Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Sepang 1 Round postponed

If the MSBK round originally set to host the ATC is postponed and held at a later date, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup round may be rescheduled to coincide with that same event. If, however, the MSBK event goes ahead as planned in August, or in the event of its cancellation, it may instead be possible for the ATC to join a later date on the MSBK calendar. 

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

From Wales to Ireland | Trev’s TT Trip Part Six

Trev’s TT Trip 2018

There might not be any TT this year (2020) due to the plague, but I still thought it might be a great time to revisit my epic trip to the TT two years ago, 2018, and re-live a motorcycle journey that took in a fair bit of Great Britain, Wales, Ireland and of course, the Isle of Man itself. I hope you enjoy the ride…

Trev’s TT Trip 2018 Part Six


After bidding a fond farewell to Matt and Keith after the Triumph Adventure Experience, we pointed the Triumph Explorer’s north towards the Welsh coastal port of Holyhead.

Trying to find accommodation somewhere near the port at late notice proved impossible. Every motel/hotel in the town on the approach to both the Isle of Anglesey, and Holy Island were all completely booked out.

After exhausting all the on-line booking sites trying to find a room, then stopping in at more than a dozen to try our luck at anything last minute, we were just about to give up and try and find somewhere to just park up and kip on a park bench.

Then, at the end of a long back road we found Hotel Cymyran. This too was completely booked out, but the elderly hotelier took pity on us when we asked if they had anything of last resort where we could rough it. A friend of hers was storing some demountable cabins out the back that were in need of repair, they were growing a dank stinking mould inside them, and I was sure I was going to wake up with new types of life form growing in spores on my cilia, but it was a bed and we were grateful. She sent some of her staff to get some clean sheets while we hit the bar.

Holyhead FerryThe ferry from Holyhead to Dublin

After a reasonable nights sleep we made tracks for Port of Holyhead and a 0900 ferry across to Dublin. The ferry takes a little over three hours to make the 110 km trip across the Irish Sea to the Republic of Ireland’s capital city. If you can blag one, I thoroughly recommend paying the little bit extra for a cabin with its comfortable bed and warm shower.

It was a smooth enough crossing and we were rolling along Irish motorways by 1pm. The initial parts of our journey punctuated by all too frequent toll booths that demanded payment in Euros, rather than pounds. We had no time to spend in Dublin as we had a 300 km journey in front of us before an early start the next day with Paul Mc Guigan for an Ireland Dirtbike Adventure.

We took a slightly circuitous route off the beaten track towards our stop for the night at Annagry, a postcard perfect coastal town situated on north-west coast of Ireland in the Rosses area of County Donegal.

Dirt Bike Tours Ireland

Dirt Bike Tours Ireland run tours all year round so you can see plenty of shots that include snow riding on the Dirt Bike Tours Ireland Facebook page, but for us County Donegal turned on some uncharacteristically hot conditions that made it feel like riding back home in Australia.

UK Trip Ireland Dirtbike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

Paul met us on a bright and sunny Monday morning and transported us out towards the Derryveagh Mountains and the peat bogs of Muckish Mountain. The drive was comfortable and the countryside beautiful as we welcomed the chance to play passenger and just take in the sights.

Our mounts for the day were to be AJP PR3 Enduro 240 machines. These Portuguese trail bikes are somewhat similar to a CRF230F Honda or TT-R230 Yamaha. Tipping the scales at 100kg, and with pretty reasonable suspension that offers almost motocross levels of travel, but still with a modest 870 mm seat height, they proved a versatile tool for the job.

Sure, there is no real snap to the Zongshen 233cc engine but it mustered enough torque to climb the peat bogs out to some stunning peaks that opened out into panoramic vistas overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.

Ireland Dirtbike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

Of course, a tour company has to cater for everyone and as an ex Trials and Enduro racer Paul can cater the tour to any skill level, but the little electric-start AJP machines allow him to even cater for riders with very little, or no, off-road experience. The fact that he knows them inside out due to being the official AJP distributor throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland certainly helps.

Dirt Bike Tours Ireland can also supply you with boots, helmet, knee-pads, pants, jersey, body armour and gloves. I was kitted out in my trusty DriRider adventure gear, Sidi Adventure boots and the latest Shoei Hornet Adventure helmet, the same gear I had been using all trip, but did borrow some thin dirt specific gloves and left the jacket behind in favour of a slip-on upper body armour due to the unseasonal heat.

Ireland Dirt Bike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

The terrain was very different to anything I had ridden in Australia. The open landscape often lulling me into a false sense of security. The soft undergrowth just seemed to swallow your tyres and made it feel like riding on plush carpet, then there were rocky hill climbs, and also a little mud to add more diversity to the ride. At a couple of points in the ride we sent a drone up to capture some of the Donegal landscape, that footage below gives you a better idea of what we got up to.


Dirt Bike Tours Ireland Video


Paul supplied a cut lunch and kept us fed and watered throughout the day and his wife gave us a good laugh by hiding jokes in our lunches.

UK Trip Ireland Dirtbike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

It was quite a workout at times but the little AJP machines just kept on keeping on with a minimum of fuss and were much less tiresome than a more hard-core machine would have been on our bodies.

We asked Paul to head down towards the coast on the way back so we could take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, as it would seem a rare day in Ireland that a beach would beckon, thus it would be silly not to! The water was still a little brisk (we may have seen icebergs) but eminently refreshing after bouncing across the peat bogs of Donegal all day.

UK Trip Ireland Dirtbike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

For those that have their own enduro bikes and want something a little more hard-core Paul can of course cater for them too, but we had a great day out on the AJP bikes and there were enough challenges to keep us entertained. The biggest influence on the day though was Paul’s passion for what he does. His energy and exuberance to share his love for enduro riding and share the thrill it brings, makes his tour unique.

A few more ales than wise with Paul and his lovely wife, followed by an overnight stop at Caisleáin Óir Hotel that left us well fed and watered for the next days trip across the upper parts of Northern Ireland.

UK Trip Ireland Dirtbike ToursIreland Dirt Bike Tours

We skirted around Glenveagh National Park before crossing the River Foyle at Londonderry then up through the home of the NorthWest 200 at Coleraine.

Joeys BarJoey’s Bar

Our next stop was at Joey’s Bar in Ballymoney then it was on to Ballymena and Kells before stopping in to Chateau McWilliams for a few nights in Belfast ahead of the ferry trip across to the Isle of Man for TT 2018.

