Big effort on small bikes: KTM is excited to announce the upgraded Sportminicycle range for MY2017 including the 50 SX, 65 SX and 85 SX models for budding junior riders and racers.
At a recent event in Las Vegas, as part of the Supercross series that was won by Red Bull KTM factory rider and back-to-back 450 Supercross Champion, Ryan Dungey, the new ‘Minis’ were unveiled with some exciting changes. For model year 2017 the 50 SX and 65 SX will receive the brand new AER 35 forks by WP Suspension, which is an incredible step forward in terms of air fork technology for junior motorcycles. This revolutionary technology allows the bikes to be adjusted easily for the growing rider with a simple fork pump. These models also boast a fully adjustable shock absorber, new exhaust system, an hourmeter and new graphics in the style of the ‘grown up’s bikes’, which allows these exciting READY TO RACE quality bikes step out as the benchmark in terms of junior machines.
The KTM 50 SX is a true KTM for young motocross riders at the entry level of the sport. With its steady, controllable power and an automatic clutch, the 50 SX is ideal for the budding motocross racer. Its bigger brother, the KTM 65 SX, is a fully-fledged piece of racing kit for youngsters, and sets the standard in terms of power, riding dynamics, equipment and craftsmanship.
The biggest machine in the junior range is the class-leading KTM 85 SX, which is available in both small wheel and big wheel guises. For MY2017 this machine retains its traditional sprung forks, but detail changes have further improved this ever-popular, class-leading READY TO RACE machine.
“It gives us great satisfaction to bring some major updates to the Sportminicycle range. Of course the biggest changes are in the suspension for the 50 SX and 65 SX, which now receive the brilliant, revolutionary WP AER 35 front fork system. This means that as a young rider is growing, the spring rate can be easily adjusted, as can the setting of the bike for different tracks and terrain. In the rear of the bike is a fully adjustable shock absorber, as well as other detail improvements throughout these small machines providing the very best quality for young riders,” said KTM Offroad Product Manager, Joachim Sauer.
“It gives us a lot of pride to see young riders embrace the orange family, giving them the feeling of quality equipment from a young age for those who enjoy riding for fun as well as those that go on to be professional athletes,” concluded Sauer.
The MY2017 KTM Sportminicycle range will be available in KTM Dealers at the beginning of June 2016.
In August this year a team of volunteers from Imperial College’s Racing Green Project will ride their ZEPHiR motorcycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats aiming to set a world record for the fastest and first electric motorcycle to travel the famous route. Shod with Michelin tyres, the ZEPHiR will incorporate the world’s first water-cooled 3D printed motorcycle motor and superstructure (coated in carbon fibre) supporting the innovative textile fairing and seat.
The ZEPHiR project was set up by a team of volunteers from Imperial College’s Racing Green programme (well known for racing at the TT) and is a new start for the team, one where data collection and raising public awareness are combined with a once in a lifetime adventure.
The team are clear in their objectives, which include building a high range, road legal electric motorcycle; developing a 3D printed motor in partnership with Frazer-Nash and Renishaw; collaborating with textile postgraduates of the Royal College of Art to create a novel fairing system; raising awareness of the Imperial Racing Green programme with ZEPHiR demonstrations at public events; and finally attempting to set a world record riding from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
Michelin Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, James Dimmock, said: “We’re excited to support this ground-breaking project. It’s been rewarding to work with the team in the planning stages, as we’ve been able to help with their tyre selection and advise them about the importance of tyres in terms of reducing rolling resistance and extending battery life, while ensuring good performance at speed. At Michelin, we pride ourselves on the quality and technical excellence of our tyres, and we’re delighted that this has been recognised by the Racing Green Team’s decision to choose Michelin for their pioneering ZEPHiR project.
Nathaniel Petre from Imperial’s Racing Green Team said: “2016 is going to be an exciting year for us. The world record attempt in August will be the culmination of many months of hard work. To have confidence in our tyres and the support and technical advice from the experts at Michelin means the ZEPHiR project is certainly more likely to succeed in the objectives. We couldn’t be happier to count such a world-famous marque of excellence among our supporters.”
For the latest news and updates on the ZEPHiR project find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IRGZEPHiR/
Ducati has entrusted Milestone, Italy’s largest production company of videogames dedicated to the racing world, with developing and distributing the new “Ducati – 90th Anniversary The Official Videogame”.
The game, available for PlayStation®4, Xbox One® and Windows PC/STEAM™, will be in shops from June at Gamestop Italia outlets and in digital stores.
“Ducati – 90th Anniversary The Official Videogame” comes from the creators of RIDE and Ducati passion itself, and is a true spin-off, entirely dedicated to the historic Ducati brand and presenting ninety years of motorcycle legends in a spectacular and exciting videogame.
The latest title from Milestone Studios boasts extensive content. The bikes themselves of course, with 39 different Ducati models included in the game, 29 of which have never before been seen in this context, divided into 7 eras, from the 1950’s to the latest, high-performance Bologna-built bikes. You can race with the legendary 125 Desmo (1958) or with the 500 Pantah (1970), the beautiful 750 F1 (1980), but also with the first Monster 900 (1990) or the various evolutions of the “naked” par excellence, such as the high-performance Monster S4RS Tricolore. The Superbikes had to be incorporated of course and include the 848 (2000) and the highly exclusive 1199 Panigale Superleggera (2014), as well as the Desmosecidici GP15 ridden by Andrea Dovizioso and many Ducati production milestone models.
