Australian smart-helmet manufacturer Forcite has now launched a flagship model MK1S helmet with extra battery life, better comfort and aero, and hi-fi speakers.
The first of their new models is the MK1S which is now available for order on www.forcitehelmets.comat $1299.
Every MK1S helmet is built to order in Sydney to the rider’s size, finish and customisation specifications.
Customers will be given a build slot with the first orders delivered in June.
The MK1 helmet features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining Formula 1 LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller.
The Mk1S features battery life of more than seven hours while using all the smart features except the camera which reduces life to about 3-4 hours.
It takes about 90 minutes to recharge via a USB-C port.
The helmet accommodates phone calls and Bluetooth 5.0 communication functionality is in the pipeline for 2023.
It has also been updated with the new visor Pinlock ready, an improved camera lens, more comfortable liner and subtle aero styling updates.
What’s included in the box:
Forcite MK1S smart helmet
Handlebar controller, controller thumbscrew, spacers and mount
Pre-installed Harman Kardon speakers
Controller handlebar mount spacers x2
Screwdriver for Camera Shield and Handlebar Mount
USB-C charging cable
USB power adaptor
Instant media access cable
Media access USB adaptor
Forcite stickers
Forcite Authenticity card
Product pamphlet
Size swap card
I have not yet tested the Forcite MK1 or MK1S helmets so I cannot comment on their functionality, comfort or quality. However, the company says one is coming soon, so I will update with a review.
Hardcore fans of German off-road riding have been hanging out for this one — the announcement of the 2022 BMW GS Safari Enduro event.
For more than two decades BMW Motorrad Australia has been operating road and off-road tours for customers, called safaris.
A fe years ago they split the GS Safari into a road/off-road tour and a hardcore off-road tour with special training requirements.
This year they also added a special “cruisy” safari option called the ‘SoulFuel Escape’ earlier this month for owners of their new R 18 cruisers and R nineT naked bikes.
But for the hardcore off-roading fan, the S Enduro Safari is the peak of adventure, challenge and fun.
The 2022 BMW GS Safari Enduro begins with our Pre-Safari dinner at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in the Central West NSW Town of Dubbo and ends seven days later in South Australia’s wine country at the Barossa Valley.
Bunyeroo Gorge in the Flinders Ranges
The mainly off-road route includes three days riding around the Flinders Ranges, including Wilpena Pound, Cameron Corner, Strezlecki Track, White Cliffs, Tibooburra and Arkaroola, staying two nights at Arkaroola Village.
The event is open only to skilled GS riders and you can sharpen your skills at a two-Day BMW GS Off Road Training Pre-Safari course, in Dubbo, before the Safari.
Ridewrs will need to be able to ride these big Bismarks through sand, so only the skilled and brave need apply.
Riders will be tackled with support vehicles and a luggage truck.
Registrations open on April 21, but you better be quick as places are limited and they go quickly. Click here to register.
A new theory about what causes Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You (or SMIDSY) crashes is that bikes can appear out of nowhere like planes and ships.
Rider safety exert Kevin Williams of British rider training company Survival Skills calls the phenomenon the “constant bearing, decreasing range” issue.
I have reported for several years on various theories that can lead to SMIDSY crashes.
You can check out some of the scientific studies into SMIDSY by clicking here.
The causes can be anything from drivers not bothering to look, seeing us but not caring because of the diminished threat, not seeing us because of “saccadic masking” (see video below), and plain stupidity.
If you want to know how to avoid these crashes, click here.
One of the suggestions we make is to weave around in your lane to attract the attention of other motorists.
Kevin agrees that this is important because a static rider is a small target that is difficult to see and whose speed is difficult to judge.
He says it’s like an approaching plane or ship on a constant bearing.
“The problem is that lack of lateral movement to attract our attention, and there’s a very specific form of motion camouflage that happens when two moving vehicles are on a collision course,” he says.
He says the problem is known as the ‘Constant Bearing, Decreasing Range’ issue which is a term used in navigation and flying.
It means that some object, usually another ship viewed from the deck or bridge of one’s own ship or another aircraft viewed from the cockpit, is getting closer but staying at the same angle – or maintaining the same absolute bearing.
“If they both continue on the same course at the same speed, they WILL collide. And it CAN happen on the roads,” he says.
“Just ask yourself where; for example, when you’re approaching a roundabout and another vehicle is on an intersecting course and will arrive at the same time, or when approaching a cross-roads and another vehicle is approaching head-on.
“Since neither vehicle will appear to move relative to the background, it can be difficult for either driver/rider to perceive the other, even when in clear view.”
He says riders cannot rely on drivers predicting that there might be a bike they can’t see, so it is up to riders to attract the motorist’s attention by breaking the Constant Bearing problem.
