Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Brembo recall on host of models

A global recall on Italian Brembo brakes has the potential to affect a host of premium models just as two major Brembo recalls did in 2018.

The problem can cause a “catastrophic brake failure”, the notice says.

It has been caused by the use of too much nickel in the pads which can becoming porous, allowing moisture and humidity to corrode the pads.

The material can detach from the mounting plate of the brake pad causing “catastrophic brake failure”.

So far, the recall notice has only been issued in the US, but it is expected to be rolled out across the world to a host a models.

The first motorcycle company to acknowledge the problem is Triumph which in America is recalling 2018-2020 Street Triple R S, Speed Triple RS, and Tiger 1200 models.

Triumph Street Triple R2020 Triumph Street Triple R

Host of mdoels

It follows two major recalls for Brembo in 2018 which affected a host of model recalls.

In January 2018, Brembo issued a global safety recall on radial master cylinder pistons in 15mm and 16mm diameters produced between 2015 and 2017.

The recall affected thousands of motorcycles from manufacturers such as ApriliaDucati, Husqvarna, KTM MV Agusta,TM Racing, Moto Morini and Horex, but did not affect aftermarket units.

Brembo PR16 master cylinder safety recalls fault brembo recall cheap piaggioFaulty Brembo PR16 master cylinder

In August 2018, Brembo recalled some of its replacement aftermarket rear brake caliper kits.

The company supplies premium brake products to many motorcycle manufacturers and also dominates the aftermarket brake supplies market.

The only previous recall for a Brembo brake fault we could find was an ABS modular in Triumph Street Triple and Daytona models in 2013.

We will advise if or when an Australia product recall is issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.

In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Poncharal: “Everything must be done so there are races”

“About 10 days ago, if you had asked me if we could run in July, I would have replied that you were a sweet dreamer. Today, it is something that is no longer impossible. We studied different scenarios, even one of a blank season, which we had always seen as something unimaginable. At the peak of the epidemic, we certainly thought about it, without ever naming it… And then, as often, when you hit the bottom a little, you bounce back. Far be it from me to exaggerate triumphalism, but today we see that containment has paid off, although the situation is still far from clear.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2013-2017 Triumph Trophy models recalled for wiring issue

Motorcycle Recall Notice


PRA No. – 2020/18297
Date published – 6 May 2020
Campaign number -SRAN 574

Supplier – PS Importers Pty Ltd
Traders who sold this product – Australian Triumph dealers
Where the product was sold – Nationally
Dates available for sale1 December 2012 – 30 June 2017

Triumph Trophy (2013-2017)
Triumph Trophy SE (2013-2017)

Click here for VIN List

Model Years 2019-2020

174 affected motorcycles


What are the defects?

If not routed correctly, the wires exiting the ignition switch may be damaged by contact with the front brake hose.

What are the hazards?

If the wires are damaged, motorcycle lighting may be lost unexpectedly or the engine may stall, increasing the risk of an accident or injury to the rider and other road users.

What should consumers do?

Owners of affected motorcycles will be contacted by mail to arrange a time to bring their motorcycles to a Triumph dealer for a repair, free of charge.

To find a Triumph dealer, visit https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au/dealers/find-a-dealer

Triumph Trophy SE

Triumph Trophy SE

Triumph Trophy SE

Source: MCNews.com.au

1966 Moto Guzzi Dingo GT two-stroke

With Phil Aynsley


Say ‘Moto Guzzi’ and which bikes spring to mind? Big transverse V-twins? Maybe, if you are of a certain age, horizontal four-stroke singles? What about tiddler two-strokes?

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Perhaps not the first model to come to mind is the Moto Guzzi Dingo GT

The company had introduced its first two-stroke design, the 65cc Motoleggera (better known as the Guzzino) in 1946 – of which over 70,000 were produced, until it was superseded by the similar Cardellino in 1954. It, in turn, was manufactured until 1963 to the tune of some 144,000 bikes.

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

The Dingo followed the Motoleggera

So the company certainly had impressive two-stroke experience. The two bikes seen here represent Guzzi’s efforts to embrace the swinging ’60s youth market with low cost entry level models.

