Category Archives: Motorcycle News

How BMW S 1000 XR meets emissions targets

Many of the upgraded models shown at the EICMA motorcycle show are lighter, mainly to meet the tougher Euro5 emissions regulations which come into force next year.

One example is the BMW S 1000 XR which largely meets the emissions targets by shaving 10kg off the total weight.

However, they say they also manage to make the bike “faster” with a more linear torque.

Emissions ‘cheat’?BMW S 1000 XR emissions

Apart from the diet, the transmission has also been adjusted with higher rations in fourth, fifth, and sixth gears. That is what makes it “faster” in top gear.

The higher gearing also helps the bike meet the tough regulations which prescribe a certain cycle of revs, gears and speeds to comply with the standard emissions test.

It’s probably a bit of a cheat that everyone is doing, but BMW say it makes it more ridable and reduces noise.

Not sure how this equates to ride ability. Will sixth gear now be only suitable for the German autobahns? Anyway, at those speeds, wind noise is louder than engine and exhaust noise.

BMW S 1000 XR emissions

At least the 999cc inline four-cylinder engine now has a more linear torque curve which should mean most of those top gears are usable.

However, engine output remains at 121kW (165hp) at 11,000rpm and peak torque of 114Nm at 9250 rpm.

At least BMW has admitted the changes.

Many others make similar gear ratio adjustments but never advise customers. They only find out if they check the ratios in the tech specs or have a test ride.

Features

BMW S 1000 XR emissions

BMW Motorrad Australia spokesman Nick Raman says the S 1000 XR will arrive in June or early July with pricing announced closer to that date.

Other updates include standard LED lighting, cornering lights, four rider modes, full-colour TFT instruments, electronic suspension adjustment, hill hold control and dynamic brake control which reduces drive torque during braking to prevent rear wheel lockup.

Weight savings come from the 19% lighter double-sided swingarm, 5% lighter engine, and lighter exhaust and frame.

BMW says the ergos have been updated for more wind protection and comfort.

It also gets the RR’s “Flex Frame” where the engine takes on more of the load-bearing function for better agility.

Options include shift assist for clutchless up/down shifts, electronic cruise control, and daytime running lights.

It will be available in Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminium.

2020 BMW S 1000 XRBMW S 1000 XR emissions

  • Engine: 999cc, DOHC Inline-4
  • Bore x stroke: 80mm x 49.7mm
  • Power: 121kW @ 11,500 rpm
  • Torque: 114Nm @ 9250rpm
  • Compression: 12.0:1
  • Transmission: Six-speed, chain
  • Frame: Aluminium bridge-type w/ load-bearing engine
  • Suspension: Fully adjustable 46mm fork; spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable shock
  • Wheels: 3.50 x 17; 6 x 17 cast aluminium
  • Tyres: 120/70 x 17; 190/55 x 17
  • Brakes: 320mm floating discs w/ fixed four-piston calipers; 265mm disc w/ floating dual-piston caliper, ABS
  • Wheelbase: 1549mm
  • Rake: 25.5 degrees
  • Trail: 4.6 inches
  • Seat: 840mm
  • Fuel capacity: 19.6L
  • Economy: 5.3L/100km
  • Wet weight: 226kg

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

DesmoSport co-owner Bayliss hails ‘world-class’ Jones

News 8 Nov 2019

DesmoSport co-owner Bayliss hails ‘world-class’ Jones

Triple Superbike world champion praises recently-crowned ASBK title holder.

Image: Foremost Media.

DesmoSport Ducati co-owner and triple Superbike world champion Troy Bayliss has hailed Mike Jones as a world-class rider after securing his second ASBK crown last weekend.

Just half a point separated Jones and outgoing champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) going into the final race of the season at Sydney Motorsport Park, where the Ducati pilot prevailed with victory following an incredible 13-lap tussle between the pair.

