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Yamaha Announces Redesigned WR450F and Returning WR250F for 2021

Yamaha announced a redesigned WR450F for 2021 along with a returning WR250F. They join the previously announced YZ450FX, YZ250X, YZ250FX and YZ125X in Yamaha’s 2021 cross country lineup.

2021 Yamaha WR450F

Yamaha updated the WR450F’s engine, frame, suspension and brakes with the goal of producing a lighter, more powerful and better handling enduro and trail bike.

The 449cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric-start Single receives a new cylinder head with a reshaped combustion chamber and steeper valve angles. The compression ratio was increased to 13.0:1 from 12.8:1, and a new crankcase breather system was adopted to improve engine efficiency. The five-speed transmission was also further refined for smoother shifting. Yamaha claims the engine is lighter, more compact, and produces more power across the rev range.

The aluminum bilateral beam frame has different wall thicknesses and flex characteristics to improve cornering, traction and bump stability. The 2021 WR450F receives new engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle to reduce overall weight. The KYB suspension also received updates to its compression and rebound characteristics. Yamaha also added a redesigned front brake caliper, brake pads and front rotor.

Other updates include a more compact electric start system and an updated LCD screen that now includes a low fuel warning and a fuel consumption meter.

The 2021 Yamaha WR450F will be offered in Team Yamaha Blue for $9,799. Expect to see it in showrooms this month.

The WR250F returns with a similar Team Yamaha Blue color for $8,599. It will arrive in dealerships in October.

Begin Press Release


Yamaha Announces 2021 WR250F and WR450F Motorcycles

Newly Redesigned WR450F Features Engine, Frame and Suspension Updates

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, has announced its 2021 WR Enduro models including a redesigned WR450F, the machine of choice for serious trail riders and enduro racers. Designed with the flexibility to win in the tightest enduro conditions as well as fast, rough, open trails, the newest WR450F features a refined, more efficient engine, a redesigned frame with all-new flex characteristics, updated suspension settings, and more.

“Yamaha’s WR lineup builds on the proven success of our innovative motocross designs, using industry-leading technology to provide uncompromised performance,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “The newly redesigned WR450F provides a lighter, more powerful, and better handling off-road experience for both, serious enduro racers and recreational trail riders alike.”

Welcome to the victorYZone
Yamaha’s off-road competition bikes offer the very latest in technology with performance features designed to help racing enthusiasts reach their maximum potential, win races, and stand on top of the podium.

New 2021 WR450F:

The 2021 WR450F is designed to perform in the widest range of conditions. The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, and steeper valve angles. The forward-positioned downdraft intake with rear exhaust powerplant houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached to a longer connecting rod. The wide ratio, five-speed transmission has been refined to provide smoother shifting, and a more efficient crankcase breather system has been adopted to decrease pumping losses. In all, the lighter, more compact engine produces increased power across the entire rpm range for stronger and more linear pulling power.

The latest evolution of Yamaha’s lightweight aluminum bilateral beam frame has been redesigned with new wall thicknesses and flex characteristics that provide improved cornering performance, traction and bump reaction to give the rider more confidence to push harder in any off-road condition. Other chassis components such as engine mounts, top triple clamp and front axle, as well as the class leading KYB® suspension with enhanced compression and rebound characteristics were carefully refined to reduce weight while improving handling and performance. To bring the new package to a stop, the 2021 WR450F features a newly designed front brake caliper, brake pads and front disc. The combined changes deliver increased power output with more controllable, linear acceleration and lightweight handling characteristics.

To further showcase the WR450F’s off-road prowess, a more compact electric start system, advanced fuel injection, a redesigned, more compact full-featured enduro meter with higher contrast liquid crystal display, a new real-time fuel consumption meter with low fuel warning light, aluminum side stand, sealed O-ring chain and 18-inch rear wheel are all standard equipment. The front-positioned intake and rear-positioned exhaust layout deliver the widest spread of reliable power while balancing the weight for excellent mass centralization.

The 2021 WR450F will be available from Yamaha dealers in September in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $9,799 MSRP.

2021 WR250F:
Yamaha’s winning design returns with the 2021 WR250F. With its revolutionary front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, DOHC four-stroke power plant, added sixth gear, and wide ratio transmission, this is the weapon of choice for enduro racing and technical trail riding. The aluminum bilateral beam frame, and industry leading KYB suspension of the 2021 WR250F provide the ultimate balance of race-winning performance, rideability and comfort.

