As leaders in head protection, one thing has stayed the same since Bell developed the first full-face motocross helmet in 1975 —they never stop breaking their own boundaries. Thriving on the progression of helmet development, Bell are determined not to follow trends, but create leading solutions to make riders safe while they perform at their best. From the brand new, groundbreaking Moto10 Spherical to the MX-9 Adventure DLX MIPS®, each helmet is designed to inspire the next generation of boundary breakers.
Moto-10 Spherical – The Future Is Upon Us.
Born from the needs of top athletes around the world, the Moto-10 is our most advanced off-road helmet that sets a new industry standard. As a direct result of our athletes’ influence and feedback, the Moto-10 achieves a winning combination of increased protection, weight reduction, and extreme airflow, enhancing the rider’s experience and confidence. As racing evolves, so do Bell. Combine our new technologies with our favoured Bell fit and aggressive styling, and the Moto-10 not only emerges as the front-runner—it becomes the evolution of full-face protection.
The Moto-10 is the first helmet to feature Spherical Technology powered by MIPS. Using a unique ball-and-socket design, the outer liner rotates around the inner liner to redirect impact forces away from the brain. This works seamlessly with MIPS and doesn’t compromise the other performance requirements of the helmet.
Moto-9S Flex – Evolution Of The Fittest.
Back by popular demand is the redesigned Moto-9s Flex—the refinement of a long-standing industry leader. This strong, lightweight helmet carries over Bell’s time-tested traditions of performance and advanced safety standards. Packed inside are three material layers that protect at different impact speeds and redirect rotational energy. Protection like this is what gives our motocross and off-road racers the confidence to go big.
You still get the unbeatable ventilation of the flexible, segmented liner that adapts to the shape of your head for a custom feel. Top off this no-compromise design with a firbeglass shell, delivering all the strength of carbon fibre in a more budget-friendly package.
Moto-9 MIPS – Race Ready.
The legendary Moto-9 continues to dominate MX tracks around the globe. Bell have added MIPS energy-absorbing technology to this proven performer, enhancing already stellar protection. An extensive list of features – Tri-Matrix Shell, Velocity Flow Ventilation, X-Static Liner, Flying Bridge Visor, Magnetic cheek pads/Strap Keeper, and an Industry-leading five-year warranty – ensures the Moto-9 is as ready as you are when the gate drops.
No two impacts are the same – that’s why MIPS is so important. Rotational impacts are more common than perpendicular impacts and cause dangerous twists that can be often associated with brain injury. MIPS uses a slip-pane system that moves inside the helmet and mimics the brains own protection system. This layer rotates inside the helmet to try and reduce the amount of energy transferred to the head. By doing this, it may be possible to reduce the risk and severity of brain injury.
The Moto-9 MIPS is also available in youth sizes.
MX-9 MIPS – Motocross Hero.
The off-road world is a dirty, tough place. Chunks of rock and dirt mean business when launched by roosting tires, and even when it’s muddy, hitting the ground is always hard. That’s why Bell sweated the details on the MX-9, loading it with a tough polycarbonate shell, MIPS energy management system, an adjustable visor, Velocity Flow ventilation, and a removable, washable, anti-microbial liner for when the time comes to hose down. The MX-9 MIPS packs all these features into one helmet, delivering exceptional value and pro-caliber performance.
MX-9 Adventure MIPS – All-Terrain Explorer.
From the roughest singletrack to urban blacktop, the MX-9 Adventure MIPS gets you there safely in style. Bell have taken the MX-9 and added even more capability with an integrated anti-fog, anti-scratch clear visor. The shield flips up and leaves enough room for goggles in extreme conditions, or it can be removed completely. Conversely, the adjustable visor can be removed for a stealth street look. MIPS protection, Velocity Flow ventilation, and a removable, washable, anti-microbial liner round out a highly adaptable package.
