Tag Archives: Motorbike news

Motorcycle News, News

Top Things You Need to Research before Buying a Motorbike for College

Leave a comment

By Jeff Blaylock for our North American readers

Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting experience. It is more fulfilling if you are a college student knowing well that wasting your precious time in the morning traffic will now be a thing of the past and you will no longer be late for your lessons.

Before you invest in a bike of your choice, there are motorcycle buying guides that you should put into perspective to help you maneuver through the market and come up with a bike that will be fit for you and that which is pocket-friendly. Some of the things you need to look out for include

1 The Real Cost of Ownership

Before you purchase your motorbike, it is good to think about the whole cost of acquiring it. Different types of motorcycles usually consume less fuel as compared to vehicles. However, since you are a student who survives with the pocket money given by your parent or guardians, it is essential to consider the total maintenance cost of your motorbike.

The real cost of ownership also includes the insurance cover which is a requirement by the law. There are motorcycle brands that are expensive to maintain. Before you go get one, ensure that you will comfortably support it irrespective of its spare parts cost

2 Motorcycle Safety

college scooter

Before you purchase your first motorcycle, it is essential to attend a motorcycle safety course. This is to make sure that you are safe on the road together with other road users. A motorcycle is not like a car in a sense that, in case of an accident, you will be the most exposure out there since a bike does not have a cover body. You are the body of the motorbike, so it is paramount to be safe on the roads.

Irrespective of being an experienced motorbike rider, it is always essential to hone your skill through refresher courses before buying the motorcycle

3 Do your Research

Before you purchase that street bike, you should do intensive research of whatever motorbike that you aspire to go home with. Make sure to learn every critical information about the model, brand, and where you can get the right place for servicing it. You can also join online forums that talk about the model you are looking for, or you can order research paper online for a comprehensive outline of different makes of motorbikes. Use Google to search its reliability and reviews of the bike you intend to purchase. It is essential to research the weight of the bike to establish the one that you can handle on the roads. However, if you still find it hard to make a decision, you can carry along a bike’s expert or professional who is well conversant with motorcycles to advice you on the way forward

4 Find What Fits You

Suzuki Gladius, available for $9,990 ride-away

Motorcycles do not have adjustable features such as steering wheel or seats like a vehicle. That’s why it is vital to buy what fits you. Likewise, since there are different motorbike models, it is essential to consider evaluating and sampling some before you spend your money on one.

Visit different dealers or websites of various motorcycle manufacturers to learn and know what is in the market. The information that you will acquire will help you in narrowing down to your best choice. You can also consult your friends for opinions which can be variable in your decision-making process

5 New or Used

It is a good thing to have a new bike, but there are used motorbikes that are equally good looking and are still in good shape. Second-hand bikes are relatively cheaper as compared to new ones. However, before you decide to spend your money on that used bike, it is essential to do some background checking as far as the motorbike is concerned.

Ensure the bike identification number matches the one the motorcycle and the document of ownership. It is also good to have a check with your local police to verify that the bike has not been stolen or registered illegally.

Conclusion

With a motorcycle, you need to know and understand how it works, turn, stop, and how to handle it when riding in traffic. There are different courses for first-time riders, or comprehensive courses to sharpen your skills. Some of the factor you should consider include the real cost of ownership, safety, new or used and whether it fits you.

Before you take your bike home, it is essential to write a bill of sale. The document should include your information as well as the seller’s details and both of you should date and sign the papers.

* About Jeff Blaylock

Jeff Blaylock is an asset and process manager who has developed his career by working for different institutions. Under his leadership, maximum growth has been witnessed through his efforts to make the companies more productive.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders offered roadside assist discount

Leave a comment

Riders all around Australia are being offered discount roadside assistance coverage thanks to the collaboration of the Motorcycle Council of NSW and Australian 24/7 Roadside Services.

The service is labelled Motorcycle Assist Australia, providing two levels of cover, a premium service for $99/year, normally $150, and a special basic $49 service.

Standard Assist $49/year

  • Australia Wide Coverage
  • Battery Replacement Service
  • Emergency Fuel
  • Flat Battery / Jump Starts
  • Flat Tyre
  • 25km Free Towing Metropolitan
  • 50km Free Towing Country
  • 2 Callouts Per Year
  • No Joining Fee

Premium Assist $99/year

  • Australia Wide Coverage
  • Ambulance Assistance
  • Breakdown Accommodation
  • Breakdown Car Hire
  • Battery Replacement Service
  • Free Emergency Fuel
  • Flat Battery / Jump Starts
  • Unlimited Callouts
  • Unlimited Towing Nearest Repairer
  • Unlimited Flat Tyres Nearest Repairer
  • Unlimited Km’s Nearest Repairer
  • No joining Fee

Open to all

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says riders don’t need to be a member of the council to take advantage of the discount assistance coverage.

