Tag Archives: motorcycles

EJEAS Bluetooth helmet intercom review

August 5, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

If you’re sick of fiddling with the fiddly screws to mount your Bluetooth intercom, this budget EJEAS Quick20 is worth considering with its excellent audio quality.

It is Chinese made (as most Bluetooth units probably are!) and costs just $A185 each ($US129, €113,￡103) through their EJEAS website.

Quick clasp

This unit is as slim as the top-of-the-line Sena 30K which is good for reducing drag and wind noise.

It features a fast-attaching bulldog-clip-type clasp attachment, so there is no need for fiddling with small allen keys and tiny screws that you can drop and lose.

The clasp simply grips the side of your helmet. There is also a stick-on pad and velcro attachment, if you prefer or your helmet doesn’t have access.

I thought the clip-on clasp might shake loose, but it hasn’t moved after prolonged riding in high winds and on bumpy roads.

However, the control unit doesn’t lock into the clasp firmly and while it won’t shake loose, you can bump it off when taking off your helmet, so be careful.

Bluetooth

As for the quality of the Bluetooth 4.2, it’s excellent.

It will only link up with one other EJEAS unit and won’t connect to other Bluetooth brands I have, but it does work very well between the two units.

It pairs quickly to your phone, GPS or another EJEAS intercom with handy audio prompts and always re-pairs when you turn the units on.

In fact, if you go out of range, it will revert to music or FM if you’ve been listening to them and will automatically reconnect once back in range.

They claim range up to 1200m, but it starts getting crackly about 800mm and you need line-of-sight connection.

Deploying the antenna improves reception a little as well as improving weak FM signals.

Controls

The button arrangement is similar to the Sena units with a rotating knob and central “multi-function button” (MFB) that is easy to access even with thick winter gloves.

However, the raised motorcycle icon which is the on/off and intercom button can be difficult to find with thick gloves.

There is a separate FM button on the back and a “RST” reset button on the top that quickly turns off the unit.

Not sure why you need the RST button as you can turn the unit off and on using the motorcycle icon button by holding it for two seconds. Perhaps that’s a second you can save!

I also found that holding the MFB button two seconds only ever switched the unit on at the second attempt.

The rotating button handles both volume adjustment and radio station selection or skipping/replaying music tracks. To toggle between functions you have to hit the MFB again which makes it a little confusing.

Selecting FM stations is also difficult as there is no audio prompt to tell you the station you have selected.

Audio

The thick and large diameter speakers provide excellent audio quality with nice bass and plenty of volume.

But that makes them quite bulky, so they may not fit in some helmets.

They are a snug fit in my Harley-Davidson Vintage Stripe helmet which has deep ear recesses.

However, there are soft foam covers you can fit to the speakers to improve comfort against your ears.

It also comes with a choice of boom microphone for open-face helmets and bud mic for full-face.

Despite the loud wind noise in this helmet, the microphones effectively dampen background noise even at highway speeds.

Switching between music and intercom or phone calls is easy with a touch of a button.

But there is a delay of several seconds during which time you might think it’s not working and hit the button again.

After a while, you learn to have some patience and trust it will work.

Messy wires

One thing I don’t like is the messy speaker and mic wires.

Also, the plug is big and hangs low, getting caught on the collar of some of my jackets as I turn my head.

Even though this is made in China, the instructions are well written in easy-to-understand English. But the print is way too small for me to see even while wearing my reading glasses!

Conclusion

If you want high-quality audio and only need two-way intercom, the EJEAS Quick20 is well worth the money.

EJEAS Quick20 bluetooth intercom

Bluetooth: 4.2
IP Rating: 65
Talk range: 1200m
Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP & HSP
Frequency Range: 2402MHz ~ 2480MHz
Battery Capacity: 530mAh
Standby Time: 300 hours
Talking Time: 8 hours
Charging Time: approx. 1 hour
Operating Voltage: 3.7V
Charger Requirements: DC5V/500mA
Working Temperature: -10~40℃

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Second NSW motorcyclist’s body found

August 3, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A second NSW rider has died today (3 August 2019) in what police describe as a single-vehicle accident and later been found by passing motorists.

