Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News, News

Indian Motorcycle Sponsors 6th Annual Veteran’s Charity Ride

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Today Indian Motorcycle announced its continued support and sponsorship of the sixth-annual Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) to Sturgis. The VCR offers a ride where combat veterans can participate in the freeing and often therapeutic act of motorcycling, but this year VCR is taking things a step further with its “service before self” initiative. This new initiative hopes to directly support and show appreciation for our nation’s first responders, who have been working the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Indian Motorcycle Veteran's Charity Ride

The 2020 Veteran’s Charity Ride will include 15 veterans total; nine new veterans and six returning veterans to serve as mentors. 

The VCR is a non-profit organization that uses “motorcycle therapy” as a means of healing combat veterans dealing with PTSD. Dave Frey, U.S. Army Veteran and Veterans Charity Ride Founder, highlighted the significance of the ride by stating, “During these extraordinary times, getting our veterans out of the house and supporting them with the liberating power of motorcycle therapy is more important than ever. 

Indian Motorcycle Veteran's Charity Ride

“To be able to combine those efforts and honor our selfless and invaluable first responders during this unprecedented pandemic makes this journey even more gratifying. In light of COVID-19, we will be implementing necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy, as we come together to heal and support one another on our ride to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” 

This year’s ride will begin on July 29, 2020 in Moab, Utah, where the group will cruise through scenic mountain roads on the way to Fort Collins, Colorado. From there, the VCR will explore some of the best riding that the nation has to offer before arriving at the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota on August 7, 2020.

The riders will be aboard Indian motorcycles outfitted with a variety of components to help amputee and paraplegic veterans operate their motorcycles with confidence. Those modifications include ReKluse auto clutch systems and custom built Champion Sidecars. Beyond the ride, the VCR also provides an experience for veterans to bond by giving them an opportunity to participate in team-building exercises and engaging in open dialogs about their service during the two-week motorcycle ride. 

For several years, the VCR has supported veterans by building a healing atmosphere through motorcycle riding.  However, the organization will also be attempting to engage with more people outside of the combat veteran community, which includes first responders who have bravely continued to help those in need in the face of a global pandemic. 

Indian Motorcycle Veteran's Charity Ride

VCR participants will be following strict safety and sanitary guidelines, extending a helping hand by providing much needed personal protection equipment and hosting barbecues at select tour stops. 

Our nation’s veterans and healthcare workers are an inspiration, and we’re grateful to be a part of an experience that honors their selflessness and sacrifices for our country,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “We’re honored to continue supporting the Veterans Charity Ride and are humbled by their work and positive impact on our veterans.” 
The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis was conceived and developed by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Robert Manciero, leveraging the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans.

If you’d like to support the Veterans Charity Ride, donate, or to learn more, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and VeteransCharityRide.org. Riders can also follow along on Indian Motorcycle’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and Veterans Charity Ride’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Source: RiderMagazine.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

No time to rest: Dovizioso hits the gym after surgery

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The Italian crashed while competing in a motocross race in Italy on Sunday and immediately travelled to Policlinico di Modena to have surgery, where he was fitted with a metal plate. The operation went well and just over 24 hours after the procedure, the number 04 was back in the gym as he begins his rehabilitation.

Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here

Motorcycle News, News

BMW bringing adaptive cruise control to motorcycles

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BMW’s adaptive cruise tech transfers to Motorrad

Relaxed cruising with active cruise control, without having to manually adapt to the driving speed of the vehicle in front – already available in cars now for many years, but not the standard in motorcycles to date. However, with the Active Cruise Control (ACC), BMW Motorrad will soon offer this type of rider assistance system, thus providing motorcyclists with a completely new, comfortable riding experience.

BMW Motorrad Active Cruise Control (ACC)

ACC is a rider assistance system that was developed in cooperation with the partner, Bosch. The many years of experience with passenger car driver assistance systems of both companies could be applied selectively and used for motorcycle applications. The new ACC provides maximum comfort for the demanding touring motorcyclist by automatically regulating the speed set by the rider and the distance to the vehicle driving in front.

BMW Motorrad Active Cruise Control (ACC)

The system automatically regulates the vehicle speed when the distance to the vehicle in front is reduced and keeps the distance defined by the rider. This distance can be varied in three stages. Both the riding speed as well as the distance to the vehicle in front can be set conveniently using a button.

BMW Motorrad Active Cruise Control (ACC)

The individual settings are displayed on the TFT instrument cluster. The new BMW Motorrad ACC has two selectable control characteristics: comfortable or dynamic, in which the acceleration and deceleration behaviour is changed accordingly. The distance control can also be deactivated in order to be able to use the Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC).