“All we need to do is change position and speed and thus create some lateral movement,” he says.
“Hopefully the driver will now see us though a wise rider would still be prepared to take evasive action,” he says.
Riders should also identify anything that may block them from a motorist’s vision and move out from behind it so they can be seen;.
“That way we ‘uncloak’ our bike, and at least give the driver a chance of seeing us.”
It still doesn’t mean they won’t perceive a bike as a threat nor that they will misjudge our speed, so take care out there.
Kawasaki Motorcycles Australia has issued its third recall of its retro W800, this time for an issue with the horn.
The previous two recalls were for issues of engine stalling.
In the latest recall notice, the official notice says the wiring harness leading to the horn “may not be durable enough and could break due to vibration at a certain engine speed range, preventing the horn from operating”.
“If the horn does not operate as intended, this could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to the rider and other road users,” the notice says.
Owners of the 138 affected 2019 – 2021 models can contact their authorised Kawasaki motorcycle dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out free of charge.
VINs of the affected bikes are listed at the end lf tbhis artucloe.
This is the first recall for Kawasaki this year after last year having the ignominious honour of issuing the most vehicle safety recalls with eight.
VINs of the affected bikes are listed at the end of this article.
There were official 46 safety recalls of motorcycles in Australia in 2021, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually 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 and scooter 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:
Aprilia has added a third family to its new 660 range with the Tuareg 660 and Tuareg 660 L adventure models arriving in Australia this year.
The unrestricted Tuareg 660 arrives in May/June from $22,230 rideaway while the downtuned L “learner approved” model is coming in July with pricing yet to be confirmed.
Both come in a choice of Acid Gold, Martian Red or Indaco Tagelmust which is indigo (dark blue) and white and red, reflecting Aprila’s 1980s Dakar Rally race bikes. The latter colour scheme adds $300 to the price.
Acid Gold
Martian Red
Powered by the 660 twin-cylinder engine from the naked Touno 660 and RS 660 sports bike, the Tuareg 660 outputs the 58.8kW of power at 10,500 revs which is down from the 75kW off the other models.
More importantly, torque is 3Nm higher at 70Nm of torque and the maximum output comes on at 6500rpm which is 2000 revs less.
The L model is restricted for Australian LAMS rules to 35kW and 61Nm.
These mid-sized Touareg models pay homage to the first Aprilia Tuareg ETX 125 in 1985 and the bikes that unsuccessfully contest the famous Dakar Rally in the 1980s.
Both feature a steel frame with the engine stress-mounted and a double aluminium swingarm.
Despite its thin frame, it still thankfully accommodates as generous 18-litre tank that will ensure it can conquer the vast distances of the Aussie outback between servos.
These adventure bikes sit on off-road oriented 2.5 x 21-inch front and 4.5 x 18-inch rear rims shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, 90/90 up front and 150/70 in the rear.
They feature Brembo brakes with 300mm double discs and a 260mm disnlge disc on the back.
They come with an host of electric ic rider aids to help conquer the varied conditions of our country.
The Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronic controls package includes:
ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, that can be adjusted to 4 levels or disabled;
ACC: Aprilia Cruise Control;
AEB: Aprilia Engine Brake to prevent rear-wheel lock up on downshifts, adjustable to 3 levels.
AEM: Aprilia Engine Map, 3 different mappings for throttle response, but do not change the maximum power delivered.
You can also option up with an AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift electronic gearbox for clutchless shifts up or down the ratios.
There are four Riding Modes that adjust settings for traction control, engine brake, ABS and all the other managed parameters.
Urban and Explore are dedicated to street riding with ABS on, while Off-Road disables ABS on the rear and Individual lets you fully personalise the electronic controls.
You can control everything via controls mounted on the left and right switch blocks with info scrolled through the TFT screen.
The instruments also feature Aralia’s multimedia platform so you connect your smartphone and controls phone calls, sat nav and music.
Aprilia has also developed a range of special accessories such as protection, lighting, comfort seats and luggage systems as well as a line of adventure riding gear.
Tuareg 660 and Tuareg 660 L
Engine
Aprilia forward-facing twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, dual overhead cam (DOHC) with silent chain drive on the right side, four valve per cylinder.
Bore and stroke
81 x 63.93mm
Engine capacity
659cc
Compression
13.5:1
Power
58.8kW (35kW L) @ 9250rpm
Torque
70Nm (61Nm L) @ 6500rpm
Fuel system
Airbox with front air vent. 2 ∅48mm throttle bodies, Ride-by-wire management
Ignition
Electric
Lubrication
Wet sump
Transmission
Six-speed, Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) System up and down available as accessory
Clutch
Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system
Secondary drive
Chain, drive ratio 15/42
Electronics
APRC Suite that includes ATC (traction control), AEB (engine brake) AEM (engine maps), ACC (cruise control)
Four riding modes (Urban, Explore, Off-road, Individual)
Chassis
Frame in steel tubing and built-in subframe screwed aluminium plates connecting the frame to the engine
The award-winning Australian MotoCAP website now includes helmet safety and comfort ratings as well as its usual ratings for jacket, pants and gloves.
