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Harley-Davidson Files Patent for Automated Braking
Harley-Davidson has recently filed patents that show a type of emergency braking system that could be integrated into future models.
Unlike other manufacturers, Harley’s technology patent is more in line with accident prevention and crash avoidance – instead of adaptive cruise control.
The system is comprised of many sensors situated similarly to those found on bikes with adaptive cruise control. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the bike’s surroundings along with the status of the rider via grip and seat sensors. Harley-Davidson’s system also includes a camera that is pointed at the rider to provide information about the status of the rider.
Harley-Davidson’s patent also mentions the use of Vision Tracking via a helmet-mounted camera pointed at the rider’s eye. This cool technology can sense where the rider is looking in addition to their eyes being open.
The new technology will collectively work together to provide visual and audible alerts in the case of an emergency – giving the rider the opportunity to react. If the rider does not respond, the system will begin to slow the bike down, come to a stop, gingerly topple the bike, and the incapacitated rider over.
Every rider can relate to seeing vehicles on the road sometimes braking slowly at first but then almost immediately come to a halt – leaving the rider to estimate the braking distance. Another neat feature found in HD’s new patent is it can assist the rider in applying the brakes should the rider misjudge how quickly they need to stop.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Aussies feast on Brit bike auction
Aussies have a deep love affair with British bikes that stretches back almost 100 years and now they can express that love by buying a classic Brit bike in the Shannons Autumn Online Auction.
At one stage, Australia’s motorcycle industry boasted more than 30 brand names, most of which were powered by British engines.
Aussies also favoured British bikes right through until the Japanese superbikes of the 1970s.
Now Brit bike fans can again express their love of UK mechanical hostly at the annual Shannons auction highlighted by Manx Nortons and an 1949 AJS 350CC 7R from 48 years of same family ownership.
The auction kicks off on 13 April 2021 and closes on April 20.
Three bikes come from the estate of the late Fred O’Farrell, who competed regularly at circuits like Amaroo Park and Oran Park.
The undisputed leader of the pack is a fabulous 1954 Norton Manx 500cc with a short-stroke Ray Petty conversion and a British and Bathurst race history.
Built around a J11 M2 all-welded frame, this long-stroke Norton was originally sold in Oxford, UK, but underwent a short stroke conversion by Ray Petty (whose stamp appears on the crankcases and front brake ring) before coming to Australia.
Since brought up to 1961 spec, the Norton spent many years in Mt Gambier from where it was raced to fourth place at Bathurst by Rob Assink. After changing hands locally several times, the Manx landed in Warrnambool (Victoria) where it was given a general tidy up.
The Norton’s 498cc single had never been apart until its conrod was sent to Summerfields for a new big-end bearing. Used sparingly since, it was run up and down the local road by the vendor around six years ago and comes with paperwork and notes on its history. Genuine Manx Nortons rarely come on the market and this fine example is expected to sell in the $50,000 – $60,000 range.
The Manx is one of four Classic Nortons in the auction. Others are a fully-restored 1968 Norton Commando 750cc Twin Fastback in immaculate condition (the 307th Commando built – $20,000 – $24,000), a 1954 Norton ES2 500cc restored to a high standard with the make’s famous chrome and black livery (‘no reserve’ $10,000-$12,000) and a 1950 Norton ES2-based special (‘no reserve’ $7,000-$10,000).
Another all-time classic British motorcycle is a 1949 AJS 350CC 7R with an Australian racing history that has been in the same family ownership for 48 years ($45,000 – $55,000).
An alternative for AJS enthusiasts from the family of the Late Fred O’Farrell is a classic 1948 AJS 7R race bike now running a Velocette single cylinder 350cc engine (‘no reserve’ $16,000-$22,000).
Great British Pre-War motorbikes in the auction include a very rare c1933 Rudge 500 TT Replica motorcycle ($14,000 – $18,000) and an ultra-rare and beautifully-restored 1926 Rex Acme Sports motorcycle fitted with a 350cc Blackburn ohv engine (‘no reserve’ $18,000-$22,000).