MIPS
MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System has been developed for over 25 years and uses a slip pane designed to manage energy from rotational and angular impacts. Most helmets are designed to handle direct hits, however real world accidents involve twists and rotations which can cause significant brain injury. The low-friction layer inside the helmet allows multi-directional movement of 10-15mm on certain angled impacts, which mimics the brain’s own protection system, and is intended to help reduce rotational force to the head and brain.
The Bell dirt collection is now available in all reputable motocross UK dealers. For more information and to find your nearest dealer, visit bellhelmets.co.uk
Designed by German BMW specialists Wunderlich, Handlebar Cuff Muffs will keep hands warm and dry on most motorcycles, far more efficiently than bulky winter gloves.
Made from high quality water-repellent and windproof CORDURA®, Cuff Muffs block out rain and wind completely, allowing the use of thinner riding gloves for better feel of the controls and comfort.
Should the conditions take a nasty turn, an elasticated gaiter – with adjustable toggle – can be closed around the jacket sleeve to seal out the elements further still.
They’re generously sized, so can be fitted over most hand protectors. Should guards not be fitted, a moulded insert – cushioned on the inside for extra warmth and comfort – ensures the Muffs keep their shape at higher speeds and won’t touch or obstruct the hands or the bike’s controls.
Each Cuff Muff also features a UV-stable PVC transparent window, so the rider can see and easily operate the bike’s switchgear – a practical feature missing from many other brands.
Simple to mount and secure, they slip easily over the bars and are held in place with strong elastic – no fiddly, complex fitting kits.
An additional cuff attaches to the mirror arm with an adhesive band and zipper, for extra stability and a tight seal. On motorcycles with fairing-mounted mirrors the cuff can be neatly hidden under a zip.
Reflective elements increase visibility in murky winter conditions.
Wunderlich Handlebar Cuff Muffs are designed to fit the latest range of BMW, including R1250 GS and Adventure, and are suitable for use on most modern motorcycles.
They retail at £129- per pair including VAT, and are available from Wunderlich’s exclusive UK partner www.nippynormans.com
Team Classic Suzuki has pulled the wraps off its latest race bike project: a 1996 GSX-R750 SRAD built for future international classic racing events.
Built around a former factory endurance racer, the Team Classic Suzuki SRAD features a factory dry slipper-clutch, a lightweight generator, a magnesium offset sump, close ratio six-speed gearbox, and a factory Yoshimura exhaust system.
As always, suspension front and rear comes courtesy of the experts at K-Tech and there’s a longer swingarm for more stability. Brembo calipers and brakelines from Earls provide the stopping power, with OZ lightweight wheels shod with Dunlop slicks.
Parts manufactured in-house include the triple clamps, footrests, fork lowers, and carbon kevlar bodywork, while the whole package is held together by high quality, lightweight titanium fasteners from RaceFasteners.
The bike will replace the team’s successful XR69 F1 bikes, which have carried Michael Dunlop to Classic TT glory, at a number of events from 2022.
Raced by the likes of James Whitham and John Reynolds in World Superbikes and Chris Walker in BSB, the GSX-R750 SRAD epitomises 1990s sportsbike-obsessed Britain, in part thanks to its bulbous seat unit and now-iconic silhouette. The ‘Gixxer’ became an incredibly frequent sight at bike meets up and down the country.
The Team Classic Suzuki SRAD livery is inspired by the Lucky Strike-sponsored endurance bike it began life as, a livery more commonly associated with the RGV500s ridden by likes of Kevin Schwantz in Grand Prix.
The bike will get its first shakedown at a two-day test at Cartagena with Michael Dunlop next week.
For more Suzuki GB news check out our dedicated page Suzuki GB News
‘Better’ and ‘easier’ are two words that will capture the interest of any rider. KTM has forged the most technically advanced semi-active technology (SAT) suspension for select flagship models: the new, innovative system, produced in collaboration with WP Suspension and specialists like Bosch, is another example of how KTM’s elite STREET bikes are able to pull away from the competition. The software and hardware offer peerless variable damping so that handling can be more sensitive, reactive, and customisable.
