Tag Archives: Motorbike news

Is Kawasaki planning to axe handlebars?

Kawasaki could be planning to axe conventional handlebars and replace them with a fixed bar, according to a patent design they have filed for an electric motorcycle.

Instead of a moveable handlebar for counter steering inputs, the rider holds on to fixed bars with a throttle and simply leans.

The patent application says electronic sensors and accelerometers will detect what the rider wants to do and will steer the bike accordingly.

This is definitely not a design for lazy riders!

We’re also not sure how it would work at low speed when the rider doesn’t lean.

The patent drawings also show front and rear steering with the wheels supported by mono shock suspension and electric motors in the hubs.Is Kawasaki planning to axe handlebars?

Planning for the future

Like Honda, Kawasaki has been busy filing patent applications for all sorts of strange inventions.

None or all many eventually come to market.

It seems they are just planning for the future and trying to protect their intellectual property, no matter how zany the idea.

Some of the other recent planning ideas for which Kawasaki has filed patent applications include:

planning patent
Kawasaki hybrid patent

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle thefts are double car thefts

Motorcycle thefts in Australia are increasing at more than double the rate of car theft, according to the latest figures for the 2018/2019 financial year.

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council reports that 9261 motorcycles were stolen in the past financial year, which is 9% more than the previous year.

Over the same period, car theft increased 4% to 43,839, while theft of all vehicles was up 5% to 55,293.

Motorcycles represent 16.7% of all vehicle theft, yet are only about 5% of total registrations. However, some of the thefts are of unregistered dirt bikes.

Most of the increase in motorcycle theft seems to be in short-term theft, usually joy rides.

Short-term theft of all vehicles increased 845 (2%) while it was up 8% for motorcycles.

Profit-motivated thefts by organised criminal groups rose 1775 (13%) for all vehicles with motorcycles (up 10%).

Motorcycle thefts by state

Motorcycle thefts increased in all jurisdictions, except the ACT and Victoria.

State or Territory 2017/18 2018/19 % change
Thefts Thefts
ACT 127 104 -18.1% 
NSW 1,873 2,157 15.2% 
NT 95 100 5.3% 
QLD 1,562 1,880 20.4% 
SA 540 710 31.5% 
TAS 117 169 44.4% 
VIC 2,068 2,024 -2.1% 
WA 2,095 2,117 1.1% 
AUS 8,477 100.0 9,261 100.0 9.2% 

Queensland thefts have risen a massive 45% over the past five years since the Campbell Newman Government pulled its funding from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

It took until July this year for the Queensland Government to reinstate its $206,000 annual funding.

RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding said the Club had lobbied to re-join the NMVTRC.

The Triumph Bonneville rider says Queensland had missed out on receiving vital funding for locally-delivered crime prevention programs.

“We’re now looking forward to seeing our state reap these long-awaited benefits,” he says.

The council, Queensland Government and Queensland Police have confirmed collaborative working arrangements to tackle vehicle theft crime.

They include proactive police action to educate riders about locking up their bikes.

Queensland Police and the RACQ launched their “Stop Stolen Motorcycles” awareness campaign last year.

In June, they asked riders to complete an online Motorbike Theft Survey to raise awareness of the use of security devices.

Motorcycle theft Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ
Senior Constable Tony Tatkovich and Steve Spalding RACQ with a motorcycle disc lock

Common motorcycle thefts

As usual, the most common manufacturers featured high on the list of most stolen brands.

However, KTM and Husqvarna also featured because of their many dirt bikes which are lighter and easier to steal than heavy road bikes.

Similarly, scooter brands such as SYM, Kymco and Piaggio featured because scooters are also easy to steal.

