Tag Archives: News

Harley-Davidson Announces United We Will Ride Campaign

Harley-Davidson’s United We Will Ride campaign is set to help folks get through these tough times. 

Begin Press Release: 


HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND JASON MOMOA COLLABORATE DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING TO CELEBRATE THE POWER OF RIDING

“United We Will Ride”


MILWAUKEE (August 11th, 2020) – For more than 117 years, Harley-Davidson has brought people together to experience adventure and freedom for the soul. Harley-Davidson is proud to announce a new element of the company’s United We Will Ride campaign that celebrates its mission in collaboration with actor and Harley-Davidson enthusiast Jason Momoa.

Momoa has produced and directed a new video series that follows six Harley-Davidson riders as they navigate through the dark days of the pandemic using the power of riding to engage with their families, their communities, and themselves. The lead video will be followed by six additional features that showcase how different riders experience freedom for the soul through their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

“More than building machines, Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “That is our mission. And with this brand campaign, Harley-Davidson and Jason Momoa are showcasing how this pursuit is strengthened through tough times. H-D riders and their experiences serve as inspiration for the power of two wheels from vintage custom motorcycles, to the electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire® motorcycle.”

“Motorcycles have brought me places that have changed my life and around people that have molded who I am.” said Jason Momoa. “With my latest production for Harley-Davidson, I’m seeking to broadcast the beauty of riding and the spirit of the motorcycling community during this unprecedented time to encourage riders and aspiring riders to ride. Let’s Ride!”

Let’s Ride Challenge

Harley-Davidson is showcasing the power of riding with the Let’s Ride Challenge launched as part of the United We Will Ride campaign. Through riding-related activities, participants can earn Let’s Ride Challenge sweepstakes* entries for a chance to win prizes celebrating the community and spirit of two wheels, including a custom 2020 Harley-Davidson Low Rider® S motorcycle grand prize and weekly drawings for additional prizes.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS OR OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends 8/31/2020. For Official Rules, alternate method of entry, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.H-D.com/LetsRide. Sponsor: Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc., 3700 W. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208.

The post Harley-Davidson Announces United We Will Ride Campaign appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Travel restrictions force cancellation of Suzuka 8 Hours

News 12 Aug 2020

Travel restrictions force cancellation of Suzuka 8 Hours

International riders and teams unable to enter Japan in November.

Image: Supplied.

One of the biggest races on the international calendar, the Suzuka 8 Hours, has been cancelled for 2020 due to travel restrictions that won’t enable overseas riders to enter Japan.

The FIM, Eurosport Events – promoter of the Endurance World Championship (EWC) and Suzuka race organiser Mobilityland have agreed to call the event off for this year.

Initially rescheduled to the beginning of November as the EWC final, instead the Suzuka 8 Hours will be cancelled for the first time since its creation in 1978.

“With anguish, we find no alternative but to make the decision to cancel it in consideration of the continued spread of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Kaoru Tanaka, president representative director of Mobilityland Corporation.

“And the fact that there is no prospect of deregulation of immigration restrictions on visitors from abroad at this stage in Japan. Once again, we extend our apologies and regrets to all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours.

“In closing, let us say that we are determined to make preparations so that the 2021 Suzuka 8 Hours event will be even more enjoyable for the fans than ever before.”

François Ribeiro, head of Eurosport Events, added: “We have been working hard with Mobilityland to reschedule the race from July to November – a first since 1978 – and then to organise entry into Japan for international teams and riders with a special business visa.

“Our hopes have evaporated with immigration restrictions for foreigners. The decision was made not to run this iconic race as a domestic event. The Suzuka 8 Hours, the most prestigious endurance race in the world over the last 40 years, shall not run without top international riders.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Teenager interviewed over rider death

A teenager is “assisting police with inquiries” after a rider standing on a Gympie highway ramp was struck by an unknown vehicle and killed on Monday night (10 August 2020).

