Tag Archives: motorcycles

Early motorcycle number plate sets record

One of the earliest motorcycle number plates to come to public auction, ‘4’, has sold at auction for $150,000, setting a Victorian record.

The plates sold at the weekend Shannons Motorclassica plate auction and was only tipped to fetch up to $80,000.

There are two because motorcycles used to have a front number plate as well. Some safety Nazis and cops still think they should make a comeback so riders can be detected by front-facing speed cameras.

It was the only motorcycle plate in the auction which fetched $2.4m, including an auction record $181,000 for a “Q1” car plate.

The “4” motorcycle number plate is not the most expensive in Australia. It is believed the 80-year-old NSW “1” plate may have sold for close to $1 million.

That plate was originally owned by Bennett and Wood in 1918. It was bought by Honda’s General Manager in 1935 and spent time on an MV Agusta in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Personalised motorcycle number plates are big business, but they are not as valuable as car plates.

The Australian record for the most expensive car number plate was set in 2017 at the Shannons Sydney Autumn Auction where “NSW 29” fetched $745,000, beating the previous 2003 record of $689,000 for “NSW 2”.

World record

But that is nothing compared with world record prices.

The world’s most expensive plate is believed to be “25 O” which is on a Ferrari 250 SWB enviously owned by guitar god Eric Clapton.

The plate is now owned by Ferrari deal principal John Collins who paid £518,480 in 2014 and fitted it to his Ferrari 250 SWB.

Number Plate
Veyron with F1 plate

However, that could be eclipsed by British car mod businessman Afzal Kahn who is asking more than £12m for his “F1” plate which is on his Bugatti Veyron.

He has previously turned down an offer of £6 million.

He bought the plate for £440,000 in 2008, setting a UK record.

Show us your personalised motorcycle number plate! Insert a photo with your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Yamaha steps up its electric program

Yamaha is stepping up its electric program with removable batteries, but not in a full-size electric motorcycle.

That’s probably just as well as Harley-Davidson has hit a short circuit with the introduction of its LiveWire.

Instead, Yamaha will unveil two electric scooters, an electric bicycle, an electric mobility scooter and an electric personal scooter at next week’s 46th Tokyo Motor Show.

Yamaha has not revealed many details of its new electric program at the Tokyo show, but they do promise fast-charging, extra range and removable batteries.

Electric program

So far, Yamaha has only produced the electric PES1 (Passion Electric Street) road bike and PED1 (Passion Electric Dirt), but neither is available in Australia.

In June, Yamaha unveiled their EC-05 electric scooter with Gogoro lithium-ion battery packs you can easily swap at a convenient roadside vending machine.

Yamaha Gogoro battery swap electric scooter
Yamaha electric scooter with removable Gogoro battery

Yamaha was also recently believed to be co-operating with the other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to standardise electric motorcycle and scooter technology, including charging infrastructure and swappable battery packs.

In Tokyo they will unveil the small E02 scooter and classic-looking E-Vino, both with removable batteries.

There will also be a YPJ-YZ pedal-assisted e-bike, an electric tilting three-wheelers mobility scooter, and the electric Land Link Concept.

The latter uses artificial intelligence image recognition technology to autonomously move over “vast” outdoor terrain. It is likely designed to transport cargo.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson LiveWire hits short circuit

Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire motorcycle has hit a short circuit with production stopped for a “nonstandard condition” involving the home charger.

The company has asked owners only to charge their bikes with the DC fast charger supplied at some HD dealerships.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley-Davidson's electric LiveWire short circuit
LIveWires on DC fast chargers

There is no other information from the company.

Even though it doesn’t arrive in Australia until late next year, we asked Harley-Davidson Australia for comment and received an unusual stoney silence.

Which leaves us speculating.

The strongest possibility is that the home chargers overheat which could cause a fire.

