As we sweat in an Aussie summer, Lithuanian motorcycle adventurer Karolis Mieliauskas will be riding 1000km across Siberia in temperatures down to -60C to research active meditation.
Aptly named The Coldest Ride, Karolis says the journey on a single-cylinder Yamaha Tenere across the Road of Bones will be a research exercise into what he calls “active meditation”.
Basically, it’s a way of forcing the mind to meditate by subjecting the body to harsh conditions; in this case, the cold.
But for others it is an enlightening experience. Some even refer to an out-of-body experience when the mind takes control of the pain and discomfort, divorcing the rider from their body.
“The Coldest Rideis an exploration of the connection between the body and how the mind plays with the coldin these situations,” Karolis says.
“In tough conditions such as these, I have a number of devices to show me where are my theoretical limits and going beyond them is something I think that we should all do.”
He uses the example of swimming in icy water. He says the mind tells us it will hurt and we will get sick, but it doesn’t and the body copes.
“Each time in moments like these, therealisation that not everything the mind believes is necessarily true,” he says.
“I hope that The Coldest Ridewill push all of us to challenge our own perceptions of things, whatever they may be.”
Epic ride
This is not his first or most epic ride in the cold.
In July 2016, he rode 11,000km from Vilnius to Vladivostok in 12 days and in March 2017 he rode 785km across the ice of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, with our support, camping gear or a satphone.
Lake Baikal
Active mediation
“I basically call endurance riding ‘active meditation’ because from early morning to late evening on these trips, I am just riding a motorcycle which is not designed for trips as long as these,” he says.
“As a result, this makes the journey physically uncomfortable.
“However it is a form of self-discipline.”
He says the most interesting part of these trips is when he asks myself “who am I?”
“By continually asking this question and again rejecting all possible answers, I finally experience the truth,” he says.
Karolis begins his ride in Yakutsk on February 4, 2019, and hopes to reach Oymyakon around February 10.
The ride will be filmed and featured on the BBC Travel Show later in 2019.
Have you ever had a similar experience when riding in harsh conditions? Leave your comments below.
The greatest rally rider in the world is currently Aussie Toby Price, but there are many other great reasons to celebrate motorcycling this Australia Day.
Most parts of Australia have year-round riding weather, not just on one day!
We have a host of great riding roads.
Our forests, beaches, outback and deserts offer some of the greatest adventure riding in the world.
Most country people are welcoming of riders dropping into their towns.
New helmet laws now allow us greater access to more and safer Euro-approved helmets.
Most states now have or are considering introducing lane filtering.
We have one of the widest varieties of motorcycle model choices in the world.
Motorcycles have never been cheaper in “real terms”.
REASONS TO BE ‘FEARFUL’
Road safety Nazis selectively pick on us with their scaremonger campaigns.
Police target riders for discriminatory licence and vehicle checks.
Insurance companies gouge us on premiums and compulsory third party.
Our road rules annoyingly vary from state to state (although this is gradually changing).
There is an epidemic of ever-decreasing speeds on our roads.
BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU’VE GOT
It could be worse.
Paris, for example, is preventing older motorcycles from entering the city.
Some Asian and Mid-East cities ban all motorcycles or impose a curfew.
Some countries also ban women from riding for “modesty” reasons!
In London, there were more than 14,000 motorcycle thefts last year.
In Malaysia, 26 unmarried couples have been arrested for riding together on a motorcycle.
AUSSIE BIKE HISTORY
More great reasons to celebrate motorcycling on Australia Day is our rich motorcycling history.
With its vast distances and rugged terrain, motorcycles were popular at the start of the last century. We even had a thriving motorcycle manufacturing industry, particularly during World War I when supplies of British motorcycles dried up.
While we have not had a motorcycle manufacturing industry for some time, Australia once built many motorcycles such as Lewis, Pasco, Blue Bird, Bullock, De Luxe, Peerless, Invincible JAP, Whiting, Mostyn, Rudge, FN and Norton.
Lewis motorcycles
Robert Saward wrote A-Z of Australian-made Motorcycles which details 396 brands of motorcycles, most of which were assembled here from imported engines and frames.
In 1928, the Auto Cycle Council of Australia was formed to represent the interests of motorcycle clubs and state associations at a national level. It is now called Motorcycling Australia which represents motorcycle racing.
RACING HERITAGE
Racing successes are more great reasons to celebrate.
Australians were among the first in the world to start racing motorcycles. Many believe the first speedway meetings were held in Australia and our speedway riders travelled to the UK to pioneer the sport.
