Tag Archives: News

‘Minimising damage’ the key for Roczen in Detroit Triple Crown

German contender maintains second in championship standings.

Image: Supplied.

Battling the flu in the lead up to Detroit’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross Triple Crown last weekend, Ken Roczen says the key was to minimise damage in the three-race format.

Relinquishing the points lead one week prior, the Team Honda HRC rider pushed through illness to record a 5-6-5 scorecard, positioning him fourth overall – just one point just shy of third’s Chad Reed (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing).

“I’m glad tonight is over,” Roczen declared. “We were just one point away from another podium, so that sucks but overall I’m still happy. I’ve been fighting the flu all week, so my body didn’t feel up to par tonight. My focus the entire night just wasn’t there, and I was uncomfortable.

“I just wanted to minimise the damage, and I think we did that with a fourth. We’re still second in the championship and only six points out of the lead. I’m looking forward to having a good week and heading to Atlanta strong.”

Roczen maintains second position in the championship standings behind Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb. The overall win last Saturday night was captured by Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Herlings confirms MXGP of Patagonia Argentina withdrawal

World champion’s recovery duration still to be determined.

Image: Supplied.

Reigning champion Jeffrey Herlings has officially confirmed his withdrawal from this weekend’s opening round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship at Neuquen in Argentina.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider is still recovering from a complex surgery on his right foot due to a training accident sustained in Spain last month, where it was revealed he’d unlikely make the season-opener.

The Austrian manufacturer has stated the Dutchman is due for further medical consultation on 11 March, where he’s anticipated to change from a full cast to a lighter support, and ultimately determine the full length of his recovery time.

“I cannot really feel too much with my foot because of the cast but it seems to be progressing well after the operation and I’m looking forward to having some of the pins removed in a couple of weeks when I can also change the cast,” Herlings explained.

“It’s a pity to miss Argentina. I think last year was one of the best races of the season. It’s also one of my favourite tracks: wide, fast and sandy. It’s a big shame that we won’t be there but it is what it is.”

KTM motocross sport director Joel Smets added: “Jeffrey’s injury is not as ‘simple’ as a collarbone or another part of the body. It’s quite tricky actually and it is something that we will have to monitor and look at the rehabilitation. Obviously a rider’s foot comes under a lot of punishment in motocross with the many jumps and bumps.

“So we are being careful and will hopefully have a better idea in the coming weeks of how his recovery is going. Of course we will miss him in Argentina but the rest of the crew with Tony, Jorge and Tom means Red Bull KTM will still be ready to go for the kind of results Jeffrey would be shooting for.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Perfect WorldSBK debut a surprise for Bautista

Spaniard earns three victories aboard all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Image: Supplied.

A perfect results sheet at Phillip Island’s opening round of the 2019 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship has taken Alvaro Bautista by surprise.

The Spaniard was not only making his debut in the championship, but it was also Ducati’s first competitive outing on the world stage with the all-new Panigale V4 R.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati talent claimed pole position before going onto the win races one and two by extended margins, along with the newly-introduced Superpole race, making for an incredible start to the 2019 series.

“It has been a perfect weekend and my Superbike debut couldn’t have been better,” Bautista stated. “We made a clean sweep of everything by winning race one, the Superpole race and race two. If people had said to me before that I would have won three races, I wouldn’t have believed them, but we worked hard during the tests to prepare a fantastic bike.

“In this morning’s Superpole race I had a lot of fun fighting with Rea, I knew that he was very strong and that he was always pushing. The pace was incredible and I had to concentrate so hard, but in the end I got the better of him. In race two the track conditions were more difficult than in the morning, and it was important to save the tyres because of the higher track temperature, so I pushed hard in the early laps to try and manage the situation at the end.

“I’m so happy with the results, today is a day I will never forget! A big thanks to the Aruba team, to Ducati and to my crew for making this all possible! Now we have to continue to work hard, we’re only at the beginning and I think it’s going to be a very top-level championship.”

