Tag Archives: Motorbike news

Motorcycle News, News

Yamaha Could Have a XSR for India Next Year

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Get Ready

The Yamaha XSR 155 is a small, retro-styled bike, and Yamaha is thinking of making the smart move of bringing the bike to the Indian market.

The motorcycle has a similar chassis to the R15 sportbike and the MT-15 naked bike. The small 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine found on the bike makes 19 hp, which is perfect for heavily populated cities but powerful enough for some fun when the road clears up.

Yamaha has not yet confirmed this bike for the Indian market as of yet, but GaadiWaadi said that the bike could come to the country next year.

On a bigger scale, the XSR 155 could help Yamaha expand its operations within the biggest two-wheeled market on the earth. Indian’s motorcycle market is highly coveted by all bike manufacturers, and the more Yamaha can do here, the better of it will be globally.

deus and Zero

The XSR 155 has already seen success in other Asian countries, so it only makes sense that Yamaha would bring it to India soon. I’m keeping fingers crossed it will be available in all markets soon. I’m a huge fan of small-displacement bikes, and a little retro bike like this is exactly what I’m looking for.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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FOR SALE: 1986 Suzuki RB50 GAG Auction

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Awww, It’s So Cute

I think Honda Grom’s are super cool. I have a few friends with their Grom’s kit out for stunts with custom bars, cages, exhausts, and the works. Although I have some personal experience with them though, Grom’s and other mini-bikes are still quite a niche vehicle here in North America outside the enthusiast subsection. The same goes for small cars though, they’re very popular in Europe but here in NA there are other options that typically garner most people’s attention instead.

For those in the mini-bike camp, here is the crowned jewel awaiting your purchase. A rare 1986 Suzuki RB50 GAG. The motorcycle lived a very short life with only being manufactured for two years and seeing low sales, so you can bet this is the perfect bike to stow away in a corner and let collect value for the next few years (because it small and doesn’t take up much space… funny, right?). Or ride the heck out of it, to each their own.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750

As you can see, the tiny bike was carefully modelled after its big brother, the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750. 

The bike has been appraised between $5,900-$7,100 USD and will be going up for auction at the Zoute Sale in on October 11th, in Belgium.

yard built back to the drawing board

The motorcycle is so rare it’s honestly difficult for me to find proper video footage to show you guys what the bike is like, but here’s a great one from Youtuber ‘memories created’ taking it for a spin around the block.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Revival’s 2020 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show Corona-Cancelled

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Another One Bites the Dust

Coronavirus has completely decimated this year’s prospects for any motorcycle shows – and for good reason. The dominos have been falling one-by-one as PR teams scramble to assemble and present the news that their shows will be cancelled this year, often followed by a big ol’ question mark when it comes to how 2021’s events will play out as well.

Revival Handbuilt 2019 Event

Revival’s Handbuilt motorcycle show is an amazing place where custom motorcycle builders come together and present their newest projects. In 2019, Revival showcased over 130 beautifully custom-built bikes and builders to the Austin, TX audience.

You can probably assume where I’m taking this so I’ll jump right into it. The show’s cancelled, folks.

The show was initially scheduled for the 13th to 15th of November this year, but due to safety concerns regarding the pandemic, the show has been outright cancelled. 

Typically at a regular motorcycle show, you will see some manufacturers showcasing their new and updated production models, companies touting their new gear technology etc. But at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, we’re looking at ground zero of what makes the motorcycle community so special; crazy rides that individuals poured their heart and souls into over hundreds of hours to provide unbelievably unique motorcycles we can all appreciate. No two bikes are the same here, and that is what makes it such a great event.

Good news, though. If you bought a ticket for this year’s event you can use it at the 2021 show (thank god) that is scheduled for April 16-19 at the Austin-American Statesman building located in Austin Texas.

Here’s a little video the Revival channel put out to give you a sense of what we’re missing this year. But keep your heads held high, champions, they were nice enough to schedule the 2021 event for early next year so we don’t have to wait 365 calendar days to catch the next one. See you there.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle Sales Rebound From Lockdown

