iXS Releases its Heated Tour LT Glove

It’s still heated glove season in much of North America and the iXS Tour LT Glove Heat-ST is ready to keep those phalanges warm and dextrous. 

Begin Press Release: 


Sophisticated technology for a warm handshake

Brave the cold!

Cold hands when riding a motorbike are not only unpleasant, but also take the fun out of riding and stiffen up your fingers. In extreme cases this can also affect traffic safety because the brakes and clutches are simply easier and safer to use with warm fingers.

The Tour LT Glove Heat-ST from iXS that is operated by a battery (included in the scope of delivery) offers unsurpassed comfort when worn on cold days. The heating performance was optimised in such a way that simultaneous warming-up of knuckles and the back of the fingers up to the fingertips is ensured, without any thermal bridges or hot spots. The heating elements made of high quality metal fibres are supplied by the light, rechargeable, powerful lithium-ion batteries. As the slim battery and the controller are attached directly on the glove, there is no need for a connection to the motorbike with annoying cables. The result is a heated glove that has been perfected in all aspects with excellent comfort and high operating safety.

The modern 7 Volt heating technology combined with an intelligent material structure ensures that the heat that is generated goes in the direction of the body and does not escape outside the glove. The heat level of the glove can be adjusted to four different temperatures. It is regulated via a button, which can also be operated easily with the glove. The relevant heating level can be read from a multi-coloured LED display. Depending on the temperature range selected, the heat output can be downloaded over a period from 2.2 to 8 hours. Additional Thinsulate™ insulation (back of the hand: 300 g / inner hand 100 g) provides extra heat when the temperatures are likely to fall even further. The 100% waterproof and breathable solto-TEX® membrane and a hand surface reinforced with goatskin ensures optimal grip control, even during very poor weather.

Thanks to the selection of high-quality materials combined with clean processing, the latest safety requirements are easily satisfied (test standard EN13594:2015). Knuckle padding made of Poron XRD® foam with a leather cover protects the knuckles and the inner hand consists of leather with leather reinforcements. The reflective piping on the fingers and cuffs ensure that you are easily visible on the roads. Extra soft inner lining and a visor wiper on the left index finger provide a high level of comfort and a safe riding experience even in bad weather. And thanks to touchscreen-compatible material at the tip of the index finger, sat-navs or mobile phones can be operated without taking off your gloves.

iXS GLOVES TOUR LT HEAT BLACK

The post iXS Releases its Heated Tour LT Glove appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Marc Marquez cleared to ride and back in the saddle

Marc Marquez back on a motorcycle

Marc Marquez underwent a medical examination with Dr. Sánchez Dalmau this week to analyse the situation of his diplopia (double vision).

The ophthalmologist confirmed a clear improvement in the vision of the eight-time World Champion and gave him clearance to get back on the bike.

After a three-month absence, the Spanish rider returned to riding at the Ponts Circuit (Lleida) and he feels optimistic after his first ride back.

The next step for Marquez will be to ride on the tarmac, something he will do very shortly.

What is Diplopia?

Diplopia is the simultaneous perception of two images of a single object that may be displaced horizontally or vertically in relation to each other.  Also called double vision, it is a loss of visual focus under regular conditions, and is often voluntary. However, when occurring involuntarily, it results in impaired function of the extraocular muscles, where both eyes are still functional, but they cannot turn to target the desired object.  Problems with these muscles may be due to mechanical problems, disorders of the neuromuscular junction, disorders of the cranial nerves that innervate the muscles, and occasionally disorders involving the supranuclear oculomotor pathways or ingestion of toxins. Diplopia can be one of the first signs of a systemic disease, particularly to a muscular or neurological process, nd it may disrupt a person’s balance, movement, or reading abilities.

Diplopia definition taken from Wiki

Source: MCNews.com.au

Head for the Lions Rd tomorrow!

Great news! The Queensland/NSW border reopens at 1am on Saturday 15 January 2022, opening some of the best riding in the region.

The Lions Rd, Mt Lindesay Highway, Summerland Way, Numinbah Rd, Tomewin Rd and others are some of the best roads for motorcyclists just about anywhere and bound to be popular this weekend.

Sadly, I’m in iso until Monday (negative test pending), but I’m hoping to head down the Lions Rd very soon.

I went down there recently to the border where huge concrete barriers halted my fun on the Harley-Davidson Sportster S.

My mate and I at the Lions Rd border recently

It’s been too long with the border closed twice for long periods.

We won’t go into the politics and the case for and against border closures.

Instead, let’s just revel in the fun to be had now the borders are opening.

I know several riders who are itching to go and there might even be some early risers tomorrow staking a claim to be the first to cross the border at the Lions Rd which opens at 5am.

It’s almost like the Berlin Wall coming down for riders, especially given some borders were “hard closures” with concrete barriers.

The decision to open the borders came with the Omicron variant now widespread in the community (tell me about it) and 90% of eligible Queenslanders expected to be fully vaccinated next week.