“You will be supporting the work of the MCCNSW which is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting motorcyclists dealing with state and federal government issues,” he says.

“Motorcycle Assist provides the best and most comprehensive roadside assistance in the country.

“Both groups know and support motorcycling, so it made great sense for us to work together and provide the best on road support possible for our members and motorcyclists Australia Wide, with great terms and condition and affordable pricing.

“Motorcycle roadside assistance needs to be simple, reliable and available wherever and whenever you decide to ride.”

Steve Pearce chairman of the Motorcycle Council of NSW Look for motorcyclists in Motorcycle Awareness Month roadside assist
Steve Pearce

Roadside aid

Motorcycle Assist Australia is part of the group Australian 24/7 Roadside Services Pty Ltd who provide roadside assistance to thousands of Swann Insurance customers Australia wide.

Roadside assist will aid riders in situations where their motorcycle is immobilised for any reasons such as a flat battery, flat tyre, running out of petrol or mechanical problems.

Once an account has been set up, customers can add and pay for extra motorcycles on the same account at any time.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Woman charged over bike cop crash

Leave a comment

A 70-year-old female driver has been charged over hitting a NSW police motorcyclist who had stopped to pull over another car.

The crash occurred despite a new rule requiring motorists to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicles.

However, instead of charging the woman under the new rule, she was charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm injury – first offence – and will appear in Macksville Local Court on 23 May 2019.

A police media spokesperson says the driver was charged with “the most appropriate offence as a result of the investigation”.

“Suffice to say the offence she has been charged with is much more serious than the (new rule) which is generally just a ticket.

The offence of not slowing to 40km/h attracts a fine of $448 and three demerit points.

The incident occurred at Warrell Creek near Nambucca Heads, NSW, on December 30 2018 when the officer pulled over a car and was hit by another car.Cop injured under new speed rule crash police emergency 40km/h charged

Only a matter of time

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman Steve Pearce had told us when the new rule came in that it was “just a matter of time until a serious incident occurs as a result of this rule”.

“The fact is our motorways were never constructed with emergency management considered adequately,” he says.

“Asking drivers to reduce speed from 110km/h to 40km/h without adequate warning is just a recipe for a disaster.

“In my view, the NSW Government have opened themselves to a possible damages action. A driver/rider should expect to be given adequate warning to reduce speed from 110km to 40km. The legislation as it stands does not allow for any adequate or reasonable warning structure whatsoever.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey says the new rule which matches rules in Victoria and Western Australia is under a 12-month review.

Victoria and Western Australia have the same rule while in South Australia traffic has to slow to 25km/h speed.

However, the Queensland Government has rejected Police Union calls for a similar road rule and the RACV says it could be difficult for motorists to see flashing emergency vehicles’ lights over a hill and have enough time to slow down to 40km/h.Cop injured under new speed rule crash police emergency 40km/h charged

The major concern with the rule is that vulnerable motorcyclists, such as the NSW police officer, are at risk.

In fact, the person the rule was meant to protect appears to be a victim in this incident.

NSW Police say the 48-year-old officer suffered a broken right leg.

Tips on emergency ruleRoad safety crash accident motorcycle scam emergency reduce injured charged

If riders see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, there are several things they can do to avoid a rear-ender.

  • Look at traffic behind you to assess the danger;
  • Indicate and change lanes away from the emergency vehicle, if there is a vacant lane to move into;
  • If not, switch on the hazard lights;
  • Brake as smoothly as possible, perhaps activating the brake light on and off to attract the attention of following traffic; and
  • Search for an escape route, possibly between lanes or on the road edge.

Confusing rule

The rule is confusing for motorists travelling interstate during holidays because of the disparities in the rule and the fact that some states do not have the rule at all.

Emergency vehicles are defined as police cars, fire engines and ambulances displaying red and blue flashing lights and/or sounding their siren.

In Victoria it includes all “escort vehicles”. In SA SES vehicles are included and in WA it extends to all emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, RAC roadside assistance patrol vehicles, and Main Roads Incident Response Vehicles removing road debris and broken-down vehicles.

