Brough to reveal Aston Martin motorcycle

Aston Martin will spread its wings on a motorcycle for the first time when Brough Superior reveal a new motorcycle at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, next week.

So far all we have is the above basic artist doodle from the English auto makers.

However, we can see that it is substantially different from their Super Sport 100 model which brought the company back to life in 2016. In fact, it looks much more like a “supersport” model than this does.

Brough Superior SS100
Brough Superior SS100

It’s not unusual for motorcycle and car companies to get together to build a motorcycle.

Apart from companies such as Honda and BMW that build both, we had the short-lived collaboration between MV Agusta and Mercedes AMG that spawned the “solarbeam” in 2015.

Mercedes-AMG solarbeam MV Agusta F3
Mercedes-AMG solarbeam MV Agusta F3

Like the “solarbeam”, this collaborative bike will be a limited-edition model and should be quite expensive.

It will be unveiled on 5 November 2019.

Aston/Brought release

Here is he official joint release from Aston Martin and Brough:

Brough Superior, the eponymous performance motorcycle brand created by George Brough in 1919 and resurrected by enthusiasts long after his death is, like Aston Martin, a luxury brand with great heritage. Both Brough Superior and Aston Martin place huge importance on developing a brand that customers are proud to be part of and products that strike the perfect balance between performance and design.

Both masters of craftsmanship who use the finest materials to breathe life into their designs, as independent companies they also revel in their ability to offer bespoke design and engineering solutions so a collaboration between the two brands is virtually guaranteed to produce something very special.

The first new motorcycle is the combined vision of Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and Brough Superior CEO Thierry Henriette, who are both motorcycle enthusiasts.

Reichman said: “This is a fascinating and very popular project for myself and my team. The opportunity to collaborate with Brough Superior has given us the chance to bring our own unique views on how beauty and engineering can combine to create a highly emotive piece of vehicle design. We’re excited about the end result and can’t wait to see the reaction the motorcycle receives when it is revealed next year.”

Henriette commented: “Aston Martin and Brough Superior are two luxury automotive manufacturers sharing the same passion for exclusive design and performance, the idea of developing a motorcycle in a frame of a close partnership came naturally.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

The Quail Gathering XI

Quail XI, Quail 2019
The weather was wonderful, the motorcycles beautiful (mostly), the food delicious, and more than 3,000 people came to enjoy the show. Photos by the author and David Fairchild

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has been going on for 11 years now, and I’m happy to say it was just as good the 11th time around. You ride along Carmel Valley Road, going east from Carmel, and signs soon indicate the Quail Lodge is off to the right (on Valley Greens Drive, in case you need that for your GPS). Ride past the lodge, cross a little bridge, then you see a lot of white tents off to your right and a straight road ahead — lined with hundreds of parked motorcycles.

Find a slot to back your bike into, and then walk over to the entrance. For 11 years I’ve left my gear on the bike and never lost anything, but there is a free “gear valet” tent should you be of a nervous nature. If you didn’t get an $85 ticket ahead of time, pay your $95, pick up a very well-done program — makes a great souvenir — and head on in. By 11 o’clock some 3,000 people are walking around this large grassy area, looking at more than 300 motorcycles on display, from scooters to customized creations, some gorgeous, some bizarre. A tasty lunch is provided for the price of the ticket; since the culinary pavilions are open from 11 to 3, peckish types can eat several lunches. Encircling the grass are a whole lot of tents featuring everything from motorcycle manufacturers to auction houses to medics with their electric bicycles, waiting to rush off and succor any ailing individual…perhaps someone so stricken by the beauty of the motorcycles that he or she faints from overwrought pleasure.

The Quail has never discriminated, as long as a machine has two wheels (sometimes three) and a motor, internal combustion or electric. For the awards there are nine traditional competing classes running from Antique to Custom/Modified, and a dozen featured classes that can be quite subjective, as they include subjects like Innovation and Design & Style. The tents on the sidelines may be showing off the very latest in modernism, including a rather expensive Arch motorcycle from the company of which Keanu Reeves is part owner; one of those will probably appear in the next “John Wick” movie. Or the latest battery-powered streetfighter from Italy, the Energica Eva, claiming a top speed of 125 mph and a range of less than 100 miles.