‘Easier’: Long gone are the days where a tape measure, tools, or even a visit to a specialised suspension workshop were necessary to maximise the feeling and setting of a bike. Through KTM’s large and well-designed TFT displays, semi-active technology (SAT) can be selected and modified with a few simple touches of a button. Riders can alter the height, response and general behavior to suit any road condition and the changes are outlined with useful graphics that demonstrate the effect of each mode and option. It’s another mark of KTM’s STREET development principles and versatility that the whole process is both a cinch for beginners and detailed enough for the most grizzled veteran.
KTM’s latest SAT offers three damping modes – COMFORT, STREET, and SPORT – with defined levels of compression and rebound depending on how and where the KTM will be ridden. The spring preload on the rear shock can be tweaked through 10 steps, from 0-100%.
Buying the optional SUSPENSION PRO pack opens the possibilities even wider with three further configurations: TRACK, AUTO, and ADVANCED, on a KTM that begs for some smooth asphalt throttle-abuse. There is also OFFROAD (instead of TRACK) for a machine like the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S. The sophistication of the system means that the SAT will use the fantastically fast readings of the 6D lean angle sensor, the suspension control unit, and various other sensors to react instantly and smoothly to the rider’s demands in AUTO. ADVANCED allows the rider to flick through 8 levels of front and rear damping on the TFT.
SUSPENSION PRO provides three preload auto-leveling settings which are LOW, STANDARD, and HIGH. The suspension will consider the weight of the rider, a pillion, and any baggage, and then self-adjust. It will also conveniently recreate three defined geometries. STANDARD is neutral and balanced. LOW is less aggressive and relaxed. HIGH is more aggressive, loading the front for an ‘attack’ setting and even more agility.
The technology’s ability to make its own calculations and adjustments is one prominently cool facet of the new SAT. It can all be done on the move and while in the saddle. Another feature made available by SUSPENSION PRO is the anti-dive functionality. It keeps the front end high for stability and improves pillion comfort under braking. Once riders have felt and tasted SAT, it’s hard to go back.
‘Better’: KTM has achieved these SAT parameters due to new magnetic valves, new programming, and refinement of the 6D sensor and stroke sensors, and the very latest version of WP Suspension’s 48mm front fork and hydraulic rear shock. The combination of this technology brings sensitive real-time readings from the road or path directly to the heart of the suspension control unit and the bike re-aligns instantaneously, depends on what the rider wants from their KTM.
Focusing on the hardware in particular, the WP APEX SAT fork boasts more ‘conventional’ damping but still with all the advantages of the range offered by an electric valve. This has been made possible thanks to the new design that permits faster relay of signals and the deployment of more efficient pulse-width modulation sensors. The WP APEX SAT shock spans 140 to 200 mm of travel depending on the KTM model and has an oil/gas body construction. Another new sensor optimises the self-preload adjustment, which is key in the setting and regulation of the sag and balance geometry.
The most recent generation of KTM’s SAT development has allowed the brand to again set the benchmark for standard specs on the motorcycle market. KTM has been able to revitalize the enticing bond between the invigorating sensation of power, torque, and handling on two wheels with cutting-edge sophistication and control. ‘Easier’? ‘Better’? KTM won’t stop here, with Naked November already on the horizon, look out for two new models that will be unleashed. These new creations will combine the brute power of the V-twin with the very latest technology.
Open the throttle and discover more about the parts, technologies, and other KTM innovations right HERE.
Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance, returns to The NEC, Birmingham from Saturday 4 – Sunday 12 December. Over 55 manufacturers have confirmed their attendance including BMW, CCM, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Triumph. There are also a range of up and coming manufacturers showcasing their products and solutions to mobility with electric motorcycles, designed with the rider and their lifestyle in mind.