With electric start, a 2.16-gallon fuel tank, rugged plastic skid plate, sealed O-ring chain,18-inch rear wheel and fully featured enduro meter, the WR250F is ready to win right out of the box. With reliable fuel injection that provides clean running regardless of weather or elevation, a compact headlight, taillight and aluminum side-stand, the 2021 WR250F provides the confidence and comfort for any adventure.

The 2021 WR250F will be available from dealers in October in next-generation Team Yamaha Blue for $8,599 MSRP.

GYTR full line of high-performance accessories
For serious enduro racers the GYTR closed-course competition engine control unit (ECU), communication control unit (CCU) and dual mode switch unlock the WR’s advanced racing technology. The dual-mode switchable engine mapping and wireless connectivity is handled through the industry’s first wireless tuning system, highlighted by the Yamaha Power Tuner App, which allows racers to adjust their engine performance right from their phone. A wide range of over 80 GYTR accessories, developed in conjunction with the factory, for optimal performance and fit increase the winning potential of the WR line. Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at https://www.shopyamaha.com.

Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2021 YZ and WR models are eligible for Yamaha’s current 2020 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a 10 percent rebate on GYTR parts and accessory purchases of up to $1,000, and receive an instant $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com. The 2021 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program details will be announced soon.

For complete details on how to register for the bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, along with specific information on which racing series, events, and classes are included, visit the Off-Road Racing Contingency page on the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, website at:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/motocross/pages/yamaha-off-road-contingency-program.

Learn more about the newly redesigned WR450F, WR250F and the rest of Yamaha’s off-road lineup at www.yamahamotorsports.com/.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.





















The post Yamaha Announces Redesigned WR450F and Returning WR250F for 2021 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

All-New Honda Trail 125 Joins 2021 Lineup

We can’t help being excited about the new Honda Trail 125.

Begin Press Release: 


All-New Trail 125 Joins Honda’s 2021 Lineup

Model honors the past while offering modern on- and off-road trekking performance

2021 Honda Trail 125

September 3, 2020 — TORRANCE, Calif. Sixty years after Honda introduced customers to the joys of casual on- and off-road riding, the all-new 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS (CT125) resurrects a revered brand by injecting a healthy dose of practical design and hassle-free technology to create a miniMOTO that—much like the Super Cub and Monkey—pays tribute to the past while adapting easily to modern lifestyles.

Debuted in 2019 as a concept model at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, the CT125 received rave reviews, along with requests for a production model. That wish is now granted with the introduction of the 2021 Honda Trail 125, which expands upon the scope of the popular Super Cub C125 to include casual riding in rural settings, including two-track roads and trails.

2021 Honda Trail 125

This was accomplished by strengthening the C125 chassis, increasing suspension travel and improving fuel range. The engine is the same 125cc four-stroke, single-cylinder overhead-camshaft design operating two valves, but with a high-mounted air intake and upswept exhaust that enhance low-end and midrange power. As with the Super Cub, the Trail 125 has a four-speed semiautomatic transmission. The engine guard adds protection from obstacles like large rocks and tree stumps.

2021 Honda Trail 125

Honda’s designers maintained the distinctive look that propelled the purchase of hundreds of thousands of CT-series machines over six decades. With the launch of the Trail 125, Honda taps into the success of similarly nostalgic miniMOTO models to introduce riders to the joys of trekking on roads and trails.

2021 Honda Trail 125

“When American Honda was established in 1959 and began offering the Honda 50, Idaho dealer Herb Uhl started modifying it for off-road use, resulting in Honda producing the Trail 50,” said Lee Edmunds, Senior Manager of Powersports Marketing for American Honda. “That model became ubiquitous in American campgrounds and on motorhome bumpers in the ’60s and ’70s and led to a number of successors. For that reason, the CT brand has a special history with the U.S. market, and it’s great to see it return with the Trail 125 which, like the Super Cub and Monkey, harkens back to a golden era of American motorcycling but with modern technology and reliability.”

The 2021 Honda Trail 125 is scheduled for release in November and will be available in Glowing Red. The MSRP is $3,899.

More information is available here.

