2015 Yamaha SMax Recalled for Speed Sensor Issue Yamaha is recalling the 2015 SMax because of a problem that can cause the speedometer to stop working. The recall affects 2,640 scooters in the U.S. The SMax XC155 is also sold in other markets (where it may known as the Majesty S). A similar recall has been announced in Japan. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the speed sensor lead wire may not be sufficiently secured and may become destabilized when the front wheel is turned or through front suspension action. This can cause the sensor lead wires to fatigue and break, preventing the vehicle speed from being relayed to the speedometer. Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. first received word of the problem on Dec. 2 from Yamaha Taiwan following a quality control review on another model that uses a similar design. Dealers will replace the speed sensor assembly on recalled units with a redesigned part that uses two retaining clips to hold it in position. The original speed sensor assembly only used one retaining clip. 2015 Yamaha SMax Recalled for Speed Sensor Issue appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Saturday, December 31, 2016
Motorcycle.com Editor Highlights of 2016!
Motorcycle.com Editor Highlights of 2016! The life of a Motorcycle.com editor is mostly the same as yours – good days balanced by ones we’d rather forget. Hammering out endless streams of words for your education and entertainment steals opportunities for the seat time behind a handlebar we all crave, and we have several friends who spend more hours riding than we’re allowed. But then every so often our motojournalist cards can provide entry into the kinds of experiences most civilians can only dream of. And so as 2016 comes to a close, we again look back at the highlights that made us grateful to be part of the MO team. Come along as each editor brings you their personal stories about their exceptional days on motorcycles in 2016. MO Editor Highlights of 2015MO Editor Highlights of 2014MO Editor Highlights of 2013 Troy Siahaan, Features Editor2016 Yamaha FZ-10 launch, Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina Last year I picked the Yamaha YZF-R1 launch as my personal highlight of the year. The all-new R1 tugged at my heartstrings like no other literbike I’d ridden to that point, save for the Aprilia RSV4. It handled great, felt much lighter than its predecessor, and its crossplane crankshaft inside the 1000cc Four-banger was a joy to listen to and a hoot to exploit. So this year, when I was lucky enough to be the MO staffer picked to pilot the new FZ-10 at its launch, I had high hopes. Making the experience that much sweeter was the fact I’d be riding the bike at the (in)famous Tail of the Dragon on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Powered by the same basic engine we loved in the R1, we were told in this application the power would shift from being top-heavy and be fattest where it counted most on a streetbike – the midrange. I’ve heard that tagline before on other bikes, and it usually meant the bike would be tame, dull, and otherwise a missed opportunity. Those notions quickly vanished the moment I was able to hoist a power wheelie exiting one of the 318 turns on the 11-mile stretch of road. From then on, all I wanted to do was loft the front wheel every chance I got. And I did; no matter which of the three power modes I was in, a good tug on the bar and whack of the throttle would separate front tire from tarmac, and for those brief moments all was right in the world. The FZ-10 engine was just magical in my eyes – a point that was cemented once we got a test unit back home in SoCal to flog for an extended period of time. More than just a wheelie machine, the FZ-10 made quick work of the Dragon, its wide bars making it a snap to just throw the Yamaha wherever I wanted. For street riding, its upright seating position is the exact opposite on the comfort scale as its tortuous R1 sibling, and standard cruise control is a dream if you have to slog it for a while to get to the fun roads. Oh, and let’s not forget the sound. That glorious, glorious sound. Yeah, you could say I had fun at the FZ-10 launch, and it definitely stands out as my highlight of the year. Evans Brasfield, Spiritual Editor2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster Launch, San Tropez, France One of the realities of our lives as motojournalists is that we travel to lots of exotic places to ride the latest, coolest machinery. One of the least-known aspects of these trips is that, from the moment we board our flights to the time that we sit down in our seats for the trip home, our schedule is dictated by the manufacturer whose bike we are going to ride. The only time we have that is – sort of – our own consists of the minutes we are alone in our hotel rooms. With the rise in power of the ever-hungry internet beast, that room-time is mostly spent in front of the keyboard. 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster First Ride Review In the 20 years I’ve been at this gig, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve stayed over for an extra day or so after an introduction. With that in mind, imagine how stoked I was when I learned that Harley-Davidson scheduled for its Roadster launch an extra day in San Tropez. What made this even better was that I could do anything I wanted – including borrowing a bike! So, while some of the younger attendees decided to hit the beach in search of topless sunbathers (It was late April and a bit too cold, poor saps.), I arranged to have a 2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster for a day’s ride. Just wrap your head around this: A day in the south of France to ride anywhere I wanted. No photo stops, no schedule, no group meals. Just me and a motorcycle and the French countryside. If you know anything about me as a rider, you’re aware that riding is a very spiritual, emotional act that resides right there, next to my children, as the reason I was put on this earth. So, I crammed a full day of riding to-and-through-and-back-from the Verdon Gorge (a.k.a. the French Grand Canyon). However, it wasn’t just about riding a fun streetbike. I found the time to just sit, drink espresso, eat a hand-crafted pizza, and enjoy a view while soaking in the less-frenetic European pace. Then it was back in the saddle for miles of scraping canyon pavement followed by rolling countryside – with even a little rain riding tossed in for good measure. Yeah, I may have arrived back at the hotel a little bit late – too late to shower before dinner – but nothing compares to an A-list day in the saddle, making the Harley-Davidson Roadster introduction my 2016 high point, one that approaches the high-water mark of my 20 years scribbling about motorcycles. Tom Roderick, Content Editor2017 KTM Super Duke R Launch, Doha, Qatar Compared to last year’s highlights of riding Honda’s exotic RC213V-S in Valencia, Spain, followed by another Honda launch in South Africa for two days aboard the new Africa Twin, 2016 might seem a little anti-climatic. In March Triumph flew us to Portugal for the launch of its reborn Bonneville and Thruxton R models, but that was a cramped, ride-two-bikes-in-one-day experience disqualifying it as a highlight (if Triumph had only given us one day aboard the Bonneville on the street followed by a second day riding the Thruxton around Estoril, it’d be a different story). Yamaha’s XSR900 was a local event in May in San Diego, and the bike proved to be one of my personal favorites for 2016, but not the highlight of my year. In terms of staff trips, Riding around Death Valley and its surrounding ghost towns with my fellow MO editors for our Baggers Brawl was a treat, as was our our full-leather escapade aboard a group of 125cc minis for our Battle of the Ankle Biters shootout. Of course I’d be remiss to not mention our getting-lost and bike-destroying event of the year, which is what the 2016 Wire-Wheel Shootout turned out to be. But forced to single out only one event, the self-absorbed me chooses the only the bike I couldn’t live without: KTM’s Super Duke R. That KTM chose the MotoGP season-opening track of Losail as the venue, and made sure we rode the SDR in both natural daylight and the illumination from the manmade flood lights surrounding the circuit, heightened the experience to my favorite of 2016. Riding the torque wave produced by the 1301cc V-Twin is right up my alley of laziness. Outfitted with the optional quick-shifter for those rare times you actually have to change gears on The Beast, and I’m even more in love. New electronics allow for more personalization of the bike’s performance, while handling and comfort remain largely the same as last year’s model, balancing streetability and trackability into a package that excels at both. When the MotoGP guys grid-up for the first time in the 2017 season, I’ll be able to say I’ve been there as they bend through each one of Losail’s 16 corners. Thanks, KTM! John Burns, Senior EditorAmerican Iron Bagger Shootout, Illinois and Wisconsin Harumph. In my day, we made our own fun, and when I was a kid, it involved getting out in the woods on our Huffys, fishing crawdads out from under rocks, pursuing the wily squirrel with BB guns, eating bologna sandwiches on Wonder bread – that type of wholesome American thing. Do kids still read Huckleberry Finn in school? Last June, I got to do the adult equivalent, when we put together a story which had me, Editorial Director Dirty Sean Alexander, and Dirtbikes.com EiC Scott Rousseau rolling through Illinois and Wisconsin to test some American cruisers in their native habitat and visit their factories, which coincided with a visit to the Springfield Armory in Geneseo, Illinois. American Iron Bagger Shootout I’m not as big a gun guy as my two compadres, but the Springfield Armory people welcomed us with such open arms (get it?) and such a huge stockpile of ammo, how could you not have a blast? Their local shooting range is like a golf course. The whole area is like a golf course; it rains back in there in the springtime – and the town of Geneseo is straight out of a Frank Capra movie. After touring the Springfield Arms factory, the CEO took us and about a dozen bike-riding employees to lunch. We swang by his house on the way to see if Mrs. CEO was interested in joining us, but she had other plans. Typical. After that, we three musketeers were back on our bikes and rolling along the mighty Mississippi, through Savanna, past Ulysses S. Grant’s house in Galena IL, then on to the Victory/Indian engine assembly plant in Osceola WI, before heading on to Milwaukee for a spin through the H-D Museum – and to complete the trip, a hassle with the H-D Museum security man while shooting pics outside: You kids get off the lawn! They wouldn’t let us in the H-D factory in Milwaukee, but they did let us in the museum. The whole three or four days was an orgy of deep-dish pizza and/or deep-fried everything else, held in check only by the fact that we were behind schedule most of the time, which didn’t keep us from stopping at unexpected places along the way that coincidentally held amazing antique motorcycle collections and all kinds of suspiciously friendly people who had plenty of time to talk. None of them could out-talk Dirty Sean or Scott Rousseau, though, two of my favorite knuckleheads in the motorcycle industry who make it super easy to keep up my end of the non-stop conversation. I did not know there is now a Hofbrauhaus in Chicago, which there is, and our last night involved authentic German schnitzel and bier. Lovely. For me, it was a great roll down memory lane; for Sean it was an introduction to how “American cruising” is actually practiced in the heartland, and for Scott, well, he had a great time also and even got to be enlightened by some of my ideas concerning politics; I’ve been sharing my wisdom with the kid since he was an intern at Cycle magazine in 1991! Win, win, win! Kevin Duke, Editor-in-Chief2017 Ducati Monster 1200S Launch, Monte Carlo, Monaco I was fortunate to have several choices for the highlight of my year on motorcycles. Most profound to my life was giving my daughter her first rides on streetbikes. Those rides stirred up all kinds of emotions for me – old memories from when I was kid getting intrigued by motorcycles as well as new emotions caused by having to confront how best as a father to raise my girl. But I’ve already used that meme in this editorial I wrote around Father’s Day, so I’ll move on. Then there was a magical trip to Mandello del Lario to ride Moto Guzzi’s new V9s, which also included some extra time to ride around Lago di Como and to browse through Guzzi’s factory museum in which the span of 95 years of production is represented in an awe-inspiring breadth of highly interesting machines. But I’ve already written an editorial about that, too! So, then let me bring you to the south of France, not much more than a Grenache bottle’s throw from where Evans rode Harley’s Roadster presented earlier. Ducati was my host for the introduction of its nicely refreshed Monster 1200, and it graciously gave us most of a day to acclimate to the time zone on France’s Mediterranean coast before transporting us to the independent microstate of Monaco on the French Riviera. In addition to being a lovely spot to park a yacht, Monaco is a sweet place to avoid paying income tax because there isn’t one. No surprise, then, that of the 38,000 or so residents, about one-third of them are reputed to be millionaires. This sultry beauty was parked in front of Monte Carlo’s famous casino. I’m gonna guess it might be a Ferrari 250 GT Spyder from 1959 or ’60, but I admit that it’s not often my historical knowledge of classic Ferraris is called upon. Regardless, it safe to say its driver is one of the many millionaires living in the area, as the car’s worth is well into the seven-figure zone. The Mediterranean coast is lovely, of course, and Monaco’s harbor is littered with multimillion-dollar yachts, but it was the mountains rising from the sea that brought me to this lap of luxury. Roads get spaghetti twisted when carved into hillsides, and the ones within an hour’s ride of Monaco were a wondrous playground on which to ride Ducati’s improved Monster. There were so many corners that I was glad to be aboard a naked sportbike with a relatively tall handlebar rather than low clip-ons such as on a full-on sportbike like a Panigale. 2017 Ducati Monster 1200S First Ride Review Corners were attacked with whatever gusto is appropriate for riding someone else’s finely developed sportbike on unfamiliar roads. Cool weather and wet patches of roads challenged rider talent and Ducati’s Safety Pack of traction control and ABS. Meanwhile, the face of the Monster’s pilot swelled with grin after grin, corner after corner, surfing on 1200cc of V-Twin torque and shots of adrenaline and espresso. It was glorious, and I didn’t want to come down from my high nor from the mountain. Motorcycle.com Editor Highlights of 2016! appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Friday, December 30, 2016
