Tag Archives: Coronavirus

Yamaha slams Indian pandemic closure

Yamaha has slammed the Indian Government over the complete closure of industry for the pandemic while also releasing a tribute scooter (above) to the resilience of Italians through the crisis.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, which has three factories in India, says the complete closure should have been reviewed carefully.

Yamaha India boss Motofumi Shitara says India is one of the world’s largest economies and is the world’s largest two-wheeler market.

Complete closure

“Complete closure of economic activities in this market as well as other markets in the world has led to a massive depression, the worst since Great Depression in 1920s. The recovery period from such depression will take a long time,” he says.

Shitara says that with possible second and third wave infections, the world “needs to learn to live with coronavirus” with effective safety precautions.

Roma Edition

Yamaha Roma Edition Xax scooter pandemic shutdownYamaha Roma Edition scooter

This comes as Yamaha Europe has launched the Roma Edition MMXX maxi scooter for the Italian market in recognition of its resilience during the pandemic.

Italy was among the worst-hit countries with more than 233,000 infections and 33,415 deaths.

To pay homage to the resilience of the Italian people, Yamaha’s Europe Design Division in Gerno di Lesmo has spiced up the XMax Roma Edition with graphics of Roman streets on the fairing and silhouettes of the Colosseum on the rear.

It also comes with a sporty windscreen and aluminium.

The XMax is one of the top-selling scooters in Italy.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Would you buy a Chinese-made helmet?

Would you wear a Chinese-made helmet, jacket, gloves, or motorcycle, in the wake of the escalating trade war with Australia?

The Communist Party of China has imposed hefty tariffs and threatened other measures on some Australian exports after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak.

When we published a recent article about the CFMoto FC1250J, the biggest capacity bike to come out of China, it was met by uproar from readers saying they would never buy products made in China.

CFMoto CF1250J police bikeCFMoto CF1250J police bike

Comments included:

I feel sorry for the importers of Chinese products in the future because the Chinese Government have shown their contempt for Australia which has fired up our patriotism to buy local, or from any other country except China or not at all.

Even if this were the world’s greatest motorcycle (which I doubt it is), after learning how Australia has been treated by China in recent days, I would rather roll on my balls before supporting Chinese manufacturing. Let’s get our onshore manufacturing started again and make a real effort to self sufficiency. In the mean time, support Australian made.No Chinese products for me after there political bullying and deception

One might have considered it before China decided to be an arsehole. I would rather walk than buy anything from them.

Yet Michael Poynton, director of Australian importer Mojo Motorcycles, says they have “not experienced any backlash”.

He says CFMoto sales have actually increased over the first four months of 2020.

Chinese components

The fact is, most motorcycles have some Chinese components and most motorcycle accessories and rider gear such as jackets and helmets are made in China. Even established European brands get much of their gear made in China.

Check the labels in your gear and see where it is made. You may be surprised.

So good luck trying to impose your own personal trade ban on China.

And while Australia suffers from the Chinese-imposed trade war, the US has just announced that Chinese motorcycle helmets would be exempt from recent traffic hikes.

American icon Harley-Davidson is also set to begin production in China of a range of smaller-capacity bikes, unless the new boss changes plans.

Harley's 338cc bike to be made by Qianjiang Motorcycle barenuckleHarley’s 338cc bike to be made by Qianjiang Motorcycle

Even the first Australian full-size electric motorcycle, the Savic, will have parts made in China.

Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are ripping off motorcycle designs for their own markets.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pandemic run down to the border

As the politicians continue to argue over opening closed borders, we thought we would try a hump-day run down to the Queensland border to see what all the fuss was about.

NSW, Victoria and the ACT have never closed their borders due to the pandemic.

All other mainland borders are closed, but that still means you can leave a closed state and go into an open state.

Lions Rd borderLions Rd border

It’s just that you might have difficulty getting back to your home state!

For example, Queenslanders need a special entry permit issued for necessary travel only and may still be required to quarantine for 14 days on return.