You can compete on 5 road tracks (Stelvio Park, Kanto Temples, Sierra Nevada, French Riviera and North Wales) and on 8 faithfully reproduced racetracks (Imola, Potrero de Los Funes, Alméria, Road America, Magny Cours, Donington and Sugo). Also part of the game, the track that is dearest to the Ducati fans, the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, the setting for so many legendary races, but also for the nine editions of World Ducati Week, the famous gathering that, every two years, brings together Ducatisti from all over the world.
Ducati is all about passion, but also history, and it is here that the Museum comes into play, included in a racing videogame for the very first time. A space entirely dedicated to those fans and enthusiasts who wish to discover all the technical and historical details and interesting facts that have made each of the bikes so famous, bikes that have contributed to writing the best and most unforgettable pages of Ducati’s history.
The ‘Orange Roadshow’ offers test rides on 2016 Street range
KTM UK has begun its 2016 Orange Roadshow, offering riders an increased opportunity to sample selected models from its 2016 Street range.
Attending various outdoor events and KTM open days to bolster the existing assortment of dealer test bikes on offer, the travelling demo tour begins at Sheffield-based dealer SMC on May 7 before moving to the MCN Festival in Peterborough with Gear4 Motorcycles on May 14-15.
KTM bikes on the Orange Roadshow include all three capacities of the Adventure range – 1050, 1190 and 1290 – along with the massively updated 690 DUKE and, packing the biggest performance punch, will be the inclusion of the 1290 SUPER DUKE GT and 1290 SUPER DUKE R.
For riders without limits or who simply want every journey to be an adventure, there’s a massive variety in performance and rider equipment between the 1050 ADVENTURE, 1190 ADVENTURE and 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE – including some of the most advanced electronic rider aids available. These are all bikes that don’t compromise on rider satisfaction or safety – no matter the road or load.
The new 690 DUKE is the most powerful and technically refined single-cylinder naked on the market. Revised for 2016, the engine has received a huge update to deliver more punch, improved smoothness and increased efficiency. The narrow and featherlight steel trellis chassis – fitted with high-end WP suspension and Brembo braking components – not only makes it easy to manoeuvre though favourite corners or congested commutes, it also boosts rider confidence.
The 1290 SUPER DUKE GT is fast setting the new standard in sports touring motorcycles with an array of leading technical rider aids married to a chassis with genuine READY TO RACE lightweight sporty performance and the latest incarnation of the torque-laden 1290 LC8 V-twin engine.
‘The Beast’ 1290 SUPER DUKE R is joined with a ‘Special Edition’ variant. Boasting the same brutal engine performance and precise handling, but is instead finished with a distinctive and exclusive colour scheme and fitted with a host of performance and aesthetically-enhancing KTM PowerParts.
Demo rides are subject to availability and can only be booked on site on the day of the event. Rider requirements vary between the events and dealerships, but are typically open to riders aged over 23 who have held a full motorcycle licence for at least two years.
To mark its return to motorcycle racing’s premier series, Michelin has chosen the 2016 Grand Prix de France to take the wraps off the new MICHELIN Pilot Power 3 MotoGPTM Ltd Edition which will go on sale in Europe on 1 June.
In a world first, this exclusive tyre will feature specific sidewall branding that combines the MICHELIN Pilot Power 3 and official MotoGP logos. Production is being limited to 5,000 pairs.
The new MICHELIN Pilot Power 3 MotoGPTM Ltd Edition is available in 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front and 180/55 ZR 17 (73W) rear sizes to fit a large selection of sports bikes.
Michelin’s MotoGP involvement provides it with an extreme laboratory to develop technological solutions that will later feed into the road tyres it makes for all motorcyclists.
Wunderlich’s new Media Handlebar Bag offers a handy place to hold a smartphone or sat-nav, as well as a somewhere to stash a wallet, mobile phone, sunglasses and all those essential items that need to be kept handy during a ride.
An ideal alternative to a tank bag, the Media Handlebar Bag secures to the handlebar using Velcro® straps, making it quick and easy to attach and remove, and a belt loop is included so it can be carried hands-free off the bike too.
A clear PVC compartment on the top flap is provided for the operation of smartphones, sat navs and other touch-sensitive devices (up to 70 mm x145 mm), with a water-resistant cable input point, for charging on the move.
Beneath the flap is the generous main storage compartment, which has a blue lining to make finding smaller items easier. There are separate, extra pockets and additional storage places for pens, credit cards, loose change, etc; no more fiddling about in jacket pockets at fuel stops and for tolls.
The outer shell is made from Teflon-coated Cordura®, so it’s tough, hard-wearing and resistant to sun-bleaching. Inside is a waterproof coating, integrated strengthening and a shock-absorbing liner that helps to keep contents protected and prevents them from bulging/shifting during riding.
Naturally, all zips are water and dirt-resistant, and all feature easy-pull tabs so items can be accessed without taking gloves off – a real bonus when making quick stops.