Bautista now leads the championship by 13 markers over four-time defending champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) as the series heads to Thailand on 15-17 March for round two.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

HJC Announces The Redesigned RPHA 11 Venom II

One of the meanest helmet designs just got even meaner.

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It’s back… and it’s twisted.

In 2016, HJC released the RPHA 11 Spider-Man and RPHA 11 Venom helmets, allowing riders to choose between your friendly, neighborhood hero, or the chilling antihero.

Although Spider-Man is one of the most popular comic characters of all time, it was the RPHA 11 Venom that become one of the most popular helmet graphics to ever hit the motorcycle industry. HJC dealers could not keep this item in stock.

However, after a few years of review, the designers at HJC thought that maybe, after all, the RPHA 11 Venom looked a little too nice. So, HJC worked with Starline, the original Venom helmet designer and an Italian designer that paints for a number of top MotoGP racers, to come up with something that was even more dark and twisted.

Now, HJC brings you the RPHA 11 Venom 2. With sharper teeth and a wider scream, this graphic is fueled by rage. By Spring 2019, every rider will be able to host this powerful alien symbiote.
The new Venom design will continue to be featured on the RPHA 11 (Pro), HJC’s premium sport helmet. The RPHA 11 is designed for the race track with an aerodynamic shell structure composed of HJC’s Premium Integrated Matrix (P.I.M. Plus) shell material for enhanced shock-resistance in a lightweight helmet.

Smoke shield and anti-fog lens included.

RPHA 11 Pro: DOT & ECE approved. XS-XXL
RPHA 11: ECE approved. 2XS-2XL

5-year warranty
$599.99 USD / €599.90 EU

The post HJC Announces The Redesigned RPHA 11 Venom II appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Ben Felten attempts to break his blind speed record

The world’s fastest blind motorcyclist Ben Felten will return to the South Australian salt flats next week (March 4-8 2019) to attempt to break his own record.

The Aussie rider became the fastest blind rider on earth on March 19, 2018, at the FIM sanctioned World Speed Trials Australia when Team Blind Speed Kawasaki achieved a land speed record of 272.596km/h.

In 2019, Team Blind Speed will defend their title, as new challengers emerge from Europe and the United States.

Magoo leads the blind

Blind rider Ben Felten and Kevin Magee Magoo
Ben and Magoo

Ben Felten will once again be guided by his navigator, Kevin “Magoo” Magee, on the salt beds of Lake Gairdner, South Australia, riding 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10Rs.

Magoo, a 1980s Grand Prix racer, will also challenge the Australian 1000cc Production Class record, seeking to push past the standing 325km/h threshold.

Magoo uses an analogue radio contact to help him steer with three main voice commands.

“The words we use are ‘go’, when in a straight line,” Ben explains.

“He will say ‘left’ or ‘leeeeeeft’ for a wider turn and ‘right’ for turning in that direction. The way I turn incrementally at high speeds is by putting pressure on the foot pegs. At the finish line and in the pits I navigate with Magoo’s guidance and people are amazed at our level of control.”

Ben Felten has three objectives

The team will keep the contingent of land-speed record challengers around the world at bay, support Magoo’s race for a class record and prepare for the FIM sanctioned World Speed Trials Australia in 2020.

“15 kilometres of full throttle. I can’t wait. Magoo and I are ready to turn into Kawasaki green blurs over the salt.” Ben says.

“Internationally, there are a few guys with very fast bikes who I have a watching brief on. I wish them nothing but good luck. The Great White Dyno is the ultimate leveller, when the flag drops… well you know the rest.

“We are driving to Lake Gairdner as World Record holders. We will leave Lake Gairdner as World Record holders, with the seat time to really let the overseas riders know the score in 2020.”

The team is supported by Kawasaki Australia and BC Performance with sponsors Caring Approach, Dunlop, Rider Collective, AGV Helmets, TCX Boots, Spright and Aussie Made Software. 

“We have the best of the best backing us as we hit the salt,” Ben says.

Click here to send your best wishes to Ben and the team at their Facebook page.

