Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Dorna restructures to create new Global Commercial Area

Pau Serracanta: “My passion has always been the sports sector and the fact that I have been able to dedicate a good part of my professional career to Dorna Sports, I can affirm that it has been a great privilege and that I am very grateful to have worked with a team of excellent professionals. Dorna Sports is like a big family, under the leadership of Carmelo Ezpeleta, a great mentor and whom I consider almost like a father on the professional side. With all the support and knowledge that he has given me, he has meant that these more than two decades will pass at the same speed as the bikes of our fantastic championships. My future plans continue around innovation, technology and sustainability projects.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

100 bikes race at Historic Winton

One hundred motorcycle and sidecar racers will be on show at the annual Historic Winton event on 22-23 May, 2021, at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria.

The event was canceled last year because of the pandemic and this year it has caused the organisers to cancel official vehicle displays.

However, organisers say spectators are welcome to arrive on their historic motorcycles and will be parked together.

“We’ve had about 10 weeks to organise the event instead of 10 months,” a spokesperson says.

“It’s amazing what a great team can do – all volunteers too.”

There will be a total of 300 competitors in 48 races, once again after the COVID-caused hiatus in 2020.

Ticket sales have opened with a bang, according to event secretary, Peta Lee.

“We had no idea what to expect but the event is so loved by its fans that plenty are keen for another dose of historic motorsport action,” she said.

“The support from spectators is amazing with people keen to get into the outdoors around the Winton racetrack to see the historic cars, motorcycles and sidecars tough it out,” Peta said.

“Surprisingly, we have quite a number of first-time or new competitors from around Victoria which we are thrilled about.”Historic Winton

Tickets are available online only to meet COVID contact tracing requirements in advance of getting to the gate.  They will be on sale until 4pm, Sunday 23 May.

Peta said that purchasing and registering in advance will mean that ticket holders will flow quite quickly into the grounds of Winton Motor Raceway.

Tickets are reduced this year as there are less displays, so a daily ticket is $30 per adult, children 17 and under are free but must be registered online to get entry.

Camping is also available at $50 for the weekend per person through the ticket link.

“There’ll be plenty of room for everyone to social distance and we ask attendees to be COVID safe at all time,” she said.

A limited number of programs will be available for purchase onsite.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Valencia to host scintillating action as round two beckons

Moving on to the Moto2™ ECh, and it is the battle of the Boscoscuros as Moto2™ rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer (Boscoscuro Talent Team – Ciatti) stormed to a double victory at Estoril, following a titanic scrap between himself and fellow rookie teammate Alonso Lopez. The Spaniards fought hard in the opening round and it could be a repeat performance in Valencia, with both having fond memories – Aldeguer took the STK600 title there last year, whilst Lopez was on the podium in 2017 in the FIM Moto3™ JWCh. Third in the standings is Malaysia’s Adam Norrodin (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing Team), who took a first podium at Estoril, whilst Thailand’s Keminth Kubo (VR46 Master Camp Team) is fourth. First pole-sitter of 2021, Lukas Tulovic (Liqui Moly Intact SIC Racing Team), aims for his first ever back-to-back podiums in the Moto2™ ECh, and is currently seventh in the standings.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

International Women’s Ride Day celebrated at Broadford

Broadford celebrates Women riders

Motorcycling Victoria recently teamed up with Shannons Insurance’s Girl Rider brand along with some social & road riding groups; The Melbourne Moto Ladies and Motomoiselles Female Social Motorcycle Club, for a coordinated ride to the Broadford circuit.

Women’s only ride days

Partipants then enjoyed a lunch and took part in a parade lap of the 2.4 km circuit, while those already with track experience showed off their skills and speed on the race track. 

When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide

Women’s only ride days at the road race circuit have been a feature at the Broadford State Sports Complex for a number of years now.

Women’s only ride days – Image by RbMotoLens

Together with Dirt Days for women and girls held across the dirt track, the motocross track and enduro loop are now building momentum after a COVID year off. Sunday’s event was the second this year and the next one is scheduled to be held on August 7.

