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Voxan Motors Wattman Is the Fastest Electric Motorcycle In the World

A Wild Machine

Rider Max Biaggi and Voxan Motors managed to make history for the Venturi Group’s 20th anniversary. The team set 11 new world speed records at the Châteauroux airfield in France. Yes, 11 records. 

Perhaps the most impressive is achievement is the outright top speed, which was 408 km/h or 254 mph. 

The team’s most exciting new record includes beating the “partially streamlined electric motorcycle over 300 kilos” record. They did so by achieving a speed of 366.94 km/h or 228.05 mph. This run beats out Ryuji Tsuruta and Mobitec EV-02A who help the record previously.

In accordance with FIM rules, the Voxan Wattman’s speed was measured from a flying start over 1 mile in opposite directions. The final speed for the record books was the average speed of the two runs. In the future, the team will target an average speed during these two runs of 400 km/h or 249 mph.

The team also beat the record for a non-streamlined version of the bike. They managed to remove the fairing and do 349.38 km/h or 217.14 mph.

Here are the other records that the Wattaman set according to Voxan:

  •  ¼ mile, flying start, partially streamlined: 394.45 km/h (245.10 mph) – no previous record
  •  ¼ mile, flying start, non-streamlined: 357.19 km/h (221.95 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 km, flying start, partially streamlined: 386.35 km/h (240.07 mph – previous
    record: 329.31 km/h (204.62 mph)
  •  ¼ mile, standing start, non-streamlined: 126.20 km/h (78.42 mph) – no previous record
  •  ¼ mile, standing start, partially streamlined: 127.30 km/h (79.10 mph) – previous
    record: 87.16 km/h (54.16 mph)
  •  1 km, standing start, non-streamlined: 185.56 km/h (115.30 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 km, standing start, partially streamlined: 191.84 km/h (119.20 mph) – previous
    record: 122.48 km/h (76.11 mph)
  •  1 mile, standing start, non-streamlined: 222.82 km/h (138.45 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 mile, standing start, partially streamlined: 225.01 km/h (139.81 mph) – no previous record

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Who is Yamaha’s Garrett Gerloff?

Gerloff has spent most of the past decade finding success at each rung of the USA motorcycling ladder. After picking up multiple trophies and wins in the WERA National series and the Daytona Sportbike Championship, Gerloff landed in the MotoAmerica Supersport class in 2015, finishing 3rd on his first attempt. He would go two better in 2016 and again in 2017, becoming a two-time Champion by the age of 22.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Rossi: “I had another test and it came back positive again”

“This virus is very complicated and serious,” said the 41-year-old. “I felt bad for two days, then in a few days I came back to being fully fit, at my 100%. I self-isolated at home all the time and I followed the medical advice closely. It‘s a very sad and difficult situation, but that‘s the way it is.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Melbourne Toy Run Goes Virtual

Last updated:

COVID travel restrictions in Victoria will force this year’s 43rd Melbourne Toy Run to operate as a virtual event.

The Melbourne Motorcycle Toyrun has run every December since 1978, but currently, Melbourne residents are only allowed to travel 25km from home and outdoor groups are restricted to 10.

There is little hope that these restrictions will be eased enough and in time for the traditional toy run.

So, the organisers are asking riders to decorate their bikes with Christmas decorations and bring toys, food, and donations to the

Salvation Army Christmas Appeals at various locations in small groups and post the results on the Melbourne Toy Run Facebook page.

The same happened to this year’s annual worldwide Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in September, resulting in only half the number of participants and amount of funds raised.

However, Victorian Motorcycle Council Chair Graham Solomon says this year is it is more important than ever to show support for the Salvos.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions still in place and Government support winding back, there are more families than ever doing it hard to put food on the table, let alone toys for the kids,” he says.

“It is vital for the motorcycle community to continue to support the Salvos in this worthy cause as they do each year.

“As restrictions ease, the Victorian Motorcycle Council encourages Victorian riders to enjoy a ride in small groups this Christmas ensuring they stay safe and obey the COVID-19 safety regulations.”

Major Mark Kop from the Salvation Army says the virtual toy run is another example of how we are “learning to do things in new ways”.

“The Salvation Army has found new ways of working that have been surprising to us and incredibly effective as well,” he says.

“The Victorian Motorcycle Council has shown leadership and swung into action through their online approach.

20202 Honda Goldwing

“We know that thousands of families are going to experience the Christmas they would never have expected.

“Given all the pressures of 2020 we will be able, together, to bring joy, hope and Christmas cheer to those who need it most”.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne-based Toy Run for Father Bob is expected to go ahead on Sunday, December 6, at this stage.

However, it will be a scaled-down event with a new location at Father Bob’s foundation warehouse, 204 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne from 11am-1pm.

In NSW, the 43rd Newcastle Toy Run will collect gifts, but the ride is off.

