Category Archives: Motorcycle News

Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain: the line-up

The line-ups for the Red Bull Virtual Grand Prix of Spain are certainly star studded as the sport shows its support. The MotoGP™ grid will be 11 riders and they’ll compete over 13 laps – the equivalent of 50% of race distance – whilst the Moto2™ and Moto3™ grids both comprise 10 riders competing over eight laps, which is 35% of race distance. In addition, for the first time since its release on the 23rd of April, the riders will now be playing on the new official MotoGP™20 Videogame from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone. 

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Sharing a motorhome with Miller: as dangerous as MotoGP™?

While competing in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships respectively, Viñales and Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller shared a motorhome. A scary prospect, right? Two teenagers travelling the world together, racing motorcycles and sharing accommodation… “In 2014 and the beginning of ’15 we shared a motorhome. It was fun,” explained Viñales. “We were organised and we slept the hours we needed to, that was important. We were okay.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Biaggi: normal childhood to national icon

“I was 44 years old, still on the podium in World Superbike and I watched on the podium, Jonathan Rea was winning at 26 years old, and 27 was Chaz Davies in 2nd, and me 44. What I mean is, something is wrong here, I shouldn’t be here. So I said Ok, this is my last one, but I was happy.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

NSW Premier confirms riding is exercise

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today admitted on Sydney radio riding a motorcycle is exercise and therefore legal.

She says NSW Police have not booked anybody, because riding a motorcycle is “akin to riding an exercise bike”.

When the lockdown first started we contacted the Prime Minister’s office, the national coronavirus hotline and the state premiers’ offices and state health departments to ask if riding was classified as exercise.

They all agreed it was.

However, police in several states disagreed.

Isn’t it time we had some consensus on this issue from all premiers and police departments?

The Australian Motorcycle Council says they are “always pleased to see recognition by government authorities of motorcycling in any form, but especially the recent statements from Queensland and NSW acknowledging that motorcycling is allowed in the current COVID19 restrictions”.

“Most other states and territories also allow recreational riding in some form, and we can only hope that the more reluctant state government of Victoria join this nationwide approval and allow Victorian riders to get out safely and without risk to others,” their statement says.

After all, riding a motorcycle is both a physical and mental exercise.

The mental side cannot be stressed highly enough. Experts expecting a wave of depression if riders are cooped up for too long.

Police view

NSW motorcycle police pursuitsNSW motorcycle police

However, NSW Police have further interpreted the rules to say people can leave their house for “brief exercise in your own neighbourhood”.

But you can ride to visit a “partner” with whom you don’t live.

So it’s not a free-for-all under the pretence of exercise.

Gladys’s  claim that police have not fined riders is not correct.

On Thursday (9 April 2020), a motorcyclist was stopped by police on Oxford Street, Gateshead.

Officers spoke with the 36-year-old man, who allegedly provided “multiple conflicting reasons for not being home before stating he was on his way to help a friend fix a bike”.

The officers deemed his reasons for travel as non-essential and issued the man with a $1000 fine.

50km limit

Meanwhile, Queensland will allow riders back on their motorcycles for a ride up to a 50km radius from home from next Saturday (2 May 2020).

For most Brisbane riders, that would mean they would get half way up Mt Glorious before having to turn back.

Gold Coast riders would get to Beechmont for a coffee before turning around while Sunshine Coast riders would be able to explore the Blackall Ranges.

Of course, you still can’t cross the border and come back without a special permit and 14 days of isolation!

For a rough guide to a 50km radius from your house, click here.

restrictionsGoogle Maps shows how far Ipswich riders can go.

Policing restrictions

It is unknown if Queensland Police will strictly patrol the 50km rule.

Queensland Police  says they will “continue to educate and show compassion when engaging with members of the public during these unprecedented times as we all work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19”.

Let’s hope the compassion extends to riders.

But we expect police to have a heavy presence on popular motorcycle routes next weekend.

Flagrant breaches

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.

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

Riders and pillions will have to ride on their own or with one other rider or with several members of the same household.

Easing of restrictions in Victoria may depend on how well Queensland goes.

In Tasmania you can visit a family member and in the ACT you can visit anyone so long as there are not more than two of you visiting at the one time.

ACT Police are not yet issuing COVID-19 infringement notices as they are prioritising public education over coercive sanctions.

In South Australia and Northern Territory there are no fines for leaving the house for non-essential reasons, however unnecessary socialisation is discouraged.

