Now you can buy Bazzaz products direct from the source.
Begin press release:
As of December 3, 2018, Bazzaz has moved to a dealer/retail direct structure for domestic sales. This decision was based on several factors but was primarily driven by changes to our production model, and our target market space.
Bazzaz products will no longer be distributed through Tucker and WPS. Both Tucker and WPS have been excellent partners, and this decision was based on metrics unrelated to either of them. We wish them both continued success in the future.
To make a seamless transition we are rolling out a new user-friendly website that will now include a dedicated dealer portal. Current dealer accounts will already be set up allowing users to access order history, choose from shipping options, and view discount pricing. This new tool, with constantly updated information, will provide live inventory and easy online ordering without business hours limitations.
Beginning January 1st a new zero MAP policy will go into effect. The goal of the revised MAP is to continue our retail pricing that has remained steady for over 10 years and allow dealers, tuners, and online retailers to sell and support our products profitably.
To learn more about Bazzaz and Bazzaz products, please visit www.bazzaz.net.
Ducati is recalling the Monster 1200, Monster 821, Supersport and Supersport S because the gear shifter knob may not have been properly attached and could fall off. The recall affects 2,705 motorcycles in the U.S. from model years 2017 to 2019.
According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the gear shift levers on affected motorcycles may not have been properly assembled, which could allow the shift knob to loosen while riding. On affected bikes, the rider may be able to feel the knob rotating on the end of the lever. If the knob completely detaches, a rider would have difficulty changing gears.
Ducati first received a field report about a detached shift knob on July 4 from a dealer in Europe. Ducati soon opened an investigation and in October, determined the root cause as a flaw in the assembly process. On Nov. 20, Ducati initiated worldwide recall procedures.
Dealers will inspect the gear shift lever on recalled motorcycles to check the torque on the shift knob. If the knob is moving, dealers will replace the entire shift lever.
Energica is pushing forward with motorcycle safety systems that could benefit both electric and internal combustion motorcycles. This time, Energica is partnering with a prestigious German university.
Begin press release:
The Technical department of Energica Motor Company is among the flagships of Energica’s Innovation. The development of Energica motorcycles goes also through relationships with prestigious international universities.
The Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles is partnering with German University of Applied Sciences “Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes” for E2R Project: a step-based lane change assistant for motorcycles, based on an innovative camera system for early detection of hazards.
The assistant will support motorcyclist needs like:
– Protection of the blind spot area
– Monitoring of distant vision for approaching vehicles
– Monitoring of approaching objects to the motorcycle
– Keeping an overview in critical situations
“In these years we never stopped at the status quo that current technology offered. We continued to do research, creating new know-how “. Says Giampiero Testoni CTO Energica.
“By getting involved with universities Energica can take advantage of working with new talents, facing new challenges”
“For us safety is one of the most important topics while riding a motorcycle. That is why we are developing innovative sensor systems for motorcycles in Saarbrücken. We are glad to have such an innovative and powerful partner like Energica for this challenge”. Team E2R from university of applied sciences “htw saar”.
“We have announced the sixth consecutive Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo and we’ve signed a contract extension for 2020 and 2021,” says Gerardo Zamora, Governor of Santiago del Estero. “Dorna Sports has invested in us once again. We’re proud because a lot of passionate people have worked to achieve this. Work on the public infrastructure alongside private investment. And we’re happy because, at each race weekend, the amount of fans has increased, having a positive and specific impact on sport in the Termas de Rio Hondo economy and, more indirectly, in the region. Those who haven’t yet been able to make it to a Grand Prix in Argentina now have the chance to do so over the next three years to see the spectacular scope of a MotoGP event.”
When what you get is more than you expected with BSA’s A65 motorcycle
If I’d been able to, I would’ve got a Triumph Bonneville. Instead I got this BSA because I wanted a British motorcycle, the price was right, and I loved it.
“At XControllers we’re very happy to be able to announce our partnership with MotoGP, becoming the official SONY PS4 personalised controller for the MotoGP videogame and the MotoGP eSport Championship,” says Daniel Vidal, Manager XControllers. “We think this synergy between the two brands is something never seen before – an official competition controller for playing at the highest level. And, of course, there had to be a personalisable controller for MotoGP fans too!”