Track sessions at the Women’s only ride days are open for all levels of rider from beginner to advanced. 

The parade lap was led by Cameron Donald and Kaz Anderson, who came out to support the day and give the riders some invaluable coaching – Image by RbMotoLens

When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide. The Dirt Days are catered for all levels of women and girl rider, including junior riders. 

When not out racing, the ever growing community of women racers attend these days to coach, help motivate attendee and provide – Image by RbMotoLens

Motorcycling Victoria (MV) has been proactive in increasing Female Participation in all areas of the sport for a number of years. Together with the Victorian State Government MV have developed the Female Participation Program. The women & girls only events are designed to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the fun and adrenaline fuelled sporting side of riding. 

Women’s only ride days – Image RbMotoLens

Susie Smith (Participant)

“Thanks for another brilliant day. Its such an inspiring and empowering experience to see so many ladies rocking it on the bikes.”

Women’s only ride days – Image RbMotoLens

Carly Bullock (Participant)

“First timer here!! What an amazing supportive environment! Everyone I met was so inspiring! Thanks to the coaches for the awesome tips, and to everyone who helps make it happen.”

– Image by RbMotoLens

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW R 17 project a stunning retro

This stunning custom based on a classic air-cooled BMW has us wondering whether BMW will produce more retro models to complement their popular R nineT family.

It was produced by British custom motorcycle shop Sinroja Motorcycles and they call it the R17 which is interesting since BMW recently returned to cruisers with their R 18.

The R 18 was actually born after BMW gave the R 18 engine to a couple of custom houses to see what they could do with it.

In fact, the R nineT was also born after famed LA designer Roland Sands built a modern custom project to honour the venerable R 90.

So it’s not improbable that BMW would look at this classic as a potential for a more retro model in its line-up.

While the R nineT family is popular, I always thought Roland Sands’ version was better and BMW made the r nineT just a little bit too modern looking.

Birju Sinroja started Sinroja Motorcycles in Leicestershire, England, five years ago and has been working on the R17 for two years ago.

Here is their account of the rebuild:Sinroja Motorcycles BMW R80 (Photos: Tom Horna @driveclassics)

The bike started as a BMW R80 TIC (police specification) that was a true barn find.

The first step was to strip the whole bike, taking it back to bare metal by sand blasting the frame and then cleaning up any unnecessary tabs and bracketry. From there a new subframe was fabricated to create a clean line. We also fabricated and repositioned the footrest for rider and passenger to fit their ergonomic needs. The handmade mudguards are finished with simple braces, holding them up to nicely balance the lines of the bike and provide some protection from dirt on the road.

All classic customs that leave Sinroja workshop get a full crank-up engine rebuild and the R17 was no exception. We stripped the almost 40-year-old powertrain all the way to crank, replacing all key components like big end bearings, chains, guides, pushrod tubes etc, and rebuilding it to better than factory standards. This engine received our 1000cc (originally 800cc) conversion with machined and ported heads and high compression pistons to up the power. All the cases are vapour blasted and painted black with fins polished for great looks. The gearbox and bevel drive got a full rebuild with all fresh bearings, seals, gaskets etc and some unique Sinroja upgrades. Carburettors were also fully rebuilt with bigger jets to help with upgraded engine. The exhausts were fabricated in-house and then finished by Motone’s one-off end cans.

Handling is vastly improved with a complete custom suspension set-up. Yamaha R6 forks have been reworked with Nitron Suspension racing range cartridges and fully adjustable Nitron rear shocks. The forks retain the R6 calipers for improved braking performance to further increase rideability. Fastec Racing created the billet machined yokes. The custom 18- inch wire wheels were built by Hagon using custom-made rims and stainless spokes.Sinroja Motorcycles BMW R80 (Photos: Tom Horna @driveclassics)

A brand-new wiring loom from TowzaTronics replaces all of the original wiring. At the heart of all of the electronics is a Motogadget M-Unit Blue. It controls all aspects of the electronic system and also allows Bluetooth phone connection with a diagnostic support function. The M-unit also allows keyless ignition system via the owner’s phone. The R17 is fitted with Motogadget switches, bar end indicators and grips along with 7-inch halo headlight. Rear indicators are from Rizoma and double up as brake and running lights. The final element is a beautiful dash hosting the Motogadget speedo.