The rule does not apply if the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the road where there is a median strip.

Fines also vary

In South Australia, you can cop a maximum fine up to $1007 and some motorists have been disqualified for six months.

Victoria’s fine is $272.05, but there is a maximum court penalty of $777.30 if you unsuccessfully challenge the fine. 

In NSW, the fine is $448 and three demerit points while in WA it is $300 and three points.

The new road rule is being trialled in NSW until August 31, 2019, before all authorities concerned decide whether to make the law permanent.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lazareth ‘flying motorcycle’ finally hovers

Leave a comment

A four-wheeled leaning electric motorcycle has finally shown it can get off the ground with a video showing it at least hovers.

French motorcycle designer Ludovic Lazareth has converted his previous Maserati V8-powered four-wheel leaning motorcycle into an electric version with jet turbines in the wheels.

In December, Lazareth posted this teaser video promising the LM496 or “La Moto Volante” (the Flying Motorcycle) would be unveiled in January 2019.

However, their jet-powered motorcycle failed to take off at the launch party.

Now, the company has released a new video in which the LM496 hovers about a metre above a platform.

It’s not really flying. And the bike is tethered on each corner to prevent an accident.

How La Moto Volante works

When the La Moto Volante is on its centre stand, the wheels rotate outwards to horizontal.

Lazareth LM496 flying motorcycle
Turbine jets

Then German Jetcat turbines in each wheel fire directly downward to elevate the bike, like a Harrier Jump Jet or a manned drone.

While the short hover may not be much, it’s a start.

And it is not that this will be the first flying motorcycle nor the first commercially available.

‘Pigs’ might fly

Scorpion hoverbikes flying

In fact, Dubai police will soon be using drone motorcycles to patrol city streets.

Rather than flying like a plane, the $US150,000 (about $A212,500) Russian Hoversurf Scorpion also hovers.

Earlier this month, Jetpack Aviation also announced plans for flying motorcycles.

However, so far they have only provided artwork and this animated video.

Despite the absence of a working prototype, they are taking pre-orders of US$10,000 (about $A14,000).

It’s called the Speeder and they claim the 240km/h, 105kg, self-stabilising, jet turbine-powered flying motorcycle will climb to 15,000 feet.

However, it will only stay aloft for 20 minutes.

So once again, it may be something only for emergency forces, police and security use.

But the flying motorcycle trend seems to be “taking off”.

How long before we’re all literally flying on our motorcycles?

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Report rejects motorcycle boxes trial

Leave a comment

Hopes of a trial of forward stop lines or motorcycle boxes for the safety of filtering riders have been set back after the Australian Road Research Board rejected the idea.

Forward stop lines are used in many European and Asian countries to give riders a safe head-start from traffic and protect them from rear-end crashes.

The only state with a similar system is Queensland which has green bicycle storage boxes that motorcyclists can use under certain circumstances.

While most states say they have no plans for the forward stop lines or motorcycle boxes, Victoria decided to investigate the proposal.

Forward motorcycle stop lines for lane filtering riders boxes
Bicycle stop line in Melbourne

Motorcycle boxes setback

However, that has suffered a step back with the Victorian-based ARRB ruling out two options for trials in its “Preview of Motorcycle Boxes” which has not yet been released to the public.

This is despite calls from rider groups for trials which have been backed by the Victorian Police and the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce.

The ARRB draft report commissioned for Melbourne Council and VicRoads says rear-end crashes are “insignificant” and did not warrant the forward stop lines trial.

It says “only” 7% of motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries are rear-end crashes and 13% are caused by lane changes.

Those figures may be insignificant to the ARRB but would seem pretty significant to most riders!road rage tailgate tailgating rear-ender motorcycles BMW S 1000 RR lane filtering lane splitting gap boxes

Rubbery figures

The figures have also been disputed as “rubbery” by the Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria.

The MRA Victoria point out that the ARRB did not consult motorcycle and scooter representatives, but only talked to bicycle and pedestrian groups.

Spokesman Damien Codognotto says the ARRB study was “set up to find in the negative” and has called for costs of the study.

The ARRB is a commercial research centre that receives partial government funding.

A spokesman confirms they have recommended against “a plan for coloured on-road boxes at central Melbourne intersections reserved for motorcycles”.

A City of Melbourne spokesperson says the ARRB report has been sent to all members of the Motorcycles in Melbourne committee and will be discussed at the upcoming meeting in April.