Top 10 Anticipated Motorcycles of 2017
Top 10 Anticipated Motorcycles of 2017 In just a few days 2017 will be here, which means there will be a metric crap-ton of new bikes to ride! This clearly gets us very excited, and so we’re taking the opportunity with this, the last Top 10 list of 2016, to point out the 10 new motorcycles we’re most looking forward to riding in the coming year. Before we begin, let’s first point out what you won’t see on this list: Not included are 2017 models we’ve already ridden, like the KTM 1290 Super Duke R or Triumph Bonneville Bobber, to name two examples. Also not on this list are bikes that we don’t expect will be ready for testing during the next calendar year, such as KTM’s exciting 790 Duke that still seems to be a year away from reaching production status. Ducati’s awesome carbon Superleggera also isn’t included, as its limited-production status and estimated $80k price might keep it out of our hands. And to be clear, there are way more than 10 new models we’re eager to ride. Barely missing making the cut are the Aprilia Shiver/Dorsoduro 900 brothers, Husqvarna’s avante garde naked Svartpilen, and Honda’s X-ADV off-roady scooter that still hasn’t been announced it will be sold on our shores. 2016 EICMA Show Coverage What makes this list even more fun, is that we’ll get the chance to ride many of the bikes on this list in the next few months and bring you our riding impressions of the latest and greatest. So, without further ado, let’s get started. Top 10 Anticipated Motorcycles of 2017 appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Thursday, December 29, 2016
Craigslist Deal o' the Day: Bimota SB8R
Craigslist Deal o the Day: Bimota SB8R Bored with current Superbike offerings? Need something different, something exotic, something nobody else has? How about a 1999 Bimota SB8R, Italian as it gets, but powered by a nice, reliable, low-maintenance 1000cc Twin from Suzuki’s long-gone TL1000R? Chock full of carbon-fiber and all your daily requirements, this thing’s only clocked 6,800 miles, and $12K doesn’t seem like a bad place to begin the haggle… give us a ride if you buy it? The bike is in Topanga Canyon (near Malibu, CA), the ad is here. Craigslist Deal o’ the Day: Bimota SB8R appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Ed's KZ1000R is Not for Sale - Motorcycle.com News
Eds KZ1000R is Not for Sale According to Ryan Rawls at Ryan’s Roadracing Lounge, a Japanese collector recently offered Eddie Lawson One Million Dollars for Kawasaki KZ1000R serial #21, which was given to him by Kawasaki in 1983. No thanks, said steady Eddie, seated on his bike at the last Kawasaki dealer convention; the “R” is a rare bird, built by Kawasaki in celebration of Lawson’s AMA Superbike wins in 1981 and `82. Ed’s KZ1000R is Not for Sale appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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American Motorcyclist Association Objects To Scope Of Two New National Monuments - Motorcycle.com News
American Motorcyclist Association Objects To Scope Of Two New National Monuments Begin Press Release: American Motorcyclist Association objects to scope of two new national monuments President’s designations raise concerns about motorized access to public lands PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The designation of two new national monuments by President Barack Obama this week could jeopardize access for responsible motorized recreation on more than 1.6 million acres of public land in Utah and Nevada. Using the Antiquities Act of 1906, the president designated 1.35 million acres in southeast Utah as the Bears Ears National Monument and nearly 300,000 acres in Clark County, Nev., just northeast of Las Vegas, as the Gold Butte National Monument. “We are concerned about continued access to these public lands for responsible motorized recreation,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “With the national monument designation comes a review of management plans that could curtail or eliminate some off-road riding areas.” The Antiquities Act authorizes the president to issue proclamations to protect “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest,” while limiting those designations to “the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” “These new designations cover far larger areas than needed to ensure that historic landmarks are preserved,” Allard said. “None of the Utah congressional delegation wanted this, and many Nevadans were opposed to it, too. “The designation of national monuments, whether by the president or by Congress, should include careful consideration of the wishes of local stakeholders, including nearby communities, elected officials and those who use the land,” Allard continued. Utah’s attorney general has threatened a lawsuit to reverse the Bears Ears designation, and the Utah congressional delegation vowed to pursue legislation to undo it. A study by UtahPolicy cited by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) found that 60 percent of Utah residents opposed designating the Bears Ears area as a national monument, while 33 percent supported the proposal. Nevada’s congressional delegation was divided along party lines, with Democrats praising the designations and Republicans condemning them. Christy Goldfuss, managing director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said the Antiquities Act does not give a president authority to undo a designation, a position the courts have upheld. She acknowledged that Congress could take action, though. “The AMA supports the congressional delegations that work with local stakeholders and Native American tribes on these issues,” Allard said. “Presidents should not bypass Congress on issues of public access to U.S. lands, and the opinions of all stakeholders — gathered through town meetings and formal comments — should factor heavily into the final decision.” About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1aCZwbO. Not a member? Join the AMA today: http://ift.tt/1rfOprl American Motorcyclist Association Objects To Scope Of Two New National Monuments appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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MotoGP Werks Suzuki GS1000 Engine Mounts - Motorcycle.com News
MotoGP Werks Suzuki GS1000 Engine Mounts The fun hasn’t stopped since our favorite custom builder/fabricator Chris Redpath got the CNC machine. One of many products he’s churning out would be these alloy engine mounts for 1978-80 GS1000 Suzukis, with Type 3 clear anodized stainless chassis fasteners and military heat-treated main engine bolts. Stiff is beautiful. MotoGP Werks MotoGP Werks Suzuki GS1000 Engine Mounts appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Oliver Prinz von Anhalt Killed in Los Angeles Collision - Motorcycle.com News
Oliver Prinz von Anhalt Killed in Los Angeles Collision MO’s sometime track-day friend Oliver Prinz von Anhalt died following a collision with a truck December 18 in LA, the same day his adoptive mother, Zsa Zsa Gabor, passed away at the age of 99. Oliver “the Prince” was a larger-than-life character with a larger-than-life transporter full of BMW S1000RRs and other cool rides, who was a regular fixture at trackways throughout the Southwest. RIP, Prince Oliver, and let’s be careful out there people. More details here at the Daily Mail. Oliver Prinz von Anhalt Killed in Los Angeles Collision appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Reinventing The Moped: Monday Motorbikes M1
Reinventing The Moped: Monday Motorbikes M1 Monday Motorbikes is a Brisbane, California-based company producing a modern moped. Like the mopeds of yesteryear the Monday Motorbikes M1 is outfitted with pedals, but in place of a small internal-combustion engine resides a brushless DC motor. According to Monday Motorbikes, the M1 can travel up 50 miles in Economy mode at a steady 20mph on a single charge, without pedaling, and up to 35 miles in city traffic. Sport mode increases power but decreases range to about 25 miles. To meet California electric bicycle regulations, Economy Mode is tuned for a top speed of 20 mph, while Sport mode is good for 40 mph, but only to be engaged when off public roadways (yah, right). Currently, the M1 is available in the United States for $5,995 with plans for worldwide domination in 2018. Monday Motorbikes offers test rides most Saturdays at its shop in Brisbane, but encourages interested parties to contact them to see if they may be traveling through your part of the country. For information about the company, the bike, or to order one check out mondaymotorbikes.com. Reinventing The Moped: Monday Motorbikes M1 appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Ritmo Sereno Translates to "Tasty Boxers" - Motorcycle.com News
Ritmo Sereno Translates to Tasty Boxers If you find yourself in Tokyo and are a fan of airhead BMWs, you need to stop by custom shop Ritmo Sereno, where they’ve been turning out beautiful vintage BMWs for quite a few years now – also Moto Guzzis and other fine motorcycles. Here are but two tasty morsels to whet your appetite. Ritmo Sereno Translates to “Tasty Boxers” appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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DAINESE RETURNS TO SPACE TO REVOLUTIONIZE ASTRONAUT SAFETY - Motorcycle.com News
DAINESE RETURNS TO SPACE TO REVOLUTIONIZE ASTRONAUT SAFETY Press Release from Dainese: INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION, Dec. 29, 2016 – Following the September 2015 IRISS Mission during which Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen first tested SkinSuit, Dainese is returning to space protecting Thomas Pesquet, who has been on the Proxima Mission since November 17. The result of a partnership between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Dainese Science and Research Center, and developed to be worn in the International Space Station, SkinSuit provides “loading” in the head-to-foot direction, in effect recreating gravity’s load on Earth, but in a weightless environment. SkinSuit aims to counteract the stretching of the spine in space, producing large amounts of vertical load without compromising comfort and movement. SkinSuit is completely made-to-measure by Dainese, requiring that over 150 measurements of the astronaut’s body to be taken. Dainese, which has always made protection in dynamic sports its mission, confirms its commitment to researching innovative solutions for the protection of humans and constantly looks to the future by exploring possible evolutions of the relationship between nature, art and science. Dainese has in fact recently supported SACI, Studio Arts College International, in the symposium “From Galileo to Mars: Renaissance of the Artsciences.” The exclusive event took place November 12 in Florence, Italy, with distinguished guests including NASA Deputy Administrator Dava Newman; NASA astronaut, engineer and artist Nicole Scott; Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli; architect and designer Guillermo Trotti and artist and professor Lia Halloran. At the event, Dainese showcased its two space suits: SkinSuit and BioSuit. BioSuit is a space suit intended for the first human journey to the Red Planet, expected around 2030, utilizing the “lines of non-extension” concept to apply the necessary mechanic pressure to the astronaut’s body without compromising movement. The Dainese design approach has always been inspired by nature and its structures, recognizing the importance that innovation work at the intersection of design, engineering and science, aiming for the ideal balance between effectiveness, weight and ergonomics. The latest technology resulting from this approach is called D-air®, the wearable airbag that today protects the human body in sports and which is being prepared for the mobility of tomorrow, toward Mars. All content related to the Dainese space projects are available at the following link: http://ift.tt/2iJxjJs DAINESE RETURNS TO SPACE TO REVOLUTIONIZE ASTRONAUT SAFETY appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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2015-2016 Ducati Scramblers Recalled for Side Stand issue - Motorcycle.com News
