Tag Archives: motorcycles

Motorcycle News, News

Oil spill claims motorbike in test ride

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An oil spill has claimed a BMW R Nine T Racer that was being test-ridden by a potential buyer, highlighting the lack of effective standards in fixing such spills.

Brisbane rider Robin Greenfield says his mate was interested in buying the bike so he offered him a test ride over Mt Glorious west of Brisbane.

“Probably on the last hairpin bend at the base of the mountain on the way back and down he went,” he says.

“There was kitty-litter on the bend from an oil spill. Engine guard did its thing, gear leaver not so happy.

“I saw the kitty litter on the way out but due to the way that corner is, you could not see it on the return journey.”

Oil spill claims bike in test rideRobin’s BMW (Image: Facebook)

Robin says he will be discussing the bike purchase when the repairs are made.

“He is a mate so I’m not worried; things will work out,” he says.

Apparently the kitty litter was from a crash on the previous weekend.

The incident shows the danger to riders of oil spills and the need for an approved national procedure for reporting and efficiently fixing them.

Like most states, Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads relies on reports of spills. 

They deal with major spills, usually via a contractor, while fire and emergency rescue clear up minor spills.

Dangers of oil and diesel spills

An Austroads 2015 Motorcycle In-Depth Crash Study report found that a slippery road surface accounted for 13% of single-vehicle crashes.

“There is a need to find enhanced methods for preventing and/or mitigating oil/diesel spills to better reduce the risk to motorcyclists,” it found.

Despite spills causing just 0.12% of all crashes in the UK, a 2010 Transport Research Laboratory study of spills found they were a “legitimate concern” for motorcyclists.

It estimated the value of prevention motorcycle crashes caused by oil and diesel spills was about $30m in the UK in 2008.Diesel spill transport department NSW roads traffic motorcycles spills

Ride to the conditions

We all know that we should ride to the conditions, but you never know where an oil or diesel spill will occur and they can be difficult to spot.

Diesel spills are particularly difficult to see, but if the light is right, you may see a rainbow or a dark patch.

Usually the first sign of a diesel spell is the distinctive smell. By then, it may be too late as you are in the spill and hitting the brakes could lead to a crash.

Try to roll through with smooth steering and without any throttle or brake.

Spills can be caused by motorists overfilling the full tanks of diesel cars and trucks, not putting the filler cap back on properly, failed spill devices on trucks, old vehicles leaking oil and diesel, breakdowns and crashes.Diesel spill transport department NSW roads traffic motorcycles spills

How to report a spill

If you identify a spill, you should report it immediately to the local council, or the state transport department if it is a state-controlled road.

If you have mobile phone signal, go to the local or state authority’s website and look for a hotline or 24-hour line for reporting road damage.

Otherwise, file these away in your contacts: Queensland 131 940; NSW 131 700; Victoria 131 170; Tasmania 1300 139 933; South Australia 1800 018 313; Western Australia 138 138; and NT 1800 246 199. We couldn’t find a number for the ACT, but you can lodge a report online here.

If possible, stay at the site to warn other riders and motorists until the authorities arrive.

The AustRoads report recommends methods for reducing response times to emergency clean-ups and suggested the public should “respond quickly and call emergency services when debris, including oil/diesel is observed on the roadway”.

Diesel spill transport department NSW roads traffic motorcycles spills

A NSW report, titled “Making roads more motorcycle friendly”, says “any diesel or oil spills need to be cleaned up immediately and appropriate warning signs used”.

Despite this rhetoric, response to spills by authorities in Australia seems dreadfully slow, especially on weekends when most motorcyclists are riding.

But it’s in the interests of authorities to fix spills quickly, not just to avoid litigation from crash victims, but to preserve their expensive road infrastructure!

Diesel spills degrade the asphalt surface and can cause potholes over time.

So it’s a long-term cost-saving for authorities to fix them quickly.

Be aware that oil and diesel spills on the road can take more than 100 days to completely dissipate and they can resurface during rain, so steer clear for some weeks if there has been a spill.

Most state transport department websites will have a list of spill zones to avoid.

