Tag Archives: pandemic

Motorcycle News, News

Harley-Davidson suspend production

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Harley-Davidson has joined several other motorcycle manufacturers in temporarily suspending production due to the pandemic threat.

The company announced it will suspend the majority of its production at its US manufacturing facilities until March 29 after an employee at their Pilgrim Rd, Milwaukee, plant tested positive for Covid-19.

Ducati has extended its factory closure until March 25 and Brembo and Yamaha have closed their European factories until next Monday.

Moto Morini, KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas had already closed their factories in Italy and Austria.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – closed its factories last weekend for a “deep clean” and returned to production this week.

Meanwhile, MV Agusta in Lombardy, the epicentre of the Italian coronavirus contagion, continues with a reduced workforce.

Harley production halted

Harley-Davidson 115th anniversary 110th 105thPilgrim Rd factory

Now Harley has temporarily suspending production at their York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin facilities at Tomahawk Operations and Pilgrim Rd Powertrain Operations.

Harley-Davidson plans to continue monitoring the situation closely and make additional adjustments in accordance with WHO guidelines.

All these manufacturing halts may not have an immediate effect on motorcycle supplies, but could result in longer term delays, especially on spare parts.

Harley acting boss Jochen Zeitz says they “recognise the unprecedented nature of this global crisis” and want to “support our employees”.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to prioritise employee health and safety,” he says.Break in new harley-Davidson engine factory

The majority of Harley’s US production employees will be on temporary layoff with medical benefits. The company will use this time to continue deep cleaning and disinfecting its production areas and common areas to further protect workers upon their return.

There is no word on any changes at their Indian factory which produces Street models for Australia and New Zealand and the Thai assembly plant which produces models fr Europe to avoid the high tariffs.

Harley-Davidson says they are working with dealers to assess individual impacts.

All Harley-Davidson sponsored events have been cancelled until mid-April.

Harley-Davidson Australia says that includes the national HOG Rally on the Gold Coast what was planned for July.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rallies cancelled, but HOG rally goes ahead

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As the coronavirus pandemic closes whole countries, it is also wreaking havoc on motorcycle racing, production and events which have been cancelled or postponed.

The latest victims are the Ulysses AGM in Lismore, the Dubbo Motor Bike Rally postponed until May 2021, the Festival of Speed at Eastern Creek, the Gloucester Motorcycle Expo, Broadford Bike Bonanza at Easter and the Triumph Rat Rally in Kingscliff in May.

BMW’s GS Safari has been postponed from this month until May 240-29, but that is also unlikely to go ahead.

A decision on the Indian Rally in Silverton in May will be made on April 1, says organiser Chris Keeble.

Meanwhile, the planned national Harley Owners Group Rally on the Gold Cast in July is still going ahead at this stage.

If you know of any other rallies or motorcycle events that have been cancelled, please leave the details in the comments section at the end of this article.

The Finke Desert Race has been cancelled for the first time in 44 years, joining many other motorcycle races that have been postponed or cancelled.

Virus threat

R-PUR anti-pollution and anti-pollen motorcyclist face mask

Apart from a ban on non-essential organised events of more than 500 people, the public has been urged to avoid all non-essential travel.

But does that mean riders should stay home?

Of course, if you have any of the symptoms (fever, sore throat, etc), stay home in isolation.

However, the World Heath Organisation’s advice seems to suggest it may be ok for riders to still go for a ride.

If you decide you are safe to go for a ride, here are some safety tips:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently;
  • Ride in low-populated country areas and avoid contact with people;
  • Take a small container of hand sanitiser with you and use it frequently;
  • Avoid touching your own eyes, nose and mouth (easy with a helmet and gloves on!);
  • Avoid physical touching of others, including shaking hands unless you have your gloves on;
  • Cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands immediately after;
  • Avoid others who are coughing and sneezing;
  • Wear breathing protection such as your helmet or face mask;
  • Avoid large groups;
  • Use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food, and wear your gloves if you have to enter a pin code;
  • Only patronise cafes and restaurants where they wear gloves;
  • Take your own reusable coffee cup with you and make sure you – not the barista – put the lid on;
  • If they refuse to take your cup, ask for a disposable with a lid but you should put on the lid; and
  • Pack your own toilet paper!

Since this situation is rapidly changing, we urge all riders to exercise caution and use their sensible discretion. If you’re over 60 and have a pre-existing health condition you should consider staying home.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Virus forces motorcycle factory closures

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The list of motorcycle factory closures due to the coronavirus pandemic is growing daily.

