Tag Archives: News

Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

Yamaha’s leaning three-wheeler Niken is one crazy bike and now a custom version has won the Craziest Bike award at a German custom show.

Polish manufacturer of custom motorcycles Game Over Cycles (GOC) is usually known for its modifications of American motorcycles.

However, their GOC Niken pays special tribute to its nationality with Japanese characters taken from the Yamaha brand philosophy: “Courage to set higher goals without fear of failure” (失敗を恐れず、もう一段高い目標に取り組む).Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

First Niken custom

The build was done in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Poland and is believed the world’s first fully customised Niken.

Niken debuted on the global market in 2018 and is based on a unique Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW) technology developed by the Japanese company.

Except for two front leaning wheels the extraordinary construction of the motorcycle consists of four steering heads and dual-tube upside-down forks.

Our Gold Coast contributor Todd Parkes recently tested the GT version and was amazed at its competency.

Alien Yamaha Niken GT
Yamaha Niken GT

The three-wheeler retails in Australia for $A21,990 and an extra $2000 for the touring version.

It is powered by a 847cc DOHC triple developing 86kW (115HP) at 10,000rpm, but weighs a hefty 263kg.

The GOC custom version has replaced all plastic parts with handmade aluminium parts.

Work on modifying the motorcycle took 1400 hours.Custom Niken wins craziest bike award

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Charley and Ewan conclude electric adventure

Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor (pictured above) have concluded their electric adventure riding Harley-Davidson LiveWire motorcycles from Tiera Del Fuego in September.

Their Long Way Up adventure has ended at the Los Angeles Harley dealership.

It was thought that they would continue on to Alaska, but the pair did that in their first adventure, the Long Way Round in 2005.

Range question

The biggest question everyone wants answered about their electric adventure is how did they go on the LiveWire with just 250km of city range and about 150 of highway range?

We might have to wait until the TV series is released some time in 2020.

Meanwhile, Charley gave a little away at the LA wrap-up party saying that as soon as they entered the US there were a lot of fast-charging stations and they were able to do almost 500km a day.

It must have been slow going through Latin and Central America, although they did have back-up from as many as five pick-up trucks.

Two were electric Rivian R1T pick-up trucks with 650km of range.

The others were reportedly two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4WD vans and a Ford F350 pickup truck.

Electric adventure

Rather than being a PR boost for Harley and electric vehicles, we suspected their electric adventure could backfire if they ran out juice along the way.

However, Charley manager, Bill Ward, told us the epic electric adventure would “shock” everyone!

Here is what he had to say:

Billy Ward - Charley Boorman Electric adventure
Billy Ward

Long Way Round – more or less changed my life. I was so blown away by it that by 2005 I’d started ‘Biketruck’ – moving motorbikes to Africa in a truck – giving up a highly paid corporate career and looking for any opportunity to get work in and around the adventure motorcycle world. I did the Hero’s Legend Dakar Rally with Hubert Auriol (Dakar winner on bike and car) and got deeper and deeper into long distance travel, some enduro and bike rallies. Long Way Down – was more feed for the adventure in me, not as fresh or as raw as LWR but still highly entertaining. Bizarrely, I subsequently went on to work with Charley Boorman across numerous projects – all over the world. I’ve just returned from 10,000k’s across southern Africa and over the last two years I’ve done about 60,000k’s – including Australia, South America, Europe and the Middle East – all primarily off road.

The boys get a fair bit of stick here and there – ‘rich kids’, ‘support crew’, ‘sell outs’, ‘security’, ‘money’, ‘helicopters’, ‘spare bikes’, ‘hotels’, ‘actors’, ‘plastic adventurers’ – you get the point – I could go on. Just remember, from the beginning, they’ve never tried to pretend they were exceptional riders or expert adventure riders – they filmed all the fuckups (there were many) and the bike drops (mainly Ewan) and even the arguments. They’re making a TV show – they need camera people and some sort of crew – that’s why LWR won world acclaim and was sold to over 70 countries. The book – again – won international awards and sold and sold. They managed this because they had a professional approach to the documentary and a team to help capture everything. They also had some luck and I think crested a wave that was already gaining momentum from people like Mondo Enduro, Chris Scott and of course many others less well known.

