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Australia Recalls Harley Electric Bike

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Harley-Davidson Australia has now recalled its LiveWire electric motorcycle for switching off while running, more than a fortnight after it was recalled in the USA.

Company spokesman Keith Waddell says there have been “no instances in Australia” of the fault occurring.

The issue affects 41 LiveWire motorcycles sold in Australia since it was launched a couple of months ago. The Vehicle Identification Numbers of all bikes affected are listed at the end of this article.

The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns that the bike may switch off while running, causing a crash.

“The software in the On-Board Charging (OBC) System on affected motorcycles may initiate a shutdown of the electric vehicle powertrain, without providing reasonable indication to the rider that a shutdown sequence has been initiated,” the notice says.

In some cases, the vehicle may not be able to be restarted or, if restarted, may shortly thereafter shut down again. In some cases, indicator lamps may be illuminated on the instrumentation prior to loss of propulsion.

“These indicator lamps include: The Traction Control (TC) lamp, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) lamp, and the Failure Indicator Lamp (FIL).

“Unexpected loss of propulsion of the vehicle while in motion without the ability to restart or remain restarted may increase the risk of a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury or death of the rider(s) or other road users.”

Owners are urged to contact their Harley-Davidson dealer “immediately to arrange a service”.

“The dealer will install new updated On-Board Charging (OBC) System software to rectify the issue, at no cost to the consumer,” the notice says.

The recall is Harley’s first in Australia for 2020.

toy run

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:
VIN NUMBER                                        
5HD2XAED1LB802112
5HD2XAED1LB802157
5HD2XAED2LB802104
5HD2XAED2LB802135
5HD2XAED3LB802175
5HD2XAED4LB802105
5HD2XAED4LB802122
5HD2XAED4LB802167
5HD2XAED4LB802234
5HD2XAED6LB802154
5HD2XAED6LB802235
5HD2XAED7LB802163
5HD2XAED8LB802222
5HD2XAED8LB802236
5HD2XAED9LB802181
5HD2XAED9LB802231
5HD2XAEDXLB802108
5HD2XAED0LB802103
5HD2XAED1LB802109
5HD2XAED1LB802126
5HD2XAED1LB802174
5HD2XAED2LB802183
5HD2XAED4LB802203
5HD2XAED6LB802137
5HD2XAED7LB802146
5HD2XAED8LB802172
5HD2XAED9LB802097
5HD2XAED9LB802102
5HD2XAED3LB802127
5HD2XAED4LB802136
5HD2XAED2LB802118
5HD2XAEDXLB802125
5HD2XAED0LB802117
5HD2XAED7LB802129
5HD2XAED7LB802132
5HD2XAED8LB802141
5HD2XAED8LB802124
5HD2XAED6LB802140
5HD2XAED4LB802119
5HD2XAED5LB802128
5HD2XAED0LB802120

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Facelifted 2021 ZX-10R Spotted In Australia

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H2 Inspired ZX Bikes On the Way

The ZX-10R has gone quite some time without much of a visual update beyond a few small tweaks here and there. With the H2 bringing entirely new design language to the Kawaski lineup, it was only a matter of time before they started introducing some of the fast-looking elements to their full-fairing street bike lineup.

Kawasaki announced they would unveil a total of six completely redesigned bikes on the 23rd of November, and it appears at first glance as though the ZX would be omitted from the release, once again. With Euro5 complications throwing a wrench into pretty much every major OEM’s plans it’s safe to assume the ZX should see an overhaul sooner than later though

Luckily for our green-blooded readers, it appears as though two updated models were spotted in Austrailia with photos to back it up. As I mentioned previously, the front end has been very obviously redesigned after the highly successful H2; but why shouldnt it be? The H2 has been been a complete game-changer for Kawasakis branding and it only makes sense for them to sprinke some of that ‘success spice’ over their lineup of sub $30,000 literbikes as well.

The H2 has a single headlamp in the front end, while these updated 10’s appear to feature two headlights worked into the front end – which in my opinion looks much better than the H2’s single light.

Voxan Motors

The tank and fairings appear to also get an update, so it’s nice to see Kawasaki putting a little more effort into the bike than a mere front-end facelift..

Kawasaki has aimed their new product launch for the 23rd of this month, so it’s safe to assume we’ll get more details then.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

VIDEO: Can Fuel Stabilizer Kill Your Motorcycle?

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To Be or Not to Be

We’re finally in November, the official ‘store your bike for the winter’ month. While it’s probably a good idea to change your oil and top up your gasoline tank with new fuel, the debate around fuel stabilizer has been long and ongoing with teams on either side constantly piping up and invalidating each other’s opinions.

