Ride and Read! NEWS by Madness Photography - Onno "Berserk" Wieringa: December 2018

Ride and Read! Madness Photography - Onno "Berserk" Wieringa, brengt nieuws op gebied van custom bikes, cruisers, choppers en bobbers. Bedrijven kunnen hier hun nieuwste producten en motoren tonen. Je vindt hier nieuws over evenementen en bikeshows. Interessant nieuws? Mail het bericht vergezeld van lage resolutie JPEG foto's en tekst. Wij publiceren het gratis! Ride and Read! Interesting news for us? Send a JPEG low-res photo and text in a Word Document to us and we'll publish it for free!

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

KURYAKYN XKURSION LUGGAGE LINE EXPANDS

XKURSION LUGGAGE LINE EXPANDS

Four all-new bags bolster Kuryakyn’s premium motorcycle luggage collection.
Kuryakyn is expanding its recently redesigned XKursion luggage lineup with

four all-new options designed to meet life’s demands both on and off the bike.

Kuryakyn XKursion luggage combines versatile storage capabilities with durable construction for strength, security and shape retention after miles of abuse. All XKursion bags are made from durable UV-rated, weather-resistant 1680-denier textile. Signature design elements include laser-cut MOLLE modular attachment points, discreet and stylish reflective accents for enhanced visibility, premium lined interiors and multiple pockets designed to keep your gear organized. Additional rider-friendly features include glove-friendly and weather-resistant zippers, ergonomic carrying handles and multiple heavy-duty welded and overmolded D-Rings for secure mounting.

The XKursion XS Guardian Rack Bag is designed specifically for secure mounting on Tour-Pak® or other touring trunk-mounted luggage racks. The rigid structure and thermoformed quick-stash pockets help the Guardian retain its shape fully loaded or empty, and its outstanding storage capacity handles everything from full-face helmets to weeks' worth of clothing.
• Dims: 26" wide x 12" deep x 11" tall
• Cubic Inches: 2,940 (48 liters) (main compartment)
• Stowable carrying handle for easy transport
• Built-in coat flap with plush lined pocket and adjustable G-Hooks
• Interior zippered mesh pocket on the tethered lid
• Integrated media pocket with power cord accessibility
• P/N 5251, MSRP: $249.99

The XKursion XW Porter is the ultimate commuter bag for riders on the go, whether cruising the highways or flying the friendly skies. This mobile office-ready bag has a rigid structure, padded media storage to hold up to a 15” laptop, plus a telescopic handle and wheels for easy transport off the bike. The rigid structure, thermoformed front panel and compact shape make it perfect for storing in or on top of tour trunks, as well as passenger seats and standard luggage racks.
• Dims: 12" wide x 10" deep x 18" tall
• Cubic Inches: 2,160 (35 liters)
• Two separate storage compartments for organization
• Multiple internal mesh pockets
• P/N 5216, MSRP: $219.99

The XKursion XS Steward Roll Bag takes the classic roll bag blueprint to a new age. Thermoformed dual-side entry panels plus a wide center hatch offer three ways to access the main storage for convenient loading/unloading. The integrated high-strength hook-&-loop sissy bar strap plus included mounting strap kit provide a wide variety of quick and easy mounting options.
• Dims: 20" wide x 11.5" deep x 11.5" tall
• Cubic Inches: 2700 (44 liters)
• Built-in coat flap with adjustable G-Hook
• Plush lined storage pocket on coat flap for phones, sunglasses, etc.
• P/N 5221, MSRP: $189.99

The XKursion XS Odyssey lets you saddle up for an epic adventure with enough storage to stay well equipped for weeks on the road. Features include a large easy-access main compartment, multiple padded electronic device sleeves and a variety of stash pockets for organization. The rigid outer frame with a formed and contoured bottom allows secure mounting on a variety of passenger seats or luggage racks.
• Dims: 16" wide x 10" deep x 20" tall
• Cubic Inches: 3,200 (52 Liters)
• Wide front hatch for easy access to the main storage
• High-strength hook-&-loop sissy bar/backrest strap
• Built-in external coat flap with adjustable G-Hooks
• External bottle pockets and quick-access stash pockets
• P/N 5222, MSRP: $269.99

For more information on the XKursion luggage line, visit www.kuryakyn.com.

Indian Motorcycle Racing Releases AFT Rule Change Statement

Indian Motorcycle Racing Releases AFT Rule Change Statement

Indian Motorcycle is not happy about the AMA’s recently announced rule changes for the 2019 American Flat Track season.

Said to be “designed to increase the competitive balance in the sport,” Indian says that two of the three rule changes “single out Indian Motorcycle and the FTR750, and one of the three unfairly handicaps Indian Motorcycle’s ability to compete.”

Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycles Vice President for Racing, Service & Technology: “We believe the changes for 2019 do not create the competitive balance we all desire and instead put Indian Motorcycle Racing at a competitive disadvantage”

Gary Gray, Indian Motorcycles Vice President for Racing, Service & Technology, points to its development of a “superior purpose-built race bike that conforms to AFT’s rules and regulations” and says that “while our efforts over the past two years produced unparalleled success on the track, the result has also been a competitive imbalance that ultimately does not benefit the sport.
“For this reason, we are fully supportive of efforts by AFT to restore competitive balance. However, we believe the changes for 2019 do not create the competitive balance we all desire and instead put Indian Motorcycle Racing at a competitive disadvantage.

“First is the change from Sonoco Supreme fuel to Sonoco GTX-260 fuel, a lower octane, lead-free fuel that will force reductions in compression ratios and, ultimately, reduced power output. This is something that affects all teams equally, and Indian Motorcycle is aligned with this change.

“We believe that allowing production engines to increase from 38 mm throttle bodies to 40 mm puts us at a competitive disadvantage. The FTR 750 is not a street legal production motorcycle. We have done extensive testing in this area and our results have shown that 40 mm throttle bodies produce 20-22% more airflow than the 38 mm”

“Second is the allowance of street legal production engines up to 900 cc. The change to allow smaller displacement engines to increase bore and stroke past 750 cc to 900 cc will produce broader torque curves and higher peak power where desired, which is a significant advantage. “Production” engines are also allowed to change out all internal components including crankshafts, cams, pistons, connecting rods and valves.

“Although this change puts Indian Motorcycle at a disadvantage, we support this as part of AFT’s effort to create competitive balance.”

However, it is with the third of the three rule changes that Indian takes “serious issue with.” This is the change that allows production engines to increase from 38 mm throttle bodies to 40 mm. Indian says that this rule excludes Indian Motorcycle Racing, because the Scout FTR750 is not a street legal production motorcycle.
“Not only does the rule singularly handicap Indian Motorcycle, it represents a significant impairment of our ability to compete on an equal level with every other team in the paddock, specifically on mile tracks.

“We have done extensive testing in this area, and our results have shown that 40 mm throttle bodies produce 20% to 22% more air flow than the 38 mm throttle body. In previous years, larger throttle bodies have been allowed, but limited specifically to larger production motors. This will be the first time that smaller, lighter production motors, similar in dimension and weight to the FTR750, will be able to increase throttle body sizes, creating a significant advantage over larger, heavier motors, let alone over the FTR750, for which this allowance does not apply.

“This is extremely significant on mile tracks where the increased air intake is maximized over the longer straights. Considering that the mile tracks are the predominant racing format in the series, this puts us at a drastic disadvantage and is detrimental to our ability to fairly compete at mile tracks.”

The company went on to say that “it is critical to us that American Flat Track fans understand how these changes exclusively impair Indian Motorcycle Racing. Despite these changes, we will attack 2019 with the same competitive focus and determination that resulted in back-to-back championships over the past two years.”

Friday, 7 December 2018

Tenneco buys Öhlins

Tenneco buys Öhlins

Founder and Chairman Kenth Öhlin has sold a majority share in Öhlins Racing AB (Sweden) to Monroe Shocks and former Marzocchi, Italy, owner Tenneco Inc. Öhlins will become a subsidiary of Tenneco.

Kenth Öhlin (left) has sold a majority share in Öhlins Racing to Tenneco,

seen here with Tenneco co-CEO Brian Kesseler

Founded by Kenth Öhlin in 1976, when he created his first motocross shock, Yamaha Japan bought a majority stake in Öhlins in 1987, with Kenth buying back 95% of the business in 2007. He will continue to be part of Öhlins, serving on the board and retains a minority interest in the company. Henrik Johansson will continue as CEO of Öhlins.
Earlier this year it was announced that Tenneco had bought Federal Mogul, the owner of Ferodo brake pads and Champion filters for $5.4bn. Öhlins have distribution in 50 countries and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia.

Kenth Öhlin commented: “Together, Öhlins and Tenneco will be a very strong constellation. After considering the strengths of both companies, I made the hardest decision of my life — to sell my life’s work. I am absolutely convinced that we are going to develop very positively in the future, and that Öhlins will benefit from the opportunities that will now arise due to Tenneco’s entrance.”

Brian Kesseler, co-CEO of Tenneco, said: “Öhlins’ technology team will allow us to rapidly grow our premium product offerings for current and future customers, as well as help us win a larger share of business in developing mobility markets.”

www.ohlins.com

RDW nieuws: Schorsing voertuig voor meerdere jaren mogelijk

Schorsing voertuig voor meerdere jaren mogelijk

Met ingang van 3 januari 2019 kunnen voertuigbezitters hun voertuig ook voor een periode van twee of drie jaar schorsen. De schorsing hoeft dan niet meer ieder jaar te worden verlengd.

Het voor een langere periode schorsen is vooral gemakkelijk als een voertuig lang niet wordt gebruikt, bijvoorbeeld als het wordt gerestaureerd.

