Category Archives: Manufacturers

Honda, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

2021 Honda CB500X

Following a ground-up redesign in 2019, Honda’s A2 licence-friendly compact adventurer receives new graphics and three new colour schemes for 2020, including a touch of Africa Twin. The CB500X is also now homologated for EURO5. 

2021 Honda CB500X

1. Introduction

The CB500X – originally launched in 2013 alongside the naked CB500F and fully-faired CBR500R – brings crossover adventure style to Honda’s fun-focussed twin-cylinder ‘light middleweight’ trio. It is a motorcycle that, without fanfare, quietly gets on with the job of being supremely competent and adaptable in use for a wide variety of owners.

The CB500X’s usefulness is down to a straightforward equation – a perky, well-regarded twin-cylinder engine which produces real torque and drive from low rpm, and revs hard up top – plus a chassis that gives a supremely comfortable ride both around town and out on the open highway.

It slips between the role of short-hop commuter to weekend tourer effortlessly. Long travel suspension irons out irregular road surfaces, wide handlebars provide leverage and the upright riding position offers both comfort and a wide field of view for the rider. In other words, the CB500X has proved an all-rounder in every sense of the term.

In 2016, a first upgrade saw the CB500X receive a larger fuel tank, more wind protection and a taller screen. It also gained LED lighting, spring preload-adjustable front forks and an adjustable brake lever.

Its 2019 evolution delivered more sophisticated adventure style, more engine performance and a number of chassis upgrades, ensuring that while the CB500X remained confident in its wide-ranging abilities, its ‘X’ factor was amplified a good deal louder.

2. Model Overview

From urban commuter to weekend explorer, the CB500X is ready for anything. Its styling has a sharp adventure edge, and is complemented by long travel suspension, high-specification single-tube shock absorber, comfortable rider ergonomics and a 19-inch front wheel.

The CB500X’s 35kW engine is A2 licence-compatible and benefits from the 2019 upgrades to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing, which added 4% more power and torque between 3-7,000rpm compared to the previous model, and were accompanied by an enhanced exhaust note and a new assist/slipper clutch.

LCD instruments include a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator, and all the lighting is LED.

2021 Honda CB500X

3. Key Features 

3.1 Styling & Chassis

  • Strong, tough adventure styling
  • Tapered handlebars and wide steering lock
  • Long travel suspension and 19-inch front wheel
  • LCD instrument display with Gear Position and Shift Up Indicators
  • Full LED lighting

For its 2019 evolution, the CB500X was reborn with a much more aggressive, ‘ready for the wild’ adventure style. Honda’s development engineers extended the radiator shrouds and fairing, with substantive new angles giving a strong three-dimensional texture and feel; new side covers interlocked with the fuel tank, cohesively linking the front and rear of the machine.

But the 2019 redesign was about much more than looks. Thanks to improved aerodynamic performance, the high-pressure air flowing around the fairing and screen was reduced, improving wind protection for the rider at highway speeds. The seat profile, too, was slimmed by shaving the shoulders at the front, allowing for easy movement around the machine, and aiding the already comfortable ground reach. To help the CB500X’s manoeuvrability the steering angle was increased 3° to 38° from centred to full lock, and the addition of a gunmetal grey tapered steel handlebar elevated control still further.

LCD instruments – set in a multi-surfaced and textured surround, echoing the overall design theme – feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8,750rpm but can be adjusted in 250rpm increments between 5-8,750rpm. The tubular screen stay can also mount a GPS above the instruments.

The 35mm diameter steel diamond-tube mainframe is light and strong, with a tuned degree of yield that gives plenty of feedback to the rider as road surfaces change. The shape and position of the engine mounts, plus the frame’s rigidity balance, reduce vibration.

Wheelbase is 1445mm and rake and trail are set at 27.5 degrees and 108mm giving nimble, yet confidence-inspiring steering. Mass centralisation, with the engine in close proximity to the swingarm pivot point, delivers turning agility and optimum front/rear weight distribution ensures stability. Kerb weight is197kg.

Seat height is 830mm; overall dimensions are 2155mm x 825mm x 1410mm, with 180mm ground clearance. The fuel tank holds 17.5L including reserve, and, combined with the engine’s excellent fuel economy of 27.8km/l (WMTC mode), gives a range of 480km (over 300 miles).

The 41mm preload-adjustable telescopic front fork features 150mm of travel, with rear wheel travel of 135mm. A single-tube rear shock absorber (as found on larger capacity sports bikes) with its large-diameter piston ensures excellent suspension response and temperature management.

The CB500X has 9-stage spring preload adjustment working through a rigid box-section steel swingarm, which features pressed steel chain adjustment end-pieces. Final drive is via sealed 520 chain.

The 19-inch front wheel – along with the long travel suspension – ensures confident, supremely stable handling on rough surfaces. The lightweight aluminium rim wears a 110/80-R19 trail-pattern tyre, the 17-inch rear a 160/60-R17 tyre. A single front 310mm wave-pattern disc and two-piston brake caliper is matched to a 240mm rear disc and single-piston caliper. ABS is fitted as standard.

The 21YM CB500X will be available in three new colour and graphic schemes, each featuring a striking red rear sub frame, in tribute to the CRF1100L Africa Twin:

Grand Prix Red

Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic

Pearl Metalloid White

3.2 Engine

  • Lively twin-cylinder power plant’s internal architecture mirrors that of the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade
  • · Usable power and torque across the range
  • Sportier sound from the dual-exit muffler
  • Assist/slipper clutch eases upshifts and manages downshifts
  • Homologated for EURO5

The CB500X’s A2-licence friendly, 8-valve liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder layout offers a well-proportioned balance of physical size and willing, enjoyable power output, with an energetic, high-revving character and zappy top end.

Already strong off the bottom, the 2019 engine upgrades saw faster acceleration through a boost in low-to-mid-range power and torque in the 3-7,000rpm range; with a 4% improvement coming via altered valve timing – with ‘close’ timing accelerated by 5° – and lift increased by 0.3mm to 7.8mm.

Feeding the PGM-FI fuel injection is a more-or-less straight shot of airflow through the airbox and throttle bodies – the 2019 upgrade saw the battery re-positioned further away from the rear of the airbox intake duct to allow greater airflow. The exhaust muffler features dual exit pipes, giving a sporty sounding edge to each pulse. Peak power of 35kW arrives at 8,500rpm, with 43Nm torque delivered at 7,000rpm.

Bore and stroke is set at 67mm x 66.8mm and compression ratio is 10.7:1; the crankshaft pins are phased at 180° and a primary couple-balancer sits behind the cylinders, close to the bike’s centre of gravity. The primary and balancer gears use scissor gears, reducing noise. The crank counterweight is specifically shaped for couple-balance and its light weight allows the engine to spin freely, with reduced inertia.

Acting as a stressed member, the engine complements the frame’s rigidity with four frame hangers on the cylinder head. Internally the cylinder head uses roller rocker arms; shim-type valve adjustment keeps weight down, for lower valve-spring load and reduced friction.

A silent (SV Chain) cam chain has the surface of its pins treated with Vanadium, reducing friction with increased protection against wear. Inlet valve diameter is 26.0mm with exhaust valve diameter of 21.5mm.

The piston shape is based upon those used in the 2019 CBR1000RR Fireblade to reduce piston ‘noise’ at high rpm. Friction is reduced by striations on the piston skirt (a finish that increases surface area, introducing gaps in which oil can flow for better lubrication). As with the CBR1000RR, an AB 1 salt bath process, used after isonite nitriding, forms a protective oxidisation membrane.

The ‘triangle’ proportion of crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft is very similar to that of Honda’s four-cylinder RR engines and much of the internal structure and engineering is taken directly from the 2019 CBR1000RR.

The crankcase uses centrifugally cast thin-walled sleeves; their internal design reduces the ‘pumping’ losses that can occur with a 180° phased firing order. The oil pump features improved aeration performance, with reduced friction; a deep sump reduces oil movement under hard cornering and braking. Oil capacity is 3.2L.

