News, Reviews

2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT MC Commute Review

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Honda’s Gold Wing is the zenith of motorcycle touring. Whether you’re running to the local convenience store for a Slurpee, or traveling across the American Southwest for a getaway weekend, few streetbikes are as capable as the Gold Wing Tour DCT ($29,300 as tested).

Editor’s note: Get up to speed on the technical improvements in the Honda Gold Wing Tour Gets a Touch-up for 2021 article. Also read and watch the 2020 Honda Gold Wing DCT MC Commute Review for added insight on this model.

Honda’s 2021 Gold Wing Tour becomes an even more capable travel partner as we learn in this review.

Honda’s 2021 Gold Wing Tour becomes an even more capable travel partner as we learn in this review. (drew ruiz/)

Radically overhauling it for the 2018 model year, Big Red went in a leaner and meaner direction with its Wing. So much so that it skimped on cargo capacity inside the 13.2-gallon top case. Owners complained, and Honda answered by increasing the capacity by nearly 3 gallons.

It may not seem like a huge change, but the compartment now easily swallows two full-face helmets, of any make. The case would accept two helmets before, but they had to be of a certain model and size, and you had to insert them just right.

Honda’s enlarged the top case and improved passenger accommodations for the 2021 model year.

Honda’s enlarged the top case and improved passenger accommodations for the 2021 model year. (drew ruiz/)

Additional fixed hard luggage is located on either side of the rear fender, though they are oddly shaped (rectangular and not very wide). The cases are opened via subtle push-buttons and are locked electronically via a nice-looking rectangular shaped electronic key fob. Hydraulic action makes for smoother operation. Our only gripe is that the cases are finicky to close. A dashboard-mounted indicator lets you know if they are fully shut. In total, the Hold Wing Tour offers nearly 32-gallons of cargo capacity.

The Gold Wing’s dash display is tasteful combining both analog and digital instrumentation.

The Gold Wing’s dash display is tasteful combining both analog and digital instrumentation. (drew ruiz/)

The redesigned top case also allowed engineers to tweak the passenger backrest. It’s nearly 2 inches taller, a tad thicker, and positioned at a more relaxed angle. Both rider and passenger seats have nice-looking and more grippy suede covers. Both seats have electronically adjustable heaters. This along with the rider’s heated grips make riding in chilly weather more comfortable.

Honda’s Gold Wing Tour offers a regal ride like no other production motorcycle.

Honda’s Gold Wing Tour offers a regal ride like no other production motorcycle. (drew ruiz/)

Pair that with the generously sized and electronically adjustable windscreen, and the Gold Wing elevates itself to one of the most cozy rides for short and long-distance trips. Other creature comforts include a more powerful 45-watt four-speaker stereo. An XM radio antenna is now standard too. Apple and Android smartphone compatible carry over as does Bluetooth. There’s also an AM/FM tuner.

Keeping tabs on everything is a 7-inch color dash display that integrates GPS-enabled navigation and vehicle and audio settings. It’s manipulated by a series of buttons on the raised clip-on-style handlebar and a joystick wheel on the center console.

When it comes to road touring, no other motorcycle offers the type of capability of a Honda Gold Wing Tour.

When it comes to road touring, no other motorcycle offers the type of capability of a Honda Gold Wing Tour. (drew ruiz/)

The display is bright and easy to read, day and night. However, we wish it offered a traditional “dark mode” like modern iOS-powered devices. Menu navigation is clunky and the system could offer faster boot time when the engine is started. All modern Honda motorcycles (2018-plus Gold Wing, 2020-plus Africa Twin, 2021 CBR1000RR-R) could benefit from more well-thought-out and intuitive user interfaces.

Twist the throttle however and our nit-picky gripes fade away as quickly as the objects in the nice sized rearview mirrors. With upward of 100 pound-feet torque from 1,300 rpm, the Wing accelerates in a hurry—especially for a bike that weighs 838 pounds. The cockpit fills with a rowdy roar and the exhaust note purr is equally pleasing, sounding like a six-cylinder Porsche. Horsepower-wise the 1,836cc flat six pumps out 90 hp at 5,400 rpm.

The top case is bigger in each direction. It can swallow an additional three gallons of cargo.

The top case is bigger in each direction. It can swallow an additional three gallons of cargo. (drew ruiz/)

It’s a downright hoot to run up through the seven-speed gearbox—especially in DCT trim ($1,000 upcharge). This option replaces the manual six-speed transmission with a fully automated seven-speed version that eliminates the traditional clutch lever. This makes the Wing as easy to ride as a scooter.

Riders can still shift manually via finger-actuated and trigger-like buttons. However, the transmission shifts gears so quickly, especially in Sport mode, that you’ll never shift more quickly than the machine.

Despite weighing 839 pounds with a full tank of fuel, the Gold Wing feels 100s of pounds lighter with wheels in motion.

Despite weighing 839 pounds with a full tank of fuel, the Gold Wing feels 100s of pounds lighter with wheels in motion. (drew ruiz/)

The other three riding modes (Tour, Econ, and Rain) offer different shift maps. Overall, the Tour setting is our favorite as it is paired with more moderate throttle response. We wish Honda offered the ability to tune engine power, throttle response, and the shift maps independently. Easy-to-use push-button electronic reverse is also standard, which helps you maneuver in and out of tight parking spots. A manual cable-actuated parking brake keeps it from rolling when parked.

Even during high-speed rides, we consistently record around 38 mpg, impressive based on average speed and size. We also appreciate that the engine runs on regular 87-octane pump fuel. We do yearn for a larger-capacity fuel tank.

The Gold Wing Tour comes outfitted with a premium suede rider and passenger seat. It’s about as comfy as a motorcycle seat gets and is well-suited to long days in the saddle.

The Gold Wing Tour comes outfitted with a premium suede rider and passenger seat. It’s about as comfy as a motorcycle seat gets and is well-suited to long days in the saddle. (drew ruiz/)

For the modern year-round motorcyclist, Honda’s Gold Wing is a game changer. With its soaring level of comfort, for both rider and passenger, and more ample storage, it’s a motorcycle that checks a lot of boxes. Run errands around town, travel 500 miles in a day to your favorite vacation spot, or hustle it through the twisties with your special someone. The Gold Wing does it all, and performs like few sport-touring bikes can.