Where can we find the final be-all and end-all answer? How many more winters am I going to have to sift to the 7th page of google trying to find an answer before completely giving up and saying “F-IT! NO STABILIZER THIS YEAR!”?

I will say this every time I share an F9 video… Ryan F9 is the coolest motorcycle YouTuber and provides the highest quality content available in the industry. Period. It even rivals Top Gear, despite being a small home-brewed channel to support the fortnine web-store.

Now we have that out of the way, this video contains tests run by Ryan to see the true anti-evaporative properties of fuel stabilizers, as well as other features such as anti-rust power they can claim to have. 

So what is the final verdict? That’s for the video to answer. If you’re reading this bent over your desk at work and forgot your earphones at home, I’ll give you a little hint: only two of the many products tested are worth your time. 

Support the F9 channel by subscribing so Ryan can continue to put out amazing content, please. For me.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Suzuki Launches SmartMeet Video Chat in Italy

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Talk to a Product Specialist

Do you have questions about some of Suzuki’s latest machines? Well, if you’re in Italy, you can have a chat with a salesperson or product specialist from the safety of your home.

Suzuki Italy just launched a new video chat system that allows for telemeetings for potential customers who want to discuss bikes and start the buying process. It’s called SmartMeet, and you can schedule a meeting. 

SmartMett uses a variety of video chatting software (whatever the customer wants to use) to interface with the person who set the appointment.

You can schedule a meeting via Skype, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Italian customers can go to Suzuki’s SmartMeet website and schedule an appointment.

When you schedule an appointment, you’ll be able to specify what you want to discuss, and that should help get you in front of the right person who will have the correct answers for you.

While some manufacturers are trying to do fully virtual sales, this seems like a very smart second option. Suzuki is providing customers a way to get in touch and start the process without physical contact.

It will be interesting to see if the company plans to roll this out elsewhere, my gut tells me it will if this goes well in Italy. I also have a feeling it will go well.

If you’re in Italy (or you just want to check out the SmartMeet setup) check out the website by clicking here. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Radical Electric Motor for All Vehicles

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British electric motor company Saietta Group has won a major grant to expand production of its radical Axial Flux Traction (AFT) motors for all vehicles from scooters to buses.

Saietta means thunderbolt in Italian and their AFT-powered vehicles have set records on the water and in the air while their electric superbike was the first to win the Isle of Man TT Zero race.

They claim their motor is “optimised for mid-power motorbikes and final-mile delivery vehicles” at a realistic price for the mass market.

The grant provided through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) will allow Saietta to hire up to 250 skilled staff and produce 150,000 motors a year.

Saietta will work with UK-based manufacturing specialists Brandauer and AEV to refine component production and motor assembly.

Saietta production increases

CEO Wicher Kist says there is a “commercial opportunity” for the motor.

“Based on the conversations we’ve had, and the projects we’re already involved with, we know that the mass production of our technology will allow us to power a new generation of electric vehicles, in markets around the world, bringing a new era of mobility,” Wicher says.

They say their AFT140 motor is being taken up by other automotive companies, but declined to say which ones, although its use could be widespread and include marine and wind turbines.

Voxan Motors

The British company began in 2014 with the Saietta R superbike for $A35,000.

Back then the Saietta R had a range of almost 200km in the city and about 120km on the highway, 127Nm of torque, recharging time of 3.5 hours, and a top speed of 170km/h.

The company no longer makes electric vehicles but concentrates on its AFT140 motor for use in other vehicles from buses to boats and, of course, bikes.

The Oxfordshire company plans to sell its technology under license in Asia and the rest of the world.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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FOR SALE: 2002 Ducati Monster S4 Fogarty Edition WITH ONLY TWO MILES!

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Two Miles, 18 Years of Age

Finding a ~20-year-old motorcycle with zero (or two) miles on the clock should be near impossible for many. Especially if you want a special edition Ducati with as few miles as possible. With two miles I can almost guarantee this motorcycle has never hit a public road in its entire life. Those miles are probably from pushing it by hand from point a-to-b in its 18-year life.

This extremely low mileage Ducati Monster S4 is a special edition tribute from the factory for World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty and has only seen two total owners in its life. Carl Fogarty is one of the most successful World Superbike racers of all time, with the second-highest number of race wins (59) and four total world championship winnings. That means this motorcycle is not old rare, but special as well.