The championship marks the first Australian title that Bayliss has had direct involvement in, while it also represents the first national superbike crown for Ducati since the late 1990s.

“He’s fantastic rider with a good head on his shoulders,” Bayliss declared to CycleOnline.com.au. “It would be pretty hard for him to lose his way, and nothing really fazes him too much.

“He keeps calm and in control – we really saw the dog come out of him this afternoon, and it’s great when that happens. He’s a world-class rider, without a doubt. We’re really happy to have him with us.

“I’m so happy with how Mike rode, he’s been riding good all year – that was one of the best races I’ve ever seen, and I’m so proud of him. It’s just really good to see Ducati win an Australian championship since 1999 I think it was with Steve Martin, so we’re all pretty happy – it’s just fantastic.”

Both Bayliss and Jones have indicated they’ll continue their partnership through 2020, where he’ll don the number one aboard a DesmoSport-prepared Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

2020 KTM 390 Adventure | First Look Review

2020 KTM 390 Adventure
2020 KTM 390 Adventure

The ranks of lightweight, entry-level adventure bikes will grow by at least one in 2020 with the introduction of KTM’s new 390 Adventure. Ready for touring and light off-roading at a claimed 348 pounds dry with a 33.6-inch seat height, the bike’s high-performance heart is the liquid-cooled, 373cc DOHC single with four valves from the 390 Duke, which has EFI, a balancer shaft, PASC slipper clutch and a Ride-by-Wire throttle for smoother and more refined response. The engine is carried in a steel trellis frame with a bolt-on seat subframe and die-cast, open-lattice swingarm similar to the larger 790 Adventure’s.

2020 KTM 390 Adventure
2020 KTM 390 Adventure

The 390 Adventure’s WP Apex 43mm upside-down fork was originally developed for enduro riding and features 6.7 inches of travel with a spring on both sides; compression and rebound damping are separated into the left and right fork legs respectively. The WP Apex shock has 6.9 inches of travel and adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Extra robust cast wheels — a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear — are fitted with tubeless Continental TKC 70 tires for a blend of street performance and off-road grip.

2020 KTM 390 Adventure
2020 KTM 390 Adventure

The 390’s Bybre brake package includes a 320mm front brake disc and 4-piston radially mounted front caliper, and a 230mm rear disc with a 2-piston floating rear caliper. An ergonomically designed 3.8-gallon fuel tank gives the 390 Adventure a claimed range of more than 249 miles. Rider aids include Off-Road and Cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), and the 390 Adventure comes standard with an adjustable windscreen, LED lighting and KTM My Ride, which allows for a Bluetooth connection to control incoming calls and an audio player through the full-color, 5-inch TFT display with multifunctional dashboard. An up/down Quickshifter + is optional for the 390 Adventure, along with a number of KTM Power Parts accessories. The 2020 KTM 390 Adventure is priced at $6,199; availability is TBD.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Harley Releases Details on Liquid-Cooled Revolution Max Engine Powering Pan America and Bronx Models

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250. Photos by Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson made some waves at EICMA this week, showing off two models it teased in 2018, the Pan-America adventure-tourer and the Bronx streetfighter. Both are powered by a new liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine platform called the Revolution Max — 1,250cc in the Pan America and 975cc in the Bronx. Harley also confirmed that both models will launch in late 2020.

The Revolution Max is a bold new step for a company invested so heavily in (air-cooled) tradition — although perhaps not as bold as its LiveWire electric motorcycle unveiled earlier this year and now on sale at H-D dealerships nationwide. (Read our First Ride Review here.) Harley says the Revolution Max is designed to minimize weight and maximize performance, with a narrow profile that integrates into the bike as a stressed member of the frame. It also features a counter-balancer for smooth and comfortable operation.

Harley claims performance targets of more than 145 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque from the Revolution Max 1250, and more than 115 horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque from the Revolution Max 975.