Queensland Police say the body of the 48-year-old rider was found about 11pm on Monday (10 August 2020)  between the two northbound lanes of the Bruce Highway, 200m south of the Mary Valley Link Road overpass.Teen interviewed over rider death

Police found his Suzuki SV1000S on its side about 100m away.

“Preliminary inquiries indicate the motorcyclist parked on the nearby off-ramp and had been standing while holding his helmet when struck by an unknown vehicle,” police say.

It is believed a utility “may have overtaken the motorcyclist and another vehicle at high speed prior to the incident”.

Police are now interviewing a 19-year-old man about the incident.

“There is no further information at this time and investigations are continuing,” they say.

Forensic Crash Unit investigators are appealing for any witnesses, particularly motorists travelling on the Bruce Highway around the Kybong area between 10pm and 11pm, or anyone who may have relevant dash cam vision to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day or call 1800 333 000.

Our sincere condolences to the riders’ family and friends.

Rider injurednsw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail negligent SUV young national park fatal knocking unlicensed guilty stolen

In another incident, NSW Police are investigating a serious motorcycle crash that occurred in the Central West about 2pm yesterday (11 August 2020) on Renshaw McGuire Way, about 10km west of Yeoval.

The rider, a 20-year-old female, was transported by Ambulance NSW to Parkes District Hospital where she was later airlifted to Liverpool Hospital. She remains in a critical condition.

Officers from Orana Mid Western Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Quote this reference number: QP2001680708 within the online suspicious activity form.

Our sincere best wishes to the rider for a full and swift recovery.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Brookes to ‘move on’ following Irwin incident in BSB restart

News 11 Aug 2020

Brookes to ‘move on’ following Irwin incident in BSB restart

Mixed start to 2020 campaign for title favourite at Donington Park.

Image: Supplied.

Experienced Australian Josh Brookes has vowed to ‘move on’ after contact with Andrew Irwin saw him crash out of race three at Donington Park in the opening round of the 2020 British Superbike Championship (BSB).

VisionTrack Ducati’s Brookes went 3-6 in the opening pair of races for the weekend, before the high-speed incident in the final encounter ended his weekend prematurely. Race stewards later disqualified Irwin for the clash.

“What can I say?” Brookes recalled. “Despite a podium, I wasn’t happy with the bike in race one, so we made some changes overnight. They really didn’t make a lot of difference in today’s opening race and I ended up making a couple of silly mistakes, so I’ll take the blame for that one.

“We had to change the bike again for the third race and that worked as we were competitive and had I got a better start – I think I could have gone with Tommy [Bridewell]. And then I encountered the situation with Irwin. Glenn got past me fine, but Andrew touched me as he went past and down I went. These things happen, so we move on and hope for better results at Snetterton.”

Honda-mounted Irwin rode to both opening race wins of the year, before Ducati rider Tommy Bridewell won race three, however it’s Glenn Irwin who leads the standings following round one. Brookes currently sits seventh in points.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Portimao confirmed to be hosting MotoGP final round

News 11 Aug 2020

Portimao confirmed to be hosting MotoGP final round

Grand prix racing returns to Portugal for the first time since 2012.

Image: Supplied.

The final round of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship will head to the undulating Portimao circuit in Portugal this 20-22 November, set to make its debut on the grand prix calendar.

Featured as a reserve track since 2017, the unique ‘Autodromo Internacional do Algarve’ will welcome Portugal back on the schedule for the first time in since 2012.

“I am very proud that MotoGP will return to my country eight years after the last grand prix, which took place at the Circuito do Estoril,” stated FIM President Jorge Viegas. “I would like to warmly thank Dorna, the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve and the Motorcycling Federation of Portugal for having managed to meet the necessary conditions for the organisation of the finale of the championship to take place in Portugal.”

Autodromo Internacional do Algarve CEO Paulo Pinheiro added: “It is a great achievement for our team to finally have MotoGP at our racetrack! MotoGP is the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport and we are so excited to have it.

