Tag Archives: motorcycles

News

4 Best Motorcycle Loan Options For Students

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(Sponsored loan article for our North American readers)

Today, motorcycles are more popular because of their fuel efficiency and the cost advantage. Kelley Blue Book estimates the average cost of a new car to be $US36,270. In comparison, you can bring home a new motorcycle for less than $5000.

Motorcycles are a cost-effective mode of transportation. However, securing a motorcycle loan can be more difficult than it appears at first glance and you may like to examine the financing options you have.

Motorcycle loans and auto loans

Even though purchasing of a motorcycle is not different from buying a car as far as the process is concerned, you need to look for financing alternatives available for a motorcycle loan. In most scenarios, you can’t avail an automobile loan to buy a motorcycle. Rather, you have to seek a loan that is specifically meant for motorcycles, or other categories of similar vehicles such as recreational or specialty vehicles.

Often, the terms for motorcycle loans are different from auto loans, especially in the repayment period and interest rates.

For example, you can get a car loan for a rate as low 3.09% from SunTrust as of April 6, 2018. But SunTrust puts motorcycles in the category of boats and motor homes and treats all of them as recreational vehicles. The lowest rate on which SunTrust can give you a motorcycle loan is 4.44%.

Loan options

Since motorcycle loan is a lot different from auto loan, it is not a bad idea to examine different financing possibilities to make sure that you get the best deal in the market.

No matter whether you are going to use your motorcycle for primary transportation purposes or for weekend joyrides, you can take out a loan to buy your motorcycle under four main financing choices.

1. Manufacturer financing

You can directly get a motorcycle loan from some manufacturers. For example, Harley-Davidson offers such loans in association with Eaglemark Savings Bank. Depending on your credit history and other factors, you can find a loan at a meager 3.99%. Chances are that you may not be required to pay even a down payment.

Here an important thing to bear in mind is that the manufacturers offer lowest rate loans on select models and under short-term repayment plan. If you are planning to buy a low-priced model or wish to choose a repayment plan longer than 36 months, you are likely to attract higher rates.

2. Dealership financing

You can also get the financing from the motorcycle dealership. Some of them offer loans under a special scheme with the manufacturers but they also partner with multiple lenders. Loans from these lenders usually are available at less stringent conditions than manufacturers, so chances are that you will qualify for a loan if you have poor credit.

However, it can be more expensive to avail a loan from the dealership than from other sources. There is a possibility that you might have to pay more in interest if you did not consider other options, for example, a credit union.

3. Credit union and bank loans

You can make some saving by taking out a loan on your own before visiting the dealership. Motorcycle loans are available at several banks and credit unions and they tend to charge lower rates than the dealerships.

If your credit score is low or don’t have an impressive credit history, seeking a loan from a credit union can be an intelligent option. Credit unions, unlike banks, are nonprofit financial entities and might offer loans on easy terms. You can visit MyCreditUnion.gov to locate a credit union near you if you are not already a member of one such organization.

4. Personal loans

You can also consider personal loan as one of the options to buy your motorcycle. Contingent on your income and history of financially responsible behavior, you could find a loan at rock bottom interest rate of 4.98%. If your credit is in excellent condition and if you can easily make monthly repayment, you will be able to save money by choosing a personal loan.

Even if if your credit isn’t all that great, chances are you will qualify for a personal loan more easily than a motorcycle loan. But if the credit standards are relaxed, personal loans can come at higher interest rates compared to other types of financing.

Also, personal loans are to be repaid in much shorter duration than motorcycle loans. A motorcycle loan can be repaid in up to 84 months while the repayment plan for personal loans is often limited to only 60 months.

Some lenders also give student loan for buying motorcycle. You should also check them out if you qualify for a loan in that category.

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Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

MotoCAP rates textile pants low on safety

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The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given only half a star to two stars to eight more pairs of textile pants.

MotoCAP launched in September 2018 with ratings for 10 leather jackets and 10 pairs of rider jeans.

In November they added ratings for 10 textile jackets which rated lower than the leather jackets on safety and leggings in January which only rated half a star for safety out of five.

