Circuito San Juan Villicum to return once again from next year.
Image: Supplied.
Argentina has been removed from the 2020 Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) calendar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization have confirmed.
The round was originally scheduled for 9-11 October and was to enter its third year of WorldSBK action, however the series’ scheduled return will instead be postponed until 2021 as part of a three-year contract.
“It is a great shame not to be going to one of the most atmospheric events on the calendar,” said Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK executive director.
“Health and safety come first and along with the travel restrictions, logistical challenges and the uncertainty of the immediate future, we regret not being able to find a solution that meets the needs of all.
“We look forward to welcoming Argentina and San Juan back onto the calendar in 2021, where the passionate Argentinean fans can cheer on their heroes again.”
All parties involved examined and evaluated every possible scenario to make sure the event went ahead as planned. However, given the current situation and the subsequent health and safety concerns, travel restrictions and logistical challenges, the solution is to postpone the event.
After suffering fractures to his vertebrae and ribs in the incident, Ferris was transferred from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane Hospital earlier in the week, where the operation was completed.
“Renae and I would like to take this time to thank everyone for the kind words and support across social media, the numerous calls and texts we received and finally everyone at the Conondale club who assisted me from the crash,” Ferris commented. “I also have to thank the team of doctors and surgeons between the two hospitals that have been a huge help with my recovery. This crash was unfortunate as I have been feeling great on the bike this year and itching to go racing.
“For now, my focus is solely on my rehab and getting strong enough to spend quality time with my family, chasing the kids around at the farm again. I have been here before with injuries and know the process, it is time to dedicate myself to the rehab with 100 percent focus and I know I can bounce back as strong as ever when it’s time to get back on the bike. I will update everyone of my progress accordingly and once again thank you to the team, the industry and my fans for the unwavering support.”
While it’s too soon to confirm when Ferris will be back on the bike, the Recover8 KTM Thor team has indicated that it won’t be until 2021 in six to eight months time. It isn’t yet clear if the Australian Motocross Championship will take place this year as a result of COVID-19.
“Dean has a long road ahead of him in regards to recovery, but I am very pleased to report the surgery was successful and there have been no further complications from the back injury,” explained Kevin Williams, business development manager of Raceline Performance. “Dean has been able to get out of bed under his own power and walk around a little since surgery was completed and all reports are that he will make a full recovery.
“I know the question everyone wants to ask is, when will Dean be back on the bike? At this stage it is early days, but with Dean’s championship mindset I know he will dedicate himself to rehabilitation and his recovery to ensure he is ready for a return to riding as soon as possible. We are optimistically anticipating a six- to eight-month recovery period before the injuries are stable enough to begin riding again.”
A unified push by the Motorcycle Industry Council, its member companies, and their staffs and dealers has resulted in motorcycles, parts, and accessories being left off the most recent round of European Union tariffs.
Some 100 comments to the United States Trade Representative, referencing motorcycles, urged against tariffs of up to 100 percent on all 500-700cc motorcycles and scooters, as well as all parts and accessories, from the EU and the United Kingdom.
“We’re incredibly pleased that European motorcycles, parts, and accessories have been removed from the most recent round of EU tariffs in relation to the Airbus situation,” said John Hinz, CEO of KTM North America Inc., and MIC board member. “We are extremely thankful that the U.S. Trade Representative heard our concerns and recognized the unintended and potentially devastating impacts that tariffs could have on our industry. This would not have been possible without the support of the MIC and its members, the efforts of Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D., Congressman Tim Walberg, Congressman Ken Calvert, Congressman Jim Jordan, our dealers and our employees, and the support of all our industry partners. Thank you to all who wrote letters, made phone calls, and let Washington, D.C., know the value of our industry and our businesses here in the United States.”
It was an international effort as well, with written comments supplied by Antonio Perlot, secretary general of ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe.
“This was the third time the USTR made this proposal, and the third time the industry was able to prevail with combined support,” said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. “The MIC’s Government Relations Office will continue to monitor the situation, hoping that the USTR does not propose these tariffs a fourth time.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect, and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications, media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, data communications standards, and involvement in technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories, and related services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies, and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Keep up with the industry association on Twitter @followMIC and at MIC.org.
(Contributed post for our Southern California readers)
If you ride a motorcycle in Orange County or anywhere else in southern California, you know that it’s dangerous. With their high-speed capabilities and minimal frames, motorcycles offer their riders little protection. Because of this, even a minor motorcycle accident can result in severe injuries. We’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents on the California freeways. If you do ride a bike, wear your helmet and body protection.
