Tag Archives: Motorbike news

Solid-State Battery Tech Next on List for BMW Investments

A battery tech, Colorado-based company, called Solid Power has drawn the attention of BMW, and the brainchild of the partnership is a battery that brags more juice, less weight, and comes with a safer tag.

The solid-state battery has created hype for a reason. It’s a battery that replaces the liquid electrolyte found in a normal lithium-ion cell with a solid material, promising much greater capacity than the graphite anodes used in normal lithium-ion batteries.

working handling materials connected to patented solid-state battery

A report from CycleWorld states that BMW invested in the company intending to introduce solid-state batteries to the EV Industry as soon as 2025, with production beginning in the next year. 

What’s exciting is that this marks the second of rounds of investments that Solid Power has been able to acquire, with other companies such as Ford Motor Company and Volta Energy Technologies joining BMW to pool a cool $130 million into the eventual goal of creating production-ready batteries by the end of the next decade. 

visual representation of solid-state battery, currently owned by Solid Power Technologies

Harley-Davidson LiveWire

The deadlines are real, and they are coming up quickly. BMW states that they will have a solid-state battery vehicle to demonstrate ‘well before 2025’, and Solid Power has released that they will likely have a production line for the batteries by early next year, thanks to the generous funding.

Frank Weber, a member of the board of management BMW AG, says, “ “The development of all solid-state batteries is one of the most promising and important steps toward more efficient, sustainable, and safer electric vehicles. We now have taken our next step on this path with Solid Power.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Fast-charging battery ideal for motorbikes

Range is a big issue for electric motorcycles, but an even bigger hurdle is slow charging rates.

Many modern motorcycles have small tanks to keep the weight down, so they have limited range. But at least you can fuel up in minutes. Electric motorcycle can take hours to recharge on mains power.

However, Australian company Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) may have overcome that hurdle.

They have made prototype batteries that will charge up to 10 times faster than a lithium-ion battery which is the standard among electric vehicles.

The results of recent testing at the University of Queensland confirms the company’s claims of fast charging times.

As the name suggests, Graphene Manufacturing Group uses graphene or a carbon material which is formed in a lattice or honeycomb design for its batteries.

Currently full-size electric road motorcycles such as the Energica models and Harley-Davidson LiveWire take about 11 hours to fully charge with range of about 250km in the city and 150km on the open road.Harley-Davidson LiveWire

A GMG graphene battery could potentially take a little more than an hour to fully recharge.

Quick-charging could bring that down to a matter of minutes or the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, although it would create quite a drain on the electrical grid.

So far, GMG has only produced coin-cell prototype batteries, which could be grouped together to make larger batteries suitable for powering electric vehicles.

Apart from fast charging rates, GMG claims several other advantages that makes them suitable for electric motorcycles:

  • They don’t overheat when charging, a matter that led to a fire when MotoE Energica motorcycles were being charged in 2019;
    electric garage fire energica
    Fast charger causes a fire in the Energica garage housing MotoE race bikes
  • they also don’t need cooling which means no need for a heavy and bulky radiator;
  • they last longer than lithium batteries with 2000 full charging cycles with no drop in storage capacity; and
  • they are easier to recycle and don’t use any lithium which mainly comes from China. 

However, on the negative side, graphene costs about US$100 per gram, so they could be quite expensive.

More importantly graphene batteries have only 60% of the energy density of a lithium-ion battery.

Satoshi Uchida in front of Suzuki Motorcycles logo

That means manufacturers would have to install much heavier batteries to claim the same range.

And that’s a big drawback as electric motorcycles are already quite heavy – Energica weighs about 260kg and a LiveWire is about 250kg.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Distinguished Triumph up for grabs

Last updated:

A one-off Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS is the big price for the top fundraiser this year in The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) to celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary.

Ride founder Mark Hawwa of Sydney says the one-of-one motorcycle designed in collaboration with Triumph Motorcycles is “an exciting way to honour” the 10th anniversary.

Triumph has been the major sponsor of the DGR for the last eight years.

Since 2012, the event has connected hundreds-of-thousands of classic and vintage style motorcyclists from more than 100 countries and raised $US27.45m for men’s health. 

The unique Thruxton was designed, painted, and customised in Triumph’s UK paint shop.Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS

It will be the first prize in the “Gentlefolk Competition”.

To gain entry to the competition, fundraisers need to follow these four steps to unlock four “badges”:

  1. Complete their Profile;
  2. Donate to their own Profile;
  3. Complete a Random Donation; and
  4. Raise a minimum of $US250 (about $A320).

All entrants will receive a 2021 DGR Commemorative Prize Patch and a single entry into the competition to win the DGR Thruxton RS. 

Prize winners will be drawn by the DGR when fundraising closes on 6 June, 2021.

Mark describes the DGR Triumph Thruxton RS as “a piece of DGR memorabilia that brilliantly represents the committed efforts of our dedicated gentlefolk around the world”.Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS

Honda CRF450R Motorcycle MY2021

Other fund-raising incentive prices are:

  • Three other new Triumph motorcycles;
  • Custom top-50 fundraiser Hedon helmets with a 10th year anniversary design;
  • Up 10 Hedonist helmets custom-painted by 10 renowned artists and auctioned off during the campaign;
  • Belstaff classic motorcycle outfits for top fundraiser and sprint prizes for event fundraisers; and
  • ELF lubricants prizes. 

There is still time to register for the 2021 DGR. Just click here.

The ninth annual event went virtual in 2020 because of the pandemic, resulting in the number of participants and fundraising for the Movember Foundation being halved.

From this year the men’s health charity event is permanently moving to May from this year.

Organisers hope the shift to May for the northern hemisphere riding season will better suit riders and increase fund-raising opportunities.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda recall over chain issue on Aussie dirt bikes

The last thing you want when you are riding a bush trail is for the chain to come off the rear sprocket.