Unlike most bar bags, the Wunderlich Media Handlebar Bag is model-specific, so the fit is tailored to each machine, with a wide selection of BMW models covered. Selling at £59.00 including VAT, visit www.nippynormans.com for details and a full fitment list.
Organisers of this year’s Cholmondeley Power and Speed are upshifting their bike action with a thrilling selection of unique machines and history-filled racers.
British engineer Allen MIllyard, will be taking to the Cholmondeley Track on two of his unique and powerful hand-built motorcycles. The one-off Viper V10 is built around a Viper 8-litre V10 engine, with the forks, tank, exhausts, sub frames, handlebars, mudguards swimming arm and wheel hubs, all hand built. The result is a bike with 500bhp and around 525lb of torque, capable of 207mph.
The second bike Allen will be bringing is the award-winning Flying Millyard. Named after the Flying Merkels, the bike is powered by a gigantic, 5.0-litre V-twin engine designed for an aeroplane. The retro-styled custom bike may not be as powerful as the Viper V10 – with 80bhp and a top speed 100mph – but it is a true sight to behold on track.
Also set to compete over the weekend is a 1959 Vincent Viscount. This bike broke the AMA Land Speed Record in the 1000 MPS – VG Class, with a speed of 131.684 mph. A new record was also set in the 1000 – MPS – CG Class of 124.862. With further modifications since then, it will be thrilling to see what it can achieve on the Cholmondeley track.
A 1981 Yamaha TZ350H appearing at the event has a rich racing history. Ridden by former GP star Donnie McLeod from 1982 – 1984, the duo won the Bill Ivy Trophy in only their second race as a pairing. In total, over 18 months, Donnie and the TZ350H achieved 18 wins and 22 podiums and won the Sponsors Association Series.
Bringing sidecar action to the track will be a 1956 Norton Dominator 99. This particular example of the model, which was originally developed as a competitor to the Triumph Speed Twin, was turned into a sidecar outfit in 1964. Since then it has been raced on grass tracks in the 60s, in the Thundersprint in the 00s and most recently in events such as Cholmondeley.
Further bike action will be provided by Supermoto UK, who will be bringing ten of the sport’s top riders to the event in June to show off their skills and entertain crowds of all ages.
James Hall, event director, said: “The bike action, from superbikes and classic racers, to sidecar outfits and Supermoto UK riders, always proves a popular element on track. These bikes offer just a glimpse of the wide variety and rich heritage set to be represented at Cholmondeley this year and we’re excited to reveal further models competing over the coming weeks.”
Cholmondeley Power and Speed is this year celebrating Supercars: Past, Present and Future which will include stunning displays and thrilling on-track action. The activity will give attendees the chance to get up close and personal to some of the most powerful, eye-catching and revered supercars in the world.
The 2016 staging of the event will also feature the inaugural Motorshow Live! Taking place on the Friday, this all-new element of Cholmondeley Power and Speed will give car manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate their latest models on track while enabling guests to test drive in a unique racing environment. Already committed are Lexus, Blue Bell BMW and Holdcroft Honda, with Oakmere Motor Group also set to showcase their latest models from Lotus, Morgan and Caterham.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Cholmondeley will be hosting a beer and food festival for the first time, with stand-up comedy set to entertain attendees on Saturday night. Entry to the evening activity is included with day tickets, however visitors who wish to attend just for the food, beer and comedy festival can purchase tickets for £15 for adults and £10 for children, allowing access to the site from 6pm on Saturday 11th June.
Additional features and content on land (on both two and four wheels), air and water will be announced over the coming weeks, with all elements of the event once again set against the stunning backdrop of Cholmondeley Castle and its beautiful parkland.
Further information and tickets are available at www.cpop.co.uk for the event at Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire. Adult tickets are priced from £24 with children’s tickets priced from £7.
The innovative and hugely popular Dark Side MT Tour is about to take to the road again as the 2016 roadshow visits six destinations across the UK over the next two months, plus adds a visit to Motorcycle Live in November.
Now in its third season the Dark Side MT Tour was created to give riders a chance to ‘Discover their Dark Side’ by experiencing the latest MT models for themselves and joining the growing numbers of MT owners across the UK and Europe.
The 2016 tour looks set to be even more popular than before with the arrival of the awesome MT-10, the new flagship of the MT range. The MT-10 will be available for riders to test both on the public road and on the Extreme Wheelie Machine and the UK MT Tour will offer the first chance to ride the MT-10 before they even arrive in dealerships, with five test units available for the MT Tour event in Peterborough on 14-15th May.
And with the new MT-03, plus the uprated MT-09 with TCS joining the tour fleet, alongside the Night Fluo version of the MT-07 Moto Cage and the best selling, award winning MT-125 and MT-07 models there is an MT to suit every rider.
Organised, free, test rides with lead riders and support crew take place on the local roads and all riders with a full motorcycle licence can participate. Simply book the MT of your choice on arrival at the event. There are even accessorised MT machines available so riders can compare the many different options from the MT accessory catalogue.
The MT fleet comprises over 30 motorcycles and even includes a restricted 35kw MT-07 along with the new MT-03 and MT-125, A2 and A1 compliant models which can be ridden under full supervision in a closed off area with professional trainers offering free riding instruction as part of the ‘First MT Experience’ area.