NSW Police say a 25-year-old man has died in a “single-vehicle motorcycle crash” in the state’s southern highlands overnight.

“About 4.50am, a motorist travelling along Golden Vale Road, Sutton Forest, contacted emergency services when they drove upon a motorcycle crashed on the side of the road,” police say.

Officers from The Hume Police District, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, attended and found the rider, a 25-year-old man, deceased at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Police also discovered the body of a young male rider who crashed in Dubbo overnight about 5am today (3 August 2019).

Reports on both incidents will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about either of these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or phone 1800 333 000. Information is treated in confidence. Do not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police reports

Police media releases and statements that claim these as single-vehicle accidents before any investigation is concluded raise the spectre that the riders were at fault.

Such assertions should not be made until investigations are completed. Other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or a stray animal could have caused the crashes.

Claiming that such incidents are single-vehicle crashes can confirm in the minds of the public that riders have a death wish and do not deserve their respect and consideration.

These are dangerous assertions that jeopardise the safety of all riders.

Crash stats

In fact, the statistics show that more motorcycle fatalities are in multi-vehicle crashes.

And in half of those the rider was not at fault.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce said he feared police assumed crashes riders were guilty until proven innocent.

“I think there is a view that riders are more likely to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles and that speed is the common factor,” Steve says.

“We see this in single-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle, where the rider is automatically deemed to be at fault.

“This ignores factors such as road condition, line markings, recent roadworks, lack of signage.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Every ride is world environment day

August 3, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

World Environment Day may be held in June, but every day is a world environment day for riders!

It may be difficult to think of motorcycle riders as greenies or environmentalists when many have grease under their fingernails and high-octane fuel vapour in their nostrils.

However, the American Motorcyclist Association thinks riders are greenies at heart and they are probably right.

World Environment Day Pikes Peak — MBW at Pikes Peak, Colorado

While cyclists continue the high moral ground on environmentalism, it can often be a sham. I’ve seen them rock up for a morning ride with their carbon fibre $12,000 bicycle clamped on the roof racks of their fuel-guzzling 4WD!

Meanwhile, motorcycle riders are true greenies, burning less fuel riding to work or going for a weekend ride through the country. We also appreciate the environment more than most.

The last time you went for a ride, did you head out into the country or ride around the suburbs? Of course, you went out into the country! And what did you do? Did you snap photos of your bike with a house behind it or in some beautiful natural vista? Check out the pix on this page!

Tomorrow is World Environment Day and the organisers are asking people to reconnect with nature - so, ditch work and head out for a ride!

We can also claim that our fuel-miserly bikes also chew up less of the world’s mineral resources to produce. Less than even the smallest city car and much less than any hybrid – supposedly green – car. And because motorcycles are lighter, they also do much less damage to our roads. True greenies, we motorcyclists!

If there were more motorcycles and fewer cars on the roads it would contribute to a less crowded road network, reduce air pollution and help alleviate inner-city parking problems.

But don’t take my word for it. This is what American Motorcyclist Association president and CEO Rob Dingman said: “Motorcyclists are proud of their contributions to the health of the planet, whether through physical labor in maintaining trails or planting trees or simply commuting to work and leaving the gas-guzzler at home.

“When you look at the big picture, it’s clear that motorcycling contributes to the social good. Motorcycle use improves the health of the planet by improving fuel economy, reducing pollution and congestion, and providing a fun outdoor activity for tens of thousands of people every day.”

Go out and ride and declare every day world environment day.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Alien Yamaha Niken three-wheeler will surprise

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Yamaha’s Niken GT three-wheeler looks like an alien, but it corners surprisingly well, says Motorbike Writer contributor Todd Parkes.

When I first set eyes on the Yamaha Niken, I imagined an alien would ride one of these monsters.

