Tag Archives: Europe

Italy is back on the motorcycle tour calendar

With international borders slowly opening up, riders are preparing to head overseas for motorcycle tours.

Of all the countries I have visited and ridden in, perhaps Italy is the best for riders for so many reasons.

Apart from the food, the scenery, the history and the culture, the people love motorcycles and they have some of the best riding roads in the world.

And the best way to see it is with a local motorcycle guide who knows the non-tourist areas, the best roads and the best places to eat!

In 2018, I toured the beautiful Tuscany region with Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours who have just announced that they are back in 2022 after being closed down by the pandemic.

Tour owner Enrico Grassi is a keen motorcyclist who knows all the best rad s… and the best places to sample the local food and wine.

Enrico Grassi local tour guide Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy
Enrico Grassi

His Tours for 2022 have a range from 8-12 riding days in an effort to suit everyone’s wish to ride the best scenic Italian roads, visiting destinations such as Amalfi Coast, Alps, Dolomites, Tuscany, Chianti, Sardinia, Corsica, riding a Ducati Panigale on a MotoGP World Circuit, or watching the MotoGp Race at Mugello and Misano circuits.

Enrico plans every detail of his tours, spending the winter months in his studio outside of Rome, road maps spread over the desk, exploring new routes, finding out about local events, country fêtes, interesting exhibitions and tasty food-venues.

Hear The Road Motorcycle Tours Italy provides motorcycle rental, accommodations in 3 or 4 stars hotel with local flavour, luggage transportation and transfer from and to the airport.

Tours are on a choice of Italian Ducati and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, but also BMWs and Harley-Davidsons.

Tours run from April to October and include a free night in Rome if you book by the end of January 2022.

Hear the Road Tours also caters to those who can’t meet the calendared tour dates with self-guided, customised and/or private tours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Europe to Receive Yamaha’s 2022 XSR900

Yamaha has just released some new details on 2022 XSR900 – and I’m digging the retro graphics.

With the MT-09 compliant with Euro5 standards as of last year, we knew the XSR900 wouldn’t be too far behind.  After all, the XSR900 is the MT’s sibling…only it sports Oxfords, not Brogues.

The all-new Yamaha 2022 XSR900, set to debut in EU by 2022

The report from MCN states that the XSR900’s now got the now-Euro5-compliant transverse triple engine to push it about (889cc’s worth, same as the MT-09), and we’re guessing the torque will be something similar. 93Nm was the (brilliant) torque figure for Yamaha’s 2021 MT-09, and that combined with the 119bhp and new tuned exhaust system promises to give a wee bit more fun than not. 

The all-new Yamaha 2022 XSR900, set to debut in EU by 2022

The XSR900 will also sport MT-09’s Deltabox frame, as well as Brembo radial master cylinder brakes, inverted KYB forks, front air intakes, and the race-style filler (to complement the lower handlebars, MotoGP-inspired 15-litre gas tank, and longer swingarm – all set up to make the machine more race-ready).

The all-new Yamaha 2022 XSR900, set to debut in EU by 2022

Yamaha’s 2022 XSR900 will also have four ride modes, a new TFT dash (3.5″), a standard quick shifter, a six-axis IMU that gives us three-way lean-sensitive traction and slide control plus anti-wheelie and cornering ABS – the beauty even sports a pair of ‘spin-forged’ cast wheels, lightening the bike by a further 700g. 

The all-new Yamaha 2022 XSR900, set to debut in EU by 2022

The pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, though we’re expecting something along the $10,000 USD mark, given that the 2021 MT-09 and XSR900 were priced from $9,399 and $9,499, respectively. 

Having reviewed Yamaha’s 2016 XSR900 with our own Brandon Jackson, we’re excited to see how this narrower, stiffer unit handles.

Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to brush up on other news from Yamaha while you’re here.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Triumph Supports COVID-Stricken Businesses with ‘Ride Out To Help Out’ Campaign

Triumph Motorcycles is in the business of helping businesses recover from the pandemic – and they’ve recruited a star celeb team to help them out with the coverage.