Door te kiezen voor een langere schorsingsperiode bespaart de eigenaar zichzelf tijd en moeite en loopt minder kans op een vergeten schorsing. De jaarlijkse kosten voor schorsen blijven gelijk, of er nu voor één jaar wordt geschorst of ineens voor twee of drie jaar.

Schorsing verlengen
Een schorsing kan altijd worden verlengd. Verlengen van een schorsing kan al vanaf maximaal zes weken voor de einddatum. De nieuwe einddatum is dan gelijk aan de einddatum van de oude schorsing plus één, twee of drie jaar. Wordt de schorsing niet tijdig verlengd, dan is de eigenaar weer aansprakelijk voor de voertuigverplichtingen zoals wegenbelasting en APK.

Online of via het loket
Een schorsing plaatsen, verlengen of opheffen kan makkelijk en snel via de website van de RDW. Wie het niet online kan regelen, kan terecht bij een kentekenloket of een RDW-keuringsstation of -balie.

Voertuigverplichtingen
Wie een voertuig schorst, is niet meer aansprakelijk voor de voertuigverplichtingen. De wegenbelasting stopt automatisch. De verzekering moet de burger zelf opzeggen. Na het schorsen van een voertuig mag dit niet meer op de openbare weg staan of rijden. De schorsing van een voertuig is op elk moment kosteloos weer ongedaan te maken.

Thursday, 6 December 2018

Kawasaki News Show

Recordaantal bezoekers voor tweede editie van de Kawasaki News Show

Afgelopen weekend organiseerde Kawasaki de tweede editie van haar eigen News Show in het Nationaal Militair Museum. Ook dit jaar was de belangstelling voor de nieuwste Kawasaki modellen ongekend groot, want duizenden motorrijders wisten hun weg naar Soest te vinden.

De unieke setting van het Nationaal Militair Museum en de gratis toegang voor mensen met een motorrijbewijs bleken ook dit jaar weer een gouden combinatie. Dankzij de ruime opzet van het museum konden Kawasaki fans uitgebreid kennis maken met alle 2019 modellen en kleuren, zoals de compleet nieuwe Versys 1000 Adventure Tourer, de sensationele nieuwe Supercharged modellen en de ongekend populaire Z-range. Daarnaast konden liefhebbers zich vergapen aan een schitterend Kawasaki mini-museum of op de foto met een van de vele Kawasaki coureurs, waaronder World Superbike coureur Leon Haslam.

Henk Salomons, General Manager Kawasaki Benelux:
“In Nederland hebben we in tegenstelling tot andere landen geen Motorshow met de focus op nieuwe modellen in het najaar. We zoeken continue naar nieuwe wegen om met de consument in contact te treden. We doen het niet alleen geweldig goed op het gebied van verkopen en in de motorsport, maar het is ook geweldig om te zien dat ons merk zo ongelooflijk veel belangstelling krijgt. Dit evenement is zeker voor herhaling vatbaar! Op de EICMA Show in Milaan was Kawasaki de absolute smaakmaker met het meeste 2019 nieuws. We zijn er van overtuigd dat komend seizoen wederom een doorslaand succes voor Team Green zal worden!”

Kijk voor meer informatie over de 2019 Kawasaki modellen op www.kawasaki.nl

Tedd Cycle - WL Racing Chassis Kit

Tedd Cycle - WL Racing Chassis Kit

The long-awaited WL Racing Chassis kit inspired by the ‘Race of Gentlemen’ is finally here - available from Newburgh, New York based Tedd Cycle.

This V-Twin 45” WL bobber chassis kit includes a replica 45 W style stock rigid frame made from brazed construction with a raw finish. You’ll also find 18” wheels with WR spools and a nickel-plated hub, stainless steel spokes and nipples and an 18” black steel rim; black stock replica 28” inline spring fork assembly with fully assembled handlebars.

A black rear brake drum assembly with sprocket riveted on is included, as well as the black backing plate assembled with shoes, springs, cam, pivot stud, parkerized arm and speedometer drive. Front and rear axles along with neck bearing cup kit, a 3 1/2 gallon WR gas tank set, the rear wheel stand and straps and footboard rods are all brand new replica parts.

The kit includes a replica frame, 18” wheels, black Spring Fork with assembled handlebars, black rear brake drum assembly, front and rear axles, neck bearing cup kit, 3 1/2 gallon WR gas tank set and footboard rods.

V-TWIN MFG/ TEDD CYCLE, INC.
www.vtwinmfg.com

The WALL saddle for 2006-2017 H-D Dyna-Glide Models

The WALL saddle for

2006-2017 H-D Dyna-Glide Models

Now available with driver's backrest

The Wall saddle was originally designed with a taller and more vertical back support area to hold the rider in position more aggressively. This is a great setup for hot rodded bikes where a less reclined posture is desired. Is it possible to get too much of a good thing? When it comes to back support, we don't think that's possible, so now the Wall saddle has the option of a

Triumph 2019 SPEED TWIN

GLOEDNIEUWE 2019 SPEED TWIN
Een nieuw prestatie icoon

De mooie, nieuwe 1200cc Speed Twin herintroduceert een legendarische Triumph naam en zet de nieuwe standaard voor hoe een custom roadster zou moeten rijden en aanvoelen, met voor deze klasse toonaangevende handling en opwindende prestaties.