A few other details about the new Pan America and Bronx were released as well, including a collaboration with Brembo to create a new radial monoblock caliper that complements Harley’s unique design, and a continuing partnership with Michelin to develop co-branded tires specifically for each model.

Thanks to a smattering of new images (scroll down to see them all), we can also glean a bit more info about the new bikes.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Pan America looks to have a large, full-color TFT display, electronic suspension, cruise control and a one hand-adjustable windscreen.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
The Pan America also sports a chain final drive and tubeless spoked rims.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Brembo brakes have ABS.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Pan America’s luggage looks adventure-ready.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
This dark rendering of the Revolution Max 1250 gives us a few more hints, like a skid plate and side radiator guards.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Is the world ready for a Harley ADV tourer? There’s only one way to find out….
Harley-Davidson Bronx
Harley-Davidson Bronx.
Harley-Davidson Bronx
It’s hard to tell if this is a backlit LCD or a TFT. The Bronx looks to have cruise control and an adjustable fork, though.
Harley-Davidson Bronx
Smaller version of the Revolution Max powers the Bronx. Notice the footpegs, a sporty rearset design that’s positioned right underneath the rider.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

MotoGP debut at Valencia for Lecuona in place of Oliveira

News 8 Nov 2019

MotoGP debut at Valencia for Lecuona in place of Oliveira

2020 signing to make first MotoGP outing sooner than expected.

Image: Supplied.

Iker Lecuona will make his MotoGP debut with Red Bull KTM Tech3 sooner than expected after being called into replace Miguel Oliveira at Valencia’s season-finale.

Lecuona signed with the Tech3 squad for his rookie premier class season in 2020, and will experience his first taste of the RC16 on 15-17 November for round 19.

Oliveira crashed heavily in high winds at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and recently underwent successful shoulder surgery that will keep him sidelined until February next year.

“To have this opportunity in my home grand prix is a proud moment for me,” said Lecuona. “We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future.

“All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Herve Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my teammate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.

Red Bull KTM Tech3 regular Hafizh Syahrin will race with the squad for the last time at Valencia.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Ponder on these before purchasing your ride

(Contributed post)

Although not all are motor freaks, having a ride for oneself is almost everyone’s dream. The beauty that lay in your garage can take you on through the roadblocks of your daily life and also to the unexplored places beyond the pines. While some are motor geeks, some aren’t; but the need for a ride is not limited just to the geeks. With the world spread out into those sporadic, picturesque, serene fields and frequently occurring luminous streets, it is always best to have your hands over a handlebar that could wriggle you through the paths to your destination.

Coming to the aspect of purchasing a ride for yourself, not everyone will have a clear idea of what all to cover while considering a purchase. To all amateurs, the glossy, rugged profiles and façade would be the factors that hook them the most to the vehicles. But the performance depends on many other factors that lay within what you see. Your decisions shouldn’t be later looked upon with remorse for the low-performance and risks that your ride poses. Beginner, amateur, geek or professional, it always matters what you own for its quality; so, make sure to get hold of the best rides available within the market then, with proper knowledge and guidance through the features and also the cost (affordable or not) of the vehicle that you are about to own. Read this article at MarketReview.com to know about the requirements to apply for a vehicle loan and much more, so that when you decide on a vehicle nothing stops you from owning it.

Factors to be considered before deciding on buying a bike

  • Understand your ability

What counts the most in the riding of a bike is the experience that you possess. The ability to handle a bike and maneuver it with ease is of paramount importance before even thinking of buying it. Not everyone will be equally skillful to handle it with ease, the driving skills and experience matter a lot when narrowing down to a particular vehicle on your list. The ones who are well-experienced could go for powerful bikes, whereas for the novices it would be better to pick the less powerful ones (with fewer sports bike like features) and the ones that are meant for beginners that wouldn’t be too risky when used.

