News Articles
In this week’s show, Lüthi talks through a number of topics that vary from his humble beginnings in Grand Prix racing, getting shown “how fast you can really go” on a 125cc machine, to a difficult season in the premier class. Lüthi also answers what the 250cc bikes were really like to ride, as well as how to adapt not just a riding style, but your entire mindset as a racer.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Look good and stay dry and comfortable in the new Powells-ST jacket from iXS. This full-featured touring jacket features a polyester shell with 2-layer solto-TEX waterproof membrane, a removable thermal liner and six vents, and it includes CE level 1 shoulder, elbow and back armor. The Powells-ST is available in a variety of colors in men’s sizes S-9XL (some sizes limited in color) and women’s sizes S-6XL (some sizes limited in color) for $279.95.
Call +49 (0)7631 180 40 or visit ixs.com
Source: RiderMagazine.com
The smartphone has become the universal device, providing us with multiple means of communication, access to the Internet, a camera, a GPS and much more. Mounting a smartphone to your motorcycle allows you to use it for navigation as well as audio prompts, music and calls if paired to a Bluetooth helmet communicator.
Mounts are like mousetraps — everybody has tried to build a better one. There’s a wide variety of mounting systems, most of which attach to the motorcycle’s handlebar, as well as a wide variety of phone cradles. The cradle is a critical part of the design because having a phone come loose and bounce down the freeway at 70 mph is heart wrenching, not to mention expensive and inconvenient. That happened to one of our staffers a few years ago, and I’ve been wary of smartphone mounts ever since.
Quad Lock is an Australian company that has designed a simple yet rather ingenious mounting system. It starts with the Quad Lock smartphone case, which is made of tough, smooth-yet-grippy polycarbonate with a shock-absorbing edge-to-edge shell. On the back of the case is a slightly raised dual-stage lock that Quad Lock says is strong enough to lift 160 pounds. The lock’s rim has four cutouts that match the four outer tabs on the mount. Place the phone on the mount so the tabs fit into the cutouts, turn the phone a few degrees right or left until the tabs slide under the lock’s rim and it clicks into place. Presto, the phone is secure. To release it, just press down on the blue lever and rotate a few degrees until the phone pops out.
Installing the Quad Lock handlebar mount took only a few minutes using the provided hex wrench. With a little practice, locking the phone into the mount and releasing it again became second nature, and once the phone is secure it can be rotated 90 degrees to change the screen’s orientation between vertical and horizontal. Riding with my iPhone XS in the Quad Lock mount, it didn’t vibrate and when I used my hand to wiggle the phone it never budged. To manipulate the phone’s screen (when stopped of course), you may need touchscreen-friendly gloves.
The Quad Lock mount is light, compact and unobtrusive when not in use. The black-only case is available for a wide range of Apple iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. A moto mount kit that includes the case, handlebar mount and waterproof “poncho” cover costs $79.90. The kit with a mirror mount is $69.90 or a fork mount is $89.90. Once you have the Quad Lock case, there are also mounts for your car, bicycle, belt, arm (for exercise), desk, wall or tripod, as well as a 1-inch ball adapter.
For more information, visit Amazon or quadlockcase.com.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
“He will try to progress the way he can, learning from his brother, learning on track with other riders, in training and that’s it. We have a life and it’s our own life, that’s it. Even though they are brothers, at the end of the day you have to fight for you. I’m not saying if Marc has to fight for Alex that will not happen, probably yes. But Marc knows his job and that’s to fight with the top riders, and they have a very good level and at this [moment] in time, his brother is not in that group. He can’t focus on other things, he must focus on what he has to do, which is to beat the other top guys. Which isn’t easy because sometimes people believe that it’s easy, but the other guys are very very strong and prepared.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
One of the defining moments of the race came early on when Pedrosa tried to push ahead of Hayden. Unbelievably, Pedrosa tucked the front and cleaned out his teammate, leaving both Repsol Honda machines in the gravel trap and, at the time, it felt like Pedrosa had robbed Hayden of a first World Championship. The image of the much-missed Hayden trudging through the gravel trap with raw emotion across his face one that will live with many of us forever.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Wax and polish in one go with Muc-Off Speed Polish ($12.99). Simply spray it on and buff to a deep shine. Speed Polish contains pure carnauba, the hardest naturally occurring wax, for durability and protection, as well as beeswax, which is what creates the deep, glossy shine. It’s specifically formulated to leave a fast and easy water-resistant barrier on your motorcycle’s bodywork and metal parts. Suitable for use on paint, chrome, plastic and carbon fiber.
Visit us.muc-off.com
Source: RiderMagazine.com
If you have been riding for any time then chances are you have managed to scratch your motorcycle helmet – more than once!
In this article we look through five top tips to help identify, repair or reduce the prominence of scratches on your helmet.
