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Indian Custom Project Scout 3K Challenge

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Over the years, we’ve gotten used to Harley-Davidson organizing all sorts of build competitions for its international dealers. The most recent such gimmick was last year’s massive King of Kings competition, which saw the Mexico-built Sportster XR1200 Apex Predator come out on top. The Apex had to battle several other exciting builds coming from all over the world, and that made the competition particularly challenging. It must have been challenging for Thor Motorcycles as well this year, given how the workshop had to fend off eight other competitors. Still, it was probably a tad easier, given how all the entries in this competition are shops based in the UK. Also, Thor and the others did not set out to remake a Harley, but an Indian. Their efforts were part of the Project Scout 3K Challenge announced by Indian Motorcycles back in November last year, which set out to find the best Scout custom build of the year. Thor’s build is called Kermit, probably on account of the green hue that adorns the fuel tank and fenders. It was originally a stock Scout Bobber but was modified as per the competition rules with limited parts and within a 3,000 British pounds ($4,250 give or take) budget. The finished product was gifted with an 8-inch mini-ape handlebar conversion, LED headlight, and micro COB stop-tail and turn signals. An in-house-made side-mount number plate mount was fitted, and the tank and rear fender were wrapped in 3D Gel vinyl in a triple-layer green overlay and finished with a charcoal pinstripe. The build was completed over a twelve-week period, and the Kermit was crowned the winner at the end of May. We are not given any indication of what will happen to the finished motorcycle, but we certainly would love […]

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British Motorcycle show pays tribute to the legacy of Joe Ellis

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by Chris Crook from https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com NEW LEXINGTON – An old motorcycle has woven friends into family in memory of Slow Joe Ellis, a Perry County motorcycle enthusiast who lost his battle with cancer in 1986. Ellis, a Shawnee native, was one of the driving forces behind a British Motorcycle show that that now bears his name, the Friends of Slow Joe British Motorcycle Show. This year’s event, the 39th annual, will be held at the Perry County Gun Club on Friday and Saturday. The show opens on Friday, with a tribute to motorcyclists who have passed away and a surprise, said John Fiore, a long-time friend of Joe’s. “Around 5 p.m. we have our opening ceremony, a prayer and a moment of silence for the veterans.” He is calling the ceremony “those that ride, and those that died,” and keeping the details under wraps until the event. Saturday will feature a poker run starting at noon and a bike show, which welcomes non-British bikes as well starting at 4:00 pm. The show is free, and all are welcome, including “well-behaved children,” said Fiore. “We turned it onto a free show because there are so many people that were not showing up because they couldn’t afford it.” Calling it a gathering of a good group of like-minded people, Fiore said the camaraderie of the local motorcycle scene brings out people who, even if they can’t ride any more, still want to come out and talk motorcycles. Fiore credits the show’s good vibes for keeping it going for 39 years, creating a bond between Ellis’ friends and those who never met him. Slow Joe gained his nickname because he slowed down a bit during his 9 1/2 year battle with cancer, but he could still outride anyone, Fiore said. A family man

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GTM museum finally welcomes the dream machine Triumph Hurricane

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by Felicity Donohoe from https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) finally welcomes the dream machine Triumph Hurricane to the floor as Mike Ward finishes up his final year as curator. After 37 years at the helm of GTM, motorcycle lover Mike Ward made sure to see out his last season before retirement with a rare Triumph Hurricane gracing the display alongside the other classic bikes – including an even rarer Triumph Bandit. Mike said: “With 2021 being my last season at GTM, I was determined to have a Hurricane in this year’s exhibition. “They are extremely rare, very valuable and much sought-after, but they’re not being used on the roads and to find one was difficult.” The Hurricane will sit with the dedicated British Motorcycle Charitable Trust (BMCT) display for just this season. GTM is open Thursday-Tuesday with plans to resume seven day weeks in summer, tel: 01975 562292. To book tickets go to gtm.org.uk Mike employed the help of the Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club, before Scottish-based club member David Currie, from Irvine, rode to the rescue and offered to loan his rare motorcycle to the museum. Mike’s love affair with Triumph motorcycles began in the early 70s when he was at Lincoln College of Art studying museum conservatorship. As an 18-year-old student, he was the proud owner of a 350cc Triumph 3TA “café racer” complete with clip-on handlebars. BSA / Triumph had just swept to success with their 750cc triple production bikes, the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3, with the most famous Trident, “Slippery Sam” – so called after springing major oil leaks in an early race – winning five consecutive production 750cc class TT races at the Isle of Man from 1971-75. The Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 was made by Triumph Engineering and BSA (both

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Triumph Motorcycles Getting Dedicated Beeline Navigation Solution