When cornering, the speed is automatically reduced by the ACC if required and a comfortable lean angle is aimed at. With an increasing lean angle, however, the braking and acceleration dynamics are limited in order to maintain a stable rideability and not to unsettle the rider by abrupt braking or acceleration.

BMW Motorrad Active Cruise Control (ACC) Video

The BMW Motorrad ACC is a rider assistance system that leaves the responsibility with the rider and allows him to intervene at all times. That is also because the new ACC only responds to moving vehicles. Stationary vehicles – like at the end of a traffic jam or at traffic lights – are are not considered. In such cases, the rider has to do the braking.

BMW Motorrad Active Cruise Control (ACC)
Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Phillip Island postponed as Morgan Park returns to ASBK calendar

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News 1 Jul 2020

Phillip Island postponed as Morgan Park returns to ASBK calendar

Section: Competition

Adjusted six-round schedule released following further complications.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Victoria’s coronavirus spike has caused the Phillip Island round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) to be rescheduled, with Morgan Park also now confirmed on the revised calendar.

ASBK was set to resume at Phillip Island on 25-26 July, however, elevated COVID-19 cases will now see the event shifted to being round four on 2-4 October.

With multiple hotspots in Victoria going back into lockdown and state travel restrictions in place, it has become increasingly evident that the July restart of this season wouldn’t be possible under those circumstances.

“The ASBK Management Team does not take these decisions easily, but we feel the best decision for the health, safety and success of the ASBK championship is to adjust the calendar to ensure that everyone from the ASBK paddock can attend and that they are safe when at an ASBK event,” commented ASBK sporting director Simon Maas.

“We have been very clear with the competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment is ever-changing and flexibility will be required in 2020 whilst we live with these developments. We thank the competitors, teams and officials for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Instead, the ASBK season is now scheduled to resume at Morgan Park in Queensland on 21-23 August, the Warwick circuit finally confirmed on the calendar after being absent from Motorcycling Australia’s (MA) initial schedule.

“These requirements are highly complex and ever-changing, which creates many challenges for MA on a daily basis,” MA CEO Peter Doyle said. “We are all adjusting to the constant developments to our plans, which effect motorcycle sport at all levels, from club, state and of course the MA national championships.

“In fact, they effect the wider motorsport community which includes cars, bikes and karting as we all seek dates and venues on short notice – we are all in this together. I am pleased that the ASBK Management Team have been able to find a strong solution to getting ASBK back on track and it will be a great 2020 ASBK championship.

“I am also proud to see that a majority of the MA members have been understanding, patient and supportive during this difficult period. I look forward to seeing bikes back on track soon.”

The remainder of the 2020 ASBK calendar will stay unchanged with visits to Winton in September, Phillip Island in early October, Wakefield Park in mid-October and the finals at The Bend Motorsport Park for International MotoFest in November.

2020 ASBK championship calendar (revised):
Rd1 – 27 February-1 March – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd2 – 21-23 August – Morgan Park, QLD
Rd3 – 11-13 September – Winton, VIC
Rd4 – 2-4 October – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd5 – 16-18 October – Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd6 – 20-22 November – The Bend, SA

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Tamworth Thunder Rally postponed by virus

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Just before the pandemic was officially declared in March, Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, announced it would host a National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2020.

It has now been postponed until October 2021.

Only a few hundred tickets were sold and all will be valid for next year unless customers want a refund, organisers say.

The rally will be based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.

It will now be held from Friday to Monday 1-4 October 2021 at the state-of-the-art Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which also hosted the 2015 HOG Rally.

Organisers expected to attract thousands of riders descending for the long weekend of motorbikes, food and live music … and not just country music!

They are now aiming to carry over existing plans.

Tickets already purchased for the 2020 event will be valid for National Thunder 2021. Event organisers have made contact with all ticket-holders and other relevant stakeholders; those unable to attend in 2021 will be eligible for a refund.

The event was to include plenty of live rock music as well as a show especially produced for the rally featuring real horses and “iron horses” similar to the spectacular staged for the HOG Rally.

National HOG rally to return in 2019Tamworth HOG rally

Other highlights should include motorcycle and car displays, traders, guided rides around the district, more than 24 hours of entertainment and the giant Thunder Run through the streets of Tamworth.

Thunder Run HOIG Raly

The National Thunder Motorcycle Rally registration fee remains at $149 per person which includes all entertainment over the four days, a commemorative patch and t-shirt, rides and $50 raffle ticket.