With the 2022 riding season just around the corner, now is the perfect opportunity to stop by each manufacturer’s stand and see what catches your eye. You’ll remain able to sit on, have pictures with, and adopt the classic poses on your favourite models – just like you always have!
What makes Motorcycle Live even more special this year is the confirmation of brand new 2022 models making their global and UK debut. There are a number of UK premieres planned throughout the nine days – forget waiting to read about them, visit them at The NEC to see, touch and experience them first hand.
Finlay McAllan (Managing Director, Motorcycle Live) said: “We are excited to have worked closely with both industry leading and brand new manufacturers to create an exciting platform for our audience to revel in. With so many brand new products being launched and unveiled this year, our visitors will be one of the first around the world to see these amazing new products in the flesh.”
Motorcycle Live 2021 returns to The NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 4 December with doors opening at 09:00am. Discounted advanced tickets are now on-sale and available from motorcyclelive.co.uk.
For more Motorcycle Live News check out our Shows dedicated page Motorcycle Live News
or head to the official Motorcycle Live website Motorcycle Live
Streetfighter V2 and Streetfighter V4 SP: two new Ducati models derived from the successful “Fight Formula”
Ducati expands the Streetfighter family with the introduction of two new models: the bold and essential Streetfighter V2 and the top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP. All the in-depth information on the two bikes have been revealed during the fourth episode of the Ducati World Première web series.
The new Streetfighter V2 is a sports naked with a one-of-a-kind character. It accommodates the needs of those riders who are looking for a bike capable of combining the sporting Panigale V2’s DNA with both the attitude and style of the admired Streetfighter. The result is an intuitive and easy-to-handle vehicle, with the right dose of power to ensure feisty performance and maximum riding fun.
It is noteworthy that this project is the precious fruit of the reinterpretation of Ducati’s successful “Fight Formula”, this time applied to the Panigale V2, stripped of the fairings and equipped with high and wide handlebars. The dry weight of this vehicle is 178 kg and the engine is the 955 cc and 153 hp Superquadro controlled by the latest-generation electronic package.
Streetfighter V4 SP
The new Streetfighter V2 is essential and characterized by a truly sharp design, which embraces the classic stylistic elements of the Streetfighter V4, starting with the distinctive headlight, which recalls the V-shaped DRL typical of Ducati sports bikes and is inspired by the famous grin of the Joker.
The design concept behind this new model is built around the mechanics inherited from the Panigale V2, with the Superquadro engine as a bearing element.
Ergonomics has major rider-centric features and is focused on road use with the added values of sportiness and comfort. The high and wide aluminum handlebars replace the handlebar risers of the Panigale V2. The saddle now is wider and has new padding that contributes to make this bike even more comfortable. In addition, the footpegs have been repositioned to increase the amount of room. All these improvements allow the biker great control in sporty riding and facilitate everyday use at the same time.
The engine of the Streetfighter V2 is the 955 cc Euro 5-compliant Superquadro, capable of delivering a maximum power of 153 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 101.4 Nm at 9,000 rpm. This engine results not only usable and enjoyable on the road but also effective and excellent on the track, where can be easily managed. Compared to the Panigale V2, the Streetfighter V2 project has a shorter final ratio (15/45 vs 15/43) which guarantees greater torque to the wheel at road speeds while giving better engine responsiveness when re-opening the throttle.
Streetfighter V2
While developing this new model, Ducati engineers focused their attention on the chassis set-up. As a matter of fact, the Superquadro engine is used as a bearing element connecting the compact front structure, consisting of a monocoque frame in die-cast aluminum fixed to the engine head. The single-sided swingarm, which is also connected to the engine, is 16 mm longer compared to that of the Panigale V2, a winning point which contributes to ensure the stability of the whole bike.
To this platform are added the 43 mm Showa BPF front fork and the Sachs shock absorber, featuring dedicated calibration to make the bike more comfortable on the road as well as easily adjustable for a whole new dimension of fun on the racetrack.