Make 2017/18 2018/19
Honda 1734 2005
Yamaha 1541 1581
Kawasaki 719 855
Suzuki 766 816
KTM 569 645
SYM 198 285
Kymco 140 223
Harley Davidson 229 219
Piaggio 193 202
Triumph 180 181
Hyosung 151 172
Husqvarna 134 145
Longjia 139 142
Aprilia 101 96
Ducati 95 93
TGB 97 89
Vespa 92 78
BMW 67 77
Adly 57 65
Bolwell 60 65

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Electric cop bike monitors bad drivers

An unmarked electric cop motorcycle is being used as a quiet stealth tool to monitor drivers who fail to see riders on the road in a motorcycle safety program.

In just two weeks, the motorcycle safety project by West Midlands Police, UK, has led to 84 drivers being stopped for endangering riders.

Some are being prosecuted for offences such as dangerous driving and driving without due care and attention.

Others were “warned and educated about their potentially fatal actions behind the wheel”, West Midlands Police tell us.

While riders were also monitored for road offences, only one was charged for dangerous riding.

Video evidence

Plain-clothed police riding the electric motorcycle (probably a Zero SR/F) while wearing a body cam have captured some crazy driving putting them and other riders at risk.

It’s a good example for other motorcycle police around there world to follow to alert drivers of the danders they put riders in as well as making riders more aware of the dangers.

West Midlands Police officer Sergeant Jon Butler says the use of an unmarked electric motorbike allows police to “observe actions on the roads and take action where appropriate”.

“It’s not just about enforcement but educating road users about the need to be aware of who is around them and how their actions can put others at risk.”

Electric cop bikes

West Midlands Police say there are “environment benefits to the (electric) bike”.

They wouldn’t supply a photo of the electric cop bike nor confirm the brand and model, but they say the “range varies, but can get approximately 140 miles (about 250km) a day”.

We suspect it’s a new Zero SR/F based on the dashboard.

Zero SR/F
Zero SR/F dashboard

Zero Motorcycles makes specific electric cop bikes which have been used by many police and emergency services around the world.

BMW scooter for police
Electric BMW police scooter

Police departments in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong and Canada are now using electric motorcycles and scooters from other companies including BMW.

But don’t expect to be pulled up by a silent cop in Australia any time soon.

Australian police evaluated the DS Police motorcycle, but then Zero pulled the plug on our market in 2017 citing unfavourable exchange rates and taxes.

Zero electric DS police motorcycle
Zero electric DS police motorcycle

Zero DS Police Motorcycles come with pursuit emergency lighting and sirens, safety components and specially designed luggage compartments to carry gear, patrol items and emergency medical equipment.

However, the bike used by West Midlands Police was unmarked for obvious stealth reasons.

They say the operation will continue, particularly focussing on collision hotspots, usually near junctions.

“Those stopped will be reminded of the need to be aware of other road users and the risks of being distracted,” police say. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Landcruiser on wrong side of road hits rider

A 24-year-old Landcruiser driver allegedly on the wrong side of the road has been charged after crashing head-on into a 76-year-old motorcyclist near Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW, yesterday (26 September 2019).

The male rider was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in critical condition with lower leg and internal injuries. He remains in a serious condition.

Police have this morning charged the female driver with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, not keeping left of a dividing line and not giving particulars to police.

She was given conditional bail and will appear in Windsor Local Court on Thursday 17 October 2019.

Police will allege the head-on crash occurred about 3.30pm yesterday when the Toyota Landcruiser collided with the motorcycle on Settlers Road, Lower Macdonald.

The driver was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing. She was then taken to Windsor Police Station where she was interviewed by officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit and later charged.

Our sincere best wishes to the rider for a full and speedy recovery.

Wrong side of the road crashes

Head on wrong side crash
Motorcyclists’ paradise (Image: Google Maps)

The Wiseman’s Ferry area is popular with riders as the roads snake around the winding Macdonald River.

Settlers Road is a quiet rural road with both gravel and bitumen surfaces and many blind corners.

We believe there is no centre dividing line on the road, so it might seem strange that police would charge the driver with “not keeping left of a dividing line”.

However, various states have different wording for the charge which is basically driving on the wrong side of the road.