West Australian riders can ride within nine zones, but not cross from one to the other. However, riders can now meet in groups of up to 10 so long as they maintain correct 1.5m social distance.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pandemic leads to speed epidemic

Traffic offences are understandably down as there are fewer vehicles on the road, but the lockdown is also creating lonely roads where motorists are hitting some ridiculous speeds.

We have seen several reports of high-speed police pursuits around there world, but the highest speed was clocked by a Nebraska motorcyclist at 170mph (273km/h).

The rider tried to exit an interstate but lost control of his Honda motorcycle and slid down an embankment. The state trooper dragged him out of a pool of leaked fuel and slapped him with a fine for suspicion of wilful reckless driving and flight to avoid arrest, among other offences.

Aussie hi-jinks

Some riders in Australia are also taking advantage of the lonely roads, often with late-night and early morning high-speed runs. 

Two 20-something motorcyclists riding at speeds up to 200km/h have been charged following two separate pursuits with NSW Police in Sydney’s south west in recent days.

NSW Police say that during the lockdown there has been a 40% increase in high-range speeding offences over 30km/h and 45km/h compared with the same period last year.

Queensland Police gave us three examples of high-speed riders who recently copped high-range speeding offences costing $1245 and eight demerit points:

  • On April 1 around 4.14pm a 31-year-old man riding a Harley Davidson was allegedly detected travelling 194km/h in 100 zone on Logan Motorway at Larapinta;
  • On April 2 around 10am a 37-year-old man on a Yahmaha motorcycle was allegedly detected travelling 126km/h in a 60 zone on to Logan Motorway onramp at Drewvale; and
  • On April 6 around 10.30am a 61-year-old man on a Honda was detected travelling 102km/h in a 60 zone on Tamborine Oxenford Road at Wongawallen.

Test of restraint

restrictionsGoogle Maps shows how far Ipswich riders can go.

This weekend, Queensland will allow riders to travel 50km from their home for recreation.

It is among several relaxation measures that will be used as a test to see if the public can exercise some restraint and control.

Authorities say they will penalise flagrant abuses.

They may also penalise the rest of the community by tightening restrictions again if too many people flout the rules as we saw last week when Sydney opened beaches only to close them again after they became overcrowded.

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says riding a motorcycle is exercise and therefore legal.

She says NSW Police have not booked anybody for riding a motorbike, “because that is akin to riding an exercise bike”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Suzuka 8 Hour pushed back to November 1

FIM Endurance World Championship

The 2020 Suzuka 8 Hours initially scheduled to be held on 19 July 2020 has been pushed back to a new date: Sunday 1 November.

Kaoru Tanaka, President of Mobilityland Corporation

“We had been preparing for the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race to be held in July, but have decided to postpone it in consideration of the current situation in which there is prohibition of large-scale events that attract large numbers of people and restriction of travel is expected to continue to increase in European countries. We ask for the kind understanding of all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours for this unavoidable postponement and of all the other stakeholders involved in this race event. We will make due preparations so that we can welcome the start of the event on November 1st together with all the fans and stakeholders involved in this event.”

With border entry restrictions currently in effect in Japan making it impossible for Suzuka to host teams and riders from countries affected by coronavirus, the race has been postponed to later in the year.

Historically held in summer, ever since the first edition in 1978, the Suzuka 8 Hours will take place for the very first time in Autumn in 2020. In close collaboration with race organizer Mobilityland, the iconic Japanese race was promoted to the status of FIM EWC grand finale in 2017.

Jorge Viegas, FIM President

“Who would have ever imagined that the 8 Hours of Suzuka would have to be postponed just a few weeks ago? However, we must keep strong and do whatever is in our power to return to racing, as soon as possible, without taking any unnecessary risks. I am sure that the faithful spectators of Suzuka will enjoy a great show again and that this iconic race will retain its special place in the FIM Endurance World Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the efforts of the Japanese Motorcycling Federation (MFJ), Mobilityland Corporation and of course Eurosport Events!”

As the FIM EWC season final event, the 8-hour race will benefit from the bonus of 150% of the points.

FIM EWC Calendar

FIM EWC Calendar

Updated 2020 FIM EWC Calendar

The FIM, Eurosport Events and the various race organizers have together restructured the ongoing season calendar to ensure the number of races initially scheduled in the championship take place. The 2019-2020 season will therefore continue with the 24 Heures Motos (29 and 30 August 2020) followed by the Bol d’Or (19 and 20 September), and conclude with the FIM EWC grand finale at Suzuka on 1 November. 