Ducati has now announced it will extend the closure of its factory in Bologna until 25 March 2020 and Brembo and Yamaha have closed their European factories.

Moto Morini, KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas had already closed their factories in Italy and Austria.

Ducati closed its factory in Borgo Panigale last Friday and was due to reopen tomorrow (18 March 2020).

However, the closure has been extended while the company implements changes to the production lines to keep workers further apart.

The company has also introduced a multi-shift work programme to halve the number of people on the assembly line at the same time.

Brembo has also closed its Bergamo factory until next week and Yamaha has announced the closure of its Italy and France facilities until 22 March.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – closed its factories over the weekend for a “deep clean” and were due to return to production this week.

Meanwhile, MV Agusta in Lombardy, the epicentre of the Italian coronavirus contagion, continues production with a reduced workforce.

However, they “guarantee production continuity”.

Production continues in “full compliance with the urgent provisions contained in the Prime Minister’s 11/03 decree and with the guidelines issued by Confindustria Lombardia”.

MV Agusta RVS#1 RVS heritage f4MV Agusta factory

What closures mean to riders

While motorcycle factory closures may not have a huge impact on the production of models, it could impact spare parts.

The closure of the Brembo factory is of more concern as it could hamper the supply chain and the production of many models such as BMW and Triumph.

Meanwhile, the pandemic has forced the postponement and cancellation of many motorcycle racing events and rallies.

Global motorcycle racing body Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme says the 2020 season could be extended into 2021.

A petition has also now been circulated to close the Isle of Man TT races in May-June.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

MV Agusta continues amid pandemic

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While the pandemic is closing some motorcycle factories in Europe, MV Agusta in Lombardy, the epicentre of the Italian coronavirus contagion, continues production.

KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas will close their Austrian factories at the end of the month for two weeks and Moto Morini in Italy has already temporarily closed.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – closed its factories over the weekend for a “deep clean” and plan to return to production this week.

There is no word from the Ducati factory in Bologna.

MV Agusta continues

MV Agusta has released a statement this morning (16 March 2020) to say it has reached an agreement with workers’ representatives to continue manufacture at their factory on the shores of Lake Varese, near Milan.

Despite a reduced workforce, they “guarantee production continuity”.

Production continues in “full compliance with the urgent provisions contained in the Prime Minister’s 11/03 decree and with the guidelines issued by Confindustria Lombardia”.

MV Agusta RVS#1 RVS heritage f4MV Agusta factory

A company statement says measures to reduce the presence of staff within the premises have immediately been adopted, such as the closure of non-essential departments, ‘smart working’, unused holiday allowances and Cassa Integrazione (redundancy fund) once the official decision will be announced.

“For those employees who will continue coming to work, the company has introduced a number of measures to prevent and contain the spreading of the Covid-19 epidemic, such as the supply of face masks, gloves, sanitising gel and detergents for the sanitation of work spaces and surfaces in addition to limiting access to common areas,” the statement says.

“Precise rules of conduct, by which every employee is required to abide, have been posted in every department (Covid-19 information circular on ‘rules of conduct and safety provisions’).

“Safety distances between workers are being respected in all areas of the plant, also thanks to the temporary reduction of the number of personnel on site.

“Up to the present moment, the company has no evidence of employees with symptoms connected to Covid-19.

“Normal production activity will therefore continue, yet with all due precautions, except for new Government provisions.”

MV Agusta 75th anniversaryTimur Sardarov

CEO Timur Sardarov says it is their “duty not to give up in this crisis situation, so that the economy of this community can recover once the emergency is over”.

“We took this decision with a great sense of responsibility, towards our employees in the first place, but also towards our local community, which cannot afford a breakdown of its production capability, and towards all the related industries on which so many workers and their families depend,” he says.

“The company has implemented all the information, prevention and containment measures required by the circumstances. We are determined to continue doing our best to support this community, fully respecting the rules and with maximum safety.”

Speed weekPepper, the Harley Road Glide Speed Week missile

The latest motorsport to be impacted is the Dry Lakes Racers Australia 30th Anniversary Speed Week and World Speed Trials Australia #2 at Lake Gairdner in South Australia.

It has been postponed to a date yet to be confirmed.

The announcement follows postponements and cancellations in F1, MotoGP, World Superbikes and many other motorsports.

Originally the DLRA had planned for three doctors to be in place for the two events, but as of today they only have one and there is no guarantee that even he will be available by the end of the week.