“It has been a long process with Dorna, we had an agreement in place since 2017, and finally all the hard work paid off. On top of this to have Miguel Oliveira on the MotoGP grid, being able to fight for the podium will be an amazing add on for this race, and hopefully the championship will be decided here.

“We are working to have the fans in our race, and we will start with a capacity of 30.000 fans for the race weekend and then we will decide with Dorna and the sanitary authorities the following stages. We can’t express how happy we are to have this race.”

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said that the Portimao circuit is due to be resurfaced following last weekend’s round of the Superbike World Championship, which will add to the intrigue ahead of the 2020 title-decider in Portugal toward the end of this year.

“It’s big news for us,” Ezpeleta said. “We signed an agreement in 2017 with Portimao to be the reserve circuit for any kinds of cancellations and we’ve been in contact with them all this time. We’ve been to Portimao with Superbike and we think it’s an amazing possibility for us.

“Also in the agreement is that the track will be resurfaced after the Superbike round. When we explained this to the riders they were excited, because they’ve seen the track on TV, but we’ve never been there.

“Portugal has a long history in our sport and there have been some historic battles in Estoril. It’s something very good for us to have the possibility to go back to Portugal, especially with Miguel Oliveira participating as it’s great to have a Portuguese rider able to compete in his own country. We are extremely happy to be racing in Portimao at the end of the year.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Roczen replaced by Craig for entire Pro Motocross series

News 11 Aug 2020

Roczen replaced by Craig for entire Pro Motocross series

Ongoing health issues cause Team Honda HRC rider to skip outdoors.

Image: Octopi Media.

Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen will sit out the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, to be replaced by Christian Craig alongside Chase Sexton for the entire season from Loretta Lynn’s opener this Saturday.

Roczen – soon to become a father – battled a series of health issues through the Salt Lake City rounds of Monster Energy Supercross, now instead focusing on regaining full fitness in the lead-up to the 2021 season.

“Taking this shortened outdoor season off was a very difficult decision, but I’m confident it’s what’s best for me and my team in the long run,” Roczen explained. “It will be good to regroup, let my body heal, enjoy this important experience with Courtney and build back up for 2021. I’d like to thank my team and sponsors for having my back through this and I look forward to supporting Chase and Christian from home this summer before once again doing my job the best I possibly can.”

American Honda manager of advertising and motorcycle sports Brandon Wilson said: “Of course we’re disappointed that we won’t have Ken in the pits and on the track for the upcoming outdoors season. He’s an important part of the Honda family and it won’t be the same without him.

“That said, as a company and a team, we support Ken during this special time, and in his efforts to get back to full strength. We look forward to working closely with him during this period and attacking 2021 with him in top form.”

This season marks the second time that Craig is filling in for Roczen aboard the factory CRF450R for the complete outdoor season, also riding with the team during 2017 on his way to 11th in the final standings. In addition, he began the 2018 motocross series with Team Honda HRC, but was injured Glen Helen’s second round.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Slingshots Best of the Builders: East VS West

Slingshot’s Best of the Builders: East VS West, keeping the east versus west coast rivalry alive. 

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TRAVIS BARKER & TEYANA TAYLOR PAIR WITH RENOWNED CUSTOMIZERS IN ‘SLINGSHOT’S BEST OF THE BUILDERS: EAST VS WEST’

The Auto Firm, out of Miami, & DUB, out of Los Angeles, Face Off to Customize a 2020 Slingshot, Showcasing the Ultimate Display of Self-Expression; Ensuing Fan Vote following SEMA Unveil to Name the ‘Best of the Builders’


MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 4, 2020) – Polaris Slingshot itself is a statement, though it also serves as the ultimate form of self-expression with limitless customization opportunities. Few vehicles offer such an approachable and unique canvas for personalization through customization.