Head on wrong side crash
Settlers Rd (Images: Google Maps)

While we cannot comment on this particular case, riders often complain about locals, especially those in utes and 4WDs, cutting corners on roads such as these which are popular with motorcyclists.

Because these road are quiet, locals may not expect traffic coming the other way, so they may lazily cut lines. Riders need to be aware and keep as far left as possible.

Head on wrong side crash
Driver on wrong side on Oxley Highway

Click here to read about drivers cutting white lines on corners and the dangers they pose to riders. It includes several images and videos.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crashed rider’s body found 12 hours later

The body of a 42-year-old man has been found up to 12 hours after he went missing on a country road in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane yesterday.

Queensland Police say the rider died “following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash” on Lowood Minden Road at Coolana.

“Preliminary information indicates the motorcycle was travelling south along Lowood Minden Road sometime between 8.15pm and 10pm (September 23) when it left the road and crashed,” Police say.

TheRegency Downs man’s body was found beside his motorcycle about 10.45am yesterday by a member of the public.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP1901862518

Scooter rider dies after collision with utensw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail negligent SUV

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old P-plate driver from Kellyville  has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death after a crash with a 41-year-old man on scooter in Sydney.

The collision between a Toyota Hilux ute and the scooter occurred in the back streets of Five Dock about 8.45pm, Tuesday (24 September 2019).

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Spencer Street and William Street following reports that a car and motorised scooter collided.

The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics. He died a short time later.

Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene that will be examined by the Metro Crash Investigation Unit.

The male driver of the Hilux was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

He was later charged and will appear in court today.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

‘Sorry Mate I Forgot I Saw You’ crashes

Riders aren’t just common victims of SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I didn’t See You) crashes, but could also be the victims of SMIFISY.

It stands for “Sorry Mate I Forgot I Saw You” and it’s been discovered by a University of Manchester study into crashes where drivers failed to give way to motorcycles.

The info researchers call it “Saw But Forgot” It should be calle SMIFISY!

Basically they say drivers see riders, but their short-term memory forgets.

The result is they pull out in front of the rider, resulting in a crash, often with dire consequences for the rider.

The uni researchers said drivers are five times more likely to forget seeing a motorcycle than a car.

Sorry studies

There have been many other scientific studies into this sorry phenomenon with several different reasons (excuses) provided.

The Alliance of British Drivers produced the following video which explains one of the scientific  principles of SMIDSY called saccadic masking.

In another study, a Texas Tech University psychologist found that people think smaller objects – such as riders – are further away than they appear and, conversely, that bigger objects are closer.

Other reasons/excuses for the sorry phenomenon is that motorcycles present less of a threat to a driver, it is more difficult to gauge approaching speed of a small vehicle and drivers just don’t care about the lives of “deathwish” riders.

New study

This latest study has the ungainly title “The ‘Saw but Forgot’ error: A role for short-term memory failures in understanding junction crashes?” and is published in Californian non-profit science and medicine research hub PLOS One.

smidsy sorry mate crash
One of the research authors wearing head-mounted eye-tracking glasses identifies the pole and rider

It found that drivers are distracted between when they notice the motorcycle and when they decide to pull out with 15% forgetting they even saw the bike.

In 180 simulation experiments, participants failed to report a car three times but failed to report a motorbike 16 times, despite looking directly at them on 11 of those occasions.

“Drivers were more likely to forget an oncoming motorcycle if they had made several head movements between looking at it and the subsequent memory test,” the report found.

Research spokesman Dr Peter Chapman suggests that drivers say out loud the word “bike” when they see a motorcycle approaching to strengthen their memory and stop it being overwritten by their brain.

“If relevant visual information is encoded phonologically (that means spoken out loud) it has been shown that it is no longer subject to visuospatial interference,” he says.

image: wearing the head-mounted eye-tracking glasses

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Another win on incorrect helmet fine

Police continue to hand out incorrect  fines for helmet non-compliance and riders continue to challenge and win against the erroneous fines.