The CB500X’s six-speed gearbox is very close to that of its RR cousin and uses the same gear change arm structure and link mechanism. Introduced in 2019, an assist/slipper clutch enables lighter upshifts and smooths out any hard downshifts.

The 21YM CB500X, like its 500cc stablemates, is homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st 2020 introduced significantly stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4. These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction of a particulate matter limit.

2021 Honda CB500X

4. Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories is available for the CB500X. They include:

Centre stand

Side wind deflectors

Knuckle guards

Heated grips

35L top box

Rear carrier

Pannier mounts

Pannier cases

Tubular fairing protector frames

Fog lights

Tank bag

Seat bag

ACC charging socket

Smoked screen

Wheel stripe

Tank Pad

5. Technical Specifications

ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, parallel twin
Displacement 471cc
Bore and stroke 67mm x 66.8mm
Compression Ratio 10.7: 1
Max. Power Output 35kW @ 8,600rpm
Max. Torque 43Nm @ 6,500rpm
Oil Capacity 3.2L
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.7L (inc reserve)
Fuel Consumption (WMTC) 27.8/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Capacity 12V 7.4AH
ACG Output 25A/2000rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet multiplate
Transmission Type 6 speed
Final Drive Chain
FRAME
Type Steel diamond
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L´W´H) 2155mm x 825mm x 1410mm (Low screen) 1445mm (High screen)
Wheelbase 1445mm
Caster Angle 27.5 degrees
Trail 108mm
Seat Height 830mm
Ground Clearance 180mm
Kerb Weight 197kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front Conventional telescopic, 41mm, pre-load adjustable
Type Rear Prolink mono with5 stage preload adjuster, steel square pipe swingarm
WHEELS
Type Front Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Type Rear Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Rim Size Front 19 X MT2.5
Rim Size Rear 17 X MT4.5
Tyres Front 110/80R–19M/C (On-off pattern)
Tyres Rear 160/60R–17M/C (On-off pattern)
BRAKES
ABS System Type 2 channel
Type Front Single wavy disk, 310mm, 2 piston caliper
Type Rear Single wavy disk, 240mm, 1 piston caliper
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments Digital speedometer, digital bar graph tachometer, dual trip meters, digital fuel level gauge & fuel consumption gauge, digital clock, gear position indicator
Security System HISS (Honda Intelligent Security System)
Headlight Low 4.8W. Hi 12W. (LED)

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
[wptb id=65242]
[wptb id=64599]

BIke Reviews, Bullit Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Reviews

The Bullit V-Bob 250 Review

Video

New Harley-Davidson Model. Or is it? The Bullit V-Bob 250 Review. The bike Harley should’ve made!

Review by MrDarcy & the Ol’Man

We review the brand new motorcycle Harley-Davidson should have made – the Bullit V-bob 250cc V-Twin!

This motorbike is a proper cruiser! It is powered by a 250cc V-twin, air cooled engine, with 5 gears, forward controls and belt drive!

It is the perfect alternative to a Harley-Davidson, and would be ideal for anyone on an A2 licence, climbing the ladder, or for those who don’t want a full-sized big heavy torquey motorbike.

Harley-Davidson should be making bikes like this, and they have clearly made some massive mistakes in planning their new models. The Livewire and the now axed Bronx Streetfighter are prime examples. Sports Bike and

Naked Bike riders don’t like Harleys, and they aint goin’ to buy a Harley-Davidson branded Sports Bike! Harley, want to attract younger riders, and the new Bullit V-Bob is the way to do it! Just make smaller versions of what you are known for Harley-Davidson!

We give this brand new motorcycle model the full treatment, and tell you everything you need to know about it!

This is the first proper review of this bike, so sit back and enjoy!

Find out what we think of this new bike for 2020/2021.

We look at the power, fuel economy, handling, styling, seating position, how good it is for tall or shorter riders and much much more!

Helmets, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Suzuki

Test ride new V-Strom 1050 for chance to win Arai Tour-X4 helmet

To celebrate the new 70 registration plate Suzuki is giving away three V-Strom 1050-inspired Arai Tour-X4 helmets, and to be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is take a test ride on one of the new adventure machines over the weekend of 11-13 September.

To enter the giveaway, simply share a photo of yourself with the new V-Strom 1050 or 1050XT after a test ride and post it to the Suzuki Bikes UK Facebook page, or tag @SuzukiBikesUK on Instagram or Twitter, and use the hashtag #SuzukiSuper70.

The new-for-2020 V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050XT both use the newest version of Suzuki’s fabled 1037cc V-twin, which now puts out 107PS. They also get a three-stage traction control system and three engine power modes. The XT adds cruise control, hill hold assist, load and slope-dependent control linked brakes, two ABS modes plus lean angle-sensitive ABS.

The Tour-X4 comes with a long list of features, including a double D-ring strap, front ventilation from dual intakes, brow vents, and three-position chin vent, and rear ventilation courtesy of a neck exhaust vent, side exhausts, and a removable diffuser. The interior features a Dry-Cool® Liner with replaceable cheek pads, ear cups, and chinstrap covers. It also uses an emergency release system.

To find out more about the new V-Strom 1050 and the #SuzukiSuper70 weekend, click here.

To enter the giveaway, find Suzuki Bikes UK on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

[wptb id=65242]
[wptb id=64599]

BMW Motorrad, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

BMW Motorrad presents the M Endurance chain

Lubricating your chain was yesterday. Maintenance-free like the shaft drive for the first time.

For more than 90 years, the maintenance-free, environmentally friendly and comfortable shaft drive has been one of BMW Motorrad’s immovable technical cornerstones. With the M Endurance chain, BMW Motorrad now offers a maintenance-free chain with comparable characteristics for the first time.

Like previous X-ring chains, the M Endurance chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings. What is completely new, however, is that the previously necessary additional lubricant addition for the rollers and thus the familiar “chain lubrication” is no longer necessary, nor is any re-tensioning required from time to time due to the usual wear.

This enormous gain in comfort was made possible by using a new coating material for the rollers: tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C), also known as industrial diamond. This coating is characterized by extreme hardness and resistance and in this respect it is placed between the well-known DLC coating (Diamond Like Carbon) and pure diamond. In contrast to the metal surfaces used so far, the coating with the ta-C industrial diamond does not wear off. At the same time, this type of coating also offers a drastically reduced friction coefficient.

Thanks to excellent dry lubrication properties and the elimination of wear, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon coated rollers of the M Endurance chain offer maintenance comfort equivalent to that of a shaft drive motorcycle. This includes all the cleaning work that is unavoidable with a conventional chain due to splashed lubricant. Accordingly, the M Endurance chain also offers maximum environmental friendliness.

The M Endurance chain in 525 pitch is now available initially for the two 4-cylinder models BMW S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR. The M Endurance chain is available as accessory or directly from the factory as an option. Further BMW Motorrad models are being prepared for this feature.[wptb id=65242]
[wptb id=64599]

Industry News, Latest News, London Motorcycle Show, Manufacturers, Triumph

New Triumph Trident ‘Design Prototype’

An original British design showcases the unique style and attitude of the new middleweight Triumph roadster to come.

Revealed at the London Design Museum, the Trident design prototype marks the beginning of a new modern chapter for a legendary name, introducing a new triple-powered dimension to the competitive middleweight roadster world.

  • Trident design prototype revealed at the London Design Museum
  • An original British design, built to showcase the Trident’s new
    contemporary design take on Triumph style and attitude
  • Introducing three key advantages into this highly competitive category
    – Triple cylinder power and torque rich performance
    – Class leading technology as standard
    – Triumph’s accessible agile and confidence inspiring handling
  • This new entry point into Triumph’s award winning Triple roadster line-up
    will be competitively priced to deliver great value for a new generation of riders.
  • Arriving in Triumph dealers for spring 2021, with more news to come soon.

Four year design project:

The Trident design prototype comes as a result of a 4 year development programme led by a dedicated team in our design facility in the UK, Triumph’s global headquarters, where every single Triumph is designed and prototyped.