2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125
2021 Honda Trail 125

The post All-New Honda Trail 125 Joins 2021 Lineup appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

iXS Releases Tour Glove Double-ST+ 1.0

The iXS Tour Glove Double-ST+ 1.0 pulls double duty with two inner chambers built for different purposes. 

Begin Press Release: 


Tour Glove Double-ST+ 1.0

The 2-in-1 glove: Water- & windproof or summerlike & airy. Fits one way or the other!

2-In-1 function for greater comfort on your tour: The 2-chamber system enables optimal use of the glove in changeable weather conditions. It’s easy and fast to move between the «grip» and «wet protection» chambers. While the first chamber has no lining and offers excellent grip for steering thanks to classy goatskin, the waterproof second chamber with its breathable solto-TEX® PLUS membrane provides perfect weather protection.

The inner blue cuff is the right choice in the rain and cold. The incorporated solto-TEX® PLUS membrane protects the hands against the wind and wet, it’s breathable, wind-proof and waterproof on a long-term basis. The inner lining protects the hands against undesired cooling and keeps them warm all round.

The outer, golden-colored cuff is the right option when it’s sunny and warm. The grip is absolutely brilliant without the membrane and in direct contact with the high-quality goatskin. Your hands will feel pleasantly cool even in high temperatures in this unlined chamber. The natural draught that occurs on the perforated leather encourages the heat to be diverted away and this prevents the heat from collecting inside the glove.

The palm surface made of high-quality goatskin with digital leather reinforcement as well as a leather reinforcement on the ball of the thumb with additional, abrasion resistant super fabric cushioning offers a high level of protection against abrasion and provides an excellent grip. A break-proof soft knuckle protection raises the safety level to the highest possible. It is covered with leather and is therefore an excellent match for the sporty touring design of the glove. Another plus point in terms of active safety is provided by the reflective print on the index finger. The high protective function is proven because it satisfies the latest EN13594:2015 test standard.

Stretch inserts on the back of the hand, thumbs and fingers ensure optimal comfort. The rubber lip on the left index finger is very practical – it’s intended to be used to wipe the helmet visor. Thanks to the touchscreen-friendly material at the tip of the index finger, the glove can remain on your hand when you operate the navigation or mobile phone screen. The Tour Glove Double-ST+ 1.0 is available in sizes XS – 3XL.

PRODUCT FEATURES
Recommended Retail Price: EU/UK: € 119.95
USA: US$ 179.-
Colour: black (003)
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Article N°: X41027

TECHNICAL DETAILS
2-in-1 glove made of goatskin leather and textile mix
• solto-TEX® PLUS 2-in-1 insert, 1 chamber waterproof, 1 chamber unlined
• Waterproof chamber with Pique-Push-Pull lining
• Palm made of leather with double layer of digital leather
• Leather double layer and Superfabric padding on ball of the hand
• Hidden Impacton® soft-knuckle protector covered with leather
• Fingers, thumb and back of the hand with stretch
• Finger paddings on middle and ringfinger
• Double layer of leather on the little finger
• Finger innerside with ventilation perforation
• Rubber lip on the left index finger to wipe the helmet visor
• Indexfinger with touchscreen capable material on the finger tip
• Reflective print on the index finger
• Wrist stretch adjustable with velcro
• Width adjustable cuffs with velcro
• Safety: in accordance with the standard EN13594:2015

MATERIAL
Shell leather: goatskin
Shell textile: 92% polyamide, 8% polyurethane
Palm: 100% polyester
Lining: 100% polyester
Lining cuff: 100% polyamide

Knuckle protection: termoplastic polyurethane
solto-TEX® PLUS membrane 100% polyurethane
Contains non-textile parts of animal origin

The post iXS Releases Tour Glove Double-ST+ 1.0 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Husqvarna Plans Electric Street Bike

A sketch for an electric Husqvarna has emerged showing the company has plans for an electric naked street bike.

It follows the launch last year of their first electric motorcycle, a small EE 5 electric dirt bike which is the equivalent of a 50cc model.

But now it looks like Husky will head to the streets with an electric after these images of an E-Pilen appeared in a leaked company investor presentation report.

The Swedish company is now owned by KTM which already makes the electric Freeride E-XC and SX-E5 trials bikes, but also plans to introduce electric street bikes and scooters.