In March, the entire fleet of 18 Energica electric motorcycles for the MotoE series were destroyed in a blaze that was blamed on a short circuit in one of the charging units.

electric garage fire energica short circuit
Energica garage explodes in flame

Electric fires

Electric vehicle and charger fires can be caused by short-circuits, power surges, impact, excessive discharge or overheating.

They also cause special concerns for fire fighters.

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

short circuit
Tesla goes up in flames

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.

LiveWire short circuit

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle electric highways short circuit
Riding the LiveWire in Orgeon

This short circuit to Harley’s electric motorcycle program follows a month delay in deliveries to US dealerships where it has created a lot of interest, but not a lot of sales.

Buyers are apparently baulking at the $US29,990 price (about $A44,000).

Some dealers are even rejecting the expensive DC fast-charger installation which is a requirement of being able to sell the bike.

PR exercise

So Harley has two major PR exercises going at the moment to rescue the LiveWire.

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor are currently shooting Long Way Up from the bottom to the top of the Americas, riding LiveWire motorcycles.

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire bikes for the trip

And now HD has brought in Hollywood action star Jason Momoa who plays Aquaman and Khal Drogo to test ride the bike.

“Harley wanted me to test one of the new LiveWires, I was kind of like ehhh. I like the idea of it but I wanted to hear it,” says Jason who is more at home on pushrod fuel burners.

While filming on the Gold Coast in 2017, he took delivery of a Softail.

Now he says he is stoked by the electric bike.

“I have never been on anything this fast, it kind of blew my mind,” he says.

“I am in love with it, it’s amazing and I look forward to the future of many more of these bikes.

“It’s so fast, faster than I need, it’s amazing. It’s good for the planet, beautiful, we’re moving with the times.

“Best part is, it’s the future. You can have this and your old one. It’s amazing.”

Harley is going to need a lot of star power to help the LiveWire over this current short circuit!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider swerved before fatal crash

Police are mystified why a motorcyclist riding with two colleagues suddenly swerved before crashing into a ditch in Far North Queensland yesterday afternoon (14 October 2019).

The 54-year-old man from Kuranda was pronounced deceased at the scene.

He was riding with two other motorcyclists when the incident happened on a dirt road at Mutchilba, near Mareeba, about 12.10pm.

Cairns Police say their preliminary investigations indicate that the three motorcycles were travelling together when the motorcycle involved swerved before leaving the road and crashed into a culvert on Middle Creek Road.

“No other vehicles were involved in the crash,” a Cairns Police spokeswoman says.

However, she confirmed they had interviewed the other two riders.

“The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating but we are not ruling out a medical condition,” she says.

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

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1902004246

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s friends and family.

So far this year there have been 34 riders and pillions killed on Queensland roads, which is the same number as last year at the same time.

It is down on the previous three years where rider/pillion fatalities were in the 40s.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Congestion tax call to include motorcycles

Melbourne has renewed calls for a CBD congestion tax, but now the plan is to include motorcycles and scooters.

Last week’s Melbourne future transport strategy suggested a system that would use number plate recognition for all vehicles.

No fee amounts have yet been suggested, but report author Marion Terrill says Melbourne should follow cities such as London, Stockholm and Singapore.

However, two of those cities have some exemptions for motorcycles and scooters.

Stockholm has no fees for motorcycles and scoters as London did initially.

However, since April 2019 the new London Ultra Low Emissions Zone charges £12.50 (about $A23) a day for motorcycles and scooters that do not meet Euro 3 emissions standards.London scooters England UK

Singapore has CBD road-user charges for all vehicles and plans to ban pre-2003 motorcycles throughout the city in 10 years.

Calls rejected

Melbourne Council first suggested a CBD congestion tax last year, but made no mention of motorcycles and scooters.

It cited a 2017 Grattan Institute report that said tax should be introduced in Sydney and Melbourne during peak hours within five years.

However, Melbourne Council cannot legislate the changes as is is a state matter and the State Government has previously rejected such calls.

