Marlio Escobar Converts Vintage Motorcycles Into Custom Electric Motorcycles
By Wayfarer |
Mainstream Media Agree: Motorcycles Great for Social Distancing
By Bandit |
The coronavirus pandemic has curtailed many pastimes, but motorcycling remains a great way for people to recreate, travel, and commute because it’s naturally a social-distancing activity. This is something the MIC continues to share with mainstream media journalists and influencers, and it’s getting results.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Anthony Conroy had that idea in mind with his review of the Honda CB650R, in an article that ran online and in print, with the headline:
Motorcycle review: COVID blues? Honda’s ‘neo sports-cafe’ will turn that frown upside-down
By Anthony Conroy, Pittsburg Gazette
Isolation? Check. Face mask? Check. Distance between yourself and others? Check. COVID-19 preparation? Guess again.
When it comes to motorcycling, there’s no need for coronavirus concerns. And with Honda’s CB650R at our disposal, very little time was spent indoors, as the Honda checks all the right boxes in putting space between yourself and others.
American Honda, based in Torrance, California, was kind of enough to lend the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette a 2019 model (don’t expect many changes from the 2020 version) and we used that time exploring Pittsburgh’s rugged streets and beyond.
The CB650R is Honda’s middleweight offering for a style of bike the manufacturer calls a “neo sports-cafe.” It’s a name that hearkens back to the days of street racers buzzing from cafe to cafe in the English countryside, but unlike many of bikes from the 1950s and ’60s, the CB is a modern example of refinement. As a daily commuter, it was even, dare we say, gentlemanly.
The bike is powered by a 649cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four cylinder engine whose power was predictable — in the best possible way — and manageable. New riders will appreciate that most, as it inspires confidence. Experienced riders will find the engine so compliant, they’ll be tempted to tap into their inner daredevil.
When upping the pace, life best exists between 6,200 rpm and a redline that stops just short of 13,000. The biggest smiles are found in third and fourth gear, where the gearing and estimated 85 horsepower are best exploited. However, the bike’s power delivery seems smoothest in the mid-range and the 6-speed gearbox is ratioed accordingly.
For riders who insist on having more power, the 650’s bigger brother, the CB1000R, might be a better option. But the 650, whether it’s commuting to work or touring on the highway, is more than capable and in no way underwhelming.
Once off the throttle, the CB is slowed at the front wheel by two radially mounted, four-piston Nissin brake calipers, whose function was smooth — no bites or grabbiness. A stock slipper clutch meant less engine braking, but downshifts were seamless. No wheel-hop when braking aggressively for stops at the local 7-Eleven.
Of course, the overall package is only enhanced by handling that Honda’s engineers nailed. Even with a bigger rider like myself, the 450-pound CB requires only the lightest steering inputs to lean into turns and goes exactly where you want it to go.
Smiles were abundant while blasting up Sycamore Street to Mount Washington, dodging joggers along Stone Manse Drive — a short, isolated but favored stretch in South Park — and scooting around Riverview Park and Observatory Hill.
The bike’s all-around abilities shone on a ride to Tionesta, Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest, a chilly trip that included highway miles and back-country twisties. On that particular journey, a gas tank slightly larger than the standard 4.1-gallon unit would’ve been welcomed, but I never had an issue getting to the next stop.
Ergonomically, the bike was generally comfortable, with a seat that is plush compared to the other Japanese bikes in its class. The reach to the grips puts the rider in a sporty position — sportier than Yamaha’s FZ lineup, less aggressive than Kawasaki’s Z models and more in tune with Suzuki’s GSX-S line. The seat height is 31.9 inches, and women and riders under 5-foot-5 will appreciate how narrow the seat is at the tank. That waspiness allows for better reach to the ground.
Since Honda is trying to keep the CB650R affordable (MSRP is $9,000) for younger riders, that means the bike comes with little frills when it comes to electronic rider aids. In other words, there are no engine power modes. Traction control adjustability has two options: on and off. Honda was kind enough to include a toggle button, accessible with the left index finger, to activate the traction control.
The TC kicked in just once — that I’m aware of — during my stint aboard the CB. In third gear on West Liberty Avenue, I rode over a wet tar snake at lean. There was a slight loss in grip followed by a super-quick engine hiccup. I can only assume that hiccup — an electronic cut in power — was the TC kicking in and helped keep my keister from hitting the roadway. Thank you, Honda.