The Australian NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) ratings previously published on crash.org.au, will now be located at MotoCAP.com.au so riders can get all their safety gear info in one place.
It is based on evidence from crash injury research and the test protocols of the current industry standard. It is an initiative of state automobile clubs and transport departments.
CRASH is a consortium of Transport for NSW, Transport Accident Commission and Insurance Australia Group.
It tests 30 helmets each year against a range of criteria, including protection and comfort before awarding a star rating out of five for each criteria.
While motoCAP is unique, CRASH is similar to the British SHARP helmet safety scheme which has tested and rated hundreds of helmets, almost all of which are available for sale in Australia.
You may ask why helmets are still being crash tested in Australia despite European-standard helmets being available here for several years.
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”.
By “more information” they mean ratings out of five for safety and comfort. The standards just say they passed the tests, but don’t provide ratings.
For example, a helmet only has to achieve the lowest one-star CRASH rating to pass Australian and Euro helmet certification.
AS/NZ 1698 and UNECE 22.05 certification make no mention at all of comfort which is important for reducing rider fatigue which can distract your attention.
Despite not having as many helmets tested as SHARP, having the CRASH safety ratings included on the one website is convenient for riders.
And if your helmet is not listed, then you can still go to the SHARP site.
This year’s CRASH results reveal only nine out of the 30 helmets tested achieved four out of five stars for crash protection safety. The new ratings can be found here.
Yamaha Australia has recalled its three-wheeler Tricity over the possibility the scooter cannot be ridden of steered when started.
The official notice says 52 of the 2020 – 2021 Tricity scooters have a fault on their ‘Stand Assist’ system which keeps the bike upright when stopped.
The notice says the system may not release immediately after deactivation as intended.
“This may prevent the rider from steering, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
“A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of an accident causing serious injuries to the rider and/or passenger or other road users.”
Tricity
Owners of the affected scooters can contact their authorised Yamaha Dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out free of charge.
VINs of affected vehicles are listed at the end of this article.
This is the second recall for Yamaha this year after last year scoring only one recall which was a substantial change over 2020 when it “top scored” with eight recalls.
There were official 46 safety recalls of motorcycles in Australia last year, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually 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 and scooter 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:
this year after last year having only two recalls in a year where there were official 46 recalls, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
A week after Canadian Powersports company Can-Am announced a range of four electric two-wheelers, the company has confirmed they will be available in Australia.
“I can confirm that they will be available in your part of the world,” Can-Am, Global Consumer PR Brian Manning told me.
“We are (not) disclosing any timing or pricing information yet.”
That’s a big move for electric two-wheelers in Australia whose market supply is currently limited to mainly electric scooters.
The announcement that Can-Am will return to its motorcycle roots with a product lineup that will be completely electric is big news not only for our market, but around the world.
Can-Am is produced by Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) which also makes jet skis, ATVs, snow mobiles and the Can-Am Spyder range of three-wheeler roadsters.
So far there are few details except a launch date of mid-2024 and a silhouette image of four bikes.
From left, it looks like a streetfighter, an adventure bike and two cruisers.
Can-Am electric bikes
The official Can-Am press release simply says:
Riders can expect these new state-of-the-art electric Can-Am motorcycles to be perfect for everyday commuting and, to stay true to the track & trail heritage of the brand, recreational on- and off-road riding.
BRP boss José Boisjoli says the return to motorcycling coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary.
”With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric, we saw an opportunity to reclaim our motorcycle heritage and to re-enter the market,” he says.
“This new product category is extremely important to us, and we are thrilled that Can-Am motorcycles are the first EV models in BRP’s electric lineup to be confirmed to consumers.
“Many of us have very fond memories of riding the early dirt bike models, and now we look forward to building on the rich history of the Can-Am brand to inspire and impress a new generation of motorcyclists and electric vehicle enthusiasts.”
The first Can-Am motorcycles were enduro and motocross models in 1973.
Many auto companies have motorsport editions of their production vehicles with an host of modifications and sporty extras.
Mercedes has AMG, Toyota has TRD, while Holden had HSV until 2020 and Ford stopped their FPV range in 2014.
BMW’s “M” for “Motorsport” started as a purely racing venture in the 1960s but gradually began spreading to production models.
The M model code stood for performance with more powerful engines, better suspension and brakes, plus styling touches including M badging featuring the iconic light blue, dark blue and red stripes.