The draft report also claims that VicRoads spent $30m on motorcycle safety, but it is believed most of this was paid out of the Motorcycle Safety Levy funds.

Some of this expenditure included $500,000 to update the motorcycle booklet and $750,000 for changing registration to permit LAMS motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Fire destroys electric race bikes

Leave a comment

A fire that destroyed 18 Energica electric motorcycles for the upcoming MotoE series at five MotoGP events this year has inflamed concerns about electric vehicle fires.

The cause of the Energica blaze has not yet been determine. It could be a fault with the vehicles, an accident, or even arson.

However, electric car company Tesla has been plagued by instances of their cars bursting into flame.

Some have caught on fire in a crash, while others have ignited while being driven or being charged.

Electric fire Tesla
Tesla goes up in flames

Electric fires

Electric vehicles fires can be caused by impact, short-circuits, power surge, excessive discharge or heat.

They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.

Lithium batteries are obviously made with lithium which is highly flammable and stored in mineral oil.

While it is not toxic, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue and a dazed feeling.

Electric vehicle and battery fires can also release sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide, copper and cobalt.

Fire fighters can’t douse the flames with water as the high voltage can cause an electric shock or electrocution.

Instead, they have to disconnect the power supply (usually an orange plug) and contain the fire to let it burn itself out.

Energica fire

Energica Ego race bike for electric MotoE World Cup adventure slicker electric bike race
Energica Ego electric race bike for the MotoE World Cup

It is now suspected the MotoE series, which was to start in May, will be delayed.

The incident occurred at the Jerez Circuit in Spain during the second full test for the Energica Ego bikes ahead of the season starter at the circuit in May.

No one was injured in the blaze, but a lot of gear, tools and computers were also destroyed.

MotoE is known as the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup and has 11 teams with 18 riders.

(Fire images from electrek.co)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorbike thefts up in 2018

Leave a comment

Motorcycles thefts are up 7.3% across Australia in 2018 with many older bikes heading straight to the junk yard for the scrap metal value, says the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Thefts increased by 597 to a total of 8746 with a recovery rate of just 47%.

Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hrambanis says the biggest rises in motorcycle theft were in NSW and Queensland.

The council is currently investigating the efficacy of tougher penalties for vehicle theft.

Theft by state

State or Territory 2017 2018 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 126 107 -15.1% 
NSW 1679 1968 17.2% 
NT 126 82 -34.9% 
QLD 1510 1696 12.3% 
SA 521 555 6.5% 
TAS 122 141 15.6% 
VIC 2013 2092 3.9% 
WA 2052 2105 2.6% 
AUS 8149 100.0 8746 100.0 7.3% 

Opportunistic theft

“In most cases vehicle theft is almost always opportunistic, with the vehicle being stolen for short-term use and later recovered (78% in Queensland),” she says.

Unlike most modern cars which have self-alarming engine immobilisers, many motorcycles need owners to lock them with a chain, disc lock or an alarm switch.

She says they can easily be stolen without requiring any keys.

“Motorcycles have their own set of challenges due to their ease of portability, the high demand for parts and poor identification,” she says.

“Two in three motorcycles are also stolen from the home, making home security, protecting keys and considerations of where the bike is stored also important.

“In Queensland, around a quarter of all bikes stolen are off-road bikes, which often makes recovery difficult as they are not subject to a registration system.”

Brands stolenLock theft stolen Lock Insurance theft motorcycles thief reduce thefts

The most brands stolen were also the most popular brands on the market.

They were followed by many dirt bike and scooter brands which are easier to steal than heavy road bikes.

Make 2014 2018
Honda 1601 1786
Yamaha 1496 1529
Kawasaki 691 782
Suzuki 752 751
KTM 465 619
Harley Davidson 150 235
SYM 194 229
Piaggio 115 203
Kymco 120 200
Triumph 111 194
Hyosung 152 152
Longjia 196 147
Husqvarna 107 128
Aprilia 83 115
Ducati 69 91
Vespa 81 91
TGB 131 83
BMW 41 71
Polaris 53 63
Bolwell 99 61

Theft hotspots

Motorcycle theft hot spots keyring thieves miserly CCTV black friday thefts
Click here to buy your “warning” keyring

South East Queensland is the worst hotspot for motorcycle theft.

Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan and Moreton Bay were all in the top 10 local authority regions for bike theft.