A view of Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton on a motorcycle in support of Triumph's Ride Out To Help Out Campaign
Victoria Pendleton. Credit: ForTheRide

The heart of the campaign is a celebration of British biking destinations, with Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, TV architect George Clarke, British and Irish Lions rugby star George North and TT racer Maria Costello MBE encouraging the biker community to support local, mosey their way over to their biker cafe of choice, and keep those unique pieces of motorcycle history alive in these unprecedented times.

A view of riders on Triumph motorcycles riding for Triumph's Ride Out To Help Out Campaign
Credit: MCN

“The last 18 months have affected us all in many ways,” says Triumph UK & Ireland General Manager Devron Boulton.

“Now that we’re able to ride freely with friends again, the Ride Out to Help Out campaign is a fantastic way of encouraging more bikers from further afield to visit the hidden gems that have been nominated. It’s time to grab our helmets and show our support.”

A view of the MAXSYM500 from SYM Motors
A view of riders on Triumph motorcycles riding for Triumph's Ride Out To Help Out Campaign
Credit: MCN

Bikers looking to partake in the fun can share beloved locations by either registering the venue on Triumph’s campaign website or through social media using the hashtag #RideOutToHelpOut – the campaign has even curated a list of locations, with the hopes of expanding it to include all small business biker cafes, motorcycle-friendly restaurants, and more.

A view of a rider and a Triumph motorcycle riding for Triumph's Ride Out To Help Out Campaign
Credit: AutoTrader

Make sure to let us know if you plan on joining the cause – as always, we’ll keep an eye out for anything else related to the ROTHO campaign from Triumph.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

35th Annual Biker Fest International Goes Live In Italy Tomorrow

Watch out, 2022 – this year’s Biker Fest International promises a long lineup of events and Europe’s Custom Bike Show – a show with roots steeped in the Rat’s Hole Custom Show with the Sturgis Rally – is one of the main features of attraction. 

34th Biker Fest 2020 Lignano 17-20 settembre 2020

The Biker Fest will be held starting tomorrow, from September 16-19, with the AMD World Custom Bike Show and IMC (Italian Motorcycle Custom Bike Championship) celebrating more than twelve years in the judging and showcasing of the world’s most special motorcycles.

A view of Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy

Bikers wanting to take advantage of the free admission will be able to experience the bustling coastal vibes of Lignano Sabbiadoro (and the rest of the Adriatic sea’s peninsula), along with 350 exhibitors, on-road and off-road demo rides (featuring more than 13 motorcycle brands), custom shows, guided rides through the Lignano Sabbiadoro neighborhoods, music performances and more. 

34th Biker Fest 2020 Lignano 17-20 September 2020

Also included in the weekend’s events will be Motorcycles Without Borders – a company of traveling Motoglobetrotters, who will be presenting their memories made on the road. 

34th Biker Fest 2020 Lignano 17-20 settembre 2020

The event will be held in complete safety in accordance with the health rules of containment of the spread of Covid-19 infection”, states the press release from the Biker Fest International, “…and will be as usual free admission with Green Pass valid and the possibility to make rapid swabs at short distance from the event.”

34th Biker Fest 2020 Lignano 17-20 settembre 2020

Additional perks? How about access to 100 “Special” bikes exhibited in a dedicated covered area, as well as the potential to win 4 vouchers of 1000 euros and free stands at Motor Bike Expo in Verona and Roma Moto Days, among others? 

A man on a dirty off-road motorcycle poses for the camera

bf34-2020-bikeshow-premi-6

We hope you attend, and make sure to give us a shout if you find yourself in the area over the weekend!

Come back around for updates, and make sure to check out the latest on other bike collections here at MotorBikeWriter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

TikTok’s Two-Wheeled Twinsies

When BMW released the CE 04 Scooter back in November of 2020, they made quite the splash – after all, they were the first Powersports company to premiere their machine on TikTok, a social media platform popular with the Gen-Z crowd.

A side view of the BMW CE 04 scooter

Now, they’ve followed through with the trademark rights that were filed almost exactly a year ago and revealed a concept for the CE 04’s younger sibling – the CE 02. 

A model featuring the new BMW CE 02 concept scooter

BMW is playing smart – they’re targeting a niche market.

With this pocket-putterer pulling out a clean 15hp, the bike shows off the exact limitations mandated for EU learner-riders and A1-restricted licenses, creating an opportunity for riders to ditch the traditional scooter aesthetic and opt for something more futuristic.