Conceived and developed by the Hinckley design team, with additional styling input from Rodolfo Frascoli, the Trident brief was focused on delivering a distinctive, dynamic and attractive new take on Triumph style and attitude.

Working with Rodolfo, a passionate Triumph fan who has brought Italian design flair to the Triumph design language – most notably with our latest generation Tiger 900, the team focused on evolving what a contemporary Triumph should be, building on our recognised strengths and design DNA, the character and distinctive original style.

Following our ethos to develop all aspects of a design in harmony, from the style, to the ergonomics, integrated technology and engine performance the Trident brief centred on delivering the complete motorcycle for the perfect ride.

The Trident design prototype – the birth of a new icon:

The Trident design motorcycle integrates the original design development model with prototype components – built to showcase the style and attitude of the landmark new motorcycle to come.

Introducing an all new contemporary take on Triumph style & attitude, the Trident design presents a pure, minimalistic form, with clean lines and uncluttered features that incorporates Triumph’s design DNA, with signature tank knee indents and key cues from our iconic Speed Triple’s muscular poise.

Central to the overall form and brief, the Trident is built around a compact powerful Triumph triple engine, designed to bring all the advantages of a triple to the category for the first time, with the perfect balance of low down torque and top end power.

With a distinctive and confident stance & poise, the Trident will deliver rider ergonomics crafted to bring all of Triumph’s handling expertise, for the perfect balance of an engaged agile and dynamic ride, with an all-new chassis, married to great rider accessibility, comfort and confidence inspiring feel, including a natural upright riding position.

The design prototype also highlights another key aim with the integration of modern digital technology into the design that brings the features which riders in this world value and desire, in an elegant and easy to use way.


Steve Sargent. Triumph Chief Product Officer
‘The Trident design prototype marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Triumph, where the brief was all about fun, from the look to the ride. With its pure minimalist form, clean lines, Triumph design DNA and more than a hint of our Speed Triple’s muscular poise, this gives the first exciting glimpse at the full Trident story to come. Ultimately our aim was to bring a new take on character and style, alongside the accessible easy handling and quality Triumph is known for – at a price that’s really competitive’.

[wptb id=65242]
[wptb id=64599]

BMW Motorrad, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

BMW Motorrad presents new custom bike: The Blechmann R 18

Bernhard Naumann, also known as Blechmann in the customizing scene, presents his version of the BMW R 18.

A strong character needs a strong name. “Blechmann” is a name as strong as metal. It is also the nickname of Bernhard Naumann, a renowned customizer from Austria. Together with BMW Motorrad he presents his latest creation: The Blechmann R 18.

With the new BMW R 18, BMW Motorrad presented the brand’s first series production bike for the cruiser segment in April 2020. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and with regard to its design. It is based on illustrious models such as the BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials. Reason enough for Bernhard Naumann to change as little as possible on the frame and the technology and to use only the original mounting points for the creation of the Blechmann R 18.

The Blechmann R 18 in detail.
When starting off with a new creation, Bernhard Naumann never uses sketches in advance. He gathers his inspiration while working on the bike itself. “I draw my design directly on the object using the final material. This allows me to directly respond to the requirements and to keep an eye on the proportions at all times”, explains the designer.

For the Belchmann R 18, he initially “put the cart before the horse” in order to be able to correctly assess the proportions for the front fairing. The sporty single-seater is based on the original supporting structure of the rear fender, seat and pillion. The rear light is from Kellermann. The fuel tank has been extensively modified: For one thing, it is narrower making it sportier and exposes the engine even more. On the other hand, it features knee cut-outs, which further support the athletic line. The original steering tube was used as the basis for the stub handlebar.

Next, Blechmann customized the headlights. As with his last BMW custom bike “Giggerl”, a conversion of the BMW R nineT, the headlights were to have a subtle kidney-shaped design this time. Analogous to the classic boxer engine, Blechmann placed a filament lamp prominently in the center. Here, too, the steering angle and the forward-tilted headlamp determine the basic layout of the custom bike. Bernhard Neumann perfected his personalization efforts with discreet black paint and classic white BMW Motorrad pin-stripes. In total, the team around Blechmann worked 450 hours on his version of the BMW R 18.

Defining customizing.
Blechmann does not perceive his work to be that of a classic customizer. “My work begins by removing parts of the original version until a white canvas remains. As the construction progresses, the design develops. I call this ‘rapid-prototyping-Blechmann-style’ “, says the customizer. This is what makes his workshop unique.

Mostly, Blechmann works alone on his craftsmanship and designs. If necessary, he gets support from hand-picked professionals. “You can’t do anything in this world on your own. I am more than glad to have a reliable personnel infrastructure”.
[wptb id=65242]
[wptb id=64599]

Electric Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles rock the Malle Mile

In a summer starved of live motorcycle events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this weekend’s Malle Mile provided a welcome return to some kind of normality for thousands of British motorcyclists, and Zero Motorcycles was out in force at this gloriously eccentric British race meeting.

Held at the beautiful Kevington Hall, on the outskirts of London, the Malle Mile bills itself as ‘a celebration of the British summertime and motorcycle culture’ focussed around a series of ‘inappropriate, run what you brung’ races on courses laid out around the country house’s spacious grounds.

Last year Zero dealer English Electric Motor Company (EEMC) entered a Zero SR/F fitted with off-road tyres and was promptly banned from competing against the petrol-powered bikes due to the ‘unfair’ advantage gained by its 190Nm of torque and instantaneous power delivery from the twist and go transmission.

This year the Californian company returned, backing the high energy Midnight Mile sprint races for electric motorcycles on both the Friday and Saturday night. Fittingly EEMC employee Simon Crack won both finals on board a lightly modified Zero FXS, which can be ridden on an A1 licence. On Friday he took the honours over EEMC’s mighty Zero SR/F, while on Sunday the lightweight Supermoto machine saw off competition from TV adventurer Charley Boorman, who was riding an electric machine from an American legacy manufacturer.

Speaking about the event, Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles’ UK Country Manager said: “It was great to be part of the Malle Mile this year and winning the Midnight Mile was a real cherry on the cake. It’s been a really fun event with pretty much every kind of custom bike you can imagine taking place in the races. As well as all the racing going on through the day, we had a small stand in the Metropolis area and saw a lot of interest in our bikes. After a summer without any events, it was fantastic to finally get out and enjoy our bikes. I’m already looking forward to next year and coming back to defend our title!”

The Malle Mile kicks off a busy four week period for Zero Motorcycles in the UK, with its annual ‘Bums on Seats’ tour kicking off later this week. The popular tour gives motorcyclists an opportunity to try out an all-electric Zero motorcycle on a short guided ride and takes place at 16 venues throughout Great Britain over the next three weeks.

[wptb id=65242]

2020 Zero Motorcycles UK demo tour dates

27th August Classic Motorcycles, Northwich
29th August Pidcocks, Nottingham
1st September The Bikers Cove, South Queensferry, Scotland
2nd September J&S Accessories, Metro Centre, Newcastle
3rd September Streetbike, Halesowen
4th September Motorcycles UK, Swindon
5th September Cannon Motorcycles, Witham
6th September Steve Bateman Superbikes, Ringwood
8th September Not Your Average Bikes, Ossett
9th September Davant Bikes, Torquay
10th September English Electric Motor Company, Diss
11th September Wheels, Peterborough
15th September Spark Moto, Addlestone
16th September 21st Moto, Swanley
17th September On the Wheel, Brighton
18th September Amped, Newport

 

Riders attending demo days will be required to show their driving licence, with suitable entitlement for the model they wish to ride (A for SR/F and SR/S and A2 for other models). Attendees are required to provide their own helmet and protective motorcycle clothing and are asked to comply to social distancing measures on the day.

Robinson added: “In past years we have had a very informal system where riders can simply turn up with their licence and riding gear but this year we are advising people to contact us in advance and pre-book a slot, as the Covid-19 protocols mean that places will be more limited, although we will still do our best to accommodate everyone within the social distancing guidelines we have in place.”

To find out more about the 2020 Zero demo tour, please visit: https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/en-gb/events

[wptb id=64599]

Dealer News, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles demo tour set to hit the road

Zero demo tour set to hit the road again in August and September.

