Just as the world was recognising the perks of weekend motorcycle getaways and big V-Twin engines, there was also economic collapse, trade tariff wars and then the curse of the climate. Everyone complained about the weather and then somebody actually did something about it. Like all solutions, the proposal was a ban.
In this Article we dive into the world of small things making big waves in motorcycle industry
From Ducati Racing Museum – Troy Bayliss
by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com
Ducati to Make Electric Motorcycle for MotoE World Cup, Road Machines to Follow.
To date, despite the advances electric mobility is making in the world of motorcycles, there is only one major bike maker that has embraced electric drivetrains: Harley-Davidson, with its LiveWire. But soon, there will be more, and Ducati seems to be keen on becoming the next one.
The Italian company announced this week it is officially entering the electric motorcycle segment, but it will not be doing so with a bike that can be sold to the general public. Instead, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer will become the sole official supplier of motorcycles for the electric class of the MotoGP World Championship, the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup.
The deal between Ducati and the organizers of the competition, Dorna Sports, will come into effect in 2023 and will run through 2026. That means we’ll probably have to wait some more before we get to see official details and images of the electric bike, but Ducati tried to give us a glimpse of that by releasing a teaser rendering of the two-wheeler (main pic of this piece).
What’s more important is that Ducati promises the MotoE bike will influence “the evolution of the product range,” hinting the electric drive is something now under consideration for the general public.
“The goal is to study how to produce, as soon as the technology allows, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, thrilling and able to satisfy all enthusiasts,” the Italians promised.
MotoE came into existence in 2019 and is presently using Energica Ego Corsa motorcycles. Sadly, the series became famous not for the achievements of these electric machines, but on account of a fire back in 2019 that destroyed all the motorcycles before racing could get going at Jerez.
Ducati promises to share the story of this new bike’s development throughout 2022, through means that are yet to be announced.
21 OCTOBER 2021
Ducati is thrilled to announce the beginning of its electric era: starting from the 2023 season it will be the sole official supplier of motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, the electric class of the MotoGP™ World Championship.
The agreement signed with Dorna Sports, organizer and promoter of the most important international two-wheel racing championships, lasts until 2026 and will therefore cover four editions of the MotoE World Cup.
This is a historic step for the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer which, following its custom of using racing competition as a laboratory for technologies and solutions that then become reality for all motorcyclists, enters the world of electric bikes starting from the sportiest sector, that of the electric class of the MotoGP World Championship.
The goal is to develop expertise and technologies in a constantly evolving world such as the electric one, through an experience familiar to the company like that of racing competition. This has been a consolidated tradition for the Borgo Panigale company starting from the Ducati 851, which inaugurated the trend of Ducati road sports bikes by revolutionizing the concept with its innovative two-cylinder water-cooled engine, electronic fuel injection and the new twin-shaft, four-valve heads, deriving from the Ducati 748 IE bike that made its debut in endurance races at Le Castellet in 1986.
Since then, this endless transfer of expertise has always taken place from the Superbike World Championships, in which Ducati has participated since the first edition in 1988, and from MotoGP, in which Ducati is the only non-Japanese motorcycle manufacturer to have won a World Championship.
The crossover is also evident in the most recent and prestigious products of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer: the V4 engine of the Panigale is in fact strictly derived in its entire construction philosophy – from the bore and stroke measurements to the counter-rotating crankshaft – from the engine that debuted on the Desmosedici GP in 2015. The V4 Granturismo that equips the new Multistrada V4 was then derived from the Panigale engine. All the vehicle control software is also directly derived from those developed in the racing world. Not to mention the field of aerodynamics.
The technological solutions developed in the world of racing, transferred to the products that make up the range, allow Ducati to offer its enthusiasts extremely high-performance and fun-to-ride motorcycles. The FIM Enel MotoE Championship will also be no exception in this regard and will allow the Company to develop the best technologies and test methodologies applied to sporty, light and powerful electric motorcycles.
At the same time, the fact that Ducati forms part of the Volkswagen Group, which has made electric mobility an essential element of its 2030 “New Auto” strategy, represents the best prerequisite for an extraordinary exchange of expertise in the field of electric powertrains.
The announcement of the agreement was made during a joint press conference in the press room of the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ on the eve of the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, the third to last round of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports, and Claudio Domenicali, CEO Ducati Motor Holding, were both present.