Since 2019 is the 50th anniversary of Honda’s CB750, that was a major part of the show. And it happened to be the 100th anniversary of the Brough Superior, so there were a few of those on display, most restored, but one had 90-year-old paint. By the way, it is important that that word Superior word be kept in there, as Daddy Brough had been building Brough bikes for a few years, since 1908, and then his son George came along and had the nerve to make what he claimed was a superior version. Which, apparently, it was. More than 3,000 Brough Superiors were built between 1919 and 1940, and to the surprise of many perhaps a third survive to this day. But not a single Daddy Brough to be seen.

Quail XI, Quail 2019, Brough Superior
This 1939 Brough Superior SS100 used a 998cc Matchless V-twin, and the 100 stood for guaranteed miles per hour, not engine size.

Somewhat more CB750s came off the production line, like 53,000 in 1969, and I’ve seen the figure of 444,000 total for the single overhead cam version, which was around for a long 10 years before becoming the double overhead cam. And Honda models with that 750cc (roughly) air-cooled in-line-four engine have stayed around into the 21st century. A pseudo-replica came out in 2007, though I don’t think that model ever made it stateside due to problems with the Department of Transportation.

More than 7,000 of the first batch of CB750s were called “sandcast” models, but an interesting tidbit of information is that the sandcast name is a misnomer. As Honda was concerned about the sales possibilities for this all-new-and-different motorcycle, rather than making more expensive production casting dies for the long run, it used less expensive gravity-casting metal molds for the first batch of engine cases. This left a rough finish that was mistaken for sand casting. Once the popularity of this bike was established, production die-casting molds were made.

Quail XI, Quail 2019, CB750 display
That is part of the Honda CB750 display, and the people who brought their CB750s to display are relaxing, while the mass of viewers are busy viewing.

A third featured class was for (pre-2000) Off-Road Wonders, covering every aspect of off-roading, from enduros to motocross. History tells us that observed trials riding began in Scotland more than 100 years ago. It was fun to look at some middle-aged machines intended for grueling events like the original Paris-Dakar Rally in the Sahara Desert.

Quail XI, Quail 2019, Sportster Enduro
We’re not sure why anybody would want to turn a Harley Sportster into an enduro bike, but this aesthetically questionable version was done by Jim Carducci.

Since The Gathering happened to coincide with International Female Ride Day, three women had their time on stage, including much-published Cristine Sommer-Simmons, who has motivated a lot of women to try the pleasures of motorcycling. The star of this three-way chat was obviously 11-year-old Kayla Yaakov, who has been road racing for two years and winning — much to the disgruntlement of those she has beaten. Also on hand was Ginger Damon, of Moto Couture, a company making fashionable protective gear for women.

There is always someone of note to serve as the latest Legend of the Sport, and this year it was legendary racer Malcolm Smith, who starred in the “On Any Sunday” movie. When he got on stage with his movie buddy Mert Lawwill, listening to their reminiscences hosted by Master of Ceremonies and sartorial wonder Paul d’Orleans of The Vintagent was pure pleasure.

Quail XI, Quail 2019, Malcom Smith
The Quail always nominates a Legend of the Sport, and for 2019 it was Malcolm Smith, who was one of the trio starring in the “On Any Sunday” movie.

The judges, under the leadership of Somer Hooker, finished their work in early afternoon, and more than 30 awards were handed out — Sam Roberts’ sandcast 1969 CB750 won Best of Show. All of the awards can be found online.

As a postscript, I will add that it takes a lot of work to keep a show like this going, and a fellow named Gordon McCall should probably take credit for that. He’s a local man, raised on the Monterey Peninsula, and well versed in the art of promotion as he puts on expensive car shows and very expensive airplane events. He is also good at promoting himself, with a pleasant short article about his buying his first motorcycle (a Honda 50) at age 14 appearing in an April edition of The Wall Street Journal.

