F1 News - Monaco Grand Prix: Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen 'can fight for pole'
https://ift.tt/2J4oM0o Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are hopeful they can fight for pole position for the first time this year in Monaco this weekend. Ricciardo said he believed Red Bull were in similar shape to 2016, when he qualified on pole and led until a mix-up at a tyre stop handed the win to Lewis Hamilton. "We're still not probably the quickest car but we can be if we can get it all hooked up," the Australian said. "I think we can be pretty good." He added: "I'd be surprised if we weren't at least close." World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes has been talking up Red Bull's chances in Monaco this weekend, saying: "I think the Red Bulls are going to be particularly quick. They seem to be very quick in the low-speed corners so I anticipate it will be a good one for them." Ricciardo said: "I think they're also trying to take a bit of pressure off them and put it on us. But it is no secret - we are always pretty good around here. We weren't good enough last year but for sure previous years we have been. "There are no guarantees we will be quickest but I do feel the DNA of our car is solid. I am excited but I am not expecting anything yet. I am ready to push the car on the limit and hopefully that's enough." Team-mate Max Verstappen added that the power deficit of Red Bull's Renault engine to those of Mercedes and Ferrari in qualifying would not be as significant around the tight and twisty Monaco street track. "We don't have too many straights here," the Dutchman said, "so that's good for us and we know we have a good car around the corners. We just have to make sure we have a good balance and then we find out how fast we are. "We are still down on power, plus they have the qualifying mode as well, it just won't make as big a difference. It is normally 0.4-0.5secs, but here it is more like 0.2secs and I think we can work with that." Concerns for Hamilton?Hamilton and Mercedes struggled in Monaco last year. The world champion finished seventh after qualifying 13th and although team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second on the grid, he also lacked pace in the race and finished fourth. Hamilton said: "I think we have definitely learned a lot from last year. We are confident with our preparation but we think this is going to be one of the tougher races for us. "I do anticipate it is going to be a difficult weekend but not an impossible one. We may not have the pace of the others, but we'll find out tomorrow [in practice]. I am excited for that challenge by the way." Hamilton said he always looked forward to driving on the difficult Monaco track, where he won in 2008 and 2016. "It is such a dream to drive here," he said. "Every single year, the wait that you have from one year to the next - it is a shame we only have one race a year here because it is so challenging to drive. The most mentally challenging track of the season and there is the aspect of just wanting to shine at a track like this." His title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, who is 17 points adrift, said he was not concerned his team's struggles in the last race in Spain would continue into Monaco. "It is only the last race that wasn't that good," Vettel said. "It is normal things don't go the way you want every now and again. This track is completely different. There is a lot of work to try to find the reasons and improve for the future but for this weekend it is not relevant." Can McLaren surprise?McLaren have had a difficult start to the season in terms of competitiveness but Monaco was one of their stronger showings last season. But two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who won at Monaco in 2006 and 2007, said expecting too much from him or the team would be a mistake. The Spaniard, who did not compete in Monaco last year because he was racing at the Indianapolis 500, said: "It is difficult to predict. Last year the car was quite strong here, Stoffel [Vandoorne, his team-mate] was sixth in first qualifying and seventh in second qualifying [before crashing in the top 10 shootout]. I think P7 was possible last year. "This year we saw in some circuits we perform a little bit better than we expect and in some we perform a little bit worse, so difficult to predict but around P5-P10 should be our target. To be in Q3 with both cars should be the target." McLaren have former IndyCar driver Gil de Ferran on hand again for a second race in his role as an informal adviser, as BBC Sport revealed at the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago. Alonso, who became friends with De Ferran when the Brazilian acted as his driver coach at the Indy 500 last year, said he had not been involved in recruiting the 50-year-old but was "happy" he was involved. "It is good to have him here with maybe a fresh approach or a different point of view of some of the things we are doing here," Alonso said. "He is a great guy. "At the moment, he is just listening more than talking and trying to understand how the team does everything and how the philosophy of the McLaren team is. And his contribution maybe is later on or in a couple of months' time."