More than 91.33% of Queenslanders have had at least one dose of vaccine and 88.18% are now double dosed.

From tomorrow, border checkpoints and barriers will be removed and travellers will no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Dirt bike

So, get those kickstands up, bright and early, stay safe and have fun!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Toby Price P28 after waypoint issue on penultimate Dakar 2022 stage

Dakar 2022 – Stage 11


After his win on day 10, Toby Price had the unenviable task of opening the penultimate and extremely tough Stage 11 of the 2022 Dakar Rally. The stage win had left him sitting sixth overall, with a 28 min gap to the overall lead, however today’s stage only saw that gap widen, almost doubling.

Stage 11 featured the loop to the Bisha bivouac, featuring a total of 346 kilometres of timed section out of the 501-kilometre total stage with 155 kilometres of liaison sections.

It was a tough day for Toby Price who started out opening the stage before a waypoint issue
It was a tough day for Toby Price who started out opening the stage before a waypoint issue

An issue early on where a waypoint didn’t validate correctly for the Australian put him on the back foot for the rest of the special. However, using his skill and speed, the twice Dakar Champion was able to regroup and keep pushing through the arduous terrain. Ultimately completing the stage in 28th, Toby now lies 10th in the overall standings with one day left to race.

Toby Price – P28

“It was super dusty today and navigation was tough, but I had a frustrating problem early on at kilometre four where one waypoint didn’t validate, even though I’m pretty sure I was in the right place. I had to zig-zag back and forward and thankfully in the end, even though I was on the same track, it activated. Hopefully we can have that checked, but other than that the day went ok, I felt good on the bike and arrived safely at the finish line. One more day to go tomorrow, and that will be the 2022 Dakar complete.”


Kevin Benavides wins Stage 11

After a disappointing stage 10 yesterday in which his 2022 Dakar hopes came to an end, Kevin Benavides bounced back in style, showing impressive speed to top today’s results. Putting in an incredible performance, the number one plate holder fought his way from a late, 33rd place start to ultimately win the stage by a narrow four seconds. Benavides will now lead out the event’s short, final 164-kilometre timed special on Friday’s stage 12.

Kevin Benavides – P1

“It was a really demanding day today. It’s great to get the win but I’m full of emotion because of the issue I had yesterday. Up to that point I was fighting for the overall, and now, after going fastest today I know I would have been in with a chance to win the rally. I gave it my all today, mostly to prove to myself that I could do it. I think it’s important to be able to come back from disappointment and immediately fight for a stage win. I have to thank the whole team, but especially my mechanic who worked so hard last night to give me an amazing bike for today – it felt perfect on the stage. I will now have the pleasure of opening the last stage of the race with no pressure, so I’m really looking forward to it and reaching the finish.”

Kevin Benavides
Kevin Benavides

After losing a little time yesterday, the pressure was well and truly on Sam Sunderland today, who in no uncertain terms needed to deliver a flawless ride to keep his chances of a second Dakar win alive. And that’s exactly what he did. Putting together a standout performance, Sam navigated perfectly, attacked from the start, and finished second on the stage, just four seconds behind the eventual winner. Now, with just one day of racing to go, the GASGAS Factory Racing ace sits at the top of the leaderboard with a near seven-minute advantage over his nearest rival.

Sam Sunderland – P2

“Today was a really tough one. We were expecting it to be difficult and even four kilometres in there were lines everywhere in the sand. From there on I had to focus on myself and stay on top of my roadbook, it wasn’t really an option to follow the lines ahead. Through the dunes I was able to make up some time, which was good and I just missed out on another stage win. Up until now the race has gone really well, the whole team behind me has been fantastic but the race isn’t over until it’s over. All I can do is hope for a clean run through tomorrow’s stage and then we’ll see where we end up.”

Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland

Hero Motosports’s Joaquim Rodrigues picked up the third place position, 2m26 off the stage leader Benavides.

Joaquim Rodrigues – P3

“A much better day than yesterday! Yesterday was a emotional day where I wasn’t strong enough to control my emotions, but today luckily all came together and we did a good performance! Thank you team for all the support on my bad days.”

Joaquim Rodrigues
Joaquim Rodrigues

Well in the fight for the overall rally honors, Matthias Walkner had to ensure he delivered a strong stage result today with the minimum of mistakes to stay in contention for the 2022 title. Fastest to the first checkpoint, Walkner navigated superbly through the remainder of the special to complete the stage in fourth place, just under five minutes down on teammate Benavides. Moving up to third overall in the event standings, Matthias will be aiming to reduce the gap to the current leader during tomorrow’s stage and secure a podium position while also fighting for the rally win.

Matthias Walkner – P4

“It was a really long and really fast stage today. It was very dusty this morning too, which made the navigation even more difficult. I made a few small mistakes, but I really did try my best all day pushing as hard as I could. Finally I was able to make the finish with a good time and it puts me in a good position for tomorrow, so we’ll see what happens.”

