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Alt-Rock Cruisers: BMW targets American brand’s market

By General Posts

by Jack Baruth from Hagerty.com

BMW R18 meets Indian Challenger and Harley Heritage Classic

The slightly ridiculous 1800cc, two-cylinder, leather-saddlebag, CHiPs-windshielded cruiser I’m trying to force through six stopped lanes of Los Angeles traffic can’t be taken as anything but an admission on the part of the Bayerische Motoren Werke that Harley-Davidson knows

a) what boys like;
b) what men want …

in America, anyway.

CLICK HERE To Read a comprehensive Road Test & Review of the cruiser models from the 3 motorcycle brands.

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Suzuki Hayabusa 2022 with “most advanced suite of electronics ever”

By General Posts

from https://www.autoevolution.com/ by Daniel Patrascu

The third generation of the now legendary Suzuki Hayabusa came to be in early 2021, meaning it had enough time at its disposal to meet the requirements of its fan base, even the most high-level ones.

Available for purchase for some time now, the once fastest production motorcycle in the world was on the shelves for most of the year in black and orange, and matt silver and red. That despite the fact Suzuki showed a white version of the two-wheeler when it unveiled the new range all those months ago.

Now, starting this week, the Japanese company is unleashing the white version of the model, with a starting price in the UK of £16,499 (which is about $21,900). Customers will get the bike in pearl brilliant white with chrome trim and metallic matt stellar blue accents sprinkled throughout.

There are virtually no other changes to the Hayabusa except for the paint on the body, and that means customers will get all the goodies offered with the rest of the range for almost a year now.

That means a reworked 1,340cc powerplant (it got new pistons, camshaft, crankshaft, and even a new clutch assembly, among others) sitting inside a remade frame. The white streak of awesomeness will be capable of zipping by at speeds of up to 299 kph (186 mph), not because it couldn’t more, but because the bike’s electronics won’t allow it.

Suzuki also boasts about the model having the “most advanced suite of electronics ever,” offering things like multiple lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, ABS, three power modes, cruise control, and a speed limiter, among others. All of these features and more can be controlled by means of a switchgear and can be set up using the TFT display.

The white Hayabusa is already available for purchase.

PRESS RELEASE

6 December 2021 – Suzuki has added a white version of the new Hayabusa to its range for 2022, which joins the existing black and orange and matt silver and red versions launched this year.

With an RRP of £16,499, the third generation of the legendary hyperbike gets Suzuki’s most advanced suite of electronics ever, with 10 lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS, three power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and a speed limiter, and three stages of launch control, all controlled via easy-to-use switchgear and managed through a neat colour TFT display, nestled between two analogue dials reminiscent of the original Hayabusa’s clocks.

A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft, and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges making it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet with more cumulative torque than its predecessor. All this is wrapped in sharper, more angular bodywork that nonetheless is immediately recognisable as Hayabusa, taking heavy design cues from the original.

The new pearl brilliant white Hayabusa, with its chrome trim and subtle metallic matt stellar blue accents, is available in dealerships now.

Spec Showdown: Harley-Davidson Sportster S Vs. Indian Scout

By General Posts

by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com

An American middleweight melee.

For decades, the Harley-Davidson Sportster dominated the American middleweight V-twin class, mostly by dint of being the only American middleweight V-twin. Without a top contender to challenge its reign, the Motor Company only issued modest upgrades since 1986. However, that all changed when the Indian Scout burst onto the scene in 2015.

Heavily based on the Victory Octane, the revived Scout paired Indian’s rich heritage with thoroughly modern equipment. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,133cc V-twin was the antithesis of Harley’s ancient air-cooled Evo engine. Compared to the Sportster’s signature teardrop tank and engine cooling fins, the Scout’s low-slung stance and neo-bobber aesthetic presented a viable alternative to Harley’s aging platform.

Facing a formidable foe and new emissions regulations, the Bar and Shield telegraphed its counterpunch when it revealed the Custom 1250 in July, 2018. Nearly three years later, that haymaker finally landed when Harley officially announced the 2021 Sportster S.