State or Territory LGA 2014 2018 % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 292 435 49.0% 
VIC Melbourne (City) 134 246 83.6% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 169 244 44.4% 
QLD Logan (City) 118 159 34.7% 
WA Swan (City) 119 154 29.4% 
NSW Sydney (City) 115 151 31.3% 
WA Stirling (City) 153 147 -3.9% 
VIC Port Phillip (City) 62 136 119.4% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 149 132 -11.4% 
NSW Newcastle (City) 44 130 195.5% 

Click here to find out what can be done to keep your bike safe from thieves.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Cyclist identification proposal rejected

Leave a comment

A Tasmanian Motorcycle Council proposal for free identification numbers for cyclists over 18 has been rejected.

Council president Paul Bullock confirms the Tasmanian Road Safety Advisory Council discussed the TMC’s policy proposal.  

Proposal rejected

“RSAC did not endorse the proposal,” he says.

“Discussions identified that it might be timely to develop a campaign about all road users sharing the roads.

“RSAC referred this to the Education and Enforcement Sub Committee (EESC) for consideration within its priorities.

“Identification has been passed on to a sub committee of the RSAC ‘for consideration within its priorities’, so it will be a low priority.

“But I will be following and asking what is happening at every RSAC meeting you can be assured of that.”

The rejected TMC call for cyclist ID is based on cyclists disobeying road rules and not being fined.

Paul says it follows “many complaints” from motorcyclists, car drivers, bus drivers and truck drivers about cyclists who behave irresponsibly.Identification bicycle rejected

Identification not registration

The rejected TMC proposal did NOT suggest cyclists pay registration fees.

“Cyclists don’t understand it is for identification, not registration. It is to stop cyclists breaking the law. At no cost to the cyclist,” Paul told us when the TMC made the suggestion in January.

The TMC wanted cyclists over 18 to wear some form of reflective identification number on their bike, clothing or helmet. Paul says it could be funded through the road safety levy.

Maritha Keyser Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists rejected
Tasmanian road sign

Rule breakers

What seems to irk many motorists is that cyclists get political favour, their own lanes, free footpath parking and yet avoid traffic offences.

Paul says the TMC posted the following video of cyclists disobeying roundabout give-way rules.

However, cyclists are not avoiding traffic fines altogether.

In the past two years, Queensland Police alone have booked more than 230 cyclists for speeding and 540 for running red lights.

The TMC also provided this list of traffic offences in Tasmania by cyclists:

Offence Legislation Fine Code Item Penalty
Unit
Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian RR 125(1) $81.50 B819 174 0.5
Cyclist ride without due care and attention RR 367(1) $122.25 BC11 441 0.75
Cycle without reasonable consideration for other road users RR 367(2) $81.50 BC12 442 0.5
Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian RR 125(1) $81.50 B819 174 0.5
Cyclist not seated astride and facing forward RR 245(a) $81.50 BA97 330 0.5
Cyclist riding with no hands on handlebars RR 245(b) $81.50 BA97 330 0.5
Cyclist seated other than on seat RR 245(c) $81.50 BA98 331 0.5
Cyclist fail to ride in bicycle lane RR 247(1) $122.25 BB01 335 0.75
Cyclist cause traffic hazard (moving into path of driver/pedestrian RR 253 $122.25 BB22 345 0.75
Ride bicycle with no warning device in working order RR 258(b) $81.50 BB38 356 0.5

“While the majority of cyclists obey the law there is an element within the cycling fraternity that continually do not,” Paul says.

“They obstruct vehicles travelling on the road; while travelling in a group doing far less speed compared to other vehicles, they will not move into single file to allow vehicles to pass.

“Cyclists use the excuse that they are entitled to ride two abreast on the road, while failing to accept that they are unreasonably obstructing traffic, which is illegal.

“Despite it being legal for cyclists to travel two abreast and laws allowing other vehicle to cross double lines to pass when safe to do so, irresponsible and discourteous rider behaviour puts cyclists and other road users at risk.”

With identification numbers, more traffic offences could be issued, more than paying for the cost to implement the program, Paul says.

Petitions against cyclist rules

Last year, a Change.org petition was started by Drivers For Registration of Cyclists for cyclists to ride single file.

It has so far received more than 136,000 signatures.

Identification bicycles cyclist rejected
Image from the Change.org.au petition

Meanwhile, a 2017 petition against a rule allowing motorists to cross solid and double white lines to pass cyclists thus endangering oncoming motorcyclists has closed with only 2327 supporters.