The CB also lacks adjustable front suspension. Optional ABS is available for about $200 more and is standard on the 2020 model. (Ours was ABS-equipped, but was not tested.)
Useful information — including speed, fuel, fuel mileage and warning lights — is relayed to the rider via a cellphone-sized and -shaped LCD display that was easily readable in both harsh sunlight and at night.
Aesthetically, the bike generally avoids a lot of the funky styling points seen on other motorcycles in the standard/naked classification. An instantly noticeable detail is the LCD ring that encircles the headlight. Bronze-colored details can be found on the fork tubes, wheels and engine cases and pair well with the Honda’s “chromosphere” red paint.
However, Honda’s designers seemed to do the CB a disservice by covering the most eye-pleasing part of the bike with the ugliest part: the radiator obscures the headers of four gorgeous exhaust pipes that wrap underneath the motorcycle.
Unless that’s a deal-breaker, consider it a minor flaw in an otherwise wonderful achievement: Honda has built a middleweight bike whose potential can be appreciated by riders of all shapes, sizes and experience levels.
First Published June 23, 2020
Operation Gratitude is Supported by the Bikernet Staff
By Bandit |
This morning I struggled to find the right words to describe how much I miss serving alongside YOU, our volunteers, and being part of something truly special — meaningful engagements that strengthen and unite communities. But then the right words came. As I scrolled through my Facebook feed, post after post, I saw the extraordinary impact that Operation Gratitude made a year ago today. From Nashville and Bristol in Tennessee all the way to Baltimore our team did what we do best — we made important connections between those who serve and the citizens they protect. A year ago today we provided opportunities for Americans across the country to express appreciation in a hands-on way. And we went a step further. Our volunteers were able to say “thank you for your service” in person, directly to active duty service members and their families, veterans, and first responders in the communities where they live and work. In return, they heard a local hero respond with the words, “thank you for your support.” And we didn’t stop there. Those five simple words, in both directions, were the start of a conversation that led to a meaningful connection, which created better understanding and built bridges between civilians and those who serve our nation. So let me tell you more about what we did a year ago today and what it means for the future of our organization and the communities we serve, together with you. |
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Off-Road Expo in Pomona Postponed to 2021
By Bandit |
POMONA, Calif. (August 18, 2020)— As a result of continued concerns over COVID-19, along with county and state restrictions in place in the state of California, Bonnier Events has made the difficult decision to postpone the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire, scheduled for October 3-4 at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA, to 2021.
Exhibitors who have already booked a booth for the Off-Road Expo in Pomona can transfer booth space to Off-Road Expo Arizona, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ, October 17-18.
Individual Spectator tickets to the Off-Road Expo in Pomona that were purchased online will be refunded automatically within 30 days.
The staff of the Off-Road Expo appreciates your patience and support as we work through this unprecedented situation. We look forward to either seeing you in Scottsdale in October or back at Pomona in 2021.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Rolls to a Close as Virus Tracking Remains Complex
By Bandit |
The annual rally in Sturgis, S.D., drew hundreds of thousands of people. It will be challenging to track any coronavirus outbreak as bikers return to their home states.
by Mark Walker, NY Times
STURGIS, S.D. — And just like that, the roar of the motorcycles was gone.
Ten days after Sturgis, S.D., drew hundreds of thousands of bikers from all over the country to its signature motorcycle rally despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, the parties ended and most of the crowds headed home on Sunday.
Uncertain still was what effect, if any, the event will have on the spread of the virus. Because of the time it can take for symptoms to appear and the way coronavirus cases are tracked in the United States, officials may never know whether the annual rally was a place where the virus was widely passed along.
There were no immediate signs that the rally had led to a significant uptick: The county that includes Sturgis has reported 104 coronavirus cases during the pandemic, 33 of them since the start of August. On Monday, state health officials said they knew of one case of the virus in someone who had attended the motorcycle rally, according to The Rapid City Journal. And Mark Schulte, president of Monument Health Sturgis Hospital, confirmed that some people in Sturgis for the rally had tested positive for the virus, though he would not say how many.
But if a flurry of new cases were to emerge — days from now or even longer — they would likely be reported by attendees back in their hometowns, and would not necessarily ever be tied to the rally.