Now here they are again – this time, right out there on a limb. Doing something that can’t really be done. Going against the grain. Creating a fair bit of controversy. Picking a brand probably nobody would have picked – yet when they had many options to choose from. Attracting the critics – ‘it’s a PR disaster’ – ‘must be getting paid big time’ – ‘where are the helicopters’ and on and on.

I think it’s fantastic. I love the gamble. I love the way they’ve turned it all upside down and shocked everyone (no pun there Mark). I love them being ‘different’. I wish them all the best because to top LWR, they had to do something really really different. Time will tell – but I’m optimistic.

PR disaster? I doubt it – how many PR disasters has BMW had? or KTM? How are they doing? We are living in an age were ‘e’ just about fits in front of everything we do and this new documentary may not be what the majority was all waiting for, maybe hoping for – but – it could well be the very next wave to be crested and by doing so, Charley and Ewan may just be part of that momentum, part of that new ‘e’ world that is slowly but surely creeping over us all. Warts n’all, this will be talked about analysed, criticized and probably enjoyed by thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.|

Meanwhile, you can join Charley when he returns to Australia in February for a tour of Tasmania with Compass Expeditions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Team Hammer Replaces Outgoing Yoshimura To Run Suzuki’s Factory Backed Team In MotoAmerica

It’s the end of an era as Yoshimura exits road racing in America. Taking up the official Suzuki mantle is Team Hammer.

Begin press release:


MotoAmerica has announced that Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. has reached an agreement with Team Hammer to become its official team for the 2020 MotoAmerica Series. In addition to its continued participation in Supersport and Twins Cup, Team Hammer will now field Suzuki’s premier Superbikes and add the Stock 1000 class to its list. The team enters the series as Team Hammer Suzuki. Riders for each class will be announced later.

Suzuki and Team Hammer have a long history together. With more than 30 years of valued partnership, Suzuki and Team Hammer have clinched numerous victories, proving Suzuki sportbikes are among the best in the world with power-driven performance and a championship-winning reputation.

Most recently, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Bobby Fong became the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion aboard a GSX-R600 while Roadracing World Young Gun Alex Dumas took the Twins Cup title on an SV650 this past season. Team Hammer Suzuki is looking to build off that momentum and add more victories to the list as the team is set to field Suzuki’s premier Superbike team.

“We’re very happy that Suzuki is continuing its support of the MotoAmerica Series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Suzuki has been with us from the beginning and has continued to use our series to both develop and sell their motorcycles. Congratulations also to Team Hammer. That team has worked hard, has been a fixture in racing for a long, long time and has shown the ability to win lots of championships. We know that Suzuki will be in good hands at the racetrack in 2020 and beyond.”

In 2020, Team Hammer will celebrate its 40th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. In addition to a decorated list of accomplishments in various national and international championships, Team Hammer’s success at the AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National level is exceptional. To date, riders on bikes prepared and fielded by the team have earned an accumulated seven AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National titles while racking up 83 race victories and 234 podium finishes in MotoAmerica Superbike, MotoAmerica Supersport, MotoAmerica Twins Cup, AMA Formula Xtreme, AMA 750cc Supersport, and AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike.

Along with a record of preparing, developing, and fielding championship-caliber equipment, Team Hammer is known for its ability to identify and foster talent, whether it be up-and-coming riders, overlooked international riders, or established veterans looking to reignite their careers.

Superstars Kevin Schwantz, Ben Spies, Scott Russell, Josh Hayes, Jamie James, John Hopkins, and Thomas Stevens are among many who have ridden Team Hammer-tuned Suzuki race bikes at the start of their professional careers.

After over 40 years together, Yoshimura R&D will no longer field Suzuki Superbikes. Yoshimura will remain an important partner for marketing and R&D efforts for Suzuki but with a different focus and will continue to build upon their strong business relationship moving forward, according to the release from Suzuki.