Ten Common Causes of California Motorcycle Collisions
There are many hazards for motorcyclists—always from other drivers, but also often from themselves.
1. Improper or unsafe lane changes
When you’re riding a motorcycle, drivers frequently don’t see your minimal profile. When you change lanes, it’s important that you’re not relying on other drivers to break or to expand the gap you’re moving into. If you don’t have a wide berth, remain in your lane.
2. Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
There’s no doubt about it. Bikes are fast. But they’re also harder to control at higher speeds. You can also override your headlights, which means that things can appear in the road too quickly for you to react. In addition to causing motorcycle accidents, speed can make accidents more dangerous.
3. Drunk driving
When a car driver is drunk, they endanger everyone on the road. While motorcyclists are also a danger to other drivers, the primary peril is to themselves. Alcohol affects coordination and slows reaction times.
4. Lane splitting
This occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes, usually to avoid traffic. The danger comes when cars suddenly shift lanes, blocking the motorcyclist’s path or squeezing the gap.
5. Car doors opening
Many drivers forget to check their side mirror before opening the door. If they don’t hear a motorcyclist, they’re likely to block the rider’s path with the door. This is also dangerous for bicyclists and skaters.
6. Rear-end collisions
If you stop suddenly, there’s a good chance that an inattentive driver will continue forward or notice you too late and strike you from the rear. This is one of the most common types of vehicle accidents.
7. Inexperienced motorcyclists
Newer motorcyclists are more prone to accidents. Riding a motorcycle is a skill that takes time to develop. When you’re learning, stay off of busy roadways and try to ride during slower times.
8. Left-turn intersection accidents
Intersections are dangerous, but when you add to it the smaller profile of a motorcycle, they can be a nightmare. Statistically, making a left turn is the most dangerous type of turn at an intersection.
9. Road hazards
From construction sites to potholes to inconsistent surfaces, when you’re on two wheels as opposed to four, the smallest inconsistency can cause a rider to lose balance and lose control.
10. Defective equipment
Having properly maintained equipment is always important on the road, but when you’re riding a motorcycle, having even a minor malfunction can cause your bike to throw you, causing a hazardous situation.
The iXS 208 2.0 is a new adventure helmet from the brand priced at $140 for the US market.
Begin Press Release:
iXS 208 2.0
Tough enduro helmet made for thrilling on- and off-road adventures. Up for anything!
Adventure is calling and you are closer to nature than you think. But where to go? You leave that open – what matters is the journey, not the destination. If the paved road suddenly ends, that doesn’t mean you have to turn back. Hardly any path is too bad for you. You love to explore new tours and areas. Daring routes away from the main traffic arteries are the perfect area. White areas on maps exert a magical attraction on you and awaken the spirit of discovery in you. But this isn’t a problem with the right equipment and, on the contrary, you can really cut loose.
The new iXS 208 2.0 enduro helmet with its great features is perfect for your experience. It’s a constant, safe companion on all terrains and tracks. The protruding chin protection makes it easier to breathe and provides additional fresh air. Thanks to the generous ventilation openings on the forehead and chin, you won’t sweat easily. You are equipped for all forms of daylight with the integrated sun shield that folds down. The large sight radius provides perfect all-round vision and is protected by a large, high quality visor. To prevent the visor from tarnishing, you can insert a Pinlock® double-glass pane – the visor is already prepared for this.
The helmet roof attached over the forehead serves equally as protection against the sun, stones and dirt. It is individually adjustable and shaped aerodynamically that few turbulences will occur even at higher speeds. The high quality inner lining is easy to remove and can be washed, so you will always feel refreshed. A practical micro closure release (click clasp) makes it easy to put on and take off the helmet quickly.
