbane bike parking

Their online survey is open until Monday 28 February 2022 and takes about 10 minutes to complete depending on how much optional information you provide.

Click here to fill in the survey.

A login or subscription is not required to access and participate in the survey. Simply follow the questions as they relate to you and submit your comments.

Council is making all the right noises about motorcycling, finally realising riders may be the answer to the city’s traffic and parking issues.

Here is what they have to say:

Having a connected, flexible and sustainable transport network in Brisbane is important to ensure we can easily commute to work, conduct business and study, access lifestyle and leisure opportunities, and visit family and friends.

People of all ages and abilities, ranging from non-riders to experienced riders, are encouraged to have their say, and we hope to gain as much feedback as we can to ensure any initiatives reflect the needs of the community and provide a positive benefit for our city.

Motorcycling is a key initiative of the Transport Plan for Brisbane – Implementation Plan 2018, and focuses on opportunities for safe, motorcycle travel in the city. Travelling by motorcycle and mopeds, particularly for commuter trips, can assist in managing congestion on our roads and reduce the need for car parking in the CBD and activity centres.

Our vision is for motorcycling to be a transport mode of choice for travelling throughout Brisbane and minor goods transport, with appropriate infrastructure in place to support safe riding for residents, visitors and businesses in Brisbane.

While it’s good to see council acknowledging motorcycling, the survey asks a stupid question about putting on your headlights in the day time!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric trike replaces iconic Aussie postie bike

Who would have thought a couple of years ago when we first started seeing those strange electric Postie trikes on our footpaths that they would replace the iconic red Honda Postie bike?
Well, now it’s official. 

Australia Post representatives have told a parliamentary inquiry into road safety that they are on track to have all motorbikes phased out of the fleet by 2025.

The Honda CT110 Postie bike has been used for postal deliveries since the 1970s.

They will be replaced by Swiss-made Kyburz electric trikes which Australia Post says are safer, can only reach 45km/h and are allowed on footpaths.

However, I’ve spoken to several posties who say they are dangerous because they can tip over on uneven footpath surfaces.

The electric trike has a top speed of 45km/h and can carry up to 100 small parcels and 1200 letters at a time, three times more than the old Postie bike.A Honda CT110 'Postie' bike with mailbags in a park

With parcels now the bulk of Australia Post’s business, the writing was on the wall for the iconic bike.

Australia Post began ordering the trikes to replace the two-wheelers in 2019 after a two-month trial of three trikes in Brisbane in 2018.

This is bad news for Honda, but good news for lovers of the bike as there should be a lot hitting the market at bargain prices.

However, it will eventually lead to a scarcity of the popular machines.

Variety Postie Bike Dash
Postie bikes in Variety Club charity ride

The Kyburz trikes are already the nation’s largest electric vehicle fleet.

Australia Post says the trikes are safer than the traditional motorcycle because they are easier to see on the road, more stable, have increased rider protection and lower on-road speeds.

Australia Post safety and wellbeing general manager Rod Maule told the inquiry the motorbike fleet was involved in the most accidents out of all delivery vehicles.

He said since beginning of the replacement program there had been a significant drop in incidents.

He claims drivers trialling the vehicles found they were less fatigued and more visible to other drivers on the road.

He also claimed an unforeseen benefit of the electric fleet was that it attracted more women to join the male dominated postal delivery workforce.

The new trikes can be ridden/driven in some states on car licences.

Australia Post postie bike electric trike eDV

Kyburz tech specs

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Gloves off in latest MotoCAP safety ratings

Twenty pairs of motorcycle gloves have been rated for safety and protection in the latest round of testing by the award-winning Australian MotoCAP website.

This brings to 128 the number of gloves they have tested and rated since the safety intitiative launched in September 2018 and a total of 403 jackets, gloves and pants.

Recently MotoCAP made changes to their glove-rating system based on new research on impact damage.

In the latest round of testing, the RST Titanium Outlast 2 leather gloves became the fourth pair of gloves to be awarded the full five stars for safety.

RST TITANIUM OUTLAST 2 leather gloves

They are also the first that has been advertised as waterproof, with a water resistance score of 6 out of 10.

Gloves can now be sorted on the website by star rating using the filter option.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren said the changes to the glove ratings were the result of “ongoing tweaking of the system based on new research conducted by Deakin University”.

Dr Chris Hurren explains use of one of the uni’s testing machines ratings
Dr Chris Hurren with one of the uni’s testing machines

Chris says these changes mean that accurate ratings are assigned to gear based on the latest research and testing, allowing consumers to make informed decisions on their purchases and increasing their protection on our roads.

“Hand injuries have not previously had the level of scrutiny that the rest of the body has received by researchers worldwide,” Chris says. 

“They are just listed in most research as hand injuries regardless of the injury type.”

The original MotoCAP ratings were developed with the limited information at the time of the risks involved for the hand. 

Dr Liz de Rome and Chris have conducted research into this area to determine the injury risks to hands to fill the previous lack of information and provide the appropriate advice to riders. The glove ratings were revised accordingly. 