Triumph Explorer Joeys BarThe Triumph Explorer 1200 took me to Joey’s Bar

I have enjoyed showing Jeremy, his delightful wife Jill and young fella Zak around my backyard in the Victorian High Country, and along with their other son Jack, they returned the favour handsomely with a tour of the sights of Belfast and their favourite watering holes for a bit of a pub crawl. While Jill kept us well fed and watered at their lovely home just outside of Belfast.

UK Trip BelfastHaving local guides for Belfast allowed us to see some of the sights in great company UK Trip BelfastA bar crawl of Belfast in some great company UK Trip BelfastA backstreet of bars in Belfast

Next up our epic trip on the Triumph Tigers takes us on another ferry trip, this time from Belfast across to the Isle of Man for TT 2018.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Dakar 2021 heralds new changes

Dakar 2021

After the first Dakar held in the Middle East last January, the competitors and crews are heading back to Saudi Arabia to continue exploring the deserts of the country.

Dakar 2021

The route designed for the 2021 edition is a loop course beginning and ending in Jeddah, where the toughest competitors will arrive a few days after the rest day in Ha’il. While the bivouac will revisit some of the places where it set up camp a few months ago, the specials will be 100 per cent new.

Dakar 2021 returns to Saudi Arabia

As the race enters uncharted territory, the measures taken in 2020 to put the focus on navigation will continue their natural progression. Road books will now be handed out in the morning right before the start of each special. Some categories will have digital road books.

Dakar 2021

Furthermore, the rules have been amended to slow down the vehicles and, in general, to make the race safer. Certain hazardous sections will be categorised as “slow zones” where the speed limit will be set at 90 km/h. Air-bag vests will now be mandatory and subject to inspection by race officials during technical scrutineering. Motorcycle competitors will only be allowed six tyres for the duration of the event. 

Dakar 2021 returns to Saudi Arabia

Penalties for engine changes were introduced a few years ago to encourage bikers to ride carefully. From next year, time penalties will be applied starting from the second piston change even if the rest of the engine remains the same. Finally, riders will no longer be allowed to work on their motorbikes at refuelling stations.

Red Sea

The Dakar convoy will start their 2021 odyssey on the shores of the Red Sea as they depart Jeddah on January 3.

Jeddah, the economic heart of the country, will host both the start and the finish of Dakar 2021

Competitors will spend the following two weeks navigating their way through Saudi Arabia’s expansive deserts.

Dakar will navigate the deserts of Saudi Arabia

A well earned Rest Day will come in the ancient city of Ha’il at the midway point on January 9.

Ha’il
For centuries, Ha’il was a stop on a trade route between the Red sea and Mesopotamia. The region is also famous for its numerous rock faces covered with rock art, which stand as reminders of the presence of human populations going back almost 10,000 years.

A hero’s reception awaits those who manage to meet every challenge and cross the finish line back in Jeddah on January 15. The winners will be celebrated on the podium, but everyone who completes the Dakar has the right to be satisfied at overcoming the toughest test of endurance.

Dakar 2021 in Saudi Arabia

Dakar Rally director David Castera

“Sometimes it feels like the other side of the rainbow is just around the corner and a magical treasure is within reach. The two weeks of the 2020 edition in Saudi Arabia, when the Dakar inaugurated Chapter 3 of its history in style, were one such time. Our Saudi hosts had the daring inspiration to believe in this marriage, a vision shared by all the competitors and their crews. Stage after stage, and often multiple times within the same stage, the majestic landscapes of the region left us dazzled and in awe. However, Saudi Arabia only revealed a tiny part of its mysteries, leaving plenty of surprises in store for the next edition in January 2021. Over the last few weeks, we have plunged back into our GIS software and last year’s recon notes and realised just how vast the possibilities are. The route we have prepared, a gigantic tour of the Saudi deserts, reuses none of the tracks and dunes that featured in the specials last January. The possibilities open to us have given us the opportunity to design a more technical course with more varied terrain and fewer fast sections. Along with the changes in the style of the course, we are also rolling out new features with a view to making the race even truer to the values of rally raid. Shifting the focus from raw speed to navigation are part of a holistic approach in which the creation of the Dakar Classic bridges the legends of the past and the excitement of the future. After all, adventure is a timeless pursuit, is it not?”

Dakar 2021 in Saudi Arabia
Source: MCNews.com.au

Book review: Shiny Side Up

If you’re looking for a light read about motorcycles, the riding lifestyle and growing old gracefully, check out Shiny Side Up by BMW fan Ron Davis.

The book consists of extracts from the Wisconsin rider’s columns, features and stories published in various magazines, mainly BMW Owners News.

Hence the book’s subtitle: Musings on the Improbable Inclination to Travel on Two Wheels.

Ron may be a BMW rider and all that goes with that and he may be a farkle fiend, but he’s not a bad bloke for a Yank!

Shiny Side UpRon Davis Shiny Side Up author

Despite all that, his writing feels inclusive, although maybe it’s just that I can empathise being of a similar vintage.

What I like about Ron’s writing is what it is not. It is not contrived nor an imitation of Hunter S. Thompson (you know who I mean), it is not boastful (yes, him again) and it is not sesquipedalian-ly loquaciousness (look it up – and yes, him again).

Ron’s self-deprecating whit is charming, inoffensive and clean!

Here’s a lovely extract from the second chapter “How to lose friends and influence absolutely no one” where Ron attempts small talk at a neighbourhood cocktail party:

Somehow, knowing the name of Hans Muth’s dog, or the incredible run of sixties-era BMW sidecar victories turns out to be, socially, the equivalent of having breath that smells like a bucket of walleye guts … after three days … in the sun.

(By the way, a walleye is a type of North American fish.)

Wisconsin riderRon Davis Shiny Side Up author

Ron is based in Wisconsin so there are a few travelogue chapters that may feel alien to non-Americans. Or maybe they will entice you to head State-side.

And because the book’s chapters are taken from his magazine articles it can be disjointed and a little repetitive, but only if you try to read it in one sitting as I did while I waited for my bike to be serviced.

Best of all, the paperback fits nicely in your tank bag so you can take it on your next riding holiday to fill in those lonely hours while you wait for the tow truck. Unless, of course, you own a Japanese bike.