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events

“The global health crisis, the logistical constraints resulting from Japan’s entry restrictions and our priority to protect the health of everyone involved in the FIM EWC, have made it necessary to postpone the Suzuka 8 Hours. Praise is due to Mobilityland for adapting the Suzuka calendar to ensure that this major race in the championship remains Japan’s biggest celebration for motorcycling fans. To help teams with their logistics requirements in the opening phase of the 2020-2021 FIM EWC season, we will push back the date of the 8 Hours of Sepang to January if necessary, just ahead of the customary SBK/GP pre- tests on the circuit.”

FIM EWC Suzuka Hour FCC TSR Honda France

FIM EWC Suzuka Hour FCC TSR Honda France

FCC TSR Honda France at the 2019 Suzuka 8 Hour
Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati and MV ease back to production

Ducati and MV Agusta will ease back into production again from today in “phase 2” restrictions after an almost six-week lockdown due to the coronavirus.

While supply of some models will take some time to meet orders, the good news is that R&D on new models has continued largely unabated by staff working remotely.

The factories join several other manufacturers in gradually returning to full production over the next few weeks in factories that have been disinfected and reorganised to provide more space between workers who will wear masks.

It may take several weeks to wind back up to full production with some delays on new models and spare parts.

UPDATE: Piaggio which makes Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, will resume production on 4 May 2020 when the national lockdown decree expires.

Strict rulesDUCATI MOTOR HOLDING premium

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali says they have paid close attention to strict rules of compliance.

“It will be an extremely difficult year but starting up again is still a beginning,” he says.

“We have a lot of orders for the Streetfighter V4, for the Multistrada GT and for the Panigale V2.

“The motorbike is a perfect vehicle for ‘phase two’: no parking problems and distancing guaranteed; safety and fun at the same time.”

The gradual improvement in health conditions and a reduction of infections and deaths in Italy has allowed the government to ease restrictions on factories making goods for export.

Phase 2 will allow a gradual return to production.

Ducati factory

In Ducati’s case it starts with workshop staff, followed by engine assembly workers and from tomorrow (28 April 2020), motorcycle assembly workers. 

The production has been reorganised, going from an eight-hour shift to two seven-hour shifts to reduce the number of people in the plant at the same time.

Employees in the commercial, marketing, IT, personnel management, finance, purchasing and logistics areas will continue to work from home.

Technicians engaged in Research and Development activities who cannot do their work from home had already returned to work.

That includes engineers in the engine test rooms, motorcycle testers and laboratory testers.

All designers, project managers, and those in the calculation department will work remotely. This will ensure the deliveries of Ducati motorcycles and the development of new products.

Public visits to the factory remain closed as is the upstairs museum.

Ducati museum - Buyers ducati world theme parkThe factory Ducati museum

Ducati sales

Claudio says the stop in production in March and April has already had “negative effects on sales”. 

“The Chinese market is already booming, sales in Korea and Japan are doing well. In Germany, dealers have been open for a week and we already have a major shortage of product. 

“I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce at least in part the negative effects of the lockdown that we were forced to respect, unfortunately at the worst time.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Twisted ASBK Interviews | Cru Halliday

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 talk to Cru Halliday.


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

Cru Halliday: “I wouldn’t say dirty, but most aggressive is Troy Herfoss, dirtiest against me personally, probably Daniel Falzon.”

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

Cru: “That’s a no brainer, Daniel Falzon.”

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

Cru: “Probably Mat Mladin, he would pack some power out of those cannons.”

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Cru Halliday pit lane

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Cru Halliday pit lane

Cru Halliday at the Wakefield Park ASBK Test – Image TDJ


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

Cru: “The best looking one.”

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

Cru: “Brodie Malouf, in the 600 class, he’s a grub.”

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

Cru: “I’m gonna get punched over this and he’s my team-mate, but I’d have to say Aiden Wagner.”

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK FP Cru HALLIDAY

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK FP Cru HALLIDAY

Cru Halliday – SMP 2019 – Image by Rob Mott


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

Cru: “I’m going to have to go with Glenn Allerton.”

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

Cru: “It’s not Mad Mike, there’s nothing mad about him. I’d have to say Wayne Train.”

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK R Grid Cru Halliday Troy Herfoss FinalRnd

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens SBK R Grid Cru Halliday Troy Herfoss FinalRnd

Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott


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

Cru: “Barbagallo.”