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Hudson

Gloves: Rev’It Chevron 2

Pant: Rev’It Austin

Boots: TCX X-Vibe EVO Air

Honda’s $29,300 Tour DCT impresses not only with its touring credentials, but with its versatility. This is a do-it-all street bike.

Honda’s $29,300 Tour DCT impresses not only with its touring credentials, but with its versatility. This is a do-it-all street bike. (drew ruiz/)

2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE $29,300
MOTOR 1,833cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled flat six; 24 valves
BORE x STROKE 73.0 x 73.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY Fuel injection w/ ride-by-wire
CLUTCH Dual wet, multiplate (dual-clutch automatic)
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 7-speed automatic w/ reverse/shaft
FRAME Aluminum twin spar
FRONT SUSPENSION Double wishbone w/ Showa monoshock; 4.3 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Pro-Link w/ Showa monoshock spring preload adjustable, 4.1 in. travel
FRONT BRAKES 6-piston calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE 3-piston caliper, 316mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR 18 in. / 16 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR Dunlop Sportmax 423, 130/70-18; 200/55-16
RAKE/TRAIL 30.5°/ 4.3 in.
WHEELBASE 66.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 29.3 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 5.6 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 838 lb.
WARRANTY 36 months, unlimited mileage
AVAILABLE Now
CONTACT powersports.honda.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

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Hidden Valley ASBK on SBS this Sunday

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Darwin ASBK Action To Air On SBS This Sunday

All the high-flying action from Round 4 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK), at Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, will feature this Sunday on SBS in HD.

As the official free-to-air ASBK broadcast partner, SBS will feature all the handle-bar to handle-bar action from Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin. This special edition of ASBK TV will provide fans with exclusive additional feature stories and behind the scenes highlights with ASBK TV Host Riana Crehan, as part of the special broadcast.

ASBK fans can tune in to SBS from 1-3pm, Sunday July 4, and catch all the action from the spectacular ASBK round during the recent 2+4 event with Supercars at Hidden Valley Raceway.

Fans can relive the epic battle between current ASBK Champion Boost Mobile with K-Tech’s Wayne Maxwell, Penrite Honda’s Troy Herfoss, Desmosport Ducati’s Oli Bayliss and Maxima Racing Oils BMW of Glenn Allerton as part of a Alpinestars Superbike grid filled with champions and standout performers up and down the results.

If you can’t be home for Sunday’s SBS broadcast then catch up on all the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul action anytime day or night at SBS On-Demand.

ASBK heads to Queensland next

Next up ASBK fans can get trackside to catch all the action in Queensland, with the ASBK Championship back in action at the always spectacular Morgan Park Raceway, August 20-22, which will see the return of the Alpinestars Superbike, Motorsports TV Supersport, Dunlop Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance Cup, and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, for the first time in two years.

ASBK and Southern Downs Regional Council will be teaming up to deliver Round 5 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul in the region, helping revitalise an area devastated by the 2019 bushfires.

ASBK Rnd Morgan Park RbMotoLens SBK Race Start MIke JONES
ASBK Superbikes at Morgan Park – Image by RBMotoLens

With the ASBK Championship on a knife edge across all classes, the Championship returns to Morgan Park Raceway between 20 and 22 August 2021.

The event is expected to garner huge local community support and see many race fans from around Queensland head to the region for three days of action-packed racing, as well as providing a significant tourism and economic boost to the many local businesses impacted by the 2019 bushfires, drought and COVID-19.

Peter Doyle – Motorcycling Australia CEO,

“ASBK competitors and fans have always loved coming to Morgan Park Raceway and we are very pleased to be able to do so again with the support of Southern Downs Regional Council. The Southern Downs and Granite Belt regions are still rebuilding their communities and economies and we hope that with the hundreds of competitors, teams, partners, officials and race fans returning, we can do our part in boosting and showcasing the region’s tourism opportunities. We will have three days of jam-packed ASBK Championship racing action at Morgan Park Raceway with all five Championship classes titles still up for grabs, guaranteeing fans a spectacular racing festival. We are encouraging riders, teams, partners and fans to take advantage of the wonderful hospitality and tourism opportunities in the region and to book their accommodation early, catch the ASBK Championship at Morgan Park Raceway, and stay a little longer to enjoy what is a beautiful part of Australia.”

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said that hosting the showcasing Championships would further highlight the region as a respected sporting destination, with significant economic benefits expected to flow onto the growing local tourism industry as it continues to recover from years of historical drought, the 2019 bush fires and the recent lockdowns associated with COVID-19 lockdowns.

ASBK TBG Round Morgan Park SS TBG
The Supersport 300 class at Morgan Park – Images by TBG

Vic Pennisi – Southern Downs Mayor

“The region’s tourism and event industry continues to prove it is robust and can weather the many challenges that have been thrown our way in recent times. Warwick is known in the racing circles as the Horsepower Capital of Australia and we are particularly excited to welcome the ASBK Championship to the Southern Downs. The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, is one of the highlights on the racing calendar and by hosting this event in our backyard, our region will clock-up additional kudos to attract other major events to the Southern Downs. The economic benefits of hosting a round of the Championship to our recovering region can’t be under-valued, and as motorsport enthusiasts flock to the region to watch world-class riders roar around Morgan Park Raceway, we relish the opportunity to showcase the Southern Downs as the ideal destination to live, work, play and stay.”

ASBK Championship Points

Pos Rider Total
1 Wayne MAXWELL 132
2 Troy HERFOSS 106
3 Glenn ALLERTON 100
4 Cru HALLIDAY 88
5 Oli BAYLISS 87
6 Bryan STARING 87
7 Mike JONES 74
8 Arthur SISSIS 71
9 Jed METCHER 70
10 Josh WATERS 53
11 Anthony WEST 52
12 Matt WALTERS

2021 ASBK Championship Calendar (Updated)

  • Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21 Cancelled
  • Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14
  • Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18
  • Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20
  • Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22
  • Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26
  • Round 7 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW October 15 – 17 *
  • Round 8 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC November 5-7 *

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Wayne Maxwell on ASBK, 2+4, and running a team in 2022

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Trev chats with Wayne Maxwell

Trev: We’ll start off with the Darwin weekend, you and the Boost Mobile squad had some unique challenges with Crew Chief Adrian working from home, which meant the team was all wired for sound and Greg was on the tools. Somewhat of a strange weekend I guess?

