Motorcycle News - Triumph and Bajaj to Build 200-750cc Models Together
https://ift.tt/2RoqoFA Triumph and Indian manufacturer Bajaj formally commenced plans to collaborate on a range of mid-capacity motorcycles. The key word there is “formally,” as the partnership between the two companies was first announced in August 2017, but nothing had come of it in the last 29 months. Today, however, the two companies say their partnership has officially begun, with plans for a new engine and vehicle platform spanning from 200cc to 750cc displacements. “This is an important partnership for Triumph and I am delighted that it has now formally commenced,” says Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles chief executive officer. “As well as taking our brand into crucial new territories, the products that will come out of the partnership will also help attract a younger, but still discerning, customer audience and is another step in our ambitions to expand globally, particularly in the fast-growing markets of South East Asia, but also driving growth in more mature territories like Europe.” Since the Daytona and Street Triple models went from 675cc to 765cc, Triumph no longer offers any models in this mid-sized displacement (unless you count the Europe-only 660cc version of the Street Triple produced for A2 license requirements). From the Bajaj side, the Indian manufacturer produces only one model larger than 230cc, the Dominar 400 (pictured above) whose engine is derived from the KTM Duke 390. The two manufacturers saw the gap in their respective line-ups and saw fit for leveraging “their respective strengths in large and small capacity motorcycles collaborate to design, engineer, and manufacture a range of mid-capacity motorcycles.” The new models will be sold as Triumphs and not as Bajaj models. Indian pricing for the new models will start at 2 lakh rupees (about $2,800 US). For the sake of comparison, the 2020 KTM 390 Duke is priced at 2.53 lakh rupees (about $3,550 US), but US pricing is set at $5,499. That means we’re likely looking at around $4400 and up for US pricing on the new models. It’s unclear how many models the arrangement will produce, though the companies promise “multiple options to address different segments in this class.” This suggests having models in different categories sharing the same chassis or engine, a strategy adopted by many manufacturers, including KTM, of which Bajaj owns about a 48% share. Under the new arrangement, Bajaj will assume control of Triumph’s distribution in the Indian market, giving Triumph access to Bajaj’s existing dealer network. Bajaj will also represent Triumph in other markets where the brand is not currently available. In markets where Triumph already has an established foothold, like here in North America, Triumph will offer the new models produced with Bajaj. The post Triumph and Bajaj to Build 200-750cc Models Together appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO January 24, 2020 at 03:51PM
Motorcycle News - 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Video Review
https://ift.tt/2RsyLQN Triumph has brought out another modern classic motorcycle and, once again, hasn’t skimped on the performance. We liked this trend in the Speed Twin, and we applaud its continuance with the Thruxton RS. You get your vintage style, your upright riding position, and your smile-inducing handling. Then add to that the slight bump in horsepower, but more importantly, internal upgrades and weight savings that results in a claimed 20% reduction in rotational inertia. These updates allow the RS to spin more freely throughout the entire rpm range. Oh, and you get a 500-rpm higher redline. Woohoo! Triumph continues its tradition of putting premium components on its RS models. The brakes come in the form of a Brembo radial master cylinder coupled to a set of Brembo M50 four-piston radial-mounted calipers all squeezing 310mm discs. Then there’s the suspension. Öhlins provides the fully-adjustable Showa 43 mm big piston fork. Out back, fully-adjustable Öhlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoirs complete the equation. 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Review Triumph tells us it has sold more than 16,000 Thruxtons since 2016 and over 40,000 since 2006. With the changes to the 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS, we think dealerships will sell a bunch more. Let’s see what Ryan has to say about the bike. Get the Flash Player to see this player. The post 2020 Triumph Thruxton RS Video Review appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO January 24, 2020 at 03:44PM
Motorcycle News - LEAN & GREEN: Honda CB750 ‘Green Arrow’