Day passes may also be available closer to the event for those who can’t make the four days.

Tamworth hostsHarley HOG Rally Tamworth

The 2015 HOG Rally was a success mainly because of Tamworth, its welcoming people, great attractions, quality facilities and tourist orientation. 

It’s a great central location for riders all over NSW and eastern states.

There are also some terrific roads to get there and to explore while at the rally.

2015 HOG Rally - street 500Touring the Tamworth region

Because Tamworth hosts the annual Country Music Festival they have plenty of accommodation choices including camping at ALEC for as little as $21.94 a night. 

There are plenty of tourist attractions too. Apart from the iconic Big Golden Guitar and associated country music museum, there is also the popular Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum.

Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum in TamworthPowerhouse Motorcycle Museum

The HOG rally was held in February which was pretty hot, but October should be more accommodating with usually dry conditions and maximums in the mid-20s.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Morgan Park slated to host ASBK Rnd Two on August 23

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2020 mi-bike ASBK Calendar

As of July 1

The new quarantine restrictions put in place by the Queensland and South Australian Governments this week have forced Motorcycling Australia to delay the scheduled Phillip Island Round Two of the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship to the first weekend in October. That will become the new Round Four of the series.

Even bigger news is that the latest calendar dated today, July 1, now has Morgan Park hosting Round Two on the weekend of August 23rd. Thus it will be the Queensland venue that is scheduled to stage the-restart of the championship. Obviously that will largely be dependent on how the pandemic progresses from here.

Winton will stage Round Three on the weekend of September 11-13 while on the weekend of October 18 ASBK will visit Wakefield Park for Round Five of the six-round series.

The finale is slated for the weekend of November 22 at the expansive new Bend Motorsports Park in South Australia where all race categories will have their championships decided.

Obviously the current difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that will be in place will make it not a business as usual approach to the ASBK weekends this year.

Riders are expected to be limited in regards to how many people will be able to work with them over the weekend and the situation will evolve according to the progress of the plague…

All the regular categories such as Kawasaki Superbike, Motorsports TV Supersport, YMI Supersport 300, YMF R3 Cup and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be at all the rounds.

The Horsell Australian Sidecars will join the circus at Winton, Wakefield and The Bend while the historics get into the action at Phillip Island with a Superbike Masters category on that schedule.

ASBK Sporting Director – Simon Maas

“The ASBK Management Team does not take these  decisions easily, but we feel the best decision for the health, safety and success of the ASBK Championship, is to adjust the calendar to ensure that everyone from the ASBK paddock can attend and that they are safe when at an ASBK event. We have been very clear with the competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment is ever changing, and flexibility will be required in 2020 whilst we live with these developments. We thank the competitors, teams and officials for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.’’

Spectator attendance for all ASBK rounds in 2020 remains under review from state to state, and ASBK is very keen to see the fans back trackside as soon as possible. All the action of ASBK will be captured on ASBK TV via SBS HD, Fox Sports Australia, Fox Sports Asia and all day ASBK Livestream thanks to the ASBK Production Partner – AVE & Motorsports TV.

MA CEO Peter Doyle

“These requirements are highly complex and ever-changing which creates many challenges for MA on a daily basis. We are all adjusting to the constant developments to our plans which effect motorcycle sport at all levels, from club, state and of course the MA National Championships. In fact, they effect the wider motorsport community which includes cars, bikes and karting as we all seek dates and venues on short notice – we are all in this together. I am pleased that the ASBK Management Team have been able to find a strong solution to getting ASBK back on track and it will be a great 2020 ASBK Championship. I am also proud to see that a majority of the MA members have been understanding, patient and supportive during this difficult period. I look forward to seeing bikes back on track soon.”

2020 mi-bike ASBK Calendar

  1. Round One – Phillip Island, VIC – March 1
  2. Round Two – Morgan Park, QLD – August 21-23
  3. Round Three – Winton, VIC – September 11-13
  4. Round Five – Phillip Island, VIC – October 2-4
  5. Round Four – Wakefield Park, NSW – October 16-18
  6. Round Six – The Bend, SA – November 20-22

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

KTM record best June motorcycle sales figures ever

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KTM in positive territory

While we won’t have the official FCAI figures for some days that give us the sales results for all of the major motorcycle brands, we know anecdotally that it is the somewhat ‘premium’ brands that have been doing well this year, even through the COVID-19 situation.  KTM have officially confirmed this today with the best June sales figures in the company’s history.