Now BMW has extended its M range from cars to motorcycles, first with the S 1000 RR M sports bike in 2018 and the S 1000 R M-Sport street fighter in 2022.
Some critics claim the performance features of M badged cars has been lacking in recent years and that the badging has become a cynical styling exercise.
In the motorcycle division, BMW M badging on the S 1000 RR means special paint, carbon fibre wheels, a lighter battery, a sport seat, and rear ride height adjustability.
No changes to engine, brakes or suspension, although it has to be said that the S 1000 RR is already a potent performer.
Now the S 1000 R gets a similar M treatment with carbon fibre wheels and highlights, BMW’s quick shift pro, Akrapovič exhaust, endurance chain, lightweight battery, extra screen info and M badging. It’s also about 5kg lighter than the standard model at a lithe 194kg.
The “base model” S 1000 R costs $20,650 (plus on-road costs), the S 1000 R Sport is $24,390, S 1000 R Race costs $26,890 and the M, which is based on the Sport, costs $31,990.
Considering aftermarket carbon-fibre wheels would cost about $5000, an Akrapovič exhaust is about $1700 and the lighter battery and endurance chain add a few hundred dollars more, the premium for the M over the Sport is about right.
Besides, you will have a bike that is rare and exclusive.
You will also have a bike that you can ride to the track on Sunday to unleash its enormous performance potential, then commute to work on Monday.
Unlike many performance bikes which are unrideable unless you are on the limit, this has excellent real-world road manners, agile yet forgiving ride characteristics and a smooth and faultless transmission with anti-hopping clutch.
The R version of the sportsbike’s water-cooled four-cylinder in-line 999cc engine is “downtuned” from 152kW at 13,500 revs to 121kW with just 1Nm more of torque at 114Nm.
It’s a mechanically quiet, but stirring unit that spins up quickly and smoothly with plenty of meat right throughout the range and an unbelievably dizzying response once it revs above 7000.
Riders can chose from four engine modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamics Pro) to compliment terrain and riding style.
The electronics package is complemented by Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) so you can harness the brute power without drama.
And for those who want to tour the countryside in Road mode at a more sedate and comfortable scenery-watching pace, there is cruise control, hand warmers, self-cancelling indicators and semi-active suspension which you can adjust for pillion and rider behaviour.
Rounding out the suite of high tech are LED lighting, keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitor and the motorcycle version of BMW’s iDrive with a rotating ring controller on the left handlebar.
It allows the rider to scroll through and modify so many of the parameters of the bike, check on its status and even engage a pit-lane limiter and lap timer for track days.
You can also modify the look and info of the large iPad-style TFT screen which is one of the biggest and clearest on any motorcycle I’ve ridden with hardly any annoying glare from the sun. Why can’t all motorcycle screens be as good?
The 2022 S 1000 R range already features many updates that make it a better performer, including lighter drive and chassis, engine drag torque control (MSR) to prevent rear-wheel lock-ups under downshifts and improved suspension with Flex Frame construction.
But it is the carbon fibre wheels which make the biggest difference in the M model.
If you’ve never ridden a bike with these lightweight cannon fibre wheels, you are missing a treat.
They not only look superb, but affect so much of the bike’s performance.
With less weight, there is less inertia which means faster acceleration, quicker stopping times, lighter and more accurate steering, plus faster change of direction.
The suspension also works better because there is less mass for the springs and shock absorbers to deal with.
So it rides the bumps easier and is more efficient at keeping the wheels on the road over corrugations.
It’s not a plush ride, though. After all, this is a thoroughbred sporting machine, so the ride is firm, yet fair.
So is the M sport seat. It’s good for a tank full of fuel (16.5 litres at 6.2L/100km) by which stage you will want to stretch and massage your buttocks.
The ride position is less aggressive than the RR thanks to the wide bars which have a slight downward bend and are not too wide for lane filtering duties.
That’s what makes this bike a great allrounder for those who want a track-day tool that can also handle a weekend ride through the back roads and the daily commute.
Yamaha Australia has recalled its MT-09 range due to a software fault that can cause engine stalling.
The official notice says a software fault in the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may cause the engine to stall “resulting in an unexpected loss of vehicle control accompanied by a warning light on the instrument panel”.
“A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of an accident causing injury or death to the rider and/or passenger or other road users,” it states.
Owners of the 835 affected bikes (MT09A, MT09ASP, MT09TRASP) from 2020 to 2o22 should contact their authorised Yamaha dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out free of charge.
Yamaha MT-09SP
VINs of affected vehicles are lusted at the end of this article.
This is the first recall for Yamaha this year after last year scoring only one recall which was a substantial change over 2020 when it “top scored” with eight recalls.
There were official 46 safety recalls of motorcycles in Australia last year, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually 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 and scooter 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:
this year after last year having only two recalls in a year where there were official 46 recalls, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