https://ift.tt/2REBuVS Written by Tim Huber While Honda’s CB750 has undeniably played a pivotal role in the rise of the modern custom motorcycle scene, it’s become increasingly difficult to think of cafe’d CBs as being anything other than played out. The hooped subframe, fender-delete, pipe-wrap, and clip-on formula has objectively become pretty cliche, though every once in a blue-moon we open our inbox to discover a truly special CB cafe racer, and that’s exactly what we’ve got here, from Austria’s National Custom Tech Motorcycles — better known simply as NCT. The shop started with a 1978 Honda CB750F that they then proceeded to pull the engine from and tear down to the frame. The framework was de-tabbed, fitted with a new, upswept subframe, and then powder-coated in a matte black, along with the swing-arm. Before receiving the same matte black treatment, the engine was torn apart and given a thorough refresh. Adorned in custom points and stator covers, the Japanese four-banger now inhales through a quad-pod setup while spent fumes are now spit from a stunning hand-made four-into one exhaust system with blued headers and a slash-cut, GP-style Spark muffler capped off with a honeycombed cover. Wanting to bring the CB’s performance prowess into the 21st century, National Tech tossed out the stocker’s suspension and replaced it with upgraded, modern items. Out back, there’s a pair of adjustable YSS shocks, while up front bumps are soaked up through an upside-down Showa fork slotted in one-off triples — all of which have been murdered-out, with the exception of the fork’s lowers. Next, the Honda’s original wheels were given a contemporary dual-disc brake arrangement with drilled rotors, Brembo calipers, and steel-braided lines, before the rims were also hit with a coat of black. “The hardest part of the project was probably the front-end. Getting the disc brake setup to work with the bike’s original wheels was pretty tricky, but in the end we managed,” says NCT’s head honcho, David Widmann. The stock fuel-cell remains in play, as do the original side-covers, though they’ve been slightly modified for the project. Resting atop the new subframe is a bespoke tail-section and seat-pan combo piece that follows the kicked-up contours of the new aft framework before jetting forward and feeding into the tank. A brown leather seat with a trio of horizontal notches and pairs of eyelets fits perfectly in the one-off tail with a lip riding up both the tank and at the back of the tail. The CB’s electrical system was also given a major overhaul, with a one-off wiring loom now running through a Motogadget m-unit and drawing energy from an AGM battery stashed under the seat. Lighting elements are all new pieces, as well, with a pair of micro-LED pin indicators in the rear, bar-end signals up front, and a Koso Thunderbolt LED headlight guiding the way. The cockpit has been heavily revised, with the rider’s quarters now rocking a set of LSL clip-ons, a CNC’d Rizoma reservoir, Brembo levers, a Tomalley Daytona throttle, and Motogadget grips, bar-end mirror, and switchgear. Motogadget also supplied the build’s Motoscope Mini instrumentation and idiot lights. There’s also a keyless ignition and alarm. The Honda’s paint scheme is simple yet highly-calculated. The bike now wears a metallic coat of forest green complimented via red pin striping and turquoise Honda logos at the bottom of the tank. With the majority of the bike fully blacked-out, your eyes are naturally drawn to the new livery. There’s a handful of additional odds and ends rounding out the build, as well. The left, rear-shocks mounting point on the swing-arm now serves as the anchor-point for the build’s one-off license plate hanger, and the bike’s spokes wheels were given a thorough polishing before the blacked-out rims were shod in Avon Roadrider rubber. And In lieu of a bum-stop, the bike sports a bespoke metal “NCT CB750F” plaque just behind the seat. Dubbed the “Green Arrow,” this custom ’78 CB manages to breathe ample new life into a decidedly tired genre of build. The modern aesthetic tweaks, combined with the bolstered performance ultimately result in a total show-stopper of a build. “The exhaust is just beautiful and pairs wonderfully with the new rear-end and the tank with it’s new color scheme looks amazing. We’re pretty thrilled with the end result which we’d describe as a sporty café racer,” David tells us. Based on the skill exhibited by this stellar cafe’d CB, we seriously can’t wait to see what the Austrian shop cooks up next. [ NCT Motorcycles – Facebook – Instagram | Photos by Peter Pegam ] Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com https://ift.tt/2LY9tnG January 24, 2020 at 02:29AM
F1 News - Davos 2020: Can Formula 1 really go 'carbon neutral' by 2030?