Don Sakakura, President of Yoshimura R&D commented on the unparalleled relationship between Suzuki and Yoshimura that spanned some four decades: “Yoshimura’s partnership with Suzuki has been instrumental to our core business the past 41 years,” said Sakakura. “As a team, we accomplished tremendous racing milestones, leaving behind many special celebrations, as well as setbacks. Personally, it has been a true privilege to have worked closely with management and staff at Suzuki. The friendships I’ve developed will carry over my lifetime. Notably, the engineering team at Suzuki’s Japan headquarters has been extremely significant in our successes over the years.”

Suzuki echoed Sakakura’s comments and thanked Yoshimura for its contribution to 212 race wins and 14 Championships in the AMA Superbike class, the most of any manufacturer.

Kerry Graeber, Suzuki’s vice president of sales and marketing stated that the Suzuki Yoshimura relationship remains strong.

“Though Yoshimura won’t be operating our road racing team moving forward, we look forward to continuing together in many other aspects of our business.”

Graeber noted that Yoshimura remains integral with JGR/Suzuki, the company’s supercross/motocross race team, as well as several sales and marketing programs. Graeber sees that not only continuing, but also possibly expanding.

Team Hammer Suzuki will make its debut on March 10-11, 2020 at the 2020 MotoAmerica Preseason Test at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

The post Team Hammer Replaces Outgoing Yoshimura To Run Suzuki’s Factory Backed Team In MotoAmerica appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Initial Tactical Steps For Industry Ridership Initiative Showcased At MIC Symposium

MIC is taking steps to not only bring in and excite new riders, but also to bring awareness about motorcyclists to non-riders.

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A strategy playbook, a new online portal for new riders, and a new director of ridership position highlighted an afternoon presentation to hundreds of guests at this year’s Motorcycle Industry Council Communications Symposium.

“More Riders, Riding More – The Ridership Session” outlined these action plans for the developing industry-wide initiative, presented by MIC staff and strategic consulting company Centauric at the Nov. 21 symposium in Long Beach, Calif., which saw a record number of attendees. The Ridership Session was free and open to anyone in the industry, and was live-streamed as well.

Video of “The Ridership Session” can be viewed at mic.org/ridership.

Helping non-riders gain an awareness of motorcycling and consider riding is at the heart of the new strategy playbook, a free, shared roadmap that the MIC will make available to the whole industry. A beta version was available for the audience to see on their mobile devices. Months of research revealed that almost all potential motorcyclists – from any background, age, gender, or race – if spoken to with specifically themed messages, can be well on their way to identifying with the riding experience. The playbook will help companies assess their messaging and identify what needs to change to help accelerate an interest in riding among new audiences.

“If we can align our messages – and I’m speaking to everyone in this room and across our industry – if we can align our messages to what these people want and need to hear, and we can create experiences that address the barriers they’ve identified, we will succeed in creating a new, modern era of riders and riding,” said Larry Little, MIC vice president and the staff project lead on the ridership initiative. He reiterated that while the MIC is making the initial investment in a long-term industry program, it will be incumbent on all of the industry working together, with the newly developed knowledge, to create new riders.

To help get future motorcyclists past the barriers to riding, the MIC is building a primary online portal where potential riders can learn more about riding, training, equipment, gear, rider groups, and all things motorcycling. This gateway to the riding experience will be branded and designed so that information is easy to access, with tools to help people navigate their path.

“Of course, this is attractive to a generation used to having information at their fingertips,” said MIC President and CEO Erik Pritchard. “Here’s the bottom line: If we want more people to ride more, we must remove barriers, make it as easy as possible for them and connect motorcycle riding with positive emotions. This portal to motorcycling is the first, essential step for our collective efforts to succeed.”

To oversee these efforts, the MIC will hire a director of ridership, a new position at the association. The ridership initiative will be the director’s sole, full-time job, and will be supported by other MIC staff.

Pritchard added that, going forward, the entire industry must be expansive and speak to a broader, more diverse population who would choose to ride if provided the right opportunity and connection to the experience. The industry must also be consumer-centric, paying attention to what potential riders feel, think, want, and need, and making sure the experience, message, or product is designed to match their perspectives.