How to fix oil and diesel spills

The 2015 AustRoads report does not recommend best practices for cleaning up an oil or diesel spill.

Consequently, authorities in each locale use different treatments.

The traditional and cheapest method is sand which can cause motorcycles to slip and crash if not cleaned up properly.

It also doesn’t absorb very well and is not suitable when it is raining.

Diesel spill transport department NSW roads traffic motorcycles spillsLook ahead for hazards such as spills

Other absorbent materials have been used such as wood chips, hay, sawdust, cork, dried corn, wool, recycled newspaper and even old telephone books!

Chemical absorbents include polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene which react quickly but can be environmentally unsound.

The most common used in Australia is simply called “kitty litter” and combines several of the above ingredients.

There are also surface washing agents and degreasers which are quick and don’t affect the environment.

The US EPA has also used enzyme additives that speed up biodegradation of oil and diesel, but they are expensive, slow and only work in certain climates.

Some of the interesting names for oil and diesel clean-up materials on the market include Pig Peat, Rubberizer, C.I.Agent, Oil-Dri, Green Stuff, Sphag Sorb, Spill Hound, Biozorb, and Australian product KleenSweep.

The most suitable fix is to quickly apply absorbent material followed by vigorous sweeping with a stiff brush until the diesel or oil is removed.

The used absorbent is then removed and the area inspected. Reapplication may be necessary as dried diesel and oil can become slippery again if it rains.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Truck tyre debris a hazard to riders

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Our highways are littered with shredded tyre debris mainly from trucks often using retreaded tyres, posing a significant danger to vulnerable riders.

Ride down any highway in almost any country and you will see heaps of tyre debris, mainly from trucks.

In the USA they quaintly call it “road gators” because they look like alligators crossing the road. Both should be avoided!

Retreads are cheap and legal so long as they comply with the Australian Standards. Retreads have a lower speed rating of 140km/h, but it is still well above the legal highway limit.

Modern retreading processes are supposed to be a lot more reliable and are even used in the airline industry and military.

Tyre debrisTyre debris

So why do we see so much dangerous truck tyre debris on the road such as the above which was dragged off a busy highway?

We assume that there must be a lot of rogue truck operators and tyre companies out there that are retreading the same tyres too often and/or overusing tyres. 

RACQ Principal Technical Researcher Russell Manning says retreads are mainly used by the heavy vehicle industry due to the high cost of new tyres.

“It would be financially and environmentally irresponsible to throw away a truck tyre just because the tread has worn down due the amount of raw materials that go into its manufacture,” he says.  

“The displaced tyre treads you see on the road typically come from a rear (usually a trailer) axle so they’ve done a lot of work and have been retreaded a number of times before they failed.”  

Blowout danger

To avoid hitting these “road gators”, we suggest you avoid following vehicles too closely as they can obscure the road ahead.

Also ride in the wheel tracks as they are more likely to be cleared of debris by other vehicles.

Not only is truck tyre debris a danger to riders, but so are the tyres when they blow out as this video graphically shows.

That is why I always quickly ride past a truck and would prefer to cop a speeding fine than be hit by a blown-out tyre.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Determining fault in a motorcycle accident case

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(Contributed post for our North American readers)

When someone has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, they must determine liability if they want to pursue legal claims. Determining liability means figuring out which parties are responsible for causing the accident and the injuries. If another person or entity is responsible for causing your accident and injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all of the losses that you have suffered as a result.

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can be caused by many different problems. Most accidents are caused by the negligent actions of motorists. However, some accidents can also be caused by the negligent actions of companies or other entities. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include the following:

  • Motorists turning left onto a highway without seeing an oncoming motorcyclist
  • Failing to yield
  • Changing lanes in front of a motorcyclist without giving the cyclist enough room
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Speeding
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Driving too fast for weather conditions
  • Opening a door in the path of a motorcyclist when exiting cars parked along the road
  • Making sudden stops
  • Motorists failing to slow down in time to avoid rear-ending a motorcyclist
  • Objects or debris in the road
  • Poorly maintained roadways
  • Defective parts
  • Inadequate maintenance and repairs

Figuring out the causes of motorcycle accidents is important for determining who might be liable for causing them. In some cases, both the motorcyclist and the other driver will share fault. In others, either the motorist or the motorcyclist will be wholly to blame for the accident. Some cases might also involve several liable parties who contributed to the accident’s cause.