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding: “We are proud of this agreement because, like all the first times, it represents a historic moment for our company. Ducati is always projected towards the future and every time it enters a new world, it does so to create the best performing product possible. This agreement comes at the right time for Ducati, which has been studying the situation of electric powertrains for years, because it will allow us to experiment in a well-known and controlled field like that of racing competition. We will work to make available to all participants of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup electric bikes that are high-performance and characterized by lightness. It is precisely on weight, a fundamental element of sports bikes, that the greatest challenge will be played out. Lightness has always been in Ducati’s DNA and thanks to the technology and chemistry of the batteries that are evolving rapidly we are convinced that we can obtain an excellent result. We test our innovations and our futuristic technological solutions on circuits all over the world and then make exciting and desirable products available to Ducatisti. I am convinced that once again we will build on the experiences we have had in the world of racing competition to transfer them and apply them also on production bikes.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports: “We are very proud to announce Ducati as the new, single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. With their incredible racing history, it is an honour to welcome this commitment from one of the best-known manufacturers in the paddock and to take on this new challenge together. We are eager to see what the future has in store and continue to watch this technology develop and grow, with the MotoGP paddock and MotoE continuing to drive innovation and evolution in the motorcycling industry – at the same time as creating an incredible on-track spectacle.”
This first step of Ducati in the world of electric bikes will also have an influence on the evolution of the product range. Now, the most important challenges in this field remain those of the size, weight, autonomy of the batteries and the availability of charging networks. Ducati’s experience in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will be a fundamental support for product R&D, together with the physiological evolution of technology and chemistry. The goal is to study how to produce, as soon as the technology allows, a Ducati electric vehicle that is sporty, light, thrilling and able to satisfy all enthusiasts.
A new chapter of the FIM Enel MotoE Word Cup is closer than ever. And that of Ducati too.
During 2022, various events and collective moments will allow all fans to discover the development of the project step by step.
EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS, DISCOUNTS, BENEFITS AND MORE: COMOTO FAMILY OF BRANDS INTRODUCES NEW RIDERS PLUS MEMBERSHIP
RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and REVER Unveil a Premium Annual Membership Program For The Powersports Community
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Sept. 15, 2021)—Geared toward powersports enthusiasts, the Comoto Family of Brands is pleased to announce the launch of its Riders Plus Membership (RPM). The new membership program will span the company’s portfolio of brands, which includes RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles and REVER, providing premium benefits and experiences for the motorcycle, e-bike and scooter enthusiast.
The Riders Plus Membership (RPM) is designed to elevate the powersports enthusiast’s shopping and customer experience by providing access to various perks and benefits, such as:
· Free two-day shipping for purchases across the Comoto Family of Brands
· Generous cash-back opportunities
· 10% off discounts and early access to releases from exclusive brands such as BILT, REAX, Sedici, Speed Metal, Street & Steel, Stockton Tools
Comoto has the largest network of powersports brick-and-mortar retail properties across the U.S., and members can use RPM benefits online, or at any of the more than 160 stores nationwide. To date, more than 20,000 members have joined the RPM program.
“This membership program is based on the vision of creating a feature-rich set of benefits for our community of enthusiasts. We’re inviting riders to officially join the Comoto family and experience the benefits of the membership program that will enable their passion for gear, content and experience,” said Steve Bontempo, Chief eCommerce & Digital Officer. “This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to roll out additional community benefits over the next year.”
To better support motorcycle aficionados and their lifestyles, Riders Plus Members will receive access to an exclusive customer concierge phone line, available 7 days a week (with the option to schedule dedicated appointments), to provide expert insight across the spectrum of purchase considerations. Additional experiential benefits span several categories, including member exclusive event experiences, private access to Twisted Road motorcycle rentals, and a free REVER Pro membership—a $39.99 value.
“We are thrilled to be included in this unique program, making it easier for members across the country to get on two wheels with the support they need—whether that be prepping for a road trip, or testing a new bike before purchase,” shared Austin Rothbard, CEO of Twisted Road. “It’s been rewarding to continue growing ridership in the U.S. with Comoto, two wheels at a time.”
Riders Plus Membership is currently available to any powersports enthusiast for an annual fee of $59.99. Members who join now will receive an exclusive welcome package, along with the first-ever magazine issue of RevZilla’s media brand, Common Tread. To join the community, visit www.revzilla.com/rpm.
About Comoto Holdings
Comoto Holdings is America’s largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket industry; dedicated to advancing the experience of moto enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto’s brands, RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and now REVER, deliver premium products, dedicated expertise, engaging media, and passionate customer support of the rider community, through best-in-class ecommerce and retail experiences.
by Benny Kirk from https://www.autoevolution.com
If you thought the world of motorcycles would be exempt from the all-electric revolution, it seems that prediction is just plain false. Zero Motorcycles, makers of electric bikes for 15 years, is going to have a real challenge keeping up with demand it seems.