2015-2016 Ducati Scramblers Recalled for Side Stand issue Ducati is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 Scrambler models because of a problem with their side stand position sensors. The recall affects 5,502 units in the U.S. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the side stand pivot bolt may not be of sufficient length. As a result, the nut may detach and the bolt would loosen, consequently preventing the sensor switch from properly detecting the position of the stand. When an affected Scrambler is parked, this may prevent the engine from starting. When riding, the sensor switch pin may become disengaged, causing the engine to stall. It may also be possible to start the engine and begin riding with the side stand deployed. Ducati first received warranty claims related to this problem in June 2016. Ducati then began a global analysis of the problem and found a total of 34 related cases. On Dec. 5, Ducati initiated recall proceedings. No related crashes or injuries had been reported. Dealers will install revised side stand pivot bolts. The new bolts have 17mm of thread compared to 15mm of thread found on the original bolts and have a black surface treatment (the original bolts were gray). Dealers will apply 35 Nm of torque (compared to the 24 Nm previously specified) and apply threadlock. 2015-2016 Ducati Scramblers Recalled for Side Stand issue appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Harry Bink – Dirt Shark - Motorcycle.com News
Harry Bink – Dirt Shark Press Release from Monster Energy: Harry Bink is Australia’s next FMX Superstar. From his world first No-Hander Front Flip to his world’s biggest Rock-Solid Back Flip, Harry is conquering the world. As the 2015 Aussie Freestyle Champion Harry tours with Nitro Circus, Showtime FMX and X Games. Lurk to the Gold Coast of Australia and check out Harry Bink’s Freestyle Motocross Skills as he shreds 50/60 FMX Compound. Harry Bink – Dirt Shark appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Carbon Fiber Motus And New Colors For 2017 - Motorcycle.com News
Carbon Fiber Motus And New Colors For 2017 Press Release from Motus: Now half way through our third model year, our team is growing, the dealer network keeps expanding, and- most importantly- Motus riders are having a blast adventuring around this big, beautiful country. What we do at Motus has meaning and we deeply appreciate everyone who has helped or simply cheered us on. From our staff to our dealers to our vendors to our favorite FedEx driver, THANK YOU! And to those who’ve supported us by purchasing our products or even just helped spread the word…blue skies, green lights. Colorado dealer! Special welcome to our newest dealer Motus Four Corners in Dolores, Colorado. The roads there are legendary, perfect for what a Motus does best, and Sam Manganaro is an uber-enthusiast with an amazing shop. 540-514-1013 Having specialized in high-end vintage bikes for years, Motus is the only modern brand we’ve ever wanted to represent. Our customers are seeking the best-of-the-best with this level of quality and attention to detail, so Motus is a great fit here.– Sam Manganaro, Owner Want America’s only V4-powered sportbike in YOUR garage? Act quick because Motus is offering a 5-year, unlimited mile extended warranty on every MST or MSTR in stock ($1235 value) until 12/31/16. Most local dealers are offering great deals, too! Link to dealer locator. Motus welcomes John Alexander as NE Sales ManagerPress release here Birmingham, Alabama, December 27, 2016 – Motus Motorcycles has hired industry veteran John Alexander as Northeast Sales Manager. Motus is growing its product line and distribution network and Mr. Alexander brings considerable dealer development experience to support the expansion. “We are so proud to announce that John Alexander has joined Motus as Northeast Sales Manager. John brings an incredible amount of strategic and tactical experience earned over twenty five successful years in the industry,” said Motus Vice President Brian Case. Mr. Alexander has enjoyed an impressive career in dealer development at Bombardier Recreational Products, Triumph Motorcycles, and Husqvarna Motorcycles. As the first of four regional managers Motus is hiring, John will oversee business development in the Northeast US from Maine to Virginia to Michigan. In addition to new dealer acquisition, John will continue to develop the current network of Authorized Motus dealers. “I couldn’t be more excited about joining Motus as we grow from both product and dealer perspectives. The three-year plans are amazing and I’ve never seen a more capable, passionate group of riders and entrepreneurs. Team Motus has achieved an incredible amount so far, but we are just getting started,” John Alexander, Motus Northeast Sales Manager. 2017 MST Colors Flame Red Back in Black Iron Ore Metallic Super Blue Like carbon fiber? Yeah, we do too. Most panels on the standard MSTR are hand-laid, robotically-trimmed, carbon fiber painstakingly painted for a “showroom” look. We were recently approached to build this special machine…and the customer seemed pretty happy with the result. Here is a link to more pix. The Brembo brakes are just the right side of fierce, the Sargent saddle feels promisingly comfy with loads of room to shuffle about, and the riding position is surprisingly upright. Because of the semi-sporty look of the bike I was expecting a semi-sporty crouch, but it actually can’t be far off a GS riding position.– John Westlake, Bike Magazine, Nov.’16 Previous Insider Updates:Oct ’16 Vintage Fest, BIKE rides the MST, Demo Days in MI and INSept ’16 New dealers in MI, IN, FL, Motus in the Petersen MuseumJuly ’16 Leno rides the MSTR, Reedus rides the MSTMay ’16 Demo Days, 5 new land speed records, Motus Owners GroupMar ’16 8 new dealers, Cycle World videos, extended warranty Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the prices/differences between the MST and MSTR? A: The Motus MST and the premium MST-R are comfortable sportbikes designed for long range canyon carving, solo or two up. Both are exhilarating, charismatic machines powered by the mighty V4 Baby Block® engine. The Motus MST starts at $30,975. Features, accessories of the MST are here. Features, accessories of the MSTR are here. Q: Can I purchase a V4 Baby Block engine for a different application? A: Yes, Motus offers crated, aftermarket engines. Click here for more information and tell us about what you have in mind. Specs are here. Carbon Fiber Motus And New Colors For 2017 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Bel-Ray Announces Sponsor Partnership with RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team for 2017 AMA - Motorcycle.com News
Bel-Ray Announces Sponsor Partnership with RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team for 2017 AMA Begin Press Release: BEL-RAY TO SPONSOR RCH/YOSHIMURA/SUZUKI FACTORY RACING TEAM FOR 2017 AMA SEASON Veteran Broc Tickle Will Pair with Newcomer Justin Bogle for AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross FARMINGDALE, N.J. (December 28, 2016) – Total performance lubricant manufacturer, Bel-Ray, announced today it will sponsor RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team riders Broc Tickle and Justin Bogle for the 2017 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross season. After a partnership which saw the team win the AMA Pro Motocross title and finish in second for AMA Supercross in 2016, Bel-Ray is proud to endorse these two riders in the upcoming year. 2017 will be the fourth year that experienced racer Broc Tickle will compete with Bel-Ray. He returns to RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing after a strong 2016 campaign, including a top-five championship finish in AMA Supercross and a promising AMA Pro Motocross season cut short by injury at the Spring Creek round. The upcoming season will move him into a leadership role as he helps new teammate Justin Bogle through his first season with the team. 2014 Eastern Regional 250 SX Class Champion Justin Bogle will suit up alongside Tickle for 2017 for his second season in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross. Bogle comes to the team from an impressive rookie season in 2016, earning a top-five and six top-ten finishes for the year. “2017 looks to be a very promising year for our sponsored riders,” said Bel-Ray Vice President of Marketing, Debby Neubauer. “We can’t wait to cheer them on in the coming races.” The 2017 AMA Supercross season kicks off at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on January 7, running through 17 rounds and 13 states along with one round in Canada. AMA Pro Motocross will begin on May 20 in Sacramento, Calif. at the Hangtown Motocross Classic. The 2017 championship will run for 12 rounds across 11 states. Bel-Ray looks forward to another exciting year of competition with its new sponsored riders as they compete for top honors and grow as racers in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross. For more information on Bel-Ray’s involvement in powersports or Bel-Ray’s full line of powersports products, please visit www.belray.com or call (732) 938-2421. About Bel-Ray Company, LLC. Bel-Ray Company, LLC. was founded in 1946 and serves the lubrication needs of powersports, industrial and mining customers worldwide. “Flex Your Engine” with Bel-Ray’s superior Powersports line that delivers top quality Made-in-the-USA lubricants and service products to motorcycle and recreational vehicle enthusiasts around the world. Bel-Ray products are available at powersports dealers worldwide. Visit BelRay.com for a complete dealer listing. Find the right lubricant for your equipment with Bel-Ray’s Lubricant Advisor. Like us on http://ift.tt/2ihRonl or follow us on Twitter/Instagram. Bel-Ray Announces Sponsor Partnership with RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team for 2017 AMA appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Duke’s Den: Motorcycles and Cars
Duke’s Den: Motorcycles and Cars Humans are odd animals. Generally speaking, they don’t like to stray far from the herd to avoid the anxiety that comes from being recognizably different than their peers. And yet there exists a potent part of society which thrives on being unconventional. As motorcycle enthusiasts, we obligate ourselves to a distinctiveness that clearly stands apart from cagers. Now, let me state up top here that I am also able to be friends with people who don’t ride motorbikes – vehicularly speaking, I’m bi-social. I’m an appreciator of four-wheeled vehicles, especially the ones that have obvious ties to enthusiastic engineers who painstakingly developed them into sums of more than their parts. I’ve had the good fortune of being dynamically delighted by cars that range from muscle-cars and Miatas to a Fiesta ST and a Ferrari 458. But as cool as cool cars can be, vehicles that don’t lean into turns will always have difficulty achieving the dynamic glory that motorcycles deliver. And the reward of riding is so grand that, as riders, we’re willing to overlook the penalties of motorcycling (exposure to weather and danger) that some eliminate for themselves by choosing vehicles with roofs and airbags – and lean the wrong way in corners. But it takes a special kind of person to brave the elements and the perils associated with riding motorcycles. Motorcyclists typically aren’t “what-iffers,” as in “what bad thing could happen if we did something even slightly adventurous?” Riding motorcycles is, in many ways, an illogical activity. We may ride a couple-three hours just to get breakfast or lunch, while most cagers prefer to isolate themselves from danger and inconvenience by remaining in their quad-wheeled cocoons or in their insulating domiciles. Not much of a cocoon with this machine, which is because it’s classified as a motorcycle and not a three-wheeled car, so it doesn’t have to meet automobile safety standards. Stay tuned to Motorcycle.com for a review of the Campagna T-Rex powered by BMW’s scintillating 1649cc six-cylinder motor. Providing an illustration of the different mindsets between drivers and riders is the manual transmission. Pretty much everyone who rides a motorcycle understands the rider-machine interplay of choosing the proper gear for a given situation and how being