A group of models featuring the new BMW CE 02 concept scooter

Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad, says in a report from Cycleworld:

“At first glance, there is little about the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 that is typically BMW Motorrad—it’s something completely new.”

Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad
Edgar Heinrich, head of design at BMW Motorrad

“We want to strive for something novel and be pioneers, which is what we’ve proven ourselves capable of with various projects in the past.”

A side view of the A side view of the BMW CE 02 concept scooter

“The Concept CE 02 features new proportions and modern forms of single-track mobility in an urban environment. In addition, we wanted to achieve a level of design innovation that we have not had before at this level.”

A view from the back of the A side view of the BMW CE 02 concept scooter

“Straightforward use was important, but above all, the emotional component was crucial, as well as riding fun.”

A view of the belt and rear tire on the A side view of the BMW CE 02 concept scooter

“The BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is a reliable companion on a day-to-day basis”, Alexander Buckan, BMW Motorrad’s head of vehicle design, adds. 

Alexander Buckan, BMW Motorrad’s head of vehicle design
Alexander Buckan, BMW Motorrad’s head of vehicle design

“You love it because it’s always there for you, and it just works—even if you occasionally don’t treat it as carefully as you might. And there are stickers, tapes, and other forms of customization that make it quite clear to everyone that it belongs to you.”

A view of someone peeling the stickers off of a new BMW CE scooter. Leave the darn thing on, dang it.

“It embodies youthful freedom and a carefree spirit—rather like a skateboard on two wheels.”

We will leave the ergonomic potential for a two-wheeled skateboard to BMW – in the meantime, have fun slapping stickers on your TikTok-less Honda Grom (Or your Ducati Monster 937, we won’t judge), and make sure to let us know what you’re up to this weekend.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fifth Annual Dario Sebaste Trophy To Be Held In Italy’s Beautiful Countryside

In 1922, a group of passionate motorcyclists decided to hold an amateur race, christened “8 of the Langhe”.

The route took riders from Cherasco to Narzole, past the Dolcetto di Dogliani vineyards and the typical Murazzano tomes.

A view of The Langhe, Piedmont, Italy.
The Langhe, Piedmont, Italy.

It wound through Calizzano, with the path twisting and turning beyond the Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, through the San Bernardino Pass and the province of Valle Tanaro, up a beautiful ascent to Garessio.

A view of Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena, Italy.

A quick break for well-made vittles at the popular Locanda del Mulino Val Casotto taverna, and onward by the Torre di Mondovì commune, to the Vicoforte Sanctuary of the Nativity of Mary, with an eventual finish in Cherasco at Salmour in the dome of the Parco dei Giganti where the competitors were to be awaited by the timekeepers.

The dome of the Parco dei Giganti
The dome of the Parco dei Giganti, Italy.

A gorgeous route – and one that came to an unfortunate halt in 1949. 

Where am I going with this, do you ask?

Well. 

Dario Sebaste; Italian nougat/hazelnut factory owner and ardent Moto Guzzi collector.
Dario Sebaste; Italian nougat/hazelnut factory owner and ardent Moto Guzzi collector.

According to a report from RideApart, an Italian nougat/hazelnut factory owner named Dario Sebaste was an ardent Moto Guzzi collector of his time and paid homage to this gorgeous piece of vintage moto history during his life.

With his passing in the 2010s, locals revived the race in his honor, calling it “The Dario Sebaste Trophy,” with the first race held in 2016.

A view of riders preparing for the fifth annual Dario Sebaste Trophy amateur vintage motorcycle race.

Today, the Dario Sebaste Trophy attracts bikers from all over the country – with a special emphasis on riding vintage motorbikes. 

The four-day race does wonders for the area’s local communities, as it brings in extra funds to families that would otherwise rely on typical local income.

A side profile of the 3D blueprints of the Moto Xtreme 250 spreading around the internet

A view of riders at the final landmark of the fifth annual Dario Sebaste Trophy amateur vintage motorcycle race.

Supported by the Amici Vecchie Moto di Sommariva Bosco, the Roero club, and the Club Ruote d’Epoca di Cherasco, the “four-leaf clover” course covers a wide expanse of land – up to 200km (124 miles) per day.