Wayne Maxwell: “It was definitely somewhat of a challenge in that respect, trying to set everything up, and try and make sure it worked but overall we sort of got through it and everyone stepped up in the team and knew what we were up to before we got there. A few people stepped in over the weekend who usually aren’t in those roles and those guys were great.”

Wayne Maxwell – Image by RBMotoLens

And that two-plus-four lap with the Boost Mobile car, via your shared sponsor, did you let the car through on purpose around the back of the circuit when you looked around, was there bit of a game plan on that to line up that run to the line?

Wayne Maxwell: “Yeah that was the overall plan, you being a Ford man, I dunno if you would have been going for the Ducati or Ford, but that was the aim to try and make it a drag race to the line, so obviously I let him past and James went underneath, and then he sort of had to wait for me a little bit, so he’d ruined his run onto the straight but the Ducati can definitely out-accelerate the V8.”

Boost Mobile Ducati – Image RbMotoLens

I’d always go for the bike, did you go out in the car with him on the weekend and experience that braking power?

Wayne Maxwell: “No I didn’t, I’ve never been in a V8 actually. I let Craig and Julie go out and do it. I didn’t know whether it would scare me or not, I just stuck to riding the motorbikes for the weekend. Hopefully there’ll be some opportunities to do some more activations with Boost down the track.“

Wayne Maxwell – Image by Half Light

So obviously there are some pros and cons running ASBK alongside supercars, what’s your take on it? The air fence being moved on and off, is far from ideal, and scheduling changes etc, but I guess when you’re trying to satisfy your team sponsors there are some definite positives.

Wayne Maxwell: “Definitely, the camera footage quality, and the professionalism that some people in our paddock haven’t experienced before, to see the premium motorsport category in Australia up close, we need to get to that. Scheduling was good, they cleaned the track thoroughly, M.A. and whoever looked after the V8 side of safety all worked together. Coverage wise I think it was one of our better events.“

Wayne Maxwell talking to Riana Crehan after the opening race in Darwin – Image RbMotoLens

So you’re keen to see more of this in the future?

Wayne Maxwell: “I think two rounds a year would be enough to be honest with you, one to two. Just to keep the exposure. It all depends, we sort of have a support round with WSBK normally but that’s not going to come any time in the next year, so we’ll wait and see and go from there. Our categories I think are better than people are giving it credit for at the moment and we can stand on our own two feet and make sure we race at all the best tracks in Australia, and put on a good show.”

Wayne Maxwell – Image by Half Light

Which tracks would you like to join the V8s at?

Wayne Maxwell: “Darwin obviously works but it’s obviously a big expense, so I don’t know if the rest of the paddock want to go to Dawrin. They are talking about the V8s racing at night in Sydney, which would be a great opportunity to get a foot back in the door there at SMP. We could race in the day and add the 600 category which would be a pretty cool event and that is the hot rumour at the moment...”

Nothing separated Maxwell and Herfoss throughout the whole 16-laps of the opening race in Darwin – Image Half Light

You’re leading the championship, you said you have a good package but obviously there’s a long way to go, that is if the plague stays abated so we can run the full calendar. I guess the main talking point out of the Darwin weekend was young Oli stepping up to take you on. Have you followed him much before? Give us your evaluation of where you think he’s at, at the moment and if you think his form may continue to the other tracks.

Wayne Maxwell: “Yeah look, I’ve always said on the record that my legacy is to try and promote and set a standard for these young guys, we’ve had world champions in the past and we could have more in the future. Oli did a fantastic job all weekend, he didn’t make many mistakes for someone of his age and experience, less mistakes than I would have made at that age for sure, so he did a fantastic job. His riding, he’s well in control, I haven’t watched the race back yet, but it’s great.

Wayne Maxwell leading Oli Bayliss – Image Half Light

“Hopefully it gives everyone, some of the other guys in our category and other categories, an example – look it is achievable, so they say… now how do we achieve it. It’s fantastic. I don’t know how he will go at other tracks, obviously Morgan Park he’s done a few laps at. It’s hard to say whether that form will stay, or if the bike worked for that track for him on the day. Time will tell. Eventually it shows he’s going to work it out and he’s going to be a really good motorcycle racer and hopefully follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a World Champion.“

It looked liked you gave him heaps of room as he came past at the end of the straight, maybe more than you’d give Herf or Mike?

Wayne Maxwell: “I don’t know, my head wasn’t really in it, I was having issues in the race and I just thought I’d let him go through, he wasn’t even close to the limit of trying to stop, it was a real calculated easy pass, so he was just better than I was in the race. There is no excuse, and he’s a deserving winner.“

Wayne Maxwell – Image by Half Light

Your head wasn’t it, was that because Herf had been taken off to hospital?

Wayne Maxwell: “That as well and being such a massive three weeks, being away and unorganised and not having everything there, like the whole team, it was quite a fair bit of stress. I just wasn’t at my best for some reason and I guess that’s part of it, I haven’t raced anyone but Troy for the last so long, so maybe that was it.“

You looked like you did try and have a go a couple of corners from the end, but had a rear end slide there, was that part of the game plan to leave it to that final lap, and then that slide robbed you of that chance?

Wayne Maxwell: “Nah, I never really think I had a chance with the issues we had going on. I was in a little bit of a rhythm and then it was a bit unusual for me, as normally I’m fairly good right at the end and fight back, but it just wasn’t my day and wasn’t meant to be. That’s a bad day so we’ll move onto the next one.”

Wayne Maxwell and Boost Mobile Ducati Team Owner Craig McMartin – Image by RBMotoLens

That sounds like you may have had an issue you don’t want to canvas with the bike or tyres?

Wayne Maxwell: “No definitely not the tyres, just some stuff because Adrian wasn’t there, we had some problems like with the electronics, which were out of our control, just having that one less person, but nothing major and it probably might not have made the difference to win the race, but as usual our bikes were fantastic, so there’s no dramas moving forward.