In this latest win, not only did the copper get it wrong, NSW Revenue “clearly did not bother reading the Road Rules either”, says Australian Motorcycle Council chairman Guy Stanford.

It follows a similar win for Queensland rider Ian Joice over an external sticker that had the word “Void” across it.

Void helmet Ian Joice
Ian with his “void” sticker

NSW helmet fine

The NSW rider, whose name has been suppressed, was issued a $337 fine on 10 June 2019 for wearing a helmet that did not have an external compliance sticker.

He contacted NSW Revenue which upheld the penalty saying:

There is no sticker on the helmet to show the helmet meets the minimum Australian standards. The helmet must contain a sticker from an approved body stating the helmet meets Australian standards and or has been tested and passed to meet the minimum Australian standards.

Yet the helmet is European and has the ECE22.05 certification sewn into the chain strap as required in the Australian Road Rules since November 2015.Helmet fine win

Guy says the “obvious and glaring injustice” was taken up by the *Motorcycle Council of NSW who made representations to NSW Treasurer Scott Farlow on the rider’s behalf.

Fine win

The Treasurer advised the rider that the matter had been passed back to police for review.

“NSW Police considered your submission and decided to cancel the penalty notice. The issuing officer apologises for any inconvenience,” the Treasurer said.

Guy praised the Treasurer: “It seems that at least one Minister is capable of comprehending. 

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void incorrect win
Guy Stanford

“We are pleased that the NSW Minister was able to resolve this matter.

“However, it seems unbelievable that both the NSW Police officer and Revenue NSW are not familiar with a Road Rule that has been in place for nearly five years.

“It would be easy to draw a conclusion that Infringement Notices are for generating revenue from the powerless.

“In this case, the rider was innocent of any wrongdoing, yet the review process failed to recognise this.” 

* The MCC of NSW is a member of the Australian Motorcycle Council and shares its expertise with other state and territory based rider organisations

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

HOG boss calls on journalists’ help

Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich (above) has called on motorcycle journalists to help the industry’s future by not just explaining the product but telling readers what it’s like to ride.

As Harley and the motorcycle industry slump through trade wars, ageing riders, tough finance and a lack of interest among millennials, the finger of blame has been pointed at everyone from manufacturers all the way down to dealers and customers.

This is the first time motoring journalists have been included.

Boss Hog

Matt was talking to a bunch of “motor noters” at the recent media launch of the Low Rider S in Sydney.

Harley-Davidson boss Matt Levatich in town for Low Rider S launch
MBW at the Low Rider S media launch (Image: Lyndon Marceau / marceauphotography)

“What we need to do as an industry — and I would include all of you in this request — is start leaning into what it’s like to ride,” the company president and CEO told us.

“Why should people ride? What is it that people get from riding? Why is it worth the trip?

“Because it’s hard: It takes a lot of energy, it takes a lot of commitment, it takes a lot of time and it costs a fair bit of money before you actually realise all the things you get from riding.”

The boss Hog says many in the industry, including journalists, have forgotten what it’s like to learn how to ride because we learnt so long ago.

“It’s intimidating, it’s hard, it’s challenging, but it’s an achievement,” he says.

“We need to help people understand why riding is worth the trip and what’s on the other side of becoming a great rider.

“What is the feeling? What’s the transcendent moments you have on a motorcycle that you never have in any other part of your life?

“If we can all collectively start to do that we’re gonna … start to light up people who might be on the outside looking in and wondering why.

“Start thinking about how you talk about what it means to be a rider, not just about what it means to have a great product to ride.

“If we all do that, we will all be stronger as an industry and we will all have a great future.

Quick visit

Matt was only in town a couple of days and was limited to talks to staff, dealers and two media agencies; sadly not us.

We were not allowed to ask any questions, so after his talk I rushed up to ask a quick question before the minders could lead their boss away to safety.