sympathetic with the torque curve of an engine makes a rider feel like he or she is in control of a living, breathing organism. A motorbike without a clutch lever and a manually shifted gearbox is a rare thing unless you count CVTs (continuously variable transmission) as used in nearly every scooter ever built. But, to my tastes, CVTs feel too loosely connected with their engines. Honda’s dual-clutch tranny (DCT) – more clever and adept each year – is as good as it gets at this point in time for a motorcycle without a clutch lever, as its powertrain connection is 100% direct and a rider has the option of shifting whenever desired rather than it having complete automatic control. No-Shift Shootout: 2014 Aprilia Mana GT Vs. BMW C600 Sport Vs. Honda NC700 DCT Meanwhile, automobile drivers have nearly abandoned the kinetic art of shifting gears via hands and feet. A friend recently wanted to buy a new Honda Civic with a manual gearbox but couldn’t find one at her dealer, so she was forced to make a special order to get the six-speed tranny she coveted. In 1980, these now-strange items were equipped in nearly 35% of cars and trucks sold in America, falling to about 22% in 1990. Today, that number has plummeted to around 5% or less, prompting the internet meme that a stickshift is an automobile’s best anti-theft device. So, while car drivers abandon manuals as if they carried chlamydia, motorcyclists bravely press on heaving levers and demonstrating their mastery over their machines. Riders are forced to be – and prefer to be – active participants while sliding gracefully through the air like the pilot of a ground-bound airplane. At the same time on the same roads are people in expensive new cars that quite literally can drive themselves, which seems to be the ideal method of conveyance to the millions of drivers who can’t be bothered to trigger a turnsignal switch let alone find joy when navigating their vehicle through time and space. I’m not the only journalist who finds distinctions between riders and drivers. Sam Smith, an excellent writer at Road & Track magazine, noted an interesting comparison between the markets for automobiles and motorcycles. “Motorcycles are still great,” he wrote in an editorial last summer. “Next to cars, bikes are in a much happier place. Progress and regulation have generally made new cars heavier, less disparate, and more versatile. Motorcycles have pretty much gone opposite, because who needs a bike to do everything? Or crash well, or have power seats? It’s like a parallel car universe where purity and emotion reign. Also great risk and the chance that someone will dismember you in traffic. But woof, is the emotional payoff like nothing else. To paraphrase Carl Sandburg, motorbike, I am one of your boys.” Perhaps there’s still hope for some of the cagers out there. And for the perpetuity of manual transmissions. Related ReadingDuke’s Den: Inside InfoDuke’s Den: Decades Of Fireblades Duke’s Den: Motorcycles and Cars appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Camel Tank for Honda CRF 250L | Gear | Reviews
Camel Tank for Honda CRF 250L Published in: Gear ADVMoto’s project CRF 250L came from the dealership with a 2 gallon gas tank. During our initial test rides, we couldn’t get to 130 miles before worrying about how far the next gas station was. IMS supplied us with a 3.1 gallon tank that increased our ranged to about 200 miles. That’s not bad, but not good enough for our rally replica. After all, real rally bikes carry up to 9 gallons of fuel making them capable of racing at over 100mph for hours at a time. Our 250L won’t be winning races anytime soon, but we can at least make sure it has enough fuel to cross the finish line. To help us go the distance, we contacted the experts at Camel Tank who responded by sending us a 1.5 gallon auxiliary tank that attaches to the rear of the motorcycle. By adding it to the rally project, the CRF can now carry a total of 4.6 gallons of gas for a range of over 300 miles. Although installation was simple, we did have to overcome some obstacles to install the Camel Tank, as it was designed for a stock bike with the original tank and license plate holder. If your CRF has a Yoshimura tail tidy installed like ours, note that the left rear turn signal will make light contact with the Camel Tank’s fuel cap. Replacing the stockers with some smaller LED type indicators could resolve the problem, but it we’ll leave it as is for now. The Camel Tank comes with three mounting brackets. It’s important to leave these brackets loosely bolted to the tank, then tighten them after the tank is on the bike. This will ensure proper fitment and make sure everything lines up correctly. The rear bracket mounts to the stock license plate holder so if you’ve swapped it out, you’ll need to find another way to stabilize the rear bracket. In the future, we hope to see Camel Tank offer an option that will work with fender eliminator kits, or find a different mounting point for the rear bracket. Here’s how the system works- The OEM fuel pump draws gas from the main tank, which results in creating a vacuum. This vacuum pulls fuel from the Camel Tank (which has its own built-in vent to draw air). What this means is the auxiliary tank will empty before the main tank. Camel Tank was generous enough to supply us with extra fuel line for us to experiment with our hose routing, since the vent on the stock tank and aftermarket tanks are in different locations. They also recommended tapping the IMS tank with a fitting, but instead we used a swivel fuel line to directly feed into the IMS cap. The fuel and vent lines are hidden behind bodywork and secured with zipties to offer a clean look. Our kit came with clear instructions for installation, and videos are available right on Camel ADV's website. As expected, the Camel Tank fueled up adds weight to the top, rear end of the bike. The kit itself weighs 5.3lbs Add fuel (9.15lbs) and now there’s an additional 14.57lbs the little CRF has to schlep around. We plan to only fill the Camel Tank when the additional range is necessary - in remote areas or while commuting. For shorter off road skirmishes, the main tank should hold enough fuel between stops. Note: We tried using IMS’s billet aluminum cap with our current set-up and experienced some vacuum issues. The Camel Tank will siphon to the IMS’s original plastic gas cap just fine. We can’t comment on how the tank would hold up during a crash, although the tank protrudes less than the stock exhaust, giving us some foresight that the handlebar, front fairing, and foot peg would all hit the ground before the tank does. We do wish there was some sort of guard or a way to protect the tank, if for nothing more than peace of mind. Soft saddle bags would be a great idea, as the tank could add support to the bags, and the bags could help cusion impact to the tank. On fire roads and light trails, the CRF doesn’t feel any less capable despite the extra weight. For the tighter stuff, it is a bit top heavy, but certainly manageable. On road you’ll forget you’ve even got the tank installed; besides the fact that you’re fuel gauge won’t start moving until after a hundred miles. While we’re on the subject of fuel levels, it is difficult to see how much gas you’ve got in the Camel Tank, so be sure to fill-up slowly. After a thousand miles of mixed on and off road riding, there are no signs of leaks and the system works perfectly. If you're looking for a way to reduce the number of fill-ups throughout your work week, or add peace of mind on your adventure ride, the Camel Tank viable solution to carry extra fuel on your motorcycle. MSRP: $399 Camel-ADV.com PROS CONS ▲ Extended range ▼ Deletes tool box and helmet lock (for this model) ▲ Easy to install ▼ Needs different rear mounting point ▲ Sturdy build quality ▼ Difficult to see fuel level ▲ Unobtrusive ▲ Will work with most soft saddlebags {gallery}ARTICLES/Gear/Camel_Tank/CRF250L/Gallery{/gallery} Other CRF 250L Rally Project Mods: Rally Replica Fairing Kit and TowerGalfer and Bel-Ray Brake UpgradesIMS 3.1 Gallon TankRisk Racing Fusion 2.0 GripsDobeck Performance EJK Fuel ControllerAntiGravity 8-Cell BatterRace Tech SuspensionScaggs Aluminum Billet Rack http://ift.tt/2ibMLNj
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Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Yamaha Champions Riding School Early-Bird Pricing Ends Dec. 31 - Motorcycle.com News
Yamaha Champions Riding School Early-Bird Pricing Ends Dec. 31 Begin Press Release: YCRS wants to let everyone know that December 31 is the final day of early-bird pricing for the ChampDay one-day Yamaha Champions Riding School class to be held at Arizona Motorsports Park on Saturday, January 28, 2017. After December 31, the price will jump from $450 for the day to $495. At $495, it’s still the best bang-for-your-buck in motorcycle training anywhere but who couldn’t use an extra $45 towards your credit card payment after the holidays, right? There are still seats left but only one more rental bike available (ChampDay is Bring Your Own Bike for most riders) so if you’re thinking about coming, this is a good time to make the decision. Click here to get to our online schedule with links to register for this or any of the classes on our 2017 schedule listed below. Thanks for your time and we hope you have a Happy New Year! 2017 Working Schedule: Saturday, January 28 – ChampDay, Arizona Motorsports Park, Phoenix, AZ Mon-Tue, February 20-21 – ChampSchool, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Wilcox, AZ Monday, March 6 – ChampDay, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Tue-Wed, March 7-8 – ChampDay, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA Mon-Tue, March 20-21 – ChampSchool, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Wilcox, AZ Mon-Tue, April 17-18 – ChampSchool, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Wilcox, AZ Mon-Tue, May 8-9 – ChampSchool, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Wilcox, AZ Monday, May 22 – ChampDay, NJMP, Millville, NJ Tue-Wed, May 23-24 – ChampSchool, NJMP, Millville, NJ Fri-Sat, June 8-9 – ChampSchool, New York Safety Track, Jefferson, NY (NYST) Tue, June 20 – ChampDay, NJMP, Millville, NJ Wed-Thu, June 21-22 – ChampSchool, NJMP, Millville, NJ Wed-Thu, July 11-12 – ChampSchool, NJMP, Millville, NJ Fri-Sat, Aug 3-4 – ChampSchool, NYST, Jefferson, NY Mon-Tue, Sept 11-12 – ChampSchool, NJMP, Millville, NJ Yamaha Champions Riding Schoolwww.ridelikeachampion.comwww.champschool.com 855-RIDEYCRSteachme@http://ridelikeachampion.comwww.facebook.com/ridelikeachampionwww.youtube.com/ridelikeachampion Yamaha Champions Riding School Early-Bird Pricing Ends Dec. 31 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Today's Moment Of Pure Moto-Joy
Todays Moment Of Pure Moto-Joy In this rush at the end of 2016 to sum up what it means for ourselves and motorcycling, while we simultaneously look ahead to all the potential that 2017 has to offer, we can get distracted from the moment all to easily. The concept of mindfulness has gained popularity in recent years among navel gazers (like myself) as a means of preventing the rush of information we live in from becoming overwhelming to our very souls. So, in this spirit, I offer this moment of unabashed moto-joy to savor for 37 seconds of bliss. Today’s Moment Of Pure Moto-Joy appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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MotoGP 2017 Ticket Promotions - Motorcycle.com News
MotoGP 2017 Ticket Promotions Press Release from MotoGP: Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar 4 day tickets from 65€ Don’t miss the spectacular Qatar night race! Check tickets now Gran Premio Red Bull de España 3 day tickets from 46€ Get your e-tickets now! Promotion valid until January 6th Check tickets now Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya 3 day tickets from 60€ Don’t miss the opportunity to be there! Book before March 3rd and get 10% off Check tickets now NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich Sunday tickets from 95€ Don´t miss out and get your tickets now! Check tickets now Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas Sunday tickets from 64€ Don’t miss the opportunity to be there and get your tickets before they sell out! Check tickets now HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France Sunday tickets from 69€ Book your tickets before April 24th and get 5% off Check tickets now Monster Energy Grand Prix Ceské Republiky 3-day tickets from 69€ Save up to 40% on your e-tickets! Discount valid until March 15th Check tickets now Gran Premio San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Sunday tickets from 75€ Save up to 30% on your e-tickets! Promotion valid until February 10th Check tickets now MotoGP 2017 Ticket Promotions appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Power For The Honda CRF450 Rally - Motorcycle.com News