Wayne Maxwell checking out the data himself at Hidden Valley

“I’m excited to see how we roll on to Morgan Park, as that’s pretty much marked down on the calendar as the biggest challenge for us. Obviously maybe a tiny bit easier as Troy doesn’t look like he’ll be back for that one, but it’s still going to be a massive challenge. Mike has a point to prove, Oli is on a mission and there’s other guys with new motorbikes, you can’t really rule out anyone.”

Wayne Maxwell – Image Half Light

So I guess as you’ve said you’re probably going to give the game away at the end of this season, after hopefully defending your championship, which you’re looking in good shape to do, for the rounds coming ahead, and then your focus is going to switch to running the Ohvale FIM MiniGP World Series in Australia, which is going to step up a few gears next year, is that right?

Wayne Maxwell: “That’s the plan, definitely going to finish the end of the year. I love motorbike racing and I love all that, so I want to make a difference, we see so many people come and go from the sport and when their time is up, they don’t give back as good as they should have. I’m not in the financial position of some of the guys overseas are to help, but with my knowledge and understanding I would like to work closely with the M.A. guys to get the ASBK to a level where it’s more sustainable. And that side of it, help some of the other teams to get more sponsors and show what I’ve learned and help in that way.

Wayne Maxwell – Image RbMotoLens

“Craig and I have talked about running the bike next season, there’s a number of options for riders, we’ll see how that goes. The Ohvale is going to be a massive focus for us, to bring through the next generation of Jack Miller, Remy Gardner and perhaps the next Oli Bayliss.“

Wayne Maxwell congratulates Oli – Image RbMotoLens

Now you bring that up, with you and Craig talking about continuing with the Boost Team and running the Ducati. I had heard a rumour that you might have had Herf in line to ride for you and Craig next year, if you continued down that line.

Wayne Maxwell: “Yeah, if as a Team Manager you’re not asking the best most dedicated guy in the paddock to ride your motorbike, you’re not doing your job are you? So regardless of the contract or whatever he’s got, I’m confident we have a really good package and he’s been around motorcycle racing so he knows how that works, so he knows how I operate pretty well and I know how he operates, and he knows how good Craig’s bikes are.

Herfoss riding for Boost Mobile Ducati in 2022 has been discussed – Image RbMotoLens

“Obviously those talks have completely stopped right at the moment with his current situation. But if he wants to come and ride a motorbike with us we’d be mad not to consider it and try and of course bend over backwards to have him on the bike.”

Wayne Maxwell leading Troy Herfoss in race one at Hidden Valley – Image by RBMotoLens

Thanks for the chat.

Wayne Maxwell: “Thank you.“

ASBK Championship Points

Pos Rider Total
1 Wayne MAXWELL 132
2 Troy HERFOSS 106
3 Glenn ALLERTON 100
4 Cru HALLIDAY 88
5 Oli BAYLISS 87
6 Bryan STARING 87
7 Mike JONES 74
8 Arthur SISSIS 71
9 Jed METCHER 70
10 Josh WATERS 53
11 Anthony WEST 52
12 Matt WALTERS

2021 ASBK Championship Calendar (Updated)

  • Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21 Cancelled
  • Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14
  • Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18
  • Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20
  • Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22
  • Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26
  • Round 7 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW October 15 – 17 *
  • Round 8 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC November 5-7 *

Source: MCNews.com.au

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WESS-FIM Hard Enduro nuptials about to get underway in Tuscany

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2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship

After a stop-start beginning to 2021, the inaugural FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is soon to get up and running again with the Abestone Hard Enduro in Italy, where Series Manager Winfried Kerschhaggl will see months, if not years, of hard work come to fruition.  The series did get underway with the XL Lagares event in May but with no points awarded as COVID restrictions prevented many racers from being able to compete, then the ErzbergRodeo which was to be round two was cancelled, thus this weekend marks the real beginning for the new championship.

Joining forces with the FIM to form the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has been a long journey for Winfried, but one he feels will be hugely worthwhile. While the instant success and growth of the WESS Championship was clear, the formation of a Hard Enduro focused series was always the natural progression.

Series Manager Winfried Kerschhaggl

Uniting the world’s best races and offering athletes a FIM title to race for, the series ensures amateur riders remain an integral part of the action while ensuring the free-spirited roots of Hard Enduro stay intact. The partnership, Winfried believes, is also an opportunity to elevate the sport to a whole new level…

Winfried, 2021 is a new beginning for all as we break ground with the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Why the decision to come together with the FIM to form this series?

“Stepping under the FIM umbrella, where all other major motorcycling series are, will help us to raise the profile and prestige of Hard Enduro. It will bring our sport to a new level. Being a part of the FIM will add marketing value to the championship and allow it to become more clearly understood by everyone interested in motorsports, from the diehard fan to the casual spectator. But above all else, having the title of FIM Hard Enduro World Champion to race for will give our athletes the recognition and respect they truly deserve.”

Has it been a long process to get to this point?

“Yes definitely, it’s a process that was in the works for some time! Ensuring that our amateur riders remained an integral part of the championship was something that took a while to get over the line with the FIM. It forced the FIM to change their view as to what a world championship should look like. Without this we would not have done it – no way! For the FIM it has been a big step and we’re glad they made it.”

Amateur rider participation has long been an integral part of WESS, why was it important to you to ensure that it continued with the FIM?

“Amateur rider participation is what defines us. It’s what differentiates us from other disciplines and what makes us unique. We want our amateurs to race alongside our world champions and park side-by-side in the paddock. This is Enduro. They represent the very nucleus of our sport. Because Enduro is very much defined by the camaraderie of the people involved, which so often becomes obvious during racing!”

How important is it for the sport and industry to finally have a dedicated Hard Enduro World Championship?

“It’s very important and long overdue to give Hard Enduro the official recognition it deserves. Personally, as a fan, I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. Red Bull Erzbergrodeo is already over 25 years old, Red Bull Romaniacs celebrate their 17th edition this year. The championship will bring it all together for sure. Teams and riders can commit to a season of racing. More riders are drawn in to compete and at a grassroots level, that inspires more organisers to run events. Everything has a knock-on effect, which helps the industry grow.”