American bikes in the auction include a 1923 Indian Standard Power Plus Outfit with its original sidecar offered with ‘no reserve’ in major project condition for $10,000-$15,000, along with two much more recent Harley-Davidson FLH 1200 models – an original, but cosmetically refreshed 1967 Electra-Glide ($30,000-$36,000) and an unrestored 1978 ’75th Anniversary Edition’ AMF model – one of just 2,120 made ($20,000 – $25,000).
Japanese motorcycles include three Hondas and a Suzuki GT750 triple, with the standouts being a stunning, orange 1974 Honda CB750/4 K4 and a ‘no reserve’ 1981 Honda CBX 1000 showing only 22,406km in the hands of three owners – both Hondas in immaculate condition and expected to sell for $22,000-$28,000, with the CBX 1000 offered with ‘no reserve’.
Also in the auction for scooter fans there are three Classic Vespas – a restored 1962 Piaggio 150cc (‘no reserve’, $5,000-$8,000); a c1974 Vespa Piaggio 150cc Sprint model (‘no reserve’ $6,000-$8,000) and a modern, but retro-styled 2009 Vespa GTV 250ie (‘no reserve’, $5,000-$7,000).
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
Moss escapes major injury, vows to bring the fight at Canberra
Short-lived outing on return to competition for former champion.
Image: Foremost Media.
Former national champion Matt Moss is vowing to put it all on the line come round two of the 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship after a short-lived outing at Wonthaggi, but managing to escape major injury.
In his first appearance since 2016, the BBR 102 Motorsports privateer battled clutch issues during qualifying on his way to posting the seventh-fastest time.
Those same clutch issues saw him crash out on the opening lap of the first Thor MX1 moto, reaggravating a shoulder injury from a pre-season crash.
“Frustration got the better of me and I high-sided just before the finish line,” Moss told MotoOnline. “I thought my shoulder might’ve been displaced, but the good news is the scans came back clear. There’s a bit of fluid behind the shoulder blade, but we have three weeks to get ready for Canberra, where I plan to put it all on the line. I’ve got nothing to lose now, so I’ll try and win everything.”
It was a disappointing outcome for Moss’s much-anticipated return, but he says there were a lot of lessons learnt as he comes to terms with running his own team alongside twin brother – and former Australian MX2 champion – Jake Moss, who is also on the comeback trail.
“Overseeing everything and not keeping my mind solely on the job hindered me a lot,” Matt reflected. “Being privateers, we were one of the last in line to get parts, so we only finished building the race bike the night before race day.
“But yesterday nothing went to plan. I rode too conservatively as I wanted to preserve my bike in the sand, but I’ve got to let go of that now. I’m never going to win races thinking like that – my mindset on the weekend was completely not me and it definitely showed.”
While he says the new-look ProMX Championship and associated broadcast package are big steps forward for the sport, privateers with limited time and resources are put on the back foot by the rejigged qualifying format.
“The new format definitely benefits the factory teams who have mechanics and resources,” he added. “I think privateers are disadvantaged, as we have one qualifying session, then a limited time to wash and prep the bikes, put in a new clutch, then flog the shit out of the bike again in the shootout. We then have to do that all again before we line up for the first race an hour later.”
Meanwhile, the return to racing of Jake Moss, who is also Yamaha-mounted at BBR 102 Motorsports saw him finish the day in 20th overall. He impressed by transferring through the Top 10 Shootout, then went 16-DNF in the afternoon’s motos.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Clout DNF put down to uncharacteristic ‘human error’ at CDR
Rare shock failure forces CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team rider out.
Image: Foremost Media.
A case of an uncharacteristic ‘human error’ at CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Yamaha cost Luke Clout any chance of challenging to win the Penrite ProMX opener after encountering troubles in both MX1 motos at Wonthaggi.
CDR owner Craig Dack has confirmed that it was an internal error on the team’s behalf that caused Clout to exit moto two altogether with a rare shock failure.
“We put our hand up, it was our mistake – human error – and we’re very disappointed with ourselves,” Dack told MotoOnline. “We’re sincerely sorry and upset that it happened – both Luke and Hayden [Mellross] rode exceptionally well. We have a strong track record of reliability over more than 25 years, so it was really, really disappointing.”