Care to be one of the 62 riders participating for next year?

A rider preparing to attend the fifth annual Dario Sebaste Trophy

Expect to see a slew of Moto Guzzi, Gilera, MV Agusta, Aermacchi, and Ducati brand bikes from an older era, as well as an iconic bike from Sebaste’s own collection, to be fired up at the third leg of the course. 

The race starts August 26 and runs through August 29, 2021 – so make sure to check back for updates on the lucky winner of the fifth annual Dario Sebaste Trophy!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Limited Edition Kawasaki Z900RS SE Revitalized For Europe

As much as the increased energy limitations of Europe give me an occasional case of the bike blues, you can’t be upset at the (very pretty) Z900RS SE that Kawasaki will be dumping on Europe shortly. 

The Japanese manufacturers started with a wickedly similar spin on the coveted “Fireball” paint scheme from the 1972 Super Four, model Z1 – christened the “Yellowball” scheme, the current coat inspires descriptives like ‘classy,’ ‘scrumptious,’ and ‘bumblebee’…but you didn’t hear that from us

A side profile of the all-new Z9000RS SE

We’re also hit from the top with Brembo M4 radial-mount monobloc four-piston units, with semi-floating 300mm discs – better braking, smoother handling.

Chase this with an Öhlins S46 rear shock with preload adjuster, Kawasaki Traction Control, assist and slipper clutch, and the popping of Kawasaki’s proverbial cherry with their first-ever tuned exhaust note – and you’ve got yourself a beautifully tuned toy to tinker with. 

A slightly more frontal side profile of the all-new Z9000RS SE

Now for the specs. 

According to a report from Motorcycle.com, The Z900RS SE will toss the salad with 109.5 hp at 8,500 rpm. 

Blood Bikes Australia Peter Davis tests

Add a delightfully saucy 72.3 ft/lb of torque at 6,500 rpm, and the 474 lbs. will be kept busy hitting the bowl with enough power to keep you giggling. 

A side profile of the all-new Z9000RS SE

We’ve yet to get the low-down on the pricing and availability – so stay tuned for updates; we’ll make sure to keep our eyeballs peeled.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motul: Team Suzuki and Pramac Racing Power to Podium Finishes

Well, folks, Round 10 of MotoGP has just concluded – and as expected, the Styrian GP gave our boys a run for their money.

The competence of the course wasn’t lost on Motul-powered Team Suzuki and Pramac Racing, the latter of which secured their maiden victory after grinding for 20 years at the twisties, thanks to the elbow grease of well-loved racer Jorge Martin. 

A view of Jorge Martin Riding around to secure a victory at Round 10 of 2021's MotoGP

MotoGP rookie Jorge Martin stole a well-deserved win from Team Suzuki Joan Mir on Sunday. The young racer has been out of commission for 4 races after sustaining an injury, though it appears the healing phase did him good. 

Martin claimed a pole position on the weekend, giving the crowds a dominant performance that also saw a battle with Joan Mir and an early red flag that tested his composure – a test that he passed with flying colors. 

a view of the red flag incident at Round 10 of the MotoGP at the Styrian GP 2021

Since Pramac Racing has been using Motul, they have claimed six podium finishes – a number not lost on the team in red. 

Team Suzuki has also given the crowds an amazing performance, with 2020 World Champion Joan Mir finishing short by a scant 1.5 seconds behind Jorge Martin. Despite this, the rider was able to put up an excellent fight on his Suzuki GSX-RR, putting Motul’s latest lubricant technology to good use. 

a view of the pile of riders powering through the turns of the Round 10 MotoGP at the Styrian GP 2021

Here are the two teams’ qualifying results, as well as the race results of the weekend:

Qualifying Results:

P1 (1:22.994): Jorge Martin, #89 Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici 

P6 (1:23.376): Johann Zarco, #5 Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici

P5 (1:23.322): Joan Mir, #36 Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki GSX-RR

P13 (1:23.585): Alex Rins, #42 Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki GSX-RR

A side profile of a VELDT Motorcycle Helmet

a view of Motul Racing lubricant oil - the stuff used in MotoGP 2021

Race Results:

P1: Jorge martin, #89 Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici

P6: Johann Zarco, #5 Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici 

P2: Joan Mir, #36 Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki GSX-RR 

P7: Alex Rins, #42 Team Suzuki Ecstar Suzuki GSX-RR

We hope you stay cool this weekend – and check out MotorBikeWriter’s MotoGP Archives for more on everything MotoGP.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Radical Customs for Ducati

In light of occasional restrictions and pants that no longer fit correctly, MotorBikeWriter brings you a bit of eye candy to brighten the proverbial day.