The stunning black/Corris Grey livery draws inspiration from the client’s love of Land Rovers and Range Rovers. The stitching on the seat mirrors that of the car and even the saddle leather came from a Land Rover. The aesthetics are finished with a machined Sinroja emblem that sits proudly on the tank.

This bike came with a perfect brief in my opinion. We had pretty much a free reign on what to do. It’s great to be in a place where customers just let you do what you want and have that trust and faith in skills we have. The end result is something we are super proud of indeed. A timeless design and giving rebirth to an old airhead that had been neglected for years in a barn is just a great feeling.Sinroja Motorcycles BMW R80 (Photos: Tom Horna @driveclassics)

Sinroja Motorcycles R 17 specs

  • Suspension: Nitron Racing Suspension
  • Exhaust: Motone Customs
  • Paint: Glen of GD Design
  • Wiring: TowzaTronics
  • Upholstery: Classic Car Services
  • Sinroja Motorcycles links

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Twisted Road Gives More Opportunity for Free Motorcycle Rentals: ‘One, Two, Free’

Twisted Road, a ride-sharing community responsible for thousands of motorcycle rentals all over the country has just released a new program dubbed “One, Two, Free”. The program gives those who wish to rent motorcycles even more opportunities to hit the open road by giving them free rental days in the community. 

The launch of the new program benefits those who wish to rent motorcycles and encourages them to rent for an extended time, again and again. The recurring One, Two, Free program gives the rentee the ability to one free day or to accumulate those earned days for future rentals after two rentals. 

Founder and CEO of Twisted Roads, Austin Rothbard said “We continue to find ways to make riding more affordable,” and when asked how to take advantage of the new program he said  “This program is simple. No fees, no membership, no limits, no promo codes.”

“We’ve made this as simple as we could. The free rides just appear in the rider’s accounts once the first two rides have been taken. It’s like getting a free cup of coffee after your 10th cup. Only it’s a free day of riding. And instead of buying 10 rides, you only need to ride twice.”

ADV rider crash

The company allows motorcycle owners to earn cash while renting their own bikes on the platform. Twisted Road offers extensive insurance on rentals to ensure everyone is taken care of. 

Though Twisted Road isn’t the only major player in the peer-to-peer rental industry, we’re happy more platforms like this exist to give riders a chance to get on two wheels without spending $20K on a new motorcycle. For more information on Twisted Road, head to their website

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Arm pump: a predominant issue for MotoGP™ riders

“I don’t like these words. Yes, with the techniques we have now, but I’m curious to see if I can train in a different way, I can change a little bit the position of the bike to gain something. I don’t know. I’m curious because it’s close to ten years that I’m in MotoGP, and I really never had this problem. So, it’s something new. We have to try to understand. Now I’m a little bit worried, not for Le Mans, but yes for Mugello. Mugello is I think the worst circuit of the calendar and I really suffer a lot the last part of the race. I wasn’t the only one. So let’s see if I can fix it by there.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Why did Jack Miller cause a Fantasy headache in Jerez?

The silver pairing in your Spanish Grand Prix optimal team were Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Yamaha’s Morbidelli was the highest points scorer on Saturday after grabbing an extra five bonus points for topping Q1 before then qualifying second on the grid. On Sunday, the Italian collected a further 16 points, his biggest haul of the season, meaning he features in our optimal team for the first time in 2021. Mir produced yet another Mir performance on Sunday as he rose through from tenth on the grid to take fifth, and 22 points as a result.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Husqvarna Announces its Competition Line-Up for 2022

Husqvarna has announced both its motocross and cross-country motorcycles for 2022. 