Matthias Walkner
Matthias Walkner

Ricky Brabec was the best-placed Monster Energy Honda Team rider on the day. The American finished in fifth place, moving up into six place overall, a position which he hopes to consolidate tomorrow. Brabec finished just one place ahead of team-mate Pablo Quintanilla. Pablo, sixth, performed well today – well enough to be in contention tomorrow and could improve on his current second place in this 2022 Dakar. The Chilean biker is less than seven minutes behind the overall race leader. If the full length of the final special stage goes ahead as planned tomorrow, the rider could well spring a surprise and stand a chance of scooping the world’s toughest rally.

Ricky Brabec – P5

“This year’s Dakar has been difficult for me personally, to get back into the fight after a bad start. The team didn’t let us down, so we can’t let them down…. We have tried very hard to do our best and give it our all. On this stage 11 we tried very hard to do a good job; I would have liked to make up a lot more time than I did. I’m happy with the way I’m riding and I’m happy with the team, I’ve learned a lot. Our team-mate Pablo can do it tomorrow. Unfortunately, I heard that the stage will be shortened, which in my opinion is unfair.”

Ricky Brabec
Ricky Brabec
Pablo Quintanilla – P6

“It was a difficult stage. One of the hardest we’ve done on this Dakar, with a lot of wind, with sectors of very soft dunes. It was very difficult to make progress. I tried to push as hard as I could from the first kilometre; it wasn’t easy. I really let rip but without losing my concentration. In the end, it was a good day, I gave 100% and I think that’s what’s important, that I gave my best every day. There is still one day left and the race is not over until you cross the finish-line. Tomorrow we will attack again from the first kilometre.”

Pablo Quintanilla
Pablo Quintanilla

Chilean José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo also had a good day in spite of a minor mistake in the opening kilometres of the special. Today’s seventh place also puts him into the same position in the general rankings.

José Ignacio Cornejo – P7

“It was a good stage; not the best, but not the worst either. I made a small mistake at the start, where I lost a few minutes. Mathias passed me and we ended up riding together until the end. I think it was a solid stage. We also moved up in the overall standings, which makes me happy because we have managed to overcome a bad first stage. We are not where we wanted to be. Tomorrow the rally will be over, so we will draw our conclusions afterwards.”

José Ignacio Cornejo
José Ignacio Cornejo

Posting his eighth top-10 stage result at the 2022 Dakar Rally, Andrew Short would complete the physically demanding stage 11 in eighth place. Should the American ride with the same form tomorrow that he’s demonstrated throughout week two, a sixth-place overall finish is a strong possibility for Andrew.

Andrew Short – P8

“It was a really tough day, by far the toughest in terms of riding and the physical side of things. Plus, the navigation was pretty hard early on and after four kilometres there was a lot of riders stopped to figure things out. But after that I did a pretty good job of opening and minimising the damage. I rode with Adrien a lot today, which was pretty cool and now we’re really close to the finish. Getting across the finish line was the goal from the start and we’re close now, so it’s exciting that we’re almost there.”

Andrew Short
Andrew Short

Along with many riders who struggled to validate a waypoint early on stage 11, Adrien Van Beveren lost close to 10 minutes to the overall rally leaders just four kilometres into the timed special. But without losing his focus, the Frenchman soon returned to the main racing line and began to reel in the leading riders. Continuing his charge, the Yamaha WR450F Rally racer then opened the final 60 kilometres of the special, navigating with precision and completing the stage in 15th. The penultimate day of the Dakar Rally 2022 was a frustrating day for Van Beveren, who is now fourth in the overall provisional classification.

Adrien Van Beveren – P15

“It was a hard one today. Just four kilometres in I struggled to validate a waypoint and it easily cost me 10 minutes. It was a frustrating start to the stage but then I really pushed hard, harder than at any time in the rally so far. I caught the leading group of riders with around 60 kilometres to go and then just kept pushing hard. The gap to the lead is big now, but I will fight to the end.”

Adrien Van Beveren
Adrien Van Beveren

The conditions were not ideal for Joan Barreda who struggled to make progress in the soft dunes of Bisha. With a fall included, the Spaniard finished sixteenth in RallyGP and is fifth in the general standings, nearly half an hour behind the race leader.

Joan Barreda – P16

“Today was a very difficult stage, I could say it was one of the most difficult I’ve ever done. I had to open the track from kilometre 4. I tried to keep a good pace, but I encountered some tough situations, with very soft sand that made it almost impossible to move forward; the bike got stuck about ten times, including one where I was thrown off completely and Toby and Luciano helped me to get the bike back upright. I want to say thanks to both. We opened the track all day long. I’m happy because I gave 100%. Some days go well and others not so well. But the best thing is to be satisfied with yourself.”