Shiny Side Up is published by Road Dog Publications and you can buy it from Amazon for $8+ on Kindle or $31.55 in paperback.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Martin Davalos Interview

By Eric Johnson

A few minutes after winning the 2019 250SX East main event at Nashville last April, all veteran rider Martin Davalos could point to was the fact that he wanted to graduate to the premier 450SX class for the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

I just want a 450 ride, man,” exclaimed the native of Ecuador who has spent virtually his entire career racing in the United States. “I’ve been in this class a long time and I just want a shot. I know what I’m capable of doing on that bike, outdoors on a 450 was good for me on the Husky in 2017. I believe in myself, I know I can do it.

Martin DavalosMartin Davalos at Unadilla in 2017

It came at the eleventh hour early last December, but Davalos, a five-time 250SX main event winner during his career, was hired to race a KTM 450 SX-F for Team Tedder/Monster Energy/Lucas Oil/KTM Racing. And thus far, and despite the chaos and uncertainty the Pandemic has cast upon this year’s stadium tour, Davalos and the entire Team Tedder outfit have had plenty to be both pleased and optimistic about. Davalos placed ninth overall in the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in his only season racing 450 – But Davalos hit the ground running at Angel Stadium early this year and has performed well throughout the season. Now we are on the outskirts of Salt Lake City where Davalos will contest the final rounds of the 2020 Championship.

Martin, first and foremost, how are you and how have you been?

“Well, obviously, we all went into quarantine and weren’t able to do much, so I took advantage of it all and took some time to enjoy my new son Leo, who just turned nine months old this week. That’s something I didn’t get to do much of when he was born because he was born and the racing season started. I sort of wanted to get the season done and to get my summer going, but at the end of the day, it is what it is. We just kind of made the best out of it and took a little break and enjoyed my son as much as I could. I’m having so much fun with him.”

Martin Davalos

Okay, so as of the resumption of the Monster Energy Supercross Series, you’ve been holding station in the Salt Lake City vicinity, correct?

“Yes, basically, and luckily enough, Dakota and Matt Tedder arranged us a really, really nice Airbnb and we’ve been able to stay in Park City, which is really beautiful. My wife couldn’t come here with me with my son, so I basically came solo and I’m trying to do as much as I can. My wife works full-time, and we’ve just kind of been getting it done. And like you’ve probably been told, we’re quarantined here for the time, so we can’t leave. I’m surrounded by good people here and we’re taking advantage of beautiful Utah is and how nice everything is and I’m continuing my training just as if I were at home. That’s all been keeping me kind of humbled and entertained a little bit.”

You guys have run these consecutive races at Salt Lake’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. What do you make of it all thus far?

“It’s what we have to do. I honestly don’t mind this format because we’re just kind of getting it done. For me, it’s very important on trying to be as fresh as possible for the race. I’m 34 years-old, I’m not 15 or 20 years-old like other people that I’m racing. For me, the race day is the most important thing. I’m trying to get as much possible out race day that I can. I’m also focusing on recovery. As you know, the altitude here is a huge problem. I was born in Ecuador and I kind of know what my body is going to feel like and what I need to do, so I’ve been focusing a lot on that so that I can be as fresh as possible for race day.”

Martin Davalos

As of the late December of 2019 you were without a ride for 2020. Then, during the first week of that month, word dropped that the Tedder/Monster Energy/Lucas Oil/KTM Racing signed you to a race a KTM 450 SX-F in the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series. It was as if the stars lined up…?

“As you said Eric, there were no rides. I mean it’s just incredible what everybody has to go through. You know, I’ve known Dakota for a long time. I trained with him at Pro Circuit, as we both shared Ty Kady, who was our trainer. I knew Dakota’s family very well and they’ve been so good to me and are great people. I’ve been very blessed to end up where I am right now. We have a great program. The relationship that Matt Tedder has with factory KTM and the amount of parts that we’re able to get from them is excellent. What I like the most about it all, though, is that I’m really able to focus on and set the bike up the way I want it. I have that freedom. Anything that I need from KTM, they have been good to me and so has WP with the testing. Honestly, at the beginning of the season I was riding Kawasaki and went to Geneva and raced. We didn’t have a lot of time on the bike and I didn’t do much testing because I wanted to get comfortable with it. Honestly, the more I ride the KTM, the better I am. I think more time on the bike is helping me right now. it’s only going to get better. If I decide to race next year and continue my partnership with the Tedders, it’s only going to become a better thing for me. I’m going to be more familiar with the team, the bike and I’ll have more time to test and I think that’s all going to be very important.”

Martin Davalos

It’s very noticeable that KTM and KTM North America have had a heavy hand in creating your race bike. I mean the motorcycle has essentially the same race motor as the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bikes. Good equipment for you and Team Tedder?

“Yeah, it’s a very good bike, man. I’m super-pumped with what we have going on and the amount of parts that we’re able to get. Everything has been good. During practice, the bikes are great. That was one of my biggest concerns, you know: I wanted to be comfortable in a team where I was ale to set up the bike they way I wanted to and focus on my riding. They’re family owners and they really understand giving me the freedom to do what I wanted to do. They respect that I have a family and I’m able to train at home. Yeah, it’s just been great, man. I’m super, super happy where I am right now and I think that’s another huge part of how my year is going. I think it’s all about just having a good program and being happy with what you’re doing.”

And the results have been coming! I mean going back to Atlanta, you’ve gone 5-14-6-11-8-6 in the last six main events, you are now slotted-in at 13th in 450SX points. That’s encouraging.

“Yeah, and I feel like I have a little more in me. I feel like at the beginning of the year I was kind of riding the bike like a 250F. I’ve had experience on the 450, but it takes a lot of riding and racing to really get what you want. I’m learning and I think I’m getting better and my fitness is getting a lot better. You know, I’m just happy to race. I have a really good team behind me. Matt, Christine and Dakota have done nothing but help me. They’re here for me and want to help me succeed. To be able to have that behind you is obviously a great thing.”

Okay Martin, what’s the masterplan for the rest of the summer, and for the rest of the year, for that matter?