That is why Honda Australia has issued an official recall for their current model CRF450R dirt bike range.

The notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, blames the issue on a manufacturing fault.

It says the bike’s chain joining link may dislodge which can “cause the chain to detach from the rear sprocket”.

“If the drive chain detaches, the motorcycle may experience loss in vehicle control,” the notice says.

“This can increase the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to the rider and bystanders.”

Owners are asked to contact their nearest Honda motorcycle dealer and arrange for their motorcycle to be inspected and repaired free “at their earliest opportunity”.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ON RECALLS

Vintage Norton motorcycles owned by a group of Singapore enthusiasts

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

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

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

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

VINs of affected bikes

JH2PE07U0MK400005 JH2PE07U3MK400029 JH2PE07U5MK400601 JH2PE07U8MK400396
JH2PE07U0MK400019 JH2PE07U3MK400032 JH2PE07U5MK400615 JH2PE07U8MK400401
JH2PE07U0MK400022 JH2PE07U3MK400094 JH2PE07U5MK400629 JH2PE07U8MK400415
JH2PE07U0MK400098 JH2PE07U3MK400113 JH2PE07U5MK400632 JH2PE07U8MK400429
JH2PE07U0MK400103 JH2PE07U3MK400127 JH2PE07U6MK400011 JH2PE07U8MK400432
JH2PE07U0MK400117 JH2PE07U3MK400130 JH2PE07U6MK400025 JH2PE07U8MK400446
JH2PE07U0MK400120 JH2PE07U3MK400144 JH2PE07U6MK400106 JH2PE07U8MK400463
JH2PE07U0MK400134 JH2PE07U3MK400158 JH2PE07U6MK400123 JH2PE07U8MK400477
JH2PE07U0MK400148 JH2PE07U3MK400161 JH2PE07U6MK400137 JH2PE07U8MK400480
JH2PE07U0MK400151 JH2PE07U3MK400175 JH2PE07U6MK400140 JH2PE07U8MK400494
JH2PE07U0MK400165 JH2PE07U3MK400189 JH2PE07U6MK400154 JH2PE07U8MK400530
JH2PE07U0MK400179 JH2PE07U3MK400192 JH2PE07U6MK400168 JH2PE07U8MK400544
JH2PE07U0MK400182 JH2PE07U3MK400208 JH2PE07U6MK400171 JH2PE07U8MK400558
JH2PE07U0MK400196 JH2PE07U3MK400211 JH2PE07U6MK400185 JH2PE07U8MK400561
JH2PE07U0MK400201 JH2PE07U3MK400225 JH2PE07U6MK400199 JH2PE07U8MK400575
JH2PE07U0MK400215 JH2PE07U3MK400239 JH2PE07U6MK400204 JH2PE07U8MK400589
JH2PE07U0MK400229 JH2PE07U3MK400242 JH2PE07U6MK400218 JH2PE07U8MK400592
JH2PE07U0MK400232 JH2PE07U3MK400256 JH2PE07U6MK400235 JH2PE07U8MK400608
JH2PE07U0MK400246 JH2PE07U3MK400287 JH2PE07U6MK400249 JH2PE07U8MK400611
JH2PE07U0MK400263 JH2PE07U3MK400290 JH2PE07U6MK400252 JH2PE07U8MK400625
JH2PE07U0MK400277 JH2PE07U3MK400306 JH2PE07U6MK400266 JH2PE07U8MK400639
JH2PE07U0MK400313 JH2PE07U3MK400323 JH2PE07U6MK400283 JH2PE07U9MK400018
JH2PE07U0MK400327 JH2PE07U3MK400337 JH2PE07U6MK400297 JH2PE07U9MK400021
JH2PE07U0MK400330 JH2PE07U3MK400340 JH2PE07U6MK400302 JH2PE07U9MK400035
JH2PE07U0MK400344 JH2PE07U3MK400354 JH2PE07U6MK400316 JH2PE07U9MK400083
JH2PE07U0MK400358 JH2PE07U3MK400368 JH2PE07U6MK400333 JH2PE07U9MK400097
JH2PE07U0MK400361 JH2PE07U3MK400371 JH2PE07U6MK400347 JH2PE07U9MK400102
JH2PE07U0MK400375 JH2PE07U3MK400385 JH2PE07U6MK400350 JH2PE07U9MK400116
JH2PE07U0MK400389 JH2PE07U3MK400399 JH2PE07U6MK400364 JH2PE07U9MK400133
JH2PE07U0MK400392 JH2PE07U3MK400404 JH2PE07U6MK400378 JH2PE07U9MK400147
JH2PE07U0MK400408 JH2PE07U3MK400418 JH2PE07U6MK400381 JH2PE07U9MK400150
JH2PE07U0MK400411 JH2PE07U3MK400421 JH2PE07U6MK400395 JH2PE07U9MK400164
JH2PE07U0MK400425 JH2PE07U3MK400435 JH2PE07U6MK400400 JH2PE07U9MK400178
JH2PE07U0MK400439 JH2PE07U3MK400449 JH2PE07U6MK400414 JH2PE07U9MK400181
JH2PE07U0MK400442 JH2PE07U3MK400452 JH2PE07U6MK400428 JH2PE07U9MK400195
JH2PE07U0MK400456 JH2PE07U3MK400466 JH2PE07U6MK400431 JH2PE07U9MK400200