MotoCAP has set a target of testing 10% of available jackets, pants and gloves in its first year of operation.

Textile pants

BMW and Triumph textile pants tested by MotoCAP
BMW and Triumph textile pants tested

This latest batch of eight textile pants includes BMW Rider ($570) and Triumph Malvern Jeans ($812) which rated two out of five stars for safety but three for comfort.

DriRider Vortex Adventure 2 ($330), Neo Mugello ($199) and Rev’It Factor 3 ($350) only rated one star each for safety and comfort.

However, only half a star for safety and comfort was earned by DriRider Nordic 2 ($250) and RJays Voyager V, while Spidi X-Tour ($350) scored half a star for safety and one star for comfort.

Since all pants were advertised as water resistant, they were tested for water resistance.

MotoCAP reports a wide range of water resistance performance from one point out of 10 to the RJays Voyager V scoring 10 out of 10.

Voluntary system

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given only half a star to two stars to eight more pair of textile pants.
A dummy dressed in riding gear is tested for abrasion resistance

The five-star ratings system is a voluntary system that manufacturers can display on their gear as information for riders.

When MotoCAP was launched, the motorcycle clothing industry was not invited to pay for testing to guarantee independence.

However MotoCAP has invited companies to submit products for ratings.

So far, all rated clothing has been bought off the shelf using a random sampling process.

The ratings were not commissioned by the companies and the motorcycle gear was not supplied by the companies.

MotoCAP is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with the following: from NSW – Transport for NSW, SIRA and the NRMA; from Victoria – VicRoads, TAC and RACV; from South Australia – DPTI, MAC and RAA; from Queensland – TMR and RACQ; from Western Australia – the Western Australian Road Safety Commission; plus the Australian Motorcycle Council and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson says MotoCAP is designed to “reduce road trauma and injury severity for motorcyclists” by informing riders of their choices.

“It is hoped this will be achieved by raising consumer awareness of, and demand for, better protective clothing, and manufacturers and suppliers will respond to that demand,” he said.

“The MotoCAP rating system will be continually monitored and feedback will be considered to identify any improvements that can be made.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Motorbike Response Crew keep traffic moving

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Motorcycles may soon be coming to the rescue of crash victims and broken-down vehicles on tollways around Australia to keep traffic moving.

It follows the Australian-first trial of a motorbike response crew on the Logan and Gateway motorways in Brisbane.

The trial is being run by Queensland tollway company Linkt, which is owned by Transurban that also operates CityLink in Melbourne and six tollways in Sydney.

Trial results

Trial results are expected in mid-2019. If it is deemed a success, it may be expanded to other cities.

“As part of an Australian-first trial, experienced motorbike responders will get to breakdowns and incidents sooner, providing much needed assistance to affected motorists during periods of high congestion, and helping to keep traffic moving,” Linkt says.

What makes motorcycles quicker to respond is their ability to legally filter through slow or stationary traffic.

So motorists will have another reason to be grateful for more motorcycles on our roads!

Motorcycle paramedics have been used in other states before, but this is the first by a private tollway company.

Linkt say their motorbike response crews are first-aid trained and equipped with “fuel, water, jump kits, and more”.

traffic
Logan Motorway

Trial crew

Incident Response Supervisor Paul Hillman, who is an ex-paramedic and part of the motorcycle trial, says the crew have more than 20 years’ motorcycle experience.

“To ensure their safety, motorcycles will only be deployed during daylight hours, during peak times and when incidents result in congestion,” he says.

“Breaking down on the motorway can be a very scary experience for people, so when we arrive on the scene to provide assistance, they are very grateful.”

Linkt say they respond to about 1000 traffic incidents each month across Transurban’s roads in Brisbane, including breakdowns, out-of-fuel and debris clean-up.

“Research has shown that the rate of crashes on Brisbane’s toll roads is 53% lower than on similar roads,” they say.

Keeping traffic moving

Transurban Queensland General Manager Operations David McLoughlin says their incident response fleet is the largest in Australia with four trucks fitted with crash cushions, two tow trucks and four utes.