  • The terrains that the vehicle has to negotiate

Vehicles are made for particular purposes or are made ideal for certain roads. Before hitting the road, you should always make it a point to look into the features of the vehicle, that whether it meets the standards of the ones that could be driven through these roads or not. Vehicles are built with features that are to render your riding experience, the best. Consider the terrain factor also which every vehicle needs to cover with the rotating wheels; which if not ideal for the vehicle and the experience of the rider could make the vehicle run amok.

  • Body of the bike

This is one factor that every rider irrespective of their experience or ability checks out even when not having a plan to buy a ride. Every ride carries a certain charm which we savor even when it just passes by us. The power of looks is a whole another thing, with some carrying the most alluring aesthetic features which is hard to overlook.motorcycle loan

The beauty of your ride matters a lot, along with the body’s built-quality and durability and all the personal needs like color and certain customizations too. There are various types of bikes differing in its built-quality and body style, that make it suitable for particular roads and speeds. Sports bikes, Cruisers, Street Riders, Tourers and Dirt bikes are the various types that vroom around on the roads.

  • Power of the engine

This factor takes you for the ride, with the engine’s displacement and power. Power is not everything for a bike ride, because it is not always what a rider prefers, it could also be the fuel efficiency. So, when power increases, fuel efficiency reduces and vice-versa. It solely depends on your preference of qualities, to the bike that you must finally book. The beast that the machine is within is what matters the most, be it, either way, you have to check into these details to know what suits you best.

  • Ride quality and usage factors

The ride quality matters with the shock absorbance feature that the machine offers along with the smoothness with which it tackles the roadblocks and bad roads. All these could be checked with a test drive that you are rightfully offered; along with those factors while testing one should check with the technical and practical issues it has (if any) when used and also you have to look into the matter closely by analyzing the performance and see if it is suitable for your use, with the frequency that you are planning to use it.

  • Parts of the vehicle and rider’s body proportions

You should always make it a point to check the availability of the parts and accessories to your bike with its service facilities and expenses. The rider’s body proportions should also be fit for the proportions of the bike; so, when testing it check the proportions of the bike with your body by sitting in the sweet spot and see if it suits you.

  • New or used

Some people would prefer to down their expenses by going for a used bike, while some would prefer the sleek new ones. It depends on personal interests, but when it comes to the aspect of experience this factor of the bike’s age also matters. It would be best for the inexperienced riders to initially ride the used ones so that even if some form of damage is brought on the vehicle, the rider doesn’t have to pay it off with a huge bomb. While experienced riders could easily go for a new one if they are confident enough to take it for the long-term budget that it incurs.

One factor that is not considered above is the factor of cost or budget, which is completely dependent on a person’s financial stability and everyone will have a clear idea of their status and needs, so decide after quite some deliberation considering also the expenses that would follow the initial one. Ride your dream by incorporating the practicalities to it as well, so that your dream does not leave you stranded on the road.

               

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

American Sean Dylan Kelly To Get Moto2 Wildcard Ride At Valencia

Iker Lecuona getting an early bump to MotoGP, giving Kelly an opportunity to fill his Moto2 seat on The American Racing Team KTM.

Begin press release:


Iker Lecuona to ride MotoGP class in Valencia and the American Team to have second American rider at the last race of the season.  

Iker Lecuona, The American Racing Team KTM rider, will ride in the MotoGP class at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.

The Valencian Grand Prix was going to be the last race for Lecuona with the American Racing Team, but Miguel Oliveira’s injury opened the opportunity for Iker to debut in the MotoGP category that offered by Tech3 Team and as a reward from American Racing team for all the hard work he has done in last 3 season and especially in 2019.

As a replacement rider the 17-year-old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly will join the American Racing team for his Debut at the Moto2 World championship. The American Racing Team will be participating with 2 American riders Joe Roberts and Sean Kelly in the world championship race in Valencia.