For me and my mate, Blood Bikes Australia funder Peter Davis, that ruled out a quick day trip to NSW to enjoy those sensational roads of the Northern Rivers.

Border Peter DavisPeter Davis

Legal border ride

However, we still enjoyed a legal ride within our 150km limit to two inland borders.

First we headed to the Lions Rd where there are barricades at the border to prevent anyone crossing from either side.

Border Harley-Davidson Road KingLions Rd border

The benefit is that there is virtually no traffic on the temporary dead-end road.

That means no slow-moving tourists or double white lines to interrupt your flow.

You still have to watch out for errant cattle on the road, though.Border Harley-Davidson Road King

We then scooted across through Rathdowney for a coffee before heading down the Mt Lindesay Highway to our second interstate confrontation.

Here the border is open and traffic can freely flow through to NSW.

However, you can’t come back into Queensland without the police checking your permit.

We got to the border and asked the Queensland Police officer on duty where we could turn around as there were witches’ hats and solid white lines everywhere.

Border Harley-Davidson Road KingMt Lindesay Highway border crossing

He was not in good humour and abused us for riding to the crossing, saying “don’t come back again”.

However, there is nothing in the rules against riding to the border!

All the same, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Apart from the bad-humoured cop who just may try to slap you with a $66+k fine, we also came across a substantial number of trucks using this open border.Border Harley-Davidson Road King

Still, it was a great day’s ride aboard the Harley-Davidson Road King through some beautiful countryside under steely-grey skies!Border Harley-Davidson Road King

Official health sites

These are the official rules for your state or territory:

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

First weekend of eased travel restrictions

This is the first weekend that all states and territories have eased travel restrictions and we expect a lot of bikes out on the roads throughout Australia and the UK.

As we noted in our above meme a few weeks ago: “When the lockdown ends … You won’t see me for dust.”

The travel restrictions vary throughout the country. Click here for the latest details.

For example, in Queensland riders who were restricted to a 50km radius can now travel in a 150km radius (500km if you live in the outback), extending to 250km from June 12.

Coincidentally this weekend I pick a Harley-Davidson Road King for test which should be more than suitable for travelling 150km radius! 

150km radius from western Brisbane150km radius from Brisbane

Like many other riders, I am also planning a multi-day ride from June 12 when Queensland’s rules (and many other states) will allow tourist accommodation.

I will also be able to travel in a 250km radius and ride with a group of up to 20.

It looks like there will be seven of us and we plan to stay within the 250km radius which takes us southwest to the Granite Belt, west into the Darling Downs and north as far as Maryborough, an area that includes a host of great roads.

Unfortunately, the beckoning roads of northern NSW will have to wait until July 12.

TravelQueensland’s three-stage plan

We will also continue practising social distancing and safe hygiene.

That means:

  • Limiting stops along the way;
  • Carrying spare disposable gloves for refuelling, etc;
  • Paying by credit card, not cash;
  • Frequent hand washing and carrying my own sanitiser; and
  • Carrying a thermometer for a daily temperature check.

Official health sites

These are the official rules for your state or territory:

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric LiveWire aids pandemic recovery

Harley-Davidson has donated a customised electric LiveWire motorcycle autographed by the Davidson family to be auctioned to raise funds for the United Way Worldwide COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.

The special edition LiveWire also has custom paint and carbonfibre accessories including screen, tail and tank trim.

It is being auctioned online at bonhams.com with auction fees waived. The auction ends on Tuesday 26 May 2020 at 4pm (EST).

The custom LiveWire is #500 of 500 “First Strike” edition LiveWires.

These are specially numbered versions created to celebrate the first 500 units produced of Harley-Davidson’s first production electric motorcycle.

“The Harley-Davidson design team created the custom paint and graphics on this motorcycle to accentuate the natural forms of the LiveWire,” Bekefy says.

“It’s a stunning motorcycle that is truly one of a kind.”

While the auction is available for participants from around the world, the motorcycle can only be registered and retained in the US.