The centrepiece of the Dark Side Tour is the giant MT Tour truck with its display of the latest MT models, MT accessories and MT clothing. Completing the line up at the Dark Side Tour are the ever popular Extreme Wheelie Machines where riders can hone their throttle control and balance skills in complete safety while the Dave Coates MT Stunt Show shows what an MT can really do in the hands of a pro stunt rider.
The 2016 Dark Side MT Tour will visit the following venues:
14th-15th May MT Tour MCN Festival, Peterborough
18th-19th June MT Tour Squires Café, Leeds
25th-26th June MT Tour Rykas Café, Box Hill
2nd-3rd July MT Tour Saddle Inn, Preston
9th-10th July MT Tour Llandow Circuit, South Wales
16th July MT Tour Bikesafe, Rockingham
19-27th Nov MT Tour Motorcycle Live, NEC, Birmingham
The Aprilia RSV4 RF and Tuono V4 1100 models are the cream of the crop and any buyer can be confident that they are getting the pinnacle of quality, design, handling, technology and power.
However, to celebrate the launch of Aprilia Racing’s 2016 Moto GP Challenger, riders ordering a new 2016 model year Aprilia RSV4 RF or Tuono 1100 from an official Aprilia Retailer between the 5th and 12th March 2016 will receive a little extra, with Aprilia’s compliments.
Each buyer will receive, free of charge, an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust can for their new bike and VIP Hospitality at Silverstone for the Moto GP race on 4th September, courtesy of Aprilia Racing.
For more details please contact your local Aprilia retailer.
“I don’t want to miss WDW2016 and I’m gonna do everything possible to be at Misano from 1 to 3 July!”, said Casey Stoner during a visit to Ducati back in December 2015. Now, we can say for sure that the Australian rider, who won the 2007 MotoGP World Championship on the Ducati Desmosedici, is going to be there. One more reason, then, not to miss this edition and the exciting celebrations surrounding Ducati’s 90th anniversary which will be reaching their peak during the World Ducati Week.
The idol of the Ducatista community and currently an official MotoGP test rider, Casey will be joining a host of other riders and celebrities; they’ll be at Misano, in the paddock and taking part in the countless events planned for this incredible long-weekend that, every two years, brings together Ducatisti from all over the world. The final 2016 guest list will be drawn up over the coming days, but everything looks set for an exceptional star-studded event.
The Ducati organisational machine is now working flat out to ensure the thousands of visitors arriving at the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit from 1 to 3 July get a warm welcome (the last edition drew a massive 65,000 participants). Pre-sales and ticket bookings continue to confirm the growing excitement for this 9th edition of WDW and Ducatisti and motorcycle enthusiasts can look forward to an awesome array of events and initiatives. These will include an area dedicated entirely to the cruiser world and the new XDiavel. The motorcycling revelation of 2016 in terms of style, performance and technology – and voted Most Beautiful Bike of Show at EICMA2015 – the XDiavel is already a design icon as confirmed by the international “Red Dot Award 2016: Best of the Best” and will play a pivotal role in the paddock at WDW2016. The unique world that goes together with this bike will have its own area where visitors can experience “XDiavel lifestyle”; this action-packed part of the paddock will also give WDW participants a great opportunity to take the motorcycle for a test ride on the roads around the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit.
——————————————————————
——————————————————————
Following the success of past editions, WDW2016 will see the return of the Ducati University, offering in-depth tuition on the technology of Ducati bikes and the motorcycling world in general. Ducati and Ducati Corse technical staff will hold a series of seminars, investigating key themes such as: “Engineering” (technological innovation and the skills that breathe life into new models), “Design” (to understand more about the decisions behind unique Ducati styling), “Riding” (to improve track riding skills), “Service” (to ensure you know everything needed to maintain your Ducati and keep it running efficiently), “Safety” (the technology behind Ducati product safety plus some First Aid theory and practice) and, of course, the “Ducati Corse” seminar (to get a first-hand account of this season’s plans). To celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary, the Ducati University will also hold a series of talks on the history of the “Bologna-built bikes”, taking a close look at the iconic racing and road machines that have had such a huge impact on motorcycling since the end of the war.
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, Ducati has – for this 9th edition of WDW – applied for ISO 20121 certification: this international management standard regarding the sustainable organisation of events was first officially instituted in 2012 for the London Olympic Games. The goal is to demonstrate how an event like WDW2016, which attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over the globe, can also be organised in a way that is balanced from an economic, environmental and social viewpoint.
With two months to go to the opening of World Ducati Week 2016, sales of passes and tickets are sky-rocketing and purchases are being made from all over the world. The dedicated website (wdw.ducati.com) is up and running and has all the info you need to get to Misano on 1st-2nd-3rd July and ensure you don’t miss a second of this awesome Ducati gathering.
The major novelty for 2016 is the “VIP Dealer Package”, that is the purchase of a special WDW2016 pass – already available from Ducati dealers – that offers special ticket prices and an exclusive opportunity to meet Ducati riders.
Ducati, BWM & CCM will be bringing a selection of their 2016 bikes for visitors to test ride at the MCN Festival of Motorcycling, alongside new models from Yamaha, Triumph, Suzuki, KTM and Indian/Victory.
Now in its second year and billed as the best outdoor motorcycling event in Britain, the MCN Festival will be held at the Peterborough Showground on 14th – 15th May.
