While a motorcycle festival in France has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s biggest motorcycle rally in the USA will go ahead next week despite almost 1000 Americans dying every day.
However, the festival which had already been postponed from June to 3-6 September 2020 has now been further postponed to June 2021 for their 10th event.
“The intensification of the situation has made it impossible for us to continue to prepare the ‘Hors Serie’ (out of series) edition as we imagined it at the beginning of June,” officials say.
“And even if we were to bring the project to fruition, where would the pleasure be in coming together without the spontaneity, coolness, craziness and freedom?
“What is the point in holding an event based on exchange and sharing at a time when everywhere we go, we have to keep our distance?”
In France, only a handful of deaths from coronavirus are recorded daily, with 184k confirmed cases, 81,311 recovered and 30,223 deaths so far.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Main Street at the 2014 Sturgis rally
In the USA, about 1000 Americans die every day from the virus. There have been more than 4.4m cases in the USA and a total of more than 152,000 deaths so far.
Yet in the land of freedom and litigation, the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will go ahead from 7-16 August 2020.
This is despite 62% of the 7000 people who live in Sturgis, South Dakota, voting last month against holding the famous rally, the biggest tourist event in the state.
It seems that vote was overturned by threats of litigation from a gift wholesaler based in nearby Rapid City.
The rally has attracted about half a million people in recent years with a record of 2015 of 739,000.
Authorities still expect several hundred thousand to attend the rally.
That’s hundreds of thousands of people from all over the USA and perhaps from many other countries coming to the small rural town.
There they could spread or pick up the virus, then take it back to their home state or country.
Rally organisers and city officials say they will have various “modifications” for health reasons which you can hear about in this video from Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen.
The Black Hills Motorcycle Film Festival which was to be part of the rally will now be held online from 14-16 August for free! Click here for details.
Decision to cancel hybrid Motocross of Nations confirmed
Section: Competition
MXGP season to instead include Mantova on revised 2020 schedule.
This year’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) has now been cancelled altogether by Infront Moto Racing and the FIM after plans to host a hybrid event within an MXGP weekend didn’t eventuate.
Initially scheduled for France and then more recently moved to Great Britain as part of an MXGP round, the historic event won’t go ahead at all in 2020.
“Infront Moto Racing and the FIM regret to inform that the 2020 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations scheduled to take place on 25-27 September in Matterley Basin, Great Britain, has been cancelled,” a statement confirmed.
“Despite all the efforts by the local organiser [Steve Dixon] and Infront Moto Racing, there is no other viable option but to cancel the 2020 edition of MXoN due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Additionally, information from nearly all of the non-European teams who normally attend this event is that due to COVID-19, travel restrictions and quarantine protocols, they will not be able to take part in this year’s event.
“Taking all these factors into consideration and given the prestigious profile of the event, Infront Moto Racing and the FIM have decided to cancel the event and look forward to an exceptional Monster Energy FIM MXoN in 2021!
“Consequently, the MXGP of Winchester in Matterley Basin (Great Britain) to be held on the same weekend has also been cancelled. This event will now be replaced by the Grand Prix of the Citta di Mantova in Mantova to be held on 30 September.
“Infront Moto Racing and the FIM would like to thank the National Federations, organisers, the manufacturers, partners, riders, teams and fans for their cooperation, patience, understanding and support.”
Currently two rounds into the 2020 season prior to the pause, the new-look MXGP World Championship calendar will resume with three-straight rounds at Kegums in Latvia, beginning on 9 August.
2020 MXGP World Championship calendar (revised): Rd1 – 1 March – Matterley Basin, Great Britain (Women) Rd2 – 8 March – Valkenswaard, The Netherlands (Women) Rd3 – 9 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd4 – 12 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd5 – 16 August – Kegums, Latvia Rd6 – 6 September – Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Women) Rd7 – 16 September – Faenza, Italy Rd8 – 20 September – Faenza, Italy Rd9 – 30 September – Mantova, Italy Rd10 – 4 October – Mantova, Italy (Women) Rd11 – 11 October – intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos, Spain Rd12 – 18 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd13 – 21 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd14 – 25 October – Lommel, Belgium Rd15 – 1 November – Pietramurata, Italy Rd16 – 22 November – Neuquen, Argentina TBC – Orlyonok, Russia TBC – Agueda, Portugal
Win a Lowrider S with Harley-Davidson’s Let’s Ride Challenge.