Clout led much of the opening 25-minute encounter until curiously fading in the mid-stages and coming under attack from eventual race winner Brett Metcalfe (Mongrel Boots Honda Racing), crossing the line in second position and it’s understood that he may have also experienced problems in that outing.
Later, Clout was circulating in P2 on his way to securing an overall podium when he had to pull out of the second moto altogether, costing him valuable championship points in the process. He was credited 10th overall, now 23 points behind debut winner Regan Duffy (KTM Racing Team).
“Obviously it wasn’t the end result that we wanted, but looking back on the day, there were a lot of positives to take out of it,” Clout reflected this morning. “The sand and the way the track formed up, it’s not my strongest point, so to be where I was and have the speed that I did have, I’m really confident now.
“We ran into some issues, so with me leading the first race, being so close to everyone and faster than the majority of the guys even with the problems we ran into, just gives me more confidence. With the hard-pack tracks coming up, it’s really driven me to get some wins and get back myself back into the championship.
“We’re trying to diagnose the problems we had yesterday and there was some confusion between me and the team in the final 10 minutes of the first race. When I came in, I wasn’t tired, there wasn’t any arm-pump or nothing at all, so we were confused.
“There was then the issue in the second race and we kind of think that it could have translated into the end of the first moto, which caused me to eventually lose the lead. No excuses though, Metty rode great and I was happy to take second, but I really do think that was my race – things happen and we’ve got to put it behind us.”
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Kingsford and Long win MX3 and 125 Cup
Countbacks determine champs at Wonthaggi
Image: Foremost Media
Teenager Ryder Kingsford and Victoria’s Dylan Long both claimed round wins on countbacks in the MX3 class and 125 Cup at the 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship opener at Wonthaggi, today.
In MX3, 17-year-old Blake Fox (Gas Gas) finished the opening race with a comfortable 15-second leader over GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing’s Ryder Kingsford in the opening moto, with Kingsford’s Yamaha team-mate Kobe Drew a further 10 seconds behind. Ben Novak (Honda Junior Racing Team) and Kayden Minear (KTM) rounded out the top five.
In the second race, Kingsford grabbed the holeshot, but Fox quickly made his move to the front. Unwilling to be intimidated by the older racer, Kingsford followed closely behind before retaking the lead as Fox lost his rhythm, and led the rest of the race, holding off a late charge from Fox to take the round overall on countback.
The youngest rider in the field, Minear, finished the second moto in third, followed by Drew and Novak.
Kingsford took the overall, from Fox, with Drew rounding out the podium.
In the 125cc Cup, Australian Off Road racer Jack Simpson proved he still has talent on the motocross track as he cruised to a 31-second race victory in the opening moto.
In the opening race Simpson cruised to a 30-second victory over Long (Yamaha), while defending 125 Cup Cam Taylor (Yamaha) finished the moto in third.Joshua McLean (Husqvarna) and American Michael Sleeter (Gas Gas) rounded out the top five.
In the second 125 Cup moto, Long led every lap around the increasingly chopped-up Wonthaggi circuit, always keeping Simpson at arm’s length and eventually winning by 14 seconds. South Australian Elijah Wiese (Yamaha) finished the race in third, followed by McLean and Ryan Butler (Yamaha).
Long took the overall ahead of Simpson, with McLean finishing off the podium.
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Rookie Duffy wins ProMX opener
MX1 rookie has breakout performance at Wonthaggi.
Image: Foremost Media
In a breakout ride, KTM Racing Team’s MX1 rookie Regan Duffy drew first blood at the opening round of the 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship at Wonthaggi.
As the gate dropped on the 2021 championship, CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Luke Clout grabbed the holeshot and proceeded to pull out a 10-second lead over Mongrel Boots Honda’s Brett Metcalfe and defending champion Todd Waters (Husqvarna Racing Team).
Fastest qualifier Duffy started the moto outside the top 10, but fought his way forward, passing Waters for third at the halfway point.
Up front, Metcalfe put on a hard charge as Clout began to tire, and made a decisive pass for the lead with four laps to go.
The South Australian went on to win the race from Clout and a fast-finishing Duffy, while Waters and Kirk Gibbs (Terrafirma Equipment Sales Honda) rounded out the top five.