#F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 May 23, 2018 at 01:18PM
Motorcycle News - Velomacchi Announces Summer Opener Sale
https://ift.tt/2x6yoD3 Velomacchi is offering 30% off all of its products sitewide between 5/24 and 6/1. If you’re interested in some great looking rugged gear, head on over Velomacchi’s website to check out the deals. Begin Press Release: Velomacchi Summer Opener Sale!Use code SEASONOPENER30 at checkout With summer riding season just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to stock up on Velomacchi Gear. Thoughtfully designed carry gear and accessories that are built for speed and made to last. Shop the award-winning line packs, bags, and accessories at this limited-time discount! Hurry, the Season Opener Sale ends Jun 1. VISION BUILT ON INSTINCT Our team travels the world to find the best materials, trims, and craftsmen to build our products. Our background includes more than 15 years of experience designing and developing world-class products for global brands. We are focused on bringing quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and unique solutions to problems that face riders everyday. The tools have changed, but the process of innovation remains the same. Velomacchi was founded on the principles of utility and fine workmanship. We are committed to solving problems in product design and creating solutions for the Privateer unlike anything else currently on the market. Each feature set is carefully considered and tested for high speed travel. Never ones to follow the status quo, commitment to design principles and quality materials drives the desire to create product that drives the category forward. Velomacchi Announces Summer Opener Sale appeared first on Motorcycle.com News. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 23, 2018 at 12:37PM
Motorcycle News - Best Dirtbike Helmets 2018
https://ift.tt/2IGV0iS Just like anything else, motorcycles are continually evolving and getting lighter, faster and more powerful with each passing year. Despite improvements to how well bikes handle and perform, having an accident and crashing is always a looming threat that can never be eliminated, only mitigated – especially off-road. Fortunately for us riders, there are engineers working hard to keep our heads and bodies as safe as possible so we can continue to enjoy riding motorcycles – both on- and off-road – with confidence in knowing that we have the best chance in decreasing the amount of damage a potential crash can cause. We here at MO are proponents of ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time), however, if you’re only going to buy one piece of equipment, you better make it a helmet. Below is a list of the best dirtbike helmets money can buy today in 2018: 6D ATR-26D Helmets is one of a few helmet manufacturers on the cutting edge of pioneering new safety systems and strategic technologies aimed to decrease the effects of a crash on the rider’s brain. The company has just recently released the newest version of its off-road helmet, the ATR-2 (which we’re currently testing). Building on everything that 6D has learned from its ATR-1, the ATR-2 features an evolved version of the company’s patented Omni-Directional Suspension system (ODS). ODS is a fully active, in-helmet suspension and kinetic energy management system whose function is to reduce energy transfer to the brain over a much broader range of energy demands, including low-, mid- and high-velocity impacts for both linear and angular accelerations. What this basically means is that, depending on the crash, your head can hit the ground not only multiple times, but also from an infinite amount of different speeds and angles. So, 6D has designed essentially a ball and socket system of dual Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) liners that are connected via Elastomeric Isolation Dampers to isolate impact energy away from your brain caused by varying rotational forces. The elastic properties of the dampers, combined with their unique ‘hourglass’ shape, provide a progressive spring rate that manages low and mid-threshold accelerations, while simultaneously allowing the inner EPS liner to displace and shear in 3-dimensional space within itself. This omni-directional suspension capability provides ‘six degrees of freedom’, which became the inspiration for the company’s name – 6D Helmets. The ATR-2 is available in three shell sizes covering a size range from XS to XXL and comes with a three-year limited warranty. MSRP starts at $695. Head to 6dhelmets.com for more info. Arai VX-Pro4Founded in Japan, Arai has been building motorcycle helmets for nearly 70 years and is one of the top head protection choices of racers all around the world. While mostly known better for their street helmets, Arai has taken everything they’ve learned on-road and on the racetracks and implemented it