• Toonaangevende handling
o Zelfverzekerde, inspirerende, precieze, wendbare en dynamische rijeigenschappen
o Specifiek nieuw chassis en wielophanging
o 10 kg lichter dan de Thruxton
o Brembo remmen met hoge specificaties en dubbele schijven
o ABS en schakelbare tractiecontrole
o Comfortabele, geïntegreerde zitpositie met toegankelijke lage zithoogte en zitplaats voor
duopassagier

• Opwindende prestaties
o Vernieuwde 1200cc HP Bonneville 2-cilinder motor met ‘Thruxton’ afstelling
o Hoog vermogen over het hele toerenbereik, met topvermogen van 97 PK @ 6.750 omw/min
o Opwindende koppelafgifte, met maximum koppel van 112 Nm @ 4.950 omw/min
o Onderscheidend Brits 2-cilinder geluid uit dubbele, zwarte, omhoog gerichte sportdempers
• Geavanceerde rijderstechnologie
o Rijmodi ‘Sport’, ‘Road’ en ‘Rain’
o LED verlichting, met DRL koplamp (afhankelijk van lokale wetgeving)
o Koppelingsbekrachtiging
o Dubbele klokken met meerdere functionaliteiten
o USB-oplaadpunt
o Startonderbreker
o Accessoire mogelijkheid: bandenspanning controlesysteem
• Mooie, moderne custom stijl
o Triumph’s tijdloze DNA verenigt een nieuwe standaard met de eigentijdse Bonneville-stijl
o Krachtige en imposante roadster uitstraling
o Meer dan 90 specifieke Speed Twin accessoires
• Toonaangevende afwerking en details
o Een groot aantal prachtig ontworpen premium kenmerken, hoogwaardige afwerking en

Ness Forged Aluminum Front Wheels

Arlen Ness Enterprises

Ness Forged Aluminum Front Wheels

New this year from Dublin, California based Arlen Ness Enterprises,

these forged aluminum front wheels are precision machined from

radial forged 6061-T6 aluminum for 'maximum road durability'.

The Ness cartridge hub design features both wheel bearings pre-set in one hub

for optimum radial and lateral runout accuracy; the lightweight

'coped design' provides “form and function.”

ABS applications will ship with the correct bearing to make sure ABS function is maintained; no re-calibration will be required on linked brake models. Ness says that every rim pattern is structurally tested to meet or exceed DOT, JAS and TÜV international load ratings.
They accept hub mounted rotors (3.25” bolt circle - matching rotors are available) and come as black/natural or chrome process forged and black/natural or chrome 7-valve forged.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
www.arlenness.com

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

EICMA 2018 News & Trends Electrifying! All interesting motorcycles seen at the Eicma, by Horst 'Motograper' Roesler.

EICMA 2018 News & Trends

Electrifying!

The electric "Gold Rush" is on: Harley-Davidson goes electric – so do a lot of other manufacturers and start-ups. But did anybody state where the charging power will come from?

By Horst 'Motographer' Roesler

EICMA 2018 is over. The news are on the table – and some of them sound impressive: 200+ km motorcycles with a proposed range of 200 km and more. Well, electric-powered, of course. Electric powered Design studies running wild all over the fairground and one of the worlds most iconic manufacturers introduces his first series production electric motorcycle – without revealing any of the essential technical infos. Conventional combustion engine powered surprises came from unexpected sources, as Royal Enfield landed a scoop by introducing a very stylish V-twin powered concept bike that got great attention at a very crowded launch ceremony. Very visible: The almost complete absence of the "custom" theme! Wich certainly does not signal that this segment has passed its zenith, but that EICMA has decided to ignore a huge part of the market. Other Italian events seem to have made EICMA to drop the theme, opting to hype the rise of electric transportation. If that will continue, we will see in a very near future: When the price tags of some of these vehicles will be uncoverd…

For one of the most expected press conferences of this years EICMA, Harley did not make much fuss about its premiere: The "Live Wire" was standing uncovered on its display all day, long before the press conference was held under jammed conditions at 2.50 pm in the afternoon – and even then there was much more to see on the short promotion video clip than what was told about the upcoming "Live Wire", the prototypes/concept bikes already introduced four years ago. Harley's attitude to the public and upcoming new motorcycles has somewhat changed considerably: Obviously, somebody "up top" has decided that it might be better to evaluate the public opinion by launching concepts, ideas and even ridable pre-production motorcycles, rather than "surprize" with a finished product that have a potential to "backfire" on the brand by being ingnored by not only the home market but also by it's home market dealers: The V-Rod is an example for that and the development of the "Live Wire" with extensive test and promotion tours in 2015 was the first glimpse onto the "new era" which may lead to the needed new clients to enter Harley-land. However, the short paced press presentation by Marc McAllister, Vice President of Product Planning and Portfolio made it neccessary to listen carefully and read "between the lines".