Power For The Honda CRF450 Rally Press Release from Honda: Termignoni has been the constant companion of Honda HRC since the team made its comeback into rallying. The prestigious Italian brand produces the exhaust systems for the Honda CRF450 RALLY that will tackle the fast-approaching Dakar Rally and all other cross-country rally competitions. The vast support that Termignoni brings to the rally team is a result of the passion that the Piemonte firm puts into each and every one of their products. Since HRC re-emerged onto the off-road rallying scene after a twenty-three year absence, Termignoni – the Italian exhaust systems manufacturer – has been united with the official HRC factory team. This year is no exception with the two parties reaching an agreement that will see their collaboration in the forthcoming Dakar Rally 2017. The passion for two wheels that has driven Termignoni since 1969 has been a key element for the Italian brand in its return to the world of rally raids. Consequently, the company has clinched top honours at the Dakar Rally on two previous occasions. Furthermore, Termignoni equips other HRC factory teams as well, including the MotoGP squad. Termignoni exhaust pipes, thanks to the work of the Italian firm’s R&D department, will help to boost the Honda CRF450 RALLY’s overall performance. All the Monster Energy Honda Team machines will be fitted with state-of-the-art exhaust pipes and silencers, made from light, resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, carbon, titanium or inconel. These offer less weight and better performance as well as a marvellous sound that will thrill bike racing fans everywhere. The Dakar Rally Dakar 2017 gets underway on 2nd January from the Paraguayan capital Asunción. After a 9,000 kilometre hike across Bolivia – with the rest day in La Paz – the riders and crew head on to Argentina where the race concludes in Buenos Aires on Saturday 14th January. Power For The Honda CRF450 Rally appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Ashton Yates Confirmed For 2017 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship - Motorcycle.com News
Ashton Yates Confirmed For 2017 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Ashton Yates, son of multi-time AMA Champion Aaron Yates, has been confirmed on the 2017 rostrum for the newly devised Supersport 300 class. Yates will be racing alongside Alex Murley on the Team Toth Yamaha YZF-R3. Yates finished third in last year’s MotoAmerica KTM RC390 Cup taking wins at Road America, Utah Motorsports, and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Yates will continue running his familiar racing number 120 in tribute to his father’s racing number of 20. Good luck Ashton! From WSBK: Hotly anticipated for 2017, the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Provisional Permanent Entry list has been released with 35 riders taking to the track in the new category. The new feeder series will welcome 24 teams in what is set to be a thrilling and adrenaline fuelled battle to become the first WorldSSP300 champion. With a host of young riders keen to get out on track and prove their skills as well as build their experience racing in a World series, it is not one to miss out on. 14 nationalities will line up on the grid with many making their racing series debut, whilst some more experienced riders will hope to impress from the first round. Ashton Yates Confirmed For 2017 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Ending Friday: 2017 Sponsorship Opportunity with Chicken Hawk Racing - Motorcycle.com News
Ending Friday: 2017 Sponsorship Opportunity with Chicken Hawk Racing Begin Press Release: 2017 Sponsorship Opportunity with Chicken Hawk Racing by November 9, 2016 Chicken Hawk Racing is proud to be a supporter of professional and up-and-coming privateer racers since 1992. Do you have what it takes to be a Chicken Hawk-sponsored rider? Join the ranks of top racers. Chicken Hawk-backed racers compete in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, AMA Pro Flat Track, British Superbike Championship, Isle of Man TT and MotoGP World Championship paddocks, including Yoshimura Suzuki’s Roger Hayden & Toni Elias; 2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC 390 Cup Champion, Brandon Paasch; M4 SportbikeTrackGear.com Suzuki; TOBC Racing; 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Champion, Bryan Smith; 3X AMA Supermoto Champion, Gage Mcallister; Buildbase BMW Motorrad’s Isle of Man TT Winner, Michael Dunlop; BSB Superstock 1000 Champion, Taylor MacKenzie; 2014 FIM Supersport World Champion Michael van der Mark and nearly all of the AMA Pro Flat Track GNC paddock, as well as in club racing paddocks across the USA. Chicken Hawk Racing has tire warmers to fit every budget. For track day riders our Privateer Line features a Dupont Nomex® liner, carbonized insulation and Neoprene® sides panels to retain heat; for club racers and aspiring pros we offer our Classic Line tire warmers, adding our traditional serpentine heating element, Dupont Nomex® insulation and Cordura® exterior; and for professional racers and teams we’re proud to offer our top-shelf Professional Line warmers that feature our exclusive, high-density heating element – only 8mm spacing between the elements (185’ of element compared to 85’ in the Classic Line) set at 195º F. These features make it the industry’s hottest tire heater, with an additional layer of insulation and an aluminized Kevlar exterior for added heat retention. See firsthand why the podiums are filled with riders using our warmers: Champions Choose Chicken Hawk! Multi WERA Champions Witchkraft Racing choose custom imprinted Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers Chicken Hawk Racing is now accepting racer resumes for 2017 sponsorship consideration, now through the end of December. Email your resume to: sales@chickenhawkracing.com and follow Chicken Hawk Racing on social media, below: Facebook: http://ift.tt/2gKnSFo Twitter https://twitter.com/ChicknHwkRacing Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/ChickenHawkRacingTV Google+ http://ift.tt/2g2AYQh CHR works with top teams and tire companies to develop their leading edge tire warmer technology Ending Friday: 2017 Sponsorship Opportunity with Chicken Hawk Racing appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Top 10 Most Watched 2016 Motorcycle.com Videos
Top 10 Most Watched 2016 Motorcycle.com Videos Yep, 2016 is on its cool-down lap before pulling into the hot pit for the last time. That means it’s time to begin our end-of-year wrap-ups. While text is the backbone of MO’s publishing process, the importance of other media is ascending. You’ve probably noticed that we’re spending more time and effort on the videos that accompany our bike reviews and shootouts, and that’s because you all want to see what the bikes look like in motion and how they sound, which is a difficult task to accomplish in text form. So, with video gaining in prominence, we decided to look at our YouTube account to find out which of the videos we produced in 2016 delivered the most views. Now, keep in mind that basing popularity on a video published last January – nearly 12 months ago – gives that piece a massive headstart on a video that debuted in, say, November. But we’re trying to make this list simple, so let’s dig in already! Get the Flash Player to see this player. 10. 2016 Yamaha XSR900 Video Review Think of the new Yamaha XSR900 as an FZ-09 that went backstage for a costume change and emerged for act II in disguise. In the process the XSR was also wired to perform some on-stage acrobatics of which the FZ is incapable. Ticket prices went up, but so did the bike’s technological ability. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 9. Urban Sport Cruiser Shootout A Roadster, Scout, Bobber and Octane roll into a bar… With names like those, a joke is almost imminent. Determining the best urban sport cruiser among these four, though, is serious business – or as serious as can be considering the clowns involved in the process. At least no one here is wearing creepy face paint, baggy polka-dot lounge suits and oversized shoes, we just naturally look funny. Except Troy, he’s a handsome devil. And we were all fortunate to have been given only a warning by the po-po when shooting in the L.A. River, rather than anything more official. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 8. 2016 Triumph Bonneville T120 Review Staking out the most traditionally-focused of the new Bonneville models, the T120 takes its inspiration from the 1959 Bonneville and seeks to add even more of the historic model year’s DNA to the modern Bonnie platform. The challenge for Triumph was to modernize the engine, including all of the current electronics, bringing the T120 into the current century without displaying all of that advancement. So, what’s it like on the open road? Get the Flash Player to see this player. 7. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory v KTM 1290 Super Duke R The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory v KTM 1290 Super Duke R are so equally matched E-i-C Kevin Duke and Tom Roderick nearly resorted to jello wrasslin’ in an effort to determine a winner. Even then we didn’t do such a good job, nitpicking over a few subjective personal preferences is what it came down to in the end. The microbial hair of difference in the ScoreCard is nary worth mentioning, and probably begs a rematch with different editors aboard to see if there’s a change in outcome. But if you’re curious as to how this fight went, here’s the blow-by-blow account. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 6. 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Review We probably didn’t need to travel to Spain to find out the Super Duke GT is a terrific motorcycle. After all, it’s based on our 2014 Motorcycle of the Year, the wonderfully capable and funtastically fast Super Duke R. What was yet to be discovered was how the changes from R to GT worked to transform the hooligan roadster into a proper grand tourer. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 5. The Great American $9k Cruise-Off: H-D Iron 883 vs Indian Scout Sixty What this country needs is a great $9,000 motorcycle made in America by Americans, a bike that will be great – trust me on this – a bike that’ll be huuge. Not a loser. Look at the size of my hands… Lucky for us, suddenly there are two choices that fit the bill: Harley’s Iron 883 has been a huge winner for Milwaukee for years, and Indian’s new upstart, the Scout Sixty. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 4. 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R on the Dyno Kawasaki’s supercharged H2R accelerates at a rate beyond any production bike in the world, and this was put into sharp focus while attempting to knock down the door to 200 mph when ridden on an airport runway for a half a mile. Full throttle will flip the ferocious H2R in the first two gears if you’ve been brave enough to switch off the traction control, and acceleration is so fierce in third gear that a full handful of twistgrip will cause the H2R’s winglets to assume a positive angle of attack as the bike wheelies, threatening to launch into the sky. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 3. 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RR vs. 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX–10R Considering how fast, how advanced, and how downright amazing today’s literbikes are, how much would you expect to pay for such performance? Twenty grand? Forty? More? Taking into account the cost of today’s fastest hypercars, which can’t hold a candle to today’s literbikes in terms of sheer acceleration, even paying $50,000 can seem like a relative bargain. Luckily for us, we can get our hands on the Aprilia RSV4 RR or Kawasaki Ninja ZX–10R, two new for 2016 amazing two-wheeled rocketships for $17,000 – and have some change left over. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 2. Three-Wheeler Threeway From a nimble, affordable scooter in the Piaggio MP3, to a leaning Harley-Davidson and non-leaning Spyder, these three reverse trikes represent the diversity of available tricycles. The leaning reverse trike charge isn’t being led or financed by BRP or H-D and their deep pockets. Instead, at the vanguard of the full-size tilting-trike revolution is a lone engineer in a garage somewhere in Snohomish, WA. So, how does it compare to the big boys? Get the Flash Player to see this player. 1. 2017 Yamaha FZ–10 First Ride Review When it comes to liter-class streetfighters, Europe’s been putting the Japanese contenders to shame. Granted, with the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, BMW S1000R, and Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 ruling the roost, this is a tough nut to crack. However, leave it to the tuning-fork brand to bring an answer: the 2017 Yamaha FZ-10 (or MT-10 for our Euro viewers). Sharing the awesome Crossplane-crankshaft engine from the current R1, Yamaha has made some changes to bring the power back to the midrange, where street riders use it most. Frame and suspension remain the same, and although the hi-tech IMU on the R1 isn’t here, the FZ-10 isn’t hurting in the tech department. We sampled the new bike on the (in)famous Tail of the Dragon on the North Carolina/Tennessee border to put the bike to the test. Top 10 Most Watched 2016 Motorcycle.com Videos appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Merry Moto Xmas!