“When I first talked with Matt, we just decided to do supercross and to see where it went. I think I wanted to just take my time with supercross. We didn’t really think much about outdoors. He’s mentioned that I could do a few rounds if I wanted to, but this year has been very awkward already and it sounds like the outdoor races might be limited now. I think this is a good year for me to focus just on my supercross season and go into the summer and just stay on the bike and get some more base fitness going on and talk to Matt and see what options we have for next year and maybe just give it my all next year, you know? I think I’m riding the only Monster Energy KTM in the world. That’s pretty cool. I’m excited, you know? I’m excited to finish of these rounds and to try and get in the top 10 and just really prove myself.”

AMA SX Rnd Glendale Davalos Starts SX PHX KardyMartin Davalos leading at Glendale earlier this season
Source: MCNews.com.au

2020 Harley-Davidson Road King review

When it comes to no-frills traditional touring the first bike that comes to mind is the Harley-Davidson Road King.

That is partly because of the name: Road King by name, road king by nature.

Apart from auxiliary riding lights, lockable panniers, cruise control, a windscreen and some crash protection, the rest is simple and traditional motorcycling.2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

At its core is a hefty 107 cubic-inch (1745cc) Milwaukee Eight engine that is refined brute strength for hauling your ass and your luggage.

And it will ably haul two in more comfort now that the bike gets the fatter and wider pillion seat from the Heritage Softail.

The rider will also enjoy the slightly narrower seat so your legs are as splayed as before.2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

What I love about this bike is that it does everything in an understated manner. Nothing showy, just honest touring motorcycling.

Despite its simplicity, it is actually quite flexible and really a two-in-one bike when you consider you can easily remove the windscreen and panniers in less than a minute.

Road King power2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

Since 2017, the Touring models have the Milwaukee Eight engine which is not only more powerful, but also smoother, quieter and runs cooler!

The Milwaukee Eight is so called because they have gone from the Twin Cam to a quieter single chain-driven camshaft with four lighter valves per head. There’s eight valves in all, hence “Milwaukee Eight”.

The ignition thump is gone as is a much of the mechanical noise.

Finer internal tolerances and lighter components have made it mechanically quieter which means Harley’s engineers have legally been able to ramp up the volume and bass in the exhaust.

While the transmission is much less “agricultural” in feel, neutral can still be a little difficult to find. It’s easier if you try to obtain that green “N” light just before coming to a stop.

I’m a little disappointed to see that the convenient heel shifter is no longer standard. It would be my first accessory purchase.2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

I have been riding the bike around for a couple of weeks in fairly cool and wet weather, so I haven’t been able to asses its engine heat.

However, the ignition has been advanced to make it cooler, lowered the rear header down and moved the catalytic converter rearwards.

The last time I rode one a couple of years ago I found thermal comfort had improved, but there was still plenty of heat around the back of the leg. The pillion also complained about heat being directed at her right ankle.

However, you can remove the windscreen for better summer ventilation.

Ride and handling2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

The Road King is the best handling of the touring models with a light front end, the most clearance and a precise feel.

The taut chassis and good clearance allow it to be thrown around much more than you would expect of a 362+kg monster.

This is largely due to the Showa dual bending valve forks.

They have also removed some of the jackhammer effect in the grips, although the long mini-ape bars relay vibration and impact shudders to your hands.2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

I found gloves with palm padding mitigates the effects.

The new emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers improves the ride, but it’s still a little short over some of Queensland’s bumpy B roads.

The twin springs can be easily adjusted with a single knob, but you have to remove a pannier first.

They also offer 15 to 30% more pre-load adjustment for heavier loads.

Creature comfortsBorder Harley-Davidson Road King

Apart from better seats, the mini-apes are a good fit for me and the floorboards are generous for long-legged riders.

Instruments are simple and understated: a single round speedo with a small LCD screen showing a variety of information you can toggle through with the switch on the left bar.

There is also an analogue fuel gauge in the left “dummy” fuel cap.

The Road King has a minimum of chrome, but lush paintwork and don’t you love that mint-green colour scheme. Once again, understated and stately.

Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King2020 Harley-Davidson Road King

  • Price: FLHR Road King $34,495 
  • Warranty: 24 months, unlimited mileage
  • Service: 1600/8000km
  • Engine: Milwaukee Eight 107 (1745cc) twin
  • Power: N/A
  • Torque: 150Nm (111ft-lb) @ 3250rpm
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Cruise Drive
  • Brakes: 300mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS
  • Suspension: Showa dual bending valve forks (117mm travel), hand-adjustable rear suspension (76mm travel)
  • Length: 2450mm
  • Seat: 705mm
  • Fuel: 22.7 litres
  • Dry weight: 362kg
  • Tyres: 17″/D408F BW 130/80 B17 65H; 16″/D407 BW 180/65 B16 81H

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorbike Review

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is an Indian adventure motorbike. It’s a very versatile bike that can be used for different types of terrain.

Before we get deep into this Royal Enfield Himalayan review, let’s take a brief look at the history of this motorbike.

About the Royal Enfield Himalayan

This bike is manufactured in Chennai, a city in south-east India. The motorbike industry in India is one of the largest in the world. The country has a growing population that has already crossed 1.3 billion. Some of the top motorbike manufacturers in the country roll out 1 million motorbikes per month.

Royal Enfield make a range of highly rated motorcycles, including the Continental GT, Thunderbird, Interceptor 650, Bullet, Classic 350 and the Himalayan. The average Indian rider is more interested in fuel efficiency than power or torque, which explains why most motorbikes in the country are less than 150 ccs.

As well as using motorcycling in Indian cities, many people like to ride their motorcycles in tour groups, including Royal Enfield’s own Rides program, to adventurous routes into the Himalayas.

What’s interesting about the Royal Enfield’s Himalayan motorbike is that it was designed for bike users tackling the broken roads of the countryside in India. That was the original target market. It was not meant to be a performance-oriented motorcycle. Instead it was aimed at customers who value affordability.

With that objective in mind, the motorbike was designed to have competent ride and handling, comfort and agility while being reasonably affordable. All those characteristics made it into an adventure bike not just for India, but for the rest of the world.

It is now a popular affordable adventure bike in the United States for use on dirt roads, rough terrain and mountain treks. The tagline for Himalayan is: “Built for all road. Built for no roads”.

Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 vs. Earlier Models

Royal Enfield Himalayan2016 Royal Enfield Himalayan

The first-generation Himalayan had minor niggles that have been sorted out, and it has now become a great bike to take on a rough road or a long ride. The Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 has all the features that a motorcycle in this category needs to have, including a switchable ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

The design of the Himalayan is an embodiment of the Royal Enfield Bike ethos of minimalistic design and strong personality. The BS6 model has a bit more color than previous models, giving it more character.

Engine, Torque and Horsepower

The emission standards have been upgraded with a BS6 engine. The fuel economy is also better with the new version. The 411 CC SOHC fuel injection based single cylinder engine delivers 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm torque at 6500 rpm.

For motorbike enthusiasts, it becomes a matter of intense discussion whether torque is more important or horsepower. It is important to understand the difference between horsepower and torque. The horsepower has the capability of delivering more speed for the motorbike, whereas torque at higher rpm allows for greater horsepower.

So one is not more important than the other, it just depends on the situation. For the motorbike buyer, it is recommended to buy a motorbike with a good balance between torque and horsepower.

With previous Himalayan models, there were some complaints regarding excessive engine vibration. With the new model, there is an improvement in vibration control. The engine can run speeds of up to 100km/h smoothly.

Vibrations do start to become an issue around 125km/h, but that speed won’t be reached very often. This is not a performance-based motorbike. The beauty of the motorbike is in its agility and handling.

Comfort & Riding Experience

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet investsRoyal Enfield Himalayan

Riding the motorbike for long hours is not a problem. The bike has a low seat height, ideal for balance and stability.

The suspension is long-travel, which is great for rougher roads as it does not pass the bumps on to the rider. On a highway, it does feel a bit sluggish. The rear suspension could have been made slighter stiffer but no complaints if you are riding the biking on rougher roads.

The Himalayan has front suspension travel of 200 mm and rear suspension travel of 180 mm. Group clearance if 220 mm and 800 mm seat height. The fuel tank has a 15-liter capacity. The chassis feels solid and well built. The size of the motorbike is well-proportioned to its components.

The riding position is comfortable with a relaxed riding stance assisted with a raised handlebar and neutrally placed foot pegs. The saddle of the Himalayan is most comfortable for motorbikes of its price range.

The length of the side stand is shorter in the new version, allowing for improved stability while parking. This is an important feature when parking on rough terrain. The tall handlebar and scooped seat mean the rider feels comfortable while feeling in control of the bike.

The high instrument cluster adds to the commanding view. The padding in the seat is firm while the fabric used feels durable.

Braking

The braking performance of the Himalayan is excellent. Royal Enfield has recalibrated the ABS taking it to a higher level of refinement. The ABS can be switched on or off on the real wheel. This feature will be most appreciated by off-road riders.

Switching the brakes on or off the rear wheel allows for the motorbike to slide, an important maneuver for adventure seekers. The front wheel has the standard braking mechanism.

The rear disc of the brake seems to have more bite in the new version. The braking does feel a bit spongy but for a 200 kg motorbike, a little softness in the braking is required. The front brakes have a 300 mm disc while the rear brakes have a 240 mm disc.

Tyres

The tyre brand used on the Himalayan is the most trusted brand in India, Ceat Tyres. The motorbike features the Gripp XL tyres. They are known for their block pattern design.

Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster has been slightly updated from the previous models. The ABS switch on-off button has been added but other than that, the appearance of the instrument cluster remains similar.

There are two trip meters on the panel giving you average speeds, fuel gauge, and the current time. Hazard lamps have been added to the handlebar. There is a rear rack for storage.

Some riders have added accessories such as heated grips for trips to the colder climate and engine guard for protection. Some users are also using a crash bar system that can protect the motorbike from tip-overs. Crash bars are designed to distribute the force of the impact.

Alternatives

Some of the main competitors in this category are the BMW G 310 GS and the KTM Adventure 390.

Royal Enfield Himalayan vs. KTM Adventure 390

The Himalayan has a bigger engine and a more powerful ride compared to the KTM Adventure 390, which has a slightly higher maximum torque. The Himalayan has substantial longer suspension travel is much heavier compared to the KTM. The Himalayan is loaded with more features and offers better value for money compared to the KTM.

Royal Enfield Himalayan vs. BMW G 310 GS

Compared with the BMW G 310 GS, the Himalayan is much cheaper, offering better value for money in terms of the features offered. The Himalayan has a more solid feel to it with more weight and longer overall length.

Unsurprisingly given that the BMW is so much more expensive, it does have some extra features such as a digital instrument panel and indicators. However, for the difference in price, it just doesn’t offer that much more.

For the brand-conscious, BMW will still be ahead in the race but from a value for money, the Himalayan is the winner.

If you get a chance to visit a Royal Enfield dealer, ask to try the Himalayan test bike and you will be able to experience the solid, powerful, and agile ride of the Himalayan motorbike.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, the Himalayan can be a pretty strong city bike. Even with one cylinder, it doesn’t feel slow in an urban setting.

With its superior handling, lane changing and cornering is very smooth. The three-piece crankshaft provides a great balance for a motorbike this size.

However, the beauty of the motorbike is on an off-road adventure. The greatest value proposition is the Himalayan’s strong quality and affordability.

(Contributed post for our North American readers)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Best Motorcycle Helmets in 2020

You can’t live without your head, so you need to protect it with the best motorcycle helmets. However, shopping for a motorcycle helmet has never been a walk in the park. Sometimes you have to weigh up cost versus comfort. Should buying a helmet leave your pockets empty? Of course not!

Do you need a full face, modular, custom or adventure motorcycle helmet? Let’s delve into the best motorcycle helmets in 2020 in this guide to choosing a motorcycle helmet.

Best Motorcycle Helmets

1. Shoei RF-SR Helmet

Best Motorcycle HelmetsShoei RF-SR helmet

The Japanese Shoei RF-SR carries the day on our helmets list. “You get what you pay for” has never been more true than with this full face helmet. From the blending of style to safety, the Shoei RF-SR is one of the best motorcycle helmets in the market. This is a premium helmet, but it’s worth the money.

Safety

Quality is never an accident. The Shoei RF-SR helmet is engineered with Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus technology (AIM+).

This Shoei helmet is made up of five fiberglass layers. It is tried and tested by Snell, and has attained the elusive M2015 certification.

The Shoei RF-SR also features an Emergency Quick Release System (EQRS). The EQRS is designed to automatically pop out the cheek pads in case of an accident. Inside the helmet is a multi-density shock absorbing liner. The EPS liner absorbs even the most micro of shocks a rider may encounter.