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Carmakers have long learned that if they plan to be successful in our age and time, they must now also cater to their customers’ connectivity and navigation needs. That is why present-day cars are more gadgets on wheels than anything else. Not the same can be said about motorcycles, though. Sure, bike makers are trying to satisfy those needs too, but the limits of two-wheeled vehicles will never allow for the same level of technology as on cars to be deployed. But, again, bike makers are trying. The latest development to result from these efforts comes from Triumph, which just announced it partnered with specialist Beeline to create a dedicated navigation solution in a “Triumph-branded package.” The solution was envisioned as a minimalist proposition. The system’s case is IP67 waterproof and shockproof, can be quickly mounted on any motorcycle, not only Triumphs, and features laser-etched Triumph branding. The bike maker says the system is a perfect fit for the bikes it makes, more specifically for the Bonneville. Once installed on the two-wheeler, it needs to be paired with the Beeline app to work. The Triumph Beeline, as it’s called, comes with a back-lit display and provides two navigation modes, the turn-by-turn Route and the more adventurous Compass, which uses a compass to give directions. The display shows a speedometer, clock and trip computer, route tracking, metric and imperial information options, and GPX route import option. It can do so for up to 30 hours, after which it needs to be plugged in to charge its battery via a USB cable. According to the Brits, the system can be used on bikes riding in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. In the home market, the thing is priced at £199 ($282) and

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One-Off Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS to be given away

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com One-Off Triumph Thruxton 1200 RS Steps Into the Spotlight, to Be Given Away At the beginning of April, as it once again announced its support for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), British bike maker Triumph said it would be unveiling a one-off Thruxton 1200 RS during the event. The full reveal date is still set for May 23, but the bike maker gave us a preview of the motorcycle this week. No exact details on the motorcycle were provided, and we do not know to the letter what makes this particular bike special, but a few of the released images with the two-wheeler show the paint scheme that makes this one stand out in its family. Fully designed by Triumph’s paint shop, the scheme is clean and elegant, with white and black on the fuel tank, the DGR logo featured on the bodywork and the promise of unique customizations. The bike maker will spill the full beans on the bike on May 23 because it is then when DGR is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The event came to be in Sydney, Australia, and it is meant to “raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer and men’s mental health.” To date, over 300,000 riders took part, and $27.45 million were raised for the cause. The special Thruxton is meant as an additional perk for those willing to take part, as one of the participants in this year’s event will get to win it. The rides are open to all whose willing to attend and will take place all over the world. All one has to do to get a chance at winning the one-off motorcycle is to register, make a random donation, and raise an additional $250 from other rides. Full details on rules and regulations

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New top management at Norton Motorcycles announced

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from https://www.financialexpress.com TVS announces new top management at Norton Motorcycles: 2021 V4SS to launch soon. With TVS infusing multi-million-pound investments, the Solihull facility will be the most advanced and modern plant that Norton has operated out of in its 122-year-old history. TVS Motor Company (TVS), owner of The Norton Motorcycle Co Ltd (Norton), today announced that Dr Robert Hentschel has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vittorio Urciuoli as its Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the historic Solihull-based motorcycle brand. Hentschel and Urciuoli will take up their new positions as John Russell steps down from his role as Interim CEO. Dr Robert Hentschel joins Norton from Valmet Automotive Holding GmbH & Co KG, where he has served as Managing Director since 2017. Before that, he headed Ricardo Deutschland and Hentschel System and was also Director of Lotus Engineering. Vittorio Urciuoli’s former key roles within the global automotive industry include Director of URVI LTD, Head of Powertrain at Lotus Cars and Project Leader at Ferrari and Aprilia Racing. TVS has created a plan for Norton to transform into the future. Along with the entire TVS team, I look forward to working together with them for the revitalisation of one of the world’s most storied brands. Under John’s tenure, with investment and support from TVS, Norton has returned to a firm footing and made marked improvements to engineering and product quality, which will be seen in the updated V4SS that will be launched soon. In addition, we have established a new, state-of-the-art global design, engineering, manufacturing and sales and marketing HQ in Solihull, Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of TVS Motors, said. In January this year, Norton announced it would get back to work in full swing by March at its new facility at Solihull, Birmingham in the UK.

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British bike show is a triumph for organisers

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by Nigel Baudains from https://guernseypress.com The heyday of the British motorcycle industry was on display at St James yesterday. People were queuing by the 10am opening to see about 90 machines spanning the period from 1911 to the present day. Alan Richmond, who organised the show on behalf of the St James Trust, is also chairman of The British Motor Cycle Club Guernsey. ‘I think British motorcycles appeal to the older man who probably had one in his youth,’ he said. ‘Naturally he will say that it was the best and there is a huge brand loyalty. ‘For the practical, you can strip them down to the last nut and bolt, whereas motorcycles today are computer-controlled and you dare not change a spark plug.’ Some of the bikes – nicknamed trailer queens – belonged to people who did not want to get them wet. Half an hour of riding and four hours of cleaning was no fun, he said. Vaccine centre volunteer Alan Boyd, 66, said visiting the show had reactivated his interest in motorcycles. ‘I had bikes from the age of 15 and I even managed to persuade my wife, Jo, to tour Europe with me on a [Honda] Goldwing,’ he said. ‘I sold it because I thought I was getting too old. I’m a Triumph fan. The early ones leaked oil and the electrics were always packing up. Every time you went out it was an adventure as you never knew whether you’d get back or not.’ Within a few minutes of the show opening, the hall was packed with motorcycle enthusiasts. Jackson Garage technician Wojtek Krzemien, 39, who came to Guernsey from Poland 13 years ago, was among them. ‘I just love motorbikes and I wanted to bring the boys to show them the story of motorcycling,’