Motorcyclists looking to get an addictive first taste of electric power will be delighted to hear that Zero Motorcycles will again be running its UK wide demo tour, giving bikers a no-obligation opportunity to test ride the Californian company’s range of transformational all-electric motorcycles.

Held at 16 venues across England, Scotland and Wales, the demo days give potential customers a chance to learn more about electric motorcycles and to try out models from the Zero range on a short guided test ride. Pre-booking is not required, but recommended, due to Covid-19 protocols in place this year, and these can be made either via the Zero Motorcycles website: https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/en-gb/events or by contacting the host dealership directly.

The tour kicks off at Zero Motorcycles’ dealership Classic Motorcycles in Cheshire, on August 27, before moving to the recently appointed Pidcocks in Nottingham and then heading north to biker hotspot The Bikers Cove, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and J&S Accessories in Gateshead. The tour runs into the third week of September, ending at Amped in South Wales on September 18.

Commenting on the 2020 tour, Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles’ UK Country Manager, said: “Our ‘Bums on Seats’ tour has been hugely popular in recent years as it gives riders a chance to try out an electric motorcycle for the first time. In normal times we attend a lot of shows and try to explain to people just what it’s like to ride a Zero but the only way to really understand is to get out there and ride one, which is what these days are all about.

“This year’s demo days are particularly significant as there have been no shows this summer, and we are also getting a lot of enquiries from people looking to get away from public transport and switch to two-wheels for their daily commute. This is a great opportunity for them to come along and try before they buy and to ask us any burning questions they may have about Zero ownership. As well as our flagship sports models, we also produce a range of A1 category bikes which don’t require a full motorcycle licence and we are happy to guide potential riders through the various ways to get on to two wheels.”

The exact list of models will vary from venue to venue, but Zero’s award-winning SR/F and new-for-2020 SR/S (both of which are currently available with a £900 ‘Upgrade to Electric’ discount) will be available on all dates, with a variety of other machines including the DSR adventure bike and A1 class FXS supermoto among the other models in the 2020 line-up.

The 2020 demo tour also marks the introduction of two new dealerships to the UK and Ireland dealer network, with Spark Moto of Addlestone and Pidcocks of Nottingham taking the number of dealerships on the British Isles to 20. Motorcyclists interested in knowing more about Zeros but unable to attend one of the demo days can contact their local dealership, each of which will have demo bikes throughout the summer.

2020 Zero Motorcycles UK demo tour dates

27th August Classic Motorcycles, Northwich
29th August Pidcocks, Nottingham
1st September The Bikers Cove, South Queensferry, Scotland
2nd September J&S Accessories, Metro Centre, Newcastle
3rd September Streetbike, Halesowen
4th September Motorcycles UK, Swindon
5th September Cannon Motorcycles, Witham
6th September Steve Bateman Superbikes, Ringwood
8th September Not Your Average Bikes, Ossett
9th September Davant Bikes, Torquay
10th September English Electric Motor Company, Diss
11th September Wheels, Peterborough
15th September Spark Moto, Addlestone
16th September 21st Moto, Swanley
17th September On the Wheel, Brighton
18th September Amped, Newport

Riders attending demo days will be required to show their driving licence, with suitable entitlement for the model they wish to ride (A for SR/F and SR/S and A2 for other models). Attendees are required to provide their own helmet and protective motorcycle clothing and are asked to comply to social distancing measures on the day.Robinson added: “In past years we have had a very informal system where riders can simply turn up with their licence and riding gear but this year we are advising people to go to our website and pre-book a slot, as the Covid-19 protocols mean that places will be more limited, although we will still do our best to accommodate everyone within the social distancing guidelines we have in place.”

To find out more about the 2020 Zero demo tour, please visit: https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/en-gb/events

[wptb id=64599]
[ebay_search category=”422″ sort=”BestMatch” slideshow=””][/ebay_search]

Electric Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Zero Motorcycles

Zero powers Midnight Mile – the British all-electric motorcycle race

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in all-electric motorcycles and powertrains, is to partner with one of 2020’s wildest motorcycle races, hosting the ‘Midnight Mile’ at this month’s Malle Mile.

The Malle Mile is a gloriously eccentric ‘inappropriate motorcycle race and exhibition in motion’ held in the grounds of a 17th century manor house, and electric motorcycles will have their own showcase in the spectacular Zero-backed ‘Midnight Mile’.

While the Malle Mile is an ‘anything goes’ event, Zero found themselves ‘banned’ (politely of course) from racing against their petrol powered rivals in last year’s sprint races, as the 190Nm of instant torque from the Zero SR/F roadster (shod with off-road knobbly tyres, of course) gave it an unfair advantage in the 1/8 mile drag strip laid out in the Hall’s grounds.

The Midnight Mile is exclusively for electric powered motorcycles. As the name suggests, the sprints take place under cover of darkness, but set against the backdrop of a spectacular light and sound display. In the Midnight Mile, competitors are encouraged to don fancy dress and riding gear, and to decorate their ‘inappropriate’ motorcycles with additional lighting.

“The Malle Mile is a unique event and we’re delighted to be involved,” said Dale Robinson, Zero Motorcycles’ UK Country Manager. “It’s a fun and quirky race and a great place to showcase the Zero brand and products. Last year one of our dealers, English Electric Motorcycle Company, put some off-road tyres on their SR/F and entered alongside the petrol bikes, but it was so fast it was politely asked to leave the competition. When we had the chance to get more involved this year we just couldn’t say no!”

As well as the racing, the Malle Mile features Motopolo, literally polo on motorcycles, luxury camping, custom bike exhibitions and motorcycle themed art and photography exhibitions. Also on site will be ‘The Metropolis’ where Zero will be exhibiting some models from its 2020 range.

For more information on the Malle Mile and to purchase tickets, visit: https://mallelondon.com/the-mile/

For more information on Zero’s range of electric motorcycles, visit: www.zeromotorcycles.com/uk[wptb id=64599]

Honda, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

Honda reaches ten years of production of Dual Clutch Transmission Technology

Honda reaches ten years of production of Dual Clutch Transmission technology for motorcycles

The original VFR1200F and Honda’s current DCT line-up The evolution of DCT

Honda is marking a decade since its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology first appeared in its two-wheeled product line-up.

Having first appeared in dealerships across Europe on the VFR1200F sports tourer, Honda’s DCT remains unique in the world of powered two-wheelers. In total, over 140,000 machines with DCT have been sold in Europe, and in 2019, 45% of Africa Twins, 52% of NC750X’s and 67% of Gold Wings sold in Europe were the DCT version.

Its success has been in large part due to a constant evolution of the technology, with refinements to the smoothness and timing of the gear shifts, and adaptations to match the riding characteristics required of a broad range of different models. Examples include an off-road focussed ‘G switch’ addition for the Africa Twin and X-ADV, and synchronisation with Hill Start Assist, Walking Mode and Idling Stop on the flagship GL1800 Gold Wing luxury tourer.

For more information about the evolution of DCT technology, click here to read an interview with Dai Arai, the Chief Engineer responsible for guiding the evolution of DCT since the original VFR1200F: link

What is DCT?

DCT is an automated, electro-hydraulic clutch and shift operation gearbox, comprising a pair of independent clutch packs housed in one unit, each of which are connected to separate gear sets – one clutch works with start-up, 1st, 3rd and 5th gears, the other with 2nd, 4th and 6th gears.

Gear changes are made either in Manual mode by the rider using the ‘paddle-shift’ style triggers on the left handlebar, or in Automatic mode according to shifting schedules dictated by constantly-monitored parameters including vehicle speed, engine rpm and throttle opening angle. In either case, no clutch lever or footshift is needed. During a gear change, as one clutch disengages, the other clutch simultaneously engages the target gear to ensure a consistent, ultra-fast and seamless shift, with no loss of drive to the rear wheel.