The Streetfighter V2 is equipped with 5-spoke wheels and the new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres: 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 180/60 ZR17 at the rear, which provide a super fast response to the rider’s needs together with an extra cornering feeling. Except for the adoption of brake pads characterised by a less aggressive bite, more suitable for road use, the whole braking system is faithfully taken from the Panigale V2 and features Brembo M4-32 monobloc radial calipers with 320 mm diameter discs.
Also the comprehensive and modern electronic compartment fitting the Streetfighter V2 is inherited from the Panigale V2. The 6-axis IMU inertial platform manages all the electronic controls of the bike and gives the position of the bike in space in real time, sending the information to the control units that manage the controls. The electronic package includes: ABS Cornering EVO with “slide by brake” functionality, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO.
Streetfighter V4 SP
The Streetfighter V2 features three different Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Wet) with dedicated control settings. The electronic equipment can be enhanced by the accessories contained in the Ducati Performance catalogue: Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA + GPS) and Ducati Multimedia System.
The bike is equipped with full-LED headlights with front DRL and a 4.3” full-TFT dashboard characterised by an intuitive interface that recalls the Streetfighter V4 family-feeling.
The Streetfighter V2 will be available at Ducati dealerships starting from December 2021 in the Ducati Red colour with black rims.
The Ducati Performance catalogue features numerous accessories designed to enhance look, performance and style of the new Streetfighter V2. Among these, the wings stand out, designed by Ducati to obtain even higher performance in track use.
For 2022 Ducati introduces also top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP model, offered in a numbered version and marked with the well-known “SP” (which stands for Sport Production) abbreviation. The new Streetfighter V4 SP is the most adrenaline-pumping naked to ever roll its wheels off the production line in Borgo Panigale . This thanks to a special technical equipment that perfectly combines the “Fight Formula” with the “SP” specifications, further improving the power-to-weight ratio of the Streetfighter V4 S, which was already at the top of its category, and making the bike even more effective on the track.
Streetfighter V4 SP
The Streetfighter V4 SP comes with a dedicated livery, premium equipment derived from the Superleggera V4, as well as with a restrained weight: 196 kg in running order (3 kg less compared to the Streetfighter V4 S).
The essential and captivating “Winter Test” livery has been conceived by the Ducati Centro Stile taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse motorcycles ridden in MotoGP and SBK Championships pre-season tests. The Matt Black of the fairings combined with the Matt Carbon finish of rims and wings superbly contrasts with the bright Red accents and the sparkling brushed aluminum tank. The new born from Borgo Panigale is also enriched with some beautiful details, such as the progressive number printed on the handlebar and the Italian flag colour scheme on the carbon wings.
The Streetfighter V4 SP is equipped with 5 split-spoke carbon rims, 1.4 kg lighter than the forged aluminum ones fitted as standard on the Streetfighter V4 S and capable of reducing the inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, making the bike significantly more agile and lighter when changing direction. The exclusive Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers guarantee uncommon braking power, as well as stunning performance even during extended use on track*.
The new bike is equipped with the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 with the event-based system that can vary the damping according to the rider’s riding style, and together with biplane wings they increase confidence and ensure the best performance in sporty use.
The beating heart is the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale with 208 hp capable of delivering a torque of 123 Nm at 9,500 rpm (Euro 5-compliant). On the Streetfighter V4 SP the Desmosedici Stradale is fitted with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which guarantees a better anti-hopping function, even in the most aggressive downshifts, and greater fluidity during all “off-throttle” stages, a crucial aspect to be truly effective on the track when pushing to the limit.
The equipment of this unique bike is enriched by the adjustable aluminum and CNC machined footpegs, the carbon front mudguard, the lithium-ion battery and a range of accessories suitable for the “track days”, such as the open carbon clutch cover** and the caps for removing the license plate holder**.
Thanks to its technical equipment, the Streetfighter V4 SP is the ideal companion for the amateur who wants to rule the track riding a naked bike and get an instant response. Braking capacity results in fact out of the ordinary, the bike is easier to lay into the corner and gets to the apex faster, not to mention the great stability at high speeds.