The Victorian Motorcycle Council and Australian Motorcycle Council reject any moves for motorcycles and scooters to be included in any congestion tax.

“We are the solution to the congestion issue, not the problem,” says VMC media spokesman John Eacott.

“You’re quite right that council can’t change State legislation but they are driving a discussion which has, so far, been rejected by Victorian State Government.

“Any references to motorcycles may benefit from instead using the term PTWs (powered two-wheelers) should a broader audience become engaged.

“Experience has shown that the greener elements tend to change their tune when it’s pointed out that PTW includes scooters.” 

The Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria also says PTWs should be exempt because riders “contribute financially paying similar road fees and CTP premiums to car owners and motorcycles do less damage to infrastructure and the environment”.

John says the VMC is pleased the report notes that altering road design to include narrow lanes dedicated to small traffic such as micro and light cars and motorbikes would have a beneficial effect on congestion.

Congestion charges

Sydney traffic congestion motorcycles lane filtering planning

Calls for CBD congestion charges are not new. They have been around for years.

In March this year, Sydney University transport economist Professor David Hensher had a novel twist on the idea.

He said motorists should be able to choose to pay a 5c-per-kilometre congestion tax in return for lower rego.

Other cities have various fee systems not only to reduce traffic congestion but also air pollution:

  • Milan’s Ecopass charges all vehicles entering a designated traffic restricted zone and bans old cars and bikes that do not meet set emissions standards;
  • China and Brazil are considering congestion charges in various cities; and
  • Oregon, USA, has trialled a voluntary pay-per-mile distance charge resulting in a 22% drop in traffic in peak hours and a 91% approval by participants.

Rider concern

Riders should be concerned because these taxes and bans could spread to other congested cities.

ride to work day traffic congestion car
Singapore traffic congestion

The Singapore ban on older motorcycles seems harsh but may be warranted as the city is choked by thousands of two-stroke scooters that have since ceased production.

But powered two-wheelers should be exempt because they not only free up traffic, they can also reduce pollution as stricter European emissions standards have made them much cleaner.

Also, the coming wave of electric models will make them even more attractive for easing CBD congestion and pollution woes.

Melbourne City Council once had an exemplary motorcycle plan.

Yet the city no longer has free tolls for motorcycles, widespread free footpath parking is slowly being eroded. and now riders might be hit with a congestion tax.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Insurance policy tracks motorbikes

A motorcycle insurance scheme where policy holders install a tracking system in their bike in return for cheap premiums as low as $A11 a month has started in Europe.

Vigo Insure is another product from the Slovenian start-up who developed the aftermarket Start Turn System (automatic self-cancelling indicators) and the Smart Brake Module to prevent tailender crashes.

Now they have invented a telematic product called a Vigobox that sits under your seat and tracks your motorcycle.Vigo Insurance policy includes Vigobox tracker

It informs the owner via a phone app if your motorcycle has been moved and even sends an emergency call for help if it senses you have crashed.Vigo Insurance policy includes Vigobox tracker

Vigobox is installed under your bike seat when you buy their Vigo Insurance policy and comes with an online portal to track your riding.

Cheaper policy

Some may say this is the thin edge of the wedge of privacy invasion with insurance companies able to cancel your insurance if you speed or ride at night.

Others may find it a safety device that can track a stolen vehicle and also reduce your insurance premium.

The monthly costs of the insurance (with monitoring) are from €7 (about $A11) a month.Vigo Insurance policy includes Vigobox tracker

As usual, the price depends on the motorcycle brand and type.

Market chief Petra Zagmajster says Vigo Insurance has only been available in Slovenia and Croatia a few months but is valid in all parts of Europe. It has already reached 4.6% of the market share.

“Soon we’ll enter to other EU markets,” Petra says.

C-founder Rok Upelj says the motorcycle they use to test their products was stolen from a locked garage.

“In that moment we activated the police and hoped for the best, but we had no luck,” Rok says.