Headlining Ducati’s test fleet is the new Multistrada Enduro, but rides will also be available on the 959 Panigale, 1299 Panigale, XDiavel, Monster 821 (lowered), Multistrada 1200S, 939 Hypermotard, Scrambler Flat Track Pro and A2 licence-friendly Scrambler Sixty2.
BMW will be offering rides on the R nineT; K 1600 GT and K 1300 S Motorsport; R 1200 GS, R 1200 R Sport, R 1200 RS Sport, R 1200 RT SE, S 1000 R, S 1000 RR, S 1000 RS & S 1000 XR SE; F 700 GS, F 800 GS & F 800 R; plus the C 650 Sport and all-electric C evolution scooters.
Meanwhile British manufacturer CCM will be bringing their dual-sport GP450 Adventure, the touring-prepared GP450 S and GP450 RS Supermoto for visitors to try.
Test rides are strictly on a first come first serve basis, but advance ticket holders receive notification via email (during the week commencing 2nd May) that the booking system for test rides is open.
It isn’t only new bikes that can be taken for a spin – the National Motorcycle Museum is offering opportunities to ride a selection of classic bikes from its extensive collection, including a 1930 Brough Superior SS 100, 1939 Triumph Tiger 100, 1949 Vincent Black Shadow, 1953 BSA 500 Star Twin, 1961 Velocette 500, 1976 Triumph Trident T160 and a 1990 Norton F1 Rotary. Bikes will be available for 30 minutes at a time on a closed roads course.
Plus live action as star guest Colin Edwards leads Team USA in the second annual MCN Transatlantic short-track trophy, classic race bike parades, Steve Colley’s legendary stunt show, expanded Club Zone and bargains galore on the huge retail zone and new autojumble area.
Savings on advance tickets for this year’s MCN Festival of Motorcycling will be available until midday on Monday 9th May. Advance day tickets cost just £15, compared to £19 on the gate, and children under 15 go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Weekend camping tickets are also available, at just £35 in advance, (£40 on the gate).
For more information and to book tickets visit www.mcnfestival.com or call 0871 230 1108.
Suzuki is bringing the new SV650 and its fleet of test ride machines to a number of popular biker haunts this summer, as its café demo days return for 2016, starting with a double-header at Loomies café on May 7-8.
Following a survey on social media that invited users to recommend their favourite biker cafés, 2016 sees eight events on the calendar – including a number of double-header weekends – meaning there are even more opportunities to test ride a new Suzuki this year.
As well as the new SV650, the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models will also be available to try, as well as the Burgman 650 Executive, GSR750, V-Strom 650XT and V-Strom 1000, GSX-R1000 and GSX-R750, Hayabusa, and the Bandit 1250S.
Rob Cooper, Suzuki GB Marketing Manager, announced the dates, saying, “Our biker café days are now entering their third year, following two really popular years in 2014 and 2015. While many still head to dealerships to take test rides, our café days mean we’re also taking bikes to people who maybe haven’t considered one yet. But by putting the bikes in front of them at their favorite biker café and having people from our team on hand to talk about them, we’re making it even easier for them to try one. Especially as we have added a greater range of bikes this year. There are few places better to stop at on a ride out than a good biker café, and we’re looking forward to getting on the road and visiting as many as we can.”
Confirmed dates for 2016 include:
Loomies Café, West Meon – 7-8 May
Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum – 4-5 June
Rivington Hall Barn, Preston – 19 June
Super Sausage Café, Towcester – 25-26 June
Squires Café, Leeds – 2-3 July
Ponderosa Café, Llangollen – 10 July
Llandow Circuit Café, Llandow – 6-7 August
Hartside Café, Alston – 17-18 September
For more information or to register for a test ride online, click here.
For information on Suzuki’s model range, click here
A first in motorcycle care, SDoc100’s Motorcycle Gel Total Cleaner is now formulated to dry without leaving water stains or the need to dry with a chamois – taking even more of the hard work out of bike cleaning.
As its name suggests, Sdoc Total Cleaner Plus offers a complete care system. Designed to clean and protect a motorcycle with one simple application, it removes the need for separate cleansers and corrosion inhibitors, and now removes the need for manual drying to avoid unsightly water spots/stains.
Sdoc100’s special gel formula clings to the target surface much longer than normal cleaners, allowing the highly active degreasers to remove even the toughest road grime. Its spray-on / wash-off system eliminates the need for scrubbing, allowing even the most inaccessible areas to be treated.
Although tough on dirt, its pH neutral formula won’t damage sensitive surfaces, so it’s safe to use on any machine. It also leaves behind an anti-corrosion layer to defend against salt and water damage, and a UV filter for protection against sun bleaching.
New formula SDoc100 Total Cleaner Plus is available in handy 1-litre spray applicator bottles and 5-litre refills. Prices start from £15.99 Including VAT. Call 01256 704909 or visit www.sdoc100.co.uk for info on the full range of SDoc100 motorcycle care products.
The Dark Side of Japan will change your world. Yamaha’s range of powerful, agile and versatile Hyper Naked models represent the new wave in motorcycle design. Taking inspiration from the aggressive lines of the MT models and their radical Night Fluo colour option, is the new MT Lifestyle – Next Gen apparel collection, capturing the essence of the Dark Side of Japan, the Tokyo night skyline and the fluorescent lights that detail its dark form.