Degenerative condition

Blind rider Ben Felten and Kevin Magee Magoo
Ben and his dog Orson

At 16, Ben crashed his bike into a tree and was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition.

He continued to race motorcycles until he was 23 and went totally blind at 37.

But that didn’t stop him riding and dreaming of being the fastest blind rider in the world.

He set an Australian record for a blind rider in 2014 with 219.96km/h (136.67mph) on his modified Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa at Temora Airport.

 And last year he broke the previous Guinness World Record of 265.33km/h (164.87mph) for a blind rider by just 1.355km/h at the World Speed Trials.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Vanderhall Chooses Synchrony For Consumer Financing Options

Many of you reading this probably have no interest in three-wheelers of any sort, but there’s bound to be someone out there looking for a way to afford a Vanderhall. 

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Vanderhall Motor Works today announced it has secured an agreement for Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) to provide consumer financing in the U.S. As the preferred financing partner for Vanderhall, Synchrony will provide the company’s fast-growing U.S. dealer network with financing options for the Vanderhall lineup, including the brand-new Carmel Roadster and all-electric Edison². Dealers will have access to a variety of Synchrony’s financial tools, including the Installment Loan Estimator — which can help consumers with financing decisions.

“Synchrony will provide our dealer network with promotional financing options to our retail consumers,” said Jeff Whaley, vice president of Sales and Operations for Vanderhall. “Our new partnership will play a huge roll in our immediate growth in the autocycle arena. We are going to roll out some very aggressive financing offers to our retail consumers, and Synchrony provides all the tools that our dealers need to be successful.”

For more information or to locate your closest dealer, please visit Vanderhall Motor Works Inc. at vanderhallusa.com.

About Synchrony
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a premier consumer financial services company delivering customized financing programs across key industries including retail, health, auto, travel and home, along with award-winning consumer banking products. With more than $140 billion in sales financed and 80.3 million active accounts, Synchrony brings deep industry expertise, actionable data insights, innovative solutions and differentiated digital experiences to improve the success of every business we serve and the quality of each life we touch. More information can be found at www.synchrony.com and through Twitter: @Synchrony.

About Vanderhall
Vanderhall Motor Works delivers the feel of yesteryear with modern performance in a unique package. The aim of our products is to remain timeless while appealing to the Sunday cruiser and aggressive canyon carving driver alike. Our roadsters accomplish this with style and presence that leaves driver and passenger alike yearning for their next outing. Manufactured in Provo, Utah with passion and a nod to the past. We invite you to fall in love with the road again: Vanderhallusa.com #theroadiscalling

The post Vanderhall Chooses Synchrony For Consumer Financing Options appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer Announced for North America

The 2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer will be available in the U.S. June 2019 with an MSRP of $9,990.

Begin Press Release: 


2020 MOTO GUZZI V7III RACER – NORTH AMERICAN LIMITED-EDITION

ONE OF THE MOST CELEBRATED MODELS IN MOTO GUZZI’S HISTORY, WILL ARRIVE AS A FACTORY DIRECT CUSTOM, PAYING HOMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE’S ORIGIN

2020 MOTO GUZZI V7III RACER

2020 MOTO GUZZI V7III RACER
2020 MOTO GUZZI V7III RACER

Moto Guzzi has maintained a reputation as one of the world’s most prominent manufacturers of motorcycles. Almost a century of tradition, passion, and significant commercial and sporting success; almost a century of magnificent motorcycles all built in Mandello del Lario, combining the best technologies with first-rate Italian manufacturing techniques: Moto Guzzi values since 1921. With no fewer than 3,300 racing wins, including 14 World GP titles, 22 world records, and 11 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy wins in the course of its long history, Moto Guzzi has an established tradition of technical solutions that when paired with its signature bold styling, make the Moto Guzzi heritage nothing short of legendary.

New for 2019, as a 2020 model year, Piaggio Group Americas is glad to announce the arrival of the new V7 III Racer Limited-Edition dedicated to USA and Canada only. The new Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer is not only the most sport-oriented of the range, but also the one with the most prestigious. This limited-edition model further demonstrates Moto Guzzi’s ability to continuously create true customs directly from the factory.