Joan Barreda
Joan Barreda

Continuing to impress, and despite the severity of today’s stage, Danilo Petrucci brought his Tech3 KTM 450 Rally home in a commendable 17th place, just over 23 minutes down on the eventual stage winner. With one more day remaining, the former MotoGP racer is now just 680 kilometres away from completing his first Dakar Rally.

Danilo Petrucci – P17

“It was one of the toughest days of my life today. I got a little lost early on with some other riders and then after that there were some really soft dunes. I have never seen anything like that before, it was really tiring to ride through. Then we raced through a huge sandstorm where it was really difficult to find your way and stay focused on your navigation. Luckily, after the refueling it was ok – the sand was still really soft, but it wasn’t so tricky. Unfortunately at one point I hit a piece of wood that was hidden underneath the sand and I had a big crash and hurt my shoulder. I was able to make it to the finish, but it did give me a lot of pain. We have one more day to go, so I’m looking forward to reaching the finish.”

Danilo Petrucci
Danilo Petrucci

Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has completed the hugely demanding stage 11 of the Dakar Rally in 26th place. Following his excellent runner-up performance on Wednesday’s stage 10, the FR 450 Rally rider was the second competitor to take to today’s challenging special where he soon found himself up front and opening much of the route.

Luciano Benavides – P26

“Another stage done, and it was super tough today. Probably not the best day to start in front, but I did my best as always and I think I did a good job. The navigation was very tricky and with the dunes being so soft it would have been easy for the guys starting behind to make up time. I was able to catch up with Toby (Price) ahead of me and we took it in turns to open the stage. I lost some time, but not enough to affect my position in the overall. There is one day left so I will go out tomorrow and do my best to finish the race strong.”

Luciano Benavides
Luciano Benavides

Tomorrow’s Stage 12

Bisha-Jeddah. The final stage of the Dakar Rally 2022 will be decided over a total of 676 kilometres, including just 163 against the clock. Leaving the dunes behind, the race will be fought over hard tracks with some sand. A lot of technical complexity is expected before the riders reach the shores of the Red Sea, with the final podium set to take place on the Bisha street circuit.

The overall standings heading into Stage 12 will see Sam Sunderland leading by almost seven-minutes, ahead of Pablo Quintanilla and Matthias Walkner, with Adrien Van Beveren a more distant fourth 15m30s off the led. Joan Barreda sits fifth, 27m54s off the lead, while Brabec, Cornejo, Short, Klein and Price complete the top 10.

2022 Dakar Stage 11 Results

Pos Rider Team/Back Time/Gap
1 Kevin Benavides RED BULL KTM  03h30m56
2 Sam Sunderland GASGAS FACTORY RACING +00h00m04
3 Joaquim Rodrigues HERO MOTOSPORTS  +00h02m26
4 Matthias Walkner RED BULL KTM  +00h04m54
5 Ricky Brabec MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h05m22
6 Pablo Quintanilla MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h07m40
7 Jose Ignacio Cornejo MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h08m05
8 Romain Dumontier TEAM DUMONTIER RACING +00h15m00
9 Andrew Short MONSTER ENERGY  +00h15m46
10 Stefan Svitko SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM +00h17m51
11 Mason Klein BAS WORLD KTM RACING +00h19m23
12 Maciej Giemza ORLEN TEAM +00h20m55
13 Camille Chapeliere TEAM BAINES RALLY +00h21m03
14 Daniel Nosiglia Jager RIEJU – FN SPEED TEAM +00h21m22
15 Adrien Van Beveren MONSTER ENERGY  +00h21m33
16 Xavier De Soultrait HT RALLY RAID  +00h21m45
17 Danilo Petrucci TECH 3 KTM  +00h23m14
18 Lorenzo Santolino SHERCO FACTORY +00h23m33
19 Harith Noah Koitha  SHERCO FACTORY +00h23m38
20 Bradley Cox BAS WORLD KTM +00h24m25

2022 Dakar Overall Results After Stage 11

Pos Rider Team/Bike Time/Gap Penalty
1 Sam Sunderland GASGAS FACTORY RACING 37h 04m05
2 Pablo Quintanilla MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h 06m52 00h01m00
3 Matthias Walkner RED BULL KTM F +00h 07m15
4 Adrien Van Beveren MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA  +00h 15m30
5 Joan Barreda Bort MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h 27m54 00h03m00
6 Ricky Brabec MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h 37m24 00h02m00
7 Jose Ignacio Cornejo MONSTER ENERGY HONDA +00h 41m02
8 Andrew Short MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA  +00h 43m40
9 Mason Klein BAS WORLD KTM RACING +00h 51m09
10 Toby Price RED BULL KTM F +00h 52m27 00h06m00
11 Stefan Svitko SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM  +00h 53m8 00h15m00
12 Lorenzo Santolino SHERCO FACTORY +00h 57m33 00h15m00
13 Luciano Benavides HUSQVARNA FACTORY  + 01h 11m06 00h01m00
14 Joaquim Rodrigues HERO MOTOSPORTS  +01h 11m25 00h15m00
15 Xavier De Soultrait HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA  +01h 21m46 00h07m00
16 Aaron Mare HERO MOTOSPORTS  +01h 38m51 00h10m00
17 Daniel Nosiglia Jager RIEJU – FN SPEED  +02h 07m21
18 Maciej Giemza ORLEN TEAM +02h 18m16
19 Camille Chapeliere TEAM BAINES RALLY +02h 25m03
20 Joan Pedrero Garcia RIEJU – FN SPEED TEAM +02h 34m00 00h01m00