“The majority of gloves will have stayed the same or improved in rating however there may be a small number that have reduced in their protection scores,” Chris says.

MotoCAP testing

All gear tested and rated by MotoCAP is bought covertly.

In 2019, MotoCAP, has won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Testing is carried out by the Deakin University Institute for Frontier Materials on behalf of the MotoCAP partners.

All gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

In 2019, MotoCAP won a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) road safety award.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

KTM invites riders to ride out days

Motorcycle companies are aware that they don’t just sell motorcycles and hope you come back for servicing.

These days they have to provide customers with events, social clubs and “experiences”.

Harley-Davidson has historically been the best at this with their HOG chapters and rallies.

Now many other manufacturers are onboard with similar events such as BMW’s long-running GS Safaris.

KTM Australia has been organising adventure and dirt bike riding events in recent years and has announced their calendar for next year.

And it’s not just limited to KTM riders, either,

Since KTM Australia also imports Husqvarna and GASGAS dirt bikes, their Ride Out Moto Weekends are open to adult riders who own a KTM, Husqvarna or GASGAS off-road motorcycle (enduro, MX or cross-country) and to their kids on any brand of kid’s bike.

The weekend events will take place across three states in 2022.

Each event is a two-night, two-day recreational adventure on private property and is designed to be a non-competitive, family-friendly experience.

The first is in Stroud (NSW) on March 25-27, followed by Cooby Dam (Qld) on April 8-10, with the final weekend taking place in Wangaratta (Vic.) on April 29 to May 1.

Each weekend features a custom-cut 20km trailride loop, a grasstrack, an easy hillclimb and a newbies/kids track.

You can ride as much or as little as you want over the two days, making the most of all the tracks and set-ups on offer.

The registration fee is $299 per adult rider, $50 per child rider (aged 5-15) or $499 per family (two riding adults and two riding kids). An extra non-riding family member can attend for $30. Each event includes two nights of camping and two days of riding on an exclusive private property.

Also on offer, the latest range of 2022 KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS off-road models will be available to test on a 10km test ride loop, along with live music, American-style BBQ cook-offs, catering, coffee, partner stalls, giveaways (including rider goody-bags), plus special guests and mechanical advice.

Numbers are limited and registrations open next Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at 12pm AEDT.

However riders are encouraged to contact their local authorised KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles or GASGAS dealer for priority registration information.

Riders must either have a Motorcycling Australia (MA) competition licence, or an MA recreational licence, which is available to purchase at time of registration.

To find out more about each Ride Out Moto Weekend, contact your local KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles or GASGAS authorised dealer.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Aegerter to continue with Dynavolt Intact GP in 2022

Dominique Aegerter:
“Of course, I’m delighted to be contesting my third year with the Intact GP team in the MotoE category. We had to wait until the race calendars were published to make sure that no dates overlapped with the Supersport World Championship because I’ll be competing in that class again in 2022. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both teams for allowing me to participate in these two championships. It will certainly be an exhausting season with 20 races and an additional seven doubleheaders in MotoE. But I already can’t wait to get back on the bike and race, although I’ll have to wait until May for MotoE. I’m pleased that with Mugello and the Kymi Ring we’ll be visiting two new circuits with the electric class, and the qualifying format will also change a bit. I’ve been third once and now second in the MotoE Cup, so the goal is clearly to win the title. We want to fight for the podium in every race to have the chance to be at the top at the very end. We will do our best, but until then, I wish everyone a great Christmas season and a fantastic New Year. I’m going to spend the next few weeks in Switzerland, preparing myself mentally and physically before I travel to Spain in January or February to train more intensively with the Supermoto and Motocross bike. In the meantime, though, feel free to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, as that’s where I’ll be documenting my workouts a bit and giving a few updates. Hoping that the Corona situation will relax a bit again, I’m looking forward to the next season with confidence and to be able to welcome all the fans at the track again. Stay healthy!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2021 MotoGP™ recap: French Grand Prix

On Saturday, Quartararo stuck his Yamaha on pole position, as drama awaited on Sunday. The race was declared dry, and it started in dry conditions, but it wasn’t long before rain started to fall heavily. The first flag-to-flag race in years unfolded at Le Mans. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) crashed out of the lead to hand Quartararo P1 in the wet, but despite two Long Lap Penalties for speeding in pitlane, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) had blistering pace.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2022 rookie profile: Marco Bezzecchi

For 2017, Bezzecchi moved up to Moto3™ full time to partner compatriot and former CIV rival Manuel Pagliani at CIP. Fighting for Rookie of the Year, the Italian just missed out but took a first podium finish, and moved to Redox PrüstelGP for 2018. Nine podiums in 2018, including three victories, saw Bezzecchi mount a lightweight class title assault against eventual Champion Jorge Martin. Despite missing out on the title, a hugely impressive Moto3™ campaign means Bezzecchi secured a Moto2™ seat with Red Bull KTM Tech3 in the Moto2™ class for 2019.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here