This Monster S4 features a powerful 916cc L-twin Ducati engine (producing 110 horsepower) married to a six-speed standard transmission. Due to it being a special edition, the bike is decorated with carbon fiber body parts, Brembo brakes all-around, Marchesini wheels, and a special custom suspension allowing for an extra 20mm of height on the bike due to the 43mm Showa front fork and dual-sided swingarm.

The bike has a custom livery by Aldo Drudi with Foggarty’s nickname, “Foggy”, adorned to the bike in scripts. The paint job also features Foggy’s signature eye logo on the fuel tank.

The bike has been kept in perfect condition, comes with a fluid flush, new battery, red bike cover, spare keys, and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

The bike is sitting with a current bid of $4200 with 7 days remaining on the bringatrailer.com auction. This will probably be one of your only chances to own a 2-mile special edition Ducati Monster, so if this is something right up your alley I’d hop on it before someone else does. Opportunities like this don’t come by often.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Ducati Multistrada V4 Goes Further

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Long criticised for expensive and frequent servicing, Ducati has launched its Multistrada V4 and V4 S adventure tourers with a 60,000 main maintenance interval.

The Bologna motorcycle manufacturer has now unveiled the model with full specifications ahead of the announcement of four more new models over the next month.

We already knew the Multistrada V4 would be the world’s first motorbike with front and rear radar for add blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control and that it would be down on power from the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 (125kW compared with Panigale V4 on 157.5kW, Panigale V4 R 174.5kW and Streetfighter 153kW).

Now the full reveal shows a highly sophisticated and hi-tech bike with longevity of servicing the icing on the cake for adventure travellers and tourers.

The bike was unveiled online via YouTube given the cancellation of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan due to coronavirus.

Ducati says it has sold more than 110,000 Multistradas since its launch in 2003 with the unfortunate-looking “Uglystrada”. The fourth generation is a substantially different bike thanks mainly to the V4 Granturismo engine.

The lightweight (66.7kg) and compact 1158cc V4 delivers 125kW (170hp) at 10,500rpm with a maximum torque of 125Nm (12.7kgm) at 8750rpm.

Oil change is scheduled every 15,000km, while valve clearance check and eventual adjustment is required every 60,000km, the longest intervals of any production bike.

The V4 engine configuration and 22-litre tank also required a substantial redesign that still looks streamlined, lithe and sexy — albeit ungainly which is common among tall-suspended adventure bikes.

It is complemented by a hefty electronics package that not only includes blind-spot and adaptive cruise controls, but also ABS and traction cornering control, wheelie control and cornering lights on the Multistrada V4 S which also comes with a function to prevent rolling backwards on hills during take-offs.

Ducati’s semi-active Skyhook Suspension will also automatically self-adjust the front and rear suspension levels according to the weight of rider, pillion and/or luggage.

The Multistrada V4 has an aluminium monocoque frame and double-sided swingarm with a total bike weight of 215kg. It sits on a 19-inch front wheel with a choice of spoked or alloy wheels on the V4 S.

Ducati also took the Multi to the wind tunnel to provide the rider and pillion with better wind protection and less “hissing noises” or engine heat on the rider’s legs.

This was achieved with an adjustable Plexiglas windscreen and two side deflectors plus aerodynamically shaped handguards.

20202 Honda Goldwing

Modern Ducatis run very hot for lower emissions and can be uncomfortable for riders in hot climates, especially with the top cylinder so close to the family jewels.

The Multistrada V4 not only directs heat away from the rider but also includes deactivation of the rear cylinder bank at idle. This is also a feature of some big V-twins such as Harley to combat uncomfortable heat when stopped at traffic lights.

The standard V4 comes in red while the V4 S will be available in “Aviator Grey” or red and the V4 S Sport comes in red/white/black with an Akrapovič exhaust and carbon front fender.

Ducati has a range of accessory packs for the Multistrada V4 S: Essential, Travel, Radar, Performance, Full.

The Multistrada V4 is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the first quarter of 2021 with prices ranging from under $A30k to over $A40k, ride away.

Australia’s starting ride away prices:

Multistrada V4 $28,990
Multistrada V4 S $33,490
Multistrada V4 S – Travel Package $35,990
Multistrada V4 S – Travel + Radar Package $37,590
Multistrada V4 S – Performance Package $35,690
Multistrada V4 S – Full Package $39,690
Multistrada V4 Sport S – Performance Package $36,790
Multistrada V4 Sport S – Full Package $40,690


Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Voxan Motors Wattman Is the Fastest Electric Motorcycle In the World

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A Wild Machine

Rider Max Biaggi and Voxan Motors managed to make history for the Venturi Group’s 20th anniversary. The team set 11 new world speed records at the Châteauroux airfield in France. Yes, 11 records. 