While it was revealed that more and smaller e-bikes are "under devlopment" and a short film clip showed the recently presented "concept bikes" already in action, the information on the "Live Wire" performance and technology was next to zero. No information on range, capacity, speed, charging time or even an idea of the the price. January 2019 is the promised date for more, let alone the start of availability.

Looking at the other "electric marvels" presented at EICMA, the price tag might become the real shocker, since the current EU-imposed 25% added import tax (to the normal 6%) are still in place, also applying to electric motorcycles coming from the USA. Currently, Harley-Davidson is "swallowing" the added 25% which eat-up all synergy-effects from improved production methods with the M8 models – for how long remains to be seen. However, with only 250 Harley-Davidson dealers world being selected for the launch of the all-electric hog, it remains to be seen how many of them will be in Europe and where. The "Live Wire" will require a complete new type of mechanic, qualified to deal with the electric systems and components of the "Live Wire".

The second part of Harley's PR show presented the 2018 "Custom King" award winners and handed the throphy to the exited winners: From the three 2018 finalists, it was "The Prince", built by Harley-Davidson Bangkok, that received the crowning to "Custom King" 2018. 300 dealers from 30 different countries worldwide participated in this years competition, Thailand was in the competition for the first time. HD Bangkok also used the new 2018 "Street Bob" as base for a "back to the roots" chopper.

Other than last year, where the winners were picked out from almost 20 European Custom King competitors present, this years display was down to three bikes, yet two of them from the other side of the planet. Battle of Kings finalist "Back to the Track" by Harley-Davidson Adelaide (Australia) is based on a 2018 XL "Roadster" as a tribute to Australia's Sportster Race series of the nineties. The fairing design was inspired by the then also racing VR 1000.

Local "favourite" for the Italian crowd: Original a 2018 model year M8 "Street Bob", the "Farm Machine" of Harley-Davidson Bologna has many characteristics Italian customizers love. Old School look, great theme and style-fitting Jeep tires front and rear, the "Farm Machine" was sold before built to a Farmer outside Bologna.

The trophy ceremony of the "Custom Kings" 2018 also marked the start of the 2019 competition: This time the USA will be "in the race" for the crown too. Contrary to all previous competitions, there is no restriction on which model to use as a base. That will be interesting, to say the least...

With the FTR 1200 "out of the box" at Intermot already, Indian now opens the pages of the accessories catalogue: Four different "characters" for the FTR are optional, even a "touring" version! From the basic two models, four new styles, achieved by accessories were introduced by Steve Meneto: Rally, Tracker, Touring and Sport themed accessories convert the stock FTR. Interest by the European dealers was huge and some of them are already working out their own parts: Swiss CCE partner Patrick Mayer (PM-Performance) is already working on his own ideas on customizing the FTR and may present them at Swiss Moto in February. For those who have a long-term memory, it should be remembered that Polaris Industries bought the electric motorcycle business assets of Brammo in January 2015, added the "Empulse" to its Victory lineup, subsequently to be cancelled together with the entire brand surprisingly in January 2017. With "Brammo" one of the most advanced e-motorcycles at that time, it would not be surpring to hear from them anytime soon. If the name "Wakinyan Hoton" has been trademarked, it would be a sign: It is Indian language for "Lightning creates Thunder".

Stealing the show at EICMA was India's Royal Enfield who hammered the press with a late tuesday press conference that was really crowded: The surprise "scoop" of this years EICMA was the premiere of Royal Enfields V-Twin concept bike. Although the new Twin-powered models are now hitting the roads in numbers for a very competetive price, the brand has enough "steam" to pursuit new ideas and designs. The last V-Twin by Royal Enfield, then still produced in England was the KX of 1938, also present at the unveiling. Developed from scratch in just six months during the summer, the Concept KX was inspired by Royal Enfield's original Model KX of the late 1930s, a mighty, 1,140cc side-valve machine that was described in contemporary advertising material as being 'the last word in luxury motorcycling'. With the new twins now hitting the dealerships for a very competetive price, the Royal Enfield ‘Concept KX’ is said to remain a 'concept', taking pride of place at the very front of the Royal Enfield marquee at EICMA 2018 – and is not intended for production. Not yet?

All Royal Enfield twins were available on a short test track. The twins offer a lot of motorcycle for a cheap price and are real fun to ride. It does not need much horsepower to have the "motorcycle feeling". Enfield's 650 Twin Salt Flats record bike came fresh from the Motorcycle Speed Trials 2018. The spec sheet revealed surprising facts: The engine internals had been modified with numerous parts by ... S&S Cycles! Top speed at Bonneville was 241 km/h. The "Midas Royal" by Winston Yeh was another "Joker" in the 2018 EICMA scoop of Royal Enfield. The Taipei/Taiwan based "Roughcrafts" top-customizer used carbon parts to race-style the "Continental GT" base. Ideas for a limited edition are there, but remain to be confirmed. But it was the KX concept V-Twin that stole the show from all other Royal Enfield news, no doubt about that!