The Santa Cruz, California-based EV manufacturer announced it’s going to release several of its 2022 electric bike models ahead of schedule to satiate what they called “unprecedented demand”. Including the model year 2022 S street motorcycles, DS, and DSR dual-sport models.
Zero Motorcycles claims this dramatic uptick in demand for electric bikes is partially due to lockdown restrictions from the latest public health crisis finally being lifted, creating a surge of riders chomping at the bits to get back on the road again. This desire to get bikes on the road before the end of the 2021 riding season is the main impetus for this change of pace.
The company also claims that demand in the electric motorcycle category far outpaces the demand for traditional internal combustion-powered motorcycles. While this claim can not be verified, the industry-wide shift from petroleum to electric drive in cars over the last five years makes this a more agreeable claim.
Zero’s line of motorcycles coves a wide range of different motorcycle categories, including normal street bikes, street racing bikes, supermoto, and even motocross. The company touts performance specs like a top speed of 98 miles per hour (158 kilometers per hour) and a range of 82 miles on its 2022 Zero S street bikes. With stats like those, it’s no wonder demand is skyrocketing.
It would still no doubt be difficult to persuade most die-hard motorcycle fans on board with the idea of a street bike that makes zero noise whatsoever. But with governments worldwide getting ready to ban the sale of gasoline-powered engines, it looks like EV bikes like the ones made by Zero will be the new normal sometime sooner rather than later.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (Sept. 14, 2021) – Zero Motorcycles, the worldwide leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, today announced the early release of Model Year 2022 S street motorcycles and DS, and DSR dual sport models. The release of these new models is to support the consistently high demand for Zero Motorcycles and the continued growth of the company’s dealer network.
The brand that defined the category of electric motorcycles continues to see demand that far outpaces the market appetite for internal combustion engine motorcycles. Though the overall demand for all powersports, particularly dual-sport models, has increased since the onset of lockdown restrictions in early 2020, demand for electric motorcycles has continued to spike upward even well into the calendar year 2021 riding season.
This continued drive to own Zero models has triggered the company’s decision to launch several models early to support demand while riders still enjoy agreeable weather nationwide. The Zero Motorcycles dealer network is the largest electric motorcycle sales channel in the world, and these models will begin shipping now to continue putting more riders on electric motorcycles than any other manufacturer.
“Supporting our dealer network is a key priority for Zero and this early release of select 2022 models is a great way to do that in the face of an unyielding demand for Zero Motorcycles,” said Mike Cunningham, VP of Sales for the Americas for Zero Motorcycles.
Zero recognizes that a critical aspect of supporting the dealer network isn’t just bringing new inventory to market, but also making certain that inventory offers a distinct rider benefit. The 2022 Zero S, DS, and DSR are all powered with the company’s proprietary Cypher II Operating System that orchestrates all of the motorcycles’ subsystems into a transformational riding experience. That includes Bosch ABS which is standard on all three models, motor, battery, and Bluetooth connectivity module to pair the machine to the mobile app for rider customizations. In addition to the industry standard in OS for electric motorcycles, these models also received updated hardware in the form of a full-color, optically bonded, 5” TFT display that is as sharp as the performance of the underlying motorcycle.
The 2022 Zero S naked street motorcycle gets 89 miles of range through city streets, is capable of a top speed of 98 mph, comes in Twilight color and produces 78 foot pounds of torque and 46 horsepower from the Z-Force 75-5 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor which is supplied energy from a Z-Force 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and retails for $11,195. The trail-ready 2022 Zero DS comes in a Quicksand colorway and is also powered by the Z-Force 75-5 motor and can achieve 98 mph while getting 82 miles of off-road adventure, carries a Z-Force 7.2 kWh battery, and retails for $11,195. The 2022 Zero DSR comes in Black and is the R-type variant of the dual sport model DS and is powered by a Z-Force 75-7 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor that is capable of 102 mph while producing 116 foot pounds of torque and 70 horsepower, is fueled by the Z-Force 14.4 kWh power pack, gets 163 miles of range on city streets or off road, and retails for $15,695.
All of these new models are available for order and will be shipping today to all Zero Motorcycles Dealers worldwide.
VR46 Riders Academy Chooses Pirelli as Partner for their Motorcycle and E-MTB Fleet.
Thanks to this collaboration with the VR46 Riders Academy, one of the most renowned schools in the world for professional racers, will equip its training fleet with Pirelli tires, from road bikes to motocross and E-MTB machines.