An experienced injury lawyer may work with an accident reconstruction expert to identify all of the causes and the responsible parties. Accident reconstruction experts take measurements at the accident scenes to recreate what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. They also get information from the vehicles that were involved and the damage caused to each of them. An attorney may also have investigators talk to people who witnessed the accidents to gain a better understanding of what happened.

Determining the responsible parties after a motorcycle accident

To pursue compensation in a motorcycle accident claim, you must first identify the parties holding legal liability for your accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can conduct an in-depth investigation to help you to determine fault.

Some of the parties that can be responsible for causing a motorcycle accident include the following:

  • The driver of the vehicle that was involved
  • For motorcycle passengers, the motorcyclist
  • The motorcycle’s manufacturer
  • The manufacturer of a defective part
  • The entity that is responsible for maintaining the roadway
  • Motorcycle repair shop that negligently repaired the motorcycle

To hold a responsible party liable, the injured victim or the family of people who are killed in motorcycle accidents will need to prove that the defendants were negligent. In some cases, several parties may be at fault.Crash accident police wreck america

Proving negligence in a motorcycle accident

To prevail in a motorcycle accident claim, you must be able to prove that the defendant was negligent. The plaintiff has the burden to prove each of the elements of negligence by a preponderance of the evidence, including the following:

  • The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff.
  • The defendant breached the duty of care.
  • The defendant’s breach caused the accident and injuries.
  • The plaintiff suffered harm.

All motorists owe a duty of care to people who are traveling on the roads around them to operate their vehicles with the same degree of safety that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. For example, a motorist is expected to avoid driving while distracted or drunk and to follow the posted speed limits. Breaching a duty of care occurs when a person’s conduct falls below the standard expected of him or her for the situation. The plaintiff will still need to show that the plaintiff’s breach of the standard of care was the direct or proximate cause of the motorcycle accident and that the plaintiff was harmed because of it.

In some cases, the driver and the motorcyclist will share fault. California allows plaintiffs to recover damages even when they are partially to blame under a legal principle called comparative fault. In this type of situation, the jury will the degree of fault that is held by each party. The plaintiff’s damages will be reduced by his or her percentage of fault.

For example, if you are determined to have been 25% at fault for your accident and are awarded a gross verdict of $250,000, your damages will be reduced by 25% or $62,500 for a net award of $187,500.

If several parties contributed to the accident, the jury will determine the percentage of fault held by each party. The liable parties will be responsible for paying the percentages of damages that are attributed to them. For example, if one defendant is found to be 20% at fault while another defendant is found to be 80% at fault, the defendant that is 20% at fault will have to pay 20% of the total verdict award while the defendant who is 80% at fault will be responsible for paying 80% of the total.

Some American states have modified comparative fault rules. In those states, people who are found to be more at fault than the defendants will not be able to recover damages. For example, in a state with a modified comparative fault rule, a plaintiff will not be able to recover damages if the jury finds that he or she is 51% at fault or more. California has a pure comparative fault rule, however. This means that people who are injured in California can recover damages even if they have a greater degree of liability for their accidents than the defendants. For example, if you are 99% at fault for causing an accident, you could still technically file a personal injury lawsuit. However, any damages would be reduced by 99%.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for the victims and their families. Fortunately, the law provides families and victims with the ability to recover damages from the parties that caused their accidents and losses. Getting help from experienced personal injury lawyers might help motorcycle accident victims to determine the legal options that may be available to them. By determining liability, the attorneys might help their clients to maximize the compensation that they might be able to recover.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Lightning develop enclosed electric bike

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A fully enclosed electric motorcycle is being developed by American company Lightning Motorcycles to overcome the inherently poor aerodynamics of bikes.

Recently the company applied for a patent for the design and now online electric vehicle site Elektrek has pictured a model in a scaled-down wind tunnel and videoed a prototype on the street.