into their off-road helmet – the VX-Pro4. Just as in every Arai helmet, the basic and simple organic shell shape is based on the R75 concept. Each hand-built Arai incorporates a continuous curve radius of at least 75mm, making the shells round, smooth and strong. Arai claims this R75 shape accounts for better dispersal of kinetic energy as well as minimizing the potential for the helmet to catch on rough surfaces or obstacles that can introduce unwanted rotational forces. The chin bar is also more rounded and compact, and the way in which it protrudes less makes it less likely to catch and dig in during a spill. The VX-Pro4’s shell is constructed from what Arai calls, Super Fiber, and it costs up to six times more than standard fiberglass but provides 30% higher tensile strength and increased penetration resistance. Building the helmet’s shell takes time and demands precise assembly by master craftsmen from many individual pieces, which Arai calls cLc (complex Laminate construction). The cLc construction contains a specially designed felt that is sandwiched between the two layers of Super Fiber Laminate, and it acts as a reinforcement layer without adding weight. The VX-Pro4’s visor is 14mm longer and 5mm wider than its VX-Pro3 predecessor that offers better roost deflection as well as more shade from the glaring sun. Finally, the VX-Pro4 also has emergency-release cheek pads as well as sound-absorbing ear-pad foam. The VX-Pro4 is available in sizes XS to XXL and comes with a five-year limited warranty. MSRP starts at $610. Head to araiamericas.com for more info. Bell Moto-9 Carbon FlexBell has been making motorcycle helmets ever since Christ was a child. Or at least it seems like it, because Bell has been synonymous with head protection since the company’s birth in 1954 and is the go-to helmet of countless professional racers. Bell’s premier off-road helmet is the Moto-9 Carbon Flex. It’s the most technically challenging helmet that Bell has ever produced, and it features a three-layer progressive system, in which each layer consists of a different material and density to more comprehensively disperse high-, medium- and low-speed impact energy. This progressive layering system also works to reduce the rotational energy transfer caused by the rider hitting the ground or any other foreign object at an angle that causes his/her head, skull and brain inside to rotate, which can cause serious injury and or trauma. The Moto-9 Carbon Flex has six removable panels and features a flexible, segmented liner that achieves an adaptive, more personalized fit for a wider variety of head shapes. This construction also allows the helmet to flow air more freely for better cooling and ventilation. This inner liner system can rotate relative to the middle and outer layers to further mitigate rotational impact forces. The Moto-9 Carbon Flex’s shell is made from a lightweight 3K Carbon Composite shell. The Carbon Flex is Bell’s top-of-the-line off-road helmet, but the company also offers the MIPS-equipped Moto-9, as well, which costs less and features the MIPS slip-plane technology (more on MIPS below) and an Aramid, carbon fiber and fiberglass composite shell instead. The Moto-9 Carbon Flex is available in sizes XS to XXL and comes with a five-year limited warranty. MSRP starts at $499.95. Fox V3Being one of the original motocross and off-road riding gear and apparel companies, Fox has been pioneering and providing off-road riders technical race wear since 1974, and the V3 is their latest and greatest form of head protection. The V3’s most notable feature and biggest talking point is its all-new for 2018 Magnetic Visor Release System (MVRS). This innovative design replaces the traditional three-screw system that keeps a helmet’s visor in place with strong magnets. The idea is to allow the visor to easily release from the helmet in the event of a crash, however, the magnets are strong enough to keep it secure and in place while deflecting roost. Allowing for the visor to release from the helmet in a crash like this means there are fewer angles and surfaces to catch and dig into the ground, which mitigates rotational force to the rider’s head and brain. Adding to the safety of the Fox V3 is the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System – more commonly referred to as MIPS – within the helmet’s multiple-composite shell construction. Mimicking the cerebrospinal fluid, the idea behind MIPS is adding a low-friction layer between the helmet and the head. This technology allows the innermost layer of the EPS liner to move independently of the outer layer, which in turn, reduces the rotational force otherwise transmitted to the brain. Additionally, the V3 features 14 intake and 4 exhaust vents to channel fresh air through the helmet and allow hot air to escape. A DriLex Comfort Liner is found on the interior padding and it effectively