Ladies and gents, the db25 – a beautiful brainchild of British customs company deBolex Engineering.

In other words, a custom Ducati Monster with the face of a Ducati Bimota angel that harkens back to the 60s racing era. 

A view of the db25: A project completed by deBolex Engineering

According to a report from MCN, these bikes were two years in the making – and the actual creation of the motorbikes involved two stages. 

The first stage is to completely dismantle the bike (bar the electronics and engine, which remain untouched). Then, the bike is rebuilt, using new parts machined in-house. 

The subframe is aluminum – a single unit that features a pop-off seat, much like its retro ancestor. 

The tank cover protects a fuel cell and is comprised completely of carbon fiber, joining the other 20 carbon fiber parts, 25 CNC’ed components, and 60 laser-cut metal pieces that go into the reordering of the bike’s anatomy to its former glory. 

Tie it all together with Maxton suspension, Dymag wheels, and an SC-Project exhaust, and you’ve got yourself a retro-thriller that can eat up the pavement as smoothly as any new-fangled bike on the road. 

A view of the db25: A project completed by deBolex Engineering

Calum Pryce-Tidd, the founder of deBolex Engineering, admits the process hasn’t been easy:

“It’s been a big learning process for us. We make the molds in-house, lay the pre-preg carbon and then put it in our own autoclave. It fits the nose piece, which is the biggest single part.”

Calum Pryce-Tidd, founder of deBolex Engineering
Calum Pryce-Tidd, founder of deBolex Engineering

“Altogether, it takes just over a week to make a single set of bodywork and around eight weeks to build a complete bike.”

While the production run of these bikes is limited to 25 and is designed as a small project run (therefore not scalable), the exclusivity adds to the charm – and you can still pick out some parts and paint colors to make the machine your very own best friend. 

Prices for these beauties start at £38,000, but don’t wait too long – 10 of the 25 bikes are already accounted for!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Hugo Millán Passes During Pileup In Round 8 of Spain’s Junior European Talent Cup

Hugo Millán, a 14-year-old racer with great potential, went down with 13 laps remaining Sunday in Spain at Motorland Aragon’s junior European Talent Cup in round 8 of the season.

Following the red-flagging of the race, the young man sustained significant injuries, which he succumbed to a short while later at the medical center. 

a full headshot of Hugo Millan, a young racer that died July 25th.
A frontal shot of Hugo Millan

“Following a serious incident in European Talent Cup Race One at the MotorLand Aragón Round of the FIM CEV Repsol, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of rider Hugo Millán.”, quotes the words of FIM, FIM Europe, Dorna, and MotorLand Aragón Circuit.

an image of Hugo Millan racing on the track of the Junior European Cup

“Millán was involved in a multi-rider incident at Turn 5, with the session immediately red-flagged. The Medical Intervention Vehicles arrived at the site immediately, and the rider was attended to on track before being transferred to the Medical Centre at the Circuit.”

“Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff, the Medical Centre has announced that Millán has sadly succumbed to his injuries.”

an image of several young racers racing at the Junior European Cup - Hugo Millan included.

According to a report from Visordown, this incident will put Hugo Millán’s passing in the same category of importance and priority as the tragedy as that which befell Moto3 rider Jason Depasquier, seeing as the European Talent Cup is closely related through Dorna Sports to the Grand Prix competition, with FIM being the official governing body. 

Ricky Carmichael

“Millán was enjoying his most successful season so far in the FIM CEV Repsol, claiming several podiums to demonstrate his consistency as he competed at the front of the class.”

a headshot of Hugo Millan, prior to a race.

“The FIM, FIM Europe, Dorna, and MotorLand Aragón Circuit pass on our deepest condolences to Millán’s family, friends, team, and loved ones.”

Our hearts go out to friends and family during this time.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com