Petition organiser Maritha Keyser, who was injured in such an incident, closed the petition after failing to gain the attention of any politicians.

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

The Ultimate Motorcycle Shopping Guide

Leave a comment

(Sponsored post for our North American readers)

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge, live out your dreams exploring the open roads and touring about town by purchasing your own motorcycle. Even if it doesn’t happen to be your first motorcycle, rather you are just looking to replace your existing one, motorcycle shopping isn’t something you want to take lightly. Just like with any motor vehicle there are a number of considerations that you will want to be aware of to ensure you pick the best model for your needs.

Here’s a look at some of the top tips and advice that you can use as you head out to do some motorcycle shopping.

What Kind of Rider Will You Be?

This is a great starting point when buying a motorcycle. Asking yourself what kind of rider you are and plan to be will help to determine the ideal style of bike for your needs. For example, do you plan to be more of the racer bike style of driver, or are you looking for something to head out on for a relaxing cruise through the country on a Sunday afternoon? Your answer will drastically change the style of bike that you’ll want to look into.

Set a Firm Budget

Here’s a tip that makes sense any time you’re looking at making a big-ticket purchase. It can be very easy to get swept away in the moment and end up spending a whole lot more than you are comfortable with, which is why you want to set a firm budget before you start shopping.

Buy from a Dealer for Added Peace of Mind

It is also a good idea to purchase from a motorcycle dealership rather than a private seller, especially for first-time buyers. Sure you may end up spending a bit more, but a dealership can offer you added peace of mind since they will stand behind the bike. You may also be able to buy a warranty package through the dealership, which just extends that peace of mind.

Used Bikes Can be a Great Option

Keep in mind that while it may be nice to buy a brand new bike right off the assembly line, there is also nothing wrong with looking at used motorcycles. This can be a more budget-friendly approach. If you are planning to purchase a pre-owned bike however be sure you look closely for any signs of it being in a crash or having any damage to it, how well it was looked after and maintained, and that it’s not leaking any fluids.

A Purchase You Feel Confident In

Each of these tips will allow you to make a purchase that not only ticks off all boxes of things you want, but you’ll also know you’re making a sound and wise decision. It should also be noted that you’ll want to spend a little time researching motorcycle insurance providers before a making a purchase that fits your individual motorbiking needs. You can use Insuranks to get a variety of quotes quickly, and easily find out more about each provider.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle racing boosted at two tracks

Leave a comment

Motorcycle racing has received a major boost at two Aussie tracks with a big cash injection into a second circuit at Bathurst and the reopening of Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway to motorbikes.

Bathurst tracks

Bathurst Regional Council has received an extra $2.5 million in funding from the Federal Government for its proposed second circuit at Mount Panorama.

The Feds have now funded $12.5 million toward the $52 million FIM/FIA accredited “Velocity Park precinct” which would be suitable for MotoGP and World Superbike racing.

bathurst mt panorama circuit tracks
Bathurst second circuit design

The 668-hectare Velocity Park to the east of Conrod Straight will have capacity for up to 50,000 spectators.

It will also feature accommodation and hospitality facilities.

Bikes raced at Bathurst from the 1940s to the 1980s and it even hosted several pre-world-title Australian GPs.

Forrest’s Elbow is named after motorcycle racer Jack Forrest who scraped his elbow away after laying down his bike on the corner.

Racing at Mt Panorama tracks
Motorcycle racing at Mt Panorama

Hell Corner is named after a tree stump at the apex where it was believed motorcyclists who misjudged the corner would die.

In the 1980s, the Easter Races were marred by riots until council imposed an alcohol ban.

Motorcycle racing at Bathurst finished in the late ’80s.

Since then, concrete safety barriers for car racing have made the existing circuit unsafe for motorcycle racing.

Barbagallo Raceway

Barbagallo Raceway Barnsiesphotos tracks
Barbagallo Raceway (Image: Barnsiesphotos)

Motorcycle racing has returned to Perth with the Barbagallo track now re-licensed for competitive racing after significant safety upgrades.

The Wanneroo track last weekend hosted the first round of motorcycle racing for more than two years.

Motorcycle racing was suspended at the venue in November 2016 over safety concerns, after several fatal accidents and the publication of a safety audit which highlighted risks. 

Since 2017, the WA Sporting Car Club, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling Western Australia have worked to formulate track realignment and resurfacing upgrades to improve track safety.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com