“Back then the vehicle wasn’t insured, because the insurance premiums were too high. We interviewed many motorcyclists, what the most important thing in owning a motorcycle was. The end result was, that safety and theft prevention come first – and that’s when the idea for VIGO was born.” 

  • Would you install a tracker if you got cheaper motorcycle insurance? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why Motorcycle Visibility Should Be Among Your Safety Priorities

(Sponsored post on safety priorities for our North American readers – Image: Pexels)

No motorist wants to cause harm to other people because of their driving. But, despite the best intentions and the best efforts at avoiding accidents, they still happen. Barring the factor of negligence, this could already be the makings of an awful accident

While the inherent danger applies to all motorists on the road, the dangers are much more amplified in the case of motorcyclists. Whether it’s due to motorcycles having lighter frames, less protection compared to cars, or being smaller and more difficult to see, the dangers that motorcycle riders face are much more significant.

While motorcycle manufacturers do their best to create motorcycles that are as safe as possible, the numbers speak to the uphill battle they face. There is still a significant number of motorcycle rider deaths and, as of now, the only true guarantee of a safe journey is the total avoidance of an accident. A lot of accidents can be averted by remaining extremely aware of all other cars and people around you so you can react to avoid an accident before it happens. And even when you have professionals like the lawyers at Tario & Associates who specialize in handling cases involving vehicular accidents, accidents are events that you’re best avoiding.

As a motorcycle rider, it’s important to be seen by other motorists on the road as it allows them to make the correct driving decisions that would prevent untoward accidents. So, what are some measures that we can take in order to make our presence of the road known to other motorists?

Daytime Running Lights

While a lot of sources will suggest using a high beam during the day time, this is counterintuitive as instead of making your presence felt to other motorists, you could end up blinding them. Daylight running lights are designed specifically for the purpose of making sure that your vehicle is visible without being too bright for other drivers.

Use Reflective Tape

You can also opt to use reflective tape on various parts of your motorcycle so that you motorcycle is more easily seen at night when drivers rely heavily on the illumination provided by the headlights of their car. This is even more important because vision at night is limited.

Wear Brightly Colored Gear

Sometimes reflective tape may not be enough to catch the attention of other motorists especially when reflective tape will almost always come in a single color. Resolve this issue by wearing brightly colored gear in order to make yourself visible. 

Use Your Turn Signals

Finally, being visible isn’t going to mean much if the other motorists are unable to predict your movements. While the use of turn signals is a basic habit that all riders should have, it is one that is so easily overlooked. Many accidents can be so easily avoided just by indicating your intentions while on the road. This allows other motorists to make adjustments to their path if necessary.

The issue of safety should always be among your priorities. Vehicular accidents should never be taken lightly and as motorcycle riders, it’s important to minimize the risks involved. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Why are motorcycle parts so expensive?

Motorcycles might be at all-time affordable prices, but parts continue to be expensive, not just for premium brands, but even for some budget models.

So why are parts so expensive in Australia?

We asked various industry sources and found the issue is quite complex and varied.

One of the biggest influences on parts prices is the fact that Australia is a small market with high transport and staff costs as well as a falling dollar value.

Larger markets can hold more stock, lock in at better exchange rates, and operate on slimmer margins per part.

Parts sources

There are several sources for parts in Australia – authorised dealers, retail outlets, and domestic and overseas online sites.

While the cheapest may be online, there can also be problems with counterfeit parts, such as this latest warning on fake spark plugs.Riders warned after fake parts haul

Authorised dealers can often have the most expensive parts, but are guaranteed to have authentic parts that won’t void your warranty or cause a mechanical issue.

However, we have heard of riders ordering a part direct from the factory and getting it delivered cheaper than they can get the genuine part in Australia. Sometimes quicker, as well!

Owners can also get the same parts or generic parts of the same quality at a cheaper price from domestic retail outlets.

Parts profits

Retired industry veteran Stuart Strickland, 70, OAM, says one of the biggest problems is that some distributors push their dealers to only stock their parts.