Not only limited in concept, technical and aesthetic differences distinguish it from previous versions as well as other V7 III models. The V7 III Racer Limited-Edition introduces a new gloss-coated white graphic with red accents. This feature is reminiscent of the “Rosso Corsa” color chosen to paint the frame and the swingarm: an explicit reminder of the first 1971 V7 Sport series, nicknamed “telaio rosso”, which translates and is referred to affectionately as “red frame”.

The V7 III Racer Limited-Edition’s sport-derived nature is emphasized by its clip-on bars and its classic humped seat. In accordance with tradition, the Racer has a single-seat sport bike look, but in reality, this new version is approved for two-up riding. Arriving stock with passenger foot pegs and, as before, the seat cover can be easily removed when necessary, to accommodate another rider. The spoked wheels have black channels and red Moto Guzzi stickers like the other sport models from the brand. Other premium components that stand out are the set-back foot pegs, which are machined from solid billets, the lightened steering stem and the steering yoke guard.

The most important technical innovation is the V7 III Racer Limited Edition’s Öhlins shock absorbers, adjustable in spring preload and in rebound and compression. With the top name in suspension, the Öhlins shocks ensure top performance under more aggressive riding and challenging roads.

V7III Racer Limited-Edition will be available June in the United States at an MSRP of $9,990 and July in Canada at an MSRP of $11,590.

The post 2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer Announced for North America appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Your 2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite Awaits, Chief

Indian says it’s only going to build 200 of these top-o-the-line tourers, each hand-encrusted in Wildfire Red Candy over Thunder Black Crystal paint and bejeweled with 24K gold trim. Packing a new, 600-watt sound system, 7-inch Ride Command touch screen, rear cylinder deactivation and an entire plethora of optional equipment including three stages of engine upgrades – you’ll know you’ve arrived when you arrive on this thing: 914 pounds of luxury (dry) for  $36,999 US.


Indian Press Release:

Minneapolis (February 26, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company founded in 1901, today announced its latest ultra-premium touring motorcycle, the 2019 Roadmaster Elite. With only 200 available, the limited-edition Roadmaster Elite pairs modern touring amenities with iconic Indian Motorcycle styling. The 2019 model also boasts many exclusive premium features including a hand painted custom-inspired design along with top of the line premium amenities.

There’s real gold in there.

Every Roadmaster Elite is an artistic masterpiece that features Wildfire Red Candy over Black Crystal paint with real 24-karat gold leaf badging. Each bike undergoes a meticulous paint process that takes nearly 30 hours to complete and is finished by hand.

600 watts should give you all the cowbell you want.

New for 2019, the Roadmaster Elite receives an upgraded 600-watt PowerBand™ Audio Plus system. The high-powered system delivers exceptional sound and clarity from high-output fairing, trunk, and saddlebag speakers that are 50 percent louder than the stock audio system offered on the 2019 Roadmaster. The PowerBand Audio Plus system features an enhanced nine-band dynamic equalizer that auto-adjusts specific frequencies to the optimal level at different vehicle speeds to compensate for road, wind, and engine noise to deliver crystal clear sound quality in every riding condition.

Additional premium amenities unique to the Roadmaster Elite include leather passenger armrests, spacious billet aluminum rider and passenger floorboards, a premium touring console, billet aluminum pinnacle mirrors, and chrome bumpers.

“The Roadmaster Elite offers the most refined, premium touring experience for riders that demand the best of the best,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director for Indian Motorcycle. “We’ve truly left no stone unturned, packing this bike with style and comfort features that take the touring experience to a new level.”

Along with the powerful Thunder Stroke® 111 engine, which produces 119 ft-lbs of torque for exceptional power at low RPM, the Roadmaster Elite features the latest ride-enhancing technologies available from Indian Motorcycle, including:

Selectable Ride Modes

Three selectable ride modes, including Tour, Standard and Sport, allow the rider to adjust the bike’s throttle response to fit their riding preferences. The throttle map for each Ride Mode was designed with a specific application in mind, resulting in one motorcycle with three distinct personalities.