2022 Dakar Rally schedule
Stage Date Start/Finish Distance | Special
STAGE 1A Sat, Jan 1 Jeddah > Hail 834 km | 19 km
STAGE 1B Sun, Jan 2 Ha’il > Hail 546 km | 334 km
STAGE 2 Mon, Jan 3 Ha’il > Al Artawiyah 585 km | 339 km
STAGE 3 Tues, Jan 4 Al Artawiyah > Al Qaysumah 554 km | 368 km
STAGE 4 Wed, Jan 5 Al Qaisumah > Riyadh 707 km | 465 km
STAGE 5 Thurs, Jan 6 Riyadh > Riyadh 563 km | 348 km
STAGE 6 Fri, Jan 7 Riyadh > Riyadh 635 km | 421 km
REST Sat, Jan 8 Riyadh
STAGE 7 Sun, Jan 9 Riyadh > Al Dawadimi 700 km | 401 km
STAGE 8 Mon, Jan 10 Al Dawadimi > Wadi Ad Dawasir 828 km | 394 km
STAGE 9 Tues, Jan 11 Wadi Ad Dawasir > Wadi Ad Dawasir 490 km | 287 km
STAGE 10 Wed, Jan 12 Wadi Ad Dawasir > Bisha 757 km | 374 km
STAGE 11 Thurs, Jan 13 Bisha > Bisha 500 km | 345 km
STAGE 12 Fri, Jan 14 Bisha > Jeddah 676 km | 163 km

2022 Dakar Rally schedule and map

Source: MCNews.com.au

Marc Marquez back on a motorcycle as his recovery advances

With this progress, the Repsol Honda Team rider received authorization to ride a motorcycle and motocross, the most demanding discipline possible in the world of two wheels, was chosen by Marquez and his team. After a three-month absence, the Spanish rider returned to riding at the Ponts Circuit (Lleida). After several runs, his sensations and feelings on the bike were more than optimistic.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Valentino Rossi to contest 2022 GT World Championship

The nine-time World Champion hung up his MotoGP™ leathers at the conclusion of the 2021 World Championship, but that hasn’t stopped the 42-year-old from embarking on a new journey that sees him switch over to four-wheeled racing. Following a test with Team WRT in Valencia last month, Rossi has agreed to compete in the 10-round competition.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

2021 MotoGP™ recap: Algarve Grand Prix

Starting from pole, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to hand himself his third win of the season. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) completed the penultimate podium of the season, as the latter fended off a flying Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol). As well as the double podium, it was a day of great celebration for Ducati, as they wrapped up the Constructors’ crown in Portimao.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

A record sales year for Ducati with growth in all major markets

2021 a good year for Ducati

Ducati concluded 2021 with a record figure of 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers all over the world and achieving an increase in sales of + 24% over 2020 (48,042) and + 12% over 2019 (53,183).

In 2021 Ducati’s growth came in all the main countries. The United States regained its position as the leading market for Ducati with 9,007 units, which corresponds to an increase of 32% on 2020, followed by Italy with 8,707 bikes (+ 23% on 2020) and by Germany with 6,107 units (+ 11% on 2020).

The Chinese market also grew with 4,901 motorcycles (+ 21%), as well as France with 4,352 (+ 12%) and the UK with 2,941 units (+ 30%).

212 new Ducati Panigale V2 motorcycles hit Australian roads in 2021

Here in Australia Ducati sold just under 2000 units, up 36.5 per cent on 2020 figures. From what MCNews.com.au has been able to ascertain, the Panigale V2 was the biggest selling Ducati sportsbike in Australia during 2021, recording 212 sales to the Panigale V4’s 169.  While the Multistrada V4 was Ducati’s biggest seller globally, it was out-sold here by the Panigale V2.

Francesco Milicia, Ducati VP Global Sales and After Sales

With 59,447 motorcycles delivered to customers, Ducati notches up a historic result and once again underlines its solidity, despite the difficulties encountered across all sectors due to the supplies crisis. Sales grew double-digit in all major countries, from the United States to Australia, where the new subsidiary achieved an increase of 50%. These results are also the outcome of extraordinary work aimed at the continuous improvement of the global sales network both in quantitative terms, with 84 new dealerships, and in qualitative terms, focusing on the digitization of processes and omnichannel to guarantee our Ducatisti an “unforgettable” experience, which fully reflects the company’s values. Now we are starting 2022 with an even more complete range, which is already receiving high praise as demonstrated by the best order portfolio ever at the beginning of the year.