Lightning Strike

Lightning Motorcycles started building electric bikes in 2006 and in 2014 built the world’s fastest electric motorcycle, the $US38,888 (about $55,800), 150kW (200hp) Lightning LS-218, so named because it has a top speed of 218mph (346km/h).

Their more affordable Strike (from $US12,998/$A18,700) will be available soon. 

CEO Richard Hatfield says they have been working on “a whole series of new products” including “higher performance products and more affordable products”.

He also told Elektrek that they were working on “more exciting than the things we’ve done so far”.

Enclosed project

Lightning enclosed electric motorcyclePatent drawing

He has now confirmed the enclosed motorcycle project to overcome the poor aerodynamics of motorcycles.

They developed it using a 3D-printed scale model in a small wind tunnel, but also have access to a full-sized wind tunnel.

Lightning enclosed electric motorcycleModel wind tunnel

It has now been seen in prototype out on the streets, presumably near their HQ in San Carlos, California.

Lightning enclosed electric motorcyclePrototype testing

What we really want to see is how it stays upright when stopped.

We can’t see the rider’s feet, but there appears to be a gap in the body where they may be able to put their foot down.

Perhaps they have outriggers that deploy at a certain speed or a gyroscope to keep it upright like the Honda self-balancing motorcycle or a gyroscope as in Harley-Davidson’s patent design.

Honda's self-balancing motorcycle - short season damon lastHonda’s self-balancing motorcycle

Richard told Elektrek he wanted to make electric motorcycles more efficient by improving the aerodynamics.

“The overall conclusion is that motorcycles are pretty poor aerodynamically. Improving the aerodynamics is perhaps the best opportunity to reduce the battery pack size while maintaining good highway range and higher speed riding,” he says.

However, it doesn;’t seem very “mororcycle-ishj” withn what l;ooks like a steering wheel.

Enclosed motorcycles are not new. The BMW C1 scooter had a roof and companies as diverse as Yamaha, Toyota and AKO have plans for enclosed leaning two- and three-wheelers.

The driving force (pun intended) for these designs is to make riding safer and more accessible to more people.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Harley-Davidson plans balancing bike

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Harley-Davidson has filed a patent for a self-balancing system that might help attract more customers to their big and heavy touring motorcycles.

Their bikes already have a large flywheel and low centre of gravity that makes them stable at slow speeds, but their mass is daunting for many riders. That’s why they are often dropped while stationary.How to pick up a heavy motorcycle Kaitlin Riley

That issue could be resolved by this system that uses a gyroscope for balance when stopped and at walking speeds.

The patent drawings show the gyro unit is stored in the top box and includes another heavy flywheel and an electric motor which would make the bike even heavier.

The weight is also stored up high, so it effectively makes it even more difficult to hold upright at slow speeds and when stopped … except for the effect of the gyroscope!

It is a traditional gyro system with a flywheel that spins at up to 20,000rpm thanks to the electric motor. The system also has sensors that detect whether it is about to tip over so it engages the spinning flywheel.

Harley patent for gyroscope self-balancing bikeHarley’s gyroscope patent

While the system would take up luggage space, because it is self-contained, it could be retrofitted.

This could be a major attraction for ageing riders as well as reaching out to other riders who never though they could handle a heavy touring motorcycle.

Harley is not the only company working on self-balancing systems to attract more riders daunted by motorcycles.

Both BMW Motorrad and Honda have self-balancing prototypes and Yamaha is also working on one.

Honda's self-balancing motorcycle - short season damon lastHonda’s self-balancing motorcycle

Balancing act

Click here for tips on how to handle a heavy motorcycle and to watch amazing videos of police at motorcycle gymkhana events.

If you do drop your bike, click here to find out how to pick it up.

And now watch Kaitlin Riley, 32, of Bleu Bayou Harley-Davidson, Louisiana, prove just how manoeuvrable a heavy bike can be.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Bosch makes emergency call for riders

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Soon your motorcycle, helmet and/or phone could contact emergency services if you crash with Bosch the latest to join the hi-tech safety revolution.