Merry Moto Xmas! A couple biker elves took to the streets spreading holiday cheer by handing out candy canes, popping some wheelies, and helping out a poor cager with engine problems. Merry Moto Xmas! appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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New Dirt Road Luxury Tour in Ecuador - Motorcycle.com News
New Dirt Road Luxury Tour in Ecuador Press Release from our friend Court Rand at Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental: Quito, Ecuador – December 9, 2016: Building on over seven years of experience in organizing premium motorcycle tours, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental announced their latest self-guided, off-road excursion called Dirt Deluxe. The new tour combines exclusive, award-winning luxury accommodations with a tantalizing unpaved route that takes riders into the more remote and obscure areas of Ecuador, giving a glimpse into ways of life that have largely disappeared. The 6-day tour crisscrosses the northern Ecuadorian Andes, a part of the country that still feels enigmatic, subtly inaccessible and not saturated with tourists. It’s an area known for its pristine wildlife refuges, coffee plantations, timeworn colonial buildings and therapeutic hot springs. The recent political settlement in neighboring Colombia allows visitors to safely travel through this exotic region. Now, the company’s off-road capable, adventure-ready motorcycles are the best way to dig deeper into this special region of the country. Customers are provided a pre-programmed Garmin ZUMO GPS unit and a “road book” containing detailed daily routes with genuine points of interest and culinary experiences that are not to be missed along the way. Part of the route – through the Coca-Cayambe Wildlife Reserve – is so pristine and well-protected that it is off limits to motorized traffic, unless you have a special permit, which the company arranges in advance. “We believe there is a market out there for people who like traveling on rough dirt roads yet want to enjoy premium lodging after a hard day’s ride.” explained Court Rand, Co-Founder of the Quito-based motorcycle tour operator. “Years of riding these roads has made us intimate with them. Every ride leads us to something new: a glacial lake we never visited before, a traditional artisan we’ve never met or a sparkling waterfall we’ve never swam in. We’re in this business because it moves us and we’re eager to share our experience with other riders.” Consistent with the route – which traverses several climatic zones, cultures and altitudes – the included luxury hotel accommodations are rich in diversity. The hospitality of each venue has its own unique regional character that is evident in every gesture. The Septimo Paraiso Cloudforest Lodge offers customers a special Pisco Sour cocktail made with homegrown passionfruit. Set in a desert landscape, the Tunas y Cabras Lodge prepares a succulent marmalade from the prickly pear fruit that is cultivated from cactus grown on their farm. The Hacienda Primavera Wilderness Lodge serves a mythical cup of coffee from their plantation. The new self-guided tour is available from May – February. Customers can depart any day of the week with advanced reservations. The self-guided tour includes an adventure-ready dual-sport motorcycle or 4X4 off-road capable pickup truck, motorcycle saddlebags or luggage, pre-programmed GPS, lunch and dinner each day and a cell phone for 24-hour customer support. Prices start at $1915. For more information: http://bit.ly/DirtDeluxe About Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental Located in the historic capital city of Quito, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental is the country’s first motorcycle tour operator founded in 2009. Working with local, professional guides they design and outfit tours for adventure enthusiasts who wish to explore Ecuador on two wheels. They are open 7 days a week and provide full-service rentals of mountain bikes, motor scooters, and motorcycles at reasonable daily and weekly rates. For more information: FreedomBikeRental.com New Dirt Road Luxury Tour in Ecuador appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Ask MO Anything: How Does A Slipper Clutch Work Anyway?
Ask MO Anything: How Does A Slipper Clutch Work Anyway? Dear MOby, In shopping around for a new bike, do I need one with a “slipper clutch”? Seems like many of the bikes I’m interested have one, but a few don’t. Will I feel something less than complete without one? What does a slipper clutch do exactly anyway? Clutching at Straws Ogden, Utah Dear Clutching, The slipper clutch is designed to do one thing really – eliminate the dreaded “wheel hop” when braking hard into a corner, mostly on the racetrack, but it can’t hurt if you ride hard on the street either. The typical motorcycle clutch, of course, is a stack of about 10 thin plates that when clamped together, transmit power from the engine to the transmission (then to the back tire). The more power you’re transmitting, the stouter the clutch pack needs to be. When big powerful four-strokes began taking over racing again, engine braking began to be a problem – that’s when the throttle is closed and the bike is braking for a corner. In that condition, the rear wheel is trying to spin the engine (instead of the engine driving the back tire), and since the rear tire is already light (sometimes airborne even), and since modern four-strokes have high compression ratios and aren’t so easy to spin, it could get the rear wheel bouncing, locking up, skidding, and generally giving the rider a whole handful of problems at a time when all he wants to do is bend the bike smoothly into the apex of the corner. By far the most common type is the ramp-type slipper clutch; the high-end Sigma Performance one in our photo uses simple ramps and ball bearings that, when the rear wheel is trying to spin the engine, causes those 10 plates to separate a smidge just as if the rider were pulling in the clutch lever a bit – but without the rider having to do so. The less expensive versions on most production bikes are just like it, but minus the ball bearings. Both types work fine for us on the track. The coolest ones are adjustable, letting the rider adjust how much engine braking he wants. This illo is from a BlogHonda site that nearly gave me RC213V-S overload. A lot of new sportbikes now also let you adjust engine braking electronically by propping the throttle butterflies open a smidge, which might negate the need for a slipper clutch, really, just like in the bad old days when a work-around for too much engine braking was to just turn the idle up to 2500 rpm or so. Anyway, a good slipper clutch makes it possible for the rider to sail into a heavy braking zone with silk scarf billowing, whip two or three quick downshifts as needed, and have the bike brake smoothly with no fear of rear wheel non-cooperation – also with no fear of over-revving the engine and bending a valve or something terrible. Electronic rev limiters don’t work when the rear tire is what’s spinning the engine, and all the race schools teach you should bang those downshifts as soon as possible while braking so you can concentrate on turning. When it’s time to reverse drive direction and get back on the gas, the slipper works in that direction just like any other clutch. The clutch hub slides back down the ramps and clamps the plates tightly together again. Away we go. Direct your motorcycle-related questions to AskMoAnything@motorcycle.com, where we’re dying to share our, okay my, collective and extensive moto-knowledge, collected over thousands of years of bugging people who actually do have the answers… Operators are standing by. Ask MO Anything: How Does A Slipper Clutch Work Anyway? appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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Looking To Buy A Pro Street Race Bike?
Looking To Buy A Pro Street Race Bike? Why build a new Pro Street bike when the world’s quickest is for sale? Mark Paquette is selling his turbocharged, McIntosh Machine & Fabrication-equipped Suzuki Hayabusa. This is the same bike that ran a 6.70 in Valdosta to top the Pro Street G.O.A.T. list, backing it up with a 6.72. “The thing is, we left something on the table with that pass,” said Paquette. “My back-half numbers were 3/100ths off my best. For sure I should’ve went a mid-.60—a .66 or .67 at least.” But the bike hasn’t just been setting dragstrips on fire with blistering performance, it has also demonstrated season-dominating consistency. After skipping the NHDRO season opener Paquette (and your new bike) won every round from then on, easily walking away with the Pro Street championship. The bike also won the horribly hot Manufacturers Cup race at Rockingham Dragway, showing that it’s got the right combination for any weather condition. The bike is built with the best performance parts money can buy, no money spared. Complete McIntosh chassis Ward Performance head Robinson Industries Transmission Custom Comp turbo Custom air to water intercooler Motec M800 ECU Motec PDM15 Motec C125 dash Montgomery carbon fiber body work BST carbon fiber wheels Penske Shock MTC parts and Worldwide Bearings Energycoil high-performance coils Complete operation available including back up parts/second engine, turbo, new carbon bodywork, bike lift, and much more. $85,000 to $110,000 Incrementals: quarter-mile ET: 6.70 eighth-mile ET: 4.43 quarter-mile MPH: 217 eighth-mile MPH: 178 Tuning support, backup engine, and additional parts available. Contact Mark Paquette at markservingmi@sbcglobal.net Looking To Buy A Pro Street Race Bike? appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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2017 California Superbike School Schedule - Motorcycle.com News
2017 California Superbike School Schedule It’s hard to count that high, but it looks like Keith Code and his California Superbike School have 61 dates inked for 2017, beginning February 11 in Las Vegas and barnstorming back and forth across the US with their fleet of brand-new BMW S1000RRs before winding up again in Sin City nine months later. The full schedule is below. For more information, visit Californiasuperbikeschool. Here are a couple of California Superbike School tidbits from the MO Archive: Billy Bartels rides the Lean/Slide Bike in 1998 Mark Hammond reviews A Twist of the Wrist – books and video! – in 2004 2017 California Superbike School Schedule: Date: Track: City, State: Type of School: Feb 11&12 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels Mar 16&17 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Mar 18 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Mar 19 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Mar 20&21 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Code R.A.C.E. Mar 23&24 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Apr 8&9 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels Apr 13&14 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Apr 15 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Apr 16 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Apr 18&19 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels May 8 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA Single Day/All Levels May 9 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA Single Day/All Levels May 10&11 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA 2-Day Camp/All Levels May 15 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels May 16 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels May 17&18 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ 2-Day Camp/All Levels May 22 National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park Bowling Green, KY Single Day/All Levels May 23 National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park Bowling Green, KY Single Day/All Levels May 27 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL Single Day/All Levels May 28 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL Single Day/All Levels May 29 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL Single Day/All Levels May 30&31 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL 2-Day Camp/All Levels June 8&9 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels June 10 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels June 11 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels June 13 Buttonwillow Raceway Buttonwillow, CA Single Day/All Levels June 16 Thunderhill Raceway Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels June 17 Thunderhill Raceway Willows, CA Single Day/All Levels June 19&20 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels June 21&22 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Jul 6&7 Utah Motorsports Campus Tooele, UT 2-Day Camp/All Levels July 10 The Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, WA Single Day/All Levels July 11 The Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, WA Single Day/All Levels July 12&13 The Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, WA 2-Day Camp/All Levels July 14 The Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, WA Single Day/All Levels July 31 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels Aug 1 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels Aug 2&3 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ 2-Day Camp/All Levels Aug 7 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA Single Day/All Levels Aug 8 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA Single Day/All Levels Aug 9&10 Virginia International Raceway Alton, VA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Aug 14&15 Circuit Of The Americas Austin, TX 2-Day Camp/All Levels Aug 16 Circuit Of The Americas Austin, TX Single Day/All Levels Aug 21 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels Aug 22 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ Single Day/All Levels Aug 23&24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ 2-Day Camp/All Levels Sept 6&7 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Sept 9 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Sept 10 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Sept 11&12 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Sept 25&26 Sonoma Raceway (Sears Point) Sonoma, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Oct 7&8 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels Oct 16&17 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Oct 18&19 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Oct 21 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Oct 22 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Single Day/All Levels Oct 23&24 Streets of Willow Springs Rosamond, CA Code R.A.C.E. Oct 30&31 Sonoma Raceway (Sears Point) Sonoma, CA 2-Day Camp/All Levels Nov 8&9 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels Nov 11&12 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, NV 2-Day Camp/All Levels 2017 California Superbike School Schedule appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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Yet Another Streetfighter Shootout!