In addition to the natural advantages for sporty riding that this brings, DCT also allows the rider to focus more on their riding line, braking points, cornering and acceleration. Further benefits include reduced rider fatigue, low stress urban riding, the impossibility of stalling and greatly reduced pitching of the motorcycle during gear changes.

[wptb id=64599]

BMW Motorrad, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

BMW Motorrad Presents The R 18 Dragster

The renowned custom bike designer Roland Sands stripped down the BMW R 18 to create a straight line dragster featuring the iconic and massive boxer powerplant. The result: the R 18 Dragster. He and his team have created a unique masterpiece built around the impressive 2-cylinder Big Boxer, giving their creativity free reign in the process.

Roland Sands’ personal story served as a source of inspiration for his work on this bike. “With an engine that’s so visibly the center piece, I immediately thought of muscle cars. My family has always been into going fast and my dad was a drag racer, so I thought it made sense to strip the bike down to the essentials and shape it to go fast on a straight track,” the designer explains.

The new BMW R 18: a cruiser rooted in history.
With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad presented the brand’s first series production bike for the cruiser segment in April 2020. Like no other
BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles – both technically and with regard to its design. It is based on illustrious models such as the BMW R 5 and shifts the focus back to the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the center of riding pleasure. The “Big Boxer” continues the line of traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have offered inspiring riding since BMW Motorrad first began production in 1923.

The technical design process used by Roland Sands.
Roland Sands always starts by sketching his ideas on paper. This allows him to figure out the basics of the shape and what the stance and the geometry of the bike could look like. “In the end, the real magic happens when we bring the sketch to life”, Roland explains.

More than any other motorcycle, the new R 18 offers a highly customizable design. It features an easily removable rear frame and a simple-to-dismantle painted parts set. This gives the customer a high degree of freedom for easily converting the rear end of the new R 18 to suit personal preferences. In addition you can also change the paint finish to suit your personal taste. “The electronics were definitely the most difficult task we had to deal with as we put in nitrous oxide, stripped out the stock exhaust and changed the intake drastically. It was a bit of an experiment, but we dialed it in! The final product is impressive and characterised by a high level of craftsmanship, as can be expected from BMW Motorrad. Right from the beginning, I couldn’t wait to get customizing!” Roland points out.

For the the R 18 Dragster, the team around Roland Sands retained the stock neck geometry of the R 18, removed the bike’s rear end and turned it into a drag racer. Moreover, they chose to modify the front and rear fender to fit the modified frame. The whole customizing process took about three and a half months. The bike then headed to the workshop for final assembly and a day at a drag strip.

“Every bike needs different sources depending on the build, special materials or parts. Every new bike concept is a bit of a learning process even after having built over 200 bikes. We always want to understand the genre of the bike we are building in, it’s the key to keeping it authentic and functional,” explains Roland Sands.

Aside from the R 18 Dragster custom bike, Roland Sands also created two different design collections of milled aluminium parts for the launch of the R 18 Cruiser: “Machined” and “2-Tone-Black”. The “Machined” and “2-Tone-
Black” ranges include front and rear wheels available in different dimensions than the standard sizes. In addition, the range of these exclusive milled parts includes speedometer housings, handlebar clamps, risers, handlebar grips, hand levers and mirrors as well as engine housing trim elements, filler caps, intake silencer covers and much more.

For the R 18 Dragster, Roland Sands used the milled parts design collection “2-Tone-Black” to customize levers, wheels, valve covers, breast plate, headlight and gauges. The front end was taken from the BMW R nineT. The seat as well as the exhaust were created from scratch.

The R 18 Dragster custom bike in detail
1. The frame has been modified completely removing the rear suspension for drag racing.
2. Front and rear fenders have been slightly modified utilizing the stock sheet metal parts in order to keep the classic R 18 silhouette.
3. The headlight has been taken from the original R 18 and is highlighted with the headlight bezel from the design collection of milled aluminium parts.
4. The standard exhaust has been replaced with a hand fabricated Stainless Steel twin megaphone system utilizing the exhaust tips from the milled aluminium parts.
5. The hydraulic front brake and clutch master cylinders are from Roland Sands Design.
6. The tank has been taken over from the original R 18.
7. The paint finish is a two tone metallic blue with classic white BMW pinstripes by Roland’s long time painter Chris Wood.
8. The fork has been taken from the BMW R nineT.
9. The front braking system has been taken from the S 1000 RR superbike.
10. The seat has been built from scratch and is a RSD custom seat by Saddlemen.

Roland Sands: The man behind the designs
By his own account, Roland Sands basically grew up on a motorcycle and motorcycling is in his blood. His dad was a drag racer who built custom bikes and parts. As a result, Roland was brought up surrounded by cool bikes. It
wasn’t long before he, too, was riding dirt bikes, taking them apart and rebuilding them. He had a racing career of his own that spanned ten years.

Today Roland is a world famous designer of custom bikes and motorcycle apparel with customers in all corners of the world. The designer is best known for combining styles and creating new genres in the process. “Combining a racing aesthetic and function with a custom style – this is what we are probably best known for. We like to make stock machines
perform better,” says Roland.

For Roland Sands, motorcycling is not simply a job. “It’s really hard to describe in a few sentences. Riding a motorcycle to me is like becoming one with the machine. My motorcycle is my life, it’s everything, it’s what I do.”
http://motorcycleindustry.co.uk/synetiq-bmw-reveal-hutchinsons-return-to-tas-racing-in-full-gas/

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

Shell and Ducati deepen technical partnership

Shell and Ducati deepen technical partnership expanding Shell advance Ducati oil distribution and renewing engine oil first fill deal.

Shell and Ducati announced the three-year renewal of their engine oil first fill agreement for all Ducati motorcycles produced at its factories in Bologna (Italy) and Rayong (Thailand). In addition, Ducati is extending to Germany, France and UK its aftermarket agreement with Shell for the exclusive Shell Advance Ducati engine oil, which already covered the Italian and North American markets.

Ducati owners benefit from innovations developed through Shell and Ducati’s technical partnership in MotoGP and World Superbike, where Shell’s products have been tested in the most challenging and competitive environments for the last 21 years. The co-branded oil Shell Advance Ducati, specially developed for Ducati road bikes, is available for aftermarket engine oil changes. This bespoke blend of Shell Advance uses Shell’s proprietary PurePlus technology and is designed to offer complete protection by keeping pistons clean, protecting against engine wear, and protecting bike engines at high temperatures.

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding CEO: “The transfer of knowledge from racing to product is a natural process for Ducati. We have also adopted this approach in the development of our partnership with Shell, which has been successfully working alongside us at every circuit for over 20 years. Shell Advance Ducati 15W-50 has been created for this, with the aim of providing our passionate Ducatisti with a product as high-performance and effective as the engine oil used by our teams on the track.”

Steve Reindl, Shell Vice President, Global Key Accounts and New Business Development and Strategic Partnerships: “We are pleased that our close working relationship with Ducati on the track continues to grow every year to bring the performance benefits of our Shell Advance motorbike oils to more Ducati owners around the world. Just as we have committed to helping Ducati achieve success in the MotoGP and World Superbike, we are committed to offering Ducati enthusiasts on the road the best oil technologies.”

Shell and Ducati began their journey together in 1999, with Shell supporting Ducati Corse in the World Superbike Championship, before the two later joined forces to contest the MotoGP World Championship. The technical partnership – which was renewed for a further three years (2020-2022) in October 2019 – is one of the most successful in premier motorcycle racing, with over 150 race wins in total, and seven Riders’ World Titles in MotoGP (2007) and the World Superbike Championship (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008). All race bikes used by the Ducati Team in MotoGP and by Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in WSBK, run on bespoke race formulations of Shell Advance motorcycle oil.