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Interestingly the Dingo was aimed at young entry level riders, not unlike the current LAMS segment Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

A three-speed gearbox, steel frame and 16 inch wheels were part of the package

In 1963 the 49cc Dingo (don’t you wish you could have been present in the factory boardroom beside Lake Como when that name was chosen?), was introduced as a twist-grip controlled three-speed, pressed steel frame moped with 16-inch wheels.

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

1966 Moto Guzzi Dingo GT

Like the Guzzino the motor was designed by Antonio Micucci, who was obviously the go-to man at the factory if you needed a two-stroke! The Dingo evolved over the years through several models including the 1966 GT version seen here.

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

The Moto Guzzi Dingo would evolve over the model’s lifetime

It was a proper motorcycle, with the pedals dispensed with, a four-speed foot operated gearbox, a tubular frame and 18-inch wheels. Output was 1.7 hp at 6000 rpm.

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

Moto Guzzi Dingo GT PA DingoGT

A 49cc two-stroke powerplant was featured

An advanced 50 cc parallel-twin two-stroke prototype was displayed at the Milan Show in 1975 which used the same chassis as the GT. Other Dingo models included the Cross dirt bike and MM automatic. In all 12 different models were built from 1963 until 1976. They were also produced under licence in Spain.

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

1968 Moto Guzzi Trotter Super

The Trotter moped was an even more basic machine that harked back to the Guzzino days, at least in concept. It was introduced in 1966 and was powered (if that’s the word) by a 1.2 hp 40 cc two-stroke that used a twist grip two-speed gearbox, basic pressed-steel frame and 1- inch wheels. The carburettor was fitted to the front of the motor.

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

1968 Moto Guzzi Trotter Super Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

1968 Moto Guzzi Trotter Super

The bike I photographed here is a 1968 Trotter Super version which benefited from being fitted with telescopic forks. From late 1969 the range received a major overhaul with the motor being redesigned, receiving an 8 cc capacity increase, a V-belt primary drive and horizontal cylinder.

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

Moto Guzzi Trotter Super PA Trotter

1968 Moto Guzzi Trotter Super
Source: MCNews.com.au

Twisted ASBK Interviews | Daniel Falzon

Twisted ASBK Interviews

With the current break in racing activity we thought it a good idea to start rolling out this series that I have dubbed ‘Twisted ASBK Interviews’. 

This is a somewhat comedic departure from the norm that hopes to shed some light into the personalities of ASBK Superbike riders.

Some of these were conducted in person at the track earlier this year, while others were conducted more recently over the phone. 

A few of them certainly got me laughing out loud and I hope you view them through the prism of good fun they were taken in. This time around we sit down with South Australian Superbike privateer Daniel Falzon. 

Daniel Falzon TBG

Daniel Falzon TBG

Daniel Falzon – TBG Image


MCNews.com.au: Who is the dirtiest rider you least trust when racing against?

Daniel Falzon: “Any rider who does a ‘one off’ round trying to prove a point without championship considerations.. They are the dangerous ones!” 

MCNews.com.au: Who would you most like to punch in the ASBK paddock?

DF: “Do rider’s team member’s count? haha”

MCNews.com.au: Who would you least like to be punched by in the ASBK paddock?

DF: “We’ve all seen Wayne Maxwell’s signature right hook, no one would like to be on the receiving end of that.”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon straight

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon straight

Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ


MCNews.com.au: If you were stuck on a deserted island, which rider would you choose to be stuck with?

DF: “Gotta be a country bumpkin, us city slickers wouldn’t survive a night alone… Let’s go with Josh Waters.”

MCNews.com.au: Who is the king of swiping right during ASBK race weekends?

DF: “My Mechanic, Liam – He has an RSI in his index finger.”

MCNews.com.au: Which rider has the hottest sister?

DF: “Sorry, Nic Liminton!”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon straight

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon straight

Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ


MCNews.com.au: Who is the biggest princess in the ASBK paddock?

DF: “I’ll take the fifth for this one.”

MCNews.com.au: Who has the most fitting nickname in the paddock?

DF: “Mad Mike – Mad that there’s another Ducati now ;)”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon left

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon left

Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ


MCNews.com.au: What is the worst track ASBK visits?

DF: “Morgan Park!”