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Last updated:
The official Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) sales figures for new motorcycles and off highway vehicles (OHVs) to the end of September 2020 show a 26.4% rise over the same period last year.
A total of 79,623 vehicles have been sold.
FCAI boss Tony Weber says these strong sales results were in direct contrast to the majority of Australian industry sectors, many of which had reported negative growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, Aussie car, truck and bus sales are down 20.5% for the same period with 644,891 sales.
“Achieving such a strong sales performance in the current market conditions is simply remarkable,” Tony says.
“And it is due, for the most part, to the rising popularity of off-road bikes (up 39.9%) and strong demand for OHVs (up 44.4%).
“Off-road bikes have grown in popularity as people turn to close-to-home recreational pursuits during the pandemic restrictions.
“And OHVs – which include both ATVs and SSVs – are in strong demand due to the implementation of controversial Government legislation which will see the quality ATV brands exit the Australian market.”
Road bike sales are up 8.2% to 25,556, while scooter sales continue to drop, down 4.5% to 3361.
Scant figures
We can’t provide any more detail as the FCAI no longer provides sales information such as top ten charts in each category, individual model sales, nor brand sales figures.
They say this abbreviated format aligns with the publication of corresponding information in the USA and Europe.
Also, it should be noted that 23 minor manufacturers are not included in the official FCAI figures.
They are mainly small-volume importers such as Norton, Hyosung, VMoto, Benelli, Bimota, Bollini, CFMoto, Daelim, EBR, Kymco, Laro, Megelli, Mercury, MV Agusta, Norton, PGO, Royal Enfield, SWM, SYM, TGB, Ural and Viper.

Australian motorcycle and HV sales

Total market

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

This Custom Zero SR/S by Deus Ex Machina Is Gorgeous

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Custom Electric Bikes are Going to be Cool

When I think custom motorcycles, I think of beautiful exhausts and the engine being a piece of art, the gem, so to speak of the motorcycle. That had me a bit worried about custom electrics, but after seeing this custom Zero SR/S built by Deus Ex Machina, I can say electric bikes are going to make sick customs. 

Zero has been on some smart collaboration moves lately, and this one with Deus Ex Machina is another good move. The two companies joined forces to create the first fully customized Zero Motorcycle SR/S. Michael Woolway is the man behind this design. 

deus ex machina and zero motorcycles

He says he came up with this design by hand instead of using a computer. He didn’t even draw it up on paper either. “I just reached back into sort of old shapes, and I started out with kind of a really old shape. And then as I came back through the motorcycle, I kind of transformed it into something I consider to be fairly modern,” he said in a video.

He used foam, plastic, shaping tools measuring tools, transfer tools, and just kind of did it as he went. “I really did it in the way it would have been done int he 30s or 40s,” he said.

That’s not to say this is 30s or 40s tech. He used high-performance Showa suspension, carbon fiber Dymag wheels, and carbon fiber bodywork. Oh, and of course the chassis and powertrain from the SR/S. He said the top section of the bike, the body kit, weighs just seven pounds. 

“This is not a normal motorcycle,” he said. “This is something different and special.”

You can check out all of Woolway’s comments in the video below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Designer Renders a Ducati and Italjet Collaboration

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What This Crazy World Needs

The Ducati Panigale V2 is about as far from a scooter as you can get, but then Italjet doesn’t make just any scooters. So when designer Kar Lee put together a mashup of the two, the result is something that not only looks plausible but is something I desperately want in my shed.

Lee shared his recent rendering with his audience on Instagram, and it has the front end of the Ducati superbike and the stance and naked appeal of Italjet’s Dragster scooter. It’s a totally badass-looking machine, and I’d love to see this design turned into a reality.

As RideApart notes, the two companies—Italjet and Ducati—are both from the same region of Italy, and they’re actually only about a half-hour apart. This says to me that a Ducati-Italjet collaboration makes perfect sense.

The Italjet Dragster is offered in 125cc, 150cc, and 200cc displacements, and personally, I think you’d have to start with the 200cc bike as the base or go even higher with the displacement. A 400cc option would be the coolest. Keep the bike with the CTV, but otherwise, inject it with some Ducati influence beyond the bodywork. Some new wheels, suspension, higher-performance brakes. This could be a super-cool design.

I know the chances of this happening are slim, but a guy can dream, right? I love scooters and I love Ducati’s sportbikes. This odd mashup simply works, and for the right price, I could see it being a success.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Bajaj Neuron Trademarked

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What Will It Be?

Indian motorcycle company Bajaj recently trademarked the Neuron name, which suggests the company is working on a new motorcycle. However, it’s unclear what kind of bike it will be. 

There are rumors it will be a sub-400cc model, but Bajaj already has plenty of motorcycles like that sold under the Avenger platform.

With that said, Bajaj could have a bike right a 350 to challenge both Royal Enfield and Honda’s new CB350. That would make sense for the Indian market.

Still, the Neuron name could mean something more. Several Indian publications, including India Car News, have speculated that the Neuron name could be a three-wheeler or a more technologically advanced model.

Marchesini

Personally, I think Neuron could be a good name for a bike that has some advanced connectivity features. The word neuron or neurons speaks to the fundamental units of the brain and the impressive connectivity between cells. This could be a fantastic way for Bajaj to roll out some cool connectivity features on a new bike. 