Hayden Mellross (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Racing), Jayden Rykers (Kawasaki), Maximus Purvis (WBR Yamaha Bulk Nutrients Racing), Jai Walker (Honda) and Connor Tierney (SB Motorsports) completed the top 10.
Kirk Gibbs snatched the holeshot of the second Thor MX1 moto and led the pack through the first turn, followed by a host of championship front-runners.
Clout and Mellross both enjoyed time at the front of the pack early on, before Duffy, who’d started towards the rear of the top 10, tore his way through into the lead and began checking out.
Clout worked his way back past his team-mate Mellross for second, but experienced a mechanical failure and DNFed the race.
Up front, Duffy continued to build his lead over Waters and Gibbs, stretching his buffer out to 17 seconds at one stage, as he lapped up to ninth place.
Waters held off a late charge from Gibbs to secure second place, while moto 1 winner Metcalfe rounded out the top five.
Tierney finished sixth, ahead of Purvis, Joben Baldwin (Honda), Jay Lamb (Yamaha) and Rykers.
Detailed results
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
MX2 clean sweep for Webster at Wonthaggi
Honda Racing Team rider undefeated at the ProMX opener
Imaage: Foremost Media
Delcon Civil Honda Racing’s Kyle Webster performed a clean sweep of the MX2 field at the opening round of the 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship at Wonthaggi, Vic.
Husqvarna racer Dylan Wills claimed the holeshot of the opening MX2 race, but Alex Larwood (WBR Yamaha Bulk Nutrients Racing) and Webster quickly got past on the opening lap.
Two laps later Webster swung past Larwood and the pair set sail from the rest of the pack. Privateer Jai Constantinou (Husqvarna)held down third ahead of Yamalube Yamaha Racing pair Rhys Budd and Jay Wilson, before coming unstuck at the midway point as conditions deteriorated quickly in the rain.
Serco Yamaha teammates Jesse Dobson and Nathan Crawford overcame bad starts and worked their way up the field, passing Wilson as the laps wound down.
Webster took the win from Larwood, with Budd finishing third. Dobson, Crawford and Wilson and Constantinou finished fourth through seventh, with Levi Rogers (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), Isaac Ferguson (Gas Gas) and Wills rounding out the top 10.
Webster quickly leapt to the front of the second MX2 moto and wasn’t headed for the entire race, capping of a clean sweep for the Honda racer at Wonthaggi.
Jai Constantinou started strongly and held down second place for the opening laps, before succumbing to a hard-charging Crawford and Dobson.
Larwood, who experienced an average start, fought through the pack to make a late pass on Dobson for third place, and a hard-fought second overall on the day.
Constantinou held on strongly for fifth, as Wilson and Budd traded places multiple times through the race in their battle for sixth, before Budd got the upper hand on his team-mate.
Mackay finished eighth, Jy Roberts (KTM) ninth and Wills 10th.
Detailed results
Source: MotoOnline.com.au
Squad goals! #team65 @krt_worldsbk
Ducati recalls XDiavel and Scrambler 1100
Ducati Australia has issued two separate recall notices this week for their XDiavel, XDiavel S and Scrambler 1100 models for issues with side stands and electrics.
In the first notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, X Diavel and XDiavel S models made from 2016 to 2018, the side stand mounting bracket may become damaged.
“The side stand may fail when the motorcycle is parked,” the notice says.
“If this occurs, the motorcycle may fall over, which could increase the risk of injury to the rider and passenger, or bystanders.”
That’s not good for a motorcycle costing more than $30,000.
Some 182 Scrambler 1100 models sold from April 2018 to January 2021, have an issue with the exhaust cable coming into contact with the battery positive cable, according to the official ACCC notice.
“If the two cables make contact with each other, there will be an electrical short causing a potential fire risk, increasing the risk of an accident and injury to the rider, passenger and/or bystanders,” it says.
“In the event of a serious accident, this may result in death.”
Owners of the above models will be notified in writing to contact their closest Ducati dealer or service agent and arrange an appointment for the respective cables to be rearranged, free of charge.
For further information, consumers can contact an authorised Ducati dealer or email [email protected]
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com