The dynamic shape of the shell in combination with the high-quality visor locking mechanism reduces wind noise to a minimum. The timeless design of this on-road and off-road helmet goes with the high level of comfort when it’s being worn, showing nothing has been compromised. You are guaranteed to be correctly equipped and ready to start on the next tour with the iXS 208 2.0. It’s available in three colour versions of matt black-white, matt black-red-white and matt black-blue-white, each from XS – 2XL.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Recommended Retail Price: US $ 139.95
Colors: matt black-white (M31), matt black-red-white (M32), matt black-blue-white (M34)
The design sketch is by Kiska, the people who brought you the Husqvarna Svart- and Vitpilens. EMotion is actually a joint venture involving KTM, Bajaj and a few other partners, which launched in March of this year. Germany’s Motorrad magazine reports that a host of industrial heavy hitters are involved in the project, the aim of which is “to develop a modular and scalable architecture for electric drive trains and batteries. The focus is on the use of materials that are as light as possible, efficient charging and drive systems and future-proof information systems. With the help of an 8-month field test, the needs of potential customers will also be determined from 2022 and the requirements of electromobility in urban and rural areas will be researched in practice. A first sketch, which was made by Kiska GmbH and can be seen in the lead picture above, should show which direction it could go.”
Lately, KTM seems to be showing the world there isn’t much it can’t do.
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and London’s iconic Bike Shed Motorcycle Club today announced a collaboration to launch an exclusive lineup of lifestyle apparel. Designed in celebration of motorcycles, motorcycle culture, and the soon-to-open Bike Shed Los Angeles destination, the co-branded collection includes a range of men’s and women’s shirts and hats, along with an exclusive BSMC x Indian Motorcycle sweatshirt and riding jersey.
Brought together through shared values and the idea that there is no wrong way to appreciate motorcycling, Indian Motorcycle and Bike Shed Motorcycle Club believe in creating a welcoming environment for all riders. Whether riding the open road or hanging with friends, Indian Motorcycle and Bike Shed Motorcycle Club exist to fuel the passion of life on two wheels. The apparel collection was designed as a collaboration between the two brands and serves as a lifestyle expression for not only people who love motorcycles, but for the bold and confident who go their own way.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Bike Shed on this apparel collection and celebrate our love for motorcycles and motorcycle culture,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “When we found out Bike Shed was opening a clubhouse in the U.S., we knew we wanted to get involved. A special-edition apparel collection was a no-brainer, and we’re extremely proud to align with Bike Shed as they plan for their opening in Los Angeles.”
Since inception in 2011, the UK-based Bike Shed has been a place of common ground, where people from all walks of life – both riders and non-riders alike – come together to share their passion for two-wheels alongside the culture and lifestyle inspired by them. This year, the Bike Shed will expand its ever-growing community with the opening of its first-ever U.S. location. Home to a thriving moto and creative community, Los Angeles’ Arts District will soon welcome the highly anticipated Bike Shed Los Angeles: a 30,000-square-foot destination venue, complete with a full-service restaurant, café, bar and lounge, a barbershop, tattoo studio, events space and large retail emporium. Bike Shed Los Angeles joins the renowned Bike Shed London as the brand’s second motorcycle destination venue.
“We wanted to align with an American brand that shared our same, all-inclusive, motorcycle values,” said Dutch, Founder of the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club. “Indian Motorcycle is an iconic and historic brand that has evolved to remain relevant as moto culture has evolved, balancing timeless design and authenticity with modern performance and practicality, bringing new appreciation and customers to the brand and its bikes. Our clothing collaboration partnership carries those same values, aligning two brands that are as much about community and experience as we are about quality products, made to be fit-for-purpose while carrying timeless style and heritage.”
To help launch the exclusive apparel collection, Indian Motorcycle and Bike Shed Motorcycle Club tapped renowned bike builder, and founder of Brat Style, Go Takamine. Known for his work building and racing classic Indian motorcycles, Takamine exemplifies the deep passion and love for motorcycles and motorcycle culture that the Indian Motorcycle and Bike Shed collaboration represents.
The exclusive Indian Motorcycle and Bike Shed Motorcycle Club apparel collection is available at select retail locations and online at IndianMotorcycle.com and TheBikeShed.cc.
Star Racing Yamaha re-signs Cooper in contract extension
Section: Competition
Emerging title contender to remain aboard YZ250F through 2021 at least.
Image: Octopi Media.
Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha has extended its agreement with Justin Cooper in a deal that will see him complete his 250 class career aboard the YZ250F.
Cooper, 22, has been with the factory Yamaha team since turning professional in 2017 and will be with Star Racing for at least the 2021 season.
“I’m pleased to announce that I have re-signed with the Star Yamaha Racing team and will finish my 250 class career with them,” Cooper confirmed. “We’ve accomplished some good things together, but there are great things that lie ahead!”
This year is Cooper’s third full campaign in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, finishing third overall in both 2018 and 2019. He earned a lone overall victory in Florida last season via a 2-2 scorecard.