KTM SX-E electric minibike KTM 790 Adventure
KTM SX-E electric

Perhaps the technology is being developed together.

After all, the sketch was part of an investor presentation hosted by Pierer Mobility which is the parent company of KTM and Husqvarna.

So we may also logically suspect a KTM E-Duke may be on the cards.

Zero DSR Dual Sport

The only difference between the E-Pilen and E-Duke could be cosmetic.

As for when they are produced, it could still be a few years if the sketches have only just emerged at an investor presentation.

It’s a long way from asking for money and showing a sketch to actually producing a prototype, then unveiling a production-ready bike.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric Saietta Expands Production

British electric motor company Saietta Group is expanding its production facilities as its radical Axial Flux Traction (AFT) motors roll out to the mass electric vehicle market.

Saietta means thunderbolt in Italian and their AFT-powered vehicles have set records on the water and in the air while their electric super bike was the first to win the Isle of Man TT Zero race.

They say their AFT140 motor is being taken up by other automotive companies, but declined to say which ones.

However, they claim their motor is “optimised for mid-power motorbikes and final-mile delivery vehicles”.

Saietta production increases

“The unique AFT design provides class-leading performance with high-torque density at low voltage and is particularly efficient on urban duty cycles,” they say.

“AFT has been rigorously designed for high automation in volume production meaning AFT140 cost effectively delivers class-leading performance for the L-Category target market.”

The “L-Category” is powered two- and three-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters and trikes), quadricycles, and micro cars.

The British company began in 2014 with the Saietta R super bike for $A35,000.

Saietta production increases

2020 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Back then the Saietta R had range of almost 200km in the city and about 120km on the highway, 127Nm of torque, recharging time of 3.5 hours and a top speed of 170km/h.

It appears the company no longer makes electric vehicles, but concentrates on its AFT140 motor for use in other vehicles from buses to boats and, of course, bikes.

The Oxfordshire company plans to sell its technology under license in Asia and the rest of the world.

Their expanded production plan will add 150-250 jobs over the next three to five years and the new sustainable plant will be powered by solar panels.

It will be funded by a fresh investment round.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tom Cruise Performs Daring Bike Stunt

There is no disputing Tom Cruise’s passion for motorcycles and now there is no question he does most of his own motorcycle stunts.

This video shows Tom performing a daring motorcycle jump.

Even though he is tethered, he still had to ride the narrow ramp and make a giant leap of faith as this video shows.

The video was shot in the UK where he is filming Mission Impossible 7.

Back in March we also showed a video of Tom learning how to wheelie a BMW G 310 for the film on a UK airfield after filming was moved from Italy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tom Cruise wheelies in Mission Impossible 7

Again, he had a safety device to prevent being flipped off the bike or falling off.

Tom, 57, is a motorcycle fan and also rode a BMW R  nineT Scrambler in the Mission Impossible: Fallout movie.

He is known to request a motorcycle scene in most of his movies.

There is no release date yet for the seventh installment of the Mission Impossible series.

Pockets

Tom will also reprise the Kawasaki GPZ900R made famous in Tom Cruise’s 1986 Top Gun in the Top Gun sequel.

It was to screen in June this year, but has been pushed back to July 2021 due to the pandemic.

Tom began riding at the age of 10 and owns several motorcycles including a Vyrus 987 C3 4V worth more than $100,000.

His first movie role with a motorcycle was Top Gun where he rode the Kawasaki Ninja GPZ900R.

Since then he has ridden in many movies including Oblivion, Knight and Day, and Edge of Tomorrow.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Women in Motorsports Conference Legacy Report published

Many others were keen to share the success of the inaugural conference, including FIA President Jean Todt; “FIA is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive culture across motor sport. The Women in Motorsports Conference successfully organised in Finland last year was a great networking platform for FIA and FIM to jointly promote gender equality, encourage gender-balanced participation, and empower women to reach leadership positions.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Honda British Talent Cup set their sights on Silverstone

O’Shea should also remain one to watch as he’s gone from top five to podium or victory contender, and Harvey Claridge (City Lifting/SP125 Racing) has been near the front since the off too. Claridge is only five points off O’Shea as well, which can easily change in the course of a single race – and we have two at Silverstone. Fourth place, meanwhile, belongs to Casey O’Gorman (Microlise Cresswell Racing) as it stands. He has fifty points – two wins and two DNFs – and will want to start a run of consistency at Silverstone. Having said that, the number 72’s 0 in Race 1 at Snetterton was a mechanical and not a mistake, so he has ground to make up but not all of his own doing. O’Gorman was also fastest in testing at Silverstone with a fair margin at the top…

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

New ‘Shogun’ and ‘Samurai’ packs for Suzuki Katana

Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has unveiled two new limited-edition accessory pack options for its 150 hp neo-street sports motorcycle, the KATANA.