Ventilation

The Shoei RF-SR takes pride in its ventilation capabilities. The chin vent is the star on this hard hat. The chin vent is V-shaped at the bottom with two vents on the upper façade. A pair of vents is also conscientiously placed at the brow. The vent sliders are impressive, with the metallic cuff and click.

Towards the shield, the hard hat comes with a breath guard to direct fresh air to the rider. Remember the EPS liner? Air flows through the holes in the ship from the upper air vents.

Sizing/ Weight

The Shoei RF-SR helmet comes in six sizes. Extra-large, Large, Medium, Extra-small, and Extra-extra-large are all available for his armor. The EPS lining is scourable and antimicrobic. The XX-L helmet weighs only 1780 grams. The close to lightweight design is superb for its aerodynamics and thrust.

Noise Levels

More vents, more noise? You’re wrong! The upper and lower vents have minimal noise infiltrating through them. The cheek pads also deter a substantial amount of noise around the neck area.

Design

The Shoei RF-SR helmet is available in seven shades; Basalt Grey, Black, Matte Black, Matte Blue, Tangerine, Matte Deep Grey, and White.

2. Arai XD4 HelmetBest Motorcycle Helmets

This Arai helmet is among the best adventure motorcycle helmets. With the Arai XD4 helmet, the shield and peak are detachable. Improved aerodynamics and large cowl vents characterize this monster hard hat. The Arai XD4 helmet can be used as a motocross, adventure, or full face helmet.

Safety

The American Arai XD4 masterpiece is fully certified by Snell, as well as ECE 2015 and DOT endorsements. The helmet is lined with multi-density polystyrene liner for magnificent shock absorption. The Arai XD4 shell is engineered with a Complex Laminate Construction. The CLC is made of high-quality fibers to offer you maximum head protection.

The Emergency Quick Release System is also incorporated in the Arai XD4 hard hat for a quick abrupt response. In the SHARP helmet tests, the Arai XD4 scored 3.5/5. Not too bad for a multipurpose helmet.

Ventilation

The Arai XD4 has five vents: two brow vents and three at the chin bar. At the top, there are several vents as well. All these vents are slidable. The top and front vents are quite brittle. The chin vents are mesh-reinforced to deter fogging. The rear vents on top of the helmet refresh the helmet by exhaling the air inside the hat.

Sizing/Weight

The Arai XD4 is generally oval molded. The X-large helmet weighs 1640 grams—ideal for drag and thrust. The Arai XD4 comes in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra-large. The cheek and foam pads are washable and easy to dry.

Noise Levels

With more vent holes that its predecessor, the Arai XD4 has higher noise levels. Nevertheless, the amount of noise solely depends on how fast the rider is pushing as well as the prevailing wind conditions.

The Arai XD4 is not fully streamlined hence offers some drag resistance. The adjustable chin bar, however, reduces the noise up through the rider’s neck.

All in all, the Arai XD 4 helmet can be tweaked to your type of track. For a motocross/off-road experience, some level of noise will spruce up your thrust and revs.

Design

The Arai XD4 is available in four colors: Frost Black, Frost Red, Frost Orange, and Frost White. If you are after aesthetics, there are the Mesh, Desert and Route designs to select from. 

3. AGV Unisex-Adult Full Face K-1 Motorcycle HelmetBest Motorcycle Helmets

The AGV K1 Helmet is a basic sports bike helmet with immense aesthetics and a thermoplastic shell. The AGV K-1 helmet can be tweaked into a modular helmet, full face helmet or open helmet. The AGV K-1 helmet is the entry-level hard hat of the AGV racing technology.

Safety

The AGV K-1 helmet as it is made of a thermoplastic shell and scored four stars in the UK Thermoplastics rating. Engineered to a broad shield, the AGV K-1 gives you a wide-angle of vision. The face shield is fitted with an anti-fog lock for a crystal-clear view.

The inside of the AGV K-1 consists of four polystyrene liners for a great fitting on your head. The cheek pads are pulpy to cushion you in the event of an accident.

Ventilation

The AGV K-1 has five slidable vents: three on the forehead and two at the chin bar. The double rear exhaust vents exhale the air inside the hat. The AGV K-1 is one of the best motorcycle helmets with the Integrated Ventilation system (IVS). The IVS ventilates fresh air into the helmet and around the polystyrene liners. The EPS liner has four openings that duct air onto the rider’s head.

Sizing/Weight

The AGV K-1 helmet comes in six sizes: Extra-Extra-Large, Extra-Large, Medium-Large, Extra-Small, and Medium-Small. The Extra-Extra-Large hard hat weighs up to 1520 grams. It is relatively light. The thermoplastic shell much attributes to its superior drag and aerodynamics.

Sound Levels

The thermoplastic shell is exceptionally aerodynamic, thus truncating wind resistance. Reduced wind resistance, in turn, cuts down the amount of wind noise. The chin curtain at the front façade of the K-1 helmet eliminates turbulence motion, thus creating a quiet riding experience.

However, with the open face tweak on, the amounts of noise increase significantly.

Design

Black, White, and Matte Black options are available. The AGV K-1 isn’t particularly attractive, unlike some of its successors, which have a touch of glamour. The AGV K3 and K5 have a stunning graffiti theme.

4. Bell Qualifier Full face Motorcycle HelmetBell Qualifier Full face Motorcycle Helmet

The Bell Qualifier DLX is made of a polycarbonate shell with a sleek, meticulous design. The Bell DLX takes pride in its unique color schemes as well as a light-reactive shield. Not to forget, the Bell Qualifier DLX comes with a Double-D ring fastener.

Safety

A great forte of the Bell Qualifier DLX is its light-reactive shield. The shield has a natural anti-UV and anti-fog coagulant infused—no more obscurity at low temperatures. The Bell Qualifier polycarbonate hard hart has bagged in the elusive ECE and DOT recognition globally.

On Snell’s test, the Bell Qualifier lost narrowly on the side-impact tests.

Ventilation

The Bell Qualifier is exceptional when it comes to ventilation. The Bell Qualifier is equipped with a couple of vents, both the chin, brow, and top vents. What else could you ask for? The lower chin vents are slidable for the humid climates. The chin vents open into the horizontal chin bar blowing a load of air inside the hard hat.