Over the years, Australia has had many motorcycle champions. MA notes our first world champion as speedway rider Lionel Van Praag in 1936.
Here is MA’s list of champion Aussie riders and teams and more reasons to celebrate on our national day:
RIDERS
Lionel Van Praag
1936 Lionel Van Praag, Speedway
1938 Bluey Wilkinson, Speedway
1951/52 Jack Young, Speedway
1957 Keith Campbell, Road racing (350cc)
1961 Tom Phillis, Road racing (125cc)
1969 Kel Carruthers, Road racing (250cc)
1979/81 Barry Smith, Road racing (Formula TT)
1983 Steve Baker, Speedway (under 21)
1987 Wayne Gardner, Road racing (500cc)
1992 Leigh Adams, Speedway (under 21)
1994-98 Michael Doohan, Road racing (500cc)
Mick Doohan enters Hall of Fame
1995/2004/06/09 Jason Crump, Speedway (under 21)
1996/2005 Troy Corser, Superbikes
1997 Shane Watts, Enduro (125cc)
1997 Peter Goddard, Endurance Road Racing
2000/01/03/04 Stefan Merriman, Enduro
2000/02 Warwick Nowland,Endurance Road Racing
2001/06/08 Troy Bayliss, Superbikes
Troy Bayliss
2001/08 Andrew Pitt, Supersport
2001 Heinz Platacis, Endurance Road Racing
2003/08 Chad Reed, Supercross
2003 Chris Vermeulen, Supersport
2004 Karl Muggeridge, Supersport
2007/11 Casey Stoner, MotoGP
2009 Jay Wilson, Junior Motocross
2009/10 Darcy Ward, Speedway (under 21)
2009 Steve Martin, Endurance Road Racing
2010 Mick Headland, Jesse Headland, Track Racing Sidecar (1000cc)
2011 Darrin Treloar, Jesse Headland, Track Racing Sidecar (1000cc)
2012 Caleb Grothes, Junior MX (65cc)
2012 Chris Holder, World FIM Speedway GP
2013/14 Matthew Phillips, Enduro (Junior/E3)
2014 Jett Lawrence, Junior MX (65cc)
2015 Matthew Gilmore, Youth Speedway World Cup (250cc)
2016 Matt Phillips, Junior Enduro GP
2016 Toby Price, Dakar Rally
Toby Price
2017 Jason Doyle, World FIM Speedway GP
2018 Toby Price, FIM World Cross Country Champion
2019 Toby Price, Dakar Rally
Teams
1974 Pairs Speedway, 2nd
1976 Team Speedway (Phil Crump, Billy Sanders, Phil Hearne, John Boulger), 1st
2007 Team Speedway (Ryan Sullivan, Rory Schlein, Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Chris Holder, Dave Watt), 3rd; Oceanic Motocross (Craig Anderson, Troy Carroll, Lee Ellis, Jay Marmont, Jake Moss, Cameron Tatlor, Danny Anderson, Lewis Stewart, Kristy Gillespie, Ashlea Bates, Adelia Barton, Tye Simmonds, Ross Beaton, Luke Arbon), 1st
2009 Junior Motocross (Tye Simmonds, Jay Wilson), 1st; Track Racing Sidecar (Mick Headland, Paul Waters), 1st; Team Speedway (Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Troy Batchelor), 2nd; Women’s Team (Jacqui Jones, Alison Parker, Jemma Wilson), 3rd
2010 Junior MX (Wilson Todd, Mitchell Evans, Joel Dinsdale, Scott Mann, Matt Phillips, Errol Willis), 3rd
2011 ISDE Womens Team (Allison Parker, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson), 3rd; ISDE Mens Team – E2 Class (Toby Price, Matthew Phillips), 1st; MXoN (Chad Reed, Brett Metcalf, Matt Moss), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Jason Crump, Darcy Ward, Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Troy Batchelor), 2nd
2012 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tanya Hearn, Tayla Jones), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Jason Crump, Darcy Ward, Troy Batchelor), 2nd; Speedway World Cup U21 (Darcy Ward, Sam Masters, Dakota North, Alex Davies, Nick Morris), 2nd
2013 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tayla Jones, Jemma Wilson), 1st; Speedway World Cup (Darcy Ward, Cameon Woodward, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor) 3rd
2014 ISDE Womens Trophy Team (Jess Gardiner, Tayla Jones, Jemma Wilson), 1st; ISDE Junior Trophy Team (Daniel Sanders, Tom McCormack, Lachlan Stanford, Scott Keegan), 3rd; Speedway World Cup (Chris Holder, Darcy Ward, Jason Doyle, Troy Batchelor), 3rd
2015 FIM World Junior Motocross Championships (Hunter Lawrence, Cooper Pozniak, Rhys Budd, Bailey Malkiewicz, John Bova, Regan Duffy), 3rd; Trial des Nations International Trophy Competition (Chris Bayles, Tim Coleman, Kyle Middleton and Colin Zarczynki), 3rd; ISDE Junior Trophy Team (Daniel Sanders, Broc Grabham, Tom Mason, Tye Simmons), 1st; ISDE Women’s Trophy Team (Tayla Jones, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson), 1st; ISDE Senior Trophy Team (Daniel Milner, Matthew Phillips, Lachlan Stanford, Glenn Kearney, Beau Ralston, Josh Green), 2nd (Provisional); FIM Team Speedway Under 21 2015 World Championship (Max Fricke, Brady Kurtz, Nick Morris, Jack Holder), 3rd
2016 and 2017 ISDE Women’s Trophy Team (Tayla Jones, Jess Gardiner, Jemma Wilson)
Rechargeable batteries with magnesium instead of lithium could extend the range of electric vehicles as much as 50% and make them lighter and cheaper, new research has found.