JH2PE07U0MK400473 JH2PE07U3MK400483 JH2PE07U6MK400445 JH2PE07U9MK400214
JH2PE07U0MK400487 JH2PE07U3MK400497 JH2PE07U6MK400459 JH2PE07U9MK400228
JH2PE07U0MK400490 JH2PE07U3MK400502 JH2PE07U6MK400462 JH2PE07U9MK400231
JH2PE07U0MK400523 JH2PE07U3MK400516 JH2PE07U6MK400476 JH2PE07U9MK400245
JH2PE07U0MK400537 JH2PE07U3MK400547 JH2PE07U6MK400493 JH2PE07U9MK400259
JH2PE07U0MK400540 JH2PE07U3MK400550 JH2PE07U6MK400543 JH2PE07U9MK400262
JH2PE07U0MK400554 JH2PE07U3MK400564 JH2PE07U6MK400557 JH2PE07U9MK400276
JH2PE07U0MK400568 JH2PE07U3MK400578 JH2PE07U6MK400560 JH2PE07U9MK400293
JH2PE07U0MK400571 JH2PE07U3MK400581 JH2PE07U6MK400574 JH2PE07U9MK400309
JH2PE07U0MK400585 JH2PE07U3MK400595 JH2PE07U6MK400588 JH2PE07U9MK400312
JH2PE07U0MK400599 JH2PE07U3MK400600 JH2PE07U6MK400591 JH2PE07U9MK400326
JH2PE07U0MK400604 JH2PE07U3MK400614 JH2PE07U6MK400607 JH2PE07U9MK400343
JH2PE07U0MK400618 JH2PE07U3MK400628 JH2PE07U6MK400610 JH2PE07U9MK400357
JH2PE07U0MK400621 JH2PE07U3MK400631 JH2PE07U6MK400624 JH2PE07U9MK400360
JH2PE07U0MK400635 JH2PE07U4MK400007 JH2PE07U6MK400638 JH2PE07U9MK400374
JH2PE07U1MK400028 JH2PE07U4MK400010 JH2PE07U6MK400641 JH2PE07U9MK400388
JH2PE07U1MK400031 JH2PE07U4MK400024 JH2PE07U7MK400017 JH2PE07U9MK400391
JH2PE07U1MK400093 JH2PE07U4MK400038 JH2PE07U7MK400020 JH2PE07U9MK400407
JH2PE07U1MK400109 JH2PE07U4MK400105 JH2PE07U7MK400034 JH2PE07U9MK400410
JH2PE07U1MK400112 JH2PE07U4MK400119 JH2PE07U7MK400096 JH2PE07U9MK400424
JH2PE07U1MK400126 JH2PE07U4MK400122 JH2PE07U7MK400101 JH2PE07U9MK400438
JH2PE07U1MK400143 JH2PE07U4MK400136 JH2PE07U7MK400115 JH2PE07U9MK400441
JH2PE07U1MK400157 JH2PE07U4MK400153 JH2PE07U7MK400129 JH2PE07U9MK400455
JH2PE07U1MK400160 JH2PE07U4MK400167 JH2PE07U7MK400132 JH2PE07U9MK400469
JH2PE07U1MK400188 JH2PE07U4MK400170 JH2PE07U7MK400146 JH2PE07U9MK400472
JH2PE07U1MK400191 JH2PE07U4MK400184 JH2PE07U7MK400163 JH2PE07U9MK400486
JH2PE07U1MK400207 JH2PE07U4MK400198 JH2PE07U7MK400177 JH2PE07U9MK400522
JH2PE07U1MK400210 JH2PE07U4MK400203 JH2PE07U7MK400180 JH2PE07U9MK400536
JH2PE07U1MK400224 JH2PE07U4MK400234 JH2PE07U7MK400194 JH2PE07U9MK400553
JH2PE07U1MK400238 JH2PE07U4MK400248 JH2PE07U7MK400213 JH2PE07U9MK400567
JH2PE07U1MK400241 JH2PE07U4MK400251 JH2PE07U7MK400230 JH2PE07U9MK400570
JH2PE07U1MK400255 JH2PE07U4MK400265 JH2PE07U7MK400244 JH2PE07U9MK400584
JH2PE07U1MK400269 JH2PE07U4MK400279 JH2PE07U7MK400258 JH2PE07U9MK400598
JH2PE07U1MK400272 JH2PE07U4MK400282 JH2PE07U7MK400261 JH2PE07U9MK400603
JH2PE07U1MK400286 JH2PE07U4MK400301 JH2PE07U7MK400275 JH2PE07U9MK400617
JH2PE07U1MK400305 JH2PE07U4MK400315 JH2PE07U7MK400289 JH2PE07U9MK400620
JH2PE07U1MK400319 JH2PE07U4MK400329 JH2PE07U7MK400292 JH2PE07U9MK400634
JH2PE07U1MK400322 JH2PE07U4MK400332 JH2PE07U7MK400308 JH2PE07UXMK400013
JH2PE07U1MK400336 JH2PE07U4MK400346 JH2PE07U7MK400311 JH2PE07UXMK400027
JH2PE07U1MK400353 JH2PE07U4MK400363 JH2PE07U7MK400325 JH2PE07UXMK400030
JH2PE07U1MK400367 JH2PE07U4MK400377 JH2PE07U7MK400339 JH2PE07UXMK400092
JH2PE07U1MK400370 JH2PE07U4MK400380 JH2PE07U7MK400342 JH2PE07UXMK400108
JH2PE07U1MK400384 JH2PE07U4MK400394 JH2PE07U7MK400356 JH2PE07UXMK400111
JH2PE07U1MK400398 JH2PE07U4MK400413 JH2PE07U7MK400373 JH2PE07UXMK400125
JH2PE07U1MK400403 JH2PE07U4MK400427 JH2PE07U7MK400387 JH2PE07UXMK400139
JH2PE07U1MK400417 JH2PE07U4MK400430 JH2PE07U7MK400390 JH2PE07UXMK400142
JH2PE07U1MK400420 JH2PE07U4MK400444 JH2PE07U7MK400406 JH2PE07UXMK400156
JH2PE07U1MK400434 JH2PE07U4MK400458 JH2PE07U7MK400423 JH2PE07UXMK400173
JH2PE07U1MK400448 JH2PE07U4MK400461 JH2PE07U7MK400437 JH2PE07UXMK400187
JH2PE07U1MK400451 JH2PE07U4MK400475 JH2PE07U7MK400440 JH2PE07UXMK400190
JH2PE07U1MK400465 JH2PE07U4MK400489 JH2PE07U7MK400454 JH2PE07UXMK400206
