Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Let’s Prepare Now to Ride Again Soon

AMA MIC MSF logo

During the COVID-19 outbreak, riders everywhere are anxious to see a return to normal so that we can head out to our favorite trails, scenic roadways, and motorcycling events.

For now, many of us are following directives to stay at home. Others live in areas where riding may be limited but still possible. We encourage each of you to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions, and take all necessary precautions.

For those of us waiting for the “all-clear,” this is the time to prepare to ride again. While some riders do routine maintenance at home, many others may be wondering when their local dealer will reopen for business. The fact is, dealers in most states are available now to provide parts, service, and sales in one form or another.

If you need these services now, or anticipate that you will need them soon, we urge you to contact your local dealer today to determine how they can help you. Your dealer can put your mind at ease by telling you the measures they are taking to ensure your safety, such as phone or online orders, social distancing, drop-off procedures, and more.

Another advantage to contacting your dealer now is that you can schedule the services you need in advance, avoiding the inevitable delays that will occur when everyone starts contacting their dealers once authorities issue the all-clear signal.

If you are shopping for a new bike, some manufacturers are offering home delivery programs, so be sure to ask your dealer about that, too.

Riders can also stay sharp and keep learning at home with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s online library.  Most educational materials are free, including a fun MSF Rider Perception Challenge. Riders visiting the MSF’s YouTube channel can also take a dozen narrated virtual rides to learn about street strategies.

Also, for a limited time digital issues of American Motorcyclist magazine can be viewed online for free at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/Members-Magazine-Archive, providing news and features about rights, riding, racing and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Finally, share what you have learned with your riding friends and family. Here at the AMA, the MIC, and the MSF, we will continue to share the latest news through email and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Stay well and ride safe.

Rob Dingman
President and CEO
American Motorcyclist Association
@ama_riding 
Erik Pritchard
President and CEO
Motorcycle Industry Council
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
@followMIC, @MSF__USA

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Marty Smith: 1956-2020

AMA Hall of Famer and the first ever AMA 125cc National Motocross Champion Marty Smith and his wife, Nancy, have died in a dune buggy accident.

The Smiths were riding in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (a.k.a. the Glamis Dunes) when the dune buggy they were driving rolled over.

In a Facebook post, former motocross racer Lee Ramage said he and his wife Tammi were riding in the buggy with the Smiths when the accident happened. Ramage says he and his wife were unhurt and attended their friends, waiting for first responders to arrive.

Marty Smith won three national titles, the 1974 and 1975 125cc championships and the 1977 500cc championship. Smith won 18 career nationals, and was one of the few to win in the 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes, as well as in Trans AMA competition. Smith also won the 125cc U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross in 1975 and 1976.

Smith won all of his championships with Honda, and was a fixture in the company’s advertising with his trademark long flowing hair. In 1980, Smith began riding with Suzuki, retiring after the 1981 season.

The San Diego native was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2000. You can read more about his life on the Hall of Fame’s website.

Marty and Nancy Smith are survived by their three children, Jillyin, Brooke and Tyler.

The post Marty Smith: 1956-2020 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

New Gear: Sidi Aria Gore-Tex Boots

Sidi Aria Gore-Tex men's motorcycle boots

Sidi’s Aria is a men’s touring boot made of Cordura nylon, TPU and Technomicro, with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and a nonslip sole. Its nylon composite inner sole has a removable arch support pad, and protection includes a heel cup, a toe cup, a shin plate, internal ankle ball pads, a toe shift pad and double stitching in all high-stress areas. Velcro and zipper closure system with an elastic panel ensures bind-free zipping and a secure fit. Available in European sizes 41-48 for $249.99.