MCNews.com.au: Which corner on the calendar is your favourite?

DF: “T12 Phillip Island, nothing comes close.” 

MCNews.com.au: Which corner would you liked to see nuked from orbit?

DF: “T7 Morgan Park.”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon braking

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Daniel Falzon braking

Daniel Falzon at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test in March – Image TDJ


MCNews.com.au: If you could overtake one rider, on one corner, who would it be, and where, and how?

DF: “A late inside dive in to T12 Phillip Island to overtake Maxwell for the win….without contact.”

MCNews.com.au: Which animal would you most liken yourself to?

DF: “Dog!”

MCNews.com.au: You need to borrow tools. Who would you ask first? Who would you never ask?

DF: “I’d ask YRT for tools, but I’d most definitely never ask myself. I’ll search for a left handed screwdriver for 20 minutes.” 

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Race Daniel FALZON Arthur Sissis

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Race Daniel FALZON Arthur Sissis

Falzon banked good points at the series opener at Phillip Island despite never playing a starring role – Image by Rob Mott


MCNews.com.au: If you weren’t racing, what would you be in jail for?

DF: “I’d be in jail for pulling an (absolutely massive) wheelie on public roads with a pillion…. Not speaking from experience or anything! Haha”

MCNews.com.au: If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

DF: “#25 hours in a day.” 

MCNews.com.au: How would you describe yourself in three words?

DF: “Positive, Determined, Empathetic.”

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Daniel FALZON

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Daniel FALZON

Daniel Falzon – Image by Rob Mott


MCNews.com.au: If you won a million dollars on Lotto what would be the first thing you would buy?

DF: “An investment property, it’s not enough money to justify a supercar, but that would definitely be the next purchase.”

MCNews.com.au: If you could keep one of your race bikes from throughout your career which one would it be? And why?

DF: “We still have one of each category racebike stored away, their sentimental value is worth more than what we’d sell for. 
We’ll definitely keep a Cat bike forever though, that’s going to be stored in the dining room. Georgia just doesn’t know it yet!”

MCNews.com.au: What is your plan for life after racing…?

DF: “This is easy, my life is already set! Paramedics is my forever job, but I plan on going back to Uni to study few more years shortly to be qualified as an Intensive Care Paramedic then eventually more training for a Rescue Paramedic in the helicopter doing retrieval and high acuity trauma. That’s the only job I can align the same level of adrenaline to racing with!”

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Daniel FALZON

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Daniel FALZON

Daniel Falzon testing at Phillip Island earlier this year – Image by Rob Mott
Source: MCNews.com.au

Wunderlich Navigator Lock for BMW RT Central Lock System | Gear Review

Wunderlich Navigator Lock secures the GPS on 2014 and newer BMW R 1200/1250 RT motorcycles
Wunderlich Navigator Lock secures the GPS on 2014 and newer BMW R 1200/1250 RT motorcycles equipped with factory central lock system.

BMW’s liquid-cooled R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT models are available with a factory installed GPS mount ideally positioned at the top of the instrument panel. To install your BMW Navigator 4, 5 or 6 GPS, you just push it in place…click. To remove it, you push a release button on the side of the binnacle. But that convenient push-to-release feature also puts your GPS at risk for a quick crime of opportunity by a passing scofflaw. Of course, you can just take your GPS with you or lock it in a pannier whenever you leave the bike unattended, but that’s a hassle, especially when touring.

Your humble scribe is not the only RT rider who’s wondered why BMW didn’t include some way to lock the GPS in place, especially on RT’s like mine equipped with central locking that secures both panniers, both fairing pockets and the top case, by pressing a button on the remote or the handlebars. Now Wunderlich offers the Navigator Lock for 2014 and newer RT’s. It’s a mechanism powered by a servomotor that disables the navigator release mechanism when you activate the bike’s central lock system. The servomotor attaches neatly out of sight, beneath the bike’s nosepiece, and plug-and-play electrical connections piggyback off the actuator for a fairing compartment lock. Accessing the space to install the unit and make the connections is a straightforward job following the supplied instructions. Here are a few observations for the installation:

Wunderlich Navigator Lock secures the GPS on 2014 and newer BMW R 1200/1250 RT motorcycles
The RT’s GPS release button (red arrow) is the object of the Wunderlich Navigator Lock. When the bike’s factory central lock system is engaged, the button is mechanically disabled, securing the GPS in its mount. When central locking is disengaged, the release button works.