JH2PE07U1MK400479 JH2PE07U4MK400492 JH2PE07U7MK400468 JH2PE07UXMK400223
JH2PE07U1MK400482 JH2PE07U4MK400511 JH2PE07U7MK400471 JH2PE07UXMK400237
JH2PE07U1MK400496 JH2PE07U4MK400525 JH2PE07U7MK400485 JH2PE07UXMK400240
JH2PE07U1MK400501 JH2PE07U4MK400539 JH2PE07U7MK400499 JH2PE07UXMK400254
JH2PE07U1MK400546 JH2PE07U4MK400542 JH2PE07U7MK400504 JH2PE07UXMK400271
JH2PE07U1MK400563 JH2PE07U4MK400556 JH2PE07U7MK400518 JH2PE07UXMK400285
JH2PE07U1MK400577 JH2PE07U4MK400573 JH2PE07U7MK400521 JH2PE07UXMK400304
JH2PE07U1MK400580 JH2PE07U4MK400587 JH2PE07U7MK400535 JH2PE07UXMK400318
JH2PE07U1MK400594 JH2PE07U4MK400590 JH2PE07U7MK400549 JH2PE07UXMK400321
JH2PE07U1MK400613 JH2PE07U4MK400606 JH2PE07U7MK400552 JH2PE07UXMK400335
JH2PE07U1MK400627 JH2PE07U4MK400623 JH2PE07U7MK400566 JH2PE07UXMK400349
JH2PE07U1MK400630 JH2PE07U4MK400637 JH2PE07U7MK400583 JH2PE07UXMK400352
JH2PE07U2MK400023 JH2PE07U4MK400640 JH2PE07U7MK400597 JH2PE07UXMK400366
JH2PE07U2MK400040 JH2PE07U5MK400016 JH2PE07U7MK400602 JH2PE07UXMK400383
JH2PE07U2MK400099 JH2PE07U5MK400033 JH2PE07U7MK400616 JH2PE07UXMK400397
JH2PE07U2MK400104 JH2PE07U5MK400095 JH2PE07U7MK400633 JH2PE07UXMK400402
JH2PE07U2MK400118 JH2PE07U5MK400100 JH2PE07U8MK400012 JH2PE07UXMK400416
JH2PE07U2MK400121 JH2PE07U5MK400114 JH2PE07U8MK400026 JH2PE07UXMK400433
JH2PE07U2MK400135 JH2PE07U5MK400128 JH2PE07U8MK400091 JH2PE07UXMK400447
JH2PE07U2MK400149 JH2PE07U5MK400131 JH2PE07U8MK400107 JH2PE07UXMK400450
JH2PE07U2MK400152 JH2PE07U5MK400145 JH2PE07U8MK400110 JH2PE07UXMK400464
JH2PE07U2MK400166 JH2PE07U5MK400159 JH2PE07U8MK400124 JH2PE07UXMK400478
JH2PE07U2MK400183 JH2PE07U5MK400162 JH2PE07U8MK400138 JH2PE07UXMK400481
JH2PE07U2MK400197 JH2PE07U5MK400176 JH2PE07U8MK400141 JH2PE07UXMK400495
JH2PE07U2MK400202 JH2PE07U5MK400193 JH2PE07U8MK400155 JH2PE07UXMK400500
JH2PE07U2MK400216 JH2PE07U5MK400209 JH2PE07U8MK400169 JH2PE07UXMK400528
JH2PE07U2MK400233 JH2PE07U5MK400212 JH2PE07U8MK400172 JH2PE07UXMK400531
JH2PE07U2MK400250 JH2PE07U5MK400226 JH2PE07U8MK400186 JH2PE07UXMK400545
JH2PE07U2MK400264 JH2PE07U5MK400243 JH2PE07U8MK400219 JH2PE07UXMK400559
JH2PE07U2MK400278 JH2PE07U5MK400257 JH2PE07U8MK400222 JH2PE07UXMK400562
JH2PE07U2MK400281 JH2PE07U5MK400260 JH2PE07U8MK400236 JH2PE07UXMK400576
JH2PE07U2MK400295 JH2PE07U5MK400274 JH2PE07U8MK400253 JH2PE07UXMK400593
JH2PE07U2MK400300 JH2PE07U5MK400288 JH2PE07U8MK400267 JH2PE07UXMK400609
JH2PE07U2MK400314 JH2PE07U5MK400291 JH2PE07U8MK400284 JH2PE07UXMK400612
JH2PE07U2MK400328 JH2PE07U5MK400307 JH2PE07U8MK400298 JH2PE07UXMK400626
JH2PE07U2MK400331 JH2PE07U5MK400310 JH2PE07U8MK400317
JH2PE07U2MK400345 JH2PE07U5MK400324 JH2PE07U8MK400320
JH2PE07U2MK400359 JH2PE07U5MK400338 JH2PE07U8MK400334
JH2PE07U2MK400362 JH2PE07U5MK400341 JH2PE07U8MK400348
JH2PE07U2MK400376 JH2PE07U5MK400355 JH2PE07U8MK400351
JH2PE07U2MK400393 JH2PE07U5MK400369 JH2PE07U8MK400365
JH2PE07U2MK400409 JH2PE07U5MK400372 JH2PE07U8MK400379
JH2PE07U2MK400412 JH2PE07U5MK400386 JH2PE07U8MK400382
JH2PE07U2MK400426 JH2PE07U5MK400405
JH2PE07U2MK400443 JH2PE07U5MK400419
JH2PE07U2MK400457 JH2PE07U5MK400422
JH2PE07U2MK400460 JH2PE07U5MK400436
JH2PE07U2MK400474 JH2PE07U5MK400453
JH2PE07U2MK400488 JH2PE07U5MK400467
JH2PE07U2MK400491 JH2PE07U5MK400470
JH2PE07U2MK400524 JH2PE07U5MK400484
JH2PE07U2MK400538 JH2PE07U5MK400498
JH2PE07U2MK400541 JH2PE07U5MK400503
JH2PE07U2MK400555 JH2PE07U5MK400517
JH2PE07U2MK400569 JH2PE07U5MK400520
JH2PE07U2MK400572 JH2PE07U5MK400534
JH2PE07U2MK400586 JH2PE07U5MK400548
JH2PE07U2MK400605 JH2PE07U5MK400551
JH2PE07U2MK400619 JH2PE07U5MK400565
JH2PE07U2MK400622 JH2PE07U5MK400579
JH2PE07U2MK400636 JH2PE07U5MK400582
JH2PE07U3MK400015 JH2PE07U5MK400596