“What does Ewan (McGregor) think of the LiveWire (Harley’s electric motorcycle)?” I asked.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan on a LiveWire in South America

He laughed and said: “Yes, I’ve seen the spy photos too.”

Matt was referring to Instagram photos of Ewan and Charley Boorman on LiveWires for their Long Way Up ride from Tierra del Fuego in South America to LA.

That’s when he was led away before I could ask about the effect of Trump’s trade wars and when we would start getting Thai-made Harleys in Australia.

Shame he didn’t talk about Ewan and Charley’s adventure because that could inspire many future riders just as their first two Long Way instalments inspired thousands of adventure riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Automatic emergency call technology for bikes

Motorcycles should be fitted with automatic crash call technology to reduce emergency response times which are more lethal in Australia’s rural and remote areas, an Austroads report has found.

The Guide to Road Safety Part 5: Road Safety for Rural and Remote Areas also suggests compulsory first-aid training for learners and those renewing licences in rural and remote areas.

It points out that motorcyclist deaths have remained stable in major cities over the past decade, but increased in regional and remote Australia by up to almost 50% in recent years.

Click there for more details.

Slow response timesOutback adventure Royal Flying Doctor Service calls

Delays in reaching crash victims in rural and remote areas include difficulties in locating crash sites and a lack of mobile phone reception, according to emergency organisations and motorcycle rider groups.

The report found the average time for a first responder to arrive at a motorcycle crash in rural and remote areas was 55 minutes compared with 18 minutes in urban areas.

Remote crash victims also took an average of 11.6 hours to arrive at a hospital emergency department compared with 59 minutes in urban areas.

“Retrieval time subsequently impacts on crash outcomes with delays until discovery or delays in accessing the trauma system increasing the risk of mortality following major trauma,” the repot finds.

The probability of a rider dying increased by 2.7% for every 100km from a hospital.

It’s a worrying statistic for adventure riders heading out into the Outback.

As a more rural example, the report says more than half of all Victorian motorcycle crashes occur in the Gippsland region where ambulance response times are 29.9 minutes compared with metropolitan times of 12.7-17.2 minutes.

South Australia and NSW are the only states with post-crash emergency response in their road safety strategy and action plans.

Auto emergency call tech

Austroads claims automatic collision notification (ACN) would reduce crash fatalities by up to 3.8% and calls for the systems in all vehicles, including motorcycles.

These emergency call systems have been available in cars for some time and are now mandated throughout Europe with motorcycles expected to be included in the future.

BMW Motorrad is the first motorcycle company to offer an SOS button in Europe.

BMW SOS button motorrad win mandated calls
BMW SOS button

It is not yet available in Australia because of an eCall hardware update and the lack of a nationwide rollout.

The button alerts the emergency services and provides GPS co-ordinates of the rider’s position.

It is also connected to various sensors on the bike to detect whether the rider has crashed.

However, the report notes that problem with these systems in Australia is the lack of mobile phone coverage in rural areas.

Riders can also use an EPIRBdownload an emergency app or try this Aussie-made Sentinel device.

Austroads suggests compulsory first-aid education for all motorists, especially learner riders and those renewing licences in rural and remote areas.

However, Queensland has already rejected this proposal because of the difficulties of supplying training in regional communities.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Slug riders over regional crashes: Austroads

Regional speed limits should be reduced up to 30km/h and riders slugged with a levy to fix rural roads, according to a new Austroads report.

The worrying proposals are included in the Guide to Road Safety Part 5: Road Safety for Rural and Remote Areas.

It points out that motorcyclist deaths have remained stable in major cities over the past decade, but increased in regional and remote Australia by up to almost 50% in recent years.

The report suggests “safety improvements on popular motorcycle routes” potentially funded by a levy on compulsory third-party injury insurance for riders as well as speed limits aligned with “road attributes”.Austroads regional road safety report

Poor-quality regional roads

Since regional roads are in such a poor state, that means speed limits would come down if Austroads had its way. (Austroads is the prime research authority advising Australian and New Zealand governments and transport authorities.)