This bike is pretty much an MT-09 with two very skilfully engineered front wheels grafted to what would have normally been the pointy end.

Piaggio and other scooter manufacturers (Yamaha’s Tricity included) have proved this concept of ‘doubling’ the front end grip of a cycle.

How many times have we watched motorcycle racing and witnessed a front end loss? The front wheel ‘tucks’ up and chucks its hapless rider down the road.

I tested the original Piaggio MP3 when released, and it was the most sure footed thing I’d ever ridden.

Niken GT test

So, can the three-wheeled Niken service it up to its two-wheeled counterparts?

Apparently it can top around 210km/h and was a full second quicker than its MT-09 sibling, around Yamaha’s test track.

The bike I tested was the $24,478 (+ on-road costs) Niken GT and it can certainly live up to the Grand Tourer standard. It has heated grips, cruise control, touring screen, panniers, shift indicator, selection of three sport modes, traction control, ABS, side and centre stands, comfortable seating position, and wide handle bars.

There’s a six-speed transmission, a 847cc DOHC triple developing 86kW (115HP) at 10,000rpm, kerb weight of a hefty 263kg and high 820mm seat.

The 18 litre fuel tank will give a comfortable range of 300km before the reserve counter kicks in, depending on the engine mode used and how heavily you twist the throttle.

No lessons required

Sitting behind the handle bars gives no indication of what’s in front of you. The fairing may be a bit wider but apart from that nothing seems any different from a standard motorbike.

There is no requirement for tuition on how to ride the Niken. A Can-Am Spyder, outfit or even a trike needs a skill set outside that for riding a normal motorcycle.

You ride a Niken in the exact same way you ride any other bike.

The only differences are a slight noticeable ‘drag’ at slow speed, you can brake later into corners using more front brake and right hand U-turns are a piece of cake. You can even drag the front brake without pulling yourself down.

You do need a side stand and it will fall over if you don’t hold it up.

There are no fancy hydraulics, electronics or sensors, just plain old good quality mechanical engineering.

The mirrors are well positioned and offer good rear and side views without being filled with the rider’s shoulders or arms.

They can be difficult to adjust being so far forward, however, they are positioned in such a way that there is little need to shift the eyeline from the road ahead.

The instrumentation, mirrors and view ahead are virtually all in the same line of sight.

Stability

The one constant while riding this bike is, stability. High speed, low speed, wet grass, gravel, uneven surfaces or cornering, it’s all the same.

There is a complete feeling of confidence that the bike will stay on track and be completely controllable.

I threw it at everything I could think of and it felt like it was on rails at all times. I reckon I’d have to do something completely stupid or idiotic to throw it down the road.

Both front tyres are still planted firmly on the road by the time you are fully grinding the footpegs into the tar.

Pillion test

With my treasured pillion onboard we headed off to see what she thought of passenger comfort.

Seat comfort was good, grab rails were well positioned, foot rests not too high.

There was plenty of room for her to shift about. Now, as the rider, I noticed that there was no need for me to compensate for being with a pillion, those small counterbalance shifts a rider makes to keep the bike stable two up, the Niken does it for you. Two up at 10kph….easy…..two up over soft ground and wet grass is a doddle. Amazing!

I’m 180cm tall and 90kg and the 820mm seat height suited me fine. I was able to get both feet flat on the ground and spread out for good support.

The panniers are a little unusual in that they’re a cross between a soft and hard case with zipper closure (they came with a pannier liner bag).

They appear to be a bit on the light side, but, hold about 30 litres securely and can be carried around just like any old set of luggage.

The main downside with the panniers is their exposure to being ‘booted’ when getting on or off the bike. They won’t hold a full face, but will take an open-face helmet.

Apart from the obvious expense of purchasing an extra tyre, my main concern was the “busy” left hand switch block. It takes some time to get used to.

The high beam idiot light is a bit too bright at night, as are the cruise control globes. I’d also prefer some adjustment for the windscreen.