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Singapore Releases New Emissions Strictures for Older Motorcycle Models

Singapore has always been lauded as a country with strict bylaws. It’s illegal to spit or sell bubble gum in public, and you’d be facing a hefty fine with up to two years in jail if you decided to take the risk and got caught.  And now, in a recent report from MotoPinas, Singapore is cracking down on excess emissions – specifically older models produced on or before July 1, 2003. 

a street in Singapore with the sun behind a building

The increase in efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality is nothing new for Singapore, and it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motor limitations for the country. The new bylaws (taking effect as of April 6, 2023) are going to be passed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), who have said in a statement on their website that they expect all motorcycles not conforming to the new emissions regulations to comply, or be banned.

This leaves residents a scant two years from now to tighten the emission output of their retro engines or face further fines and potential jail time. For many residents, this demand is next to impossible without heavily affecting the state and ride performance of their bike. 

NEA has more to say about imported and foreign motorcycles, who will apparently not be exempt from the new bylaw.

“This is similar to current rules requiring foreign motorcycles to adhere to the same exhaust noise limit as local motorcycles, and not to emit any smoke or visible vapor,” says the agency. 

Old cars and motorcycles from a country in East Germany

Apparently, there is still a way to retain a bike produced before 2003 – but the application for the Classic Vehicle Scheme is still in the exploratory phase and a long way from completion. 

“For owners who wish to keep their older motorcycles as a classic vehicle, [the] NEA is exploring a temporary scheme which would allow local motorcycles that were first registered between Jul 2, 1993, and Jun 30, 2003, to be retained after Jun 30, 2028, until such time when they are eligible for the Classic Vehicle Scheme,” NEA says.

To qualify for this benefit, residents and owners have to prove that their bike is at least 35 years or older from the original vehicle registration, and won’t come without its own list of restrictions. 

Bottom line, emission levels for Singapore are set to reach an all-time low soon – but expect a weighty eye on your every move if you’re sporting a bike that’s got a few extra years under its fairings.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Recall: Suzuki GSX250F headlight fault

Engine vibration on the Suzuki GSX250F could cause the bulb in the headlight to blow out, prompting Suzuki Australia to issue a safety recall.

The official notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the issue affects 359 2018 Suzuki GSX250F motorcycles.

“The headlamp bulb thread may vibrate during certain engine speeds and may cause a headlamp to blow,” the notice says.

A blown headlamp will reduce visibility of the road for the rider and other road users, increasing the risk of injury or death to the rider and/or other road users.

Owners will be contacted by Suzuki Australia in writing to contact their nearest authorised Suzuki dealer service department to arrange inspection and free repair.

Visit http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/dealers to find the nearest authorised Suzuki dealership.

VINs or Vehicle Identification Numbers of affected bikes are included at the end of this article.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ON RECALLS