The Bosch system uses an “intelligent crash algorithm installed in the vehicle’s inertial sensor unit” to identify a crash via the various sensors such as an accelerometer and lean sensor.

It pairs with their Help Connect phone app to send your location to a Bosch Service Centre.

The automatic function can be overridden by the rider if, for example, they have just accidentally dropped the bake-off its stand!

So far the Bosch Help Connect system only works in Germany, but it will be rolled out across Europe and possibly around the world.Bosch Help Connect emergency call system crash test

We are not yet sure whether it can be retrofitted, but it would only work with a modern bike with an inertial sensor unit.

Like most Bosch technology, it is more likely to be included when bikes are built.

Since Bosch develops a lot of tech for motorcycles, it could be included in future models.

Bosch spokesman Harald Kroeger says they carried out 18 crash tests to analyse specific accident scenarios and demonstrate the functionality of Help Connect.

Bosch Help Connect emergency call system crash testBosch Help Connect crash test

Emergency tech mandated

These emergency call systems have been available in cars for some time and are now mandated throughout Europe with motorcycles expected to be included in the future.

It also may not be long before it is mandated in Australia after an Austroads report last year found that motorcycles should be fitted with the automatic crash call technology to reduce emergency response times which are more lethal in our rural and remote areas.

It points out that motorcyclist deaths have remained stable in major cities over the past decade, but increased in regional and remote Australia by up to almost 50% in recent years.

BMW Motorrad was the first motorcycle company to offer an SOS button in Europe.

BMW's SOS buttonBMW’s SOS button

It is not yet available in Australia because of an eCall hardware update and the lack of a nationwide rollout. Tesla also does not yet have the right hardware.

The Austroads report notes that the problem with these systems in Australia is the lack of mobile phone coverage in rural areas.

Riders can also use an EPIRB, download an emergency app, use this Aussie-made Sentinel device or, in future, wear a helmet with the device fitted.

Slow response timesOutback adventure Royal Flying Doctor Service calls

Delays in reaching crash victims in rural and remote areas include difficulties in locating crash sites and a lack of mobile phone reception, according to emergency organisations and motorcycle rider groups.

The Austroads report found the average time for a first responder to arrive at a motorcycle crash in rural and remote areas was 55 minutes compared with 18 minutes in urban areas.

Remote crash victims also took an average of 11.6 hours to arrive at a hospital emergency department compared with 59 minutes in urban areas.

“Retrieval time subsequently impacts on crash outcomes with delays until discovery or delays in accessing the trauma system increasing the risk of mortality following major trauma,” the repot finds.

The probability of a rider dying increased by 2.7% for every 100km from a hospital.

It’s a worrying statistic for adventure riders heading out into the Outback.

As a more rural example, the report says more than half of all Victorian motorcycle crashes occur in the Gippsland region where ambulance response times are 29.9 minutes compared with metropolitan times of 12.7-17.2 minutes.

South Australia and NSW are the only states with post-crash emergency response in their road safety strategy and action plans.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Call to replace rego with user-pays fuel levy

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A riders group is seeking to scrap vehicle registration in favour of more expensive fuel through an extra state fuel levy, plus a user-pays tracking system for electric vehicles.

The Queensland-based Motorcycle Advocacy Group Facebook group which claims membership of more than 1100 riders, mainly in South-East Queensland, has sent its proposal to the national cabinet.

Unfair rego

Spokesperson David White says the current fixed-cost vehicle registration system is unfair, especially to those with multiple vehicles, while the current federal fuel excise is diminishing as vehicles become more economical.

The group wants rego axed and replaced by a state fuel levy on top of the current federal fuel levy.

“There is a need for a simple, efficient and effective way to improve road funding and a user-pays system for registered road vehicles could achieve this,” the MAG proposal says.

Motorway tolls traffic lane filteringDavid White with his 2007 BMW R1200S

“A user-pays fuel levy system for internal-combustion-powered registered road vehicles could be in addition to fuel excise.”

However, they say there would still need to be a nominal annual fee for each vehicle to cover administrative costs.