https://ift.tt/36iJMbn It is no secret that Formula 1 racing is a polluting sport, or that its previous owner Bernie Ecclestone wasn't particularly interested in sustainability. But things have changed since the elite motor-racing series was taken over by US media giant Liberty Media in 2017. Last year F1 announced its first ever sustainability plan, with an ambitious goal to make itself "carbon neutral" by 2030. When I meet Yath Gangakumaran - the man responsible for leading the plan - at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he is keen to distance himself from sport's old guard, although he won't comment on Mr Ecclestone's tenure. "Up until 10-15 years ago sport wasn't run in a mature way - typically by ex-players not business professionals. It's become much more professional and is catching up with other industries, and that includes on sustainability." Formula 1's carbon footprint is "material", he says, but it has little to do with the cars, which are among the most fuel efficient on the planet thanks to their lightweight design and innovative hybrid engines. The main problem are the races themselves - 22 in total this year - which require large amounts of equipment, cars and people to be shipped around the world, often by aircraft. In 2019 the sport's 10 teams notched up about 110,000 air miles between them. Then there is the huge amount of C02 emissions generated by F1's 500 million fans globally who will travel far and wide to see the sport. It makes the 2030 target seem wildly ambitious, but as F1's director of strategy Mr Gangakumaran is bullish: "There is no point just throwing out a target and having it as a marketing gimmick. Ultimately you will be held accountable, and so you should." The former Sky Sports executive, who is only 31, seems sincere, but there are parts of Formula 1's plan that raise questions. First to note is that the plan will only target emissions generated by the activities of the F1 business - which manages the series - and the individual teams who compete. That amounts to some 256,000 CO2 equivalent tonnes per year, according to Liberty Media, which calculated F1's carbon footprint for the first time ever last year. But the plan won't cover emissions generated by fans - the much bigger part of the problem. When they are accounted for, F1's footprint rises to some 1.9 million CO2 equivalent tonnes. "We think it is just too difficult to control what our fans do because they are ultimately their own custodians. So we think it is most appropriate and achievable to focus on what we do have control over," says Mr Gangakumaran. That said, Liberty will encourage fans to use public transport to get to Formula 1 events, or to offset their air travel if they fly. It has also pledged to make races sustainable by 2025, including banning single-use plastics. The sport will also continue to fly its operation around the world, and while Mr Gangakumaran says its absolute carbon footprint will decrease, it will have to rely on some carbon offsetting. This may anger the fiercest environmental campaigners, who view offsetting - for instance, by planting trees to compensate for your emissions - as a cop out. But Mr Gangakumaran says the business will keep it to a minimum and has to be realistic. "We are a global sport and we have fans around the world who want to see F1. That requires travel." The business also plans to spend more on transferring its own sustainable technologies to the wider world - something it has a strong record of. In its 70-year history, Formula 1 has pioneered ground-breaking aerodynamics and efficient brake systems that have found their way into everyday road cars. Other industries have benefited too. Take the way an F1-inspired aerofoil attached to chiller cabinets has cut refrigeration costs by about 15% in some supermarkets. The strip, the result of a collaboration between Williams Advanced Engineering and Aerofoil Energy, was rolled out by Sainsbury's across its 1,400 supermarkets and convenience stores in 2017. Professor Mark Jenkins, an F1 expert at Cranfield University, says Liberty Media's 2030 goal is highly ambitious and should be lauded. "But whether it is achievable is another question." He notes that Formula 1 has increased its number of races from 21 to 22 this year, while Mr Gangakumaran concedes there are plans for several more. Prof Jenkins says: "One of the obvious ways to reduce the carbon footprint would be reduce the number of races. But F1 also needs to increase its sales so there is a tension there." In addition, the sport will introduce a cost cap in 2022 as it looks to even out competition between teams. The three that dominate - Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari - will be hit the hardest. "It will limit what they can spend at a time when they are also being asked to become more sustainable. Is that really wise?" says Prof Jenkins. Liberty Media's contracts with its F1 teams are up for renewal in 2022, which means the media giant might not even be around to see through its plans. But Mr Gangakumaran says the firm is in advanced discussions and he is quietly confident the teams will re-sign. He adds that Liberty has factored in the growing number of races into its carbon reduction plan, and that there will only one or two more. Becoming more sustainable could actually save F1 money, he adds. All eyes will be on F1 as it works towards its goal. It also faces stiff competition in the sustainability stakes from events such as the World Cup, which could become carbon neutral by 2022. "You can't say anything is 100% but we wouldn't be putting these targets out there if they weren't ambitious enough or we didn't think we could achieve them," Mr Gangakumaran says. "Most importantly our fans are totally behind us on this." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 January 23, 2020 at 06:09PM