He said the industry must be comprehensive and must connect with potential riders on an emotional and rational level, instead of focusing on technical specs. We must be responsible, Pritchard said, and promote safe riding, and we need to be collaborative, with everyone’s actions supporting the strategy playbook as well as their individual company’s success.

Tina Beranbaum, Centauric behavioral scientist, stressed that this is a big, collaborative effort. She said there is an as-yet untapped audience of people we might not have thought of as potential riders, and we must be working together as an industry to capture their interest. “The potential is much bigger than you might have imagined.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect, and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications, and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding 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 goods and 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. Visit the MIC at mic.org.

The post Initial Tactical Steps For Industry Ridership Initiative Showcased At MIC Symposium appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi Swap Rides in Valencia

Racing legends Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi swapped rides at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain.

Begin Press Release: 


#LH44VR46

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

Gerno di Lesmo (Italy), 11th December 2019 – Historic machinery swap completed between F1™ and MotoGP™ World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

In a historic moment for both Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi, as well as their respective sports, the pair completed an unprecedented track day as each swapped machinery at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi drove The Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+, a car that won the 2017 FIA Formula One™ World Championship with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport at the hands of Lewis Hamilton, whilst Lewis rode the 2019 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 bike that only weeks earlier had been piloted by Valentino at the very same circuit.

The significance of the occasion was not lost on either Lewis or Valentino who have made no secret of their admiration and respect for each other in recent years. Acting as a mentor for the other, the pair were able to complete multiple runs on each other‘s machinery and share insight, learn about each other‘s craft and enjoy a unique experience.

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

The six-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton:

“It‘s so awesome to see a legend like Valentino in the car. I‘m excited for him for discovering the car for the first time. Reminds me of my first time in a F1 car. When you see all the team around you, it‘s just a different animal.”

Of his time out on track riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 with Rossi he added: “It was so cool to be out on track and see Valentino ahead of me on the same bike.”

“I was already a big fan of Lewis before, but now even more. We had a fantastic day, where the two top classes of motorsports not only met but worked together.

“Trying the W08 was a spectacular opportunity for me. I have tried an F1 car before, but much has changed since then. Sincerely, I was impressed with the car and its handling, as well as with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team, who were great to work with. They were very welcoming and made it easy for me to get familiar with the car.

“At first you get an amazing sensation of speed. The G-forces were not so bad, but it takes some getting used to. Once I got into the rhythm I could really push. It was a great pleasure. I felt like a real F1 driver for a day. I didn‘t want the day to end!

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

“I also rode the YZR-M1 on track with Lewis. It was a proud moment for the team to share our passion with him. Technically, Valencia is a hard track, and it was windy, so at one point I thought it could be difficult for Lewis, but he was brilliant on the bike and his position on the M1 was great. I really enjoyed sharing this experience with him, and I think he had loads of fun too, demonstrated by how reluctant he was to stop riding! I sincerely hope we will get to have many more experiences like this in the future.” – VALENTINO ROSSI

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

“It was an exceptional day. To have Lewis together with us and Valentino, two icons of sport at the same time and place, was really amazing. I’m really happy that I could be there to witness it and to enjoy it.

“I was very impressed by Lewis’ performance because how many four-wheel champions could come here and get on an M1, go out there, and do themselves proud? It’s very difficult to ride a motorcycle fast on track and even more challenging and demanding to ride a factory MotoGP bike.

“What stood out to me the most was the moment when he and Valentino were out, really close together, side by side on their M1s. Lewis has said that he’s been a fan of MotoGP and Valentino for years. It was his wish to ride on track together with Valentino and to have the experience one day to ride an M1, and he got both wishes at the same time! It was fantastic to see that even a six-time Formula 1 World Champion who has already achieved so many things, can still realise a dream at a special occasion like this.