Quail XI, Quail 2019, best of show
That’s Sam Roberts looking proud as his 1969 “sandcast” Honda CB750 just won the Best of Show award. (Photo by Tom Meadows)

How do The Gathering’s finances work? At last count there were 46 sponsors, from Geico insurance to Marianne’s ice cream — which people have been enjoying since 1947. The sponsors all contribute to the costs, from rental of the property for three days to feeding the crowd. And the tickets bought by the attendees probably add $250,000 or more. Money in, with money out including expenses, charitable donations and profit — if there is any to be had. The 2020 show is already being advertised…May 16th.

Keep scrolling for more pictures of the bikes at Quail XI….

Quail XI, Quail 2019, Curtiss Warhawk
The Curtiss Warhawk is powered by a 2,063cc OHV V-twin bolted into a monocoque frame, and can be yours for a mere $105,000; only 35 will be built.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, BMW with sidecar
Cars being expensive in the early 1950s, sidecars were popular; this classy outfit has a 1954 BMW R67/2 bolted to a S500 Steib.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, 1953 Indian Chief
This 1953 Indian Chief is the final example of the original marque; its demise was partially attributed to the company’s not upgrading the flathead V-twin to overhead.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, Revival The Birdcage
Revival Cycles’ “The Revival Birdcage” custom has a titanium trellis frame built around the Big Boxer engine that will power a BMW cruiser in 2020.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, Laverda
Laverda was a noted Italian company in the 1970s, coming out with very fast motorcycles, including this 3C triple with two disc brakes on the front wheel.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, Asymmetric Aero
So what is this curious machine? It’s called the Asymmetric Aero, powered by a Triumph 650 pushrod engine, and did 175 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, vintage scooters
Anything with two—or sometimes three—wheels and a motor is welcome, as with this quartet of scooters, a Lambretta at the front, a trio of Vespas behind.
Quail XI, Quail 2019, BSA Bantan, Moto Guzzi Cardellino
A pair of tiddlers, with a 1950 BSA Bantam 125 in British post-office red, backed by a 1956 Moto Guzzi 65cc Cardellino in MG red.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: ScorpionEXO Abrams Riding Shirt

ScorpionEXO Abrams Riding Shirt.

ScorpionEXO’s tough new Abrams riding shirt lives up to its name, with a combination of internal, abrasion-resistant Rhino-Mesh and 600D reinforcement panels at the shoulders and elbows, plus pockets for optional CE level 1 Sas-Tec Flex armor and a back protector pocket. Keeping you comfortable are adjustable under-arm vents and bicep and forearm straps to dial in fit. The Abrams has five external pockets plus a conceal carry pocket, and comes in men’s sizes S-5XL in Black or Gray (4XL and 5XL Black only) for $129.95.

See your dealer or visit scorpionusa.com

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Marc the man in Motegi, and Frankie Says Relax!

“I think Miller thought that he had the better pace that Morbidelli, which he did, he managed to get away from him, started to break away and then from half race distance that was it, his tyre was gone. As a racer I’ve had a race just so similar to that in Barcelona, the conditions were a little different, obviously it was a hot, hot weekend, Sunday was a lot hotter than it had been all weekend long and back then with the Bridgestone tyres we could run softer compound tyres as the hotter the conditions got.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Marc the man in Motegi, and Franky Says Relax!

“I think Miller thought that he had the better pace that Morbidelli, which he did, he managed to get away from him, started to break away and then from half race distance that was it, his tyre was gone. As a racer I’ve had a race just so similar to that in Barcelona, the conditions were a little different, obviously it was a hot, hot weekend, Sunday was a lot hotter than it had been all weekend long and back then with the Bridgestone tyres we could run softer compound tyres as the hotter the conditions got.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Australia: sun and surf Down Under

Australia’s largest city Sydney, in addition to places such as Adelaide, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth and the huge, remote Australian outback are all incredible holiday destinations. One could travel for months and only scratch the surface, with ancient Aboriginal culture beautifully contrasting the modern spirit of this relatively young nation.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Ducati recalls 199 and 1299 Panigale over oil leaks

Ducati Australia has recalled 183 1199 and 1299 Panigale models over a potential oil leak problem.