With the all-new 2020 Slingshot as the playing field, Polaris Slingshot today announced a bi-coastal build-off between two renowned automotive customizers: The Auto Firm and DUB. Based in Miami, The Auto Firm featuring Alex Vega has partnered with Pop Superstar, Singer-Songwriter Teyana Taylor. From Los Angeles, DUB will be personalizing its Slingshot for Songwriter, Record Producer and Legendary Drummer Travis Barker.

“We’re extremely excited to host our first-ever, official East vs West Slingshot build-off,” said Chris Sergeant, Vice President of Polaris Slingshot. “This contest is a means to inspire and further drive the authentic passion within our nationwide Slingshot community to personalize their rides. We’ve partnered with some of the most well-known, extremely talented customizers and superstars that exude personality. We cannot wait to see what they come up with.”

Squaring off head-to-head, each build team will design and modify a stock 2020 Slingshot SL. With inspiration and direction from their celebrity partner, each build team will create a one-of-a-kind custom ride that truly embodies the celebrity’s personality. The goal is to allow Teyana Taylor and Travis Barker to make their mark as a Slingshot owner by adding custom features amplified by their self-expression. Showcased on Slingshot’s social channels, fans will join the builders and receive exclusive behind-the-scenes updates throughout the customization process.

Slingshot's Best of the Builders: East VS West

“In 2017, I joined the Slingshot community when Alex and his team customized my ride. There is really nothing like the Slingshot on the road and personalizing it to your interests is half the fun,” said Taylor. “This year, with an all-new vehicle, I’m excited to collaborate with Alex and his team and truly create something unique and special.”

Slingshot's Best of the Builders: East VS West

“Even in its stock form, the Slingshot is packed with style and personality, but having the DUB team personalize my ride is extremely exciting,” said Barker. “Customizing a vehicle isn’t too different from writing or producing music – they both serve as a platform of self-expression, and I’m excited to work alongside DUB to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.”

With the builds now under way, fans can follow Slingshot on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and track along with exclusive behind-the-scenes updates from the builders. Build teams will have their final customized ride completed and ready for their public reveal and display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas beginning November 3, 2020. At that point, an ensuing fan vote on PolarisSlingshot.com will determine the “Best of the Builders.”

Facing off in Slingshot’s Best of the Builders: East vs West are two of the most accomplished and recognizable groups within custom car culture, The Auto Firm featuring Alex Vega and DUB. Each bring a wide-range of customization experience, and also have familiarity with the Slingshot platform.

The Auto Firm
Known for its unique style of combining art into its work, The Auto Firm has extensive experience building and modifying motor vehicles. Starting with owner and founder Alex Vega, the team has designed Slingshots for a number of high-profile clients. Among those include Teyana Taylor in 2017, when the team rebuilt the transmission from a manual to an automatic. With an all-new powertrain, and the SL featuring AutoDrive, Vega and his team can focus solely on personalizing the interior and exterior for this contest.

“The Polaris Slingshot is one the easiest vehicle platforms to customize. Because of its unique autocycle classification, and the simplistic nature of the components, the platform is very approachable for anyone to modify and personalize,” said Vega. “Polaris has also done a great job providing the components necessary for the average owner to easily customize their ride. A wide variety of factory accessories – from custom-painted components and performance tune-ups, to functional additions like added storage, and even heated and cooled seats. Anyone can buy a Slingshot and truly make it a one-of-a-kind ride right from the factory.”

DUB
Based out of Los Angeles, DUB is a leading, authoritative voice in the urban automotive lifestyle scene. The group are founders of the urban automotive lifestyle publication, DUB Magazine, as well as the highly-rated television show, The DUB Magazine Project, and creators of the DUB Show Tour. DUB is widely recognized as pioneers in the celebrity car culture space as well as what is known as the ‘DUB’ market. DUB Magazine’s Custom Auto Show and Concert Tour™ spawned a new era of urban car culture and lifestyle. DUB has designed and customized hundreds of vehicles for top celebrities.