“Trailers and caravans could have their registration and insurance paid through the extra use of fuel by the towing vehicle,” the proposal suggests.

“The levy could be based on zones, a higher levy in urban zones and lowest in regional and remote zones. This may also lead to a quicker uptake of electric vehicles in cities and urban areas.

“A zonal system would be fairer and more equitable as the average fuel consumption for country motorists is usually greater than the average fuel consumption of city motorists. City motorists commonly have a range of essential services close by and also have access to good public transport facilities.”

David says motorists driving and riding electric vehicles should have a user-pays system based on distance travelled via a secure tracking device that protects location privacy.

Levy advantages

David says their proposal would “help meet the current needs of those in financial hardship, boost jobs throughout the economy, lower emissions and traffic congestion, add to the health and wellbeing of the general population and boost productivity quite significantly”.

Owners of multiple vehicles wouldn’t pay onerous rego costs per vehicle under the proposal.

Riders would also be advantaged by the comparatively low fuel consumption of motorcycles and scooters.fuel gauges MBW Motorbike Writer fuel scooter economy

“As motorcyclists, we have noticed repeatedly the omissions of  motorcycles and scooters in most of the inquiries, reviews, reports and plans  that deal with land transport reform and traffic congestion,” David says.

“It is also apparent that these inquiries, reviews, reports and plans do not address some of the basic needs and aspirations of private vehicle owners.  

“Despite overwhelming evidence that reform of land transport is long overdue, these inquiries, reviews, reports and plans haven’t been embraced by the Australian people.”

User pays

There have been several other user-pays proposals over the years including a congestion tax that would be offset by cheaper rego.

In New Zealand, riders get cheaper rego if they complete a rider training course.

  • What do you think of this proposal? Leave your comments in the box below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Double demerit points for long weekend

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Double demerit points are in place in NSW and the ACT this Queen’s Birthday long weekend with NSW Police launching Operation Stay Alert from midnight tonight (5 June 2020).

NSW Police say they will have officers “out in force targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, driving while fatigued, mobile phone, helmet and other traffic offences” until midnight on Monday (8 June 2020).

On Wednesday, stationary Random Breath Test (RBT) and Roadside Drug Test (RDT) resumed following the easing of various pandemic restrictions affecting licensed premises and travel.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, says double demerit points will be in effect during the “high-visibility operation”.

Closed borders

NSW and Victoria have not closed their borders, so riders can enter NSW.

However, they may face some difficulty returning home.

Lions Rd borderLions Rd Qld/NSW border still closed

Some Queensland borders are closed such as on the Lions Rd. Others are open, but riders will need to get an entry pass so they can return. You can get a pass by clicking here. It only takes a minute.

South Australian riders should click here for details on their border closure measures.

Double demerits danger

Riders from Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia passing through NSW, ACT or WA during any declared holiday period do not cop the double demerits.

However, Queensland riders should note that double-demerit points are effectively in place all year round.

The law in Queensland is that double points do apply to speeding offences of 21km/h or greater over the speed limit and seatbelt offences if they occur more than once within a 12 month period.

If you incur the penalty in another state, it still applies as if it happened in Queensland.

Lawyer Stephen Hayles of Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors says he has been asked by clients about the system after copping a fine in an applicable state.

“For example if you commit two speeding offences of driving 21km/h over the speed limit in a 12 month period, you will be allocated four demerit points for the first offence and four demerit points for the second offence plus an additional four demerit points,” he says.

“This means that you will have accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12 month period and you risk having your licence suspended.”

How demerit points are recorded

NSW police blitz demerit

Double points apply in NSW and ACT over the Australia Day weekend, Easter, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day and Christmas/New Year.

In WA, the double points apply on Australia Day (unless it falls on a week day), Labour Day, Easter, Anzac Day (unless it falls on a week day), Western Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Christmas/New Year.

If a rider in another state commits a traffic offence in a state during a double-demerit period, the offence is recorded as a double demerit offence on their traffic history in the state where the offence happened.

The state licensing authority will then report the offence to the transport department in your state who will record the offence on your traffic history.

However, the double points will only apply in Queensland under the circumstances described above.