“We are also very pleased for Valentino, who had another chance to test himself in an F1 car. He clearly thoroughly enjoyed himself, and we heard very positive feedback from the Mercedes team as well. All in all, I think it was a great, unique event.” –LIN JARVIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING

Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi

The post Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi Swap Rides in Valencia appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

2020 Is Shaping Up To Be A Great Year For Motorcycles

Autumn is always an exciting time in the motorcycle industry. It’s true that news of some models to come is released before the big bike shows, but EICMA and Intermot always leave us feeling stoked on the year to come. And 2020 looks to be no different. True, there are loads of existing models that are only getting a face-lift or minor modifications, but there are some that are getting extensive overhauls. And in some cases, we’re seeing models that will be brand-new to the market. These are the bikes we can’t wait to ride.

2020 Aprilia RS 660

The Aprilia RS 660 might be one of the most eagerly anticipated bikes of the year.
The Aprilia RS 660 might be one of the most eagerly anticipated bikes of the year.Aprilia

Aprilia is introducing an entirely new line with the RS 660, utilizing a fresh 660cc parallel-twin engine that is half the RSV4 mill. It promises 100 hp and comes with a sophisticated electronics suite. Sleek, race-inspired bodywork and an RSV4-inspired chassis will undoubtedly contribute to a quick, nimble-handling machine. The middleweight sportbike realm hasn’t exactly been a hotbed of activity of late, so seeing a brand-new model from the premium Italian marque is an exciting prospect. So too is the impending line of 660cc-powered machines yet to come from Aprilia.

BMW F 900 R And F 900 XR

A pair of new 900-level bikes from BMW are high on our to-ride list in 2020.
A pair of new 900-level bikes from BMW are high on our to-ride list in 2020.BMW

In addition to updates to the S 1000 XR and S 1000 RR, BMW will be offering a new pair of 895cc parallel-twin machines that we can’t wait to sample. The F 900 R and F 900 XR replace the 800 level platforms of last year and look to be well positioned to balance optimal handling characteristics with spirited power output. The R will be a welcome option to road riders who want to shred corners while the XR will handle touring duty for riders who like to spend a few days or more on the road. In both cases, we’re eager to see if and how the step-up in performance translates to an improved ride experience.

2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4

The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 promises to be a massively enjoyable machine.
The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 promises to be a massively enjoyable machine.Ducati

Ducati takes its incredible new 1,103cc V-4 engine, which we sampled during our ride of the new Panigale V4 S, and plants it in the naked Streetfighter V4. Higher bars, more neutral riding position, up-spec suspension and braking components, winglets, and a gorgeous look all contribute to making this a really enticing ride. We love the way the Tuono V4 makes use of the RSV4-inspired engine, and hope for a similar experience aboard the new Streetfighter V4.

Harley-Davidson Streetfighter

How will Harley-Davidson stack up to the existing stock of nakeds with its Streetfighter? We’re eager to find out.
How will Harley-Davidson stack up to the existing stock of nakeds with its Streetfighter? We’re eager to find out.Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson has made its intention to break out of its cruiser rut abundantly clear. From the LiveWire electric bike to the forthcoming Pan America, there’s a whole new roster of bikes to expand the brand. One, Harley’s new Streetfighter, is on deck to go into production in 2020 and we can’t wait to see how the bike stacks up to other nakeds in the segment. The 975cc V-twin will likely be plenty punchy, but the real question is how well the chassis fares when pushed to the limit. Technical details are sparse at the moment, so this bike remains a bit of a mystery at the moment, which is why we’re all the more excited to finally swing a leg over.

2021 KTM 890 Duke

The KTM 890 Duke addresses some gripes we had with the 790 and appears to be a much more capable machine.
The KTM 890 Duke addresses some gripes we had with the 790 and appears to be a much more capable machine.KTM

KTM responds to the suspension and braking gripes riders had of the 790 Duke with the new 890 Duke. The new machine comes equipped with Brembo binders and WP Apex suspension, and adds 16 more horsepower over the 790 with a revised mill. The caveat is that this will be a 2021 model, but will be available starting fall of 2020. As soon as we’re able, we’ll get our hands on one to see the effect of the revisions. We expect this to be one of the best Duke models yet.