Conclusion

Look beyond the alien appearance and take one for a test ride. It will surprise you as it did me.

Most of my age group couldn’t get past the alien appearance, but a couple of young riders walked up and started taking photos.

Their attention was drawn by the steering mechanism under the front. They thought the bike was pretty cool!

Thanks to Yamaha Australia and Simon from Chris Watson Cessnock for the test bike. The base model starts at $22,438 (+ORC). Options include panniers ($775), brackets ($523) and centre stand ($781).

Yamaha Niken GT

Price: $24,478 (+ on-road costs)
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, 847cc 3-cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 78 x 59.1mm
Compression: 11.5 : 1
Fuel: 18 litres
Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed, chain drive
Length: 2150mm
Width: 885mm
Height: 1425mm
Seat: 820mm
Wheelbase: 1510mm
Clearance: 150mm
Wet weight: 267kg
Suspension: USD Telescopic forks, 110m travel; link rear, 125mm travel
Brakes: Hydraulic dual 298mm discs, 282mm rear disc
Tyres: 120/70-R15; 190/55-R17

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Morbidellil motorcycle collection for sale

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A collection of motorcycles gathered over 40 years by motorcycle manufacturer and Grand Prix boss Giancarlo Morbidelli is being offered for sale at auction.

The annual Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 18-20 October 2019 will be the largest single private collection of motorcycles to be offered by Bonhams to date.The Morbidelli Collection from Pesaro, Italy, has more than 300 motorcycles.

“He spent day and night in the museum,” says his son Guianni. “He had no other life.”

Nieto Morbidelli collection for sale — Giancarlo Morbidelli and a Morbidelli V8

Giancarlo’s collection includes international brands such as Harley-Davidson, Honda and Benelli ranging from immaculate restorations to prototypes and barn finds.

They represent the passion of the farmer’s son and former woodworking machinist who, while building up a successful engineering firm as his day job, spent his spare time on tuning, racing and later building his own motorcycles.

Highlights

Two examples from the Morbidelli Grand Prix racing motorcycle collection, largely designed and built by Giancarlo, were fabricated by a small, dedicated team in a corner of the Morbidelli woodworking factory.

These proved to be ‘giant killers’ seeing off international corporations to claim the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship in three consecutive years: 1975, ‘76 and ‘77, as well as winning the 250cc world title in 1977.

“He was a genius with bikes,” says Gianni.

“He did everything by himself, working in a very small room.

“Forty years ago, he laid the foundation of this incredible museum, spending a lot of effort, time, energy and money.

“One part of the museum is dedicated to the period between the end of the 1960s to the 1980s when he built racing motorcycles. It’s our family heritage, a part of our life, but we thought it would be correct to include in the sale two Morbidelli motorcycles that my father built.”

The 1974 Morbidelli 125cc Grand Prix motorcycle is estimated to fetch up to £120,000 ($A214,500).

It was raced by the great Angel Nieto to second place in that year’s Spanish and German Grand Prix.

A 250cc machine designed for 15-time Grand Prix world champion Giacomo Agostini, who rode for the team during its golden period in 1976, and came second at Misano is estimated to fetch up £100,000 ($A179,000).

However, the Morbidelli family will retain ownership of the majority of the Morbidelli Grand Prix motorcycles, including the world championship winning 125cc and 250cc examples, raced respectively by Paoli Pileri, Pierpaolo Bianchi and Lego Mario.

Benelli features

Not surprisingly, the Morbidelli Museum collection in the sale features a strong showing of Benelli motorcycles which were also a great passion of Giancarlo, coming from Pesaro, where this great historic brand was also founded.

One of the most interesting examples of the marque on offer is the 1942 250cc supercharged 4-cylinder example that could fetch more than £600,000 ($A1m).

This racing machine never actually raced. It was built just in time for motorcycle racing to be stopped due to the war, while supercharging was banned by the FIM in post-war years.