Begin Press Release: 


HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES PRESENTS COMPETITION-FOCUSED LINEUP OF 2022 MOTOCROSS AND CROSS-COUNTRY MODELS

SUBTLE REFINEMENTS AND A STRIKING NEW LOOK FOR ALL FULL-SIZED FC/TC AND FX/TX MACHINES

Delivering unmatched performance and adorned with Swedish-inspired dark blue and white graphics for a striking new look, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of its twelve-motorcycle strong, competition-focused 2-stroke and 4-stroke lineup of motocross and cross-country machines. Developed to create superior riding experiences for racers of all ages, the 2022 models provide uncompromised power-to-weight performance, together with leading ergonomics and aesthetics, and exceptional handling.

husqvarna

Along with its striking new dark blue and white color scheme, Husqvarna Motorcycles has improved the durability of all full-sized FC/TC and FX/TX machines, with each model now featuring a Brembo hydraulic clutch system. The high-performance component is thoroughly race-tested to guarantee even wear, near maintenance-free operation and perfect action in all conditions.

Ensuring exceptional comfort and control, the 2022 models are equipped with class-leading WP Suspension, which delivers precise handling to riders of all skill levels. Highly adjustable WP XACT forks with AER technology feature a capsulated air spring and pressurized oil chamber for consistent damping across rough terrain. Complimenting the forks, new low-friction seals on the WP XACT shock ensure optimal rear-end performance on all surfaces.

With exceptional power and superior handling, the TC lineup remains the racers’ choice when it comes to 2-stroke motocross machinery. Featuring compact, powerful, high-performance engines, the TC 125 and TC 250 machines are modern motorcycles designed to deliver pure intensity and incredible on-track experiences in all conditions. Taking 2-stroke development to the next level, the TX 300i with innovative fuel injection feeding the 300 cc powerplant is the clear choice for off-road competition dominance.

husqvarna fc 350

Engineered to stay ahead of the field, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ 4-stroke machines feature lightweight and compact engines that produce class-leading power and ensure incredible maneuverability, together with progressive and consistent suspension. Exclusive to the FC 250 and FC 350 and the FX 350 machines, for 2022 a new friction bearing on the counter-balancer shaft increases the durability of the high-revving 4-stroke engines.

husqvarna tx 300

Sharing the same advanced platform as the motocross models, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ cross-country range continues to lead the segment with carefully considered cross-country specific features including large capacity fuel tanks, convenient side stands and a 21/18-inch D.I.D DirtStar wheel combination fitted with Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.

Technical Highlights 2022:

  • New high-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system guarantees even wear, near maintenance-free operation and perfect action in every condition
  • New Swedish-inspired dark blue and white graphics create striking new look
  • WP XACT forks with AER technology – optimal performance and light weight
  • WP XACT shock features low-friction linkage seals
  • High-grip seat cover texture
  • Progressive bodywork for optimal ergonomics
  • Chromium-molybdenum steel frame featuring precisely engineered flex characteristics
  • Innovative two-piece composite subframe design
  • Interchangeable airbox cover on FC models for optimized airflow
  • CNC-machined triple clamps
  • Brembo brake calipers and high-performance discs combining superior stopping power with great control and confidence
  • Traction and launch control with advanced settings (4-strokes)
  • Electric starter for easy starting when time is critical (4-strokes and TX 300i)
  • Lightweight Li-ion 2.0 Ah battery (4-strokes and TX 300i)
  • ProTaper handlebars
  • Progressive throttle mechanism and ODI grips allow for adjustable throttle progression and easy grip mounting
  • Laser engraved D.I.D DirtStar wheels
  • Gearboxes produced by Pankl Racing Systems

Additionally, Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to offer a full range of minicycles that provides youth-specific ergonomics and user-friendly operation for aspiring future champions. Allowing youngsters to develop their skills in readiness for the full-sized machines, the TC 50, TC 65, TC 85 and EE 5 deliver incredible performance and serious motocross fun.