The Austroads’ report suggests speeds be set to “minimise the effect of a crash given the current road infrastructure”.

It notes that the ability of riders to survive a crash “decreases rapidly” above 30km/h and says speed limits should be set “within these tolerance limits”.

The report points out that speeds limits in Sweden and the Netherlands are based on “harm minimisation principles in contrast to those set in Australia”.

Road type Australia Sweden Netherlands
Local streets 50km/h or more 30km/h 30km/h
Other streets 60km/h or more 50km/h 50km/h
Undivided road (low quality) 100km/h 70km/h 80km/h
Undivided roads (good quality) 100-110km/h 90km/h 100km/h
Motorways/divided roads 100-110km/h 110km/h 120km/h

It follows a similar suggestion at a Victorian Road Trauma Summit to reduce speed limits on unsealed country roads from 100km/h to 80km/h.

This has been a hobby horse of Victorian Assistant Police Commissioner Doug Fryer for several years as this 2017 video shows.

Rider numbers increase

The report does acknowledge that the increase in regional motorcyclist fatalities is largely due to the increase in the riding popularity.

Rider registrations are up 5% a year while estimated kilometres travelled is up 4% a year.

It also notes that motorcyclist fatality rates per registered vehicle and per kilometre travelled actually decreased by 0.9% from 2008-10 to 2016.

However, the report points out a shift from urban deaths to regional deaths over the same period:

  • Regional motorcycle fatalities increased 15.4% and remote deaths were up a whopping 49.3%;
  • 59% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred in regional and remote Australia during the four-year period 2012-2015, an increase of 53% over the previous four years;
  • Most regional motorcycle crashes were riders running off the road and hitting a tree, barrier, sign or other roadside hazard;
  • The typical motorcycle fatality or hospitalisation in regional and remote areas is a male motorcyclist who is riding recreationally during daylight hours on the weekend and is involved in a single-vehicle crash; and
  • Motorcycles are over-represented in crashes with animals with more than 80% involving kangaroos, but it also noted an underreporting of animal-related crashes.

Speed management

The report admits a lack of data on motorcycle crashes.

Yet it says speed limits in regional and remote areas are “high and do not necessarily reflect the risks of travelling on a given road (eg unsealed surface), or the existing infrastructure (eg unprotected trees close to the road)”.

Speed management is necessary in the absence of adequate infrastructure,” it says.

“The primary means for speed compliance is via enforcement, which is inherently difficult in regional and remote areas due to expansive road networks and a lack of resources.”

It suggests “vehicle-based speed management technologies” which could include speed limiters.

“Any gains in speed management are beneficial,” it concludes.Lower speed limits on rural intersections regional

Safety ‘initiatives’

Austroads reports that “initiatives” to improve motorcyclist safety have included:

Safety suggestions

Apart from a reduction in regional speed limits, the report calls for a number of other moves, particularly targeting riders:

  • National mass media campaigns targeting motorcyclists;
  • riders encouraged to ride bikes with ABS and emerging autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology that detects imminent forward collisions and reacts by automatically applying the brakes without rider intervention;
  • motorcycle blackspot/black programs for regional areas;
  • use more flexible roadside barriers and signs;
  • install more under-rails on existing barriers;
  • audit regional road hazards for motorcycle-specific hazards, particularly by motorcycles such as Queensland’s award-winning instrumented bike; 

    Brett Hoskin with TMR audit bike
    Queensland’s road audit bike

  • improve regional emergency services crash response times (click here for more details); and
  • examine more graduated restrictions for novice riders including a minimum period with a car licence before motorcycle licensing as in Queensland and “licensing options” for returning riders.

The report states that AEB technology reduces low-speed rear-end crashes for passenger vehicles, but notes that it is not yet available for motorcycles.

“Once AEB technology has been improved and is readily available in Australia, its benefits should be promoted to motorcyclists in regional and remote areas who are looking to purchase a new motorcycle,” it states.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com