The 41st MRA Toy Run in Tasmania will go ahead as a ticketed event.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Garrett Gerloff on standby as Rossi’s replacement rider

“I feel really bad for him and I hope that he recovers soon, we all miss the number 46 on track! All the best to him. If I do end up riding this weekend, it will be an uphill battle not knowing the bike, tyres, brakes, etc. Also, I have never been to the Valencia track before. But I‘m confident in myself and ready for the challenge! Thanks to all at Yamaha. Bring it on!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Peter Hickman joins new team for 2021

Macau based businesswoman forms new race team

Peter Hickman has announced he has signed for the new FHO Racing team for the 2021 road racing season and British Superbike Championship, riding a BMW Motorrad-supported M 1000 RR Superbike.

The new team is the latest venture by Macau entrepreneur Faye Ho, who is stepping up her commitment to the sport as a team owner having previously supported a number of riders and teams in her native Macau Grand Prix event.

Ho, an international businesswoman who divides her time between business and charity work in Macau, Hong Kong and the UK, said: “I’ve always loved motorsport and bike racing in particular, so when the opportunity arose to take over from the Smiths team, it seemed the ideal opportunity to get involved. I first supported motorcycle teams at the Macau Grand Prix in 2009 and the next year we claimed the victory with Stuart Easton and the PBM squad. What struck me immediately with two-wheeled racing was the excitement and passion; it is a huge challenge that the teams and riders take on each time they are on track.

“When I came back to the UK, I witnessed the thrill of the Isle of Man TT and the level of professionalism and competition of the BSB series. When we heard the Smiths team were withdrawing, and having got to know [team owners] Alan and Rebecca Smith in Macau, it felt like perfect timing to help step in to build a new team. I’m just so excited to get going, this is probably the biggest challenge I’ve ever undertaken and ultimately we have the desire to want to win races!”

BMW S 1000 RR M

FHO Racing is formed from the foundations of the successful Smiths Racing operation, which ceased competing at the end of this season, and utilises many of its experienced technicians and equipment.

Hickman, who had been with the Smiths Racing team since 2017, is enthusiastic about approaching the new season with FHO Racing and excited to begin the development of the new BMW M 1000 RR Superbike, which he will pilot on the roads and the short circuits.

Peter Hickman

This is an exciting time for me, the team and I think racing in general as we gain a passionate new team owner in Faye. I’ve known Faye for a few years as a generous supporter of racing in Macau and most importantly she wants to win! I’ve had an awesome four years with the Smiths Racing team, we’ve grown together as a group, been successful in BSB and on the Roads, so now I think we can build on that and take it to a new level. After such a bad year globally, it’s so positive to have a new team and sponsor enter the arena.”

BMW S 1000 RR M

Taking over from the Smiths Racing outfit means that Hickman will continue the strong relationship with Crew Chief and Team Manager, Darren Jones, who he has worked alongside since 2016: “This is a great opportunity to build a new team but use all the important foundations of the Smiths outfit, bringing in additional expertise to strengthen what needs improving. Faye has sponsored the Smiths team, watched from afar and is now relishing the chance to go racing herself as a team owner.”

BMW S 1000 RR M

Away from the Isle of Man and the road racing scene, the team will also run former WorldSBK rider Xavi Fores in the British Superbike Championship, as well as Alex Olsen in the National Superstock Championship.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Australian WorldSBK round to be scheduled late in 2021 season

Coronavirus conerns around travel restrictions have forced WorldSBK organisers to postpone the Phillip Island round of the 2021 World Superbike Championship to later in the year.

Executive Director of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, Gregorio Lavilla, let that cat out of the bag overnight.

Gregorio Lavilla

What I can say is that we are working on having three brand new circuits that WorldSBK has never seen before, but I can’t say where at the moment. In Australia, the event will take place at the end of the year in order to analyse the situation by that time; for sure now, it’d be very risky to decide and commit to being there in February. We are working on putting all of our European events first, starting in April until the first week of October and from that point, if the situation is good in Argentina, Australia and a race in the Middle East that we are working on, then they will go ahead. I think by July or August, we will know as we need to wait until nearer the time.

The idea of running a WorldSBK event a week or two away from the traditional late October MotoGP weekend at the famous Victorian venue has been canvassed numerous times over the years and is no doubt being discussed now with various bodies such as the FIM, Dorna, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and the Victorian Government.  But what makes perfect rational sense to me and you, might not make sense to those with their levers on the power to make such a thing happen. Politics and all that…

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday vdMarkGB
WorldSBK at Phillip Island is always spectacular

Source: MCNews.com.au

Destination Yamaha does the Windsor to Bulga run

Bulga to Windsor with Destination Yamaha


Destination Yamaha’s round trip from Windsor to Bulga and back saw 15 riders brave mixed conditions to meet at the Windsor McDonalds ready for a fun day out on a wide range of bikes.

Despite looming clouds there was a good turn-out

Most notably SP versions of Yamaha’s three-cylinder MT-09 and four-pot MT-10. Yamaha’s Destination Yamaha-liveried Niken GT was joined by a Ténéré 700 and XSR700 while other brands were represented by a Ducati Scrambler and Honda CBR250.