2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship

We’ve already seen manufactures like Beta and Yamaha lend support to the championship alongside established names like KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas and Sherco. Do you feel there is more growth to come in this area?

“Today motorsport is also a vehicle for manufacturers to promote their brand and their products. So, if you approach it from a business standpoint then Hard Enduro provides a format that is easy to understand for everyone. The competition, the rider-against-rider aspect is easy to understand and can be easily covered by the media. With solid media coverage and an FIM title to race for, then yes I believe more manufacturers will join.”

Can riders expect to see big changes in terms of how the championship is run, or are you aiming for things to be as easy and seamless as possible?

“Throughout this process our intention has always been to ‘keep it simple’. Sailing with a big ship like the FIM does not make it less complex. Hard Enduro has a free spirit, it doesn’t sit well with too many rules, and I want to keep it that way.”

We saw already with Extreme XL Lagares and Red Bull Erzbergrodeo how difficult it can be for event organisers to plan due to the COVID pandemic. Are things beginning to return to a ‘more normal’ situation?

“We’re living in some crazy times right now and sometimes even the best laid plans are taken out of your hands. At the time of staging Extreme XL Lagares, Portugal was by far the European country least at risk. Fewer people were affected, and it was the only country in Europe with restaurants open. Then suddenly, during the event there is a local hot-spot – and all your work, effort and money is gone! You have to question it yes, but at a certain point you have to accept and focus on what you can influence and that is what’s in front of you. But we were not alone, just imagine the amateur rider who travelled 2,000 km, spent a week’s vacation and a lot of money – just to return home with a fraction of what they were expecting to experience.”

The Abestone Hard Enduro is just around the corner and some of the teaser visuals look incredible. Are you excited to finally get racing underway in earnest there?

“Racing in Tuscany is a rare opportunity and doing it in a ski resort is the icing on the cake. It’s simply unbelievable what Michele Bosi, as event organizer, has been able to put together. He is so full of ideas that we had to calm him down and not get too carried away with the event. Having already stood on these mountains, walked the trails and soaked in the epic views, we know it will be an amazing event!”

The calendar sees a strong mix of well-established races with some newcomers, is the goal to offer these younger events a platform to grow and develop?

“Definitely, because the quality of each of our events determines the quality of the World Championship. But it’s also the diversity of the events, which is in our interest too. Over time we want the calendar to be less European focused.”

For potential organisers wishing to get involved, what criteria are you looking for in an event?

“We want to see a unique venue that can host a special course that is demanding, but not dangerous. The race format needs to support the integration of amateur riders to a large extent and the minimum number of competitors should be 250 at least. But also, the event format must be attractive to spectators and media alike. Overall, an event that is simple in structure, but still capable of developing a unique position within the series.”

For now, events are closed to spectators. What will it mean to have thousands of fans back trackside watching the racing again?

“We have all together learned over the last 18 months to live with what we can get, so everyone will be excited to return to the events and see the competition and our stars in person when it’s safe to do so. I’m looking forward to seeing the paddocks a real hive of activity with fans and spectators again. We all miss that!”

Finally, when we overcome this pandemic, how would you like to see this championship develop in the next few years?

“Our objective is to become the most popular Off-Road/Enduro series worldwide – regardless of how much Covid may influence our future!”

The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship heads to Tuscany, Italy for the Abestone Hard Enduro on July 9-11.

2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar

Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares – Portugal, May 7/8/9 (No Points)
Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – Austria, June 3/4/5/6 ( Cancelled)
Round 3: Abestone Hard Enduro – Italy, July 9/10/11
Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, July 27/28/29/30/31
Round 5: Red Bull TKO – USA, August 13/14/15
Round 6: HERO Challenge – Poland, September 11/12
Round 7: Hixpania Hard Enduro – Spain, October 1/2/3
Round 8: GetzenRodeo – Germany, October 29/30

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Electric bike chases world speed record

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A powerful electric motor and innovative aerodynamics are expected to help a British engineering company achieve a world speed record of more than 400km/h (250mph) for a motorcycle.

The bike will have emissions and economy implications for current and future electric and conventionally-powered motorcycles.

White Motorcycle Concepts has unveiled its prototype motorcycle which company founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob White will ride in attempts to break the British and world electric land speed records over the next 12 months.

It features three innovative technologies.

The company’s ultra-low drag system called V-Air has a large duct at the centre of the bike which forces air through the vehicle, rather than around it. 

V-Air reduces the WMC250EV’s aerodynamic resistance by as much as 70% compared to that of the market-leading high performance road bike according to the results of wind-tunnel testing at MIRA.

Aerodynamics of the bike and the rider are the biggest drain on motorcycle power and efficiency.

Australian Triple8 racing engineer Jeromy Moore says it is difficult for motorcycles to match a car’s aerodynamics, because they are too short.

“With aero, it will be hard to get a bike’s cD down as it is quite short so the air has to deflect at larger angles to go around and rejoin,” he says.

It seems the V-Air duct may have overcome this issue, especially with the rider tucked behind the fairing as in the above photo.

The duct also increases the axial load on the front of the motorcycle allowing the WMC250EV utilise a D-Drive motor unit that powers the front wheel, which in-turn makes it possible to harness regenerative braking energy – something unachievable with a conventional motorcycle. The third innovation, F-Drive final drive system, could filter down to your own motorcycle.

It is designed to give the bike a boost in power and enhance efficiency.

The WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator has been more than two years in the making and has already been granted a UK patent and expects Europe, the USA and Japan to follow suit by the end of August. 

If adopted by major manufacturers, these British devised technologies have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions across the industry and accelerate the mass-market de-carbonisation of motorcycles globally.

White, who has more than 25 years’ experience of world championship level motorsport, including Formula 1 and Le Mans, initially conceived his idea for V-Air six years ago, but it was exposure to Formula 1 packaging and sports car aerodynamics that gave him the confidence to pursue it seriously.

Having formed WMC in 2019, White reached into his network of contacts gained through his career. 