Using dark materials and subtle highlights, the new MT Lifestyle collection features the MT logo, the Dark Side of Japan moon logo and on several items, the Tokyo night skyline itself, perfectly complimenting the style of the Hyper Naked models.
With riding gear and casual wear, you can show off your Dark Side on and off the bike – So, why not immerse yourself and become a Ray of Darkness.
The new MT Lifestyle – Next Gen apparel collection starts £14.99 RRP and is available now from authorised Yamaha dealers. For full details and pricing on the complete collection, please log onto our website; www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/accessories or get down to your nearest Authorised Yamaha dealer.
Peugeot has launched a special ‘Total Sport’ edition of their new Speedfight 4, coinciding with the model’s 20th year in production and marking the manufacturer’s two decades of partnership with Total.
Peugeot has worked with the fuel and lubricant specialists since 1995, both in research and development and in competition; the pairing perhaps best known for the World Rally Championships, in which the 206 WRC achieved 25 victories, 3 constructors’ championship titles and 2 drivers’ championship titles.
Based on the fourth generation of the iconic Speedfight scooter, the Total Sport features a liquid-cooled two-stroke engine, fed by a Dell’Orto carburettor, which delivers 5% more power and 15% more torque than the previous model.
USD, telescopic Ø 32mm front forks and a remote reservoir rear shock absorber, combined with the 12-inch alloy wheels, low profile tyres and the new fuel tank location under the foot-board, give improved stability and sharper handling.
Safety comes from a powerful Ø 215mm Shuricane front disc with radial calliper, backed up by a Ø 190mm Shuricane disc at the rear.
The Speedfight’s styling is inspired by the Peugeot Exalt concept car, with twin helicoid headlights, separated by the distinctive grille and aviation-style fuel cap. Complementing the Total racing livery and matt black bodywork are highlighted inserts in the air intakes, aluminium footrests, pearly saddle-cover, micro lamp crystal turn indicators, a rear spoiler and inverted sports silencer.
The dashboard has both USB and 12V sockets and is ready to take a RAM® X-Grip® smartphone holder; an on-board digital multifunction computer also comes as standard.
The Speedfight 4 Total is priced £2099* including a two-year unlimited mileage parts and labour warranty. It can be ridden on an AM licence, making it accessible to anyone aged 16 or over. AM category scooters can also be ridden by anyone who passed their car driving test before 1st February 2001, without the need to take any extra tests.
Full specifications and details of all authorised Peugeot Scooter dealers can be found at www.peugeotscooters.co.uk.
The model year 2016 KTM 690 DUKE and 690 DUKE R are the most powerful and technically advanced single-cylinder machines available. Although they boast a long list of new features and refinements, KTM knows its riders still need to modify their bikes and so a diverse range of official PowerParts are available.
Both new Duke models – available at KTM dealers now – are designed to suit a wide variety of riding and rider types and the PowerParts range reflects this. Offering everything from altering the styling with replacement graphics, carbon fibre bodywork and anodised items, to engine and chassis tuning parts such as exhausts and adjustable levers. For riders who want to go even further on their Duke, a range of luggage options are also available along with a comprehensive array of protection products to further increase the bikes’ versatility.
KTM always places great focus on creating ergonomics to suit a wide range of rider shapes, but the PowerParts catalogue features items to increase comfort and adjustability further. Examples include five different handlebar mount heights, rearsets, like those featured as standard on the R model, a 25mm lowering kit (690 DUKE only) with unaltered riding dynamics and Ergo Seats to improve comfort for rider and pillion.
All PowerParts are developed alongside the bike by a dedicated team within KTM’s research and development department. When it comes to outsourcing components with items like exhausts, KTM’s close working relationship with Akrapovič allows them to offer a performance-enhancing item that is homologated for legal use and requires no modifications to the Duke’s fuelling.
For further information on the 2016 690 DUKE, 690 DUKE R and KTM PowerParts, visit www.ktm.com or your local KTM dealer.
——————————————————————
——————————————————————
KTM 690 DUKE / 690 DUKE R PowerParts Highlights
AKRAPOVIČ TITANIUM SLIP-ON SILENCER £567.27
Premium finish road homologated silencer is both strong and light thanks to its core titanium construction. A ‘plug and play’ product that does not require adjustment to the fuelling and has a removable baffle.
UNDER-ENGINE FAIRING £161.52
In typical KTM orange, this aluminium under-engine fairing is not only a visual highlight for the 690 DUKE, but also excellent protection for the pre-silencer.
2K REAR SPROCKET £52.76
High-strength steel teeth with Aluminium inner ring. Joined together permanently with high-strength rivets. At least three times longer service life than other aluminium rear sprockets and only half the weight of a conventional steel rear sprocket.
REAR SET “DUKE R” £226.42
Get complete control of the bike with a sportier, more ergonomic sitting position. The DUKE R rear set provides this as well as racing looks. Change compared with the standard foot peg position: 60–70mm towards the rear, 30–50mm higher.
TRACK PACK £244.54
Take the 690 DUKE to new limits with ‘Track Pack’, which activates and allows the multiple options of the Traction Control (TC), Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and Ride Mode electronic rider aid functions.