It is a challenge that public health officials have faced repeatedly as they try to understand how the coronavirus is making its way through the country: When people gather for a large event and then return to states with different health departments, it is difficult to be sure whether the event was part of an outbreak.
The issue has stymied certainty about how the virus’s spread has been affected by events like a rally for President Trump in Oklahoma, protests in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd, holiday weekend visits to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans and spring break trips to Florida.
The rally in Sturgis, one of the biggest regional events to proceed amid the pandemic, drew attention from all over. More than 350,000 vehicles had flocked into the small town during the first week of the event, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
“It’s more than we anticipated by far,” said Dan Ainslie, the city manager of Sturgis.
Local officials had set up precautions — hand sanitizing stations and capacity limits inside some buildings. But many people went without masks, and some supporters suggested that a mostly-outdoor event did not require face coverings.
“You have to be careful, but at the same time, you have to live,” said Mike Petrocco, a Sturgis resident who has long offered his lawn as a campsite during rallies. Mr. Petrocco, 64, said that at one point this year he was hosting 16 people, and that he offered hand sanitizer, did laundry and cleaned every day…
Record-Breaking Benellis are Stars of Bonhams’ Most Successful Motorcycle Sale
By Bandit |
New World Record Set for Benelli at Auction
Sale total realised £3.67 million, with a 95 % sale rate
Most successful Bonhams motorcycle sale to date
Two 250cc Benelli Grand Prix racing motorcycles, offered from the much-anticipated sale of the Morbidelli Motorcycle Museum collection, broke the auction world record for the marque at the live and online Bonhams Summer Sale on Sunday 16 August at Bicester Heritage, the auction house’s most successful motorcycle sale to date, which achieved a total of £3.67 million over three days.
A 1950 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix motorcycle, ridden to world championship victory by Dario Ambrosini, was the first to set the new record, selling for £138,000, only for it to be broken minutes later by its stablemate, a 1964 250cc Grand Prix machine, winner of that year’s Spanish Grand Prix, ridden and signed by two-time world champion Tarquino Provini, which sold for £149,500, the top lot of the weekend’s sale.
Meanwhile, another record was set at the sale, with a concours 1979 Ducati 864CC Mike Hailwood Replica – a landmark model paying homage to ‘Mike the Bike’s’ historic Isle of Man comeback victory in the 1978 Production Race – realising £36,800, a new UK auction record for this particular model.
The Morbidelli Collection, offered as the finale of the three-day sale, comprised 200 mainly Italian post-war road and racing motorcycles, selected from the eponymous Motorcycle Museum in Pesaro, Italy.
With the late Giancarlo Morbidelli having a particular passion for Benelli, the oldest Italian motorcycle manufacturer also founded in Pesaro, the marque’s success in the sale was no surprise. An ex-works 1959 Benelli 250cc Grand Prix example, one of only four built, sold for £83,950.
Ben Walker, International Department Director for Bonhams Collectors’ Motorcycles, said: “We were very proud to have been entrusted with the sale of this stunning collection, carefully put together over 40 years by Giancarlo Morbidelli, which was a fitting tribute to this master of the motorcycling world.”
He added: “Here was a unique opportunity for international motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts to bid for some truly special lots and we were pleased that the collection received strong interest from across the globe. We’re also delighted that several lots will continue to be displayed publicly at various internationally acclaimed museums around the world.”
A contemporary rival of the Benellis – a 1963 Honda 250cc CR72 Racing Motorcycle also raced home to a new owner, selling for £89,700 on Day Two of the sale, while the ex-Texaco Heron Team Suzuki 1975 750CC XR11 Formula 750 racing motorcycle sold for £51,750.
Veteran and vintage motorcycles performed particularly well, with a 1916 Harley-Davidson, 1,000 Model J & Package Truck Sidecar realising £56,500, while a 1909 Minerva 31/2hp with Wicker Side car, a regular participant in the London to Brighton Pioneer Run, achieved £29,900. An extremely rare 1928 Montgomery 680cc ‘Twin Five’, a Banbury-concours winner known as ‘Rommel’, sold for £37,950.
Beautifully-restored machines were also stellar performers. The successful bidder of the aforementioned Mike Hailwood Replica also bought a 1956 BSA 499CC DBD34 Gold Star, the subject of a total restoration in the early 2000s, for £23,000 from the same vendor.