wicks away sweat and moisture. The Fox V3 comes in four different shell and EPS sizes for a precise fit and is available in sizes XS to XXL. MSRP starts at $499.95. Head to foxracing.com for more info. Klim F5 KoroydKlim – pronounced: climb – FYI, has been specializing in enduro and adventure riding gear for nearly 20 years, and is more often than not the go-to choice for the most hardcore off-road riders. So, it’s safe to say the Idaho based company knows a thing or two about producing quality technical and protective gear. The F5 Koroyd is Klim’s premier off-road helmet, and Koroyd isn’t just some funky helmet name, it’s actually a next generation energy absorbing technology. It’s engineered with a unique honeycomb-like structure which is designed to reduce trauma levels with innovative energy management properties. When impacted, the Koroyd cores crush homogeneously, decelerating the energy from the impact and reducing final trauma levels. In addition to the strategically placed Koroyd layers, the Klim F5 features MIPS technology as well, which, as mentioned earlier, reduces the rotational force from angled impacts otherwise transmitted to the brain. Also found in the F5’s interior are two dual-density EPS layers, and it’s all fully wrapped in a Klim Karbon Fiber Shell. The F5 Koroyd also boasts itself as the industries most well ventilated off-road helmet, with 18 different intake ports and eight exhaust vents. It almost sounds like staying warm will be a bigger challenge than staying cool! The F5 Koroyd has a DryLex Comfort liner, comes in three different shell sizes with matching EPS liners for maximum protection and comfort, and is available in sizes S to 3XL. MSRP is $649.99. Head to klim.com for additional info. Leatt GPX 6.5 Carb V16Leatt entered the motorcycle protective gear industry with its revolutionary and highly acclaimed GPX line of neck braces. A prototype was formulated in 2001, and in 2006, the GPX line was officially born. Since then, Leatt has received countless awards and has grown to produce other protective gear as well, including the company’s premier GPX 6.5 Carb V16 helmet. We all crash – it’s inevitable – and Leatt is determined to mitigate as much of that risk as possible. The Leatt GPX 6.5 Carbon features what the company calls, 360-degree Turbine Technology. This technology has two main advantages: namely the reduction of rotational acceleration to the head and brain, and the absorption of energy upon impact at concussion level. Leatt claims that their technology reduces up to 30% of head impact at the concussion level, and up to 40% of rotational acceleration to the head and brain. It’s all constructed from multi-density, V-shaped impact foam that’s molded directly to the outer shell. The GPX 6.5’s shell is constructed from carbon fiber and is available in three different shell sizes. For 2018, the outer shell mass has been reduced 10%, resulting in what Leatt claims to achieve 20% less rotational forces transferred to the neck, head and brain. The helmet also has a Dri-Lex moisture wicking, breathable, anti-odor and washable inner liner, as well as removable cheek pads in the event of a crash that requires immediate medical attention. The Leatt GPX 6.5 Carb V16 is available in sizes XS to XXL and MSRP is $599.99. Head over to leatt.com for more info. Shoei VFX-EvoOne can’t help but think of Shoei anytime premium motorcycle helmets are mentioned. Since 1959, every Shoei has been handmade in Japan utilizing a sophisticated process that involves over 50 people for each and every helmet. Shoei doesn’t offer multiple versions of the same helmet with different technologies and varying price points. The company only offers what they consider to be the best for the category, and the VFX-Evo is its premier off-road helmet. The VFX-Evo’s predecessor, the VFX-W, was incredibly popular amongst all the top riders, and it went unchanged for many years because of how ahead of the times it was when initially released. The VFX-Evo takes it to another level. Just like all of the other helmets on this list so far, the Evo’s top priority is to mitigate rotational acceleration to the head, neck and brain. Shoei calls their technology, Motion Energy Distribution System, or M.E.D.S. for short, and I can proudly say that having crashed and bounced my head off the ground like a basketball in this helmet multiple times already, it seems to be doing its job. Despite multiple dirt samples, not once have I ever suffered any sort of injury above the shoulders, though some would probably argue I’m already somewhat sick in the head… The VFX-Evo’s Multi-Ply AIM+ shell is hand constructed through a matrix of organic and glass fiber-reinforced layers and resin. The Evo’s outer shell is both lighter and more elastic, yet just as strong and even more resistant to penetration due to the additional use of special 3D