Begin Press Release:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INVITES YOU TO RIDE TO WIN WITH THE LET’S RIDE CHALLENGE
It’s Time to Ride
MILWAUKEE (July 29, 2020) – For more than 117 years, the experience of two wheels is Harley-Davidson’s contribution to the world to bring people together and help riders experience freedom for the soul. Now, more than ever, Harley-Davidson is showcasing the power of riding with the Let’s Ride Challenge.
Through riding-related activities, participants earn Let’s Ride Challenge entries for a chance to win prizes celebrating the community and spirit of two wheels including a custom 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S motorcycle and weekly drawings for additional prizes.
“More than building machines, Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure,” said Jon Bekefy, General Manager of Brand Marketing. “The Let’s Ride Challenge is Harley-Davidson’s invitation for all riders in this challenging time to rediscover adventure through socially-distanced riding to find freedom for the soul.”
Let’s Ride Challenge
Riders can earn entries by participating in the following:
Join the Let’s Ride challenge on the Harley-Davidson app and track miles
– Ride 0 – 600 miles to earn 5 entries
– Ride 601-1200 miles to earn an additional 5 entries
Demo Harley-Davidson® motorcycles
– Demo a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle for 5 entries
– Take a second demo ride for an additional 5 entries
Take Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course and learn to ride to earn 15 entries
Ride Epic Rides
As part of the Let’s Ride Challenge, Harley-Davidson has curated rides from passionate members of the Harley-Davidson community and dealerships to provide new ways to get out of the garage and start riding again.
There are three types of rides to explore through a dealership or through the app, all while promoting safe and socially-distant riding:
Short Rides: It may have been a minute since the last ride around the block or seeing something new. These short rides can help mix up the daily routine.
Day Ride: Nothing helps seize the riding season more than a full day of riding. These day rides help plan an epic day trip.
Overnight Ride: Take a ride to celebrate what it means to get on the open road, all without crossing state lines. These rides will help plan an epic ride while riding responsibly.
We invite all riders, and riders of all skill levels, to celebrate life on two wheels:
Ask a local Harley-Davidson dealership about rides with fellow motorcyclists to experience new ways to interact with the riding community and discover new rides.
Download the Harley-Davidson App to plan a route, share it with friends, track a ride, and find epic rides nearby.
Win a Custom Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S Motorcycle
This customized 2020 Low Rider S motorcycle celebrates how the culture and community of motorcycle rallies have inspired Harley-Davidson motorcycle designs. The custom Low Rider S motorcycle is inspired by the 1980 FXB Sturgis and features a 117 Stage IV kit and a bevy of Harley-Davidson Parts and Accessories.
In addition, every week a winner will be randomly selected to win an assortment of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and a Yoder Smokers Competition Pellet Grill.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
Upgrade your BMW with the new WP Apex Pro components.
Begin Press Release:
WP LAUNCHES PREMIUM SUSPENSION PRODUCT SERIES FOR BMW S 1000 RR
NEW APEX PRO SHOCK, CARTRIDGE, AND STEERING DAMPER DEVELOPED FOR THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE UPGRADE
Based on its high performance setup, WP Suspension launches a new series of premium APEX PRO suspension components for the BMW S 1000 RR. This sports package consisting of APEX PRO 7746 Shock, APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge and APEX PRO 7117 Steering Damper guarantees with outstanding performance and razor-sharp precision that no racetrack or country road is safe from this APEX-Predator.
The APEX PRO COMPONENTS were designed with the influence of the experience of the latest motorsport champions and are built to win.
The APEX PRO 7746 Shock turns every bike into the ultimate performance machine. With separately adjustable high- and low-speed compression and rebound damping that can be easily adjusted to the track using standard tools, the bike can be adapted to any change in riding conditions in a matter of seconds. Extremely low manufacturing tolerances and the use of high-quality high-tech materials not only ensure constant damping performance but also provide crystal-clear and direct feedback from the ground.
The APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge makes the BMW S 1000 RR become one with the road. The cartridge, which is fully adjustable with standard tools, can be adapted to the individual requirements of the rider in just a few simple steps using adjusters for compression and rebound, and tickles the motorsport genes out of the BMW S 1000 RR with incredibly efficient and constant damping performance – with the APEX PRO 7500 Cartridge, ground contact is significantly improved and both bike and rider benefit from exceptional agility and increased confidence in the bike and the track.
The series is topped off by the APEX PRO 7117 Steering Damper. Tailored to the demands of motorsport racing, this steering damper tames all antics of the BMW S 1000 RR and enables extremely agile handling despite rich damping characteristics. Adjustable with little effort directly at the piston rod, the damper is not only an absolute lightweight – its slim design makes it look just as simple and perfectly complements the appearance of the BMW S 1000 RR.
The APEX PRO COMPONENTS for the BMW S 1000 RR are now available at WP Suspension Authorized Centers. Further details can be found at www.wp-suspension.com or visit one of our Authorized Centers (AC) for a personal consultation.
Harley-Davidson’s latest riding initiative, the “Let’s Ride Challenge,” is offering several of prizes, including a custom 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S. Riders can participate in several ways, from logging their rides on the Harley-Davidson app, to demo rides, or taking new rider courses. First and foremost, participants will need to sign up for the “Let’s Ride Challenge.”
Through riding-related activities, participants earn Let’s Ride Challenge entries for a chance to win prizes celebrating the community and spirit of two wheels including a custom 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S motorcycle and weekly drawings for additional prizes.
“More than building machines, Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure,” said Jon Bekefy, General Manager of Brand Marketing. “The Let’s Ride Challenge is Harley-Davidson’s invitation for all riders in this challenging time to rediscover adventure through socially-distanced riding to find freedom for the soul.”
Let’s Ride Challenge
Riders can earn entries by participating in the following:
Ride 601-1200 miles to earn an additional 5 entries
Demo Harley-Davidson® motorcycles
Demo a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle for 5 entries
Take a second demo ride for an additional 5 entries
Take Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course and learn to ride to earn 15 entries
Ride Epic Rides
As part of the Let’s Ride Challenge, Harley-Davidson has curated rides from passionate members of the Harley-Davidson community and dealerships to provide new ways to get out of the garage and start riding again.
There are three types of rides to explore through a dealership or through the app, all while promoting safe and socially-distant riding:
Short Rides: It may have been a minute since the last ride around the block or seeing something new. These short rides can help mix up the daily routine.
Day Ride: Nothing helps seize the riding season more than a full day of riding. These day rides help plan an epic day trip.
Overnight Ride: Take a ride to celebrate what it means to get on the open road, all without crossing state lines. These rides will help plan an epic ride while riding responsibly.
We invite all riders, and riders of all skill levels, to celebrate life on two wheels:
Ask a local Harley-Davidson dealership about rides with fellow motorcyclists to experience new ways to interact with the riding community and discover new rides.
Download the Harley-Davidson App to plan a route, share it with friends, track a ride, and find epic rides nearby.
Win a Custom Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S Motorcycle
In addition, every week a winner will be randomly selected to win an assortment of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and a Yoder Smokers Competition Pellet Grill.
Enter the challenge on July 31st and explore all the ways to win at H-D.com/LetsRide.
Yamaha Bicycles has announced two new full suspension e-MTBs, the YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro. The YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro are the first full suspension e-bikes to come from the brand, which has models in the road, commuter and mountain electric assist bicycle segments. We were impressed with the single suspension Yamaha YDX Torc e-MTB and can’t wait to try the dual suspension models out.
From Press Release:
Yamaha Bicycles is taking a massive leap into the all-mountain e-Bike segment today, announcing the coming of two new models. The YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro models promise to deliver a new level of balanced power, performance and handling for riders on all types of e-mountain bike (e-MTB) trails.
With a full list of specs, components, pricing and availability to be announced in August, Yamaha is revealing select images and several key features of the all-new e-MTB models today, while also promoting an online giveaway at https://www.yamahabicycles.com/future-ebikes/.