Shell Advance Ducati 15W-50 engine oil is available exclusively from the official Ducati Dealer and Service network in Italy, Germany, France, UK, USA and Canada.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. – A Sole Shareholder Company – A Company subject to the Management and Coordination activities of AUDI AG
Founded in 1926, since 1946 Ducati has been manufacturing sport-inspired motorcycles characterised by high-performance Desmodromic engines, innovative design and cutting-edge technology. With its factory located in Bologna’s Borgo Panigale district, in 2016 Ducati celebrated 90 years since its foundation. The model range covers several market segments with the following families: Diavel, XDiavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport, Panigale and Streetfighter. In 2015, Ducati presented the Ducati Scrambler: a new brand made of bikes, accessories and apparel that that stands out for its creativity and self-expression. In 2017, Ducati presented the Panigale V4, the first Ducati production bike to mount a 4-cylinder engine derived directly from the Desmosedici GP engine. Ducati iconic motorcycles, together with an extensive range of bike accessories and technical and lifestyle apparel, are distributed in 90 countries worldwide. In 2019 Ducati delivered 53,183 bikes to customers, consolidating its sales over the 50,000-bike threshold for the fifth year running. Ducati competes in both MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. It has been competing in MotoGP since 2003, winning both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007, while in Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles.

About Shell Lubricants
The term “Shell Lubricants” collectively refers to Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. Shell sells a wide variety of lubricants to meet customer needs across a range of applications. These include consumer motoring, heavy-duty transport, construction, mining, power, agriculture and general manufacturing. Shell’s portfolio of lubricant brands includes Pennzoil, Quaker State, Shell Helix, Shell Advance, Shell Rotella, Shell Rimula, Shell Argina, Shell Gadinia, Shell Corena, Shell Diala, Shell Morlina, Shell Mysela, Shell Naturelle, Shell Omala, Shell Spirax, Shell Tellus, Shell Tonna, and Shell Turbo. We are active across the full lubricant supply chain. We manufacture base oils in four plants; blend base oils with additives to make lubricants in 29 plants; distribute, market and sell lubricants in more than 100 countries. We also provide technical and business support to customers. We offer lubricant-related services in addition to our product range. These include: Shell LubeMatch –the market leading product on-line recommendation tool available in more than 100 countries in 26 languages, Shell LubeAdvisor – helps customers to select the right lubricant through highly trained Shell technical staff as well as online tools, and Shell LubeAnalyst – an early warning system that enables customers to monitor the condition of their equipment and lubricant, helping to save money on maintenance and avoid potential lost business through equipment failure. Shell’s world-class technology works to deliver value to our customers. Innovation, product application and technical collaboration are at the heart of Shell lubricants. We have leading lubricants research centres in USA, China, Germany, and India. We invest significantly in technology and work closely with our customers to develop innovative lubricants. We have a patent portfolio with more than150 patent series for lubricants, base oils and greases; more than 200 scientists and lubricants engineers dedicated to lubricants research and development. Customer benefits include lower maintenance costs, longer equipment life and reduced energy consumption. One of the ways we push the boundaries of lubricant technology is by working closely with top motor racing teams such as Scuderia Ferrari and BMW Motorsport. These technical partnerships enable us to expand our knowledge of lubrication science and transfer cutting-edge technology from the racetrack to our commercial products.


[wptb id=64599]

R&G Partners With ‘King Carl’ To Produce Limited-edition Knee Sliders
Aftermarket, Akrapovič, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, MV Agusta

MV Agusta Announces New Industrial Partnership With Akrapovic

MV Agusta is announcing a new industrial partnership with Slovenian premium exhaust systems manufacturer Akrapovič. An agreement was reached for the supply of exhaust systems, exclusively designed and produced for specific MV Agusta models. Akrapovič is a pioneer in the innovative use of titanium and super-alloys, and are at the forefront of carbon-fibre components construction. Founded by racing champion Igor Akrapovič, the company works closely with the most prominent teams in MotoGP, World-SBK and MXGP. Leading-edge, racetrack-derived technology is transferred to production models components, guaranteeing unparalleled performance and quality.

“Sound is part of the MV Agusta experience. It’s a key element to its style and we pay a lot of attention to it. Our 3 and 4 cylinders models have quite unique personalities and we’ve always worked towards matching them with hair-raising sound” said Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. “but this partnership goes well beyond the look and sound, it is really about leading-edge technology, performance and uncompromising quality. MV Agusta and Akrapovič have a very similar approach to industrial excellence, accepting nothing but the best. I welcome this partnership as a natural alliance between like-minded leaders in their own field, which will bring about many synergies and even better products for the enjoyment of motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.”

“Akrapovič is extremely excited about this latest chapter in its motorcycle history” said Uroš Rosa, CEO Akrapovič d.d. “To enter into a new partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the industry and one that shares a similar ethos and DNA to our own is another big step for our company. Count Domenico Agusta and Igor Akrapovič both came from a racing background and created winning global brands through their passion, making this collaboration a natural fit. Akrapovič will create innovative products for the beautiful MV Agusta models that are coming soon, with designs that have never been seen before. With high-tech, race-proven materials, such as titanium and carbon fibre, we will create systems that will enhance the ‘Motorcycle Art’ that MV Agusta prides itself on, and our engineers will produce a unique sound for the range. Our exhausts will make a statement for all to see and hear that perfectly complements MV Agusta motorcycles.”

MV Agusta Announces New Partnership With Motonovo Finance
E-Bike, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Yamaha

Yamaha introduces its lightest drive unit and most practical battery

Yamaha introduces its lightest drive unit and most practical battery to the 2021 line-up of e-Bike systems.

New PWseries CE drive unit delivers a natural and enjoyable ride as the External Crossover 500 battery combines Yamaha’s high standard reliability with easy-handling design.

As the inventor of the Electrically Power Assisted Cycle (EPAC), Yamaha is at the forefront in the development of innovative new technologies that are helping to make the e-Bike the most significant force in future urban mobility. Many of today’s most renowned e-Bike brands specify Yamaha drive units and batteries as original equipment, and in recent years this important segment of Yamaha’s business operations has witnessed significant and sustained growth.

In order to ensure an even faster and more flexible service to European bicycle manufacturers in a rapidly expanding marketplace, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd (YMC) in Japan transferred the responsibility for distributing its OEM e-Bike systems to Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) from July 1st, 2020. From its headquarters in Schiphol-Rijk, the Netherlands, YME’s close proximity to its European customers will enable the company to deliver an even more competitive and efficient service that will benefit manufacturers, dealers and end users alike.

Being one with the machine

New PWseries CE: Yamaha’s lightest, quietest and most compact drive unit

Yamaha invented the very first Electrically Power Assisted Cycle back in 1993, and since then the popularity of the e-Bike has grown at a phenomenal rate. In the last decade the introduction of highly efficient motors and more powerful batteries has transformed the performance and range of this environmentally-friendly vehicle, and today the e-Bike is emerging as a good alternative to public transport.

Urban Mobility is a key issue for everyone who lives or works in the city, and for 2021 Yamaha will respond to the public’s needs by introducing the PWseries CE drive unit and the External Crossover 500 battery, both of them perfectly suited to power the new generation of e-Bikes. With its extensive experience and knowledge of e-Bike technology, Yamaha has been able to create its lightest, quietest and most compact drive unit to enjoy a daily city ride – while the new External Crossover 500 battery provides increased versatility and practicality.

Yamaha’s lightest and most compact e-Bike drive unit

Rated at 250W and producing 50Nm of torque, the new PWseries CE drive unit weighs just 2.9kg*, making it the lightest drive unit ever created by Yamaha. It’s also extremely compact, enabling European e-Bike manufacturers to develop next-generation chassis designs with a sharper, slimmer and cleaner profile.

*Coaster brake version

Whisper-quiet

Yamaha’s engineers have worked tirelessly to make the PWseries CE operate as quietly as possible, and various noise-reducing features have succeeded in making this the company’s quietest ever drive unit. Thus, it’s meant for the ultimate zero-emission vehicle that can help to dramatically improve the quality of life for everybody in the city, and will also enable riders to immerse themselves fully in the beauty of nature.

Automatic Support Mode for a relaxed ride

When commuting into the city or taking a leisurely ride in the countryside, conditions are always changing – whether it’s up and down hills or the constant stop-start at traffic lights and junctions. In order to give a better riding experience the new PWseries CE drive unit features Yamaha’s industry-leading software that operates the innovative Automatic Support Mode. This intelligent system instantly responds to changing riding conditions and selects the most appropriate support mode to give its rider the best-suited support at any time, from smooth to strong.