The Streetfighter V4 SP will be available in single-seat configuration in the “Winter Test” livery. The bike will be in Ducati dealerships starting at January 2022.
* Bike specifications and dealer availability may vary from market to market. Please refer to the tech specs contained in the press kit for further information
** This product is intended for vehicles used only in closed-course circuit. Operation on public roads is prohibited by law
Streetfighter Family
For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News
Packed with features gleaned directly from our flagship Star line, the Qualifier DLX MIPS delivers exceptional performance at incredible value.
Safety is enhanced by the inclusion of the MIPS energy management system.
Qualifier DLX MIPS is otherwise fully decked with aggressive styling, Velocity Flow ventilation, a removable, washable liner, and a padded wind collar.
This model comes with a Nutra Fog II anti-fog, anti- scratch Photochromic face shield.
Vale. The Doctor. Leggenda. After 25 years at the forefront of Grand Prix racing, Valentino Rossi says arrivederci – and what a career he’s had.
The 9-time champion is a colourful character, and this has been reflected in his unique helmet designs featuring everything from sharks to pizza! The range comprises everything from winter test designs, legendary Misano tributes and the iconic Soleluna, which are available from the entry level K1 through to the Pista GP-RR that Vale himself chooses.
These designs have been recreated on AGV helmets to pay tribute to one of the sport’s greatest. Grazie tante Vale, ciao.
For more AGV Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page AGV Helmets UK News
AGV’s flagship off-road helmet, the super-lightweight AX-8 Evo has a carbon-aramid-fiberglass shell with a shape that’s designed to minimize the risk of injuries caused by force being transferred to the collarbone, and it’s optimised for use with neck braces.
The bottom of the chin guard has a rubber cushion for impact absorption, and the nose guard is removable.
Solid Colour SRP: £349.99
For more AGV Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page AGV Helmets UK News
Versatility defines the K6. Suitable for every type of riding and all riding surfaces, it incorporates the best characteristics from the sport and touring worlds and is ideal for taking on any two-wheeled challenge.
Its carbon and aramid fiber shell ensures protective performance and and makes it the lightest full-face road helmet in the world.
The aerodynamic shapes developed in the wind tunnel are optimized for ideal air penetration in any riding position, and the premium interiors are waterproof and ventilated.
All the technology developed for MotoGP™ riders, in a helmet for all uses on the road.
Solid Colour SRP: £359.99
Graphic SRP: £399.99
Replica SRP: £449.99
For more AGV Helmets UK news check out our dedicated page AGV Helmets UK News
Exclusive to the UK, the Rapide recalls the simple yet aggressive styling of naked motorcycles from the 1980s, with modern Arai performance.
The smooth shell gives a distinctive, retro-modern style, using a strong, multi-layer laminate construction that is, as with all Arai helmets, hand built by master craftsmen in Japan.
Using a VAS VC visor system, which has mechanical retro look, allows the visor mount to be lower contributing to a smoother, rounder shell.
Finally, the Rapide uses Arai’s multi- channel ventilation system where air is drawn through the chin and brow vents and into the liner providing cooling for the rider.
The UK exclusive Debut brings all the values and performance of Arai into a more accessible package.
As with all Arai’s, the Debut is handmade using Super Fibre Laminate and utilises the Facial Contour System for incredible fit and comfort for tourers and commuters alike, while the large top vent and aero spoiler means the Debut does not look out of place on the track either.
The UK exclusive Debut represents the Arai brand at an affordable price without sacrificing safety and performance, making it the perfect entry into the Arai world.
An aluminium “bartender” whose work led to lighter weight
Developed for the all-new 2021 MT-09 motorcycle, Yamaha’s SpinForged Wheels established a new and innovative way to reduce weight through the flow forming process they are manufactured with. One of the key drivers that led to the successful application of this method with a mass-production motorcycle for the first time in the world was the development of a special aluminium alloy tailored specifically for flow forming by Yamaha’s in-house materials research departments. In this issue, we introduce the aluminium specialist at Yamaha who played a central role in the development process for creating these new lightweight wheels and some of the challenges she faced.