Eitan Butbul:

“The team was approached by Tech3 team to offer the option to have Iker to replace Olivera on the MotoGP bike at the last race in Valencia, we were very happy for this opportunity and though it would show our appreciation to Iker after 3 seasons and we fully agreed to release him to participate at his home race on a MotoGP bike.

As a Replacement rider for the Valencia race the team will have the 17 Years old American rider Sean Dylan Kelly to have his debut at the Moto2 world championship, Sean rode 3 years at the Red Bull rookie cup until 2018 and in 2019 season he finished 4th place at the Moto-American Super sport with Team Hammer,  we thought it will be an amazing opportunity to let him try the Moto2 bike in a race weekend and at the same time have 2 American Riders.

This debut and Wild card to follow is a result of a corporation between the American Team and Team Hammer to work together when possible to create career opportunities for young American racers.”

Iker Lecuona:“To have this opportunity in my home Grand Prix is a proud moment for me. We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future. All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing Crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my team mate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.

Sean Dylan Kelly, Team Hammer Rider:

“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole career and I have a good idea of what I am getting into. I am just going to learn and enjoy the competition and do my best. I’m really grateful to Eitan with American Racing Team KTM for believing in me, for giving me this chance. Also, thanks to John and Chris Ulrich of Team Hammer for not just having me race on their team, but for also helping me along the path.”

Chris Ulrich, Team Hammer Vice President of Racing Operations:

“Team Hammer has a reputation for finding, developing, and winning with talented young American racers, then launching them on the next step in their professional careers. We have helped Sean understand how to ride a 600, use data, and set up a motorcycle during the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport season, his first on a 600 after competing on Moto3 bikes for three years in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. So we are happy that Sean’s performance while racing for our team has earned him an opportunity to ride as a fill-in Moto2 World Championship rider at Valencia in a little more than a week. This is just the first step for SDK, and we have agreed to explore potential future opportunities with American Racing Team owner Eitan Butbul. I’m proud to be a part of it and will be in Valencia to cheer SDK on!”

The post American Sean Dylan Kelly To Get Moto2 Wildcard Ride At Valencia appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Lecuona to replace injured Oliveira in Valencia

Iker Lecuona: “To have this opportunity in my home Grand Prix is a proud moment for me. We must enjoy this beautiful experience, but above all learn as much as possible for the future. All this would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of Hervé Poncharal, as well as Eitan Butbul and the American Racing Team amazing crew, they helped me to grow as a rider and as a person. I also want to wish the best possible recovery to Oliveira, who will be my teammate next season. I will give my best in Valencia as I always do”.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

The first two rounds brought thrill & drama, what’s next?

Roles were reversed in a thrilling race two. Held over 10 laps, trastevere73 got the holeshot and led from the front while AndrewZh and the impressive rookie Wimp (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) gave chase close behind. The leading two soon broke clear, however and produced a grandstand finale, with the Ducati Team rider passing his rival before the final turn on the last lap. Not to be outdone, trastevere73 showed all his class to let the brakes off, and outmanoeuvre his rival to win his first race in this year’s Global Series and put himself back in the championship hunt.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

A few ringgit for a ride?

AND his manager gave him the fright of his life before telling him he’ll be a MotoGP™ rider in 2018: “I was preparing for 2018 to be more competitive in Moto2™. But I got a call from Razlan, the CEO of Sepang Circuit while I was cycling up a mountain, I took my phone but I wasn’t focussing on that, was just in case of emergency. So the phone was ringing many times so eventually I told my trainer Alex to stop, I thought there was a problem! I took the call and Razlan said ‘we have two news for you, which do you want to hear first?’ I said ‘bad news first….’ and he told me I wouldn’t race in Moto2™ in 2018. So I said, ‘WHAT?! Where will I go? Asian championship??’ He tried to play with me a while… I was already starting to feel down, so I asked him what the good news was. That’s when he told me I would ride in MotoGP™ for Tech3 Yamaha. I couldn’t believe it!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here