More V-Twins of British origin, yet now manufactured abroad, were to be seen a few meters further on: Adding to last years "Pendine" Scrambler and the already in production SS 100, Brought Superiour is preparing for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the brand in 2019. With a stylish SS 100 MK 2, limited to 100 units, they added another "high end" accent to the handcrafted beauties that are build to customer specifications near Bordeaux/France.

For the massive number of electric powered premieres and concept bikes by new and established manufacturers only the most remarkable are listed here: Even Ducati has now electric bicycles in its portfolio and the classic Vespa is also available in e-version.

The press release text of the co-operation between Energica and Samsung "Bolid-e Smart Ride" is full of "hot air" that you may use it on any combustion engine and partially reads like a nightmare scenario from George Orwels "1984". Quote: "by activating the Track Recording function, it is possible to virtually relive the emotions of the journey on your Samsung Smart TV thanks to videos recorded by the built-in cameras on the motorbike and data captured by the smartwatch. In addition, using Smart Ride, the Energica riders can share their passion with friends through the Track Sharing and Key Sharing features. With a view to guaranteeing safety that is as effective as possible, Samsung and Energica have implemented a remote monitoring system to track the motorbike when it is used by several people. It is possible to display on a map the current position of the user and her/his Energica motorbike, define a range within which the motorbike can be used and get notified when it goes too far away". End quote. Safe new world. The police will thank you too for recording your riding style and speeds for sure!

The Kymco "SuperNEX" Supersport bike was one of the surprises in electric motorcycles and follows closer to the "conventional" motorcycle traditions: It has a 6-speed gearbox! This 6-speed transmission allows riders to make use of the most optimal power band of the motor to extract the full potential of the vehicle. The gears help improve not only the efficiency and responsiveness, but also the acceleration and top speed. As a result, SuperNEX can go from 0 to 100km/hr in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 200km/hr in 7.5 seconds and from 0 to 250km/hr in 10.9 seconds. Well, if your country allows such a speed...

One of the bikes not to be missed was the British origin Arc "Vector" electric motorcycle, boasting 95 kW for a top speed of 241 kph at ranges of around 200 km! That sound like a e-motorcycle you can use, especially when hearing that Arc Vehicle estimates that their battery cells will offer 193 km of motorway (supposedly on British speed limits) and 274 km of city range. But first check your purse, the proposed price has been given as € 117k – that may dampen the exitement a little bit...

Somewhat hidden in a remote corner of hall 22 was another option, yet less promoted for motorcycles: The "Efesto" experimental bike features a 115 hp Ducati Twin plus 70 hp electric motor. Probably the first hybrid motorcycle ever. Several riding modes are possible, even as a combination of combustion/electric drive. And a single cylinder engine was presented too.

As for the apparent lack of any "Custom" or "showbike" part on EICMA, almost no Italian Customizers were present, given the occasional promo bike as Livio Rebufini's FXR at the Galfer booth and a Bagger promoting Grimeca brake discs. Only exception from the rule: Parts Europe/Drag Specialties hit EICMA with the biggest booth ever, lots of brand reps present and the PE/DS sales reps from all over Europe arriving for the event. The annual team shot photo added up to some 100+ persons! For the custom scene of particular interest: Rinehart exhausts, Biltwell, JW Speaker LED headlights and S&S Cycles, the latter proudly presenting the EC stamp on their slip-on mufflers.

Walking the six halls of EICMA 2018, there is little doubt that the "Gold Rush" for electric motorcycles is on, yet it is surprising how few people question the still downplayed problems of the obviously glorified system "electric transportation". "Glorified" by journalists and politicians that are neither bothered by doubt nor scientific knowledge.

Yes, burning fossile fuel is using up resources that took million years in the making – but if the energy for our rides does not fall from the skys in form of wind, water or sun, electric energy will by no means solve any of the current problems. Anybody who can read him or herself into the problems of rechargable Lithium-Ion batteries – charging cycles, operating temperatures, internal resistance – can only pray that real miracles in technology are coming. Anybody who asks how many electric vehicles can be supplied by his countries electric system will find the electric power production capacity of his particular country in the internet. Mayby it can transmitted (with the accompanying losses) in the national power grid? For suppliers of electrical energy, electrical transportation is a god-given present, for the charging status of the batteries has to followed all the time, accus heated or cooled, depending on temperatures. Think about your motorcycle using up fuel while it is standing or parked – and you always have to watch that the fuel is not falling under a particular level, even when not riding. Welcome to the environmental sound matter of transport – an "electrifying" outlook. And with the money asked for the rides, you can ask yourself: Are you wealthy enough to stay on two wheels?