ERGO SEAT: Rider £113.5 Pillion £78.3
No doubt the standard seat of the new Duke is much improved, but the Ergo options for rider and pillion not only look more lavish they offer a 3D structural mesh construction for improved comfort over prolonged riding without sacrificing movement on the bike.
RADIAL ROADLOK £323.78
No excuses for forgetting to lock your bike as the patented RoadLoK technology stays bolted directly to the caliper to provide an effective and elegant option for protecting a Duke from theft. The lock’s light body is machined from high-grade aluminium with a super-strong steel pin slides directly into the holes in the brake disc.
SIDE BAGS (including carrier) £486.10
With a capacity of 13 litres on each side and water-tight inner compartments, these Side Bags provide a lightweight and easy-to-install transport solution for your next tour. They mount to the bike with Carrier built from a robust steel tube construction, designed to follow the form of the bike’s design.
BRAKE/CLUTCH LEVER ARTICULATED AND ADJUSTABLE £137.15 (each)
“Form follows function” – these levers are a visual highlight with technical and ergonomic added value. CNC-machined from high-strength aluminium with a tough black anodised surface finish. In the event of a crash, the levesr can fold away upwards. Also features adjustable grip width and lever length.
CRASH BARS £131.10
In the event of minor crashes and falls, these plastic-coated tubular steel bars mirror the design of the chassis they securely attach to, protecting that as well as other parts like the fuel tank. Available in black or orange.
GRAPHICS KIT “STEALTH” £112.81
The entire look of the Duke can be altered simply with one of the official PowerParts graphics kit, including this new ‘Stealth’ option. No need for paint as these hard wearing graphics are designed to fit perfectly.
LOW CHASSIS KIT £403.82
Available for the 690 DUKE only, this kit has been designed specifically alongside the bike to lower the entire machine with unchanged riding dynamics, resulting in a 25mm lower seat height and the same unique Duke appeal.
WAVE BRAKE DISC 320mm £202.06
Whether it be punishing missions on the racetrack or touring with passenger and luggage, the WAVE brake discs offer 25% more braking power thanks to materials from the world of racing. Another way of looking at it is less hand force for the same braking power – no fading, consistent braking performance at the highest level.
Carl Fogarty will return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first time in eight years this June as he prepares to celebrate Triumph’s glorious heritage.
Representing the Triumph brand, Foggy, as he is known, will ride two of the British marque’s current bikes, the Speed Triple and the Thruxton R. He will also ride two bikes supplied by the National Motorcycle Museum, the Triumph Bonneville that Malcolm Uphill took to victory in the Production TT and the 750cc Production TT winning Triumph Trident, known as ‘Slippery Sam’.
Foggy will ride these four bikes a total of four times over Saturday and Sunday at the Festival, forming part of the joint Triumph/National Motorcycle Museum “Past and Present” feature. While not in use on the Hill, the bikes will be stationed in the Motorcycle Paddock and on display for the duration of the event.
The Lancashire lad is regarded as somewhat Superbike royalty, being the most successful World Superbike racer of all time, scoring four WSBK titles in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999. Alongside his World Superbike exploits, Foggy competed at the Isle of Man TT in a grand total of 26 races, winning three – The 1989 Production 750 race and the 1990 Formula 1 and Senior TTs. He also broke the lap record in 1992, setting a time of 18 minutes and 18.8 seconds at an average speed of 123.61mph, a record that stood for seven years.
Other successes for Fogarty include victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Bol d’Or, the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200. In 1993 Foggy dominated the North West, setting a new lap record and winning both superbike races, beating road-racing legends Joey and Robert Dunlop to the top step. He last appeared at the festival in 2008.
Carl said, “I am excited to be returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. It is a special event in the motorsport calendar and I’m thrilled to be representing Triumph, especially on such iconic bikes from the past and present. Hopefully we can provide a real spectacle for the thousands of spectators.”
The rear shock is one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of a modern motorcycle and yet it is highly exposed to damage and road debris. Distributed by R&G, Shocktube prevents damage from road salt, water spray and stone chipping, protecting this key component for a substantially extended period of time.
The effects from road debris such as salt, water spray and stone chipping, are detrimental to the exposed rear shock absorber and over time can result in its premature failure or, at worst, an accident. The R&G-distributed Shocktube provides riders with peace of mind, protecting against these factors to substantially extend the life of the shock absorber.
Shocktube is a high-impact, waterproof, vented tube that is made from top quality, bonded 100% CR Neoprene™ which is double lined with stretch nylon on both sides. Capable of being quickly fitted to most motorcycles with monoshock or twin shock systems, without the need to remove the shock, Shocktube completely encloses the absorber and spring. View it being fitted to a Kawasaki ZX-10R here.
Bruce Smart, solo round the world motorcyclist better known as TeapotOne, used Shocktube on his 100,000-mile journey, “I’ll admit, when I first got it I did think to myself, “Do I really need this?” but fast forward a year and I couldn’t live without it. I’d put the bike through every imaginable test and weather condition and the rear shock hadn’t let me down once – even after a bang so severe it cracked my rear sub-frame! I really can’t recommend it enough, it’s so easy to fit and absolutely no hassle to live with.”