Rear Cylinder Deactivation

When the Thunder Stroke 111 reaches operating temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds 59⁰ F, the rear cylinder will automatically deactivate when the bike is at a standstill, resulting in less engine heat for improved rider comfort in slow-moving or stopped traffic. The rear cylinder instantly reactivates when throttle is applied for a seamless transition to full power.  The bike also features redesigned lowers that provide optimal airflow for improved comfort.

Ride Command

The Indian Motorcycle Ride Command® system is the largest, fastest, most customizable infotainment system on two wheels. The seven-inch, glove-compatible touchscreen features turn-by-turn navigation, customizable rider information screens, Bluetooth® compatibility, and pairs with the Indian Motorcycle Ride Command mobile app for remote accessibility to key vehicle information. Riders can also plan a ride route with up to 100 points on the Ride Command website and wirelessly transfer it to the bike via Bluetooth.

The 2019 Roadmaster Elite also comes standard with all the premium touring amenities riders expect from an Indian Roadmaster, including full LED lighting, a genuine leather two-up touring seat individually heated for rider and passenger, ABS, heated handgrips, keyless ignition, a push button power windshield, weatherproof, remote-locking saddlebags, a spacious trunk that fits two full face helmets, and over 37 gallons of storage space.

Among the performance upgrades available for the 2019 Roadmaster Elite are a new Stage 1 Exhaust, a Thunder Stroke® Stage 1 Performance Air Intake, Thunder Stroke® Stage 2 Performance Cams, and the 116ci Stage 3 Big Bore Kit for riders looking for the ultimate in performance. The bike also has many comfort and style accessories available including a mid-rise handlebar, a new color-matched open fender and 19-inch front wheel for riders who prefer a more aggressive look.

With only 200 available, pricing for the ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite starts at $36,999 in the U.S. and $44,499 in Canada. Available at Indian Motorcycle dealers today.  

Learn more about Indian Motorcycle and the 2019 Roadmaster Elite by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post Your 2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite Awaits, Chief appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Klim Hardanger One-Piece Touring Suit First Look

Klim’s introduced a new item to its line that adventure riders are sure to love. The Hardanger one-piece suit aims to provide superior protection from the elements and hazards of the road in a single, convenient package. The roster of features is impressive, and size run generous with options for short, regular, and tall riders in small through 3XL. Colors include black, tan, and gray, and pricing starts at $1,299.99.

The Hardanger has a three-layer Gore-Tex outer shell that is guaranteed to keep you dry. There are 750-denier Cordura reinforcements on the elbows, boot panels, knees, and shoulders too. Getting in and out of the Hardanger is accomplished with a top-down zip-in, zip-out design. The outer shell has a number of other touches as well, including waterproof pass-through ports for heated garment wires and ability to integrate with the Klim Tek Pak touring backpack. There’s a metal D-ring built into the Hardanger that allows the entire suit to be locked to a helmet lock on the bike, for when you want to spend some time off the motorcycle and out of the suit.

There’s no liner inside because Klim wanted to provide a streamlined piece of gear that will allow riders to wear normal clothes or additional layers beneath.

You get numerous vents on the Hardanger including two on the chest, on the forearms, triceps, biceps, thighs (front and back), and on the back. For storage there are two chest pockets, two front thigh pockets, a left forearm pocket, two interior pockets and two hand-warmer pockets.


RELATED: Klim Revamps Its Dakar Dual-Sport Motorcycle Jacket


Impact protection is provided by a full range of D3O LP1 vented armor, with pads in the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees. Armor position can be adjusted as well to suit a variety of body types.

The piece as a whole is designed for maximum comfort, so has a touring/commuting fit build and adjustment straps at the forearms, waist, and calves. There’s 3M Scotchlite reflective material throughout the exterior as well to improve visibility.

If this is the suit you’ve been waiting for, you can get yours now from Klim.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com