“The exchange rate plays a part in pricing, but some manufacturers persist with regional pricing, not global pricing, which is ridiculous as we are in the global community,” he says.

“Many dealers are not making much of a profit from the sale of motorcycles, so they make their profits off parts and servicing.”

Not every distributor has expensive parts.

But if they are stockpiled in a national and/or state hub warehouse so they are readily available, they can be quite expensive.Parts Ducati Lamborghini parts warehouse cheaper

It costs a lot of money to store parts and for dealers to buy them and keep them on their shelves.

However, many distributors and dealers have now stopped storing parts.

Instead, they order them in as needed because air freight is quick and relatively cheap these days.

That hasn’t stopped some of them still charging top dollar, though!

Stuart says that in some cases dealers can access cheaper parts through a South-East Asian subsidiary of the parent company.

Delivery problems

Not only are parts expensive, but they can sometimes take a long time to arrive, even from companies that claim their parts are stored in domestic warehouses.

Stuart says the problem is that not every part is kept in an Australian warehouse, only those parts that are in high demand.

“Crash repairs are a real problem as the parts needed are often not held in storage,” he says.

Another industry source says central ordering and international supply of parts works well because of cheap and efficient air freight.

“Many bigger brands like Caterpillar operate like this and it works well, but in an incomplete and amateur industry like motorcycles, it has some inherent issues,” our source says.

“The manufacturers don’t take it seriously enough and assume the customer will put up with delays as they already own one of their products.”

He says delays can also be caused by a lack of attention to detail in some countries, as well as national holidays, different accounting systems, etc.

For example, don’t order anything from an Italian company during August when the entire country shuts down for holidays!

Parts price solution

Expensive parts motorcycle parts The Honda Shop WA
The Honda Shop WA

West Australian Honda Shop boss Eddie Peters says he is surprised more dealers don’t use the Partmart online parts-sharing community.

“Dealers can sell their part for whatever price they want,” Edddie says.

“Sometimes when you search for a part you find the same part in different counties for several different prices. You deal direct with the seller.”

It only costs a dealer $US3 a week to upload an unlimited number of parts and accessories on the website or $US2 a week for up to 5000 parts.

Private buyers can also set up an account and use Partmart directly so long as they know the specific part number.

The Honda Shop has been using the website for a few years to buy parts from other dealers around the world and for their customers.

“We have also been able to sell heaps of our old, slow-moving and obsolete parts to other dealers,” Eddie says.

“I am surprised at how few dealers use the site as we all have heaps of hard-earned cash tied up in parts that no one knows we have.

“If we all had our parts listed on Partmart we would be able to help each other clear our stock and turn it into cash.”

Despite many dealers being tied up by contracts to buy their parts from the authorised distributor, Eddie says he doesn’t believe manufacturers would stop dealers using Partmart.

“I know Honda have told some dealers to check Partmart as they have told me that when they contacted us to buy a part,” he says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica review

FTR stands for “flat track racer”, but even the Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica is much more than that and not the narrow-focussed bike many might think.

It arrives in Australia in three models all at ride-away prices:

  • FTR 1200 basic black for $20,995;
  • FTR 1200 S in red and grey or titanium and black for $22,995; and
  • Race-Replica with Akrapovic exhaust, red frame and FTR750 flat track racer tank graphics from $24,995.
Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica
Race Rep with Akra pipe

And right now Indian Motorcycle Australia is doing a deal where new (and previous) buyers get $2000 worth of accessories of Indian gear free.

Indian Motorcycle in Brisbane let me loose on the Race Replica to trial on the tar and dirt.

Motoring out of town I was surprised at how well the big 1200cc bike handled the tame duties of riding through traffic.

This could very well be a reasonable commuter with its high riding position and light clutch pull.

Which started me thinking that this could be more than just a flat track racer or “street tracker”.

Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica
Peter at Brisbane Indian motorcycle with the four accessory packs

In fact, Indian motorcycle has four accessories packs that turn it into a semi-tourer with some luggage capacity, a rally pack for adventure, a sport pack full of bling and a tracker pack.

It’s difficult to know where this sporty, naked road bike with some dirt capabilities sits in the market.

Here are some of the comparative bikes that went through my head as I rode around the Brisbane hinterland: Ducati Monster 1200 (from $22,990), KTM 1290 Super Duke R ($26,795), BMW S 1000 XR (from $22,850), Triumph Speed Triple R ($20,990) and Yamaha MT-10 SP ($21,499).

that’s by no means a complete list and you could probably also include some of the big adventure bikes or the wilder street fighters like Ducati’s coming V4 Streetfighter.

PowertrainIndian FTR 1200 Race Replica

The comparative bikes have a wide variety of engine configurations.

But if you love a meaty V-twin feel with plenty of torque and vibe, this 1203cc 60-degree V-twin mill should satisfy.

Now let’s go straight to the controversy over spluttering fuelling issues experienced by owners.

I didn’t experience it on my first ride as the bike was warmed up and I was eager to twist the throttle.

The issue is really evident when the bike is cold or warming up where some even say it can stall.

It’s also more evident in smooth on/off throttle riding, such as slower-speed manoeuvres.Indian FTR 1200 base and S model

There seems to be a flat spot just off idle and a lurching on constant low throttle.

The issues are very similar to those I experienced on the early Scout models.

Indian fixed that issue with a software update, so I don’t understand why they let this loose without fixing the issue first.

I found I quickly got around the issue by slipping a bit of clutch at slow speeds and just winding on the throttle a little more vigorously at other times to bypass the flat spot.

It’s more evident in the “sport” engine mode than the “standard” or “rain” modes.

Power is ok at 92kW at 8250rpm, but it runs out of a bit of puff, especially in the short first gear.

Thankfully the engine has so much grunt, you twist the throttle and slip through the gears and ride the big 120Nm wave of torque.

I love the deep and mellow tone of the Akrapovic pipes which have a devilish crackle on the overrun. (Listen to the video below through your home stereo for best results.)

While not as slick as a Japanese transmission, the six-speed box with slip assist clutch is faultless with neutral easy to find.

Despite some hard charging on test, the instruments told me the 13L tank would give me a touch over 220km of range.

Power is evenly spread across the rev range, but there is a nice bump around 3500 revs.

It sits at 3700 revs on 100km/h in sixth where you can roll on the throttle for overtaking without having to swap any cogs.

The standard model doesn’t get traction control, but the S and Race Replica do.Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica

You can turn it off in all modes, but it also turns off the ABS and wheelie control. I’d prefer a little more latitude to turn off each individually and, ideally, the option to turn off the rear ABS only for riding on dirt. 

But it’s a predictable traction control that not only saves you on wet or gravel roads, but also allows a little bit of controlled slip.

StylingIndian FTR 1200 Race Replica

This is another controversial point.

The concept production bike with its high pipe and FTR750 influences was cutting-edge, raw and manic looking. It attracted a lot of attention.

Of course the production version with its lower pipes and “plumper” belly were a little tamer. Some were disappointed.

But it still cuts a sharp figure in the urban landscape and turns heads wherever it goes, especially with its stunning LED lighting front and rear.

It’s tall with a choice of seat heights of 805mm or 840mm, but the seat is narrow allowing me at 183cm to plonk both feet flat on the ground when stopped.Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica

The seat is also very firm, but you can get a slimmer “race” seat or a more comfy touring seat option.

I found the standard seat good for a couple of hours in the saddle by which time you will be glad you are in search of a fuel stop, anyway.

The ProTaper bars are nice and wide, but a little low if you want to stand up in the saddle for off-road duties. A higher set of bars is also available.

Riding position is neutral except for the tight knee bend thanks to the high pegs. I think they could be lowered a little without any clearance issues as I never once scraped the pegs.