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

Cru: “That’s a hard one… probably the stadium section at Tailem Bend.”

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

Cru: “Every corner at Phillip Island.”

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

Cru: “That could be any of the top 10 riders, anyone… Mike Jones, Turn 1, Phillip Island, as I’d like to see the Yamaha go past that dude for once.”

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK R Cru Halliday

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK R Cru Halliday

Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott


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

Cru: “Cat, because I’m a pussy.”

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

Cru: “Probably to be honest, the BMW team, I wouldn’t ask Maxwell.”

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

Cru: “More than likely speeding.”

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Race Grid Cru Halliday

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Race Grid Cru Halliday

Cru Halliday on the grid at the 2020 ASBK season opener – Image by Rob Mott


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

Cru: “How To Not Grow Up”

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

Cru: “I can’t swear on this… humble, laid back and loving.”

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

Cru: “Probably a house, have to be a house, or another lotto ticket.”

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Cru HALLIDAY

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Cru HALLIDAY

Cru Halliday – Image by Rob Mott


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

Cru: “Probably my 600 from 2018, because it was a championship I won in ASBK.”

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

Cru: “Grow old, put some money on the dogs in the TAB, sink some schooners and wear a wife-beater.”

ASBK TBG Rnd Winton Halliday TBG

ASBK TBG Rnd Winton Halliday TBG

Cru Halliday won the Australian Supersport Championship with Yamaha in 2018 – STBG Image
Source: MCNews.com.au

Yamaha TMAX 560 Review | Scooter Tests

Yamaha TMAX 560 Test

Motorcycle Test by Wayne Vickers – Image Rob Mott


Scooters. They’ve not quite established themselves in Australia as well as they have in Europe. Admittedly the boom in home delivery services has given them a proper sales nudge and I reckon the tide is turning. It’s easy to see why. They’re light, convenient, great in city traffic and for ducking about on. And then there’s the Maxi Scooter category, like the Yamaha TMAX 560. More of everything. Size, comfort, power, room, storage, pillion accommodation, everything. I spent some time on the new Tmax to try and get a feel for it.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Wayne tries the T-Max 560 on for size

You certainly notice the size straight away. It’s a big jigger. Positively massive in width across the seat. It’s like wrapping your legs around a horse. In fact I found myself sliding forwards a little on the seat when I knew I had to come to a stop, just so I could more easily put my foot down. For reference I’m just under 6ft (a smidge over 180cm). I guess that width is a by-product of having the very handy double helmet storage capacity under the seat, but it instantly conveys that this isn’t a nimble little urban jobby – it’s something different. That generous seat width also makes it a very comfy place to spend some time. Even longer haul highway hauls proved no issue at all.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens Airoh

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens Airoh

Generous under-seat storage on the T-Max 560

There’s a couple of important buttons on the bars to be aware of, one to power on and unlock (on the left), and one to power off and lock (on the right). The unlock also allows access to the fuel cap and cavernous underseat storage when the engine isn’t running. Otherwise it’s an auto-lock arrangement which is handy. And no you can’t accidentally lock your keys in there as it’s a fob set-up. So that’s sorted.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560 controls

The start up procedure is pretty straight forward, if a little different, due to the CVT gearbox meaning that there’s no neutral. So the bike can only be started after tapping the unlock button and then thumbing the starter button on the right to wake it up and fire the grunty little parallel twin into life. It’s worth noting that it will only fire up if you have the side stand up and at least one of the brakes engaged. So you either have to be already sitting on it before starting it up – or if you like to let the engine warm up while you put your helmet and gloves on like I do, then you need to throw it on the centre stand. Worth noting for those that park their bike nose in to the shed like I do. Give yourself some room to rock it off the centre stand if that’s your plan.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

As the CVT needs no clutch, in its place is a rear brake lever. Just like a mountain bike. Easy peasy. And decent brakes they are too. ABS jobbies at both ends with two calipers on the back (one activated by a park brake lever on the left of the bars). The ABS system works well, on both tarmac and gravel. Although to be fair, the TMAX’s smaller wheels make for a fairly exciting ride on loose sandy gravel with corrugations… Not really designed for that. Speaking of suspension – it’s fit for the job and all but the bigger hits are soaked up quite nicely. Bigger potholes do pass through a bit of a whack though. I think that’s as much to do with the feet forward riding position which means you can’t brace for impact or quickly lift your arse off the seat – so your butt and spine cop the load.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