fibers. Shoei’s innovative Dual-Layer, Multi-Density EPS liner is what’s found under the shell, and this system provides enhanced impact absorption by utilizing varying densities of foam in key areas around the rider’s head. This combination of layers is designed to enable cooling air to travel unrestricted through tunnels created in the EPS, allowing for not only great ventilation and cooling, but a better, more customized fit as well. The Shoei VFX-Evo comes in three different shell and EPS sizes for a precise fit and features a five-year limited warranty. It’s available in sizes XS to XXL and MSRP starts at $539.00. Check out shoeihelmets.com for more info. Troy Lee Designs SE4Last but not least, Troy Lee is probably best known for his wild and vibrant custom helmet paint jobs that countless racers have donned, both on- and off-road since the ‘80s. From there, Troy expanded to offer equally bright and eye-catching gear sets, and ultimately his own helmet line too, and the SE4 Carbon Metric is currently the premier model. As its name might suggest, the helmet’s outer shell is constructed from carbon fiber, and it’s incredibly lightweight. Like other helmets on this list, the SE4 also features the MIPS brain protection system, reducing rotational forces to the head, neck and brain. The chinbar’s inner makeup consists of Expanded PolyPropylene (EPP) and flows a lot of air. The helmet also comes with 20 air intake ports and six rear exhaust ports to channel cool air over and around the rider’s head. The cheek pads, like the rest of the helmets on this list, are also easily removable by first responders in the event of a more serious crash and the visor is attached with plastic screws in brass fittings to allow it to break away in the event of a bigger spill. The Troy Lee Designs SE4 Carbon Metric comes in three shell sizes to more accurately fit a variety of head sizes and rider ages, is offered in XS to XXL sizing and costs $650.00. Check out troyleedesigns.com for more info. The post Best Dirtbike Helmets 2018 appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 23, 2018 at 12:37PM
MotoGP News - Barcelona MotoGP testing: Maverick Vinales fastest as times tumble
https://ift.tt/2GMtLOo Yamaha rider Maverick Vinales set the pace during Wednesday's MotoGP in-season test at Barcelona Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei May 23, 2018 at 12:07PM
Motorcycle News - Skidmark Garage to Bring Community Shop to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
https://ift.tt/2x7yrhZ Skidmark Garage will bring a mobile community garage type display to the 2018 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Begin Press Release: Community garage, premier displays featured at 2018 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Skidmark Garage, a Cleveland-based community garage for motorcyclists, is setting up a three-bay workspace that attendees can use during 2018 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 6-8, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Skidmark Garage will be in the Old Bike Barn Crossroads, along with premier displays by the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, the Classic British Motorcycle Club of Cincinnati and the Ton Up Club North America. “When people visit the Skidmark Garage at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, they can expect to see a smaller version of a functioning community motorcycle garage,” said Skidmark owner Brian Schaffran. “We will have three fully stocked bays for people to fix any bike they push up on a lift. They can expect to see a community of people offering to help and to teach any rider how to fix his or her ride. Only at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, it will cost just $5 an hour to come use the lift and the tools and get the help of the community.” At its Cleveland home, Skidmark Garage offers motorcyclists memberships that include a bay, bike bench, tool bench and a large bin for parts. Membership also means members get to store their bikes at the garage. “The community garage concept gets to the core of the motorcycling community, motorcyclists helping other motorcyclists,” said AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “We are sure this will appeal to the crowd at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. And we appreciate Brian offering the bays and the tools to those attending.” Part of Skidmark Garage’s involvement is the “Ran When Parked” Raffle Bike Challenge. A 1975 Yamaha DT100 enduro will be repaired to running condition by AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and Skidmark Garage members. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the raffle. Tickets are available at https://ift.tt/O6eg8w, or by calling (800) 262-5646. Ticket donations are $5 for one or $20 for five. Tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days also are on sale now. AMA members can visit https://ift.tt/1huO28G or call (614) 856-1900 to order. AMA members get discounts through May 31. Non-AMA members can buy tickets through Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course online at www.midohio.com or by calling (419) 884-4000. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a family-friendly event. Children 12 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult. Free parking is also available on site. Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling’s legends and heroes. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at https://ift.tt/O6eg8w. Keep up to date on event announcements by liking and following AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days on Facebook https://ift.tt/1Xoergy and using #AMAVMD on Instagram and Twitter. Those attending AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be able to sign up for special text alerts during the event weekend. For more information, visit https://ift.tt/1huO28G. Skidmark Garage to Bring Community Shop to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days appeared first on Motorcycle.com News. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 23, 2018 at 11:33AM 5/23/2018 Want to Improve Your Skills? Edelweiss Riding Academy in Italy and Spain!- Motorcycle News
Motorcycle News - Want to Improve Your Skills? Edelweiss Riding Academy in Italy and Spain!
https://ift.tt/2kgUw4u No matter how good or fast of a rider you are, there’s always room for improvement. That’s just how it works, and Edleweiss Riding Academy can help you get better. Edelweiss Riding Academy has two new riding classes in Europe, with one in the Italian Alps and the other in Andalusia, Spain. Sounds like one cool moto-vacation to us! More info below. Edelweiss:
Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 23, 2018 at 11:33AM
Motorcycle News - Fireside Chat with Cristiano Silei on Dainese Settantadue
https://ift.tt/2xcfLOq Dainese, one of Italy’s premier motorcycle apparel and gear designers, knows a thing or two about style – they’re Italian, after all. And the Settantadue line is all about celebrating the company’s roots with more vintage styling compared to their more race-inspired gear. But just because it looks retro, doesn’t mean it doesn’t function like modern protective gear. Dainese: Cristiano Silei, CEO of Dainese, is most of all a passionate biker. He takes us into the new world of Dainese Settantadue, mixing marketing strategy and pure motorcycle love.
“The story for me is straightforward” he explains. “Even before I joined here, I knew Dainese well, and the products. I was a fan. But what I found when I arrived was so much more than I expected… The more I dug into the brands, the more I realised that we have a huge history.
This year we celebrate our anniversaries, so it’s the right time for us to make a step towards people who don’t see the motorbike exclusively as a performance or tourism tool. We thought it was the best omen to launch Dainese Settantadue. I gave my office to a dedicated team. They worked on this new brand and a first collection aimed to romantic bikers: lovers of beautiful products with a non-tech look. “The way we look at Dainese Settantadue is not retro. We are just fishing from our very long heritage, but we produce contemporary products. Being proud of celebrating our long history, we got inspired by our culture and chose to tell the story which we contributed to write. However, all the jackets have protections, which didn’t happen in retro items. And all of them use very modern contemporary solutions such as high-quality zippers and refined interiors.” “Why did we put protections in these jackets? Opening up to the classic and special world doesn’t mean forgetting that you can enjoy the sport you love while being safe. We know that back protectors dramatically reduce and prevent spinal injuries but people still aren’t using them consistently. In the summer people don’t like to wear them because they sweat a lot, but they’re putting their safety at risk, so we needed to find a way around this. ProArmor is light, flexible and aerated. Patina 72, for example, is a soft drum-dyed premium jacket, subjected to a particular manual brushing technique for a unique look. It brings together Italian flavor and our know-how for style, fit and protection. It features removable certified Dainese Pro-Armor protection at the shoulders and elbows, and it has a back-protector pouch. This means that you can wear your Dainese Settantadue jacket while riding to work or on a night date, be good looking and protected all the time.” Fireside Chat with Cristiano Silei on Dainese Settantadue appeared first on Motorcycle.com News. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 23, 2018 at 11:01AM
Motorcycle News - Will The Skully Fenix AR Ever Sell At This Price?