Harnessing the talent of an aluminium research specialist
“Just changing a few conditions can completely alter how aluminium reacts, or its ‘personality’ so to speak,” says Kahori Oshima of Yamaha Motor’s Materials Division. She speaks of the metal as if gleefully introducing a friend or close acquaintance. “It can be really sensitive sometimes, often giving us zero margin for adjustments.” Despite this “personality”, aluminium is an essential material used to create our motorcycles, outboard motors and various other Yamaha products.
Since joining the company, Oshima has worked as a materials researcher specialising in aluminium and her work and findings have won her praise and trust from Yamaha’s development and manufacturing arms. “She’s like a bartender for aluminium and her skills at making these ‘cocktails’ are something Yamaha is very proud of,” proclaims her superior.
Further, while the material itself may be spoken of as simply “aluminium”, what is required of the material can greatly differ depending on the product in question, where a part is to be used, and the machining method called for. “Yamaha has a massive collection of aluminium ‘recipes’ created by our predecessors and this is one of our strengths,” continues Oshima. “We have an ethos here of aluminium being an area of manufacturing that we must never be outclassed in, and I think what lies behind that is the fact that Yamaha has long done casting all on our own. That confidence and pride pushes us.“
Working with aluminium entails carefully controlling the temperature of the red-hot molten metal, mixing the secret blend of additional elements in, and then heat-treating the formed piece to finish it. Oshima’s task as a researcher is to call on her academic knowledge as well as apply new ideas to find the right balance of stiffness and flex while pursuing not only excellent overall strength and toughness but also beauty.
Innovations born on the factory floor
The new aluminium wheels fitted to the latest MT-09 are machined using flow forming and are a standout manifestation of Oshima’s research.
In developing this model, Yamaha embarked on a new and ambitious challenge of extreme weight reduction, driven by the idea that if you can somehow augment the base characteristics of the aluminium, it will spur new innovations to come from the factory floor itself. The engineering and manufacturing departments both threw themselves into the project and successfully created a special aluminium alloy and heat treatment process even their predecessors had yet to concoct. This combination enabled the company to offer the first mass-produced flow-formed motorcycle wheels. Naming them Yamaha SpinForged Wheels, each boasts rims just 2 mm thick (compared to 3.5 mm with the outgoing model) and the front and rear wheels together are some 0.7 kg lighter. Weight reduction is among the most challenging tasks in the industry and such a success makes these wheels worthy of being hailed as innovative.
“What we struggled with the most was having no metrics to go on. Without them for evaluation, we can’t figure out where we need to set our target, so it was certainly difficult to develop a material and build an appropriate method of evaluation at the same time,” confesses Oshima. However, the struggle and hard work made the achievement that much more rewarding and she has immense pride in these wheels.
“For example, if it’s strength alone, aluminium can’t beat iron. But on the other hand, aluminium has advantages like its lightness, corrosion resistance, high machinability and its beauty. Even if our Monozukuri changes in the future, I’m certain aluminium will remain a material of choice. I believe my role as a materials researcher is to extract and enhance that potential.”
Yamaha Motor’s casting journey
Our roots in casting technology lie in the techniques used to cast piano frames at Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. (today’s Yamaha Corporation). Those techniques were adapted and applied towards creating the engine and parts for the first Yamaha motorcycle in 1955, the YA-1. Since then, Yamaha has continued to cast a plethora of parts not only for motorcycle engines but also for chassis, marine products, car engines and more – all in-house. The capability to cast both large and small parts and components in-house has made us a rarity among the world’s motorcycle manufacturers.