Of course, that is just speculation on my part, but the name would be perfect. It’s unclear at this time, but if I see more news around this topic I’ll update you, good reader.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Honda Could Update the Grom Soon

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Honda’s Mini Could Become Even Better

Honda’s motorcycle division is all about rumors. The company must have about 10 million projects going at once if you believe all of the rumors, but this recent one stood out to me. Honda could update the Grom soon. 

According to a recent report by the Japanese publication Young Machine the rumor is that the Honda Grom could undergo a pretty dramatic change, what the publication calls an “evolution.” This would update the styling and the engine of the little mini-moto.

スクープ！ 実車が発表間近の気配です。Scoop!【新型グロム画像を極秘入手】エンジンも完全刷新か【原付二種】https://young-machine.com/2020/10/02/133861/

Posted by ヤングマシン YoungMachine on Friday, October 2, 2020

An anonymous source sent the publication a look at a race-spec Grom with notable chassis and engine changes. These changes could come from the act of making a race-spec Grom, but they could also hint at a new Grom hitting Honda dealers fairly soon.

Kawasaki

To be fair, the Grom has mostly been unchanged since its introduction in 2014. The styling was updated at one point to help differentiate it from its competitors, but it might be the perfect time for Honda to make this little bike better. Especially now that Honda has plenty of other bikes in its Mini line, including the Super Cub, Monkey, and now the CT125 Hunter Cub.

If the rumor is true, it will be interesting to see what Honda does with the Grom. I’d think they would make it the most extreme mini out there. The company has bikes for the casual rider in its other small-displacement bikes, so why not make the Grom even more of a little badass? Time will tell.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Would You Like a Helmet With Your Groceries?

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Melbourne shoppers can buy motorcycling equipment at Aldi when they purchase their weekly supermarket shopping, but can’t go to a motorcycle shop to buy the same gear due to the strict COVID lockdown restrictions.
The inequitable situation has been pointed out by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) who is calling for a fair playing field.
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym says the struggling automotive industry is being sidelined at the expense of the multinational supermarket chain, which is operating with an unfair advantage.
“VACC acknowledges the need for Victorians to purchase food and other essential items from supermarkets and other stores,” he says.
“But when supermarkets are allowed to sell motorcycle helmets and gloves, while the automotive industry is not, the obvious question to ask is, why?
“If motorcycle helmets and gloves have been deemed to be not essential – and there is a good argument that they are – while motorcycle dealers are currently unable to sell them through their physical stores, then supermarkets surely should not be able to do so at the same time.”
Customers are also able to purchase additional motorbike essentials in-store including denim jeans for $89.99, a tank or tail-bag at $39.99, along with base layer top and pants, socks, disc alarm lock and even a vehicle cover.
“VACC calls on the appropriate regulatory bodies to ensure this does not happen again,” Geoff says.
“Motorcycle dealerships have seen their businesses decimated with widespread temporary closures of physical showrooms meaning many businesses sit on a knife’s edge, with an uncertain future ahead of them.
“Surely, for Aldi to hold off on selling automotive equipment during the current lockdown situation is not too much to ask.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motobit Sentinel Warns Riders of Hazards

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A device you wear on your wrist could alert you to a rider in your group falling behind, contact emergency if you crash and even monitor your riding behaviour.
So far the campaign has raised $A4546 or 18% of its $25,000 goal from 28 backers in the first couple days with a month to go.
It will cost $A180 (€109, $US130) for supporters and the retail cost when/if it goes to market in May 2021 will be $A280 (€169, $US200).
So how does it work?
Motobit SENTINEL connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone and the Motobit app provides the rider with warnings about potentially dangerous situations through strong vibration feedback, called haptics.
They say the haptic response is “non-distracting” so the rider can keep their focus on the road.
There are some interesting, helpful and dubious features of the wearable device.
Like many emergency call features now available, it will call the ambulance or a nominated contract if it detects you have crashed from its G force sensors. You can obviously override these if you’ve just dropped the your bike!
A useful feature is in group riding where the combination of two devices or more can alert a lead rider if another group motorcyclist cannot keep up or has crashed.
A dubious feature is its use of algorithms to monitor rider behaviour and analyse the course of the road ahead to suggest the adequate riding speed.
Surely that’s part of simple road craft!
We also worry about its ability to provide incriminating information to the police or your insurer!
Motobit SENTINEL can be worn on on your wrist, attached to your trouser belt, kidney belt or in your pants or jacket pocket.
Motobit Sentinel is the product of two years of research and development by Austrian company motobit GmbH, which was founded by two motorcycle enthusiasts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com