Rob Lewis MBE, the owner of Total Sim and a global leader in sports aerodynamics, recognised V-Air’s potential and supported the project through the initial proof of concept. 

The Northamptonshire company began developing the all-carbon fibre WMC250EV High Speed Demonstrator to F1 standards of design specification, component-packaging and technology with the ambition to test its potential to the highest standard.

“If you want to demonstrate to the rest of the world that you’ve just invented a new aerodynamic concept that means you can go faster for a given power, the best thing to do is go as fast you can,” Rob says. 

“That’s why we created WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator, the most radical version of this concept, to challenge for the world land speed record. It is electric, as that is the pre-eminent zero emissions power source at the moment, but as the aerodynamic concept provides efficiency benefit, it could just as easily be hydrogen or any other future power source.”

The concept’s more wide-reaching implication is the impact it could have on vehicular energy efficiency, leading to better fuel economy and lower emissions.

“The records are all champagne, but are actually the insignificant part of the story,” Rob says.

“While this technology allows you to go faster, it also allows you to go much further for the same amount of energy. This has a direct and tangible benefit on CO2 reduction. Market-disruptive ideas like this are uncommon, and if successful, have the potential to revolutionise industry.”

WMC is already working on a real-world application for the innovation and is producing a 300cc three-wheel hybrid scooter – the WMC300FR – that includes V-Air technology and reduces drag by 25%. 

That equates to 18% improvement in fuel efficiency, from aerodynamic improvements alone and when coupled with a small hybrid system enhances the performance to somewhere near 500cc levels, but with 50% less CO2 emissions.

“What we’ve managed to do is create something for the world market sector where people can use these vehicles in a city where the population is most effected by CO2 output and pollution – and we’ve managed to cut CO2 by 50% through aerodynamics and hybridisation,” Rob says.

The land speed record programme meanwhile is fully underway, with shakedowns continuing through the summer and an attempt on the Motorcycle Electric Semi Streamliner British Record planned for later on this year. 

Then the focus for WMC switches to the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, where Rob will attempt to set a new mark for the Electric Semi Streamliner World Record in July 2022.

“What started off as some sketches of an idea I was pondering, has become an initiative that can potentially change the motorcycle industry,” he says.

“I’ve always loved speed, and motorcycles. The challenge of breaking the world record satisfies a tenacity to achieve great things. But more importantly, it’s the perfect way to practically demonstrate that the theory behind this technology works.

“There are other record attempts running concurrently that have superstar riders and talismanic leaders fronting the projects, but for me and WMC the star is the technology. It’s a product of British engineering ingenuity and it has a real potential to disrupt the industry in a very positive way, becoming an important step towards the mass manufacture of non-fossil fuelled motorcycles, another milestone on the road to a zero-emission future.

“The company’s ambitions are great, and we aim to constantly produce high level engineering with environmental responsibility at its core, reducing carbon emissions throughout the entire motorcycle market from design and manufacture to end use.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Honda and KTM lead on safety recalls

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The first half of 2021 has witnessed a significant number of motorcycle safety recalls with Honda and KTM the most prolific.

In the first quarter of 2021, there were 13 recalls, but the rate accelerated in May with 10 recalls and two in June, bringing the first half total to 25.

Perhaps as riders are coming out of lockdown around the world and riding again, they are discovering issues with their bikes which result in official recall notices.

KTM Australia has issued nine recalls, although some have been for the same issues across all the brands they import which also includes GasGas and Husqvarna.

Honda follows with nine recall notices. Its most recent affects 2981 motorcycles and covers an extensive range from the Grom to the 650 models.

Ducati and Yamaha had three recalls in the first half of the year, BMW, Kawasaki and Suzuki had two each and Triumph had one.

The latest official safety recall notices, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, are for 2020 BMW S 1000 RR and various Honda models.

Honda’s notice says the reflex reflector may not comply with the Australian Design Rule (ADR) 47 for reflection luminosity.

“If the reflector has insufficient luminosity, affected motorcycles may be less visible to drivers of other vehicles, which could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death of the rider and/or other road users,” the notice says.

Models affected are:

  • 2019 GROM(L) Z125M (pictured top of page)
  • 2019-21 CB500X, CB650R, CBR500R and CBR650R
  • 2020 C125AL, CRF250L-LA and CRF250R (Rally)
  • 2021 CB500F and CMX500A2
  • 2019-21 CMX500A

The BMW S 1000 RR notice says the screw plug in the rocker arm was not sufficiently tightened during manufacturing. 

“As a result, oil may leak from the affected bolting points,” the notice says.

“An oil leak may affect the rear tyre. If this occurs it will result in a reduction in traction for the wheel and increase the risk of an accident resulting in injury or death to the rider and/or passenger or other road users.”

Owners of affected bikes should contact their dealer and arrange for a free inspection and repair if needed.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ON RECALLS

Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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International Motorcycle Shows Reveals All-New Attractions for 2021 Tour

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The popular Progressive International Motorcycle Shows are introducing some new attractions to go alongside legacy ones for 2021.

Begin press release:

Today, the nation’s leading consumer motorcycle tour, Progressive IMS Outdoors, revealed an exciting array of attractions attendees can look forward to interacting with across the nine-stop tour kicking off next month in Sonoma, California. Designed to provide immersive, hands-on experiences for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, each stop will host a number of returning fan-favorite attractions, including the Discover The Ride program, IMS Vintage, Adventure Out!, J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and more, as well as two and four-wheel demos from a number of exhibiting brands. Tickets for each stop can be purchased now at motorcycleshows.com.

“After over a year apart, we are so excited to be bringing the Powersports community back together,” said Tracy Harris, SVP, IMS Outdoors. “Our goal is to showcase the diverse lifestyles and offerings across the Powersports industry in fun and inviting atmospheres. With our Tour’s new outdoor format, we are thrilled to be able to bring more opportunities than ever to allow our attendees to truly interact with the products and sport, not matter one’s age or skill level.”

Discover The Ride

Designed to introduce riding motorcycles to consumers of all ages, the returning Discover The Ride initiative will provide a variety of interactions for attendees to learn and grow their riding skills in safe and controlled environments. In partnership with Zero Motorcycles, the New Rider Course allows non-licensed motorcyclists to experience, first-hand, the thrill of two-wheels on speed-limited electric Zero Motorcycles and learn riding basics from Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) instructors.