Yet Another Streetfighter Shootout! Each new naked demands of us another shootout. The catalyst this time around is Yamaha’s R1-powered FZ-10. Introduced in July as a 2017 model, the new FZ-10 stands as the only liter-size Japanese streetfighter offering enough performance and attitude to bring the fight to the currently dominant nakeds. Add to that a rare appearance by an EBR 1190SX, and two stalwarts of the class, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100RR and Triumph Speed Triple R, and we’ve the ingredients for a spicy streetfighter omelette. Get the Flash Player to see this player. 2017 Yamaha FZ-10 First Ride Review Wait, the only Japanese naked of 1000cc displacement and impressive pedigree? Yep, pretty much. We’ve dispatched the Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki Z1000 and Suzuki GSX-S1000 in previous shootouts here, here, and here. That’s not to say an all-Japanese shootout involving the four isn’t of interest, or that the Tuono and Speed Triple R haven’t been involved in previous title fights (but the RR Tuono and R Speed Triple haven’t been in a shootout). For this round, diversity of engine architecture was of import: Aprilia = V-Four, EBR = V-Twin, Triumph = Inline-Triple, Yamaha = Inline-Four. Kinda cool, right? Speaking of engines, here’s how they compare in horsepower production. No surprise the Aprilia and EBR rule the roost, but look at the low end and take notice that Triumph’s Triple leads the way until about 7700 rpm. Now, take a look at the torque chart below, and you’ll see why the Triumph engine remains one of our favorites. The EBR 1190SX has also been a part of a previous shootout, narrowly losing to the mighty Super Duke R in our Brutish V-Twin Streetfighter Comparo from 2014. Back then, however, the SX was a $17,000 bike, now it’s a $13,000 bike ($13.5 for yellow or red). “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the 1190SX didn’t make for a very good $17,000 motorcycle, but it is a pretty sweet $13,000 motorcycle!” exclaims EBR enthusiast Troy Siahaan. In fact, the EBR’s $13k price tag puts it on equal footing with the other most inexpensive bike in this group, the FZ-10. From there it was clean sweep of the Objective section of the Scorecard with the EBR winning the Weight, Pounds per Horsepower and Pounds per Pound-feet categories, claiming a perfect Objective score, and affecting the overall outcome of this shootout. Triumph is the king of low-end power production but can’t match the Ape or EBR in maximum lb-ft. The Yamaha’s basement is devoid of any serious torque or horsepower, and it’s a little surprising the Tuono is about equal to the FZ for the first few thousand rpm in torque production. Also affecting the shootout’s outcome are my fellow editors (God bless them), none of whom agreed with me about scoring of the Triumph’s engine second; John Burns and Siahaan ranked it third, and Kevin Duke put it in last. “That big lump of torque in the middle serves it well on twisty roads where monster top-end horsepower is really no advantage,” says JB. “Also the best fueling of the bunch lets you get back on the gas really early.” Exactly, Burnsie, so how could you rank it third, I want to ask, but he’s away on vacation. Duke and Siahaan also had nice things to say about the Triumph’s mill, but each editor also noted a certain amount of anti-enthusiasm for the Triumph using such words as “mature,” “refined,” and “Cadillac” in their descriptions. In other words, the Speed Triple has ceased being the hooligan bike it was once considered when in the company of more edgy entrants, i.e., EBR, Tuono, FZ. “The Speed Trip no longer feels like the nasty hooligan in this company, especially next to the Tuono,” Duke comments. “It feels almost debonair in comparison.” Most expensive and heaviest of the group by a margin of at least nine pounds, coupled with the least amount of horsepower and torque, rocketed the Speed Triple R to last place in the Objective section of our scorecard. The Triumph’s combination of third-longest wheelbase, second steepest rake, and least amount of trail makes up for some of its heft by gifting the Speed Triple with light, quick steering manners. “I didn’t think it would have a chance on Glendora Mountain Road, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it having not much trouble keeping up with the pack in those really tight conditions. Shorter trail than I suspected lets it turn super-quick,” says Burns. 2016 Triumph Speed Triple R Review The R version of the Speed Triple comes equipped with a fully adjustable Öhlins NIX fork, and Öhlins TTX36 twin-tube shock, both of which help the Triumph maintain superior comfort and control, but are also crucial to elevating the R’s price tag. At $14,900 it’s the most expensive bike here, if only $100 more than the Tuono. The Speed Triple was also lauded for the stopping performance of its Brembo brakes, its handsome good looks (only bike here with a single-side swingarm), and its ability to wheelie in track mode, “Yay!” says Duke. Alas, while the Speed Triple R finished third in Subjective scoring, its poor showing in Objective scoring relegated the Triumph to last place. Let’s not despair, though, because there appears to be a new Street Triple 800 coming soon, which, while not a liter bike, could upset the pecking order nonetheless (MV Agusta’s Brutale 800 is a wonderful balance between 600 and 1000cc). Not sure how many times you’ve seen an EBR 1190SX, but there’s no arguing the bike marches to the beat of its own drum. For the uninitiated, there’s fuel in the frame, oil in the swingarm, and one large brake disc affixed to the front rim. “Holy crap! Based solely on objective scores, the EBR is the clear winner! Bam!” says Siahaan, who ranked the EBR last subjectively, as did all the other testers except Burns whose scored the EBR second. “The SX is all simple, uncluttered, brutal wedges and triangles,” says Burns. “I love the way this thing looks, and when the performance is all this close, looks matter a lot. It’s a bit raw for sure, but that’s what I like about it. It’s an analog bike in a digital world, a nasty snarly thing that makes great sounds.” No one’s going to argue with him because it’s all true. The EBR is also the lightest bike here with the best power-to-weight ratios of the bunch. It’s also the raciest of the four with high-set footpegs reducing legroom, a thin, hard seat providing minimal comfort, and an aggressive seating position with you up over the bars. On the plus side, the 1190SX feels smaller than a big V-Twin with 156 horsepower should feel. With a 449-pound curb weight, the 1190SX undercut the second heaviest bike, FZ-10, by 17 pounds. The EBR is devoid of all modern electronics except traction control. Repeated clutch lever use exposes some very stiff clutch springs. “The EBR changes direction so much faster than the other bikes here, you have to retrain your brain to adjust your turning points,” says Siahaan. “The EBR likes going fast and it feels more at home the quicker the pace is.” 2015 EBR 1190SX First Ride Review The EBR could be guilty of some nervousness, as I never realized complete confidence in the bike, although Burns contends that it may have been suffering from an overtightened drive chain, restricting the rear from freely compressing during corner exits “keeping the trail short and making it feel a little skittish.” (Former Buell models wore belt final drives, and utilized a tensioner. EBRs, now chain-driven, retain the tensioner.) Braking performance was up to the task of aggressive street riding as Duke noted. “For the sport riding we did on the street, the oddball front brake setup lacks nothing. It has plenty of power, is easy to modulate, and doesn’t stand up when braking in corners..” The EBR is the only bike of the four boasting full-color instrumentation. Although the EBR 1190SX finished at the bottom of the Subjective section of our Scorecard, it bumped the Speed Triple R from third to fourth when factoring in its perfect Objective scores, giving the EBR a top-three finish. I’ll let Burnsie surmise the group’s attitude regarding the EBR. “I could ride it everyday, but it’s a better thing to own if you already have something practical. It’s the good bourbon you hide when your friends come around, that you save for just you and your dog and the fireplace. Rare, heady, conducive to deep thinking… speaking of thinking, $12,999 is the bargain of the year. If I was a rich guy who did lots of track days, this is the one.” The upcoming version of Aprilia’s Tuono receives a host of electronic upgrades and color TFT instrumentation for 2017, elevating the desirability of the new Tuono and probably making good deals on 2016 model easier to find. No one at MO is ever disappointed about having a Tuono in the garage. It’s one of those bikes you occasionally go out to the garage, fire up, and rap the throttle a few times just because. Winner of multiple MO shootouts and the only bike to give KTM’s Super Duke R a run for its money, the Tuono was somewhat hampered in this shootout because track time was not a part of the testing itinerary. Had it been, it’s highly unlikely the FZ-10 would be in first place, and probably would have come down to a dogfight between the Tuono and EBR. “The magic combination here is the V-4 engine, excellent chassis, and stable suspension,” says Siahaan. “That V-4 is monstrous yet controllable, the chassis is lithe and assuring, and the suspension helps communicate to the rider exactly what the bike is doing underneath you. The RR model gets slightly downgraded brakes and suspension, but does it dampen the experience any? Not one bit. The lower price tag compared to the Factory version makes it very attractive, too.” You haven’t lived until you’ve twisted the throttle of this engine in anger. The Aprilia tied the EBR in Pounds per HP, and was only 0.1 Pound per Lb.-Ft. shy of the EBR, but only because the EBR enjoys a 20-pound weight advantage. Because this test is street-biased, the Tuono was hurt by its more aggressive seating position, lack of legroom and omission of streetable niceties such as cruise control (coming in 2017). “You can’t not like that engine, but for everyday use for me, it verges on overkill especially if it gets what? 35 mpg? I’d like it better if I was 20 years younger,” says Burns. At $14,799, the Tuono is the second-most expensive bike here, and an $1,800 hurdle its sound and performance just couldn’t overcome when measured against the new FZ-10. Although, after reading Duke’s comment below, the extra price may well seem easily justifiable. “The 1077cc version of Aprilia’s V-4 is simply one of the most intoxicating engines ever bolted into a motor vehicle. It’s always chomping at the bit, and it dishes out an indignant musical symphony seemingly composed in hell,” says Duke. For all the readers bitching about the new TFT display on the 2017 KTM Super Duke R, both the 2016 version of it and the Tuono have nice, big analog tachs. Get ’em while they last because the Tuono is getting a TFT display in 2017 as well. Who here is surprised the Yamaha FZ-10 won this comparison? I was. For reasons we’ll get to shortly, the FZ makes for a better all-around street bike than the Tuono, but its lack of low- and mid-range grunt left me unimpressed, especially considering that rev range is so important on the street. Again, my fellow editors disagreed, with Burns and Siahaan ranking the FZ first, and Duke placing it second. But it was about as close as close can get. Like the reversal of fortune the Triumph suffered, the Tuono won the Subjective scoring over the FZ by 0.06% (90.63% vs. 90.57%), and overtook the Tuono when Objective scores were factored in. Still, it was only a 0.19% margin of victory (91.47% vs 91.28%). With the FZ-10 Yamaha seems to have nailed the perfect combination of streetable comfort and performance for a reasonable price in a visually arresting package. “I had high hopes for the FZ-10 after riding it at its launch in North Carolina,” says Siahaan. “I even said it would give the almighty Tuono and KTM Super Duke a run for their money. Well, we have yet to ride it next to the KTM, but I will say that I was right about the Tuono. The FZ is every bit the Aprilia’s equal, in my opinion.” Burns joins I-told-you-so-editor Siahaan by echoing his fanboy chorus. “Almost as comfy as the Triumph, perfect ergos, excellent, polished rider interface… and cruise control is the coup de grace. It makes the FZ not just a great naked bike but also a great sport-touring bike. The best bike Yamaha has produced in a decade. Maybe longer, but that’s as far back as I can remember.” The FZ’s crossplane I-4 is nearly as delicious sounding as Aprilia’s V-4, some might say better. But it fails to deliver the same power production whether it be low, mid or peak. The FZ-10’s very standard seating position with lots of legroom and handlebars that come back to greet the rider certainly helped win it admirers on this street-only test. Cruise control was also a contributor, but the bike does suffer an idiocracy of Ride Mode naming conventions (B: most powerful, A: least powerful, Standard: somewhere in the middle), and A mode was overly sensitive to throttle