The previous column talked about the Capriolo 75. This week an even more unusual Capriolo is featured.
A rare Capriolo is this Cento 50
The Cento 50 (150) was debuted at the Milan Show in 1953 and is a rare example of a non-BMW influenced flat twin and also the smallest capacity such design to make production.
The Cento 50 was notable for the 150 flat twin powerplant
The pressed steel frame was very similar to the 75’s and the motor also carried over some features, such as usage of face-cams. The pressed steel Earles fork of the prototype was replaced by a normal telescopic fork for production.
The chassis was also similar to the Capriolo 75’s
Notable advanced features included indicators within the tail light and a neutral indicator light. A single carburettor was used, partially housed within the rear of the engine unit for a very clean appearance. Output was 8 hp and top speed was 95 km/h.
Power output was 8hp, enough for a top speed of 95km/h
Two versions were produced, with the later (coming in 1955) being easily distinguished by the full width brakes.
Capriolo Cento 50
Production ceased in 1956. Only some 500 were built making this sophisticated motorcycle highly collectable.
Only 500 of the Cento 50 were made in two versions, making them very collectableCapriolo Cento 50
With pricing for Honda’s Africa Twin and Adventure-Sports versions released back in May, year’s end sees the 2019 editions of the Adventure-Sports arriving, with pricing remaining the same and a brand new colour – Digital Silver Metallic – available from Australian dealers just in time for your Christmas adventures.
2019 Africa Twin Adventure-Sports in Digital Silver Metallic
The Africa Twin Adventure-Sports stands out as the harder edged off-road option, being taller, with more upright seating position, flatter seat (920mm height), and extended wind protection, as well as a standard sump guard and side pipe. A larger fuel tank with 5.4L extra capacity is also featured, as is longer travel suspension. Read on below for full details.
Honda’s 2019 Africa Twin Adventure-Sports arrives in Digital Silver Metallic for $19.499 for the ABS/Manual and $19,999 for the ABS/DCT version
Honda’s massively successful Africa Twin has only been on the market a couple of years but the impact it has made in the adventure-touring market has been huge.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Combining an excellent price point compared to many rivals in the sector, along with rugged looks, a charismatic parallel twin and genuine go pretty much anywhere ability it relaunched Honda into the adventure-touring category and immediate success.
For 2018 Honda has updated both the base model CRF1000L Africa Twin but also added a new Africa Twin Adventure Sports model, aiming to extend the platform even further into long-range off-road ready territory, with 2019 models remaining unchanged.
The base model arrives standard with ABS now in the Australian line-up. The three model Africa Twin range now starts with a manual/ABS model at $17,499 then steps up to the new Adventure Sports model at $19,499 for the manual/ABS variant before topping out at $19,999 for the Adventure Sports with DCT. Thus the base model can no longer be ordered with the DCT transmission and ABS is standard across the range.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Africa Twin Adventure Sports Changes Summary
5.4 litre bigger fuel tank – 24.2 litres
Fly-By-Wire Throttle
Three Riding Modes
50mm taller seat height, flatter seat
Longer travel suspension
Lithium-Ion battery saves 2.3kg
Modified Air-box & Exhaust
Stronger mid-range response
Lighter Balancer Shaft
Off-Road pegs
Stainless Spokes
Heated Grips
AC Charging Socket
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Africa Twin v Africa Twin Adventure Sports comparison
Side-by-side with its sibling, the CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is obviously taller, with a flatter seat profile and more upright riding position. The fairing and screen offer more wind protection and a large sump guard and side pipe fully protect the machine. An extra 5.4L fuel capacity extends range beyond 500km, while heated grips and an AC charging socket add comfort and convenience.
The 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports will be available in one 30th anniversary Tricolore paint scheme to celebrate the XRV650’s launch in 1988.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Mr K. Morita, Large Project Leader (LPL)
“Our CRF1000L Africa Twin has proven itself a worthy successor to the original and very much the ‘Go Anywhere’ machine that we set out to make. Over the last two years it’s a motorcycle that’s covered millions of kilometres, and we have received plentiful feedback from owners. For 2018, with the Africa Twin Adventure Sports we have used the revised CRF1000L as a starting point and added everything the long-distance rider needs to get the very most out of any adventure.”