https://ift.tt/2LjjsEG It seems like the Skully saga is getting a bit old at this point, what with broken promises, angry (potential) customers, and resurrection via new ownership. At this point, moto-technophiles who geek out over the Fenix AR helmet’s futuristic options like a head’s up display, rear-view camera, and smartphone integration (which enables GPS navigation) just want to see the thing get in their hands. That said, Skully – or more accurately, Skully Technologies, its new name after the change in ownership – hears the criticism and has stated its hopes to make helmets available come the summer, which, if you’re paying attention, is right around the corner. Of course, tech like this won’t come cheap, and the Skully Fenix AR is set to retail for a staggering $1,899. There’s no way around it – nearly two grand for a helmet is a tough pill to swallow. However, new technology is always expensive, and should the Skully Fenix AR catch some traction, it’s reasonable to believe the price will come down in the future. The two biggest challenges Skully Technologies have in front of them are changing the perception of the brand (which, in its first iteration as Skully Inc., left people high and dry) and convincing the riding public that augmented reality contained inside a helmet is a benefit. To the first point, Skully Technologies has instituted the Make It Right Campaign. Targeted specifically to those who put a deposit down for the original Skully, by registering on the new Skully website, these people essentially have first dibs on the new helmet when it becomes available. As for the second obstacle, only time will tell if the motorcycling public is ready for this level of technology inside their helmets. Detractors will be quick to holler that augmented reality is distracting and harmful for motorcyclists, while fans of the tech will counter the exact opposite. This is something we just don’t know at this point. What we do know is the Skully Fenix AR – again, at $1,899 – costs more than some good used motorcycles. At that price, will it still be around for us to see version 2.0? The post Will The Skully Fenix AR Ever Sell At This Price? appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 22, 2018 at 06:01PM
Motorcycle News - Ducati Mueum to Open Exhibit on Mike Hailwoods Early Career
https://ift.tt/2GEREqY If you’re planning to visit Italy this fall, you might want to set aside some time to visit the Ducati Museum in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, to see a new temporary exhibit showcasing three Desmo Twin race bikes ridden by Mike Hailwood early in his racing career. Begin Press Release: First temporary exhibition hosted by the Ducati Museum gets under wayBorgo Panigale, Bologna, 22 May 2018 – The Ducati Museum, renewed in 2016 to mark the company’s 90th anniversary, will be hosting its first temporary exhibition until 15 September 2018. “The Desmo Twins of young Hailwood®” is only the first of many themed exhibitions that the Ducati Museum will organize within its showrooms. The exhibition brings together three race bikes built between 1958 and 1960 by the unforgettable Fabio Taglioni. In part, these represent the early career of one of the world’s most famous riders: Mike Hailwood®. The Desmo Twin 125, 250 and 350 cc represent a period of fervid creativity by the Romagna-born engineer. Built at the specific request of Mike’s father, they would go on to give the popular rider his first victories. Now, almost sixty years later, these ultra-rare bikes have finally been reunited in an exhibition that is an integral part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of “Mike the Bike’s” win at the 1978 Tourist Trophy. For further information on the exhibition and how to visit the factory and the Ducati Museum please go to the website. Ducati Mueum to Open Exhibit on Mike Hailwood’s Early Career appeared first on Motorcycle.com News. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 22, 2018 at 03:30PM
Motorcycle News - Is Electric Bike Racing The Next Big Thing?