Motorcycle News - Riding Gear – Goldtop 1975 Lancer Jacket
https://ift.tt/2RIKx8l Any riding gear manufacturer can create up a “retro” jacket. But only those who have been around for a while can offer a 70s design pulled straight from their own back catalog. Goldtop from England has been making motorcycle apparel and accessories since 1951, often with an eye on classic cafe racer style. The new 1975 Lancer Jacket is a take on their ’75 Scuftuf design but this time around it comes complete with modern protection. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb January 23, 2020 at 05:52PM
MotoGP News - Ducati unveils 2020 MotoGP livery
https://ift.tt/37nXJGf Ducati has become the first MotoGP team to unveil the colours its factory team GP20s will run this season at its official launch event in Bologna on Thursday. The Italian manufacturer comes into 2020 with an unchanged line-up of three-time MotoGP championship runner-up Andrea Dovizioso and one-time race winner Danilo Petrucci. Rumours at the end of last year suggested Ducati was looking to replace Petrucci - whose form suffered in the second half of the season - with Pramac's Jack Miller - though Autosport understands the buyout clause in Petrucci's contract would have proven too costly. Ducati finished third in the constructors' standings last year, with Yamaha beating them by three points despite winning one less race. Unveiling a largely unchanged dark red livery, the most notable feature being the return of Mission Winnow branding from main sponsor Philip Morris - which was removed from the bikes late last season. Commenting on the launch of its 2020 campaign, Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna said: "From the rider point of view, we haven't changed anything, and honestly speaking I am very happy about that. "We did last year the first part of the season really good, and I think we have the possibility to improve the achievements that we did last year. "So the target will be exactly the same of the last two years; fighting for the world championship, and if possible achieve the result to win the world championship. "It's not easy, like usual we have a lot of riders that can fight for the final results. "For sure our most important competitor will be [Marc] Marquez and Honda, but in the last part of the season we watched a number or riders improve quite a lot. "So, I expect the fighting for the 2020 championship will be really difficult, more difficult than in 2019." Testing begins at Sepang in Malaysia on February 7-9, with one final three-day outing taking place in Qatar on February 22-24. Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei January 23, 2020 at 01:16PM
Motorcycle News - Built Under Pressure: HardNine’s Harley XLCR tracker
https://ift.tt/36hrQhv
We tend to dwell on these in our reports, but sometimes the build story is only half the real story. The other half is life outside the workshop, and on occasion, life ‘gets in the way.’
The former professional motocross racer built two Triumph flat trackers in 2012, and felt the itch to build a Harley in the same style. It was just a question of waiting for the right bike to turn up, and eventually a client with an XLCR asked for a HardNine bike. “I said, I’ll only do it if you let me build a tracker!” says Danny. The client agreed, and Danny started working on the Harley two years ago. Then life got in the way. His baby girl was born—and five months after that, he was unfortunately diagnosed with testicular cancer.
And in these two months he’s been in his shop in Bern 15 hours a day, racing to complete the XLCR for the MBE Expo show in Verona, Italy. Grueling, to say the least.
It’s unusual to see a heavily modified XLCR, but Danny has done an excellent job. Under the hood, he’s given the grunty 997cc v-twin a power boost by overboring it and fitting a KB Performance piston upgrade, which takes capacity out to around 1,340cc.
So he’s moved the oil tank to provide room for the pipes, and hand-hammered out a new aluminum rear end with little slits to help release heat.
There’s another racing touch in the battery placement, right behind the engine: “It’s exposed, because I wanted to keep it vintage racing style,” says Danny.
The bars are amongst the handmade parts, and are fitted to Roland Sands Design risers and dressed with Biltwell grips. The footpegs are aftermarket, but modified to fit the XLCR.
So he went looking for it again, seven days later—and got a better photo, with enough detail to allow him to replicate the colors. The light sky blue gives the XLCR an airy and fresh vibe—in contrast to the loud and fast riding experience it delivers.