Triumph Tiger 900

The Triumph Tiger 900 is likely to be an even better version of an already well-appointed motorcycle.
The Triumph Tiger 900 is likely to be an even better version of an already well-appointed motorcycle.Triumph

Triumph leaves behind the 800-level Tiger for a more torquey 888cc triple in the Tiger 900. The platform has proven a quite capable adventure rig in the past, described by our testers as an “egalitarian ADV” for its well-rounded capabilities on and off road. Updates to the instrumentation, suspension, and weight distribution signal an even more refined feel over the outgoing model and we’re chomping at the bit to confirm the improvements.

2020 Yamaha MT-03

For entry-level riders the Yamaha MT-03 is likely to be an enticing prospect.
For entry-level riders the Yamaha MT-03 is likely to be an enticing prospect.Yamaha

Yamaha’s new MT-03 finally comes to the States in 2020 and is a welcome addition to the fairly expansive selection of entry-level machines now available. That’s because the YZF-R3 parallel twin engine has been such a blast. That 321cc mill will also power the MT, and so we already know it will be fully capable of logging comfortable highway miles, providing decent pull (for the segment) when rolling on during corner exit, and yield commendable mpg results. The styling is on point for the line as well, and gauging by the success of the larger models in the line, the MT-03 has a bright future ahead.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

AUS Supercross-spec YZ250F for Wilson in US campaign

Image: Foremost Media.

Former SX2 champion Jay Wilson will pilot the same Yamalube Yamaha Racing YZ250F that he used in the Australian Supercross Championship for his upcoming campaign in America after Yamaha Motor Australia allowed him to air-freight both of his race bikes from the 2019 season.

Wilson, who recently extended his contract with Yamalube Yamaha Racing for a third-straight year in 2020, will race the opening five rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in the 250SX West category.

The Queenslander will also have long-time mechanic Mike Ward and mentor Josh Coppins assisting him for the rare opportunity, with his family also set to join him for the entire duration of the two-month stint.

“Yamaha has been good to us and allowed us to take our two race bikes from Australia – we crated them up and sent them over [via] air-freight,” Wilson explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “Our bikes arrived today in the States, so it’s cool they’ll be there when we get there. I’m just excited to get there, get into and start riding.

“I’ve had a pretty good program going here – the track isn’t too far away – but it’s been unbelievably dry in Australia and our dams have dried up, so it’s time to get over there, start riding their tracks, get familiar with the area and get comfortable with the family.”

Anaheim’s opening round of the 2020 AMA Supercross series is scheduled for 4 January at Angel Stadium. Wilson will be joined by fellow Australian supercross regulars Luke Clout (Penrite Honda Racing), Aaron Tanti (Serco Yamaha) and Joel Wightman (Honda) at the opening rounds.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Van der Mark surprised by top 10 finish at Sepang EWC

Image: Supplied.

WorldSBK regular Michael van der Mark admits he was surprised by Yamaha Sepang Racing finishing inside the top 10 at the weekend’s 8 Hours of Sepang after he was taken out by Mike di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France).

The event, which marked round two of the 2019/2020 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), was reduced to under six hours after being heavily affected by rain.

Van der Mark was able to recover from the incident and returned to the track following a pit stop, where he later handed the reigns to MotoGP contender Franco Morbidelli to the bring the squad home in seventh.

“It was a weird 8 Hours of Sepang, but when we did finally get to race the conditions were good,” said van der Mark. “I had a good feeling with the bike and a strong pace from the start, so when I got passed for the lead I decided to sit in behind and follow rather than take any risks.

“My plan was to retake the lead when we hit traffic. I’m not sure what Di Meglio’s plan was with the pass at the final corner, but it didn’t work, and it ended for me with a massive highside that let me badly winded. The team did an amazing job to get the bike back on track and I was quick to rediscover my rhythm so, apart from the position, I enjoyed the race.

“When Franco took over the bike for the last stint, we could see he had really good pace, but we were still surprised to finish as high as seventh. Massive thanks to the team, who worked so hard for us this weekend, and also to Franco and Hafizh, who I really enjoyed racing with.”