On the go the TMAX is a genuinely fun thing. That little twin and CVT combo offers a deceptive amount of performance. It positively slingshots from a stand-still and certainly brings a grin to your face as you rocket away from the lights. Wind that throttle on and it’ll sing at around 5 and a half grand or a little more and seamlessly pile on the speed. Ignore the power output as it doesn’t tell you the full story. It’s easily as quick if not quicker than a 100 hp bike with a regular box out of the blocks. And it’ll pull pretty much all the way around that analogue speedo…

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

That dash is one of my gripes though. Extremely reflective covers on both the speedo and tacho meant that on my commute which is into the sun each direction, the dials were at times nearly unreadable – all I could see was the reflection of my own chest. And the LCD screen in the middle seems like a bit of a missed opportunity.. Lots of space for not much more useful info other than a gear indicator and fuel gauge. Oh well. There is a handy little compartment on the right with a power outlet though – big enough for your phone, sunnies, wallet and probably a can of coke. Easily charge your phone while you’re on the go. Nice.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

Styling wise I reckon it cuts a pretty good figure too. Very Euro looking. Sure there’s plenty of plastic, with a few different materials (all quite good quality) but it’s surfaced quite nicely. I am fairly partial to the satin paint look too. Most bugs came off fairly easily with just a blast of the karcher too – without needing any detergent so I’d assume living with it long term wouldn’t be too much of a chore keeping it clean and looking mint.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

The generous fairing and screen offer terrific protection from the wind and weather, with no buffeting at any speed. And there’s plenty of room to stretch the pins out and stick them well forward. It’s honestly an odd feeling at first for someone who doesn’t see much scooter time – and certainly when combined with the Tmax’s low centre of gravity it makes it a little weird dynamically until you get used to it. You just need a little time to adapt and then you’re away and having fun.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

Two-up it would be a fine thing no doubt with all that seat acreage available. Solid grab rails would make day trips a doddle for your pillion. And range is bang on 300ks if you throw in a bit of highway work, so you’d easily throw some distance down in a day.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

I know plenty of folks who rate these pretty highly and I can see why. At the same time I’m in two minds. There’s plenty to like about it, but then it also doesn’t have the agility that makes smaller scooters such a giggle amongst traffic. So as a category the Maxi’s are competing against ‘regular’ bikes in my mind. And at 16 and a half grand it has plenty of serious competition, even from within Yamaha’s own ranks. The MT09SP is a serious chunk of change less and that’s a hell of a bike. One you could throw some luggage on if you chose to… And if you wanted more flexibility again, then the Tracer GT is not a lot more coin at 20 and a half. But I’m probably showing my personal biases there. There’s a reason these things are popular in Europe…

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

Final word. As I was returning the bike I bumped into another TMAX mounted rider. Needless to say he was fairly interested in the new model. After we exchanged pleasantries I asked him what it was that drew him to the Maxi scoot. ‘It’s just perfect! Plenty of storage for shopping or day trips. I can just jump on it and go anytime without much thought. And the girl loves being on the back – she’s much more comfortable on these than regular bikes.’ Can’t argue with that.

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMax RbMotoLens

Yamaha TMAX 560

Why I like it
Cuts a stylishly Euro look.
Surprisingly quick. No seriously!
Massive underseat storage. And in dash storage too.
Enviable protection from the elements
I’d like it even more if
Is it too big?
That dash needs a rethink
It ain’t cheap

Yamaha TMAX 560 Specifications

Engine
Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Displacement  562 cc
Bore x Stroke  70 mm x 73 mm
Compression Ratio 10.9 : 1
Lubrication System Dry Sump
Fuel Management Fuel Injection
Ignition TCI
Starter System Electric
Fuel Tank Capacity 15.0 L
Final Transmission Belt
Transmission  V-Belt Automatic
Chassis
Frame Type Aluminium CF die-cast
Suspension Front Telescopic forks, 120mm travel
Suspension Rear Swingarm, 117mm travel
Brakes Front Hydraulic dual discs, 267mm – ABS
Brakes Rear Hydraulic single disc, 282mm – ABS
Tyres Front 120/70R15M/C 56H Tubeless
Tyres Rear 160/60R15M/C 67H Tubeless
Dimensions
Length  2200 mm
Width 765 mm
Height 1420 mm / 1555 mm
Seat Height 800 mm
Wheelbase 1575 mm
Ground Clearance 125 mm
Wet Weight 218 kg
RRP $16,599 +ORC

Yamaha TMAX 560 Images

By Rob Mott

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati kicks production back into gear today in Bologna

Ducati head back to work

In compliance with the regulatory protocol for measures to combat and contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the workplace, Ducati temporarily suspended production in its Bologna plant on Friday 13 March to reorganise production schedules. Then came the decree that suspended all non-essential activities and therefore, despite the organisation being ready, production did not restart.