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

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

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

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

VINs of affected bikes

LC6DN12AZ01100008 LC6DN12AZ01100110 LC6DN12AZ01100237 LC6DN12AZ01100397
LC6DN12AZ01100009 LC6DN12AZ01100111 LC6DN12AZ01100238 LC6DN12AZ01100398
LC6DN12AZ01100010 LC6DN12AZ01100112 LC6DN12AZ01100239 LC6DN12AZ01100399
LC6DN12AZ01100011 LC6DN12AZ01100113 LC6DN12AZ01100240 LC6DN12AZ01100400
LC6DN12AZ01100012 LC6DN12AZ01100114 LC6DN12AZ01100241 LC6DN12AZ01100402
LC6DN12AZ01100013 LC6DN12AZ01100115 LC6DN12AZ01100243 LC6DN12AZ01100403
LC6DN12AZ01100014 LC6DN12AZ01100116 LC6DN12AZ01100244 LC6DN12AZ01100404
LC6DN12AZ01100017 LC6DN12AZ01100117 LC6DN12AZ01100245 LC6DN12AZ01100405
LC6DN12AZ01100018 LC6DN12AZ01100118 LC6DN12AZ01100247 LC6DN12AZ01100406
LC6DN12AZ01100019 LC6DN12AZ01100120 LC6DN12AZ01100248 LC6DN12AZ01100407
LC6DN12AZ01100020 LC6DN12AZ01100121 LC6DN12AZ01100249 LC6DN12AZ01100408
LC6DN12AZ01100021 LC6DN12AZ01100122 LC6DN12AZ01100250 LC6DN12AZ01100409
LC6DN12AZ01100022 LC6DN12AZ01100123 LC6DN12AZ01100252 LC6DN12AZ01100410
LC6DN12AZ01100023 LC6DN12AZ01100124 LC6DN12AZ01100253 LC6DN12AZ01100411
LC6DN12AZ01100024 LC6DN12AZ01100126 LC6DN12AZ01100255 LC6DN12AZ01100412
LC6DN12AZ01100025 LC6DN12AZ01100130 LC6DN12AZ01100257 LC6DN12AZ01100413
LC6DN12AZ01100026 LC6DN12AZ01100131 LC6DN12AZ01100258 LC6DN12AZ01100414
LC6DN12AZ01100027 LC6DN12AZ01100132 LC6DN12AZ01100259 LC6DN12AZ01100415
LC6DN12AZ01100028 LC6DN12AZ01100134 LC6DN12AZ01100260 LC6DN12AZ01100416
LC6DN12AZ01100029 LC6DN12AZ01100135 LC6DN12AZ01100262 LC6DN12AZ01100417
LC6DN12AZ01100030 LC6DN12AZ01100136 LC6DN12AZ01100264 LC6DN12AZ01100418
LC6DN12AZ01100031 LC6DN12AZ01100137 LC6DN12AZ01100265 LC6DN12AZ01100419
LC6DN12AZ01100032 LC6DN12AZ01100138 LC6DN12AZ01100266 LC6DN12AZ01100420
LC6DN12AZ01100033 LC6DN12AZ01100139 LC6DN12AZ01100269 LC6DN12AZ01100421
LC6DN12AZ01100034 LC6DN12AZ01100140 LC6DN12AZ01100270 LC6DN12AZ01100422
LC6DN12AZ01100035 LC6DN12AZ01100142 LC6DN12AZ01100271 LC6DN12AZ01100423
LC6DN12AZ01100036 LC6DN12AZ01100143 LC6DN12AZ01100272 LC6DN12AZ01100424
LC6DN12AZ01100037 LC6DN12AZ01100144 LC6DN12AZ01100274 LC6DN12AZ01100425
LC6DN12AZ01100038 LC6DN12AZ01100145 LC6DN12AZ01100275 LC6DN12AZ01100426
LC6DN12AZ01100039 LC6DN12AZ01100146 LC6DN12AZ01100276 LC6DN12AZ01100427
LC6DN12AZ01100040 LC6DN12AZ01100147 LC6DN12AZ01100278 LC6DN12AZ01100428
LC6DN12AZ01100043 LC6DN12AZ01100148 LC6DN12AZ01100283 LC6DN12AZ01100429
LC6DN12AZ01100044 LC6DN12AZ01100149 LC6DN12AZ01100288 LC6DN12AZ01100430
LC6DN12AZ01100046 LC6DN12AZ01100150 LC6DN12AZ01100289 LC6DN12AZ01100431
LC6DN12AZ01100047 LC6DN12AZ01100151 LC6DN12AZ01100290 LC6DN12AZ01100432
LC6DN12AZ01100048 LC6DN12AZ01100152 LC6DN12AZ01100292 LC6DN12AZ01100433
LC6DN12AZ01100049 LC6DN12AZ01100153 LC6DN12AZ01100293 LC6DN12AZ01100434
LC6DN12AZ01100050 LC6DN12AZ01100154 LC6DN12AZ01100295 LC6DN12AZ01100435
LC6DN12AZ01100051 LC6DN12AZ01100156 LC6DN12AZ01100296 LC6DN12AZ01100436
LC6DN12AZ01100052 LC6DN12AZ01100158 LC6DN12AZ01100297 LC6DN12AZ01100437
LC6DN12AZ01100053 LC6DN12AZ01100159 LC6DN12AZ01100299 LC6DN12AZ01100438
LC6DN12AZ01100054 LC6DN12AZ01100160 LC6DN12AZ01100300 LC6DN12AZ01100439
LC6DN12AZ01100055 LC6DN12AZ01100163 LC6DN12AZ01100303 LC6DN12AZ01100440
LC6DN12AZ01100056 LC6DN12AZ01100164 LC6DN12AZ01100306 LC6DN12AZ01100441
LC6DN12AZ01100057 LC6DN12AZ01100166 LC6DN12AZ01100307 LC6DN12AZ01100442
LC6DN12AZ01100058 LC6DN12AZ01100168 LC6DN12AZ01100308 LC6DN12AZ01100443
LC6DN12AZ01100059 LC6DN12AZ01100170 LC6DN12AZ01100319 LC6DN12AZ01100444
LC6DN12AZ01100061 LC6DN12AZ01100171 LC6DN12AZ01100322 LC6DN12AZ01100445
LC6DN12AZ01100062 LC6DN12AZ01100172 LC6DN12AZ01100323 LC6DN12AZ01100446
LC6DN12AZ01100063 LC6DN12AZ01100173 LC6DN12AZ01100345 LC6DN12AZ01100447
LC6DN12AZ01100064 LC6DN12AZ01100174 LC6DN12AZ01100350 LC6DN12AZ01100448
LC6DN12AZ01100065 LC6DN12AZ01100175 LC6DN12AZ01100351 LC6DN12AZ01100449
LC6DN12AZ01100066 LC6DN12AZ01100177 LC6DN12AZ01100353 LC6DN12AZ01100450
LC6DN12AZ01100067 LC6DN12AZ01100179 LC6DN12AZ01100354 LC6DN12AZ01100451
LC6DN12AZ01100068 LC6DN12AZ01100182 LC6DN12AZ01100357 LC6DN12AZ01100452
LC6DN12AZ01100069 LC6DN12AZ01100183 LC6DN12AZ01100358 LC6DN12AZ01100453
LC6DN12AZ01100072 LC6DN12AZ01100185 LC6DN12AZ01100359 LC6DN12AZ01100454
LC6DN12AZ01100073 LC6DN12AZ01100186 LC6DN12AZ01100360 LC6DN12AZ01100455
LC6DN12AZ01100074 LC6DN12AZ01100187 LC6DN12AZ01100361 LC6DN12AZ01100456
LC6DN12AZ01100075 LC6DN12AZ01100188 LC6DN12AZ01100362 LC6DN12AZ01100457
LC6DN12AZ01100076 LC6DN12AZ01100189 LC6DN12AZ01100363 LC6DN12AZ01100458
LC6DN12AZ01100078 LC6DN12AZ01100190 LC6DN12AZ01100364 LC6DN12AZ01100459
LC6DN12AZ01100079 LC6DN12AZ01100191 LC6DN12AZ01100365 LC6DN12AZ01100460
LC6DN12AZ01100082 LC6DN12AZ01100193 LC6DN12AZ01100366 LC6DN12AZ01100461
LC6DN12AZ01100083 LC6DN12AZ01100195 LC6DN12AZ01100367 LC6DN12AZ01100462
LC6DN12AZ01100084 LC6DN12AZ01100197 LC6DN12AZ01100368 LC6DN12AZ01100463
LC6DN12AZ01100085 LC6DN12AZ01100198 LC6DN12AZ01100369 LC6DN12AZ01100464
LC6DN12AZ01100086 LC6DN12AZ01100199 LC6DN12AZ01100370 LC6DN12AZ01100465
LC6DN12AZ01100087 LC6DN12AZ01100200 LC6DN12AZ01100372 LC6DN12AZ01100466
LC6DN12AZ01100088 LC6DN12AZ01100203 LC6DN12AZ01100373 LC6DN12AZ01100467
LC6DN12AZ01100089 LC6DN12AZ01100211 LC6DN12AZ01100374 LC6DN12AZ01100468
LC6DN12AZ01100090 LC6DN12AZ01100212 LC6DN12AZ01100375 LC6DN12AZ01100469
LC6DN12AZ01100091 LC6DN12AZ01100214 LC6DN12AZ01100376 LC6DN12AZ01100470
LC6DN12AZ01100092 LC6DN12AZ01100215 LC6DN12AZ01100377 LC6DN12AZ01100471
LC6DN12AZ01100093 LC6DN12AZ01100216 LC6DN12AZ01100378 LC6DN12AZ01100472
LC6DN12AZ01100094 LC6DN12AZ01100217 LC6DN12AZ01100379 LC6DN12AZ01100473
LC6DN12AZ01100095 LC6DN12AZ01100219 LC6DN12AZ01100380 LC6DN12AZ01100474
LC6DN12AZ01100096 LC6DN12AZ01100220 LC6DN12AZ01100381 LC6DN12AZ01100475
LC6DN12AZ01100098 LC6DN12AZ01100221 LC6DN12AZ01100382 LC6DN12AZ01100476
LC6DN12AZ01100099 LC6DN12AZ01100222 LC6DN12AZ01100383 LC6DN12AZ01100477
LC6DN12AZ01100100 LC6DN12AZ01100224 LC6DN12AZ01100384 LC6DN12AZ01100478
LC6DN12AZ01100101 LC6DN12AZ01100225 LC6DN12AZ01100386 LC6DN12AZ01100479
LC6DN12AZ01100102 LC6DN12AZ01100227 LC6DN12AZ01100387 LC6DN12AZ01100480
LC6DN12AZ01100103 LC6DN12AZ01100230 LC6DN12AZ01100389 LC6DN12AZ01100481
LC6DN12AZ01100104 LC6DN12AZ01100231 LC6DN12AZ01100390 LC6DN12AZ01100482
LC6DN12AZ01100105 LC6DN12AZ01100232 LC6DN12AZ01100391 LC6DN12AZ01100483
LC6DN12AZ01100106 LC6DN12AZ01100233 LC6DN12AZ01100393 LC6DN12AZ01100484
LC6DN12AZ01100107 LC6DN12AZ01100234 LC6DN12AZ01100394 LC6DN12AZ01100485
LC6DN12AZ01100108 LC6DN12AZ01100235 LC6DN12AZ01100395
LC6DN12AZ01100109 LC6DN12AZ01100236 LC6DN12AZ01100396