CVMR Energy Metals says their eight-year research has found that magnesium (Mg) anodes in rechargeable batteries pack 50% more power as it has a higher energy density than lithium.
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries have dominated the rechargeable battery market since the 1990s and are the main energy source in electric vehicles.
Harley’s electric motorcycles, bicycles and scooters
However, lithium is rare and expensive, while magnesium is more widely available and therefore cheaper.
Other advantages are that Mg does not need an “intercalation” compound layer, so you can pack up to five-times more metal than lithium in the same-size rechargeable battery.
That also means batteries can be smaller and lighter, which is a huge boon for smaller electric vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters.
CVMR’s breakthrough comes in the use of a higher energy density cathode material and an electrolyte that helps the chemical reactions generate higher energy density than lithium batteries.
The American company hopes to have their magnesium-based batteries available in the next two years.
Magnesium batteries
Magnesium use in batteries is not new.
Non-rechargeable Mg batteries have been available for decades.
Magnesium dry batteries were widely used by the US military from 1965 to 1984 and Mg air batteries have been used as land-based backup systems and undersea power sources, using seawater as the electrolyte.
Although magnesium air batteries are primary cells (not rechargeable), they have the potential to become rechargeable by replacing their anode and electrolyte.
Rechargeable issues
The potential for rechargeable magnesium batteries has been known for some time.
However, finding a cost-effective high-energy density cathode material and suitable electrolytes has slowed progress.
The major problem has been the formation of a non-conductive layer on the Mg anode blocking the recharging of the battery.
In 2016, Honda’s Saitama Industrial Technology Center claimed they had a commercially viable Mg rechargeable battery that used vanadium as a cathode. However, these batteries have not yet hit the market.
Although CVMR owns one of the largest vanadium reserves in Africa, and vanadium has been touted as a suitable cathode in magnesium batteries, the company tested a host of other elements and compounds, such as zirconium, cobalt and tungsten.
They claim vanadium, manganese and transition metals are the most promising.
The US Department of Energy’s Joint Center for Energy Storage Research has also researched chemical reactions involving magnesium.
As part of those studies, Berkeley Lab discovered that the self-stabilising, thin oxide surface layer that forms on the magnesium has some inherent defects that cause unwanted reactions.
CVMR spokesman Kamran Khozan claims they have overcome these defects.
“Today’s scientific discoveries cannot take place in isolation,” he says.
“We all benefit from each other’s efforts, and owe a debt of gratitude to those who have the vision to be leaders in their field of specialisation.”
“I’m down, I’m down,” a motorcycle officer calmly says into his police radio after being rammed by the driver of a stolen vehicle.
This dramatic video, released by Queensland Police, shows just how vulnerable even police motorcyclists are and the dangers they face in their duty.
Office rammed
The Sergeant, aged 50, suffered a dislocate shoulder and injuries to a rib, hand and ankle. He is recovering in hospital.
In the video, he is slowly pursuing the stolen vehicle on a rainy Wednesday night in Toowoomba when the car does a u-turn and slowly approaches the rider.
In the last 10 metres, the car revs and rams the motorcycle, knocking the cop off his bike.
“941, I’m down, I’m down. He’s run into me,” he says on the radio.
“I can’t use my left arm. Drove straight at me, I was trying to get up on the side of the road to let him go past me,” he says.