“Since 2017, our average incident response times on these motorways has reduced to just over eight minutes and we expect this trial will result in further benefits for motorists,” he says.

“To ensure the highest safety standards are met throughout the trial, we have been collaborating closely with Queensland Police, who currently use motorcycles as part of their own fleet.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Perth rider killed after police pursuit

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A 24-year-old Perth rider has died after a woman who had been involved in a police pursuit crashed into him early Thursday morning on the wrong side of the road.

Jordan Thorsager was riding his Kawasaki on the Leach highway just after midnight when he was hit head-on by the driver.

Police say they were not pursuing the woman at the time of the crash, but confirm they had been chasing her “on and off” over the previous hour. She was wanted on an arrest warrant.

Western Australia Police Major Crash investigators and police Internal Affairs officers are investigating the pursuit and are calling for witnesses.

Surprisingly, his family is willing to forgive the driver and does not question police conduct.

police pursuit
(Image: Channel 9 News, Perth)

Police may not have been pursuing the woman at the time of the crash, but did their pursuit over the previous hour affect the driving behaviour of the woman?

A 24-year-old man is now dead after police pursued a woman wanted on an arrest warrant for matters not made public. Does that seem like a fair outcome from a pursuit?

Police pursuit

The 2009 Australian Institute of Criminology study found the three most pressing issues for police reform around the world are use of force, policing of violence in families and high-speed pursuits.

It also found deaths in custody at police stations are declining but “deaths in custody” as a result of high-speed pursuits were rising.

While less than 1% of police pursuits results in a fatal crash, 38% of the people killed are innocent bystanders.

It’s much worse in the USA where one person dies every day as a result of a police pursuit. Of those deaths, 1% are police, 55% suspects and 44% bystanders.

Most police procedures acknowledge the judgement of the officer at the scene to begin a pursuit.

However, continuation of the pursuit is then deferred to a senior officer at the station or headquarters.

They have to make a quick judgement based on the lethal risk to the community of the chase versus the lethal risk to the community of letting a serious offender escape.

This must be backed by information, not just mere suspicion.

Queensland police figures show only about 3% of pursuits involved imminent threat to life or a suspect escaping after a homicide.

Police have a duty to not only prevent and control crime, but more importantly, they have a duty to protect the community and that includes from their own reckless behaviour and judgement.

Click her to read about a police and media pursuit that encouraged a motorcycle rider to perform stunts for the cameras.

Police pursuit pursuits
TV chopper captures pursued rider performing stunts

Restrictive practices

Despite criticism from police unions, most pursuit policies around the world, including the USA, are becoming more restrictive.

In many jurisdictions, pursuits are only allowed if there is a serious risk to public safety or in relation to a major crime involving death or injury.

However, there is an issue about making these pursuit policies public. Some say they should be public to show transparency while others believe it would give criminals clues on how to evade police.

Those who support pursuits point out that the number of people evading police is rising as a result of more restrictive pursuit policies, despite higher penalties for evading police.

Making the issue more complex is the degree of the pursuit.

Should there be an upper speed limit for police? Should police be allowed to break other road rules in the pursuit?

There have been incidences of police driving at more than 200km/h in a pursuit and on the road side of a major highway.

Another issue is whether police should be criminally culpable in the instance of a death resulting from a pursuit.

To a degree, technologies such as CTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) devices, negate the need for pursuits.

VicPol gets number plate recognition police pursuit
Number plate recognition device on the roof of a patrol car

WA police have ANPR, but it is not known whether it was available in the pursuit patrol vehicle.

In some cases, APNR may actually trigger a police pursuit.

* What do you think about police pursuits? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Listen to the awesome 1800cc boxer Beemer

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Hopes of BMW building an R18 with an 1800cc engine have risen with this new video showing a wild Japanese custom BMW “Departed” R18 in action.

Doesn’t it sound absolutely awesome?

1800cc Boxer

There is no reference to it being an 1800cc engine, but the R18 nomenclature seems to suggest it.