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British engineers will try to break the 376.3mph motorcycle record in a 30-ft-long vehicle

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by Ian Randall from https://www.dailymail.co.uk Guy Martin will attempt to break the 376.3 mph motorcycle speed record in a 30-ft-long vehicle incorporating a Rolls Royce engine used in helicopters British engineer and ex-bike racer Alex Macfadzean, 77, and his team designed the new ‘streamliner’ bike Racer turned TV presenter Guy Martin will make the record-breaking attempt in Bolivia next year Britain last held the motorcycle land-speed record in 1937 after Eric Fernihough broke 169.72 mph But Italy’s Piero Taruffi took the title by an extra 3.31mph in the October of 1937 and the title has changed hands amongst Germans, Italians and Americans since A 30ft-long vehicle sporting a Rolls Royce engine normally used in helicopters will attempt to reclaim the motorcycle land speed record for Britain. Engineer and ex-racer Alex Macfadzean, 77, and his team designed the ‘streamliner’ bike which will make its record attempt next year at the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia. Behind the wheel will be motorcycle racer turned TV presenter Guy Martin, who will attempt to beat the current record of 376.3mph and cross the 400mph threshold. To try to advance the record, Mr Martin will run the new streamliner on a mile-long course twice in opposite directions, as per official land-speed record rules. The bike’s 1,200 shaft horsepower Rolls Royce engine is the same found within the Westland Lynx helicopter once employed by the British Army and the Royal Navy. The first official motorcycle land-speed record was set in 1920 by the American racer Gene Walker 103.5mph, building on unofficial efforts dating back to 1903. Britain last held the record for six months in 1937 after Eric Fernihough broke 169.72mph on his Brough Superior-JAP. But Italy’s Piero Taruffi took the title by an extra 3.31mph in the October of 1937. The title has changed hands

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Sam Lowes wins double in Doha

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Lowes holds nerve for brilliant Doha double! Sam Lowes emerged victorious in a thrilling late duel to win his second Moto2 race in succession while Augusto Fernandez made big strides to score an excellent sixth. The Losail International Circuit was the scene of a second Moto2 race in as many weeks, and was one where Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez both finished in the top six. Despite the strong wind, Lowes’ race winning pace was incredible. The Englishman posted a new race record time for the Moto2 class – 39’52.702 – and was over 10 seconds quicker than the race here one week ago. After making drastic changes to his set-up on Friday, Augusto felt more comfortable in race two. Starting from tenth on the grid, the 23-year old was in the midst of an eight-rider fight for fifth place for the entire race. He finished the race strongly, and climbed one place on the last lap to finish sixth. To show his improvement over the second weekend of the year, Fernandez’s race time was 11 seconds faster than he managed one week ago. “I’m getting my confidence back” “I’m very happy! It seems this set-up direction is the correct one. It has been a really hard two weeks here. We were a bit lost in the test and the first race, changing parts. And we didn’t have so much time to test for the races because of the times of the sessions. It was difficult to turn around the situation. But after a tough start, we got sixth position and sit seventh in the championship. Also, I’m getting my confidence back. The end of the race was so strong. I had good pace and was making 1’59s. I was strong on the brakes

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Norton Motorcycles invests in advanced new factory headquarters

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Norton Motorcycles invests in advanced new factory headquarters in Solihull The Norton Motorcycle Co Ltd has moved to a new location in Solihull, West Midlands The new HQ will be a permanent base for all staff and incorporates state-of-the-art design, engineering, manufacturing and quality capabilities Opening of the newly fitted out factory comes after a multi-million pound investment from Norton’s new parent company, TVS Motor Company Commissioning is near completion and opening is expected in Q1 2021 Over 50 high quality, new jobs have already been created and more are expected to follow as the business activity grows providing a welcome boost to the local economy. The site in Solar Park, Solihull is the most advanced facility that Norton has ever had The Norton Motorcycle Co Ltd has announced that the company is moving to a new headquarters. The state-of-the-art production site located in Solihull, West Midlands, will open following a multi-million pound investment by Norton’s Indian parent company, TVS Motor Company. It will be the most advanced manufacturing facility in the 122-year-old motorcycle brand’s history. The premises will be the central hub for all of Norton operations, providing a permanent base for all staff. The new headquarters will be home to design, engineering, purchasing, sales, marketing, and support teams as well as the skilled production team that is resuming manufacture of motorcycles. Some of the specialist tooling and equipment previously used by Norton has been carried over to the new site in Solihull, but the site is benefiting from substantial new investment. The new manufacturing facility will make use of modern-day, quality-assured production processes. Skilled technicians will deploy bespoke bike building techniques and state-of-the-art new manufacturing equipment to ensure all bikes are built with great precision and quality, a hallmark of both Norton and TVS Motor Company. Norton will

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