The four brow vents gush air into the top of the helmet. The double top vents rush air into the polystyrene liner into the biker’s head. The Bell Qualifier is also crafted to four exhaust vents at the rear of the helmet. These exhaust vents serve to exhale the dense air inside the helmet. The exhaust vents are also mesh-covered.

Sizing/Weight

The Bell Qualifier comes in seven size variants: XXX-Large, XX-Large, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. Bell Qualifier’s EPS Liner is also washable and moisture-wicking. The XX-Large weighs 1596 grams.

Noise Levels

The Bell Qualifier helmet is a bit noisy due to the open top and rear exhaust vents. On the flipside, the cheek pads and the taper mitigate the noise across the lower part of the helmet. Towing along some earplugs will do the magic for you on this helmet.

Design

The Bell Qualifier helmet outshines all other helmets you could think of on matters aura. The 13 hues in the market are a bang. The Flare Gloss Black/Red, Flare Matte Black/Grey, Honor Matte Titanium, Integrity Matte Black, Orange Camo, Raid Matte Black, Gold Flake, Stealth Camo Matte Black, Solid Black, and the Stealth Camo Matte White simply define the Bell Qualifier’s theme.

5. GLX Unisex-Adult GX11 Motorcycle HelmetGLX Unisex-Adult GX11 Motorcycle Helmet

GLX has proven to be a hard nut to crack on its rivals, the Arai and Shoei helmets. The GLX GX11 helmet is very pocket friendly and when it comes to performance, it rivals the best in the market.

Safety

This is a very safe helmet. The GLX GX11 offers a lot of great safety features, and has Snell and DOT certifications. The GLX GX11 shell is made of polycarbonate. The polystyrene liner (EPS) on the inner of the helmet provides superb shock absorption. The GLX GX11 helmet also incorporates the Emergency Quick Response System for a better accident reaction.

Ventilation

The GLX GX11 is fully armored on the top with vents. The top vents ventilate the rider’s head furnishing a cooling effect. With these top vents, forget about sweating on your skull. There are two pairs of exhaust vents at the rear façade of the GLX GX11 hard hat. These exhaust vents exhale the dense air on the inside of the EPS liner.

The cheek padding also permits some air into the inside of the helmet. This padding is fully washable and moisture-wicking.

Sizing/Weight

The GLX GX 11 is available four sizes: Large, Medium, Small, and X-Large. The GLX GX11 weighs, on average, 1587 grams.

Sound Levels

The GLX GX11 is prone to noise through the exhaust vents, owing to the fact that the rear vents are not lockable. However, the GLX GX11 has an inflated face shield that blocks substantial noise from infiltrating into the rider’s ears. The face shield is fog and scratch-resistant.

Design

The GLX GX11 is currently available in Matte Black shade. Much detail has been paid to the paint quality. That matte finish is impressive.

How to Choose a Motorcycle Helmet

When choosing the best motorcycle helmets, attention to detail matters. Deciding on the ideal helmet for your head has always been an uphill task. There are several factors that you need to pay attention to when buying a motorcycle helmet.

What type of helmet do you need?

The six main types of helmets are: Full faced, Modular (flip-up chin bar), Half shell, Open-Faced, Off-road, and Dual-Sport helmets.

A full-face helmet shields the whole head and features a fixed chin bar to protect your jaw.

An open face helmet leaves your face open. They cover the sides, top, and back of your head. Open face helmets are deprived of the chin bar. Scooter riders often open-face helmets.

The modular helmet is a hybrid of the full and free face helmets. The visor and the chin bar can flip up, opening the front.

The half shell helmet (or half helmet) only shields the forehead and the top part of your head. With these helmets, you are assured of excellent airflow.

Off-road helmets are engineered for dirt use i.e., motocross and dirt bikes.

Dual Sport helmets are a hybrid of full face and off-road helmets. Examples include the ADV, Enduro, and Crossover. Akin to the off-road helmet, the dual-sport offers a large visor but enhanced padding on the interior.

Safety Features

Before buying a helmet, acquaint yourself with its safety ratings and certifications, if any. Snell, DOT, and ECE rated helmets offer more excellent protection to your head and chin. Rated helmets are often expensive, but guarantee you ultimate safety.

The material forming the helmet’s shell also contributes to its safety performance. Is the shell made of fiber or polycarbonate? A hard shell is desired to provide maximum protection. The best motorcycle helmets are often safety certified by Snell or ECE.

Cost of Motorcycle Helmets

The cost of a helmet solely depends on its materials and design. Should buying a helmet leave a big hole in your pocket? No! There are affordable yet high-quality helmets you can choose from.

The price of the helmet also depends on its size. X-Large and XX-Large helmets are often dearer. For a harder shell and better interior fabric, you’ll need to invest more.

Ventilation

There’s nothing as unpleasant as riding in a stuffy helmet. When selecting a helmet, scrutinize the type of vents available thoroughly. Does the helmet have top, brow, and rear exhaust vents? If so, proceed and get your hands on it. Probe thoroughly on the vents, especially the top vents. Some designers just fix aesthetic vents that run nowhere.

A visor that can be rolled up a few inches comes in handy in ventilating you as you ride.

Size and Fitting

You don’t need an under-sized helmet just to save a few bucks. A helmet should fit on your head precisely, with minimal coercion. To get the right fit for your head, measure the circumference on your head, and find a suitable match. An over-sized helmet could be lethal in the case of an accident. The cheek pads and chin bar will not optimally protect you from fracture.

An extra-taut helmet, on the other hand, imposes undue pressure on your skull. Therefore, it’s best to fit out the different helmets at the store before making a purchase.

Usage

What will you use the helmet for? Is it riding for leisure? Track racing? Dirt riding? For bike racing purposes, you might need to consider a full face crash helmet. The full face helmets are often padded and made up of hard outer shells. For leisure riding, the open face helmets will do the magic. As you cruise around, you’ll need to enjoy nature’s beauty as well as some relaxing air, hence the need for the open face helmets.

Helmet Addons

If you are going the open helmet way, look out for the three pushbuttons. These three buttons at the front aid in hooking up a visor at a later time. Peruse through for other features such as Bluetooth compatibility, microphone hookup, dash camera slot, and pin-lock peaks.