Although, it was first rolled out in December 2018, so it could just be a reference to the year.BMW R18 custom concept 1800cc

We don’t think so. That deep, guttural sound seems to come from a big-capacity engine.

Let’s hope the normally conservative Bavarian company really is considering an 1800cc boxer engine.

At the end of the video the Japanese custom builders from Custom Works Zon speculate on what type of bike BMW will build around the engine.

BMW R18 custom concept 1800cc 1800cc

BMW says: “Further details about the engine and its possible future use will be communicated at a later point in time.”

The Bavarian company has a history of handing over custom builds to outside design houses that eventually turn into production models.

A prominent example is the R nineT which started as the Concept Ninety by Roland Sands Designs in LA.

BMW Concept Ninety Roland Sands Designs customised r18 1800cc
RSD Concept Ninety

R18 custom

This time, BMW has handed over an unidentified boxer pushrod engine to Custom Works Zon who built an entire bike around it.

Unlike the new R 1250 ShiftCam models, it doesn’t appear to have liquid cooling, but oil and air-cooled heads.

BMW R 1250 GS and RT r18 1800cc
BMW R 1250 with CamShift

Click here for Aussie pricing on the new R 1250 models.

The heads are chromed on the outside and have a similar fin design to the 1960s boxer engines from BMW. Although that could just be for aesthetics and could be masking liquid-cooling tech.BMW R18 custom concept 1800cc

The custom R18 project is pretty wild and we don’t expect BMW to produce a bike with such a small tank to go with an 1800cc engine.

However, we remain ever hopefully of a big 1.8-litre Boxer!

BMW R18 custom concept 1800cc

Other confronting design elements include 21” and 26” wheels, solid aluminium girder forks, steel pipe swingarm or concealed Softail-style suspension.

Nostalgia

The R18 follows the equally wild Nmoto Nostalgia based on the R nineT.

Nmoto has now started producing a limited number of these retro R nineT customs.

Nmoto Nostalgia BMW R nineT r18
Nmoto Nostalgia

Like the Nmoto, the R18 draws heavily on BMW models from early years.

Retro and nostalgia bikes are big business at the moment.

Triumph is having enormous success with its Bonneville dozen-model range, Ducati’s Scrambler has become their top seller, Kawasaki has won hearts with its Z900RS and BMW has had enormous success with its R nineT.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Ride-away deal on Suzuki GSX-S1000

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Suzuki Australia is offering free on-road costs on their GSX-S1000 streetfighter saving riders $1200 from March 2019.

The bike was updated for last year’s model with more power, torque and control, plus some cosmetic updates.

It cost $16,690 ride away, but it is now being offered at $15,490 ride away in two new colours: Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Matte Black (Z-model).

GSX-S1000 updates

The GSX-S1000 is powered by a GSX-R1000 engine “tuned for the streets with a fatter and meatier bottom-to-mid”.

Peak power has increased from the previous model’s 107kW (145ps) to 110kW (150ps) and maximum torque has increased from 106Nm to 108Nm.

The improved performance is thanks to newly added crankcase ventilation holes which reduce pumping losses and comply with Euro 4 emissions regulations.Suzuki GSX-S1000

A back-torque-limiting clutch has been added to contribute to smoother downshifts and corner entry.

Brembo monobloc calipers are the same specification as on the GSX-R1000R with four opposed 32mm piston callipers and 310mm floating-mount discs and ABS.

The front brake hose has been updated for claimed improvements in initial stopping performance and feeling.

It has 43mm KYB inverted forks with fully adjustable compression, rebound damping and spring preload. The single KYB rear shock features adjustable rebound damping and spring preload.Suzuki GSX-S1000

The lightweight LCD instrument cluster includes speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position, coolant temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control, and a clock.

The white backlight provides night-time visibility and features six different rpm display settings.

It comes with Suzuki’s two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

KTM recalls 1290 Super Adventure over fuel leak

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KTM Australia has recalled model year 2015/16 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles over a possible fuel leak.