The gradual improvement in health conditions has allowed the government today to enable companies deemed strategic for the national economy, whose activity is mainly aimed at exports, and for which a prolongation of the suspension would risk losing our country additional market shares, to resume production.

This is a first phase of return, which at the moment will only involve a part of the workers destined for the production lines. Workshop staff will begin first, then engine assembly workers and, from Tuesday 28 April, motorcycle assembly workers.

As for employees, the use of smart working will remain mandatory, only those who are not in a position to carry out their work from home will be allowed to access the factory. All resources employed in the commercial, marketing, IT, personnel management, finance, purchasing and logistics areas will therefore be working remotely.

The production has been reorganised, going from an eight-hour shift to two seven-hour shifts to allow the minimum number of people to be inside the plant at the same time and thus minimize possible contact. The canteen will be active but with one seat for every four chairs.

The technicians engaged in Research and Development activities who cannot do their work from home were already at work as allowed by the specific ATECO code: therefore the engineers of the engine test rooms, those who carry out motorcycle tests and those who carry out laboratory testing are all present at Borgo Panigale.

All designers, project managers, and those in the calculation department will work remotely. This will ensure the deliveries of Ducati motorcycles and the development of new products.

All the rules of conduct in force in Ducati comply with the updated shared protocol of April 24, and for some points they are even more restrictive. For example, inside the company there is an absolute requirement to use masks, regardless of distancing. The entire Ducati protocol is the result of the work of a joint commission between the company and the RSU (unified worker representation body) that was formed on February 23, just two days after the discovery of the first infected person in Italy.

Many of the measures inserted are the result of a careful analysis of the protocols used in the Chinese plants of the VW Group, in particular the FAW-VW of Chanchung, where production was suspended only for one week but where strict protection, distancing and sanitizing measures are still in force.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO

“We are ready to go, we have worked hard over the past few weeks to minimize any risk. Despite this we will have to be extremely cautious and rigorous. The virus is still in circulation and we must therefore be careful to combat any possible form of transmission. This is the reason why all the people present in the factory will wear masks, we must protect the population from the presence of asymptomatic positives who, although in a very small percentage, are present today and will not be identified by the mandatory temperature test.

“Serological tests can help but they represent only a snapshot; they should be repeated every day before entry, and this is obviously extremely difficult. This is why masks and distancing are so important.

“We will obviously adapt the protocols to the evolution of the health situation and to the indications given by the State and the Emilia-Romagna Region. We have been in constant touch with President Bonaccini, whom I thank for the support, with councillor Colla and with commissioner Venturi to prepare us better for this eventuality.

“The two-wheel market is highly seasonal, and the stop to production in March and April has already had negative effects on sales. The Chinese market is already booming, sales in Korea and Japan are doing well. In Germany, dealers have been open for a week and we already have a major shortage of product. I really believe that this restart can allow us to reduce at least in part the negative effects of the lockdown that we were forced to respect, unfortunately at the worst time.

“We have a splendid order book: the brand-new Streetfighter V4 just launched has obtained unanimous approval from the specialised press and is the undisputed queen of the category. Unfortunately, production was halted just one month after the start. Then there are also many orders for the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour and for the Panigale V2. We also have the empty warehouses of the Multistrada 950 and Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO.

“I am convinced that in this ‘phase two’, the bike will prove to be an extraordinary means of combining fun, passion and the possibility of having a vehicle with which to spend the weekend but also to move around quickly and safely in the city, without any problems of parking or social distancing. I want to thank all Ducati employees who have patiently and collaboratively managed this very anomalous phase and are supporting us in the management of the restart.”

Despite the reopening of the production lines, Ducati confirms that visits to the Museum, Factory and Fisica in Moto continue to be suspended until further notice, in addition to entry into the factory being prohibited for suppliers, dealers, external contracted companies, and external staff in general, unless proven and unavoidably required for the continuity of production activities, product development and general services.

Ducati Panigale V S

Ducati Panigale V S

Ducati Panigale V4 S
Source: MCNews.com.au