Suzuki Katana Shogun Pack

Shogun Pack

The ‘Shogun Pack’ adds the ultimate blend of style and function, increasing the toughness and practicality of an already special motorcycle, with a collection of carefully-selected Genuine Suzuki accessories.

Suzuki Katana Shogun Pack includes a carbon front fender

The Shogun Pack is priced at $1499 and includes:

  • KATANA Two-tone Coloured Seat
  • Smoked Meter Visor
  • Carbon Fibre Front Fender
  • Carbon Fibre Clutch Cover
  • Carbon Fibre Starter Cover
  • Carbon Fibre Alternator Cover
  • Front Axle Slider Set
  • Rear Axle Slider Set
  • Body Decal Trim Set
Suzuki Katana Shogun Pack

The ‘Shogun Pack’ optioned KATANA is available now for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $17,749 Ride Away, inclusive of accessory fitment and 12 months registration.


Samurai Pack

Suzuki Katana Samurai Pack

For those looking to unleash their inner warrior, the ‘Samurai Pack’ is sure to be a winner. The addition of subtle, yet striking red accents though the seat and decal sets transform the look of the KATANA into something truly special.

Suzuki Katana Samurai Pack Two-Tone seat

The Samurai Pack is priced at $595 and includes:

  • KATANA Two-tone seat
  • Smoked Meter Visor
  • Carbon Design Tank Pad
  • Body Decal Trim Set
  • Carbon Design Side Protection Decal Set
  • KATANA Rim Decal Set
Suzuki Katana Samurai Pack tinted screen

The ‘Samurai Pack’ optioned KATANA is available now for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $16,845 Ride Away, inclusive of accessory fitment and 12 months registration.

Suzuki Katana Samurai Pack Tank Pad

Interested customers are encouraged to build their own KATANA by visiting suzukimotorcycles.com.au and experiencing the ‘Build Your Bike’ feature.

Click & Collect orders can also be placed online using this system.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati Indiana

Ducati Indiana 750

With Phil Aynsley


The mid ‘80s was an interesting period for the Italian motorcycle industry… and resulted in some equally interesting bikes being produced. At the forefront of this time was the urge to market factory ‘choppers’ mimicking the Japanese factories offerings.

The Indiana 750 was an unsuccessful attempt to copy Japanese factory choppers
The Indiana 750 was an unsuccessful attempt to copy Japanese factory choppers

Morini had their Excalibur and Moto Guzzi the Florida – and Ducati had the Indiana! All were memorable sales flops.

The Morini Excalibur
The Morini Excalibur
Moto Guzzi's Florida
Moto Guzzi’s Florida

The Indiana was amongst the first new models developed after the Cagiva takeover in 1985. It was introduced in 1986 and was made in three capacities – 750, 650 and a 350cc version for the domestic market.

The 750 was the largest capacity version of the Ducati Indiana produced
The 750 was the largest capacity version of the Ducati Indiana produced

The square section full-cradle frame was similar to that of the Elefant, but newly designed for the Indiana and featured a rake of nearly 33º. The motor was based on the 650 Alazzura’s but with a wider spread of gear ratios and Bing constant-vacuum carburettors. The 750 version featured different exhaust headers and collector, head, tail lights and dash.

The Indiana was not a success (surprise!) with only about 2,250 of all models being built (1,800 being 650s). Police versions of the 650 and 750 were offered from 1988 through to 1990 but only 64 were produced. The 750 made 53 hp at 7000 rpm, with a dry weight of 180 kg.

The Ducati Indiana was not a success, with only about 2,250 ever made
The Ducati Indiana was not a success, with only about 2,250 ever made

This bike is one of two brought in for evaluation by the Australian importers Frasers.

Source: MCNews.com.au