The official notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says an error occurred in the moulding process of the fuel tank.

“There may be a fuel leakage at the lower fitting insert for the fuel tank fairing in the seat area,” the notice says.

“Should a fuel leak occur, escaping fuel could cause damage or may result in fire.”

The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of the 278 affected 1290 Super Adventure models are listed at the end of this article.KTM 1290 Super Adventure

1290 owners

Owners will be contacted by direct mail, notifying them of the recall and requesting they make an appointment with their local authorised KTM Australia dealer.

We have published this recall notice in case the bike has been privately sold and KTM Australia no longer has a record o the owner.

“Authorised dealers will complete an inspection of the tank production information. This will determine the required course of action, which may include a corrective measure,” the notice says.

As with all recalls, repairs will be free.

For further information, owners can contact KTM Australia on 1800 644 771 or find their nearest authorised dealer using the dealer search option.

In 2016, KTM recalled the 2015/16 1290 Super Adventure over an an oil leak in the semi-active rear shock absorber.KTM 1290 Super Adventure simple

Even though manufacturers and importers 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 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:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

VINs of affected bikes

VINS:
VBKV59402GM950464
VBKV59400GM950270
VBKV59409GM945228
VBKV59404GM945234
VBKV59404GM945220
VBKV59406GM945221
VBKV59402GM945264
VBKV59402GM945250
VBKV59402GM945247
VBKV59402GM945233
VBKV59408GM945253
VBKV59408GM945236
VBKV59408GM945222
VBKV59405GM945260
VBKV59405GM945257
VBKV59405GM945226
VBKV5940XGM945254
VBKV59400GM945263
VBKV59400GM945232
VBKV59403GM945256
VBKV59403GM945242
VBKV59403GM945239
VBKV59403GM945225
VBKV59407GM945261
VBKV59407GM945258
VBKV59407GM945230
VBKV59407GM945227
VBKV59401GM945255
VBKV59401GM945241
VBKV59402GM936905
VBKV59402GM936919
VBKV59400GM936918
VBKV5940XGM936909
VBKV5940XGM936912
VBKV59409GM936898
VBKV59409GM936903
VBKV59409GM936917
VBKV59408GM936908
VBKV59408GM936911
VBKV59407GM936897
VBKV59407GM936902
VBKV59407GM936916
VBKV59406GM936907
VBKV59406GM936910
VBKV59405GM936896
VBKV59405GM936901
VBKV59405GM936915
VBKV59403GM936895
VBKV59403GM936900
VBKV59403GM936914
VBKV59401GM936913
VBKV59404GM936906
VBKV59401GM945238
VBKV59401GM945224
VBKV59404GM945251
VBKV59404GM945248
VBKV59406GM945252
VBKV59406GM945249
VBKV59406GM945235
VBKV59409GM945262
VBKV59409GM945259
VBKV59409GM945231
VBKV59406GM945218
VBKV59400GM936904
VBKV59400GM936899
VBKV59404GM945217
VBKV59402GM945216
VBKV59400GM945215
VBKV59404GM943872
VBKV59404GM943841
VBKV59406GM943873
VBKV59406GM943839
VBKV59409GM943849
VBKV59409GM943835
VBKV59400GM943836
VBKV59405GM943847
VBKV59408GM943843
VBKV59402GM943871
VBKV59402GM943837
VBKV59407GM943851
VBKV59407GM943834
VBKV59401GM943862
VBKV59401GM943831
VBKV59403GM943846
VBKV59403GM943832
VBKV59401GM939777
VBKV59408GM939694
VBKV59400GM939771
VBKV59400GM939740
VBKV59400GM939723
VBKV59401GM939696
VBKV59409GM939803
VBKV59409GM939784
VBKV59409GM939770
VBKV59409GM939767