The South Australian Country Fire Service is also calling on its members to reduce their extra curricular volunteer activities as they are forced to replace members who have been inflicted with the virus.

“We could no longer guarantee the appropriate medical and fire services that are required for such and event,” the DLRA says.

“Now that the coronavirus has been officially identified as a pandemic, most public liability insurance policies consider any episodes to be exempt which would leave the DLRA open to financial ruin.

“Even with the concerted efforts that the DLRA were prepared to put into place through its mitigation plan would not be enough to ensure a safe risk free environment.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Is coronavirus a threat to riders?

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Our memes about the threat of coronavirus (above and below) have gone viral and been cited by several websites.

Virus meme pandemic coronavirus Covid-19

They may be humorous, but make no mistake; this pandemic is no laughing matter.

Virus threat

It has caused death and serious illness, the cancellation of major events, closing of borders and states of emergency in several countries. Click here for how it has affected motorcycling, in particular.

We’re no medical experts, so we reference the World Heath Organisation’s advice for avoiding the threat of coronavirus. Click here for details.

It basically says to wash your hands frequently and avoid crowded areas.

Obviously, if you have any of the symptoms, you should self-quarantine.

But if not, riding should be safe.

After all, riders wear a face mask of sorts and protective gloves, plus riding is a sort of isolation.

Riders also usually head out into the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

And we often stop for lunch at small coffee shops and restaurants. That means less chance of contracting the virus while also putting money in the pockets of small businesses.

We have not heard of any group rides being cancelled and planning is still ongoing for the Dubbo Rally in May.

Ride days

California Superbike School BMW K 1200 S track day - simpleRide day in Sydney

Motorcycling Events Group Australia which operates ride days at Sydney Motorsports Park and Phillip Island says they will go ahead, despite the virus.

They believe that the nature of their ride days makes for a “minimal risk of exposure”. They also supply hand sanitiser and follow WHO advice. 

Health tips

So, if you are out riding, here are a few tips to ensure your safety from the virus:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently;
  • Use hand sanitiser frequently (put a small container in your jacket pocket);
  • Avoid touching your own eyes, nose and mouth (easy with a helmet on!);
  • Avoid physical touching of others, including shaking hands unless you have your gloves on;
  • Cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands immediately after;
  • Avoid others who are coughing and sneezing;
  • Wear breathing protection such as your helmet;
  • Avoid large groups;
  • Use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food; and
  • Pack your own toilet paper!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Pandemic halts motorcycle production

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Several motorcycle factories have halted motorcycle production as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc across the world.

Australian PM Scott Morrison is banning organised non-essential gatherings of more than 500, US President Donald Trump has just declared a national emergency and countries are going into lockdown.

The coronavirus pandemic has already postponed and cancelled several motorsport events including MotoGP, F1, World Superbikes and many motorcycle rallies.

Pandemic halts bike production

KTM factory Virus meme pandemic coronavirus Covid-19KTM factory

Now the KTM group, which also includes Husqvarna and GasGas, will close their Austrian factories at the end of the month for two weeks and Moto Morini in Italy has already temporarily closed.

The Piaggio Group – owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa – will close its factories this weekend for a “deep clean”, but we believe production will continue next week.

MV Agusta near Milan which is an epicentre of the contagion is playing a waiting game as the situation changes rapidly.

“At the moment the factory is continuing with production and we do not have any problems with the supply chain,” says spokeswoman Alessia Riboni.

“We will see in the next hours/days.”

Ducati has closed its museum and factory tours, but production is continuing.

Ducati factoryDucati factory

Apart from motorcycle factories, there could also be closures at component factories such as Brembo in Italy.

Davida Helmets in the UK has halted production because of a lack of components from Europe and Asia due to the virus.

So the effects for riders in coming months could be a lack of spare parts and further disruption to motorcycle rallies and races.

Even the Isle of Man TT, from 30 May to 12 June, could be under threat.

While we are unsure what Trump’s national emergency will mean for Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle production, it hasn’t halted the Daytona Bike week in Florida which winds up this weekend.

How to stay safe in pandemicVirus meme panic coronavirus

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is no need for riders to panic and stay at home, unless they have virus symptoms.

After all, riders wear a face mask of sorts and protective gloves while riding a bike puts us in a type of isolation, certainly, 1.5m from others. 

Riders also usually head out into the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

And we often stop for lunch at small coffee shops and restaurants.

We have not heard of any group rides being cancelled and planning is still ongoing for the Dubbo Rally in May.