Cooper was runner-up in last year’s Monster Energy Supercross 250SX East standings, before also claiming second in the 2020 championship on the western region. He captured a first-career victory at Anaheim 1 this year.
Wednesday rise sees Cairoli back on top in MXGP of Riga
Section: Competition
Geerts completes first double in MX2 to close in on points-lead.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM’s Antonio Cairoli stood back atop the MXGP World Championship podium on Wednesday in the GP of Riga, as Jago Geerts claimed a spectacular double in MX2.
Cairoli controlled the opening moto to win ahead of Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull KTM), who recovered from an opening lap fall.
The second outing – drama-packed much like the first – saw a late error of Herlings that also caused Cairoli to go down allow pole-setter Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), placing him fourth overall.
Second in the moto was Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha) ahead of Herlings and Cairoli once they remounted, handing Cairoli his first overall in over a year from Seewer and Herlings.
Australia’s Mitch Evans showed signs of improvement with a better start in moto two, going 26-15 for 19th overall. Team HRC teammate Tim Gajser exited moto one after two crashes, but was fifth in the second affair.
The MX2 round belonged to Monster Energy Yamaha’s Jago Geerts as he went 1-1, leading F&H Kawasaki Racing teammates Roan Van de Moosdijk and teammate Mathys Boisrame.
Of the Australians, Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) was sixth, Bailey Maliewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) 19th and his teammate Nathan Crawford a non-scorer in both motos.
A new BMW Motorrad patent for a carbon fibre swingarm brings the hi-tech, lightweight technology closer to mass production through a manufacturing process that makes it more affordable.
A new filing patent brings that technology closer to mass production.
Instead of a conventional swingarm pivot, the patent shows a flexible carbon fibre with the swingarm integrated into the chassis.
Carbon fibre and other lightweight materials are becoming more prevalent in motorcycle design with a wide range of benefits to handling, braking, acceleration, fuel economy and emissions.
The properties of carbon fibre that make it so attractive to motorcycle manufacturers is its light weight and high strength.
Carbon fibre and other lightweight materials are becoming more prevalent in motorcycle design with a wide range of benefits to handling, braking, acceleration, fuel economy and emissions.
The properties of carbon fibre that make it so attractive to motorcycle manufacturers is its light weight and high strength.
Carbon fibre construction has come a long way since it was first used in a motorcycle in 1994 in Cagiva’s C194 500cc two-stroke.
It featured a chassis made of carbon-fibre and alloy, but was short-lived.
The other famous early use of carbon fibre was in chassis of the Britten V1000, designed and hand-built by Kiwi John Britten.
Britten V1000
John, a brilliant, but dyslexic mechanical engineer, died of skin cancer in 1995 having hand-built only 10 V1000s.
Carbon fibre is today used extensively in motorsport and expensive automobiles and motorcycles such as the Ducati Desmosedici.
Carbon swingarm project
Carbon fibre is expensive because it is difficult to mass-produce.
However, manufacturing processes are improving, resulting in better quality finishes and cheaper products.
Joachim Starke, who is in charge of BMW’s lightweight composite fibres, says the HP4 RACE combined optimum technical qualities, uniform manufacturing quality and cost efficiency for the first time.
The HP4 RAE swingarm was made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic with CFP tape reinforcements using thermoplastic material.
BMW HP4 RACE swingarm
BMW believes it will be possible to establish a cost-efficient manufacturing process suitable for the large-scale production of such injection-mould components.
He says they developed a technology that allows precise configuration of component properties by using a variety of composite and metal inserts.
“This scalability means that a single tool can be used to produce a wide range of different components at cycle times of less than a minute,” he says.
“The maximum strength can be adjusted by means of additional CFP panels which can be thermoplastically joined.”
BMW also used welding robots in the process to reduce costs.
The HP4 RACE carbon fibre project forms the basis for the use of carbon fibre in serial production of BMW motorcycles and automobiles.
BMW HP4 RACE
Carbon technology explained
BMW project manager Elmar Jäger explains the technology:
We opted for chassis components under continuous load since the requirements involved are especially demanding. While car chassis parts are concealed, the visible motorcycle rear swinging arm was ideal for our project since the forces at work are immediately evident. Our production technique uses CFP in the form of high-strength endless fibres where this is required by the stress pattern, while an injection mould part with short CFP recycling fibres is used where the stress levels are not as high. In this way, we developed a cost-efficient design that can be scaled according to requirements by inserting endless fibres with varying levels of strength in the same tool.