The next stop on the EWC calendar is scheduled for 18-19 April 2020 at Le Mans in France.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Your electric bike could charge your home

Imagine riding home from work on your electric motorbike, then plugging it into the mains where it then helps charge your house?

Or running out of power and being able to recharge your bike off another electric vehicle so you are not stranded on the roadside?

Researchers at Sydney’s Macquarie University have developed a bidirectional intelligent charging device that will do just that.

Now they are looking to take their charging system to market.

Lead researcher at the uni’s School of Engineering, Dr Seyedfoad Taghizadeh, tells us their bidirectional charger would suit electric motorcycles as well as other electric vehicles.

“We have built the laboratory prototype of the device, and currently working to reduce its size to be acceptable for commercialisation,” the Doc says.

“The size of the device can be reduced to be applied for both cars and motorbikes, although this requires financial support from an investor/manufacturer.”

Power grid issues

Solar Cake Kalk electric motorcycles standardise election
Power back to the grid

One of the biggest concerns about mandating a proportion of new vehicles as electric is the load they might have on an already overstretched power grid.

However, Dr Taghizadeh points out that this charger would have the opposite effect and a actually support the electricity grid.

“Our charger creates less anxiety on the power network than existing systems,” he says.

In some ways it is like the Nissan Leaf electric car charger that puts power back into the grid and only charges when there is low load on the grid.

If there were a lot of these electric vehicles putting power back into the grid during early evening peak load times, it would prevent brownouts.

“It means that for houses that rely on batteries for storage, the fully charged vehicle is also capable of feeding power in the other direction, thus becoming a back-up system,” the Doc says. 

“Furthermore, while the device is used for charging/discharging the electric vehicle at home, it is capable of improving the power quality of the local power grid (household grid) via reducing the harmonics and improving the voltage profile of the local grid.

“The device uses an advanced control system which minimises the output transients of the chargers operation.”

Electric boost

2019 Savic electric motorcycle prototype orders
Australia’s first electric motorcycle, the Savic

This is yet another step toward making electric vehicles more appealing to motorists.

Last week we reported on Canadian battery company GBatteries working on a battery that recharge an electric motorcycle in about five minutes.

And last month we published an article about Deakin University research that makes lithium-ion batteries smaller, lighter and less likely to burst into flame.

Together with electric motorcycles now having up to 400km of range, the case for electric motorcycles is becoming more and more appealing.

Now they just have to reduce their price and give them a decent note!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Evans still searching for 2020 seat after Yamalube Yamaha departure

Image: Foremost Media.

Queenslander Richie Evans is still looking to secure a seat for the 2020 season after departing Yamalube Yamaha Racing at the end of his rookie premier class campaign.

It was revealed last week that the factory Yamaha squad would abandon its MX1 effort in favour of returning to the MXD category, signing 16-tear-old Levi Rogers for the role alongside MX2 contender Jay Wilson.

Evans has since indicated he’s in discussions for a potential ride next year, however is yet to secure a deal that will allow him to continue his racing career.

The number 86, who was part of the Yamalube squad for two seasons, hasn’t rejected the idea of reverting to the MX2 class, although he’s adamant on landing a ride in the MX1 division.

“At the moment I don’t have anything locked down,” Evans declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “I’m in talks at the moment, and I’m hopeful something will come up – I’m just playing it all by ear. I really want to race next year, but I still don’t know what I’m doing yet.

“I’m open to an MX2 ride, but after doing a full year in the [MX1] class, I think it showed towards the end of the year that I suit the MX1 class more. I would be open to a 250 ride, but I’d definitely prefer a 450 ride.

“I think the biggest thing was it was a progressive year – I didn’t start well, but as the year as went on, I got better and better. I think I have a good amount of momentum to move into next year with. I just hope other people see that as well, and I think people have noticed it – that’s why I’m confident I’ll have something to go to next year.”

Evans completed his rookie season with a ranking of ninth in the MX Nationals and an impressive sixth in the Australian Supercross Championship.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au