“Who could have foreseen that the COVID-19 pandemic would segue into a nationwide demand for motorcycles that has been unseen in the last decade,” states Brad Hagi, Managing Director of the KTM Group Australia and New Zealand.

“Our dealerships have done an outstanding job. They stood by us during this uncertain time and we worked through the challenges together. They kept their doors open and supported riders through the uncertainty, so it is fantastic to see the results our dealers have achieved this past month.”

The return to riding also sees support transcend from the motorcycle industry to regional tourism, as motorcycle adventurers turn to exploring their own backyards.

“Repeating the mantra of ‘we’ll all need a ride once the dust settles’ kept a light at the end of the tunnel for motorcyclists through a period filled with doubt, however seeing how literally this is being taken now is remarkable,” continues Brad. “And with the ambiguity around international travel, riders are turning instead to discovering their own regions and local areas, in turn supporting local businesses such as hotels, pubs and cafes, which is great to see.”

With June sales figures the best in the company’s history, the KTM Group looks forward to seeing the motorcycle industry continue to prosper and what this might mean for the future.

“We aren’t out of the woods yet, there is still a long way to go before this crisis is over,” states Brad. “This recent sales spike has not only seen existing and former riders return to riding, it has also seen new riders enter our sport, to experience the unique freedom it offers, and that is a real positive for the industry long term.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Rounds 5-6 of AORC in South Australia cancelled

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AORC South Australia Round 5 & 6 Cancelled

Due to South Australia and Queensland Government restrictions on travel and border closures, Motorcycling Australia has made the tough decision to cancel Rounds 5 and 6 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, on August 1 and 2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia.

This decision was not taken lightly, but with border closures, self-quarantine restrictions for Queenslanders re-entering their home state, it became impossible for AORC to proceed. AORC’s return to racing will now be August 29-30 in Nowra, NSW.

“We are bitterly disappointed that we are unable to proceed with the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, as we know riders and fans were excited to see racing get back under way,” said Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo.

“Like all major sporting codes, AORC and MA had developed a comprehensive COVID-Safe Championship Plan to ensure the safety of riders, teams, officials and staff.

“We had received strong support from Murray Bridge Council and the Velocette Motorcycle Club had done a significant amount of work to ensure the round could go ahead.

“However, with South Australia and Queensland government restrictions on travel and border closures, it made it impossible for interstate riders to make the Murray Bridge round.”

Mr Falvo said the AORC will now recommence on August 29-30, at Nowra, NSW, however we will monitor closely government restrictions.

“We have a world class field of riders from our junior riders, right through to our senior men’s and women’s classes, who we know are eager to get back on track and continue the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship presented, by MXstore,” Mr Falvo said.

“Our Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore, has produced world class racing this year and we know riders and teams have been training hard in recent months and will be ready to race in Nowra next month.

“We are keen to get racing again and Nowra always provides plenty of action and close racing.”

Despite the cancellation of AORC at Murray Bridge, the State component of the round will still go ahead, and we encourage South Australian riders to support the Velocette Motorcycle Club event.

2020 Yamaha AORC Presented by MXstore Calendar

  • Round 5 & 6 August 1-2 Murray Bridge, SA CANCELLED 
  • Round 7 & 8 August 29-30 Nowra, NSW (rescheduled event, new date)
  • Round 9 & 10 September 19-20 Omeo, VIC
  • Round 11 & 12 October 17-18 Wynyard, TAS

Source: MCNews.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Van der Mark parting ways with Yamaha next season

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News 1 Jul 2020

Van der Mark parting ways with Yamaha next season

Section: Competition

New challenge beckons for Dutchman in WorldSBK championship.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Yamaha and Michael van der Mark will part ways at the end of the 2020 Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) season.

The 27-year-old Dutch rider has opted to take on a new challenge next year, heavily linked to the factory BMW Motorrad team.

Van der Mark’s departure brings to a close a four-year partnership that has so far brought three WorldSBK race wins and two victories at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour race.

The Pata Yamaha rider was a contender for the win in all three races at the opening round of the 2020 season in Australia, but was unfortunate to miss out on the chance to add to his podium tally.

Since the Phillip Island round, racing has been suspended due the coronavirus pandemic, but Van der Mark will return to action next month, with the WorldSBK season set to resume with back-to-back races in Jerez and Portimao.

Both Yamaha and Van der Mark head into the rescheduled 2020 season determined to end their collaboration on a high note, by battling for race wins and, ultimately, challenging for the world championship title.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au