James Stensel, Head of Bonhams UK Motorcycles, said: “The new live and online format has performed incredibly well and exceeded all expectations, with more than 1200 bidders registering for the sale.
“The appetite for important motorcycles and for one owner collections continues to grow and the results achieved over our three-day Summer Sale clearly demonstrate a resilient and buoyant market.”
Consignments are now being invited for The Bonhams Autumn Sale on 10-11 October 2020 and for the Collectors Motorcycles and Motorcars Auction at the Barber Museum, Alabama on the same weekend. Potential sellers should visit www.bonhams.com/motorcycles and submit an Auction Estimate Request Form.
MEETING OF THE MINDS 2020 – WHAT? WORKSHOPS TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF MOTORCYCLISTS’ RIGHTS ADVOCACY, THAT’S WHAT!!
By Bandit |
With the future of motorcyclists’ rights advocacy deeply entrenched in the early days of bikers’ rights and freedom rallies, the men and women who started it all knew there were others with similar backgrounds, and they reached out to find us. In September 1985, a few more than a hundred of us met, many for the first time, in a cheap hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
There wasn’t much at that meeting except introductions and commitments to work together Today, that handful of bikers has grown to touch all corners of the U.S. From “just talking” when we met at the first Meeting of the Minds, the successors of that early group are now making strategic plans for the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights advocacy.
Friday’s General Session is just the beginning of a weekend packed with nothing less than ten information fill presentations and 15 workshops!! Yeah, the MRF Board took a long look at how the Meeting of the Minds material sort of drifted away from the stuff we were famous for – information filled workshops that provided attendees with the nuts, bolts and tools to help build and maintain their organizations and legislative endeavors.
Workshops from Advocacy – Beyond Face-to-Face to “Kickin’ Ass & Takin’ Names”; from Media Madness to Public Relations; from With Freedom Comes Responsibility to Bridging the Gap between Clubs & SMROs. That’s the “What” of the Meeting of the Minds. That’s the “What” needed to protect your rights, your motorcycle and your lifestyle and there’s a lot more to come.
Use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Call 317-767-4769 for Hotel reservations. The Meeting of the Minds is in Indianapolis, Indiana, September 24-27, 2020
Electric Honda motorcycle in the works
By Wayfarer |
from https://www.financialexpress.com
Electric Honda motorcycle in the works: Leaked patent images depict bike to be based on CB125R
Honda patent images reveal a new electric motorcycle that seems to be based on the existing CB125R. The patents show a Neo Sports Café inspired motorcycle with chassis parts of the CB125R but with an electric motor.
It was rather sudden focus on electric motorcycles grew but soon the global markets were dotted with electric two-wheeler startups. Did they pay attention to a segment that would see growth at a time when mainstream players didn’t? That may have been the case but now, the story got different when Harley-Davidson rolled out in its first electric motorcycle. Kawasaki is working on an electric Ninja and Royal Enfield has an ongoing electric motorcycle project. And now, the word is that Honda too is stepping in the game. According to a report by Visordown, Honda seems to be working on multiple electric motorcycle models.
The report mentions patent images that depict an electric motorcycle based on the Honda CB125R, adding that the manufacturer recently patented design for the electric CB125R hinting that the bike likely in its final stages of development.
There is so far no confirmation from the company and Honda have not given it a name yet either. But the patent images do show frame from a CB125R that houses an electric powertrain, along with drawings of the electric motor as well. The motor seems to be a slim pancake-style design with a large diameter that should make it easier to fit onto the slim frame of the CB125R.
The Honda electric motorcycle will not be one of those performance EVs and would likely have similar power figures as its petrol-powered counterpart. The ICE (internal combustion engine) CB125R puts out 13 hp and does speeds of up to 130 km/h. The electric version could offer similar speeds but initial acceleration may be quicker given that electric motors deliver maximum torque the moment you twist open the throttle.
The patent images suggest the electric version of the CB125R could share about 75% of its components with the petrol-powered Honda CB125R. That should make the development process simpler and hence easier and quicker to roll out in the market.
Ana De Armas buys motorcycle for Ben Affleck
By Wayfarer |
by Bang Showbiz from https://www.contactmusic.com
Ana De Armas bought Ben Affleck a motorcycle for his 48th birthday at the weekend.