If you are concerned, there are several steps you can take to continue riding and stay safe.

  • Avoid large groups;
  • Use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food; 
  • Wash your hands thoroughly, even tough you wear gloves; and
  • Pack your own toilet paper!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Coronavirus panic hits motorcycling

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As panic buying sets in over the coronavirus, bans are placed on large gatherings and northern Italy goes into lockdown, motorcycling looks set to be one of the victims.

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is no need for riders to panic and stay at home.

After all, we wear a face mask of sorts, protective gloves and riding a bike puts us in a type of isolation.

We also usually ride out in the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

If you are concerned, use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. And maybe pack your own toilet paper!

Pandemic panic

Meanwhile, the world of motorcycle racing is starting to feel the impact of the coming pandemic.

The first two rounds of the MotoGP in Qatar and Thailand have been abandoned and now the third round in Austin, Texas, on 3-5 April 2020 is under threat as the city moves to prevent crowds of more than 2500.

World Superbikes also cancelled their first round this weekend in Qatar and even the Isle of Man TT, from 30 May to 12 June, could be under threat.

Some of these events may still go ahead for TV only, with no on-site crowds as F1 is considering.

Meanwhile, the Daytona Bike Week festivities are going ahead in Florida as planned.

Bike production

Ducati factoryDucati factory

The spreading contagion in Italy — now the worst affected country outside China — also looks likely to affect production of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta motorcycles and many motorcycle components.

Their factories are near Milan which is an epicentre of the virus in the Lombardi region which is in virtual shutdown.

There are also factories in the region that make automotive components.

Ducati is in Bologna which is just outside the northern contagion regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa have already closed their museum and factory tours.

While the affects of these shutdowns won’t be felt here for some time, we expect there could be some shortage of parts in coming months.

But that doesn’t mean you panic and start clearing the shelves of oil filters!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Covid-19 could impact bike manufacture

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Ducati and Piaggio (Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi) have closed their museums due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) in Italy, but their factories are still operating.

Chinese motorcycle factories were closed for a prolonged period over the Chinese Lunar New Year, but many, including Honda and CFMoto, have now restarted.

In the case of CFMoto, the factory is at around 80% due to workers still returning from extended new year celebrations with 100% production capacity expected over the next two weeks.

CFmoto factory coronavirusCFMoto factory

Supply chain

However, many component factories that supply automakers around the world have not reopened.

And now the virus has moved from a Chinese emergency to one that involves South Korea, Japan and Italy, three major manufacturers of motorcycles, cars and automotive parts.

The impact on motorcycle manufacture and supply of components could now be affected with Fiat-Chrysler the first to warn it could halt production at a European plant in weeks.

Data and analytics company GlobalData automotive editor David Leggett says this is an “inevitable consequence” on the automotive supply chain.

“Many factories in the Wuhan and Hubei province have been on lockdown since the start of the Chinese New Year holidays,” he says.

“The emerging problems for FCA outside of China are likely to be mirrored by other vehicle manufacturers and reflect both the long-run internationalisation of parts supply-chains and the predominance of ‘just-in-time’ lean manufacturing processes that keep inventory low.

“The next few weeks will be critical for automakers. The typical car is made up of 20,000 parts, and there is an elongated supply-chain of parts and sub-assemblies put together in complex sequence to create the finished vehicle.

“Korean manufacturers were the first to show up as impacted by China supply-chain disruption reflecting shorter shipment distances between China and Korea, but the FCA news indicates that impacts across the world are now coming over the horizon on shipment transit schedules.”

Museums close

moto guzzi factory museum V85Moto Guzzi museum’s big red doors will remain closed

As of yesterday, Italy had 374 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 12 deaths.

The epicentres of Covid-19 contagion in Italy are in Lombardy and Veneto regions where most of the auto factories are located.

Ducati’s factory in Bologna is just outside these central regions.

Public institutions and venues in these regions have been closed and mass meetings cancelled, including Ducati and Piaggio museum and factory tours.

The companies have notified the public that they have closed their museums for several weeks, but both confirm their factories are still operating.

We have not heard from MV Agusta which is near Milan in Lombardy, but their Facebook page has no reference to any closures.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Geneva Motor Show, one of Europe’s premier motoring events, have confirmed the event is still due to take place as scheduled next week despite the first case of coronavirus in Switzerland.

The Covid-19 virus has already had some impact on Australian consumer confidence and our January motorcycle sales.

Now it could have a longer-term impact on motorcycle production and the supply of parts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com