Walk Assist function for easy pushing and manoeuvring

Everything about the design of the new PWseries CE drive unit is aimed at giving a more enjoyable e-Bike experience. By delivering a well-balanced level of support when the bike is being pushed, the refined Walk Assist function makes it much easier to manoeuvre and park a bike that needs to be taken up a slope or may be carrying a load, no matter what gear ratio the rider has chosen.

Yamaha PWseries CE Key Features

·The lightest-ever Yamaha drive unit weighing from just 2.9kg (with coaster brake support, without brake support: 3.0kg)

· Yamaha’s quietest-ever motor

· Ultra-compact motor design gives the e-Bike a sharper and cleaner look

· Automatic Support Mode software delivers a more natural ride

· Improved Walk Assist function makes parking and manoeuvring easy

· Centre-mount drive

· 250 W rated power

· 50Nm torque

· 25km/h maximum support speed

New External Crossover 500 battery– compact, stylish and convenient

Yamaha offers a wide range of batteries, including multi-location designs that can be integrated into the frame, as well as external batteries for customers looking for practicality and convenience. Designed to be mounted either on the downtube or in front of the seat tube, Yamaha’s new External Crossover 500 battery features a simple lock-and-release system that makes it easy to remove and then recharge or store at home.

Weighing just 2.9kg, this 36V Lithium Ion battery has a capacity of 500Wh and can be charged in approximately 4 hours, making it an ideal power source for the new PWseries CE drive unit.

External Crossover 500 Key Features

· External-mount design with compact dimensions and ergonomic handle for practicality and convenience

· Intuitive lock-and-release system for easy removal and charging

· 36V Lithium-Ion design

  • 500Wh

· 4 hour charge time (approx.)

  • 2.9kg

Yamaha e-Bike systems: total support for Europe’s OEM customers

Yamaha Motor has earned a reputation for quality and excellence, and the company is able to offer Europe’s OEM customers the most advanced range of premium e-Bike drive systems with excellent reliability. With their class-leading specifications and renowned Yamaha quality, the new PWseries CE motor and External Crossover 500 battery are ideal for commuting, enabling manufacturers to develop new e-Bike models for the rapidly growing Urban Mobility market.

Offering outstanding reliability with excellent performance, Yamaha’s maintenance-free, zero-emission e-Bike systems underline the company’s total commitment to the Urban Mobility segment – and the recent appointment of Yamaha Motor Europe as the distributor of OEM e-Bike systems in Europe confirms the company’s desire to offer the most efficient service to the European e-Bike industry.

To find out more about Yamaha e-Bike products, please visit our website where product information, history of products and links to main customers are provided.

Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Suzuki

Free City Pack accessory kit available with all new V-Strom 1050s

Suzuki is offering a free City Pack accessory kit with all new V-Strom 1050s purchased in August and September.

The pack – which usually retails for £549 – includes a spacious 55-litre top box, all the necessary mounting kit and a centre stand.

It means the V-Strom 1050, already lauded as one of the best-value adventure bikes on the market thanks to its RRP of just £9,999, now offers even more practicality. The free City Pack makes the true all-rounder an ideal tool for both weekend getaways and the daily commute, with plenty of space to keep your clothes and laptop for work while avoiding crowded public transport.

Launched this year the V-Strom 1050 uses Suzuki’s 1037cc V-twin engine which has been upgraded for Euro5, making 7% more power (107PS) whilst delivering strong liner torque from tick over to red line and 57.65mpg, giving an impressive 250mile range from its 20L tank. There are three power modes and three traction control settings to keep everything in check, plus the ability to turn the traction control off. It also gets Suzuki’s easy start and low RPM assist, which aids setting off and makes light work of town riding.

Available on PCP thanks to Suzuki’s Flexible Finance scheme, the V-Strom 1050 can be ridden away for £90.83 per month over a three-year period, with a £2,500 deposit or trade-in.

For more information on the V-Strom 1050 click here.

http://motorcycleindustry.co.uk/bsb-join-forces-with-leading-british-professional-cleaning-products-brand-nilco/

BMW Motorrad, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

BMW Motorrad model revision measures for the model year 2021

Model year 2021 will see a number of model revision measures included in the BMW Motorrad program. The models can be ordered from all BMW Motorrad partners in the new configurations from August 2020.

BMW R 1250 RS.

  • Style Sport in Austin Yellow metallic now with new frame colour in matt black, Option 719 Stardust metallic is dropped.
  • Disengageable capability ABS is dropped.
  • Changeover to EU-5.
  • New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control.
  • Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front & cylinder head covers anodized in black/silver.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodized in Black/Silver.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in Option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II.
  • Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and Option 719 seat are dropped.
  • Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.

BMW R 1250 R.

  • Style Exclusive with new paint finish Mineral Grey metallic. Pollux metallic matt, Style Exclusive and Option 719 Stardust metallic are dropped.
  • Style HP renamed Style Sport.
  • Disengageable capability ABS is dropped.
  • Changeover to EU-5.
  • New optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro option now includes engine drag torque control.
  • Extended optional equipment: Driving Modes Pro now includes Core Screen Sport.
  • New optional equipment: M Lightweight battery replaces previous HP battery.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow with engine housing cover front & cylinder head covers anodized in black/silver.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts package Shadow II with mirrors, hand levers, rider footrests and foot lever as well as expansion tank covers anodized in Black/Silver.
  • New optional equipment: Option 719 milled parts packages Storm/Storm II with the same parts as in option 719 milled parts packages Shadow/Shadow II.
  • Option 719 HP milled parts package, HP milled parts package II and option 719 seat are dropped.
  • Sports silencer replaces previous HP rear silencer.

BMW K 1600 GT.

  • New paint finish Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Option 719 Stardust metallic and Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/Ivory are dropped.
  • Frame and engine in black for all colour versions.
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
  • New optional equipment: Engine protection bars.
  • New optional equipment: Changes to tour package content. Expanded to include LED auxiliary headlights and engine protection bars, reversing aid is dropped.
  • Safety package is dropped.

BMW K 1600 GTL.

  • New paint finishes Manhattan metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Mineral White metallic. Pollux metallic, Style Elegance and Option 719 Stardust metallic as well as Option 719 Blueplanet metallic/ivory are dropped.
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
  • New optional equipment: Engine protection bars.
  • New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Expanded to include engine protection bars.
  • Safety package is dropped.

BMW K 1600 B.

  • New paint finish Mars Red metallic. Imperial Blue metallic is dropped.
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
  • New optional equipment: Engine protection bars and LED auxiliary headlights. .
  • New optional equipment: Changes to touring package content. LED auxiliary headlights, audio system, engine protection bars, running board (optional lockable storage compartment instead of running board).
  • New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, keyless ride, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight dropped.
  • Safety package is dropped.

BMW K 1600 Grand America.

  • New paint finish Mars Red metallic. Imperial Blue metallic is dropped.
  • Reversing aid and adaptive turning light are now standard.
  • Tyre pressure control RDC and daylight running light are now standard.
  • New optional equipment: Changes to comfort package content. Shift Assistant Pro, KR, central locking, alarm system. Additional LED headlight dropped.
  • Safety package is dropped.

BMW S 1000 RR.

  • New paint finish Black storm metallic. Racing Red non-metallic is dropped.
  • Changeover to EU-5.
  • New optional equipment: Sports silencer*.
  • New optional equipment: M titanium exhaust system*.
  • New optional equipment: M milled parts package**, M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors, M rider footrest system left/right.
  • New optional equipment: Sports package***. M Endurance chain, USB charging port and M GPS lap trigger.
  • New optional equipment: USB charging port.
  • New optional equipment: M Endurance chain.
  • New optional equipment: M GPS Laptrigger***. Activation code to enable a GPS sensor to send the signal to the instrument cluster. This allows the data-logger to trigger the lap timer/lap counter via GPS instead of manually.

BMW S 1000 XR.