inputs. Handling is definitely an attribute for which the FZ has reason to crow. Fast, light steering has the FZ making quick work of any paved switchback, and delivers solid stability and rider confidence in the fast stuff. “Not only did it handle better than I expected, it’s also eminently capable not only on tight backroads but everywhere else. Turns quick and light with great feedback,” says Burns. It may resemble Optimus Prime’s illegitimate offspring, but we like the FZ’s transformer styling. The FZ-10 is the epitome of what a 20-year-old’s artist rendition of a motorcycle would probably look like. Before we depart the last streetfighter shootout of 2016, I’m gonna let myself and the other editors put our choices into perspective. I chose the Speed Triple R as my second choice because it is the most refined motorcycle here with the type engine performance I desire in a street-going sportbike. However, as the most expensive bike, and being the budget-conscious person I am, I’d probably spend my money on the FZ rather than the Aprilia or Triumph, but if money were no object, one of the other two would be in my garage. Burns: “For me it would come down to: Do you already have a practical bike in the garage to ride most of the time, or will you only be having one? If it’s A, I want the Buell. If it’s B, the FZ-10 is the one.” Duke: “As much as I’d like the FZ to challenge the Tuono for streetfighter bad-assery, it doesn’t. But what it is is a better-rounded sport motorcycle that is equally adept at commuting to work as it is unraveling a twisty canyon road.” Siahaan: “As much as I love the Aprilia Tuono, the FZ-10 provides equal amounts of enjoyment, in my eyes, and ties the EBR as the least expensive here. With that in mind the decision is a no-brainer. FZ-10 all the way.” And there you have it. Until next year and yet another streetfighter shootout. Adieu 2016. Yet Another Streetfighter Shootout! ScoreCard Aprilia Tuono V4 1100RR EBR 1190SX Triumph Speed Triple R Yamaha FZ-10 Price 87.8% 100% 87.2% 100% Weight 95.7% 100% 93.9% 96.3% lb/hp 100% 100% 85.3% 87.9% lb/lb-ft 96.4% 100% 93.1% 90.0% Total Objective Scores 93.9% 100% 90.1% 95.1% Engine 97.2% 92.8% 91.3% 93.1% Transmission/Clutch 93.1% 86.9% 90.6% 90.0% Handling 91.9% 90.6% 88.1% 91.3% Brakes 88.8% 87.5% 90.0% 87.5% Suspension 89.4% 87.5% 93.1% 89.4% Technologies 89.4% 71.3% 82.5% 89.4% Instruments 84.4% 81.3% 84.4% 90.6% Ergonomics/Comfort 84.4% 81.9% 90.0% 93.8% Quality, Fit & Finish 88.1% 88.1% 91.3% 87.5% Cool Factor 88.8% 91.9% 85.0% 89.4% Grin Factor 95.0% 90.6% 83.8% 91.9% Kevin’s Subjective Scores 91.5% 87.1% 87.3% 90.4% Tom’s Subjective Scores 91.0% 84.2% 89.8% 88.8% Troy’s Subjective Scores 91.9% 88.1% 89.2% 92.7% John’s Subjective Scores 88.1% 88.3% 87.5% 90.4% Overall Score 91.3% 89.5% 88.8% 91.5% Yet Another Streetfighter Shootout! Specifications Aprilia Tuono V4 1100RR EBR 1190SX Triumph Speed Triple S/R Yamaha FZ-10 MSRP $14,799 $12,995 $$14,900 $12,995 Engine Type 1077cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 65° V4, 4-stroke, 16 valves 1190cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 72° V-Twin, 4-stroke, 8 valves 1050cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder 998cc, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder; 16 valves Bore and Stroke 81.0mm x 52.3mm 106mm x 67.5mm 79mm x 71.4mm 79.0mm x 50.9mm Compression Ratio 13.1:1 13.4:1 12.25:1 12.0:1 HP 160.6 hp @ 11,400 rpm 156.0 @ 10,700 rpm 140 hp @ 9,500 rpm 138.5 hp @ 9900 rpm Torque 82.8 lb.-ft. @ 9,300 83.0 lb.-ft @ 8100 rpm 82.6 lb.-ft. @ 7,850 77.1 lb.-ft @ 9300 rpm lb/hp 2.9 2.9 3.4 3.3 lb/torque 5.6 5.4 5.8 6.0 Transmission 6-speed, wet multi-plate, assist-and-slipper 6-speed, hydraulic actuation, vacuum operated slipper 6-speed, wet multi-plate, assist-and-slipper 6-speed, wet multi-plate, assist-and-slipper Final Drive Chain Chain Chain Chain Front Suspension Inverted 43mm Sachs fork, fully adjustable, 4.72 in. of travel Showa, inverted big piston front fork Showa 43 mm upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 120 mm travel/Öhlins 43mm NIX30 upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 120mm travel 43mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel Rear Suspension Gas-charged Sachs shock absorber, three-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.11 in. travel Showa, single linkageless shock Showa Monoshock with rebound and compression damping, 130 mm rear wheel travel/Öhlins TTX36 twin tube Monoshock with rebound and compression damping, 130mm rear wheel travel KYB single shock w/piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel Front Brake Dual 320mm disc with aluminum flange. Brembo M432 mono-block radial calipers and metal braid line. 386mm single perimeter rotor, 8-piston inside-out caliper Twin 320mm floating discs, Brembo 4-piston 2-pad radial mono-block calipers. Switchable ABS. Dual hydraulic disc, 320mm; ABS Rear Brake 220mm disc, Brembo caliper. Pump with integrated tank and metal braid brake pipe 220mm disc, 2-piston Hayes Performance Brakes Caliper Single 255 mm disc, Nissin single 2-piston sliding caliper. Switchable ABS. Hydraulic disc, 220mm; ABS Front Tire 120/70-17 120/70-17 120/70-17 120/70-17 Rear Tire 190/55-17 190/55-17 190/55-17 190/55-17 Rake/Trail 24.7 deg/3.9 in 22.4 º/3.8 in 22.9º/3.6 in 24.0º/4.0 in. Wheelbase 57.1 in. 55.5 in. 56.5 in. 55.1 in. Seat Height 32.5 in. 32.5 in. 32.5 in. 32.5 in. Curb Weight 469 lbs. 448.6 lbs. 478 lbs. 466 lbs. Fuel Capacity 4.9 gal. 4.5 gal. 4.1 gal. 4.5 gal. Gear Position Indicator ABS Ride modes Cruise control Traction control Quick shifter Yet Another Streetfighter Shootout! appeared first on Motorcycle.com.
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KTM Factory Riders Take On Challenge Of Dakar Rally 2017 - Motorcycle.com News
KTM Factory Riders Take On Challenge Of Dakar Rally 2017 Begin Press Release: KTM FACTORY RIDERS TAKE ON CHALLENGE OF DAKAR RALLY 2017 Dakar Rally 2017 – Preview KTM heads to Paraguay for the start of the 38th edition of the mighty Dakar Rally on January 2 with a strong lineup of four factory riders. Their task is clearly defined: they must be ready to take on the daunting challenge of winning the Austrian brand’s 16th title in a race over 9000 km that organizers have promised will be one of the toughest yet. The motorcycle category has been safe in KTM’s hands since 2001, when Italian Fabrizio Meoni was their first winner. Now the team is firmly on the top of every competitor’s wish list as the one to beat. All four riders heading for the start are fit and well prepared, and they know the pressure is on.The 2016 winner Toby Price (#1) again leads the KTM challenge. The much-winning Australian desert racer competes in his third Dakar with an enviable 3-1 result in his two first races. Price: “I’m excited about being part of the Dakar this year. It’s going to be a difficult one, ranging from the navigation to the high altitude. It’s definitely going to be a challenge but its also one I’m looking forward to, and to seeing how it pans out. It’s also exciting to be starting in Paraguay and going into Argentina and Bolivia. It’s going to be a long race and a long two weeks, but we’ll just get to the end of every day, hope for the best and go from there. But everything is looking good, the bike is good and the team is strong, so it’s exciting times ahead.” British rider Sam Sunderland (#14) made his debut with the factory team in 2015 and goes to the start with confidence after finishing second in the 2017 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship. But he is aware that changes in the navigations regulations and the physical demands on riders and machinery will make this year’s edition very tough. Sunderland: “We’ve been training in Morocco to get some practice in how the new navigation rules will work, which are sure to make the race a little slower and more tricky. I also think the altitude will play a big role. The first week has a lot of stages at altitudes that go up to 4,800 meters. This will affect both us as riders, and our machinery, so it’s going to be tough. I’m working hard to prepare for that right up until the last moments before we leave for Paraguay.” Austria’s Matthias Walkner (#16) takes on his third Dakar Rally in 2017 after having to retire from the first half of the 2016 edition with a fractured leg. He was able to rejoin the team for the last two rounds of the 2017 world championship and is fit to tackle his third attempt. Walkner: “The Dakar is our main race and we all work for it for the whole year. It’s not just a race; it’s more of an adventure so it’s cool to be part of it. Also the people and the countries are nice and there are nice places to ride in. For sure it’s going to be really tough this year. There’s the altitude, the very long stages, a marathon stage and for six days we will not be under 3,500 meters altitude. It’s going to be really hard for us, and the mechanics, and also for the bikes. But we have a good team and we’re prepared for it. After my injury last year I feel 95 percent prepared for it. I hope these last weeks go well for me and that I can get to the finish.” Completing the lineup is KTM Factory Racing’s powerful woman rider Laia Sanz of Spain (#19), the 2017 Women’s Enduro World Champion. Sanz is riding in her sixth Dakar and in 2015 finished overall ninth. Sanz: “This Dakar I think will be a little different from the last one. Everyone says we’ll have more navigation, and we know we have 5-6 stages of altitude. This will make the race even harder. Also we have some new parts where we’ve never been before – new places and new stages and we don’t know how it will be. I think it will be harder than last year, also longer stages, so we’ll have to see what happens.” Missing from the 2017 lineup is French rider Antoine Meo, who recently had surgery on his left wrist. He is now concentrating on preparing for the start of the 2017 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship. Due to personal reasons resulting in a lack of time for preparation Mexican-born KTM rider Ivan Ramirez finally decided not to step in for Meo as a rookie at Dakar Rally 2017. Marc Coma, Dakar Sporting Director and a five-time winner for KTM has promised an extremely tough edition. “The route of the 2017 Dakar preserves rally-raid traditions, with a physical challenge that will push the competitors into the world of extreme endurance,” he has stated. There will be seven timed selective sections over 400 km and one over 500 km. Altitude will be a particular issue this year with six competition days at more than 3,000 meters above sea level. Coma also assures the 146 riders competing in the motorcycle category that nothing will be decided until the last special stage. Dakar Rally 2017 embraces Paraguay, the 29th participating country in this offroad epic, which will host the start of the event in Asunción (January 2). During the rally they will encounter dramatically different temperatures – close to freezing when exiting the Bolivian plateau and up to 50°C in Argentina and they will tackle continually changing terrain that will never get any easier. The mammoth “Super Belén” stage takes them over almost 1,000 km. The one rest day will be spent at La Paz, in the highest altitude capital in the world, where they will attempt to catch their breath and maintain and repair their machinery before they head south for the second week that finishes at Buenos Aires on January 14. In all, riders cross three countries – Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina in 12 stages totaling almost 9,000 km, more than 4,000 km of which is under the clock. Navigation will be a particular issue this year. Organizers warn that GPS systems made available to riders will have limited functions; a system they say is designed to “…restore all the importance to the good old-fashioned compass.” Stages Rally Dakar 2017Monday, January 2, Stage 1 – Asunción – Resistencia (39 km timed, 454 km total) Tuesdasy, January 3, Stage 2 – Resistencia – San Miguel de Tucumán (275 km timed, 803 km total) Wednesday, January 4, Stage 3 – San Miguel de Tucumán – San Salvador de Jujuy (364 km timed, 780 km total) Thursday, January 5, Stage 4 – San Salvador de Jujuy – Tupiza (416 km timed, 521 km total) Friday, January 6, Stage 5 – Tupiza – Oruro (447 km timed, 692 km total) Saturday, January 7, Stage 6 – Oruro – La Paz (527 km timed, 786 km total)Sunday January 8, Rest Day – La Paz Monday, January 9, Marathon Stage 7 – La Paz – Uyuni (322 km timed, 622 km total) Tuesday, January 10, Marathon Stage 8 – Uyuni – Salta (492 km timed, 892 km total) Wednesday, January 11, Stage 9 – Salta – Chilecito (406 km timed, 977 km total) Thursday, January 12, Stage 10 – Chilecito – San Juan (449 km timed, 751 km total) Friday, January 12, Stage 11 – San Juan – Río Cuarto (288 km timed, 754 km total) Saturday, January 13, Stage 12 – Río Cuarto – Buenos Aires (64 km timed, 786 km total) http://ift.tt/2ie5Xul | media.ktm.comFacebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram KTM Factory Riders Take On Challenge Of Dakar Rally 2017 appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.
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