The mirrors are big and ugly, but could be replaced. However, they offer a good rear view with no elbows in the way or blurred images.Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica

They are just short of the wide bars but high, so lane filtering can be tricky around SUVs and utes with high and wide mirrors.

My biggest concern was the heat that comes out of the rear cylinder head which is about 30mm from the backs of my thighs.

In slow traffic and while waiting at the lights, it gets very hot. A heat shield or leather pants would be mandatory for commuting duties.

While the basic model has a single, round instrument pod, the S and Race Replica have a smart TFT anti-glare touchscreen about the size of an iPad mini with all the info you would ever need and more.

Not sure why the screen doesn’t go all the way to the edge of the pod, though.

Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica
Antiglare screen in full sun

You can personalise your info, link to your phone, change modes, monitor phone calls, and manage your music, etc.

All info is available via the touchscreen which works well with all types of gloves, or you can use three lots of controls on the instruments and bars.

The indicators are self-cancelling which is a great safety device, but they stay on a little too long. Perhaps that can be adjusted in servicing.

Like all Indian products, the quality of fit and finish is exemplary.

Surprisingly, there is some messy wiring around the triple clamp, the controls are toylike, and the ugly catalytic convertor box underneath is an eye-catching eyesore.

I’m also not too sure about the models with the isolated rear fender.

Many other bikes now have these, but the FTR 1200’s rear wheel hugger/fender is attached by massive pieces of metal and it’s all a bit too chunky.

Overall, it’s a stunning steed with thick paint and a host of options including different coloured tank panels.

HandlingIndian FTR 1200 Race Replica

This American-made motorbike comes with German-made Sachs suspension on all three models.

Standard has preload adjustment on the back, but the S and Race Replica are fully adjustable.

It feels firm around town and is stable on the highways.

On bumpy back roads and gravel roads, it’s also compliant enough to soak up the big hits and has good high-frequency damping to cope with corrugations.

The FTR rides nicely on all types of road surfaces and won’t jar your spine or jackhammer your hands.

The 43mm forks are robust and provide confidence in cornering even if the 19-inch front wheel makes steering a little ponderous.Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica

However, the weight distribution with the fuel tank located centrally and under the seat, makes it easy to change direction quickly through a series of tight esses.

The 19/18-inch tyre combo is strange and the flat-track tread pattern is handsome if a bit noisy on the highway and slightly vague when leaned over on the sharp edge.

The Dunlops were also quite slippery in the wet, although it had only just rained after a long dry spell, so the roads were very oily.

Brakes are strong and the rear is not just there for show. It works well in the gravel to dig in and steer the bike, but on those wet roads it locked up too soon and the ABS took some time to come on.

Conclusion

This handsome steed will turn heads while turning you on across several different types of terrain.

It’s a street tracker, a streetfighter and a mild tourer and adventurer.

Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica tech specsIndian FTR 1200 Race Replica

Engine

Engine Type

Liquid Cooled V-Twin

Displacement

1203 cc

Bore x Stroke

102 mm x 73.6 mm

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Electronic Fuel Injection System

Closed loop fuel injection / 60 mm bore

Performance

Peak Torque RPM

6000 rpm

Peak Torque (95/1/EC Nm)

120Nm

Indian FTR 1200 Race Replica

Chassis

Suspension: Front – Type/Travel

Inverted Telescopic Cartridge Fork / 150mm

Suspension: Rear – Type/Travel

Monotube IFP / 150mm

Brakes/Front

Dual / 320mm x t5 Rotor / 4 Piston Caliper

Brakes/Rear

Single / 260mm x t5 Rotor / 2 Piston Caliper

Tires/Front

120/70R19 60V

Tires/Rear

150/70R18 70V

Wheels

19″ x 3″ & 18″ x 4.25″

Exhaust System

2-into-1

Length

2287mm

Width (INT)

850mm

Height (INT)