The winning bidder and their guest will take part in an exclusive delivery experience and “behind-the-scenes” Harley-Davidson tour.

This private, hosted experience will include a tour of the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Centre and an archival tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Harley-Davidson museum in MilwaukeeHarley-Davidson museum in Milwaukee

United Way to recovery

United Way’s mission is to aid those on the frontlines and those who are affected by this crisis around the world.

Harley spokesman Jon Bekefy says the company is a “longtime partner of the United Way”.

“(We are) inspired by their continued resilience in this crisis,” he says.

“Harley-Davidson is honoured to play a small part in the relief effort to inspire our community around the world about the open road ahead.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cops ease up on pandemic fines

It seems police may be taking a more considered approach to issuing pandemic fines or Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for contravening travel restrictions which is great news for riders.

Victoria Police are the latest to ease up on overzealous policing of the rules.

And so they should: the laws have been hastily drafted, they are confusing, frequently changing, Draconian, inconsistent and even iniquitous, especially for riders.

After all, there is less risk of a rider infecting anyone while wearing a helmet and gloves and socially distancing on their motorcycle than there is standing in the queue at Bunnings or Maccas!

Experts agree that the largest risk is in places where people are in close proximity indoors for extended periods of time, not outdoors were they have plenty of room to move.

CFMoto-650 Vicroads online Survey motorcycle safety levy Victoria Yarra Black Spur countryMBW exercising social distancing on the Victorian Black Spur

Pandemic fines

There have been very few pandemic fines issued to riders for contravening the travel restrictions which are now easing across the nation.

Queensland Police have been specifically told to use “compassion” and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says riding is exercise and no riders have been fined.

(That’s not quite true as a 36-year-old Newcastle rider was fined $1000 on April 9 after providing police with “multiple conflicting reasons for not being home before stating he was on his way to help a friend fix a bike”.)

Meanwhile, police in other states seem to have turned a blind eye to riders, according to our local sources.

Even in Tasmania which is the only state that still officially bans recreational riding, police are not only turning a blind eye, but giving riders a nod!

New Vic rulesVictoria Solo Unit motorcycle police uniforms fatalities day of national day of action

Now Victoria Police — not known for their restraint — have been issued new regulations on fines for breaching the new Chief Health Officer directions issued on Monday which allow recreational riding.

Firstly, police must use “increased discretion” and seek supervisor approval before a fine is issued.

“Victoria Police recognises there may be some genuine ambiguity from the community and police members alike regarding the interpretation of the new directions,” a VicPol statement says.

“This new process will assist in providing a fair and balanced approach to all breaches and ensure accuracy in offence determination.

“It also ensures a heightened level of discretion is used by police while these changes are being understood by the community.

“Victoria Police will continue to enforce CHO directions.”

However, VicPol have only issued two pandemic fines in the past 24 hours.

The new direction comes after Victorian Police overturned a fine for a young learner whose mum was supervising his driving and have copped criticism for over-zealous policing of the rules.

Meanwhile, it is incumbent on riders to behave and not do anything to attract the attention of police.

Also, remember to maintain social distance when you stop for fuel, food, drinks, toilet break or a rest.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Tassie remains locked down for riders

While most Australian states and territories are easing coronavirus lockdown travel restrictions, Tasmania — normally the most motorcycle-friendly state — remains locked down for riders.

Victoria is the latest to ease its travel restrictions from 13 May, says the Health Department:

  • You are able to go for a ride. Carrying pillion passengers should be avoided, unless they live in your household.
  • You are encouraged to stay local, and only go to places where you can ride there and back in one day.
  • Victorians are being asked to use consideration and common sense when it comes to travelling. If you can stay home, you must stay home.
  • Since some of this information is not published on any government website, we have included the Health department email at the end of this article which you may like to print out for your records.