  • New: Style Sport with Lightwhite non-metallic/Racingblue met./Racingred non-metallic, titanium sports silencer, M Endurance chain, Windshield Sport, additional Core Screen with Laptimer.
  • Tank cover and card pocket in motorcycle colour.
  • New optional equipment: Titanium sports silencer.
  • New optional equipment: Tour package with expanded content. USB charging port, new luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l topcase.
  • Revised optional equipment: Luggage rack with integrated holder for 30 l and 49 l topcase.
  • New optional equipment: M milled parts package*. M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protector left, M rider footrests right/left and M pillion passenger footrests right/left.
  • New optional equipment: USB charging port.
  • New optional equipment: M Endurance chain.

BMW R 18.

  • New optional equipment: Cruise control including steering damper.

BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR.

  • LED turn indicators standard for US type key.
  • New optional equipment: New activation concept for driving modes Pro. Coding plug is dropped.

* available from October 2020

** available from September 2020

*** available from December 2020

Ducati, E-Bike, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

Ducati and MT Distribution present a new line of folding e-bikes

After the success of the electric scooters, Ducati and MT Distribution, licensee and commercial partner, present three new models of folding bicycles with pedal assistance.

The folding e-bike line, born from the partnership between Ducati and MT Distribution, is designed for those who want to move around the city without compromising on style and comfort and is made up of three models: Urban-E, under the Ducati brand, and SCR -E and SCR-E Sport, dedicated to the Ducati Scrambler world.

As for the scooters, considerable attention has been paid to design in the development of the e-bikes, for which the Centro Stile Ducati was responsible. For the Urban-E model, Ducati designers collaborated with Italdesign, to propose a unique model of its kind, with customized components characterized by an original and distinctive style.

The two folding e-bike models dedicated to the Ducati Scrambler “Land of Joy” are available on the market since July, while the Ducati branded e-bike will be available to buy from October.

SCR-E is one of two pedal-assisted bicycle models made with the Ducati Scrambler brand. The fat wheels 20” x 4” allow riders to travel with full grip even on rough or off-road sections. The 374.4 Wh battery is fully integrated into the frame and, when fully charged, allows to travel up to 70 km. The frame is in aluminium and is equipped with a deluxe handle with easy-folding technology for a simple and quick closure of the vehicle. The rear lights are integrated into the seat post to maintain a clean and attractive aesthetic line. The LCD display is of the latest generation and mounts a twilight sensor for the automatic switching on of the lights and the detection of the external temperature.

SCR-E SPORT is the sportiest evolution of the SCR-E model, also branded Ducati Scrambler. The full suspension model is equipped with a double shock absorber: front fork and rear spring shock integrated in the frame. The single wall alloy wheels and road tyres give the model a refined and sporty appearance. The enhanced 468 Wh battery is fully integrated into the chassis and can travel up to 80 km.

Urban-E , available in black or grey, is built around the special aluminium frame with easy-folding locking system created by the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati in collaboration with colleagues from Italdesign’s Industrial Design division. The handlebar has a fully integrated LCD display in the stem that allows the rider to control all the assistance functions, to check the remaining battery charge and to turn the LED lights integrated in the frame on and off. Designers and developers have worked together to create an e-bike with a clean and linear style. The 378 Wh battery is integrated into the frame and becomes an element of style itself, recalling the motorbike fuel tanks in its typical Ducati red colour and curved shape. The suspension fork, the fat 20″ x 4″ tyres with Kevlar anti-puncture technology mounted on double wall aluminium rims and the rear mudguard, in addition to accentuating the racing style, ensure maximum riding comfort, even on the most irregular of surfaces.

For further information on the purchase and availability of products, please contact MT Distribution, whose contacts can be found on the website www.mtdistribution.it. A selection of e-bike modes will also be available at Ducati dealers and in the Ducati Shop Online.

Ducati builds an exclusive Scrambler Ducati 1100 series for Scuderia Club Italia members
Indian Motorcycles, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

Indian Motorcycle Announces Integration Of Apple CarPlay

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, announced today the integration of Apple CarPlay® to its model year 2020 lineup of bikes equipped with the 7” Ride Command system. Continuing its mission to further enhance the riding experience, this latest update continues to deliver industry-leading technology which provides riders with a way to stay connected while out on the road.

Apple CarPlay® is now supported on 2020 Chieftain, Roadmaster and Challenger models with navigation. iPhone® users can easily access Apple Music, Maps, send messages with Siri and more through the Ride Command 7” screen and a supported Bluetooth headset (not included) – all on a user-friendly interface that iPhone users will instantly recognize. This integration also increases global accessibility to navigation.

Apple CarPlay is just one of several improvements made to Indian Motorcycle’s leading Ride Command system. Riders can now expect improved navigation location management, improved boot time, audio muting and control improvements (including navigation audio), widget fixes and a new fuel economy widget, and improved search functionality within navigation.

Visit or call your Indian Motorcycle dealer for more information or to set up an appointment which can be located on http://www.indianmotorcycle.eu/

For more details of Indian Motorcycle Ride Command, please visit your regional website from the list below:

Australia
Austria
Belgium FL
Belgium FR
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Danemark
Finlande
France
GCC
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Ireland
Japan
Luxembourg
Mexico
Morroco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland CH
Switzerland FR
United Kingdom

Indian Motorcycle Introduces 2020 Roadmaster Elite
Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Yamaha

FJR1300AE becomes the new Italian national police motorcycle

The Italian branch of Yamaha Motor Europe NV has created and developed the “Yamaha for Police” project, through which it makes available its long tradition of technology and reliability to the world of law enforcement and local administrations with a dedicated range.

Thanks to the “Yamaha for Police” program, the ITALIAN NATIONAL POLICE will be able to carry out its work on the most advanced Yamaha Sport Tourer ever, with a specially created set-up.

The Yamaha fleet of 90 FJR1300AE has been delivered to the Italian National Police, which will be able to patrol and guarantee the public order and all services related to the safety of citizens on an advanced, reliable vehicle, equipped with a specific kit.

POLICE BIKE SPECS

  • The FJR1300AE is powered by a 1,298 cc 4-cylinder in-line engine, which guarantees excellent acceleration, sporty performance and low fuel consumption. In carrying out the delicate tasks of the Police officers, this engine allows a driving style suitable for all situations.
  • The special supply, besides being made with the colors and logos of the white and blue institutional livery of the Italian National Police, also includes a specific set-up designed in partnership with INTAV Srl, consisting of:
  • LED flashing beacon mounted on a telescopic pole
  • A pair of front flashing lights with LED technology, integrated in the standard windscreen
  • Sound kit consisting of a pair of neodymium speakers with lowered profile, master and slave, equipped with an electronic module
  • Integrated two-tone siren, emergency / rescue sound
  • Management system with waterproof push-button panel equipped with backlit buttons

If you want to know more about this project, visit the Pro Users section.

Ducati, E-Bike, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

e-Scrambler: the e-bike to move freely and with style

Moving in city traffic and exploring the open country roads in safety, without sacrificing the style and feeling of freedom typical of the Ducati Scrambler world, is possible on an e-Scrambler, the trekking e-bike built by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer in collaboration with Thok.

The e-Scrambler is an “urban ready” e-bike with aluminium frame and high-end components, which is inspired by the design and attitude of the “Land of Joy”. The 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor with 504 Wh battery and Pirelli Cycl-e GT tyres guarantee this model great autonomy to travel even the longest itineraries in agility and total safety.

Riding pleasure and ease of use are guaranteed by the Sram NX 11-speed gearbox, Sram 4-piston brakes and a complete set of accessories essential for daily use such as luggage racks, mudguards, stand and signal lights.

The low centre of gravity and the geometry of the frame allow the e-Scrambler to offer the same riding sensations as a traditional bike, making it in fact the ideal companion for the city or to enjoy the country roads. The supplied telescopic seat post also increases comfort, allowing the rider to get on and off the saddle easily and guaranteeing safe support during stops.

The e-Scrambler is available at all Ducati dealers and on the Ducati.com website.

Ducati reopens the Museum, combining the visit with new motorcycle or e-bike experiences