VBKV59409GM939722
VBKV59407GM939797
VBKV59407GM939766
VBKV59407GM939749
VBKV59407GM939685
VBKV59406GM939791
VBKV59406GM939788
VBKV5940XGM939812
VBKV5940XGM939793
VBKV5940XGM939776
VBKV59408GM939808
VBKV59408GM939789
VBKV59408GM939775
VBKV59408GM939761
VBKV59408GM939758
VBKV59403GM939795
VBKV59403GM939750
VBKV59404GM939790
VBKV59404GM939787
VBKV59404GM939773
VBKV59404GM939708
VBKV59404GM939692
VBKV59405GM939782
VBKV59405GM939779
VBKV59405GM939765
VBKV59405GM939720
VBKV59402GM939805
VBKV59402GM939786
VBKV59402GM939772
VBKV59402GM939769
VBKV59402GM939738
VBKV59401GM939813
VBKV59401GM939780
VBKV59401GM939763
VBKV59401GM939732
VBKV59401GM939715
VBKV59400GM939785
VBKV59406GM939709
VBKV59405GM938616
VBKV59403GM938596
VBKV59404GM938591
VBKV59408GM938660
VBKV59403GM938677
VBKV59403GM938615
VBKV59403GM938601
VBKV59402GM938671
VBKV59402GM938668
VBKV59402GM938640
VBKV59402GM938623
VBKV59402GM938606
VBKV59402GM938590
VBKV59402GM938587
VBKV59404GM938672
VBKV59404GM938641
VBKV59404GM938624
VBKV59404GM938610
VBKV59404GM938588
VBKV59405GM938678
VBKV59405GM938664
VBKV59405GM938650
VBKV59405GM938602
VBKV59405GM938597
VBKV59401GM938676
VBKV59401GM938614
VBKV59401GM938600
VBKV59401GM938581
VBKV59400GM938670
VBKV59400GM938622
VBKV59400GM938619
VBKV59400GM938605
VBKV59400GM938586
VBKV5940XGM938675
VBKV5940XGM938661
VBKV5940XGM938658
VBKV5940XGM938613
VBKV5940XGM938594
VBKV5940XGM938580
VBKV59409GM938666
VBKV59409GM938635
VBKV59409GM938621
VBKV59409GM938618
VBKV59409GM938604
VBKV59409GM938599
VBKV59409GM938585
VBKV59407GM938679
VBKV59407GM938651
VBKV59407GM938648
VBKV59407GM938620
VBKV59407GM938617
VBKV59407GM938603
VBKV59407GM938598
VBKV59407GM938584
VBKV59408GM938674
VBKV59408GM938626
VBKV59408GM938612
VBKV59408GM938609
VBKV59408GM938593
VBKV59406GM938673
VBKV59406GM938642
VBKV59406GM938625
VBKV59406GM938608
VBKV59406GM938592
VBKV59406GM938589
VBKV5940XFM923785
VBKV5940XFM923771
VBKV5940XFM923768
VBKV5940XFM923754
VBKV5940XFM923740
VBKV5940XFM931188
VBKV59409FM923776
VBKV59409FM923762
VBKV5940XFM920188
VBKV59409FM931182
VBKV59409FM931179
VBKV59409FM931151
VBKV59409FM921946
VBKV59408FM920190
VBKV59408FM931190
VBKV59408FM931187
VBKV59408FM931156
VBKV59407FM931181
VBKV59407FM931178
VBKV59407FM931147
VBKV59405FM931180
VBKV59405FM931163
VBKV59405FM931146
VBKV59405FM920180
VBKV59407FM921962
VBKV59407FM921959
VBKV59407FM921945
VBKV59407FM921931
VBKV59407FM921914
VBKV59407FM923789
VBKV59407FM923775
VBKV59407FM923744
VBKV59408FM923784
VBKV59408FM923770
VBKV59408FM923767
VBKV59406FM920172
VBKV59406FM931172
VBKV59403FM931193
VBKV59403FM931162
VBKV59403FM931159
VBKV59405FM921961
VBKV59405FM921958
VBKV59405FM921944
VBKV59405FM921930
VBKV59405FM923788
VBKV59405FM923774
VBKV59405FM923743
VBKV59406FM921953
VBKV59406FM923783
VBKV59406FM923766
VBKV59406FM923749
VBKV59406FM923718
VBKV59404FM931171
VBKV59404FM931154
VBKV59404FM921949
VBKV59404FM923782
VBKV59404FM923779
VBKV59404FM923765
VBKV59403FM920176
VBKV59403FM921957
VBKV59403FM923790
VBKV59403FM923787
VBKV59403FM923773
VBKV59402FM920167
VBKV59402FM931184
VBKV59402FM931153
VBKV59402FM921951
VBKV59402FM921948
VBKV59402FM923764
VBKV59402FM923750
VBKV59401FM920175
VBKV59401FM931192
VBKV59401FM931189
VBKV59401FM923786
VBKV59401FM923769
VBKV59401FM921942
VBKV59401FM921939
VBKV59400FM920166
VBKV59400FM923763
VBKV59400FM921950