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Cyclist passing rule a danger to motorcyclists

A rule allowing drivers to cross solid white lines to overtake cyclists has now been extended to Victoria, making it a blanket rule across all Australian states.

Back in 2016, crash victim Maritha Keyser and rider groups said the implementation of the rule was putting the lives of motorcyclists in danger.

Maritha vainly launched a petition against the rule. The petition is now closed with 2340 signatures.

In 2015, Maritha was involved in an accident when a vehicle legally crossed a double white line to pass a slow-moving cyclist and give them the required 1m buffer (or 1.5m in over 60km/h zones).

Maritha Keyser Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists
Crash scene on double white lines

Cyclist passing rule

The laws actually state that you can only cross or straddle a solid white line or painted island “if it is safe to do so”.

However, the very fact that it is allowable creates the wrong impression for drivers.

Motorists already can’t see riders, don’t want to see us or simply ignore us as no real threat to them.

They wouldn’t cross a solid line if another car was coming, but they seem willing to do so for motorcycles.

Here is a video example of a close call as a rider nearly runs head-on into a van that is over the white line on a corner because of a cyclist on the side of the road.

While Maritha’s accident was not a head-on with the overtaking vehicle, its presence on the wrong side of the road led to a chain of events that caused the crash that left her with permanent disabilities.

Motorcycle paramedics

Maritha had the support of Australian Motorcycle Council, the Victorian Motorcycle Council, BMW Clubs Australia and others.

Legislating to protect one vulnerable road user that heightens the risk of another vulnerable road user is simply wrong, they all said.

Now, the Motorcycle Rides Association of Australia has chimed in wth the introduction of the laws in Victoria.

“This is a very dangerous law on roads like the GOR, the Black & Reefton Spurs, the St Andrews / Kinglake Road and many others,” says spokesman Damien Codognotto.