Perhaps the most impressive is achievement is the outright top speed, which was 408 km/h or 254 mph. 

The team’s most exciting new record includes beating the “partially streamlined electric motorcycle over 300 kilos” record. They did so by achieving a speed of 366.94 km/h or 228.05 mph. This run beats out Ryuji Tsuruta and Mobitec EV-02A who help the record previously.

In accordance with FIM rules, the Voxan Wattman’s speed was measured from a flying start over 1 mile in opposite directions. The final speed for the record books was the average speed of the two runs. In the future, the team will target an average speed during these two runs of 400 km/h or 249 mph.

The team also beat the record for a non-streamlined version of the bike. They managed to remove the fairing and do 349.38 km/h or 217.14 mph.

Here are the other records that the Wattaman set according to Voxan:

  •  ¼ mile, flying start, partially streamlined: 394.45 km/h (245.10 mph) – no previous record
  •  ¼ mile, flying start, non-streamlined: 357.19 km/h (221.95 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 km, flying start, partially streamlined: 386.35 km/h (240.07 mph – previous
    record: 329.31 km/h (204.62 mph)
  •  ¼ mile, standing start, non-streamlined: 126.20 km/h (78.42 mph) – no previous record
  •  ¼ mile, standing start, partially streamlined: 127.30 km/h (79.10 mph) – previous
    record: 87.16 km/h (54.16 mph)
  •  1 km, standing start, non-streamlined: 185.56 km/h (115.30 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 km, standing start, partially streamlined: 191.84 km/h (119.20 mph) – previous
    record: 122.48 km/h (76.11 mph)
  •  1 mile, standing start, non-streamlined: 222.82 km/h (138.45 mph) – no previous record
  •  1 mile, standing start, partially streamlined: 225.01 km/h (139.81 mph) – no previous record

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Kawasaki Z900RS and 125 Series Bikes Get New Paint Options for 2021

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Green Means GO

The 125 series of Kawasaki motorcycles (Ninja 125 and Z125) and the Z900RS have just been announced to come in new colorways to shake things up for the 2021 lineup.

2021 Z125

The new options are both sleek and complicated making the exotic little 125cc motorcycles look that much faster. The Z125 sees three new color combinations that should be arriving at dealers come January of the new year:

  • Black, green, and white around green painted trellis frame
  • Black and green around a green painted trellis frame
  • Lime green and black with around a grey painted trellis frame
2021 Ninja 125

The 2021 Ninja 125 comes in a single new colorway with its beautiful race-inspired livery; black, red, and white accents on a green base resembling something you could find on an older ZX 10R.

2021 Z900RS

If smaller displacement motorcycle news isn’t your thing, Kawasaki has some news for you as well. The Z900RS has two new liveries: ‘Ebony’ black/grey, and ‘Metallic Spark Black’ with grey/green vintage-inspired striping down the side of the tank.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for these colorways, and dealers should be getting the new colors arriving in December with the Ebony version predicted to land in April of 2021.

It’s great to see Kawasaki introducing more black liveries to their lineup because historically the brand’s motorcycles have been pretty much off-limits to anybody impartial to neon green bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

This Custom 2003 Ducati Multistrada Rivals 2020 Monster Styling

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Why Buy New? Update the Old!

The Multistrada’s styling isn’t for everyone. It is very obviously designed to be an adventure touring motorcycle, that should come as no surprise. If you aren’t a fan of the styling found on the more recent models of the Multistrada, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume the 2003 version won’t be your cup of tea either.

If you have a 2003 Multistrada 1000S DS laying around with enough cash and skill stashed away in your back pocket, you might as well transform it into the bike you wanted to begin with. That’s exactly what Diego and Riccardo Coppiello did with this build when it was unveiled earlier this year.

These brothers took a top-heavy oddity and completely transformed it into a modern naked spectacle. The Coppiello brothers opted for the new Hypermotard’s front rotors, Brembo calipers, and rims wrapped with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires on the bottom end and brought the fuel tank off of a 999 (with slight modification) to produce a sleek silhouette.

The headlight assembly has been retrofitted with a single-bulb headlight and topped with a small windscreen to continue the careful design lines that make their way to the rear of the bike. A lower belly pan has been added to complete the framing around the masterpiece, and a completely custom exhaust has been built into it.

Yamaha Tricity

The instrument cluster has been relocated just above the tank for a very modern and clean look when taking a cruise from the riders POV and the entire electrical system was reworked to hide the cabling and accommodate the new naked/fairing-less style of the motorcycle.

If I could buy one of these off of the Ducati lot, I would.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com