The enormous success obtained during the year is confirmed for the Multistrada V4, which was by far the biggest-selling and most-loved bike for Ducatisti in 2021 with 9,957 motorcycles delivered to customers. The Ducati Scrambler 800 family followed with 9,059 units and the Monster with 8,734 motorcycles sold.

Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO

2021 was a magical year for Ducati. We delivered over 59,000 motorcycles, a number never achieved before in 95 years of the company’s history. We also won the title of MotoGP Constructors’ World Champion for the second consecutive year, and we started the electric era of our company with the V21L prototype, which foresees the bike that will race in the MotoE championship from 2023. The pandemic, which is still underway, in addition to generating so much suffering, has also made activities more complex, forcing us to conduct a continuous internal reorganisation. Supply chains created delivery delays for which I want to apologize to all Ducatisti, thanking them for their patience. Despite all these difficulties, the desire to excel of our employees here in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world helped us to achieve these record results. We are investing in an extremely ambitious growth path that will lead the company to improve even further, by entering new market segments. With the DesertX we will have from this year on an extremely attractive proposal for adventure fans, and other ambitious projects are currently in development. The core values ​​of the brand – Style, Sophistication, Performance and Trust – are more current than ever. Future growth will take place in compliance with these values, offering our enthusiastic customers products that are increasingly representative with a unique mix of beauty, technology and distinctiveness, such as the best of Made in Italy.

For 2022, expectations are particularly high for the DesertX , the Ducati bike designed to tackle the most demanding off-roads with 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels, long suspension travel and ample ground clearance. A motorcycle that takes Ducati into a whole new world, a symbol of how the brand can widen its horizons without losing its roots and its sporting identity, as proven by the Panigale V4 which, in its latest evolutionary step, becomes the closest vehicle to a MotoGP bike that a motorcyclist can ride.

Source: MCNews.com.au

New livery for CFMOTO 300SR

While we are seeing prices rising on most new motorcycles arriving in Australia because of high demand and supply chain issues, Chinese brand CFMOTO has not increased any prices for 2022.

That includes their first fully faired sports bike, the 300SR, which is now available in a new tri-colour livery – orange, blue and white.CFMOTO 300SR

The retail price remains unchanged at an attractive $5790 ride away, with the eye-catching new design joining Nebula Black and Turquoise Blue in the Australian line-up.

The current special offer – a free CFMOTO helmet and jacket valued at $349 with every 300SR purchase until February 28, 2022 – also applies to the new variant.

The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder 300SR remains an inimitable LAMS package with its linear power and torque curves – great for learners and commuters – as well as impressive styling, underslung exhaust, 780mm seat height, 37mm upside-down fork, J.Juan brakes, Continental ABS, TFT display, LED lights, switchable ride modes and mobile phone connectivity.

All in a light-weight package of just 165kg.

CFMOTO 2022 prices

150NK $3490 (promotion until March 31, 2022: free CFMOTO helmet and jacket valued at $349)

250NK $4290

300NK $4990

300SR $5790 (promotion until February 22, 2022: free CFMOTO helmet and jacket valued at $349)

650NK $6790

650NK SP $7790

650MT $7490

650GT $8490

700CL-X Heritage $9490

700CL-X Sport: $10,490

700CL-X Adventure: $TBA (available Q2 2022)

800MT Sport: $12,990 (available Q1 2022)

800MT Touring: $13,990 (available Q1 2022)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Should the new Sportster be a V-Rod?

There is no doubt the handsome new liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a revolutionary model for the traditional heavy motorcycle company.

But it’s a Sportster in name only.

Harley had registered the name Bronx which was suspected to be the new family name, but they obviously want to keep the venerable 65-year-old Sportster moniker alive.

Sorry, but no Sportster fan will be fooled.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Harley-Davidson Sportster S and old Sportser

Where is the twin shock, iconic oval air-cooler and fore and aft header pipes of the old Evolution motor?

If anything they should have called it a V-Rod with its fat-tyred, low-slung look and water-cooled engine.

2016 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle air-cooled
V-Rod Muscle

The new Revolution engine first appeared in the also revolutionary Pan America 1250 Special adventure bike, albeit downtuned from 112kW at 750 revs to just 90kW at 7500rpm.

Harley-Davidson Pan America Special
Harley-Davidson Pan America Special

At least that shows the engine is capable of being tuned up for drag work just like the V-Rod has been for years.

But the V-Rod, built in 1999 in collaboration with Porsche, was not a great success except in Australia where it had an enviable reputation on the drag strip.

Sportster has long been the entry model for Harley but this new model is their most expensive Sportster yet at $A26,495 ($NZ28,750) ride away. 