Ana De Armas bought Ben Affleck a motorcycle for his birthday.
The ‘Knives Out’ actress celebrated her boyfriend turning 48 on Saturday (15.08.20) with the BMW vehicle, which was built from scratch for the actor by WYLD Garage Co., People magazine reports.
And that’s not all because the 32-year-old beauty also surprised Ben with his and hers matching helmets, in a similar shade of green to the bike.
The couple were seen riding the new motorcycle together in California over the weekend.
Sunday (16.08.20) marked the ‘Gone Girl’ star’s debut on Ana’s Instagram account, as she shared a black and white picture of them together.
But rather than add a gushing birthday tribute, the ‘No Time To Die’ actress simply captioned the photograph with a heart emoji.
Meanwhile, a source claimed earlier this year that Ana has been enjoying spending time with Ben’s kids, Violet, 14, Seraphina, 11, and Samuel, eight – as their romance has gathered pace.
A source said: ”Ben and Ana are happy together and have enjoyed spending time with his family.”
Ben and ex-wife Jennifer Garner are determined to make their co-parenting arrangement work for the benefit of their children.
And the current dynamic is one that works well for everyone involved – including Ana, who met Ben on the set of ‘Deep Water’ in 2019.
The insider explained: ”He and Jen continue to work together on co-parenting. They make it work. Everyone is in a good place.”
The loved-up duo went public with their romance in March, when they went on holiday to the actress’ native Cuba and Costa Rica.
And Ana has been blown away by how ”supportive” Ben has been during their relationship so far.
The source explained: ”Ben is very supportive of Ana and tells her how amazing she is.
”Ana’s friends are constantly telling her how lucky she is to have Ben and think he is so charming, cool and fun. They’re so happy for her.”
FIVE DAY UNTIL LACONIA STARTS
By Bandit |
Just 5 days to go until the 97th Laconia Motorcycle Week and your safety continues to be our top priority. We urge all residents and visitors to ride safely and just as importantly, follow the CDC guidelines for frequent hand-washing/sanitizing, social-distancing and wearing a face-mask. As per Governor Sununu’s recently announced state mandate, all riders will be required to wear a mask when indoors or in a scenario in which they cannot maintain 6 feet of social distancing. This includes all shops, restaurants, and bars where patrons will be required to wear their masks when not seated. Standing around and/or co-mingling is not allowed at restaurants or bars – patrons must be seated. To be clear, we want everyone to have fun but not at the expense of safety. Bring your mask! Sanitizer stations will be available in various locations along Lakeside Avenue.
As you know, there won’t be centerline parking on Lakeside Avenue and vendor booths will be limited to non-profit organizations (including Rally Headquarters) on the boardwalk of Lakeside Avenue. Entertainment will be provided by individual establishments only, such as the NASWA Resort, Tower Hill Tavern, and the Big House. What hasn’t changed is that we’re a ride-focused rally. You can look forward to exploring the wide open roads that wind their way around New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains as well as the 3 organized rides taking place during the week: The Peter Makris Memorial Ride on August 22nd, the USCRA Vintage Race Gypsy Tour Ride on August 23rd and the Mae West Memorial “For the Love of Pets” Ride on August 24th. Each of these rides lead to NH Motor Speedway for a lap around the track!
Although there will be no vendor displays, concessions or demo rides at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, there will be plenty of track action, including the U.S. Classic Racing Association’s FIM North American Vintage Championships, the 97th Annual Loudon Classic and the Granite State Legends Cars races. |
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Still Plenty of Scenary! |
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The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad will be running daily from both their Meredith and Weirs Beach stations for shuttle or scenic rides through the Lakes Region. The M/S Mount Washington will be open daily to the public for boating excursions on Lake Winnipesaukee as will the Mount Washington Auto Road for riders interested in a trip up the northeast’s highest mountain peak. |
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August is a busy time for the Lakes Region as a tourist destination – Please watch for motorcycles and help keep NH safe by wearing a mask, sanitizing often, and maintaining social distancing by getting on your bike to RIDE! Any/all updates will be posted to LaconiaMCWeek.com, through their e-newsletter and on all LaconiaMCWeek social media channels. For more information on visiting New Hampshire and our state’s guidelines relating to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.visitnh.gov/covid19/reopening “Laconia – Where Rallies Were Invented” |
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