Text & Fotos: Horst Roesler, Motographer

Impression of the EICMA 2018 - in Alphabetic order

Aprilia-

BardahlBuell

Experimental Bike: Bardahl Buell powered by H²O² is planned to race for records!

BikerShop_

Biker shopping at EICMA? No problem!

BMW_

BMW booth at press intro.

Brixton_

Brixton BX 500: From a 125 cc brand to now bigger 500 cc singles.

Modern styling, british name and Austrian origin.

BroughS_

Adding to last years "Pendine" Scrambler and the already in production SS 100, Brought Superiour is preparing for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the brand in 2019. With a stylish SS 100 MK 2, limited to 100 units.

www.brough-superior.com

BST_Wheels_

Lightweight: BST Carbon wheels also introcuced Ariel Motorcycles

CeraCarbon_

New: Cera Carbon Racing is offering carbon sprockets and belt drives. New are their carbon/ceramic inner and outer fork tubes that can either work as exchange or – with Öhlins cartridge – come as complete fork.

A Quad manufacturer goes "two wheels":
Austria based CF Moto introduced two models.

www.cf-moto.eu

ChangJiang_

Chang Jiang - greetings from China. And a touch of "Afrikakorps"...

CustomSporty...

Few customized bikes graced this years event...

DeliTire_

Not all bikes were ridable…

Ducati booth: The news and the girls.
And the surprise: Ducati goes electric with a bicycle!

DucCafeRacer...

Ducati Cafe Racer by "Ducati Design Center"

e_Anlas_

Tire manufacturer Anlas presented this racer

e_Anlastire_

What may become an important issue, due to EU/EC regulation madness: Anlass is one of the few manufacturers to offer motorcycle WINTER tires! Otherwise, motorcycling in lower temperatures (and on higher elevations in summer too?) will be outlawed. Were does this madness stop?

e_ARC_

One of the bikes not to be missed was the British origin Arc "Vector" electric motorcycle, boasting 95 kW for a top speed of 241 kph at ranges of around 200 km. That sound like a motorcycle you can use, especially when hearing that Arc Vehicle estimate that their battery cells will offer 193 km of motorway (on British speed limits) and 274 km of city range. Check your purse, the proposed price has been given as € 117k – that may dampen the exitement a little bit...

e_Caballero_s

Fantic is also experimenting with electric motorcycles and mofas.

e_CortoCirc_

A co-operation between students of the Milan IULM university is the "Corto Circuito" motorcycle, presented on the "Dueruote" booth.

e_Ed1_

40 km range with the foldable ED-1 bike.

e_Energica_

Co-operation between Energica and Samsung: Bolid-e "Smart Ride"

www.energicamotor.com

e_ItaliaVolt

No, it's NOT the "Live Wire"! Italian Volt introduced its electric motorcycle, the ‘lacama’, as a premium, fully-customizable bike which covers a spectrum of styles for personal tastes: there are bespoke specifications between a café racer, roadster, scrambler, with a personal theme. The Milan-based company was founded by three partners, of which two – Nicola Colombo and Valerio Fumagalli – hold a guinness record for the greatest distance travelled on an electric bike. in 2013 they travelled 12,379 km from shanghai to Milan in 44 days, purely on green energy. their dream to build a bike to complement this achievement resulted in "Italian Volt", with contribution from Adriano Stellino, a designer who has worked with Lamborghini and Bertone.

e_Italjet_

Italjet electric bicycles

e_Nito

electric transport from Italy. Nito also offers electric scooters.

www.nitobikes.it

e_Ottobike_

MCR2 electric motorcycle by Otto Bike.

e_Pursang_

New Spanish e-motorcycle manufacturer "Pursang" introduced the "E-Street".

e_Sanyou_

Sanyou electric foldable

e_SilenceO_

Silence-O: Electric Pizza delivery – or is it the battery? And the Police will come on quiet wheels too…

e_TCmax_

TC Max electric citybike

e_Vespa_

The classic Vespa design goes electric!

Enfield__

The surprise "scoop" of this years EICMA was the premiere of Royal Enfields V-Twin concept bike. Although the new Twin-powered models are now hitting the roads in numbers for a very competetive price, the brand has enough "steam" to pursuit new ideas and designs.

"Midas Royal" by Winston Yeh was another "Joker" in the 2018 EICMA scoop
of Royal Enfield. The Taipei/Taiwan based "Roughcrafts" top-customizer used
carbon parts to race-style the "Continental GT" base. Ideas for a limited edition
are there, but remain to be confirmed.

EnfieldDemo_

All Royal Enfield twins were available on a short test track.
The twins offer a lot of motorcycle for a cheap price.

Entrance sign: Future has just started…

General fair impressions.

Rebuffini design discs by Galfer.

Grimeca discs, Bagger tested.