“It’s a real honor to be partnering with Travis Barker and competing in Slingshot’s Best of the Builder contest,” said Myles Kovacs, President of DUB. “We know Alex and his team very well, so we expect nothing less than an incredible work-of-art. But we also know our team of craftsmen intend to build something really special and turn heads when the sheet is pulled at SEMA.”

With a driving experience unlike anything else on the road, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Everyday drives are turned up to the next level. The all-new 2020 Slingshot lineup, featuring 70 percent new vehicle content and Slingshot’s new AutoDrive automatic-manual transmission, opens the door for legions of drivers to experience the unique driving sensation of a Slingshot. Further enhancements to the 2020 lineup include a revised chassis and suspension and a Polaris-built ProStar 2.0L DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces up to 203 horsepower. All 2020 models include a redesigned interior with upgraded finishes, added storage compartments and a new leather-wrapped, flat bottom steering wheel.

For more information on Polaris Slingshot, visit PolarisSlingshot.com, or follow along on social media: Facebook.com/PolarisSlingshot, @Slingshot on Twitter and @PolarisSlingshot on Instagram. For information on Slingshot rental locations, visit Adventures.Polaris.com.

About Polaris Slingshot
Polaris Slingshot, a wholly-owned brand of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), continues to define the category through style, driving experience and community with our three-wheeled autocycle. With AutoDrive and manual transmission options, an open cockpit, side-by-side seating, 5” drive height and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, Slingshot comes in a variety of models that are sure to make a statement. Step into a Slingshot for an adventurous and unrivaled experience. Learn more, visit slingshot.polaris.com.

Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile. It does not have airbags and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three-wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear a DOT-approved full-face helmet and fasten seatbelts. The Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Drive within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Vehicle modifications and use of non-authorized accessories may void the vehicle warranty. Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc. © 2020 Polaris Industries Inc.

The post Slingshot’s Best of the Builders: East VS West appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

KTM Takes Historic MotoGP Victory in Brno

KTM shows potential at Round three of the 2020 MotoGP season in Brno. 

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KTM TAKES HISTORIC MOTOGP™ VICTORY IN BRNO

KTM

KTM made history in Brno, Czech Republic yesterday as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder sensationally clinched the Austrian manufacturer’s first MotoGP victory in only his third premier class race aboard the KTM RC16.

Round three of the 2020 series will remain a poignant and memorable event for KTM, which entered the MotoGP series full-time in 2017 with the then newly-developed KTM RC16. The manufacturer has since enjoyed front row qualifying results and a podium finish prior to yesterday’s incredible victory, where rookie Binder rewarded the project’s efforts at the Automotodrom Brno.

KTM

Binder rode a calculated race, working his way through the front-runners from his seventh position on the grid to take the lead with nine laps to go of 21. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider went from strength-to-strength, stretching out a comfortable advantage to take his, KTM’s and South Africa’s first ever race win in MotoGP – the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport. Binder is also the first rookie to win a race since 2013. Teammate Pol Espargaró, who has played a pivotal role in KTM’s MotoGP campaign and enjoyed the manufacturer’s maiden podium in the class in 2018, was unlucky to miss out on the battle for victory in yesterday’s race after colliding with another rider in the fight for third place. Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Miguel Oliveira enjoyed his best finish in the class with sixth position.

KTM’s fourth season in the MotoGP category has proven exciting so far with the KTM RC16 battling at the sharp end of the field in the opening three races. The test team with rider Mika Kallio, who has been involved with the project from the beginning, along with MotoGP legend Dani Pedrosa has been fundamental in accelerating the development of the KTM RC16 in combination with the race team and engineers from KTM’s base in Munderfing and Mattighofen. In addition, this major sporting milestone for the brand also highlights KTM’s commitment to developing young riders as Binder has raced aboard orange machinery successfully in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, Moto3™, Moto2™ and now finally MotoGP.