See your dealer or visit motonation.com

Source: RiderMagazine.com

BMW M Safety Cars: over 20 years in MotoGP™

Beginning their partnership with Dorna Sports in 1999, BMW M have been on hand with 23 different models of safety car – the latest being the BMW M8 (F93) MotoGP™ Safety Car. Two BMW S 1000 RR superbikes – the same model Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty compete with in WorldSBK – also make up the fleet as BMW M’s continued support doesn’t go unnoticed or unrecognised. Without the safety cars, MotoGP™ wouldn’t be able to go racing.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Davide Gallina becomes Pramac Racing eSport Rider for 2020

Francesco Guidotti, Team Manager of Pramac Racing gave his thoughts, “It’s a new aspect of our world and we’ll make our best effort and dedication as we are used to do. We couldn’t stay away from this anymore, this new project intrigues and fascinates us.” adding “We totally trust in Davide’s performances, we’ll have fun!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Virtual GP and TWFL: together, we achieve more

But it’s more than just a Virtual Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The event is being held in aid of Two Wheels for Life’s – MotoGP™’s official charity – new campaign. The goal is raising funds for their vital work fighting coronavirus on two wheels – ensuring the delivery of test results, education and equipment to hard to reach communities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other dangerous diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Virtual GP and Two Wheels: together, we achieve more

But it’s more than just a Virtual Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The event is being held in aid of Two Wheels for Life’s – MotoGP™’s official charity – new campaign. The goal is raising funds for their vital work fighting coronavirus on two wheels – ensuring the delivery of test results, education and equipment to hard to reach communities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other dangerous diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Red Bull Virtual GP of Spain: where to watch

Broadcast partners showing coverage of the event will include Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Viasat in Sweden, NBC in the USA, Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America, Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India, Fox Asia, Fox Australia, TEN, and SuperSport across Africa.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Why is Rossi not in the Virtual Spanish Grand Prix?

“I enjoyed it very much,” said the nine-time World Champion, reflecting on his virtual debut. “It was good! I’m not very fast on the game because I am old. I grew up with the PlayStation after my mother gave me it, so I’ve played from when I was very young. But normally I play with cars. So, I’m not that competitive on MotoGP. I did some training the week before though and honestly, I enjoyed it so much. The top guys like Pecco and Maverick are so fast but I had good fun, especially my battle with Petrucci until the last corner. I was on the limit definitely; I was a little bit over the limit but we’re still friends.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Grab a coffee, but don’t congregate

Queensland riders have been urged not to congregate around cafes when they stop for a takeaway coffee while out on a recreational ride from this Saturday.

Restrictions are being eased from Saturday (2 May 2020) to allow riders to travel 50km for leisure.

Cafe owners on popular motorcycle routes are encouraging riders to stop and grab a takeaway coffee or brekky roll, so long as they don’t congregate.

Mt Glorious Cafe owner Hugh Douglas plans to reopen for takeaways only on Saturday and Sunday to gauge support.

The cafe closed a few weeks ago after one “nasty” neighbour complained to police that riders were congregating.

Do not congregate

Pandemic ride responsibly“We will put up signs asking riders not to congregate,” Hugh says.

“But we are hoping we won’t get closed down again like last time.

“There was one nasty person who lives down the road who took photos of riders congregating outside and sent them to the police.

“We had a few visits from the police who told us we must not cause people to congregate.

“But it’s pretty hard for riders to go too far with a takeaway coffee on a bike.

“In the end, we had to close down. But with this new 50km rule we will reopen and try again.

“So long as riders stand 1.5m apart how is it any different from people lining up to get into Bunnings?”

Restrictions easedMt Glorious pass overtake over solid white lines warning

From Saturday 2 May, Queenslanders can ride for recreation up to 50km radius from their home, but not across any borders

Riders are advised that social distancing still applies which means no congregating at stops.

They must also ride in ones or twos or with several members of the same household.

You can also ride for compassionate reasons to visit a relative or close friend. No distance form home is stipulated.

Police have been ordered to use “compassion”, so make sure your reason for riding is legitimate.

The Health Minister’s office says pillions would not be allowed because they couldn’t keep 1.5m distance.

However, we would find it difficult to believe anyone could be fined for having a partner, or a member of their close family or household as a pillion.

State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski says police will “assist people to understand the new rules but will still enforce flagrant breaches”.

“Police will be understanding but this isn’t an invitation for people to undo everyone’s hard work,” he says.

We saw Sydney beaches opened up last week only to be quickly closed again when they became crowded.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com