There has never been a Sportster that cost more than $20,000.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

The new Sportster S is an interesting styling exercise in keeping the bike low and mean with fat front and rear tyres highlighted by short fenders, low and flat bars with bar-end mirrors and a narrow horizontal headlight so it doesn’t show up above the bars when riding.

From the cockpit it almost feels like you are flying.

The bronze details and brown/black “Chocolate Satin” paintwork are very 1970s. It also comes in Stone Washed White Pearl and Midnight Crimson.

While styling is subjective, I reckon this bike will appeal to younger riders than the traditional over-50s Harley fans and to them the Sportster name probably means little.

One point of styling that may be polarising is the remote mudguard with rego plate, stop light and indicators.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Already American aftermarket company Corbin has released a $US455 tail tidy which relocates all this to the short rear fender.

It should be easy to replace as Harley has anchored this section with just three bolts, although there is a fair bit of wiring relocation to be done.

Before going ahead with this modification you should check with your transport department about whether this contravenes vehicle standards. 

Corbin has also released a $US653 Gambler Smuggler dual-seat option to replace the solo seat. Harley also has an accessory passenger seat and backrest and a comfort rider seat although I found the standard seat surprisingly comfortable.

Corbin dual seat

Queenslanders may prefer to retain the solo seat which attracts 50% registration fees.

The seat height is a low 752mm and the hand levers are adjustable, so it should suit shorter riders even with its slightly forward foot controls. However, a mid-mount conversion kit is also available.

Another divisive styling issue is the massive, high-mount, almost scrambler-esque dual muffler. Harley-Davidson Sportster S

We suspect aftermarket pipes are also in the pipeline, if you’ll excuse the pun.

Other styling issues are more about the detail such as the abundance of matte back plastic and the radiator which seems to sit out far too wide.

The modern, digital single-dial 4.0-inch-diameter TFT instrument screen looks like it has been adapted from the electric Livewire.

It has comprehensive information, but the screen has bad glare in sunlight.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

The instruments are compatible with smartphones so you can operate your phone navigation, music and calls from the switch block or via voice activation switch.

The Sportster S also features a handy cruise control, traction control, three engine modes plus two rider-customised modes, LED headlight, two power points for heated riding gear, a proximity-based security system and a USB-C port for charging a phone or other device as standard.

It also comes pre-wired for accessory heated hand grips. Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Sportster S is powered by the same engine as in the Pan America 1250 Special which has 127Nm and 150hp/112kW at 8750.

It has the same torque output but less power at 121hp/90kW at 7500 revs, so it is more in tune with cruising.

Sportster fans will find it totally non-traditional in feel as it’s smoother, revs more and sounds more “brittle”, almost tinny.

While the engine generates the same amount of heat as the Pan America, the riding position means your legs are above the engine, so the only hot spot is on the back of your legs when riding in slow-moving summer traffic.

As you slip through the traffic snarl, you may find the bar-end mirrors a little too wide to fit between lanes of traffic.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

A slick transmission makes gear changes easy and neutral easier to find than usual for a Harley, but the clutch pull is heavy and slow traffic could be tiresome.

Out on the highway, the Sportster S is a fine machine, rumbling along at a leisurely pace with plenty of grunt for overtaking without having to downshift.

But this is no tourer as it comes with a 12-litre fuel tank that is only good for about 160km before the reserve light comes on with about 60-70km of range left.

There is also nowhere to attach panniers or even tie down a rear bag and Harley only offers a small “mailbag” accessory option.

Harley also offers a detachable windscreen, but this hardly makes it a tourer.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

It’s not a canyon carver, either.

Despite the fully adjustable Showa 43mm upside-down forks and Showa Piggyback reservoir rear shock with hydraulic hand-adjustable pre-load, it has short and unforgiving suspension and a lean angle of 34 degrees.

It doesn’t handle bumps well at all on back roads and will scrape the footpegs soon and suddenly on most corners.

But the biggest handling issue comes from the choice of Dunlop/Harley-Davidson GT503 tyres, 160mm up front and 180mm at the back.

The wide tyres make cornering difficult, requiring plenty of deliberate counter steering effort and handlebar force to the keep the bike turned.

As soon as you wind on throttle it wants to stand up and run straight.

It’s not so much the tyre width that is the problem, though.

The high 70% tyre profile cases the bike to bounce over high-frequency bumps which makes braking difficult as the wheels are skipping over the ground. It also makes the stand the bike up in corners when it hits a bump.Harley-Davidson Sportster S

It could have been so much better with lower-profile skinnier tyres, but then the cornering clearance issue would also have been worse.

Stopping power is surprisingly good considering the 228kg bike has only one front disc.

But it’s a big 320mm disc with Brembo mono block four-piston calipers while the low ride and long wheelbase means the rear wheel stays on the ground under heavy braking and adds to the stopping power.

So it’s not great in traffic, as a tourer or a canyon career.