KTM

Brad Binder: “Honestly, right now, I’m lost for words. I’ve dreamt of this since I was a little boy and today it came true. It is amazing to win my first GP [in MotoGP]. Thank you to everybody who supported me, and the whole team; they put an insane motorcycle beneath me today! I didn’t know if we could win but I knew we would have a go. It was the craziest ten laps of my life at the end. I was being as soft as I could. It was incredible. Unbelievable.”

Miguel Oliveira: “It was a good end to the weekend. We had a decent race and I feel that we have done a good job the entire weekend. Looking at the race, our starting position cost us a better result but we need to live with that and do a better job next race in just a few days’ time.”

Pol Espargaró: “It’s unfair but it is racing, and we have to deal with these things. I was behind Brad and watching the others and playing with the maps to be strong at the end. I felt I could make ‘58s in the last laps, so I was trying to be relaxed when the contact happened. I could not show my potential and win the first race for KTM but I’m happy for Brad because he’s a good guy and works hard. We had a real chance today and we’ll hope for another one very soon.”

KTM

Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM Race Manager: “It was amazing today. All weekend we felt quite competitive on this track with good lap-times among the riders and we expected something from the race. Brad had the race pace and Pol was at the same point, and even though we could not be happier we could have had even more from this GP! Miguel also did great to take sixth so in general we are more than happy. We started this project in 2017 and many people have been involved. We built a complete infrastructure in KTM. People in the company had the right mentality because we had to push; we did not have the road racing history of other manufacturers we are competing against. When I look back at these three years there have been ups-and-downs but the pay-off has been unbelievable today. We’ve seen in Jerez – and again here – that we are much closer to the front. On this long, technical track at Brno, and with our different technical philosophy with a steel chassis and WP Suspension, we got the job done and it’s a great payback to every person who has been connected to the project. I’m very happy to give back something to the KTM board for the great investment they made, their 100% belief and our main sponsor who also had full belief in us. Now, we will go to our home Grand Prix and will work hard from FP1.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “For KTM this is an unbelievable day. It’s historic for our company and for the whole team but of course for Brad Binder, who has believed in us and our project for many years. Today is payback for so much hard work. We knew we had a better bike for this year and this did not happen by accident: it came from everything we learned during the last years. With Dani Pedrosa, Mika Kallio and the test team we worked and developed for over a full year to have this bike now. At the end of the day you need a fantastic rider to put the bike on the top step and Brad did it today, and in the same style as he won in Moto3 and Moto2 races for us. It´s an incredible feeling and we will now build on this result. On the other hand, I want to thank Pol Espargaro because also he – together with his crew – brought every piece of the puzzle together to bring this project to the top. Today is the result of a fantastic team effort; at home in Munderfing and Mattighofen, through the test team and a great crew on track.”

Stefan Pierer, CEO KTM AG: “It is difficult to describe the intense emotions we feel on this very special and historic day for KTM. Firstly, I would like to congratulate Brad not only on his exceptional ride, but his loyalty and belief in KTM for many years – we will certainly enjoy this moment together. I would also like to share our thanks to Pol for his incredible effort in helping us achieve this victory; his work has been pivotal in the whole project and in reaching this point where we see our bikes near or at the front of the field. Since we began this program our ambition has been the same as it is for every racing discipline, and we knew that achieving our goals here would be exceptionally difficult, but not impossible. Step by step we have been moving closer and closer to the front, defying some expectations as we continued to believe in what we could achieve. To win a race in our fourth year in MotoGP is testament to the work ethic and knowhow of our KTM Motorsports department and R&D engineers. I would like to offer our special thanks to Pit Beirer and Mike Leitner for their lead in the project, and tireless work in making this program a success. Our vision is to create a clear pathway with our riders to the top, and this has been achieved with Brad following his success with KTM in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, Moto3 and Moto2. We now look forward to our ‘home’ races at the Red Bull Ring where we can celebrate this huge milestone in KTM’s story.”