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

VicPol gets number plate recognition

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Victoria Police have enlisted their first patrol car with automatic number plate recognition technology, lagging behind other states.

The technology, developed by Motorola Solutions Australia, is helpful for riders as it will reduce the need for police to pull riders over for licence checks or for dangerous high-speed pursuits.

It will also help police catch those unlicensed riders on stolen and unregistered bikes who crash and adversely affect the road toll statistics for riders.

We couldn’t get quick access to statistics of illegal riding and subsequent crashes.

However, as an example, Queensland Main Roads says more than 5700 infringement notices were issued from 2015 to the end of October last year for riding an unregistered motorcycle or unlicensed riding.

A few years ago VicPol noted that illegal riders represented a third of all fatal motorcycle crashes.

They couldn’t provide a current breakdown for motorcycles, but did provide these sobering crash stats from 2016:

  • Unauthorised drivers were at fault in 16% of all crashes; and
  • One in five injury collisions involving an unregistered vehicle also involved an unauthorised driver/rider.

VicPol plays catch-up

VicPol gets number plate recognition
Number plate recognition device on the roof of a patrol car

The first VicPol patrol car with the recognition technology will be deployed in Bendigo with 220 more to be rolled out across the state over the next two years.

The system will allow police to scan about 5000 number plates per shift. Their vehicles will also be fitted with video cameras for evidence.

However, VicPol is playing a game of catch-up with other states.

NSW Police say all marked Highway Patrol Vehicles and selected general duty vehicles already carry automatic number plate recognition technology.

“Those that ride unregistered motorcycles, or ride unlicensed, continue to put themselves and other road users at great risk,” they told us.

Queensland has 77 police cars and motorbikes with the tech with more due before the middle of the year.

South Australian Police acknowledge they have them but were coy, as usual: “We wouldn’t provide the number of cars with ANPR cameras as we don’t generally discuss our resources.”

But we’re glad they have them!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Automatic brakes in cars; motorbikes next?

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Automatic brakes that sense an imminent crash and activate an emergency stop have been endorsed in all new cars from 2020. Are motorcycles next?

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe says 40 countries have agreed to require new cars and light commercial vehicles be equipped with automatic brakes.

Those countries include Australia, Japan and the European Union, but not the US, India or China.

The decision is based on a joint study by Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP which concluded that automatic brakes would lead to a 38% reduction in real-world rear-end crashes at low speeds.

Automatic brakes concern riders

Riders have two major concerns about this mandate.

The first is that the systems work on sensors which may not sense a small motorcycle.

After all, they haven’t been too successful so far with several incidents where automated cars have crashed into motorcycles.

Surely these sensors should be perfected before they are mandated.

ABS alcohol locks autonomous combined mileage automatic brakes

Another major concern for riders is that these automated braking systems could be coming to motorcycles soon.

Bosch is already developing similar systems with companies such as BMW, Ducati and KTM.

Once developed, it won’t be long before UN authorities decide they should also be mandated.

Such systems have been advocated by internationally awarded Aussie academic Professor Raphael Grzebieta who also supports wire rope barriers, lower speed and hi-vis riders!

If you don’t think it can happen, ABS and linked brakes have already been mandated on bikes sold in Australia thanks to overseas agreements and academics’ whims and research.