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
2018-2019 Honda Africa Twin Model Overview
The four-valve 998cc parallel twin Unicam unit’s tractable and usable all-day performance belies its extremely compact dimensions. They are the result of clever packaging touches such as housing the water pump within the clutch casing, and using the engine’s balancer shafts to also drive water and oil pumps. As a result, longitudinally, it is the same length as Honda’s popular 500cc engine, and its short height contributes to the Africa Twin Adventure Sport’s 270mm of ground clearance.
For 2018, a modified airbox improves the power unit’s mid-range response, as does a lighter balancer shaft weight. A revised exhaust serves up an even more evocative howl as revs rise and also contributes to the improved performance.
A significant addition to the Africa Twin platform for 2018 is its new Throttle By Wire (TBW) system, which brings with it 3 riding modes to adjust engine character and output to suit riding conditions. Also new is an extended range of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) input.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
The unique DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version features the standard manual mode – allowing the rider to operate gearshifts through triggers on the left handlebar – and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel economy and comfort cruising whilst S mode gives three different, sportier shift patterns to choose from. The DCT is also fully equipped to operate in an off-road environment and off-road functionality is enhanced by the G button. Pushing the G button in any riding mode modifies the control of the clutch system to give a more direct drive.
The semi-double cradle steel frame provides the ideal balance of high-speed stability matched to genuine off-road ability by combining sheer strength with flexibility. The engine is mounted on 6 engine hangers, which keeps vibration to a minimum, avoiding the need for steering dampers. The new lithium-ion battery saves 2.3kg on the 2017 Africa Twin’s lead unit, and the Adventure Sports version shares several detail changes made to improve the platform’s off-road ability and durability.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Fully adjustable 45mm Showa inverted forks, fully-adjustable rear shock, dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm ‘wave’ style floating discs are unchanged for 2018. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels are constructed from stainless steel. In addition to the standard dual-purpose 90 front/150 rear rubber, block tyres are also approved for fitment.
2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
Dual LED headlights maintain the original Africa Twin’s presence and the seat height adjusts 20mm from the 900mm to 920mm (both respectively 50mm higher than the standard model). The 24.2L fuel tank – and the engine’s fuel efficiency of 21.8km/l (WMTC in DCT mode) – provides a range of over 500km.
Many riders may not realise that if they are involved in a crash, they may not be covered for what could be a very long and expensive ambulance ride.
Freebies
The good news for permanent Queensland and Tasmanian residents is that they are covered. Even if they travel interstate and crash. That includes all emergency pre-hospital ambulance treatment and transport Australia-wide.
If you crash outside the state and receive an invoice for ambulance treatment and transport, just send it to the Queensland or Tasmanian ambulance service with proof of residency for payment.
Interestingly, Queensland won’t pay up if a Tasmanian makes a clam in that state!
Costly ambulance ride
However, if you are not a resident of those states, the cheapest ambulance callout fee is $382 in NSW. Then it rises massively.
NT is $790, ACT $959, Western Australia $967, South Australia $976 and Victoria – a popular destination for interstate riders – is a massive $1204.
That’s just for starters.
Depending on the length of the ambulance ride and the services required, it can cost thousands.
And you will still be liable for the cost even if someone else calls an ambulance for you and you refuse service.
Insurance
Many riders erroneously believe they are covered by Medicare.
Others believe their private medical insurance will cover the ambulance ride, but that may not always be the case.
Have a look at the fine print in your insurance now before you head off interstate these Christmas holidays.
If not, you can pay a fairly small membership fee (usually under $100 for a family) to the ambulance service in your state. But that still won’t cover you interstate.
You can also upgrade your insurance to include ambulance cover, or you can opt for a specialist ambulance cover.
But again, make sure it covers you Australia-wide.
Also, find out if the cover includes just emergencies or non-emergencies as well and includes all pre-hospital treatment.
Some pensioner and concession cards may either provide free cover for an ambulance ride and treatment or at least a discount on ambulance insurance.
If you only need insurance while you are interstate, the cheapest option could be set-period travel insurance. Just make sure ambulance services are included.
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