Yamaha were well represented with a number of MT models
Martien van der Horst – Destination Yamaha

“The weather certainly made it more interesting … talk about four seasons in a day. We had sunshine, rain, clouds and blue skies all before lunch at Bulga where we dried out at the local tavern. The Bulga ride is something we put together to beat the COVID blues – just a short one-day event to blow the cobwebs out. Destination Yamaha is not just about the big-ticket events – we like to remain flexible and offer events that customers really want – and not just Yamaha riders either.”

The run offered riders a chance to throw off the COVID blues and have a bit of fun

The group checked into the Grey Gum Café for coffee and lunched at The Tavern in Bulga. Highlight of the day was the thrilling ride back to Windsor along the legendary Putty Road ending at a pub in Windsor.

The next Destination Yamaha event is a one-day South Coast ADV ride out of Nowra on 5 December 2020. Check out the website for details https://www.yamaha-motor.com.au/discover/destination-yamaha-motor

The next Destination Yamaha run is scheduled for December 5

Source: MCNews.com.au

2021 Yamaha MT-07 revealed

2021 Yamaha MT-07

Last week Yamaha took the wraps off an up-sized and very much up-specced MT-09 for 2021 and overnight Yamaha unveiled a similarly upgraded MT-07.

Winglet-style air intakes create distinctive MT-07 style

In Australia we receive a specially tuned 655 cc LAMs version to meet our learner requirements and Yamaha also bring in the full power 689 cc variant which is dubbed MT-07 HO.   

New LED projector headlight with signature Y-shape icon

The full power version will arrive in February 2021 in Tech Black while the LAMs machine will arrive a month later and be available in Storm Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black. Pricing is yet to be set.

2021 Yamaha MT-07

New LED lighting all round freshens the look and the instrumentation is also updated.  The new bifunctional LED headlight received mixed responses when it was first shown on the new MT-09 and the new face also debuts on the MT-07 for the new model year.

New LED projector headlight with signature Y-shape icon

32 mm wider tapered alloy bars are reached to from a new seat that is 805 mm from terra firma.

2021 Yamaha MT-07

A new injection-moulded plastic resin fuel tank, complete with winglets, also makes its mark.

New LED turn signals

Finishes and minor details have also been changed to the fork covers, pegs, engine stays and covers.

2021 Yamaha MT-07

The 689 cc engine of the full power model has new intake ducts with a new tune to match along with a new 2-into-1 exhaust and ECU that Yamaha promise delivers an even more linear response while metting Euro5 emissions legislation.

New 2-into-1 exhaust helps the 2021 MT-07 meet Euro5 legislation

The battery is also new while the engine now features Crystal Graphite engine covers.

New inverted dashboard is similar to the unit fitted to the Tracer 700, with larger displays for the clock, gear, tripmeters and tachometer provides clear information. The use of spot colour gives an accent for key displays – and a new handlebar switch enables the rider to operate them more easily

Maximum thrust of 67 Nm is achieved by just 6500 rpm while peak power arrives 2500 rpm later and is rated at 73 horsepower.

Maximum torque of 67.0Nm/6.8kg-m produced at 6,500rpm

Stopping power is also uprated with the rotors up front increasing from 282 to 298 mm.

New 298mm dual front discs

Overall this is a fairly significant update to what is Yamaha’s most popular and successful models in Australia that prepares it to go head to head in the marketplace against Triumph’s new Trident when it arrives next February.

2021 Yamaha MT-07

201 Yamaha MT-07 Technical highlights

  • Next generation body design
  • Winglet-style air intakes create distinctive MT-07 style
  • New LED projector headlight with signature Y-shape icon
  • Crossplane technology CP2 engine
  • EU5-compliant
  • 270-degree crank for linear torque delivery
  • Maximum torque of 67.0Nm/6.8kg-m produced at 6,500rpm
  • New 298mm dual front discs
  • New wider aluminium tapered handlebars
  • More comfortable and assertive riding position
  • Inverted LCD spot colour instruments with remote control
  • New LED turn signals
  • Latest generation Michelin PR5 tyres
  • New colours and graphics
  • Compact tubular frame with 805mm seat height

Source: MCNews.com.au

SS Cycles New Milwaukee 8 Cam Wants Your Hog to Have 147 Horsepower

You’ll need to make a few other modifications too, but the new 590 cam is said to be the key to transforming your Milwaukee 8 into a whole`nother animal.


S&S Cycles Press Release:

NEW –  590 Cam for Big Bore M8 Models

The M8 engine platform is capable of making massive power! It happily accepts big bore kits, stroker cranks and of course high lift cams. The primary supplier of that sort of go fast stuff is S&S Cycle, and they’ve just added a 590 lift cam to the mix. The new cam is designed to work with their 131” stroker kit and other huge bore combinations. Producing massive horsepower especially in the higher RPM range, the 590 is available in gear or chain drive and is specifically for use with monster bores, ported heads and high RPM, to make maximum horsepower!

Not recommended for stock bore engines! Check out the dyno charts for the hard numbers (146hp & 145tq on a 131” stroker build!) and for more info hit up the source.

 

 

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