“It differs significantly from the general perception of the motoring public,” they told us.
“The primary function is to provide a high visibility presence on the road network across Queensland, thus positively influencing driver and rider behaviour.
“Having said that a rider’s day may include a wide variety of functions, be they planned or emerging situations. QPS riders are expected to ride in all weather and road conditions.”
The video quite clearly shows “emerging situations” and riding in “all weather” conditions.
Three charged
Detectives have now charged two men and a woman after they allegedly threatened a man at his house with a knife and demanded his Ford Falcon.
About 30 minutes later, the motorcycle Police Sergeant saw the car run a red light and pursued it until he was rammed.
The Ford was later found and the woman and one of the men were arrested “without incident” after they fled the vehicle on foot.
The driver allegedly assaulted and bit a police officer while being arrested.
A 29-year-old man is in the hospital under police guard.
A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been charged with one count each of armed robbery, burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
They appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.
Harley-Davidson Australia has recalled 4798 Street 500 and Street Rod 750 models over problems with rusty brake calipers.
The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says that brake calipers may become rusty in the bore area.
“This corrosion could result in the pistons dragging in the caliper bore,” it says.
“If this condition remains undetected it could lead to increased brake drag, posing a risk of accident and serious injury to the rider and other road users.”
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:
Kangaroo Valley, south of Sydney, features one of the famed motorcycle roads in Australia and is the subject of the latest Roads We Ride road safety video series.
Check out the Oxley video featuring local rider Alex Donnelly and wife Ann on their BMW R 1200 GS.
More videos
It’s not the only video of the Oxley Highway that we have featured.
First there was veteran motorcycle journo Mick Matheson’s fantastic review of the road in 2016.
Shortly afterwards, the Roads and Maritime Services decided to reduce speeds along the road after a road safety review.
Their decision was met with howls of protests and a petition supported by riders and locals.
The RMS decided to review their decision and eventually decided to reduce the mountain section from 100km/h to 80km/h.
The result was a substantial drop in riders and trade on the road.
This prompted John Keogh of Gingers Creek Roadhouse to put together this drone video to show off the road’s attractions and bring back riders.
What do you think of this video series? Does it make you a better and safer rider or is it a waste of taxpayer’s money? Leave your comments below.
Queensland police and Transport Main Roads department officials will be on hand next month to answer riders’ questions on legislation, road rules, Australian Vehicle Standards and other topics.
The latest “Community Engagement Day” will be held on Saturday 16 February 2019 at Beechmont, between 8am-12pm.
Acting Sgt Adam Samuels says they will have a free barbecue for riders at the park where the hang gliders launch, opposite the new Flying Bean Cafe.
Questions and answers
Many riders may have questions about whether their tail tidy or handlebars are legal, but they may be reticent to approach the police for fear of being fined.
However, Adam assureds riders there is no need for concern about copping a fine.
“The event is for community engagement only not for enforcement,” he says.
“It’s about getting guys to come in and ask about their fender guards, exhausts and bars and clear stuff up.
“It gives them an opportunity to come in safely, knowing it is not about enforcement.
“They can ask questions and get ideas on what they can do to make sure their bike is legal. They can also book in with TMR for an inspection.”
North Upright
Police talk to riders at a previous Operation North Upright event
Operation North Uprighthas been operating in South East Queensland for the past couple of years.
Police say the operation is designed to “talk with any bike riders, give advice and listen to their concerns”.
Riders have claimed previous similar events have been accompanied by a high presence of police in the area, enforcing road rules and vehicle compliance.
Road Safety messages from Operation North Upright
The faster you go, the harder you hit. And on a bike, you’ll always come off second‐best. The only thing speeding gets you closer to is a crash.
Riding tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t get on the bike if you’re tired.
Ride to be seen and don’t assume you’re visible to everyone.
Lane filtering is legal, remember to be safe and follow the road rules.
Look after yourself and your bike. The right gear and regular maintenance can save your life.
In 2017, 50 motorcyclists died and 953 were hurt or seriously injured in crashes on Queensland roads.
Motorcycle sales might be in a two-year slump in Australia, but there is no cause for general panic about the global motorcycle industry just yet.
Several motorcycle manufacturers are reporting growth in profits and even record sales, while many markets continue to increase in sales.
Perhaps the biggest saviour of motorcycling is the continued exponential growth in the Indian market.
Last year, more than 20 million motorcycles were sold in India. That’s up 2.6m from the previous year and almost double the sales of just seven years ago.
And don’t think that’s all scooters and 125cc motorcycles, either.