Moto Guzzi booth impressions

Hall views on 13 and 15

HD_BoK_HD_Adelaide_

Battle of Kings finalist "Back to the Track" by Harley-Davidson Adelaide (Australia) is based on a 2018 XL "Roadster" as a tribute to Australia's Sportster Race series of the nineties. The fairing design was inspired by the then also racing VR 1000.

HD_BoK_HD_Bologna_FarmMachine_

Original a 2018 model year M8 "Street Bob", the "Farm Machine" of Harley-Davidson Bologna has many characteristics Italian customizers love: Old School look, great theme and style-fitting Jeep tires front and rear, the "Farm Machine" was sold before built to a Farmer outside Bologna before it was created.

HD_BoK_Winner_

From the three 2018 finalists, it was "The Prince", built by Harley-Davidson Bangkok, that received the crowning to "Custom King" 2018. 300 dealers from 30 different countries worldwide participated in this years competition, Thailand was in the competition for the first time. HD Bangkok also used the new 2018 "Street Bob" as base for a "back to the roots" chopper.

HD_booth_

HD booth EICMA 2018

HD_LiveWire_

"Low Voltage" at the most watched presentation of EICMA 2018: No "big ceremony" but great interest by the press accompanied the introduction of the "Live Wire", four years after the prototype concept bikes were presented. While it was revealed that more and smaller e-bikes are "under devlopment" and a short film clip showed the recently presented "concept bikes" already in action, the information on the "Live Wire" performance and technology was next to zero. No information on range, capacity, speed, charging time or even an idea of the the price. Looking at the other "electric marvels" presented at EICMA, that price tag might become the real shocker, since the current EU-imposed 25% added import tax (to the normal 6%) are still in place, also applying to electric motorcycles coming from the USA. However, with only 250 Harley-Davidson dealers world being selected for the launch of the all-electric hog, it remains to be seen how many of them will be in Europe and where.

Helmets_

Some products are just putting a smile in your face...

Honda_

Honda booth

HP Corse exhausts

Husqvarna_

Husqvarna Viltpilen 701 "Aero" concept bike

Probably the first hybrid motorcycle ever: The Efesto features a 115 hp Ducati Twin
plus 70 hp electric motor. Several riding modes are possible!

ICM_...

Always great classic bikes on display: Display of the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI)

www.asifed.it

Indian...

With the FTR 1200 "out of the box" at Intermot already, Indian now adds the accessories catalogue: Four different "characters" are optional, even a "touring" version! From the basic two models, 4 new styles, achieved by accessories were introduced by Steve Meneto: Rally, Tracker, Touring and Sport themed accessories convert the stock FTR.

Indian-PatrickMayer-0003.jpg

And Swiss CCE partner Patrick Mayer (PM-Performance) is already working out his own ideas on customizing the FTR.

InnovationAwards_

On wednesday, some of the Italian top designers of the motorcycle scene were present for handing out the "Innovation Awards" to Italian students.

InSella_

InSella booth motorcycle display

ItalianArmyMuseum_

One of the most difficult museums to visit in Italy displayed some of its massive collection: The "Museo Storico Delle Motorizzazione Militare" in Rome is ONLY open Saturday from 9 am to 12!

Italjet_

Italjet brought back the "Dragster" scooter and presented two 250 cc V-Twins

Back in black and silver: The new "Katana" by Suzuki.

Kawasaki_

Kawasaki booth, shoes and news

1972 - 1976: The Z 900 History was present at the Kawasaki display.

Wow! Z 900 RS Café Racer style

One of the true sensation of EICMA: Kymco "SuperNEX" Supersport bike. All electric!

www.kymco.com

Lambretta_0001.jpg

A "classic" is back: Lambretta scooter

MV Magni tribute bike

Milan_...

Milan impressions (sorry, they are from 2016, under better weather conditions)

Mondial_

Mondial "Flat Track" and "Sport Classic" HPS 300

Moto Morini news

Classic at the MV booth: MV Autocarro

MV Agusta booth, nw models and girls...

NextGenRider...

Will "AI" create the new riders? Where's the fun in that?

Nils racebike

Oehlins booth with Shaw's HD custom.

The Biltwell team at Drag Specialties.

Burning Roads Garage of Casalpulsterlengo in Lombardy built the
2018 Drag Specialties display Chopper from the Drag catalogue.

The Rinehart exhaust systems team was introducing their exhaust systems
to the European public.

Making a stand: With a massive multi-brand display booth, the 2018 Parts Europe / Drag Specialties team exceeded hundred participants for this years EICMA.

XR 1200 as part of the Techno Research display

2016 "Road Glide" Bagger

2019 Milwaukee Eight "Street Bob"

2018 Parts Europe / Drag Specialties views

" Build Your Dream" kitbike display.

The S&S Cycles team was proud to present...

...the EC homologation stamp on their new exhaust line! What they did not tell, that a lot of S&S Cycles parts were found on the tech sheet of the Royal Enfield Bonneville record racer.