Disclaimer: Consult a qualified expert or retailer if you have damaged your helmet. If there is any question about the structural integrity of your helmet from a road accident, dropping or impacting your helmet you may have compromised its safety performance. Always consult an expert to ensure your personal safety and legal compliance. This article is provided as a guide only for minor cosmetic scratches. We do not advocate modifying your helmet. Following any part of this guidance is done at your own risk – use common sense or live with the scratch! We accept no liability for your action or inaction.
If you are a perfectionist or a fellow OCD sufferer like me, then you like to keep your bike and riding gear in top condition – scratches and imperfections are the enemy.
To repair or improve scratches on your motorcycle helmet there are a few key steps to follow:
There is a world of difference between a scuff and a scratch. The top search result on YouTube for ‘helmet scratch repair’ shows a guy demonstrating how a ‘scratch’ can be removed by rubbing cotton wool doused in lighter fluid! This is, in fact, a scuff which he removes, not a scratch.
A scuff is when you rub up against a surface such as painted wall and the paint rubs off on to the helmet. A common scenario is walking though a doorway and bumping your helmet on the door frame. Fixing a scuff like this is simply a case of selecting a suitable cleaning agent and carefully rubbing off the scuff, taking care to not damage the paint or surface of your helmet.
A scratch is very different. A scratch is where something hard, sharp and abrasive removes some helmet paint or clear coat.
To see if you have a scratch or scuff, gently move your thumbnail over the mark.
If your thumbnail dips into the mark and makes an audible high-pitched clicking sound, it’s likely a scratch. If it sounds dull, it’s probably a scuff.
To remove scuffs, try a gentle rub with your finger or a quality microfibre cloth to see if you can remove it. If not, try a cleaning agent that is suited to the helmet’s shell material. Start with a mild specialist helmet cleaner before trying any stronger options. Be careful as solvents are not recommended and can not only spoil the finish, but damage the helmet shell’s integrity. Take particular care with matte or satin finishes. Always spot check in a small inconspicuous area where possible.
WARNING: Never use strong solvents like Cellulose thinners, Xylene or Acetone. They are likely to compromise primary paint and helmet construction materials.
(Note: In the video I used acetone, a thinning solvent, on a matte finish. This is generally a bad idea unless you are experienced or comfortable with the risk of marring. I had already tried specialist helmet cleaner to no avail on the scuff, though I probably should have tried methylated spirits first which is less harsh than acetone. However, I moved quickly and lightly to minimise marring though as you can see in the above image under bright light I did introduce slight marring. Overall though I was happy with the result.)
If there is one thing worse than a scratch it is a bungled of shoddy repair attempt. You can easily make a scratch far more prominent.
Always consider these options before doing anything:
Most people can live with it; I just don’t understand how. Fellow OCDers may need to consult a suitable psychologist, scream into a pillow or seek solace in an alternative means of distraction to avoid the inevitable twitches and sense of discomfort knowing that you have a scratch that has not been dealt with. Alternatively, you may just determine that the scratch is so unbearable, you can afford option 2.2.
Other than wear and tear, a scratch is a solid excuse for buying a lovely new shiny, satin or matt lid. Consider giving away the compromised (scratched) article to a more relaxed family member, friend or colleague. (Please make sure if you are giving away gear that it first correctly – helmets need to fit to protect you properly – or just throw it in the garbage, or display it on a shelf and hope the dust will cover the scratch with time).
Some scratches are in a spot where you can easily cover them with a sticker. Be careful though as sticker adhesives vary. You need to ensure that they are compatible with the composition of the helmet shell.
Manufacturer-supplied stickers that often come in packets with your new helmet should be fine.
Be aware that some stickers may cause head rotation and spinal injury in a slide down the road. For these reasons I am not a fan of aftermarket stickers.
There is a wide range of permanent markers or “sharpies” available at office supply stores that may mask the attention-drawing effect of, for example, a white scratch on a black helmet. However, the effect may not last. Think lip-stick vs facelift.
Make sure you clean the helmet and allow any cleaning agents to completely dry. Test on a small area to see if the marker matches the required colour.
Some black inks may appear quite different with a white background. White primer can show through in a scratch on a black or dark-coloured helmet. In this is the case and the pen doesn’t work, simply remove it with a suitable cleaning agent, ensuring not to remove or damage the original paint.
Touch-up paint is one of the most effective and durable options for repairing a helmet scratch. However, care and skill is needed in colour matching; cleaning and preparation of the scratch; priming the scratch (for example spray paint may not adhere to the scratch); and judicious application of paint to avoid runs.
A benefit of a touch-up pen is that you often don’t need to apply a primer. However, you may struggle to find a colour match in a touchup-pen. In which case you could try auto spray paint. I suggest spraying a small amount into the spray can lid or a clean plastic container and use a small applicator to dab on the scratch.