Influenced by Yamaha’s unmatched experience in racing technology and e-Bike design, the all-new YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro look and ride like no other e-MTB. Boasting an all-new PW-X2 drive unit, the bikes deliver the most natural feeling assist and ride experience thanks to a new proprietary Quad Sensor System, and include new Automatic, MTB and Walk Assist modes. The PW-X2 drive unit and new 500 watt-hour lithium-ion battery are secured in an all-new patent pending Dual Twin Frame design that delivers a superior combination of handling performance and durability, along with a new Horst link suspension design.
“This is the bike that Yamaha fans have been asking for, a full-suspension e-Bike crafted through a collaboration of Yamaha designers and engineers to create the best handling, best assist-feeling all-mountain e-Bike on the market, hands down,” said Drew Engelmann, Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycle group sales and marketing manager. “Yamaha has designed a frame like no one else before, developed a new drive unit with all-new features, and, true to Yamaha’s engineering legacy, put together a total package that works so well together, it’s going to raise the bar for the all-mountain e-Bike segment from here forward. Yamaha just redefined the ‘all-mountain’ category – to ‘every mountain.’”
New PW-X2 Drive Unit; Natural Assist with New Modes and Power Yamaha’s new PW-X2 drive unit is a compact and lightweight drive unit that delivers powerful, responsive and natural-feeling pedal assist. The smooth and natural assist is critical for MTB enthusiasts who demand a pure ride experience, and also appreciate the benefits of a pedal assist bike that allows them to ride farther and longer than other bikes.
The YDX-MORO models are Class 1 e-Bikes, delivering pedal assist up to 20 mph. They have five assist modes including Eco, Standard, High, new MTB mode, and EXPW. The new PW-X2 provides assist up to 120 rpm in Eco, Standard, High and MTB modes and 170 rpm in EXPW mode. The motor also adopts a new helical gear design, reducing noise output.
Key features connected to the PW-X2 motor on the YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro include:
Quad Sensor System: The new Quad Sensor System adds an angle sensor to Yamaha’s existing Triple Sensor System, which measures pedaling torque, cadence and rolling speed of the bicycle.
Automatic mode: The new Quad Sensor System allowed Yamaha to develop a new Automatic mode for the YDX-MORO which, when engaged, seamlessly and automatically switches the support modes between Eco, Standard and High allowing the rider to focus on the trail and not their power assist levels.
Walk Assist: Also new on a Yamaha Power Assist Bicycle, Walk Assist provides a slight power assist for riders to walk their bike through difficult terrain or challenging sections.
New MTB Mode: Created to provide a direct response feeling according to the rider’s pedaling force. MTB mode is especially suited for off-road riding such as tight corners and when riding tight-line trails.
New EXPW Mode: now provides assist up to 170 rpm, which is especially helpful in technical sections and on steep climbs when beginning from a stop and a fast movement pedal rotation is often needed to get started again.
Patent Pending Dual Twin Frame; Combining Performance and Durability The YDX-MORO’s Dual Twin Frame is the first ever bike frame to feature a split design on both the top and down tubes. Allowing for a reduced saddle height and stand over height, the unique design ensures frame rigidity while optimizing weight balance.
This new design elevates the MORO’s handling characteristics while also increasing durability by cradling the battery and rear shock in a cage-like configuration. Placed in a floating docking station, the battery is more easily changed (compared to being captured inside the frame) and is protected from vertical twisting. Yamaha’s design employs a steep angle downtube design which moves the battery rearward to keep weight centered under the rider improving the handling of the bike.
By tucking the rear shock into the twin tube frame construct, riders gain the benefit of more clearance when standing over the bike, while also keeping the bike’s center of gravity low to help with cornering and maneuverability.
Within this exclusive frame design, the drive unit is rotated in alignment with the downtube angle – better aligned with the axel path and the ground. The drive unit simply fits better within the frame than competing models. Placed more vertically in the frame, flex is decreased, clearance is increased, and the rear center measurement is shortened, keeping the chain stay short. Because the drive unit is in a fixed position in the frame, it is tucked in and tracks with the frame while cornering.