Giancarlo had a personal relationship and friendship with the Benelli family and so was able to procure the original parts which he rebuilt into a fully-functioning motorcycle.

Other Benellis to be offered include:

1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix racing motorcycle – the world championship motorcycle ridden to victory by Dario Ambrosini. Estimate £120,000 – 180,000.
1934 Benelli 175cc Bialbero – believed raced by Dorino Serafini, one of only three in the world. Estimate £40,000 – 60,000.
1964 Benelli 250 Grand Prix racing motorcycle, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini. Estimate £80,000 – 120,000.

Ducati jewel

Another jewel of the Morbidelli Collection is the 1964 Ducati 125cc 4-cylinder Grand Prix racing motorcycle, (estimate £400,000 – 600,000), another GP racing machine which never raced. Created by Fabio Taglioni, Ducati’s chief engineer, this motorcycle disappeared for some years before its engine was found in Russia while its chassis reappeared in Yugoslavia, now Croatia. With the two essential components reunited, Giancarlo rebuilt the mythical motorcycle.

Alongside the pristine restorations, there are several unfinished projects in the sale, offering the opportunity to restore these machines as Giancarlo was hoping to.

The collection also comprises motorcycling memorabilia including Giancarlo’s own reference library, original drawings, trophies, signage and other artefacts, giving a complete picture of the museum and the motorcycling world.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police find body of crashed motorcyclist in Dubbo

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

NSW Police have discovered the body of a young male rider who crashed in Dubbo overnight.

Police say officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District were travelling along Cobbora Road near

Myall Street, Dubbo crash — Myall Street, Dubbo (Image: Google Maps)

, about 5am today (3 August 2019) when they found the crashed motorcycle and rider.

They believe the motorcycle “left the road and crashed into a fence”.

The man, believed to be a 24-year-old, died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends who have not yet been contacted.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.

A Coroner’s report will be prepared.

The Golden Highway between Myall Street and White Street currently remains closed. Please check www.livetraffic.com before travelling.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Crash stats

It would be wrong to assume this is a single-vehicle accident. Since it occurred in suburban Dubbo, it could have involved another vehicle or a stray pet.

Statistics show that more motorcycle fatalities are in multi-vehicle crashes. And in half of those the rider was not at fault.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says he fears police assumed crashed riders are guilty until proven innocent.

“I think there is a view that riders are more likely to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles and that speed is the common factor,” Steve says.

“We see this in single-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle, where the rider is automatically deemed to be at fault.

“This ignores factors such as road condition, line markings, recent roadworks, lack of signage.”

Any claims that such incidents are single-vehicle crashes can confirm in the minds of the public that riders have a death wish and do not deserve their respect and consideration.

These are dangerous assertions that jeopardise the safety of all riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Nolan deal to include active noise cancelling

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Nolan helmets may soon have active noise-cancelling systems after signing a deal with Norwegian tech startup DAAL.

DAAL issued a media release saying their innovation would “give motorcyclists the chance to ride their bikes at highway speeds without the discomfort of tiring and potentially damaging wind noise”.

They say wind noise in a helmet can exceed 110dB that can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) over time. Click here for more information.

“This system also enables the rider to listen to music or talk to fellow riders in a quieter environment than today,” they say.

“By use of so-called active noise cancellation (ANC), the DAAL team has developed a technology that significantly reduces wind noise for the rider, without interfering with important traﬃc sounds like sirens and horns.

“For us, it is all about providing riders the freedom to get out there and enjoy the ride, without worrying about their hearing.”

Active noise cancelling

Sena was the first to introduce a helmet with an integrated electronic noise-cancelling intercom system.

However, DAAL founder and CEO Dag Axel Aarset says their system is different to other active noise-cancelling systems.

“Unlike generic noise cancellation headphones, our system is developed specifically to perform in the harsh and demanding noise environment inside a motorcycle helmet – and actually performs well for wind noise,” he says.