husqvarna

Technical Highlights 2022 minicycles:

  • Unrivalled engine performance and rideability
  • WP XACT forks with AER technology – optimal performance and light weight
  • Confidence-instilling ergonomics thanks to a broad, flat seat and one-piece airbox cover
  • High-grip seat cover for comfort
  • Roller actuated throttle assembly for TC 85 – smoother throttle motion and improved durability
  • Formula brake calipers, clutch and brake assemblies for TC 85 and TC 65 – excellent stopping power and improved reliability
  • NEKEN tapered diameter aluminum handlebars offer optimized ergonomics

Ensuring comfort, protection and style, the Functional Off-road Apparel Collection provides a range of performance-focused apparel, for riders of all ages and abilities. With each product incorporating the latest material and construction technologies, the line-up also delivers protective equipment for both adults and kids.

husqvarna

The Husqvarna Motorcycles Technical Accessories range includes an extensive selection of engine and chassis upgrade options, for both 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines. With exhausts, suspension, brakes, graphics and many other products, the performance of the TC and FC motocross and TX and FX cross-country models can be further enhanced to meet the needs of all riders.

The 2022 motocross and cross-country range will be available this May at all authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.


















husqvarna

The post Husqvarna Announces its Competition Line-Up for 2022 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

National Cycle VStream Sport Windscreen | Gear Review

National Cycle VStream Windscreen review Yamaha Tenere 700 T7
For the 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700, National Cycle’s VStream Windscreen comes in three sizes (from left): VSport ($129.95, light tint), Sport/Touring ($149.95, light tint) and Touring ($159.95, clear).

The windscreen on our long-term Yamaha Ténéré 700 not only complements the bike’s rally styling but works quite well for a stock bug catcher. Still, I felt that comfort for long highway stretches could be improved. My priorities for an upgrade were reducing wind noise and buffeting, retaining the bike’s good looks and durability. Having enjoyed a National Cycle screen on a previous motorcycle, I gave its VStream Sport model ($129.95, light tint) a go.

The shortest of three Ténéré windscreens offered, the Sport measures 12 inches from top to bottom, just an inch more than the stocker and low enough for adventuring. Calming the cockpit requires moving wind blast to the sides and away from the rider’s head. To accomplish this, the VStream is 4 inches wider than stock and incorporates side flares as part of its patented shape. I think they’re onto something, at least for a rider of my 5-foot, 8-inch stature. My freeway rides were definitely quieter, with less turbulence around my helmet; your decibels may vary. Taller riders can opt for the 15.25-inch Sport/Touring ($149.95, light tint) or 18-inch Touring ($159.95, clear) versions.

National Cycle VStream Windscreen review Yamaha Tenere 700 T7
The VStream Sport Windscreen installed on our 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 long-term test bike. (Photo by the author)

National Cycle’s proprietary 3-mm-thick Quantum hardcoated polycarbonate addresses durability issues. They’ve tested it to be 10 times more abrasion resistant than the next best material, Lexan FMR, and invite doubters to attack it with steel wool. So I did, also going after the Yamaha’s Lexan screen. With some hard work, I put a few small scratches in the VStream, and with much less effort did serious damage to the stock unit. A harder surface keeps the view clean and crisp by preventing light-scattering scratches and lets me slack off on my persnickety shield cleaning routine. National Cycle’s website video of a screen taking a shotgun blast vividly displays its polycarbonate’s impact resistance (spoiler: it didn’t break), making the 3-year breakage warranty a safe bet.

Installing the VStream on the T7 was as simple as removing four 4mm hex-head screws, swapping screens and re-installing the screws. The width of the Sport takes something from the 700’s rally vibe, but what it gives back in durability and comfort make it worth the sacrifice for me. Having made windshields since 1937 and pioneered the use of polycarbonate in 1975, National Cycle knows how to build a good windscreen. And they do it in the U.S.A.

For more information, visit nationalcycle.com

The post National Cycle VStream Sport Windscreen | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com