In case you need to wear earplugs, survey for a helmet with a recessed façade around the ears. A cap clasp is also vital to deter your cap from blowing off. You should also audit whether the inner EPS liner and cheek pads are washable and moisture-wicking.

Helmet Weight

A lightweight helmet favors aerodynamics such as thrust, drag, and lift. A helmet should not impose a substantial loading on your head. You should be able to move your head optimally with zero strain. The scantiest of the shift of gravity would have lethal effects on your spine and cervical vertebrae.

Helmet Interior

What material is the interior of the helmet made from? A good helmet should be padded with a washable liner. The EPS liner and cheek pads should also wick moisture. The helmet’s interior ought to be comfortable and relaxing to the skull.

The top vents should also be waterproof. The fastener type should never create strain around your neck.

Warranty and Aesthetics

Any helmet should have an agreement that spells out the terms and conditions of aftersales service in case of malfunction. When dissecting the warranty, be keen to scrutinize the scope and maintenance policy.

Matters color, bright helmets make more sales due to ease of visibility at night. Themed helmets are more expensive than their ugly twins.

Conclusion

Helmets not only provide safety to your skull but also protect you from excessive wind. Burn rubber, not your soul. We hope you found the perfect product for you in this roundup of the best motorcycle helmets. Before purchasing a helmet, scrutinize it meticulously against the above checklist. Safety comes first!

(Contributed post for our North American readers)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Yamaha opt for car-like turbocharger

Yamaha appears to be planning on a blown future with a turbocharger system similar to that used in many cars where the unit is next to the exhaust manifold.

The Japanese company filed a patent in April 2019 for a parallel twin with two turbo options, the other placing the unit inside the exhaust.

Now it appears they have opted for the car-like turbocharger system.

The original patent filing showed drawings (above) of a turbo in an MT-09 which is actually powered by a triple-cylinder engine.

However, the drawings don’t necessarily mean they will build the engine, the bike or use the MT-09 to house the engine.

If it’s the MT-09 engine with a cylinder lobbed off, it would be about 588cc which would be the same engine capacity as the Suzuki Recursion turbo concept unveiled in 2013 with a single-overhead-cam parallel-twin turbo engine.

Suzuki Recursion - Katana turbo blownSuzuki Recursion

Blown era

Yamaha’s turbocharged decision follows the success of Kawasaki’s supercharged H2, patent filings by Suzuki and Honda for turbo engines and Ducati applying for a patent for an exhaust system turbine.

So it seems the future for motorcycle engines might be blown, either with forced induction or exhaust.

The switch to smaller, lighter, more powerful yet more fuel-efficient blown bikes makes a lot of sense given the stricter emissions rules in Europe and California, as well as tough imposts such as a charges for or restrictions on older bikes entering CBDs.

Turbo was the “next big thing” back in the ’80s with models from several of the Japanese manufacturers, including the Honda CB500 Turbo, Yamaha XJ650 Turbo, Suzuki XN85, and Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo.

They had manic light-switch power that made them not only difficult to control, but dangerous. They were also temperamental and unreliable.

However, modern low-boost mini turbos and superchargers which have revolutionised the car industry in recent years would be a lot more controllable and reliable than the temperamental rocketships of the ‘80s.

Turbocharger problems

Turbos and superchargers require a fair bit of plumbing and coolers.

They are easy to fit in a car where space is not scarce like on a motorcycle.

The Yamaha patent presented two different solutions to the problem.Yamaha turbo blown

In one filling, the exhaust headers merge into one to pipe the gas through an intercooler into a low-mounted turbocharger in front of the engine with the catalytic converter underneath.

The other filing (top image on this page) has the turbo upside down and closer to the headers, allowing the cat to be mounted in front of the cylinders.

It is not only more compact but would also heat the cat faster and decrease emissions. That’s why they have chosen to go with the latter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pirelli Announces All-New “Try Before You Buy” Track Day Program

A fantastic opportunity to try a set of tires before you commit to buying them. Or not.

Begin press release:


Pirelli Tire North America, in conjunction with the brand’s official trackside vendors, is pleased to introduce the all-new “Try Before You Buy” program that is dedicated to providing local racers and track day enthusiasts with firsthand experience of a select group of the brand’s high-performance range of track tires. The program will offer consumers and racing teams the opportunity to try out the latest offerings from Pirelli with the option of purchasing the set at an exclusive discounted rate. Authorized Pirelli trackside vendors will install the tires and work with riders throughout the test period.

Pirelli’s “Try Before You Buy” program gives consumers the opportunity to try their latest offerings with the option of purchasing at a discounted rate.

“This new program is something that Pirelli and our trackside vendors are very excited about introducing for 2020,” said Oscar Solis, motorcycle road racing manager, Pirelli. “Our lineup provides a great experience across the board, whether it be our racing compounds, wet and rain options, or track day specific compounds, we have something that meets the needs of everyday sportbike enthusiasts. I’m extremely confident that our customers will be impressed with the tires at the end of the day and be happy to be able to purchase them at a discount.”

The program has been developed to suit a wide variety of track conditions and riders of all skill levels. National and local racers will have access to Pirelli’s DIABLO™ Superbike and DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC racing compounds, including the new 125/70-17 and 200/65-17 sizes that have been developed as a result of Pirelli’s involvement in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World ChampionshipDIABLO™ Wet and DIABLO™ Rain tires may also be available upon request, depending on the weather.

In addition to race compounds, riders will have access to Pirelli’s recently introduced DIABLO™ Supercorsa TD.

In addition to race compounds, Pirelli trackside vendors will have the DIABLO™ Superbike SC3 and DIABLO™ Supercorsa TD on hand for track day enthusiasts. The Supercorsa TD, which does not require the use of tire warmers, is the latest addition to the DIABLO™ Supercorsa lineup and is DOT approved, delivering the perfect combination of racetrack performance and durability while cruising the canyons.

Eligible Tires Include:

DIABLO™ Superbike – SC1, SC2, and SC3

DIABLO™ Supercorsa SC – SC1, and TD

DIABLO™ Rain (upon vendor approval)

DIABLO™ Wet (upon vendor approval)

To locate your local Pirelli trackside vendor and learn more about the exclusive “Try Before You Buy” program, visit PirelliRacer.com.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit us.Pirelli.com

The post Pirelli Announces All-New “Try Before You Buy” Track Day Program appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.