ABS regulationsabs mandatory combined braking assist regulations automatic brakes

From November 2019, all new motorcycle models sold in Australia over 125cc must have ABS, while bikes with lower engine capacities must have either ABS or combined brakes systems (CBS).

The new Australian ABS regulations only affect new models made after that date.

All other existing models won’t need to be upgraded to ABS until November 2021.

(The laws only affect new motorcycles made after these dates. It is not retrospective.)

There are exemptions for enduro, trials bikes and trail bikes under 250cc.

If the bike has switchable ABS, the default setting when the bike is turned off and turned back on again will be for ABS to be active. We do not know of a motorcycle that allows ABS to switched off on the fly.

Click here for the full regulations.

CBS is described as any braking system where one control pedal or lever activates some portion of the brakes on front and back wheels.

ABS regs worldwide

ABS alcohol lock road safety safe automatic brakes

While ABS is becoming mandatory around the world, the USA has no such requirement.

Europe: Mandatory ABS for all new models above 125cc from January 2016 and for all existing models above 125cc from January 2017. 50cc can have ABS or CBS.

Japan: ABS on new models above 125cc from October 2018 and all existing models above 125cc from October 2021. 50cc must have ABS or CBS.

India: ABS >125cc on new models from April 2018 and all models >125cc from April 2019. Under 125cc ABS or CBS.

China: New models >250cc from July 2019 and existing from July 2020 must have ABS on front and rear wheels. Under 250 ABS or CBS.

Brazil: ABS for 300cc and above ramping up from 2016-19. Below 300cc ABS or CBS, off-road excluded.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Airbag suit to ‘save millions’ of riders

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A patent is pending for a motorcycle seat that ejects a rider in a crash and then cocoons them in a full-length airbag suit to protect them from injury.

Brooklyn start-up Airbag for Bike has posted a digital animation of the patent-pending device, claiming it could save “millions from serious accidents and death”.

They also say it would allow “millions of new riders previously hesitant to sit on a motorcycle because of safety, to enjoy motorcycling”.

However, we’re not even sure a working prototype has been made or even tested. So far there is only this animated video for a patent drawing that is yet to be approved!

How the airbag suit works

Unlike the Honda Goldwing airbag that inflates a bean-bag-sized pillow in front of the rider, this airbag suit system is in the seat which the rider straps themselves into with a special seatbelt.

Click here for details on the mandatory recall on the Goldwing over its Takata airbag.

The idea is that the seat ejects with the rider and then deploys several full-length airbags around the rider. 

We reckon this photo of the airbag as it starts to inflate is simply rude!

Airbag suitAnd we’re not so sure we would like the explosive device that deploys the airbag this close to the family jewels!

We thought it would be hilarious if the airbags went off when you parked and got off your bike, but the patent says the airbag deploys only if the motorcycle is traveling at a certain speed.

It has various motion sensors and gyroscopes that detect a sudden deceleration or acceleration if hit from behind, or “a loss of balance that would not be correctable by a human”.

Also, the belt system “automatically unfastens in a crash that is not severe enough to warrant a system deployment (to allow the rider to jump off the bike) or if the rider tries to stand up from the bike while it is stopped”.

So it wouldn’t be of any use in racing like the airbag race suits by Dainese and Alpinestars as the belt would come undone on the first corner when the rider slipped out of the seat to get their knee down!

airbag suit
Alpinestars airbag vest

The belt would also unfasten if you stood up when riding across rough or loose surfaces.

Airbag for Bike

We contacted Airbag for Bike for more details about the inventor and whether they have made a prototype yet and intend to produce the airbags or just sell the idea.

No reply yet, but stay tuned for updates.

The problem with these sorts of inventions is that some road safety expert will agree it will reduce deaths and injuries.

Then politicians will make it mandatory!

Experts like UNSW Sydney Professor Raphael Grzebieta who won an international award for advocating wire rope barriers, lower speed limits and mandatory hi-vis vests for riders, and alcohol interlocks and electronic rider aids on bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com