More and more motorcycles sold in India are what they call “superbikes” which are over 750cc in capacity.
China, Brazil and other developing countries are also recording massive growth in motorcycle and scooter sales.
No panic in mature markets
But it’s not just the developing nations that are doing well.
Mature markets such as Europe are up about 7% including the UK, up 2.9%.
The big concern is that the biggest big-bike market in the world, America, is marginally down last year.
However, there is no need for panic yet. US sales had been growing steadily since the big collapse from the 2008/09 GFC.
Maybe it’s a one-year blip. Let’s hope so, as it has a huge bearing on motorcycle manufacturers’ ability to turn a profit and keep bringing out new and exciting models.
Profit and panic
Meanwhile many manufacturers are continuing to post profits and/or record growth.
BMW Motorrad recorded its eighth straight year of global sales growth, up 0.9% with 165,566 bikes delivered;
Triumph was down slightly from 63,404 to 61,505, but still reported its second-biggest profit last year; and
Although slightly down, Ducati sold 53,004 bikes last year, its fourth straight year of more than 50k.
Ducati updated its popular Scrambler range in 2018
Japanese manufacturers are yet to post their 2018 figures.
All eyes will also be on Harley-Davidson who are expected to post a double-digit global slump in domestic sales, but good performances in developing markets.
Challenges
There is no doubt the motorcycle market is going through some changes and challenges:
Motorcycle helmets are still being crash tested in Australia despite European-standard helmets being available here for several years because they provide riders with “more information”.
The NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) crash-tests 30 helmets a year and releases the details every November.
Centre for Road Safety active executive director Craig Moran says that while all helmets sold here meet either Australian Standards or global standard UNECE 22.05, CRASH ratings “give riders more information so they can chose the best helmet for their situation”.
Helmets tested
CRASH has tested 34 full-face helmets since 2017 and 1012 pre-2017, 17 open face helmets since 2017 and 35 prior and nine dual-purpose helmets since 2017 and 23 prior.
It is not as comprehensive as the similar British SHARP helmet safety scheme. It has tested and rated hundreds of helmets, almost all of which are now available for sale in Australia.
“The helmets are chosen based a number of criteria including their approximate number of sales or popularity or if the consortium identifies a particular helmet as requiring further performance testing,” Craig says.
“Helmets are proven to reduce the severity of head injuries as well as the likelihood of death and disability.
CRASH testing
“We also recently launched MotoCAP which is a consumer information program designed to provide riders with scientifically-based information about the protection and comfort of a range of motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand.”
CRASH is run by a consortium of NSW government agencies and Swann Insurance.
It assesses and compares motorcycle helmets in terms of their ability to protect the wearer’s head in a crash and how comfortable the helmet is to wear.
These stunningly beautiful Thruxton and Rocket TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) models are the first of a new line of limited-edition motorcycles from the British manufacturer.
Only 750 numbered models of each will be made worldwide when they are launched on May 1, 2019.
The Rocket TFC is based on the new Rocket III with single-sided swingarm, chunky forks, resigned cowl, new exhaust tips, beefier Brembo brakes and a more contoured rider’s seat.
No pricing for these limited-edition models has been released but expect to pay much more than the current Thruxton R ($21,100) and Rocket III ($23,990).
Triumph Motorcycles Australia hasn’t said what their allocation will be or whether it will be by customer order, only.
Thruxton TFC
The Thruxton TFC comes with lashings of carbon fibre, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes with adjustable lever, Metzler Racetec RR tyres, Vance & Hines pipes, flip-up Monza fuel cap, all-LED lighting and brushed aluminium accents.
A highlight is the hand-painted gold lining.
Thruxton TFC will also have 7.5kW more power at 79kW and 4Nm more torque at 115Nm.
At the same time, Thruxton TFC also has lightweight engine, body and frame components that strip weight.
However, the bike is not yet homologated for Australia, so the importers have not confirmed the exact output and weight figures.
Rocket TFC
There are no details yet on what the Rocket TFC will include.
However, the images give us a good look at the next model.
Triumph isn’t saying anything about the engine except that it has been “transformed”.
The current Rocket III has the biggest capacity engine of any production motorcycle with a 294cc triple, delivering 221Nm of torque and 109kW of power.
Rumours are that the new model could be powered by a 2.5-litre, 134kW engine.
It may also include many of Triumph’s high-tech rider-aid features such as traction control, cornering ABS and rider modes.
Other tech could include LED lighting, keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity and TFT instruments like all modern bikes seem to be getting.