New this year to Discover The Ride is the introduction of Strider in the Kids Zone and IMS’ partnership with All Kids Bike, opening the world of two wheels to enthusiasts as young as two years old.

Adjacent to Discover The Ride is the Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Ride With Us Moto Intro experience. The Moto Intro gives non-riders a chance to experience the thrill of their first ride within 45 minutes. MSF RiderCoaches will guide new riders through basic motorcycle controls and help them experience their first ride in a closed-course environment. Furthermore, at select events indicated below, Harley-Davidson’s Invitation To Ride program will also be extending a hand to prospective riders, delivering the opportunity to experience the basics of riding on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

  • Texas: Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX – October 1-3)
  • Nashville: James E. Ward Agriculture Center (Lebanon, TN – October 8-10)
  • Central Florida: SUN n’ FUN Campus (Lakeland, FL – October 15-17)

Demos

There will be ample opportunities along each Tour stop to hop on and ride both gas-powered and electric motorcycles and bicycles from brands including FLX, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Kawasaki, Pedego Santa Rosa, Pushpak Motors, Rayvolt, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Tern Bicycles, Yamaha, and Zero. More information on Street Demo Rides can be found here, and Electric Bike Demo Rides can be found here.

At select events on the Tour, Kawasaki and Yamaha will also offer Side by Side demos:

  • Northern California: Sonoma Raceway (Sonoma, CA – July 16-18)
  • Chicago: Goebbert’s Farm (Pingree Grove, IL – August 20-22)
  • Pennsylvania: Carlisle Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA – September 10-12)
  • Atlanta: Georgia International Horse Park (Conyers, GA – October 29-31)
  • Southern California: Venue and Date TBA

Returning Attractions

Returning this year will be a number of fan-favorite attractions, including:

  • Adventure Out!: a space to shop, prepare for the next trek or tour and learn about incorporating adventure and travel into a motorcycling lifestyle – now also including RVing. A central campsite, surrounded by exhibitors, acts as a place for education and discovery, with experienced riders and RVers sharing their stories and tips. While there, attendees can enter Explorify’s Adventure Out! sweepstakes for a chance to win a South Africa Tour and a lifetime subscription to Rider Magazine or a free three-day motorcycle rental and pick up a copy of Rider Magazine, your source for touring, travel, and adventure on two-wheels.
  • IMS Vintage: An IMS staple, Vintage will be returning to each market, enabling attendees to get up close and personal with the very best classic and retro-style motorcycles from vintage bike clubs across the country.
  • J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show: The nation’s largest motorcycle builder competition, the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show will feature hundreds of motorcycles and tens of thousands in cash and prizes across the Tour. Professional and amateur builders are invited to compete at their local Progressive IMS Outdoors for cash, prizes, and recognition.

Shopping at IMS

Across the Tour, there will additionally be ample opportunities to explore brands and make purchases in the following areas:

  • Charged at IMS: Charged at IMS introduces visitors to the world of electric-powered “micro-mobility” vehicles with brand exhibits and an electric bicycle demo course or trail.
  • SHIFT at IMS: This curated, lifestyle-orientated space is for riders seeking new and known brands that emulate their lifestyles and values. A lounge sits at the center of this space, giving visitors a chance to socialize and chill while they shop.
  • The Marketplace: The Marketplace is an interactive retail space allowing you to touch, test, and buy the latest gear, parts, and accessories from key aftermarket brands. Specialists will be on hand to educate, introduce products, answer questions and help you finalize your purchase.
  • The Shop: This is a one-stop shop for buyers looking to work on their vehicles and make updates to their rides. Visit The Shop to purchase parts, tools, and accessories. See the event homepage for participating brands.
  • The Range: At the heart of IMS Outdoors lies The Range, a place for attendees to explore and shop brands to outfit them head to toe with gear, apparel, and accessories, plus connect with clubs and services to enhance their riding lifestyle. See the event homepage for participating brands.

Across the nine stops of the Tour, each event will project a different tone in line with the region’s lifestyle and culture, including aspects such as music and food. Furthermore, attendees of the first event in Northern California will have the opportunity to ride the Sonoma Raceway track or ChampStreet course with the Yamaha Champions Riding School.

Complimentary Services

Onsite, there will be Progressive Gear Check at every event and free motorcycle and car parking, except in New York City.

Connect with IMS (#RidersUnite and #imsoutdoors):

About Progressive IMS Outdoors (motorcycleshows.com)

Progressive IMS Outdoors is an evolution of the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® tour’s nearly 40-year stint that not only transitions IMS from the traditional convention center setup to a new open outdoor experience but will also create a festival-like atmosphere that promotes enthusiasts of all ages and levels to come together to better engage with products, each other, and the industry. While continuing its presence as the nation’s largest consumer motorcycle tour, Progressive IMS Outdoors will support the growth of the powersports community by offering a unique experience the industry has yet to see. IMS Outdoors is organized by Informa Markets, a division within Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.informa.com.

The post International Motorcycle Shows Reveals All-New Attractions for 2021 Tour appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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Energica Teams With Mavel On Lighter, More Powerful Motor

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Dubbed the EMCE, Energica’s new motor was supposed to debut in 2022.

Begin press release:

Energica Motor Company S.p.A., leading company of high-performing electric motorcycle, presents EMCE, the new electric motor created in co-engineering with the Italian company Mavel. Since its inception, the Modena manufacturer has focused on the creation of technologically advanced motorcycles. The skills of Energica Motor Company S.p.A. have led it to become single manufacturer of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup championship.

The name of the new EMCE motor is the acronym of Energica Mavel Co-Engineering and was born as a direct expression of the mentality of the Modenese motorcycle manufacturer, which every year focuses on technological innovation and the improvement of already high technological performance.

Mavel is a research, development and production company specializing in the electronics and automation sector based in Point-Saint-Martin, in the Valle D’Aosta, in a former hydro-electric power plant. As evidence of the great competence of Mavel, it is important to note that the company collaborates with the main international OEMs operating in the automotive sector, but with Energica makes its debut in the two-wheeled sector.