Milan, Italy September 14, 2021 – Pirelli has been chosen by the VR46 Riders Academy as technical partner and tire supplier for several of the team’s training activities. Thanks to this collaboration, the riders of the academy will be equipped with tires of the Italian manufacturer during their trainings on road bikes, motocross and E-MTBs.
The VR46 Riders Academy was founded with the aim of helping young Italian motorcyclists on their journey towards a racing career in the two-wheeled world. The staff that follows the riders of the VR46 Riders Academy are the same who support Valentino Rossi in the races so every advice and every decision is the result of years of experience.
The partnership involves the use of Pirelli tires for the training activities of the VR46 Riders Academy riders: from circuit sessions with road bikes, to off-road exercises using motocross bikes and training on E-MTBs.
The YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 motorcycles are used for training on circuit, which thanks to this partnership will be equipped with Pirelli DIABLO Superbike tires in the different compounds present in the range and in the same sizes used in the FIM Superbike World Championship. DIABLO Superbike is the tire used by all riders in the world championship of production-derived motorcycles and over the years it has undergone a constant improvement in performance thanks to the intense research and development carried out by Pirelli engineers.
For off-road training, the VR46 Riders Academy will rely on the performance of the SCORPION MX tire family, which boasts 74 world titles in motocross among its many successes, and the SCORPION E-MTB product range dedicated to electric mountain bikes.
Claudio Zanardo, Senior Vice President Pirelli Moto & Cycling, commented on the agreement: “I am pleased to announce the collaboration between VR46 Riders Academy and Pirelli, which has always supported and invested in the growth of young riders. The confirmation of Pirelli as tire supplier for the motorcycles and E-MTBs used in the training sessions of the VR46 Riders Academy further strengthens Pirelli’s position both in the sporting and in the marketing fields. This partnership is a clear recognition of the consolidated reputation enjoyed by Pirelli motorcycle tires, developed thanks to decades of participation in top international competitions, with the addition of our latest tires specially developed by the Cycling division for performing E-MTBs. We are pleased that the VR46 Riders Academy has chosen to rely on the performance and safety offered by Pirelli tires for its training activities.”
by Reuters from https://www.investing.com
MILAN (Reuters) – Italian scooter maker Piaggio said on Monday it had set up a consortium with Honda Motor Co., KTM AG and Yamaha Motor Co. to encourage the use of swappable batteries for electric motorcycles and light electric vehicles.
The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) aims to broaden the use of light electric vehicles, such as scooters, mopeds and motorcycles, and support a more sustainable management of their batteries, a joint statement said.
It will focus on issues such as battery life, recharging times, infrastructure and costs and will work on defining international standard technical specifications for swappable batteries.
The companies in the consortium said they welcomed others joining them to extend standards to as many companies as possible.
“Urban mobility is going through a delicate transition moment towards electrification. Thanks to this consortium, motorbikes will keep their key role,” Piaggio Chief of Strategy and Product Michele Colaninno said.
Honda’s Motorcycle Operations Chief Officer Yoshishige Nomura said the consortium’s objectives aimed to make electric motorbikes more convenient for clients, as their “use on large scale can substantially contribute to the creation of a more sustainable society”.
Piaggio Group owns iconic two-wheeler brands such as Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, among others.
Ducati has bolstered its range of mobility options with the release of three new folding e-bikes.
Following on from a series of electric scooters, the new bicycles – called Urban-E, SCR-E and SCR-E Sport – give assistance from an electric motor when pedalling.
The SCR-E has been designed as part of Ducati’s Scrambler range and features fat tyres which give it the ability to tackle rough or off-road surfaces. With a 374.4Wh battery integrated into the frame, the bike can travel up to 43 miles (69 kilometres) between charges. The aluminium has been designed to be carried easily, while the rear lights are integrated into the seat post to maintain the bike’s lines. An LCD display gives key information back to the rider and features a twilight sensor to automatically detect when the lights need to come on or off. It even displays the temperature, too.
The e-bike’s battery is integrated into the frame.
The SCR-E Sport, meanwhile, gets a front fork and rear spring shock integrated into the frame, while single wall alloy wheels and road tyres give the bike a sporty look. Thanks to a 468kW battery, it can travel up to 50 miles (80 kilometres) on a charge.
Finally, the Urban-E uses a special aluminium frame with an easy-folding locking system, created by Centro Stile Ducati along with designers from Italdesign’s design division. The handlebar incorporates a fully integrated LED display, which allows the rider to check charge levels and turn the LED lights on or off. It uses a 378kW battery that is integrated into the frame and has been designed to look like a motorcycle’s fuel tank.
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