State travel restrictionsDangers of organised group rides peer

Travel restrictions are also being eased throughout the country:

  • In NSW riding is considered exercise.
  • In South Australia, riders can go for a recreational ride within their region from today (11 May 2020).
  • WA is broken up into nine regions and riders must stay within their region. From 18 May, regions will be enlarged to: Perth + Peel + Wheatbelt + Southwest + Great Southern; Goldfields + Esperance; Mid-West + Gascoyne + Pilbara regions; and Kimberley which is  still in isolation due the high-risk Aboriginal communities there.
  • The Northern Territory has designated areas which exclude non-essential travel.
  • There are no restrictions in the ACT, but Canberrans should only travel outside the region to visit family and friends for care and support. Canberra residents who are travelling interstate will need to abide by the rules of the jurisdiction in which they are travelling.
  • Queensland riders can travel up to a 150km radius from home from this Saturday and 250km from June 12.

Riders can ride in groups of up to 10 but must practise social distancing when they stop for fuel, a meal or coffee. WA will increase that to 20 from next Monday.

Overnight accommodation (and camping) for tourism is expected to be allowed in most states from June 12.

Cafes are opening soon for more than takeaway while state/territory borders are expected to open between states from July 12.

Locked down

Charley Boorman rates Tasmania one of the best in the world for ridingTasmanian roads go begging!

Meanwhile, in Tasmania, normally the most motorcycle-friendly state of all and certainly open of our favourites to ride, motorcyclists are locked down to essential travel only.

That means only riding for work, medical visits, education, essential shopping or legitimate care reasons.

Riders hassled by police for not obeying a health directive under the current restrictions should surely be able to claim ignorance as a defence.

After all, the rules change a quickly and frequently it is near impossible to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Motorbike Writer has been attempting for several weeks to collate and update the travel restrictions as they apply to riders across six stages and two territories.

I have lost count of the number of phones calls and emails I have made to various departments, media contacts and hotlines.

The information provided has been vague, conflicting and confusing. And references to motorcycles are sadly lacking in any of the descriptions of how the rules apply.

Do bureaucrats and politicians think motorcycles do not exist?

Health Department email

Email pandemic

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crashes increase as lockdown eases

One of the sad consequences of the easing of lockdown restrictions in some states is the increase in motorcycle crashes.

As expected, crashes reduced with the reduction of traffic when the lockdown started in mid-March.

A lengthy report after the GFC found a similar pattern.

It makes sense that crashes would drop as traffic reduced.

However, police also observed there was a decrease in speeding fines, but an increase in high-range speeding as some motorists took advantage of quiet roads.

Although statistics will not yet be conclusive, we have noticed several crashes involving other vehicles since the lockdown started to ease.

Over the weekend two drivers were charged after hitting and killing two riders ion Sydney, alone.

Will we now see a sharp rise in multi-vehicle crashes as riders suddenly appear on the roads again?

It’s only been about 5-6 weeks, but some motorists may have forgotten to look for riders.

There have been virtually no motorcycle crashes in Victoria, but that could change if/when their lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

Latest incidentDayGlo Queensland Police witnesses single

In the latest incident, a car and motorcycle collided about 4.25pm yesterday (10 May 2020) in Canungra on the Gold Coast hinterland.

The rider was heading southwest on Lamington National Park Road when it collided with a dark grey Hyundai Tucson.

The male rider was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

Our sincere best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

The driver and passenger in the Hyundai Tucson were not physically injured.

Forensic Crash Unit investigators are appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the vicinity and may have dash cam vision, to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP2000967040 within the online suspicious activity form.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Green light set for group riding

Riders should be able to travel in a group of up to 10 under the first step of National Cabinet’s three-step plan announced today (8 May 2020) to ease coronavirus restrictions.

The states and territories are yet to confirm the easing and timing of restrictions. We will update as the rules on non-essential travel are applied. 

Group limit

Dangers of organised group rides numbersGroup of 10 riders

However, it appears that a group of up to 10 will be permitted outdoors, which should give the green light to groups of riders and pillions.

They are already allowed to ride and gather in groups of up to 10 in Western Australia and South Australia.

Riders will still have to practise social distancing when they stop at their favourite cafes or restaurants which have also being given permission to open.