1297mm

Weight (Empty tank / full of fuel)

225kg / 230kg

GVWR

430kg

SEAT HEIGHT

805mm/840mm

Lean angle

45°

Wheelbase

1524mm

GROUND CLEARANCE

183mm

Rake

26.3°

Trail

130mm

Fuel Capacity

13.0L

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

7 Motorcycle Fall Hazards You Should Watch Out During Winter

(Sponsored post for our northern winter riders)

A motorcycle ride may be one of the best ways to overcome winter blues, and it’s a way to keep reminding you that spring is on its way. Riding out in the crisp and cold air is revitalizing. Riding motorcycles during sub-freezing winter temperatures can be scary to some riders. But for others who enjoy the thrill of it, winter is nothing but a new riding season, with some challenges and fun all on its own. 

Motorcycle Fall Hazards

It’s a fact that not all winter days are snowy and icy; however, if you want to be a seasoned rider no matter what the season, watch out for hazardous surfaces that surface during winter. Being alert during your winter ride can sharpen and hone your skills in perfect time for spring.

Here are some of the motorcycle fall hazards during winter:

1. Black Ice

Winter presents a lot of challenges like black ice. This kind of ice got its name because it’s thin enough to show through the black color of asphalt, which technically makes it hard to notice or see. Black ice typically forms on the surfaces of the road, much similar to frost forms found on your lawn. 

The Black ice can take place when the temperature of the air is above freezing and when the surface temperature of the road is below freezing. You have to watch out for that formation in areas near bridges and places where the road surface is under a shade. Drive slowly in the sites where there are rampant rain run-offs or melted snow.

The height for black ice is late in the evening and early dawn so you have to be extra careful when you ride during those times in winter.

2. Salt and Sand

Salt is capable of lowering the temperature that water freezes at and starts to melt ice on the road. Sand can make your wheel skid. This combination can make roads a lot safer during the winter storms. But when the roads are dry, the sand and salt will accumulate in places and will be become slippery like ice.

You should be vigilant for sand and salt accumulations at the edge of all lanes because car tires often sweep them off. Be more cautious when you turn across the area with intersections. Slow down in turns and choose your lines wisely, as it can be difficult to predict when you spot a lot of salt and sand accumulations in blind spots.

3. Potholes

Smooth roads will begin to degrade during the fall season and within the first winter weeks. Potholes will upset your steering and can damage your wheels and tires. A pothole that’s filled with thin ice is an accident waiting to happen.

Winter potholes happen when water infiltrates fine cracks at road surfaces and can seep in between layers of pavement. When this water starts to freeze, this will expand and create a gap between these layers of pavement. Right after the ice melts, this sizeable new gap will collect more water. This repeated cycle of thawing and freezing again undermines the surface’s pavement until it begins to break and will start to create a pothole. 

4. Frost Heaves

Frost heaves develop from the repeated cycle of freeze and thaw that creates potholes. They tend to cross the travel lane linearly. They usually appear as long, inverted cracks, but sometimes the road pavement is heaved with no signs of cracks. Passing these sudden bumps can upset your suspension and steering.

5. Slippery Roads

Even without black ice, some roads become more slippery during the winter months. There can be several reasons like water, stones, or ice fragments. While some icy roads are manageable for four-wheel vehicles, these kinds are more dangerous for motorcycles. If you’re not careful, you could skid off the road or fall off a sharp turn.

6. Motorcycle Damage

Perhaps the most critical fall hazard is the effect of cold temperature on your motorcycle. As you know, cold weather can freeze your tires and riding will increase heat around your tire.

Depending on the weather’s temperature, a quick and brief stop will efficiently cool your tire that will provide a lack of traction. Know the proper way to heat your tires. If you can, avoid stopping in zero degree areas.

Protect yourself at all costs. For your motorcycle, maybe choosing a bike protected with carnauba wax can help mitigate damage. Check out thevehiclelab.com’s article on carnauba wax for more information.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com