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iXS Releases Backpack Travel

It’s a backpack.

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iXS Backpack Travel

So you have everything with you. Pack and Go

The iXS Backpack Travel is intended for everyone who wants to be out and about energetically and flexibly – on a motorbike tour and throughout your daily routine. It was designed for extended day trips and offers generous storage space of 25 litres. This makes it extremely versatile, very stable and amazingly comfortable.

Most motorbikes are not designed to carry luggage. It’s not very easy to accommodate luggage so that it doesn’t get in the way of riding. The mobile storage compartment on your back deservedly remains one of the most popular motorbike accessories. With the iXS Backpack Travel, iXS has developed a rucksack specifically for motorbike riding. Although it might look similar to a normal rucksack, it offers several functions which the usual rucksacks and bags do not have.

Quality and safety are extremely important to iXS in its manufacture. Safety is absolutely vital because motorbikes reach very high speeds. You will still be able to move about when travelling because of the fully adjustable, well-padded and extremely comfortable strap system including the chest and belly belt. The rucksack therefore fits closely to the body and never wobbles, nor is it a hindrance during the ride. You will always retain full control of your luggage.

The comprehensive features of the iXS Backpack Travel make it impressive. The sturdy 420D polyamide exterior material is water-repellent thanks to the PU coating and ensures a high level of longevity. This means that up to 25 litres of luggage are reliably protected. The padded interior provides plenty of space for rain protection, a thermal lining, a laptop etc. The central outer compartment is fitted with a practical organiser including a key holder. You will therefore also always be able to find your small items instantly. The separate exterior compartment is also practical for your sunglasses. Whatever you might need to access immediately can be accommodated in the two side mesh pockets.

The exterior impresses with its stylish, simple shape in traditional black, while inside the light grey makes it easier to find the things you have stored. Intelligent storage options with various interior pockets and compartments make the iXS Backpack Travel a real all-rounder. It’s also in its element away from your motorbike. A sturdy fabric strap at the back means it can be hung over the handle of a suitcase, making it a practical companion when traveling on trains or planes.

PRODUCT FEATURES

Recommended Retail Price: USA: US $ 69.-

Colour:                               black (003)

Size:                                    Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 20 cm

Article N°:                            X92702

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Backpack made of 420D polyamide

  • Chest strap and waist belt
  • Outer pocket for sunglasses
  • Outer pocket with organizer
  • 2 side mesh pockets
  • Trolley-strap on the back side
  • Volume: 25 litres

MATERIAL
Shell: 420D polyamide, PU coated

The post iXS Releases Backpack Travel appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Man in court over pillion death

A 43-year-old male driver has been bailed in a Sydney court today over the death of a motorcycle pillion and the injury of the rider in a three-vehicle crash in Moorebank in July 2020.

Yoshiaki Watanabe was charged with:

  • Dangerous driving occasioning death — drive manner dangerous;
  • dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm — drive manner dangerous;
  • negligent driving (occasioning death); and
  • negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm).

He appeared in Campbelltown Local Court today where the matter was adjourned to 7 October 2020 when Watanabe will be excused from attending. He was released on conditional bail.

The incident occurred about 10am on Sunday 19 July 2020, on Moorebank Avenue, near Church Road, Moorebank, when two cars and a motorcycle collided.

The motorcycle rider, a 34-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.

Sadly, his 41-year-old female pillion died at the scene.

The driver of a silver Lexus, a 36-year-old man, and Watanabe, the driver of a red Mazda CX5, were uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit officers arrested Watanabe at a unit on Hosking Crescent, Glenfield, about 7.40 that night.

He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station, charged and granted conditional bail.

Investigators are continuing to appeal to motorists who witnessed the crash or who may have dash cam vision to come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Our condolences to the pillion’s family and friends and our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery for the rider.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com