Small artist paint brushes, cotton earbuds or a match stick cut to a angle can be very effective for accurate paint application:
There are many different materials, coatings, graphics and paints used in motorcycle helmet construction and decoration. There is a significant risk associated with applying chemicals, including cleaning agents, solvents, paints, abrasive products and scouring pads and cloths. You should approach using anything to clean your helmet or repair scratches with great caution to avoid problems.
Find a suitable test area that cannot be readily seen such as behind a lining, under the chin or where the visor would cover in normal operation. Use a cotton bud to apply a small amount of any chemical you intend using to check how the surface material reacts. Leave it overnight and review in the morning for evidence of discolouration, bubbling or any other form or undesirable reaction.
It may not be easy to see, but your helmet will probably be covered in many contaminants such as grease from your hands, wax from cleaning products and particulates from riding.
Clean your helmet with a suitable helmet cleaner.
Then clean out the scratch with a pre-paint wipe or cotton bud dipped in cleaning solution, ensuring that you don’t leave any cotton wool fibres on the scratch which can interfere with paint application.
Avoid using harsh solvents as they may strip paint and graphics, or compromise the integrity of the helmet shell. Consider using less harsh options as far as possible.
This is where the art comes into play. Matching colours is notoriously tricky. Buy a couple of touch-up paint options and test dab on a piece of scrap plastic, allow to dry and hold up alongside your helmet in a good light to ensure a match. They have the added benefits of not necessarily requiring a primer or clear coat.
Alternatively, you can use aerosol cans given the range of colour options and spray into a lid or small container before applying.
Some paint shops will mix up to your sample. However, they usually only mix significant minimum quantities and matching results can be variable. The paint may also require a clear coat which adds hassle, cost and complexity. In my view, this is the least appealing option.
Once you have your paint colour-matched, you are ready for painting. Follow directions for prep and application on any paints used and make sure you:
Once applied, allow the paint to dry in line with instruction on your touchup or spray can; clean any brushes immediately.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
MV Agusta has bought a special coronavirus testing machine in the fight against the disease in one of the hardest hit regions in Italy.
The factory (pictured above), on the shores of beautiful Lake Varese near Milan, is in Lombardy which was one of the first regions to be hit by the virus.
MV Agusta Head of Communications Alessia Riboni says they bought a QuantStudio TM 5 Real-Time PCR System to donate to Varese community hospitals.
The sophisticated testing machinery, made by British company Thermo Fisher Scientific, is able to process up to 96 swabs in just 30 minutes and can b e operated remotely so it doesn’t have top be moved from hospital to hospital.
Ventilator machine
Several motorcycle companies around the world have donated ventilators, protective medical suits, respirators, masks, surgical gloves and alcohol wipes to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
They include:
Meanwhile, the MV Agusta factory has temporarily halted production like most other motorcycle factories throughout Europe.
There is not indication yet when the Italian ban on production will be lifted and production can restart.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Aprilia has applied for a patent for a system that prevents the front forks diving under heavy braking and losing the ability to absorb bumps.
The drawings show it being used on Aprilia’s RS-GP MotoGP bike.
However, preventing brake dive is more important on normal roads where there are more bumps that can unsettle a motorcycle.
There have been many inventions that promise anti-dive over the years.
In 2015, Brisbane company Motoinno invented the Triangulated Steering and Suspension System which allows the rider to totally dial out brake dive, or even dial in front lift under braking.
Motoinno TS3 with centre steering
Similarly, the Aprilia system allows the selection of how much the forks dive.
However, their patent features standard cartridge upside-down forks, but with the brake callipers attached by a linkage.
So when you hit the brakes, the callipers rotate and a spring pushes them back when you let the brakes go.
Engineers can probably work out how it functions from the drawings.
For the rest of us, we can see a system that is fairly simple and therefore not adding too much in weight and expense.
The advantages for riders would be the ability to brake later into a corner on a track day and, on bumpy roads, it would be a handy safety feature.
We believe the feature was destined to be been tested in this season’s MotoGP, but that is now on hold indefinitely during the pandemic.
That might mean a further delay in when this safety feature appears on street bikes.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Combining high-end off-road-level protection with a boot that’s comfortable on or off the bike, the Adventure 2 Mid Gore-Tex is a unique twist on Sidi’s best-selling adventure boot. This waterproof/breathable mid-height boot features replaceable ratchet straps, a bonded sole, a slim non-bootie design, a Velcro upper closure and reflective heel panels, and is CE approved. The Adventure 2 Mid Gore-Tex is available in men’s Euro sizes 42-48 for $349.99.
Call (619) 401-4100 or visit motonation.com
Source: RiderMagazine.com