Perhaps its main claim is on the urban cafe route. Which means it may have been better named the Bronx, after all.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250SHarley-Davidson Sportster S

Price

$A26,495 ($NZ28,750) ride away

Notes

Dimensions

Length

89.2 in. (2,265 mm)

Overall Width

33.2 in. (843 mm)

Overall Height

42.9 in. (1,089 mm)

Seat Height, Laden

28.9 in. (734 mm)

2

Seat Height, Unladen

29.6 in. (753 mm)

Static Ground Clearance

3.66 in. (93 mm)

Rake (steering head) (deg)

30

Fork Angle (deg)

28

Trail

5.8 in. (148 mm)

Wheelbase

59.8 in. (1,518 mm)

Tires, Type

Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series, radial

Tires, Front Model

GT503

Tires, Front Specification

160/70TR17 73V

Tires, Rear Model

GT503

Tires, Rear Specification

180/70R16 77V

Fuel Capacity

3.1 gal. (11.8 l)

Reserve Fuel Capacity, Fuel Injection (warning light)

0.8 gal. (3 l)

Oil Capacity (w/filter)

4.75 qt. (4.5 l)

Transmission Capacity

N/A

Primary Chain Case Capacity

N/A

Coolant Capacity

2.32 qt. (2.2 l)

Weight, As Shipped

486 lb. (220 kg)

Weight, In Running Order

502 lb. (228 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

922 lb. (418 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Front

359 lb. (163 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear

595 lb. (270 kg)

Luggage Capacity -Volume

N/A

Engine

Engine

Revolution® Max 1250T

Valves

Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT; four valves per cylinder

Bore

4.13 in. (105 mm)

Stroke

2.85 in. (72.3 mm)

Displacement

76.4 cu in (1,252 cc)

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Fuel System

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

3

Air Cleaner

Downdraft intake, tuned velocity stacks, washable filter media

Exhaust

2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in muffler

Lubrication System

Semi-Dry Sump

Drivetrain

Primary Drive

Gear, 49/89 ratio

Final Drive

Belt, 80/34 ratio

Clutch

Mechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090N

Transmission

6-speed

Gear Ratios

12.21

Gear Ratios

9.022

Gear Ratios

6.994

Gear Ratios

5.641

Gear Ratios

4.731

Gear Ratios

4.131

Chassis

Frame

Stressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structure

Swingarm

High strength low alloy steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions; MIG welded

Front Fork

43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability.  Aluminum fork triple clamps.

Rear Shocks

Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability

Wheels, Optional Style Type

N/A

4

Wheels, Front Type

Aluminum cast, satin black

4

Wheels, Front Width

4.5 in. (114 mm)

Wheels, Front Height

17 in. (432 mm)

Wheels, Rear Type

Aluminum cast, satin black

4

Wheels, Rear Width

5 in. (127 mm)

Wheels, Rear Height

16 in. (406 mm)

Brakes, Caliper Type

Front: radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper Rear: floating, single piston caliper

Brakes, Rotor Type

Front: single rotor, floating, tower- mounted Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor

Brakes, Front Diameter

12.6 in. (320 mm)

Brakes, Front Thickness

0.2 in. (6 mm)

Brakes, Front is dual

No

Brakes, Rear Diameter

10.2 in. (260 mm)

Brakes, Rear Thickness

0.2 in. (5 mm)

Front brake lever free travel

N/A

Rear brake pedal free travel

N/A

Brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

Standard

Suspension Travel, Front

3.6 in. (92 mm)

Suspension Travel, Rear

2 in. (51 mm)

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method

J1349

Engine Torque

94 ft-lb (127 Nm)

5

Engine Torque

6,000

Power

121 HP / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm

Lean Angle Testing Method

J1168

Lean Angle, Right (deg.)

34

Lean Angle, Left (deg.)

34

Maximum hill-starting ability

N/A

Fuel Economy Testing Method

Estimated City/Hwy

Fuel Economy

49 mpg (4.8 l/100 km)

6

CO2 Emissions Testing Method

N/A

CO2 Emissions

N/A

Electric

Battery

Sealed, maintenance-free, absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, 12V, 12Ah, 225 CCA at 0°F

Charging

Three-phase, 45 Amp system (300 Watts @13 Volts, 1200 rpm, 585 Watts max power @ 13 Volts, 2250 rpm)

Starting

0.9 kW electric with direct drive starter motor engagement

Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp

All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting

Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/Stop

All LED Tail/Stop lamp with signature tail lighting

Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal Lights

LED Bullet Turn Signals

Lights, Rear Turn Signals

LED Bullet Turn Signals

Gauges

4 inch viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)

Auxiliary Lamps

N/A

Electric Power Outlet

USB C-Type , Output 5V at 2.4 Amp

GPS System

N/A

Reverse Gear

N/A

Warranty And Service

Warranty

24 months (unlimited mileage)

7

Service Interval

First 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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