Yamaha’s First Ever Dual Suspension e-MTB; Balanced Ride and Handling The YDX-MORO’s geometry was designed to deliver big hit capability with short travel feel and improve rider control when tackling obstacles on the trail. With a neutral rider position and low center of gravity, the bike’s new Horst link suspension is fully active regardless of the rider’s input. Whether pedaling or braking, the horizontally positioned rear suspension provides traction to the trail, predictable feeling in corners, and a connected feeling to the ground even over rough terrain, allowing for aggressive riding with predictably fun handling. The long and low geometry also allows the rider to navigate down steeper trails without losing traction on the front end of the bike.
The horizontal positioning of the rear shock results in a reduced saddle height, lower stand-over height, and makes it easier to put a foot down (similar to MX-style riding) while navigating obstacles.
“The all-new YDX-MORO models represent the forward thinking, design capability, legendary performance, and manufacturing quality the Yamaha brand is known for delivering across multiple outdoor recreation segments in the U.S. and around the world,” said Rob Trester, who leads the Yamaha Power Assist Bicycle group in the U.S. “The all-mountain category is one of the fastest growing segments in e-Bikes, and the YDX-MORO and YDX-MORO Pro are ready to capture the excitement and passion of riders and Yamaha’s bicycle retail partners.”
The all-new YDX-MORO will be available in Desert Yellow and the YDX-MORO Pro will be available in Podium Blue/Nickel.
Yamaha is the pioneering leader in e-Bikes, and the YDX-MORO models represent the latest innovations in the brand’s ever expanding e-Bike lineup. Yamaha launched the world’s first electrically power assisted bicycle in 1993, and is the only manufacturer with 27-years of experience designing complete e-Bikes from frame to motor. Recently, the brand also launched the new Civante road bike, which is Yamaha’s first U.S. model offered in the Class 3 category.
Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles is part of the Smart Power Vehicle Division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. The Yamaha Bicycles lineup includes a variety of power assist bicycles for fitness, fun, commuting and serious recreation. View Yamaha’s full line of Power Assist Bicycles at www.YamahaBicycles.com and find a local retailer at Yamaha’s dealer locator.
At last, Apple CarPlay is now supported on select Indian models…
Begin press release:
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, announced today the integration of Apple CarPlay to its model year 2020 lineup of bikes equipped with the 7” Ride Command system. Continuing its mission to further enhance the riding experience, this latest update continues to deliver industry-leading technology which provides riders with a way to stay connected while out on the road.
Apple CarPlay is now supported on 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models with navigation. iPhone users can easily access Apple Music, Maps, send messages with Siri and more through the Ride Command 7” screen and a supported Bluetooth headset (not included) – all on a user-friendly interface that iPhone users will instantly recognize. This integration also increases global accessibility to navigation.
Apple CarPlay is just one of several improvements made to Indian Motorcycle’s leading Ride Command system. Riders can now expect improved navigation location management, improved boot time, audio muting and control improvements (including navigation audio), widget fixes and a new fuel economy widget, and improved search functionality within navigation.
Owners can stay up-to-date with the latest technology by accessing a simple, free software download at home or through their local dealership which can be located on IndianMotorcycle.com.
The MotoGP™ sophomore was in a comfortable second place before engine trouble hit his Desmosedici GP20, forcing Bagnaia to retire from the race on Lap 20 of 25. Despite the heart-breaking end, the 2018 Moto2™ World Champion wasn’t too disappointed when reviewing the race. Why? Well, throughout both weekends in Jerez, Bagnaia was – for the most part – the lead Ducati rider.
Pol Espargaro had led the way in praising the work Pedrosa has been doing with KTM since his arrival as a test rider in 2019, and results are showing on track with all four of the Austrian factory’s riders. Over the two weekends at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Espargaro equalled KTM’s best dry MotoGP™ result, with Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech3) equalling his best premier class finish – before the Portuguese rider stuck his RC16 5th on the grid for the Andalucia GP.
Brno, Austria, Misano, Barcelona, Le Mans, Aragon and Valencia. During the same races in 2019, Marquez picked up 66 more points than Quartararo did, and the only race he didn’t win from that list last season was at the Red Bull Ring, where he finished a close second. If the same occurs this year, that would acclaim Marquez as World Champion if Quartararo remains the man to beat in 2020.
Competition Pellet Grill.
Competition Pellet Grill.
design that delivers a superior combination of handling performance and durability, along with a new Horst link suspension design.