After removing the windscreen and nose piece, the frame of the Navigator Lock slots in behind the GPS mount and, with a little coaxing, over two plastic nibs on the nose piece. It’s not going anywhere. The actuator aligns with an opening and, once deployed by engaging the central lock system, mechanically disables the GPS release mechanism. The right audio speaker gets in the way of wire routing, so remove the grill and the speaker itself, then route the lock’s power cord down through the opening.

The Navigator Lock fits neatly underneath the RT’s nose piece.
The Navigator Lock fits neatly underneath the RT’s nose piece.

To source power and the bike’s central locking system, the side panel must come off. If you haven’t removed the side panel before, look up the procedure in your owner’s manual. Do it wrong and you may snap off the side panel’s fragile mounting tabs. After removing the screws from the panel’s inner side, gently pull the panel outward until the male pins pull out from the female rubber mounts — and no farther. Next, gently push the panel in a 10 o’clock direction (looking at the bike from the right side) to separate the tabs from their slots on the adjoining panel. When routing the lock’s power cord down the side, don’t be confused by the bars in the drawing, which are Wunderlich tip-over protection.

Wunderlich Navigator Lock secures the GPS on 2014 and newer BMW R 1200/1250 RT motorcycles
Plug-and-play wiring piggybacks off the right fairing pocket lock actuator.

Disconnect the OEM plug as shown, then insert the two connectors into the two mating plugs from the Wunderlich wire harness. In the USA, top-of-the-line RT’s with central locking typically also have Sirius satellite radio. The satellite antenna must be removed from its mounting bracket and placed on the frame of the Wunderlich lock on a pre-mounted adhesive pad. I found an old set of feeler gauges were rigid enough to cut through the adhesive and flexible enough to not damage the antenna. You’ll have to remove the OEM antenna bracket, as the Navigator Lock needs to occupy that space. This step wasn’t in the supplied instructions, but it became clear during reassembly that the bracket had to go. Pull up at either end and wiggle it out. Peel off the release paper to expose the new adhesive on the Wunderlich frame and stick on the antenna. Test the Navigator Lock to confirm it works, then button everything back together.

The Wunderlich Navigator Lock works as described, disabling/enabling the RT’s GPS release mechanism using the bike’s central locking feature. For $219.95 and a couple hours in installation time, you get a handy and worthwhile feature that BMW should have provided in the first place.

For more information call (828) 489-3747 or visit wunderlichamerica.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Rider critical after crash with utility

A 35-year-old male rider from Caboolture is in a critical condition after a crash with a white Ford Ranger utility at Caboolture yesterday (5 May 2020).

Queensland Police say the crash happened at 2.15pm when the Kawasaki KLX450 and utility were travelling north on Beerburrum Road near Caboolture Show Grounds.

The rider was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.

His current condition is not known. Our sincere best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

The 40-year-old male driver from Petrie and his 28-year-old male passenger from Warner were not physically injured in the crash.

Forensic Crash Unit officers are asking anyone who may witnessed the crash, or who may have dash cam footage to contact police.

Investigations are continuing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP2000926738 within the online suspicious activity form.

Utility crashes

Ute does runnerUte backs over bike without seeing it

Only last week we published yet another accident report involving a motorcycle and utility.

Without suggesting any blame for these incidents, it seems that a lot of motorcycle crashes involve a ute.

Just do a search for “ute crash” on our website and you will see.

We suggest riders exercise extra caution when riding near utilities and trucks.

Ute drivers often use them as their work vehicle and may be distracted by calls involving their work.

They can also be loaded up with equipment and tools that could illegally disrupt a clear view of a small motorcycle in traffic.

You should also be aware that in some states, such as Victoria, there is no legal requirement for these drivers to cover their load.

So watch out for hazardous objects that could fall out of them.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Patent suggests Honda set to build CB4X

Honda has filed patent designs for a bike that seem to suggest they will build the CB4X concept shown at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last November.