I have tried several active noise-cancelling earphones and agree that they can’t cope with loud wind buffeting.

Active noise-cancelling systems generate a reverse sound wave of the background noise and play it through the speakers to cancel out the unwanted, harmful noise.

It requires a microphone next to your ear as well as speakers. There is also a power pack in the back of the helmet. However, they say their system weighs the same as other intercoms.

Daal Nolan noise cancelling helmet — DAAL tech being tested in a Nolan helmet

Tested and verified

Their prototype has been tested and veriﬁed for speeds up to 140km/h. The product is expected to be available in the market in 2020.

While the system is separate to an intercom, we imagine Nolan will integrate it with their N-Com Bluetooth intercom.

DAAL marketing manager David Schecroun says they “cannot go into the specifics of the project goals at this point”.

“We want our system to be compatible with both helmets and communication systems in the future,” he says.

“The collaboration between DAAL and Nolan is a joint effort to make our technology as effective as possible within the constraints of the Nolan helmet, but we can and intend to work with other helmet manufacturers to make sure our technology can fit into more than one line of helmets.

“Our long-term goal is to reach as many helmets as possible, probably through an aftermarket solution that may include some sort of communication features.

“Today our focus is on the mutual benefits of collaborating with innovative first movers such as Nolan, where we can offer a competitive edge before ANC becomes the norm for motorcyclists, while at the same time we can see a clearer way towards the total market.”

They aim to launch their product globally in mid-2020.

DAAL was established in 2016 in Trondheim, the technology capital of Norway.

Italian helmet maker the Nolan Group was recently bought by French motorcycle company 2Ride Holding, makers of Shark helmets, Bering and Segura motorcycle clothing and Bagster bike luggage.

Damaging noise

Meanwhile, if you have issues with ringing in the ears after a long ride, we suggest you wear earplugs to reduce harmful wind noise.

Alpine MotoSafe earplugs make riders safer sound — BUY Alpine MotoSafe earplugs now in our online shop

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Second motorcyclist in truck collision

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A 21-year-old male rider has been seriously injured in a collision with a truck on Maitland Rd, Hexham, west of Newcastle, about 10am today (2 August 2019).

It follows the death of a 22-year-old male rider after a collision with a truck on an M4 highway off-ramp in Sydney’s west on Tuesday morning.

Police say the 21-year-old rider was trapped under the truck for some time.

A Westpac Rescue Helicopter transported the rider to John Hunter Hospital in a serious, but stable condition.

We offer our sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery.

The male driver of the truck has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Two of three southbound lanes on Maitland Road were closed. For the latest traffic updates, visit www.livetraffic.com.

Safety message

It is still not yet known what caused these crashes and we do not assume any blame.

Riders should always exercise extreme caution when riding around trucks, especially in heavy traffic.

Trucks have a lot of blind spots and motorcycles can easily disappear from their view.

Click here for more information on lane filtering around trucks and truck blind spots.

Trucks reversed image lane filtering blind spot — All the bikes in this photo are in a truck’s blind spots

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Massive discounts on Husqvarna 701 and 401

August 2, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Husqvarna Australia is about to offer some massive discounts on the 401 and 701 Svartpilen and Vitpilen motorcycles.

And by “massive” we mean a massive $3000 to $7000, depending on the model!

The official announcement has not yet been made, but we have seen the ride-away prices announced to the dealers recently.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - controversial upgrade massive — Vitpilen 401

Husqvarna massive discounts

Model	Old price (+ORC)	New on-road price	(New Zealand)
Svartpilen 701	$A15,995	$A10,495	$NZ11,500
Vitpilen 701	$A16,995	$A9995	$NZ10,999
Svartpilen 401	$A10,495	$A7495	$NZ8495
Vitpilen 401	$A10,495	$A7495	$NZ8495

Rebate

Riders who have recently bought one for the full price may be able to get a rebate.

While companies are not legally bound to rebate the difference as it a a case of “buyer beware”, offering a rebate would show good faith with their customers.