Choice of penalty

Stephen says that if you have committed a traffic offence recently and you receive a Queensland Transport notice that you have accumulated your allowed demerits, you will have a choice of a good driving behaviour period or a licence suspension for a period.

“When considering whether to agree to a good behaviour driving behaviour period and a licence suspension, it is important that a licence holder understands that accepting a suspension of their licence may preclude them from making an Application for a Special Hardship Order or an Application for a Restricted (Work) Licence for the next five years,” he warns.

If you are unsure about how many demerit points you have, you can search your record online at your state’s transport department website or call them and request a copy of your traffic history.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Electric outfit for long-distance riding

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Spanish design student Iago Valino imagines an electric future with a BMW outfit with a batteries house in the sidecar for long-distance riding.

His BMW concept drawing is not sanctioned by BMW Motorrad, but they must surely be paying some attention.BMW electric outfit

One of the biggest problems with electric motorcycles is fitting a big enough battery in such a small machine to provide suitable range.

Housing a battery in a sidecar would provide extra range for long-distance travel.BMW electric outfit

Electric outfit

Iago isn’t the first to think of an electric outfit.

Last year Russian company Ural Motorcycles built a prototype. There is no word on when — or if — the finished product will come to market.

URAL electric sidecar prototypeURAL electric sidecar prototype

Like the Ural, Iago also sees the potential for not only long-distance travel, but some off-road applications.

His original project was an on-road focused model but he has also drawn one with off-road looks, without modifying ground clearance.BMW electric outfit

“Maybe, the ‘off-road’ adjective doesn’t fit quite well, but I was thinking on traveling around the world without having to avoid bad condition or dirt roads (Morocco for example), not dunes or similar pure off-road conditions,” he says.

“Either way, this was originally a really quick project and I had no time to approach technical solutions, the main proportions and front suspension system come, slightly modified, from the BMW DC Vision, an official concept, more or less as undriveable as this one could be.”

The DC Vision is the authorised BMW Motorrad vision of what their electric future may look like with its boxer-style electric motor.

BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxerBMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster electric boxer

Not that BMW is getting close to an electric motorcycle just yet.

In 2018, managing director Stephan Schaller said electric motorcycles are “not in their immediate future”.

Yet last year the company applied for a patent for an electric motorcycle with the motor and battery making up the bulk of the frame, linked via upside down forks and a single 45-degree mono shock to the swingarm.

bmw serious about electric motorcycleBMW patent drawing

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Royal Enfield plans 4 new models a year

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New Royal Enfield CEO Vinod Dasari has confirmed the Indian brand will release four new models per year, starting with the new Meteor 350 this month.

The Meteor 350 will feature a new double-cradle frame and an overhead-cam, air-cooled 350cc engine, replacing the old pushrod motor.

There is no confirmation yet on whether it will be available globally or just in India.

It will be followed by the Hunter and then the Sherpa. There are no details yet, but it is expected they may be versions of the Himalayan adventure bike.

Royal Enfield Hunter SerpaWill the Hunter or Serpa look like this?

Falling sales

The model offensive follows bleak times for the company with falling sales last year as Jawa stole some of its market.

That was followed by dismal sales this year when the pandemic hit, including on 91 domestic sales in April.

In May, the company sold 18,429 bikes in India compared with 60,211 in May 2019 and sold only 684 overseas compared with 2160 last year.

Factory customs

Royal Enfield CEO Vinod DasariNew boss Vinod Dasari

Dasari says the pandemic is forcing them to look toward online purchases and more factory customisation.

“When I go on to a traffic light, I want to have something different,” he says.

“A motorcycle is a display of a person’s personality, so it has to have uniqueness and differentiation. So, how do we involve them in the design of a motorcycle? 

“So we have revamped our entire business process from ‘made to stock’ to ‘made to order’.

“We want to move to a point completely where 100 percent of our bikes will be mass-customised.

“You can then choose, whichever bike you want, with this kind of label, with that kind of colour, with this kind of accessory and that kind of apparel, all of this will be built in. That significantly changes the entire buying process.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com