Honda CB4X concept patent (1)New patent drawing

CB4X patent

Not a lot is known about the concept and the patent filing doesn’t reveal any extra details.

It appears to have a mid-capacity engine, possibly an old 600cc engine from the CBR600RR, but down-tuned to meet Euro5 emissions targets.

That is a good way to use old engines. Ducati has successfully done that with its 03cc and 1100cc Scramblers, using old Monster engines.

At EICMA, Honda described the CB4X as blending sports, naked and touring, although it doesn’t look like much of a touring bike to me.

However, it does have an adjustable windscreen. 

Honda CB4X

The CB4X also features a diamond-shaped headlight, daytime running lights, aluminium subframe, sharp tail and 17-inch front wheel.Honda CB4X

CB4X design

The bike has been designed by Valerio Aiello and his team of young designers at the Japanese company’s Rome centre for design and research.Honda CB4X

Honda’s official EICMA press release said:

The CB4X features flowing, yet compact lines, designed to enhance the contrasting personality of a motorcycle that’s born to use every day on urban routes, and on carving mountain bends or long journeys on the weekend.

The fuel tank hunches forward, like a cobra ready to attack its prey.

The Honda CB4X is an idea dedicated to those riders who live for sports riding – but don’t want to give up the possibility of relaxing, two-up travel experiences whenever or wherever.

Unfortunately, it’s not the six-cylinder CBX that Honda filed patent drawings (below) in 2018 that looks a little like its 1980s six-cylinder CBX with a bubble fairing.

Honda CBX six-cylinderPatent drawings

But don’t get too excited yet about the CB4X or CBX.

As we know, Honda has been busy with a lot of patents for various bikes, engines and innovations in recent years.

They include the recent 850cc parallel twin which could be destined for a smaller Africa Twin.

Obviously not all will go into production. It seems more likely Honda is intent on protecting its intellectual property.

Other recent Honda patents include:

Forks Goldwing patentGoldwing forks patent

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda Offers Home Delivery of Powersports Products

Honda Gold Wing home delivery

In light of personal travel restrictions, social distancing recommendations and heightened concern with the COVID-19 outbreak, American Honda and its dealer network have implemented temporary measures regarding remote delivery of Honda Powersports products.

To facilitate purchases of Honda Powersports products by customers who aren’t able or prefer not to enter a dealership, American Honda is temporarily suspending its requirements for delivery of new units at the dealership. Instead, customers will be able to complete the entire purchase process without leaving their home or business.

A number of conditions are in place to ensure that a first-rate purchase experience is maintained, that federal, state and local vehicle and dealer regulations are followed, and that dealers’ sales and service agreements are respected.

“This is an unprecedented time for everyone, and we’re pleased to work closely with our dealer network in order to adopt this temporary home-delivery option for our customers,” said Chuck Boderman, Motorcycle Division Vice President at American Honda. “The pandemic has caused significant disruptions for everyone, but hopefully this temporary policy will streamline the purchase process for some customers.”

Depending on state or local regulations, dealers may or may not be offering home delivery, so interested customers should contact their local dealer to confirm, and for additional details on Honda’s home-delivery policy.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

MotoGP Wants to Start in July

Our man Mat Oxley is reporting Dorna wants to kick things off in July, in Spain, with the first three spectator-free races at Jerez, Aragon and Catalunya.

Oxley writes: “Two weeks ago our plan was to start in August at the Red Bull Ring,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, speaking to the MotoGP Roundtable podcast yesterday. “We still have the dates for Brno [August 9] and Austria [August 16], so we will do those races if we can, but if we can start earlier in Spain then we will. We need two or three more weeks to decide definitively. We think we can propose the calendar more clearly in the third or fourth week of May.

“In principal the first scenario is to start at the end of July and concentrate on making races in Europe, moving around a maximum of five countries, with ten to 11 races. At some circuits we will have one race, at others we will have two races on consecutive weekends. Then we will stop for one week and then change circuits.

Most likely the 2020 MotoGP championship will start with races at JerezAragon and Barcelona, because crossing borders is likely to be the biggest problem in making the season happen.”

Oxley’s whole report is here at MotorSportmagazine.com.

The post MotoGP Wants to Start in July appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.