Energica EMCE motor closeup

Photo: Marcello Mannoni

The new Powertrain will in fact be used exclusively on the entire Energica range.

“Innovation is the main strength of our technical department which, together with Mavel, has found the perfect collaboration to push the limits of current technology, further improving an already high-performing product.” Says Giampiero Testoni, CTO of Energica Motor Company S.p.A.

“The introduction on the market of the new EMCE engine was scheduled for release in 2022, but following the difficulties of our supply chain – due to the global pandemic situation – we decided to anticipate this timing and instead, in just 6 months we have developed this co-engineering with Mavel, into our current model year production.”

“Progress is what drives us to look beyond, all for the benefit of our end customers. We are proud to place a major new technological advance in the Electric Valley that, day after day, we are building with so much commitment and passion.”

The technological collaboration that characterized the co-engineering between Energica Motor Company S.p.A. and Mavel is directed to the search for solutions that optimize the efficiency of the system. Among the main advantages that contribute to improving the performance of the motor and inverter we find:

– Innovative rotor and stators’ geometries that minimize energy losses and maximize performance. The uniformity of the torque delivered and the optimization of the weights make the engine unique in terms of power and torque density and allow the optimization of production processes;

– Innovative and patented cooling of the rotor capable of generating an internal flow of air that laps the magnets and cools them. This allows the engine to exploit its potential even at high speeds;

– Adaptive control algorithms that ensure that the inverter is always able to operate the system as efficiently as possible;

– Patented sensors capable, among other things, of collecting and storing the operating data of the motor to predict the onset of any mechanical failure.

Thanks to the new EMCE motor, peak power increases to 126 kW at 8,500 rpm and with a liquid-cooling method that guarantees greater performance, Energica motorcycles will now be lighter by 10 kg, with a relative increase in range of 5-10% according to riding style. 

Energica EMCE motor

Photo: Marcello Mannoni

Liquid cooling allows for better thermal conditioning of the motor and inverter, which translates into the ability to work with greater torque and power density which, even with a smaller in volume and lighter motor, leads to greater acceleration. Among perceptions in riding an Energica motorcycle with an EMCE engine, we find above all an improvement in handling. The transition from oil cooling to liquid cooling, present in the EMCE motor, is further demonstration of the technological advances which, year after year, contribute to the successes of Energica Motor Company S.p.A.

As Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energia Motor Company S.p.A. has pointed out, “We constantly receive messages of appreciation from our customers and this is why we continue to advance and develop in order to maintain our edge over all others. And it’s our determination to keep this edge into the future.”  

The localization process implemented by Energica Motor Company S.p.A. now finds maximum expression with the EMCE project. In this way, the Modena-based company aims to enhance its “Made in Italy” engineering and have a positive effect on a supply chain situation.

Thanks to local production in Italy, it becomes possible for Energica to shorten the timeline for motors and avoid future delays in the supply chain, demonstrating how the company is able to respond promptly and proactively to difficulties arising from external factors. The EMCE engine will first be available in Europe and the USA, while the APAC market will have to wait until autumn.

Inside the EMCE motor, we therefore find all the passion of the Motor Valley and the renowned skills behind the words “Made in Italy”.

The post Energica Teams With Mavel On Lighter, More Powerful Motor appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

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New Moto Guzzi Book Celebrates 100 Years Through Original Stories

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100 years of Moto Guzzi history told through the eyes of 10 passionate characters

Begin press release:

Moto Guzzi 100 Years, the editorial work by Rizzoli Illustrati that celebrates the myth of the eagle brand, one of the most innovative, loved and famous motorcycle manufacturers in the world in the year of its hundredth anniversary, was presented in Milan. A volume of great aesthetic elegance that spans a century of history with the contributions of ten authoritative international personalities who celebrate their love for Moto Guzzi. A richly illustrated volume with splendid unpublished images in which the ten authors, distinguished and distant in terms of culture, origin, personal history and training, tell of their passion for splendid Italian motorcycles.

It is the testimony of the uniqueness of Moto Guzzi, a brand that after a hundred years from its birth continues to embody the values ​​of its brilliant founders. Since 1921 every single Moto Guzzi that has traveled the roads of the world has been assembled by hand, with craftsmanship and love for the product in the Mandello del Lario factory. This profound authenticity is the hallmark of every Moto Guzzi and is the value recognized and shared by ten authors around the world: a famous actor, a writer, three passionate journalists, an astronaut, a world-famous architect, a professor at Harvard, a DJ, a great designer. From London to Hollywood, from Tokyo to Sardinia, from Vermont to Mandello del Lario. It is a common thread that binds those who love Moto Guzzi and what these motorcycles represent.

Thus, ideally together talking about love for motorcycles, the writer Melissa Holbrook Pierson, the actor Ewan McGregor, the architect Greg Lynn, the journalists Marco Masetti, Mat Oxley, and Akira Nishimura, DJ Ringo, the designer Tom Dixon, astronaut Paolo Nespoli and Jeffrey Schnapp, the Harvard professor who also edited the volume.

Moto Guzzi reinterprets its first hundred years, with the contribution of these extraordinary authors, while preparing the next hundred, on the strength of a success that marks a second youth. A completely renewed motorcycle range, full of the best electronic driving support technology and projects that are about to blossom, accompany Moto Guzzi towards a future that promises to be no less brilliant than its fantastic past.

The century of Moto Guzzi represents a moment of great pride for the entire Italian industry and what is celebrated is a story lived always looking ahead, with the ability to innovate while remaining faithful to its talents and traditions. It has been a century of splendid motorcycles, of victories, of adventures, of extraordinary characters. Moto Guzzi has signed victories on circuits all over the world, winning 14 World Titles. It was the speed record bike, a symbol of a country’s growth, it was the bike of the Police, the Army and it has extended this vocation also abroad by equipping the Californian Police and, more recently, that of Berlin and many cities of Europe and has always been the bike of the Corazzieri, the elite body that accompanies the President of the Italian Republic.

The Moto Guzzi 100 Years volume (224 pages) is already available in bookstores at the cover price of 80 euros.









































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