The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the engine oil breather system may operate incorrectly “possibly resulting in an oil leak from the air intake breather tube”.

“Oil may leak from the air intake on to the engine and tyres, increasing the risk of an accident and injury to the passenger(s) and other road users.”

(Not sure why the official notice thinks you would have more than one passenger!)

Owners will be sent a letter requesting them to contact their closest Ducati dealer or service agent “as soon as possible” to make an appointment for a free inspection.

The vehicle identification numbers of affected bikes are listed at the end of this article.

Panigale recalls

This is the third recall notice for Ducati this year and the first for the Panigale 1199 or 1299 since 2015.

However, Ducati has recalled the Panigale V4 five times with four recalls in its first year of production.

This latest recall comes as Ducati has announced its 2020 models, including updates for the Panigale V4.

Ducati Panigale
2020 Ducati Panigale family

Even though manufacturers and importers 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 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:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

VINs of affected bikes

Model VIN NUMBER
1199SL ZDMH806AADB015549
1199SL ZDMH806AADB015550
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019581
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019582
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019598
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019599
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019600
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019601
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB019602
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021169
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021170
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021171
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021182
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021183
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021184
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021185
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021186
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021918
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB021919
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022048
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022049
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022050
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022056
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022298
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022299
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022569
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB022570
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB023620
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB023621
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB023622
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB023623
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB023624
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB024285
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB024286
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB024287
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB024288
1199SL ZDMH806AAEB024289
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB001813
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB001859
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB001860
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB001861
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB001862
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB002739
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB002833
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB002910
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB002928
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003016
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003444
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003457
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003479
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003488
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003534
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003655
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003656
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003657
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003830
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB003913
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004180
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004181
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004182
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004191
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004192
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004304
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004325
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004346
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004366
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAFB004367
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005030
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005031
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005042
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005053
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005164
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005278
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005322
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005379
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005441
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB005480
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006177
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006198
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006199
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006230
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006231
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006724
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006725
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006726
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006727
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB006728
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007005
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007006
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007069
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007070
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007201
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007561
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007562
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007563
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007588
PANIGA LE R ZDMH900AAGB007641
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000075
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000201
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000223
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000225
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000224
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000226
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000286
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000287
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000288
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000293
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000294
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000297
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000307
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000326
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000327
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000330
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000343
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000344
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000363
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000364
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000368
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000369
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000370
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000371
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000372
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000373
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000374
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000375
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000387
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000389
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000391
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000393
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000395
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000495
1299SL ZDMHC00AAHB000596
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000613
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000619
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000620
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000621
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000623
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000624
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000625
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000626
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000627
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000628
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000622
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000800
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000801
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000802
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000803
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000804
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000805
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000806
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000807
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000820
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000821
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000885
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000886
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000887
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000888
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000889
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000923
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000924
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000925
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000926
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000927
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000928
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000929
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000930
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000931
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000932
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000933
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000941
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000942
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB000968
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001101
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001102
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001114
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001131
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001143
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001148
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001158
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001163
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001178
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001179
1299R FE ZDMHC02AAJB001195

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Strong threat: Yamaha & the weather to cause an Island stir?

“The target on Sunday is to fight for victory. It’s a circuit you need to feel, you need to feel that you can because it has a lot of high-speed corners, this means a lot of risk, it’s a circuit that if you don’t feel, you need to stay calm, try to finish on the podium or try to finish the race,” began the reigning Champion. “Apart from that, today we have a summer day, tomorrow we might have a winters day – you never know. This is where we will try to work in a good way to try and sight against Yamaha and Suzuki, I think they have a bike here that is working very good, very stable in the high speed corners. It will be tough to beat them but we will try.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Demanding Phillip Island set for Friday Tyre Test

“We also have the added responsibility of an additional stand-alone test for the proposed 2020 rear tyre. We have had successful feedback so far, but need to asses it at a track with high demands, such as here, Sachsenring or Termas. It was not possible to do a full test at any of those venues, so we have a short window to test during this race weekend, for which we are grateful to the riders, Dorna and IRTA for making it happen. It is a very important test as it marks the next evolution for the MICHELIN Power Slick in MotoGP.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

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