https://ift.tt/2IFjNQB Over in the car world, the Formula E series has gained massive interest from manufacturers. The all-electric racing series is the pinnacle of electric sport on four wheels, and while the early days of the sport were laughable – the cars were slow and there was a mandatory car switch at mid race for range purposes (the next generation Formula E cars are reported to be able to last a whole 50-minute race) – there’s no avoiding the fact that almost every major car maker is embracing electric propulsion as part of their model range, whether its standalone electric cars, or as part of a hybrid system. And just as it’s been true about internal combustion engines, there’s no better way to improve the electric breed than by going racing. Motorcycle.Com’s 2018 Electric Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide Motorcycle manufacturers, meanwhile, have been a little slow to follow suit. The difference in scale between cars and motorcycles is one factor. Another is the fact the major motorcycle manufacturers haven’t been as quick to jump on board the electric bandwagon like the car guys. This could all change, however, with Dorna’s announcement of the Moto-E series starting in 2019. A one-bike electric racing series running alongside MotoGP, the Moto-E series will feature 18 identically prepared Energica EvoGP race bikes, fielded by existing teams within the MotoGP paddock. While rider lineups are yet to be announced, the races will be 10 laps long, with bikes claimed to be able to reach a top speed of 155 mph. This year, MotoGP is having guest riders take parade laps aboard the EvoGP at each round of the series. I had the opportunity to attend the MotoGP race in Austin, Texas, where Colin Edwards took the EvoGP for a spin; and while it was much quieter than a fire-breathing MotoGP machine, it certainly didn’t look slow. While Moto-E is definitely an exciting development in the world of electric motorcycle racing, it’s not the first e-bike racing class. In fact, the birth of Moto-E, in some small fashion, lends itself to other forms of e-bike racing around the globe. Most notably the Isle of Man TT. The TT Zero is a one-lap race of the famous Isle of Man course done entirely on electricity. American Michael Czysz built his own world-class machine and won a number of these races with some of the biggest names in the sport riding. Equally as important was the stiff competition from the Mugen Honda team. Mugen’s involvement added legitimacy to the class, and beating them was huge. Unfortunately, Czysz’s passing due to cancer shuttered the team, leaving Mugen as the sole high-profile team (the others being predominantly student-run University teams). Still, the intense battle between Czysz and Mugen, and the continuation of the project from Mugen, signaled to the world that Honda’s at least sniffing around at the idea of electrics. Domestically, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been another venue where e-bikes have had a chance to compete, this time directly against their internal combustion counterparts. In 2013, Carlin Dunne, aboard the Lightning LS-218, won the motorcycle division outright, adding more legitimacy to electrons being as fast – or faster – than gasoline. This year, 2018, the Pikes Peak entry sheet lists three electric motorcycles competing. Lastly, the eMotoRacing series is a true club racing series dedicated solely for electrics. Racing production e-bikes (predominantly from Zero or Brammo/Victory) with a few college projects thrown in, eMotoRacing is where you’ll find home-grown, highly modified versions of the bikes you can find in the showroom. The kicker is that it runs concurrently with AHRMA – or the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association. Yes, you read that right, eMotoRacing, arguably the future of our sport, shares the paddock with the oil burners of yesteryear. To date, electric motorcycle racing hasn’t caught much steam either domestically or internationally. Mugen’s involvement at the Isle of Man is a good start, but Honda has yet to announce what, if any, relevance that project will have for production models. Ultimately, racing is about leading the way in cutting edge technology. If Moto-E produces some good racing, and manufacturers see the series as grounds to develop, there’s every chance the series could see the popularity its four-wheeled cousin is experiencing. The post Is Electric Bike Racing The Next Big Thing? appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.comMotorcycle.com https://ift.tt/Xzx9iy May 22, 2018 at 02:58PM |
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5/23/2018
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