Producing the wheels for our motorcycles is a good example of this capability. In addition to vacuum die-casting aluminium wheels, Yamaha succeeded in casting magnesium wheels for mass production with the YZF-R1 in 2015, something once thought unfeasible for a high-volume product. The flow forming process for creating Yamaha SpinForged Wheels was also already often employed when producing wheels for cars, but motorcycle wheels require an appealing design on both sides, thus adapting flow forming for our industry presented high hurdles. To clear them, Yamaha carefully selected an aluminium variant to work with, conducted repeated experimentation of different alloy combinations in search of the right strength and lasting toughness, and devised the ideal heat treatment method to match. The Yamaha SpinForged Wheel was the result of this work and more.
Yamaha’s factories have given birth to numerous new technologies in the casting field, from our controlled fill (CF) aluminium die-casting technology capable of mass-producing large but thin parts to our all-aluminium DiASil Cylinder, a world first. These achievements underpin the deep and long-held pride the craftsmen at Yamaha’s worksites hold, believing the company’s aluminium casting expertise to be one of its greatest strengths and a field in which it must always be a leader.
For more Yamaha Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page Yamaha Motorcycles UK
The Pro Series Pathfinder glove is CE Certified to Level 1 KP. Made from full grain leather, the glove features a SinAqua waterproof membrane and comes with reflective detail, smart touch index fingers and thumb and pre-curved fingers and finger motion panels.
The double layer leather palm is supported by the padded palm and silicone palm grips for extra support.
Added to this are integrated Carbon knuckle protector and memory foam thumb protection, and hook & loop strap closure which all support added comfort and security.
Available in: Black
SRP: £99.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Providing full CE Level AAA protection, normally afforded to “traditional” riding jeans, the RST x Kevlar® Tech Pro Jean riding jeans go far beyond what is expected of a casual style riding jean.
Heavy-duty Cordura Denim reinforced with DuPont™ Kevlar® provides exceptional abrasion resistance, with CE Level 2 armour and bonded nylon thread for extra durability.
The relaxed fit aids comfort in a range of riding positions while the casual styling looks good in any situation – not just on the bike.
Available in: Black, Dark Wash Blue
SRP: £169.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
This zip through Motorcycle Hoodie is lightweight and stylish – great for the biker looking for a casual hoodie offering CE protection.
Soft to touch, the hoodie is made from cotton and reinforced with DuPont™ Kevlar® throughout, offering supreme abrasion resistance in the event of coming off your bike.
It comes with CE Level 1 Hexa armour to the shoulder and elbow, a pocket for a back protector and a drawstring hood which reduces any billowing whilst riding.
Available in: Black/Black
SRP: £119.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
RST Tech X Technical wear has been designed for comfort in the most demanding of conditions.
Suitable for a wide variety of sports and leisure applications, the Tech X technical garments are made from CP-U fabric which has outstanding moisture wicking properties keeping your skin temperature regulated.
The Tech X technical wear is the perfect under garment choice for any activity that challenges the body.
Long & short sleeve top SRP: £32.99
Pant SRP: £34.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Back and better than ever, the Paragon 6 is RST’s best performing wet weather jacket.
Packed with features, the Paragon 6 is made from Ballistic Reinforced MaxTex coated with a hydrophobic Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating and lined, a removable thermal lining and a fixed SinAqua Pro lining which when combined offer incredible warmth and waterproofing.
Every detail has been considered, from the adjusters that improve fit to the throat coat and waterproof pockets.
Available in: Black/Black, Black/Flo Yellow
Jacket SRP: £199.99
Jean SRP: £159.99
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Maverick by name, by nature – this textile kit is the ultimate four-season jacket, with removable SinAqua and thermal linings for colder, wetter conditions. Large zip vents on the chest, arms and legs are easy to use with press stud fastenings to keep them in place, directing large amounts of air through the jacket, while the reflex print detail aids visibility in darker conditions.
Available in: Black/Black, Black/Grey/Silver, Silver/Black/Red, Blue/Silver/Neon, Black/Neon