OptiMate pioneered the concept of battery maintenance for motorcyclists in the mid-1990s. Since then motorcycle electrical systems have evolved rapidly, with the introduction of CAN-Bus, ECU updates and lithium technology. As a result, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all charging and maintenance solution for bike batteries.
OptiMate’s continuous evolution/development has resulted in an extensive range, capable of offering owners of almost any bike or scooter safe and simple long-term battery care and maintenance.
OptiMate2 is the cost-effective solution for long-term maintenance of 12V motorcycle batteries. OptiMate2 charges and maintains the battery, while simultaneously powering the bike’s on-board computer, display or anti-theft alarm. It’s fully automatic and has overcharge, reverse polarity and spark protection.
OptiMate3 Global is designed with a wide range input (100-240V, 50-60Hz) that works with mains electricity around the world. It diagnoses, charges, tests and optimally maintains all types of 12V lead-acid batteries rated from 3 to 50 Ah. It can also recover severely neglected batteries from as low as 2 Volts.
OptiMate4 Dual Program includes two charging programmes; one is for direct charging of a battery via the terminals or an adaptor cable; the other allows safe and unsupervised charging through a motorcycle’s CAN-bus controlled 12V socket. OptiMate 4 Dual Program tests before and after charging and can recover a battery from as little as 0.5 Volts. The CAN-bus edition diagnoses, recovers, charges, tests and maintains the battery via the 12V port on CAN-bus equipped bikes. Keyless activation means it will charge and maintain the battery automatically until it is disconnected. It can also recover badly neglected, sulphated batteries.
OptiMate5 Voltmatic recovers 6V lead-acid batteries from deep discharge, and can also charge and maintain medium to large 12V batteries. OptiMate 5 identifies whether a battery is 6V or 12V, runs tests to see whether it requires desulphation or bulk charge, then equalises the voltage in each cell. It’s compatible with STD lead-acid, sealed AGM ‘maintenance free’, GEL and spiral cell batteries.
OptiMate6 Select is designed to be used on bikes with update and diagnostic modes, and has a built-in power supply to ensure there’s enough charge in the battery for uninterrupted downloads, updates and troubleshooting. It prepares the battery before updates take place, delivers accurate temperature-compensated voltage and current, and warns if current draw is likely to cause battery voltage to drop too low.
OptiMate also offers a choice of chargers for lithium batteries. Compact and lightweight, yet delivering high cranking amps, lithium batteries are an increasingly popular choice for motorcyclists on road & track, but are considerably more expensive than lead acid units. Maintaining lithium batteries is crucial, because once discharged they can be difficult to recover. However, regular 12-volt chargers for lead acid batteries should not be used, due to different charging curves and thresholds.
Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries contain 4 x 3.2V cells, providing a total nominal voltage of 12.8V, compared to a 12V lead-acid battery, which has 6 x 2V cells.
OptiMate’s Lithium 0.8A assesses battery condition and selects the charge programme to suit: Bulk Charge for rapid recovery and Save mode to safely recover over-discharged batteries. The Lithium 0.8A is also designed to reset the internal BMS (Battery Management System) on batteries with a low voltage cut-out so that charging can begin.
The OptiMate Lithium offers all of the above, with the added benefit of a faster 5A charge cycle – ideal for racing & trackday applications, when electric systems are run on a total-loss basis.
THE CELEBRATORY “VESPA SETTANTESIMO” SERIES MAKES ITS DÉBUT WITH A BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO BUYERS FROM VESPA.
Vespa is an extraordinary Italian icon that celebrates its 70th birthday from 23 to 31 May with the “Vespa Happy Days” showroom event that invites you to come and see its scooter range first hand. A line of ultra-modern, technological and ecological models, and all unmistakeably connected in terms of stylistic similarities to the first Vespa 98cc that launched a unique and inimitable heritage of worldwide success.
It was the 23rd April in 1946 when Vespa was patented. A short time later it appeared on Italian streets to then invade the rest of the world, bringing different generations and people together in a single passion. The first truly global mobility brand, known and loved all over the world, now celebrates its birthday with the launch of a new, luxurious celebratory series.
From 23rd April to 31st May, at Vespa Retailers across the UK, the new “Vespa Settantesimo” series makes its début. This is an exceptional Vespa collection, inseparably bound to the year of the seventieth anniversary and for this reason, destined to become the object of a cult following and a collector’s item. The quick and agile Vespa Primavera, the GTS flagship and the inimitable PX take on an exclusive colour scheme based on two new Azzurro 70 and Grigio 70 colours, special shades that draw from the best Vespa tradition.
The “Vespa Settantesimo” series is also made truly special by a range of luxurious personalisations that include a brand new and elegant dark brown saddle with the “Vespa Settantesimo” logo, dedicated graphics on the leg shield back plate, contrasting dark wheels and the classic chromium rear luggage rack that carries an elegant bag, colour coded to match the saddle, bearing the seventieth anniversary logo.
Buyers who order their Settantesimo Anniversary Vespa during the Happy Days event will also receive a complimentary colour matched helmet as a gift from Vespa, while Vespa retailers will be offering selected accessories at special anniversary prices.
——————————————————————
——————————————————————
Motorcycle Industry News and Images mainly from UK