WA riders must stay in their regions, but from Monday SA riders can ride throughout the state.

NSW riders can ride for exercise.

From May 15, Queensland riders can travel up to 150km radius for recreation (500km if they live and travel in the outback). 

For a Brisbane rider that means south to the border, north to Gympie, west to Dalby and southwest to Stanthorpe.

There is currently no limit if you are visiting another household from this Sunday (10 May 2020).Travel

Victorian riders are still housebound unless they are travelling for work, education, groceries, medical reasons or to visit a partner with whom they do not live.

Premier Daniel Andrews says he will announce an update on eased restrictions next week. Not that riders will be likely to venture out this weekend given the weather conditions.

Travel limits

Social distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe copsRiders gather at a popular cafe

The Queensland 50km radius limit which started last weekend and still exists is believed to have led to overcrowding of riders at various cafes on popular motorcycle routes.

Extending the radius limit to 150km will allow riders to go further and find less-crowded venues to stop for a coffee and a meal.

Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler has advised motorists that they will have additional resources patrolling for breaches of travel restrictions this weekend, particularly on the Gold Coast.

Riders in most states, except South Australia and Western Australia, should be aware that you cannot yet travel to a location and stay overnight.

So any ride you do will require you to return home the same day.

Tourism accommodation will be allowed in Queensland in the second stage from June 12.

You also cannot cross borders without official exemptions. Queensland hopes to open its borders in the third stage from July 12.

Official health sites

These are the official rules for your state or territory:

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riders urged to keep social distance

Riders in most states can now go for a limited ride and can even take a pillion, but they still have to social distance when they stop for fuel, coffee or a takeaway.

There is no need to go to the lengths of Indian rider Partha Saha, 39, to maintain a social stance from his pillion.

Partha bought an old bike from a scrap dealer and lengthened it by a metre to social distance his daughter for their ride to school, instead of taking the crowded school bus.

Social distancePartha lengthens his motorcycle

Social distance

In Australia, authorities don’t see any problem with riders taking a pillion so long as it is a member of your household.

However, NSW and Queensland have stipulated that you should only ride with one other rider or several if they are from your household.

We’re not sure how you can transmit coronavirus while riding.

But more importantly, riders and pillions must practise social distancing when they stop.

Social distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe copsMaintain social distance unless they are your partner!

That is why authorities would like to see riding group numbers limited.

In Western Australia, riders can ride in groups of up to 10, so long as they social distance when they stop.

Crowded cafesSocial distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe cops

Because riders have been detained at home for so long, many took to the roads yesterday and stopped at their favourite cafe where it can be difficult to maintain social distance.

Mt Glorious Cafe owner Hugh Douglas said staff used a loud hailer to remind riders to keep their distance.Social distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe cops

They also used it to call out when food and drink orders were ready so customers didn’t need to congregate by the collection window.

The cafe had been closed for a few weeks after a local complained to police about the lack of social distance among patrons.Social distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe cops

However, Hugh says the resident is a “vexatious complainant” and he would dig his heels in this time and not close.

The police were called yesterday, but they didn’t have any problem with the behaviour of the large gathering of riders.

Social distance Hugh Douglas Mt Glorious Cafe copsHugh talks with police

“The police were pretty happy with everything they saw and how we were trying to reinforce social distance,” Hugh says.

“They hung around for a while and watched as we were making announcements with loud hailer when people bunched up

“We’ve had no visits from the cops today so hoping that everything is ok.

“It’s not as busy as yesterday, anyway.”

Reports coming in from other riders around Queensland and NSW seem to match this situation of riders taking to the roads yesterday and having difficulty social distancing at cafes and other stops.

Queensland Police say they don’t break down the fines to whether they were motorbike riders and how far they’ve travelled, or the circumstances.

However, they issued 32 fines for breaching public health direction infringements yesterday.

NSW Police media say they have not experienced any problems with motorcyclists.

“If riders are congregating, police aren’t being told to the extent that it’s being passed on to us (yet),” they say.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com