Well, diamonds are made under pressure. And this tracker is a very good cut indeed. Brilliant work from Danny Schneider—and here’s hoping that life gets a little easier from now on. HardNine Choppers | Facebook | Instagram | Images by, and thanks to, Marc Holstein. Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c January 23, 2020 at 11:16AM
MotoGP News - Ducati to kick off 2020 MotoGP launch events
https://ift.tt/2GeTf97 Ducati will again become the first manufacturer to launch its 2020 MotoGP programme when it takes the covers off its new livery later on Thursday. The Italian marque will show off the Desmosedici in 2020 colours during an event at the Palazzo Re Enzo in Bologna, just a few miles away from its Borgo Panigale factory. Factory riders Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci will be in attendance, as well as Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali and Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall'Igna. The 'Mission Winnow' branding of title sponsor Philip Morris is also expected to make a return, after it was dropped for the latter part of the 2019 campaign. This year, Ducati will be the only manufacturer to hold its launch event prior to the start of 2020 on-track running, which begins with a three-day shakedown at Sepang on February 2-4, reserved for test riders, concession manufacturers' race riders and rookies. The final day of that test will coincide with Honda's 2020 livery reveal, which will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia. Suzuki will be the next to launch its 2020 machine on February 6 at Sepang., followed by both the works Yamaha and satellite Petronas SRT squads ahead of the start of three days of official pre-season testing at the Malaysian circuit. Aprilia will wait until the eve of the second pre-season test at Qatar on February 22-24 to reveal the livery for what is expected to be a radically revised RS-GP. KTM meanwhile is understood to not be holding an official launch event this year, and has yet to confirm a date for the reveal of its RC16 machine in 2020 colours. Key 2020 MotoGP pre-season dates:January 23 - Ducati launch Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei January 23, 2020 at 04:26AM
Motorcycle News - The Official MO Presidential Poll 2020
https://ift.tt/38xWdBQ Why can’t MO have a poll, everybody else does? To settle our own curiosity and because we can, we took the hard work upon ourselves to produce this highly scientific poll of MO readers. Some pundits have conjectured there’s a correlation between motorcyclists and political leaning; we aim to slice it a bit thinner than that here, to see what kind of motorcyclist leans which way. This Playbuzz baby’s going to show us not just what kind of motorcyclist supports each Presidential candidate, it’s also going to predict the outcome of the upcoming race if only MO readers voted. Which, really, makes tons of sense. We’re not just a microcosm, we’re a microchasm. So go ahead and take the poll. Just scroll down until you come to your chosen candidate, then go in and check the box corresponding to the bike you ride. If you have more than one bike, go with the one you like best, or if you can’t decide, the More than One option. How easy is that? Vote early and often, but you can only vote once. Or maybe once per day? The post The Official MO Presidential Poll 2020 appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO January 22, 2020 at 06:19PM
Motorcycle News - 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition and Desert Edition Announced
https://ift.tt/30KPqlq Triumph announced two special edition versions of the Tiger 1200 inspired by desert and mountain landscapes. The Desert Edition and Alpine Edition models are based on the mid-tier Tiger 1200 XCx and XRx, respectively, but add titanium Arrow exhaust, shift assist and, of course, special edition paint and graphics. 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 First Look Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine EditionThe Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition is based on the XRx, the middle-tier model from the more road-biased side of the family, above the XR but below the XRt. Like the XRx, the Alpine Edition comes standard with semi-active suspension, an adjustable TFT full color display, keyless ignition and LED lighting. Triumph calls the paint scheme “Snowdonia White”, while the graphics feature a mountain motif. The Alpine Edition also comes with a metallized “SE” badge on the radiator covers. The Alpine Edition is priced at $19,300, or $400 more than the XRx but $2,000 less than the XRt. Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert EditionRepresenting the more off-road oriented side of the family, the Tiger 1200 Desert Edition slots is based on the XCx. This means it receives wire spoke wheels instead of the Alpine’s cast wheels and an extra Off-Road Pro ride mode. The special edition paint is called “Sandstorm”, with the graphics incorporating sand dunes. The Desert model also gets the SE badge on the radiator shrouds. The 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Desert Edition is priced at $20,100, a $400 premium over the XCx but still a good step below the $22,000 Tiger 1200 XCa. The post 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition and Desert Edition Announced appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO January 22, 2020 at 04:45PM |
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