“In my opinion the police crash reports on head-on and rear-end crashes will not mention bicycles in most cases so the data will be distorted in favour of the new law being effective. That is what happens with road barrier crashes. There is no oversight or control to ensure crash data is reliable.

“Double white lines are there because it is dangerous to go on the wrong side of the road where the lines are painted. On many 80 and 100 kph roads crossing double white lines creates an extremely dangerous situation. I’ve heard of at least one head-on in Queensland in these situations.
“Then there’s the danger of coming on slow moving bicyclists and braking to slow to their speed. The car/truck behind does not brake in time and hits the back of you.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

COVID-19 Forces Organizers to Cancel 2021 Tokyo Motor Show

The Tokyo Motor Show has showcased the latest and greatest innovations in the automotive and power sports industries since 1954. The show takes place every two years and since being held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center in 2019, this year’s event was scheduled to take place in October 2021. Due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show has been canceled according to the Japanese Car Manufacturers (JMA).

The Japanese government has plans to declare its third state of emergency in the regions of Tokyo and Osaka. The 2019 Motor Show drew approximately 1.3 million people and hosting the event this year could put visitors at risk for infection. Akyo Toyoda, Head of the JMA was quick to cancel the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show via a virtual press conference.

Toyoda stated “We have concluded that it will be difficult to offer our main programs where many visitors get to experience attractive features of mobility in a safe environment,” 

“The Tokyo auto show showcases motorbikes, minicars, large vehicles, passenger cars, as well as mobility vehicles of other industries. As such, we would like to prioritize having visitors experience these vehicles in the real world, and we would rather hold the event in the real world, not virtually. So, we have decided to cancel the event.”

The cancellation of the 2021 event comes as no surprise as we move into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the news is unfortunate for everyone involved in addition to anyone who awaited the event, Toyoda has plans for the future. 

Motorcycle paramedics

“The next time, we would like to hold an improved event to be called Tokyo Mobility Show,” added Toyoda. “We would like to ask for your continued support.”

Information on the Tokyo Mobility Show hasn’t been released yet, but we look forward to bringing the info forward once it’s available.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Black Dog Ride seeks board members

The Black Dog Ride Australia (BDRA) organisation which raises awareness and funds for mental health issues this year installed a new leader and now needs three new board members.

West Australian automotive marketer Lawson Dixon took over in February as general manager of the Perth-based organisation which hosts annual rides to raise awareness of mental health issues.

BDR boss Lawson DixonBDR boss Lawson Dixon
BDR boss Lawson Dixon

BDRA was started by Steve Andrews after his solo ride around Australia in 2009. His shock retirement in 2017 was followed by a series of changes in leadership, board membership and administrative staff that the organisation admitted in 2019 had left them “in a state of flux”.

Now the organisation is seeking to fill its board wth professionals who are “genuinely committed to raise the awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention”.

In a press statement, the BDR says they are “committed to diversity in the make-up of the board as well as the role that diversity plays in driving high performing and sustainable organisations.

If you are interested, the board needs candidates with skills in risk and safety management; PR, marketing and media; or sponsorship and fundraising.

Skills and experience in sponsorship and fundraising will also be highly regarded.

Board members should be aware that they may be financially and legally liable for board decisions.Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer charity ride register agenda

To apply, send a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria listed below and a copy of your resume no longer than three pages. 

Applications must be received by email to [email protected] before 4pm on Friday 30 April 2021.

Maritha Keyser Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists

Board Criteria

General requirements:

  • Knowledge of corporate governance and board processes;
  • An understanding of the NFP environment and working with volunteers;
  • A willingness to join and/or lead board committees;
  • An ability to constructively engage and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders;
  • Excellent communication skills and strategic thinking;
  • A strong corporate ethics foundation;
  • Sound judgement, influencing, negotiating and decision-making skills;
  • A strong sense of connection with the mission of the organisation;
  • A collegiate and inclusive style; and
  • An individual who will invest time with the organisation and key staff. It is important that they have the commitment and capacity to strongly participate in and contribute to the board and the organisation’s next stage of development, as well as alignment with its culture.

Essential skills required in one or all the following areas:

  • Risk and safety management planning and implementation; or
  • Organisational PR and marketing; or
  • Sponsorship and fundraising.

Highly desirable:

  • Previous experience as a non-executive director;
  • GAICD qualifications or similar.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Psychs on Bikes Delivers Mental Health Support Across Australia

Below is a press release from Psychs on Bikes, a group of mental health professionals who raise awareness in rural and remote communities. These professionals also have a passion for motorcycles and have been able to combine their passion for motorcycles with their profession of helping people while travelling to remote areas in Australia.

The outback may be a strange place to see a cavalcade of leather-clad, motorcycle-riding mental health professionals, but there’s nothing ordinary about Psychs on Bikes. It’s a group of mental health professionals who hit the road on motorbike rides aimed at improving awareness about mental health in rural and remote communities across Australia.

In May, psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses ditch the couch, for their motorcycles. Leaving Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane they will ride over 16,000 km around Australia over six weeks.

The trip will visit cattle stations in central Queensland and the Northern Territory where the psychs will engage with hundreds of staff in conversations about their emotional wellbeing.

Founder and Sydney psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Dunn highlights “Unfortunately depression and suicide rates are much higher in rural areas than urban ones. Our motorcycles are great conversation starters because people can be quite apprehensive about talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist”.
As well as speaking about mental health, the group offers free health checks to target what he calls the four silent killers: hypertension, diabetes, depression, and alcohol.

Tokyo Motor Show Yamaha Display

Bernadette Burke, from the Consolidated Pastoral Company, emphasizes the real need for mental health support in rural and remote regions “The isolation of a cattle station can compound mental health issues. Having Psychs on Bikes visit starts a conversation that our staff may not otherwise have”.
Psychs on Bikes would like to acknowledge and thank its foundation sponsor Ramsay Health Care.

For further information visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com