However, the only time we can recall a motoring company issuing a full refund after heavily discounting a big-ticket item was in 2004 when Holden slashed the price of its off-road Adventra wagon by $4000.

We have rarely seen such a massive discount in the motorcycle industry. And by comparison, this is much higher than the Holden discount.

Yet we would expect the distributor to be understanding about rebates and retaining customer loyalty.

They may offer cash, or free accessories or service to make up the difference. It could come down to your negotiating skills.

The motorcycles

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 svarptilen massive — Vitpilen 701

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - controversial massive — Vitpilen 401

We love the four models with their quirky looks and names.

Vitpilen means white arrow and is the road bike while Svartpilen means black arrow and is a scrambler semi-off-roader.

They are all fun and agile motorcycles with quality components.

For example, the 701 comes with a lot of standard “goodies” such as Bi-Directional Quick Shifter, Brembo Brakes with braided lines, LED lighting and WP Suspension.

However, we always said they would be a hard sell at the prices they were asking, especially for single-cylinder motorcycles.

Click on the following model names to read our full road tests: Vitpilen 701 and Vitpilen 401.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle handlebar petition goes federal

August 1, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A “Change” petition to relax motorcycle handlebar rules last year attracted more than 11,000 signatures, but was ignored by the Federal Government.

So now the petitioners have gone to a lawyer to draft a formal Federal Parliament petition to elicit some action.

Click here to sign the petition.

Gold Coast handlebar manufacturer Burleigh Bars Australia started the online Change.org petition to scrap the arbitrary limit of 380mm above the seat.

They claimed the rules did not consider rider comfort nor lane filtering riders hitting car mirrors.

Petition rejected

Spokesman Zane Waldon says the change.org petition was given “no merit as far the Federal Government was concerned”.

“So, after a year we have hit the next stage,” he says.

“I’m not too sure how many signatures are required; our lawyer has taken care of setting all this up.

“I believe it all depends on numbers as to whether it will go before the House of Representatives for debate.

“The petition will only be active for the next four weeks, sop hopefully we can achieve the number required in that time.”

So far, only about 1200 have signed.

Lift restrictions

Zane says they would like to see no restrictions as in 31 states of the USA and 10 provinces and territories of Canada or even a shoulder height as in 10 USA states and British Columbia.

“Shoulder height would be ideal as it is based on the rider’s height and makes far more sense to me,” Zane says.

“But we are thinking it would be easier to get them to go back to the old rule (380mm above the attachment, not the seat) than to try and make a new rule.”

He says the arbitrary handlebar height restrictions have created an excuse for police to conduct a witch-hunt to harass riders.

Click here for examples of the witch-hunt.

Federal plea

The new Federal Government petition (Number EN0950) asks the House to “consider changes to the national legislation and the ADR(57) to alleviate vexatious regulations regarding motorcycle handlebar heights”.

“It is our submission that laws should be unified as they relate to vehicles manufactured pre and post 1988; specifically that the current compliance height of 380mm be measured from the point of attachment to the vehicle rather than the uppermost surface of the riders seat,” the petition says.

“It is our belief that the reformation of these laws will lead to greater rider wellbeing, increased freedom of modification and the subsequent benefit to industry, reduced cost impost on motorcycle manufacturers and consumers without reducing safety.”

The petition seeks amendments to the Motor Vehicles Standards Act, the National Code of Practice for Vehicle Construction and “aid in the amendment of the Australian Design Rules pertaining to motorcycle construction”.

“Specifically to effect laws requiring all mopeds, motorcycles and motor trikes, regardless of manufacture date, to comply with a handlebar height of 380mm measured from the point of attachment to the vehicle, as per the current legislation pertaining to vehicles manufactured prior to June 30, 1988.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Quick clasp

Bluetooth

Controls

Audio

Messy wires

Conclusion

EJEAS Quick20 bluetooth intercom

Police reports

Crash stats

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