Complete with a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,252cc V-twin, the new Sportster’s spec sheet now stands toe-to-toe with the Scout. Of course, we won’t know who wins the battle in the showroom until the Sportster S arrives at dealerships. For now, however, the tale of the tape tells a fascinating story.

Overview
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S – Vs – 2021 Indian Scout

Middleweight Might
Featuring Harley’s shiny new Revolution Max 1250T, the 2021 Sportster now produces 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. While the Scout previously set performance benchmarks for the category with 100 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque, Indian’s entry cruiser now looks outgunned. Of course, the Revolution Max V-twin touts a larger displacement, which helps the Sportster S steal that performance feather from Indian’s cap.

On top of that power deficit, the Scout lugs around 59 extra pounds, weighing in at 561 pounds compared to the Sportster’s 502-pound wet weight. Straightline acceleration and top speed define a motorcycle not, but agility goes to the Hog as well. With a 59.8-inch wheelbase, fully adjustable USD fork, and a linkage-equipped monoshock, the Sportster S outmaneuvers the Scout’s 62-inch wheelbase, conventional front end, and dual rear shocks.

Indian does outfit the Scout with a 16-inch wheelset shod in sticky Pirelli Night Dragon rubber while Harley opts for a 16-inch rear and 17-inch front. We could surmise that the smaller wheelset gives the Scout a handling edge if it weren’t for the Sportster’s specially-developed Dunlop GT503 tires. Thanks to an aggressive profile and sticky compound, the Dunlops compensate for the Sportster’s larger front wheel, helping to deliver a 34-degree lean angle compared to the Scout’s 29 degrees.

Novice-Friendly
Though Indian no longer holds the performance edge, the Scout still has a fighting chance. At 29.6 inches, the 2021 Sportster’s perch is a full four inches about the Scout’s 25.6-inch seat height. Most riders won’t have an issue with the Sporty’s seat height, which sags to 28.9-inches in the saddle, but even less will have problems with Indian’s low-slung seat. Of course, novice and inseam-challenged riders benefit most from a low seat height and the Scout is good option for that reason.

Conversely, Indian only offers optional ABS on the Scout while the Harley flaunts rider aids like traction control, cornering ABS, ride modes, and engine braking settings. On top of the full electronics suite, the Motor Company’s new round, four-inch TFT display also outshines the Scout’s analog speedometer and digital tachometer combo. Of course, you could reason the Scout’s spartan accommodations help beginners learn the ropes with a less cumbersome system, but it’s usually better to have rider aids and not need them as opposed to the other way around.

If we’re going to make any case for beginner-appropriate features, however, it should start with the brakes, and the Sportster delivers yet again. Championing a full Brembo braking system with a radially mounted four-piston front caliper, floating single-pot rear binder, and master cylinder, the Sportster S stops surprisingly well. On the other hand, the Scout’s single two-piston caliper up front and single-piston clamper in the rear don’t deliver as much stopping power as its counterpart.

The Final Decision:
Though the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S walks away with nearly every round in its pocket, we still have to consider one very important detail: price. At $14,999, the souped-up Sporty is $3,000 over the Scout’s MSRP. Coupled with a 121-horsepower V-twin, Harley’s asking price could easily put the Sportster S out of most beginner’s grasp. When price is taken into account, the two cruisers stack up much more evenly, and may even cater to different customers/budgets.

With that said, we can’t wait to see how the Sportster and Scout duke it out in the future. Will Indian fight back with an even punchier V-twin? Will Harley offer a cheaper Sportster option without diluting too much performance? The middleweight cruiser class is a much more competitive environment these days, and we can’t wait to see Sportster and Scout continue to battle it out in the future.

Dynojet to Launch Its Power Vision Product for 2021 Harley-Davidson Touring & Softail Models

By General Posts

A world leader in developing and manufacturing performance enhancement products for vehicles is slated to unveil a new product.

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Representatives with Dynojet Research, Inc. announced today that it will soon launch its Power Vision product for the 2021 Harley-Davidson.

Dan Hourigan, Vice President of Product Management for Dynojet Research, Inc., explained that the Power Vision for 2021 Harley-Davidson Touring and Softails models (part number PV-3B) is slated to launch around Oct. 1. Dynojet Research, Inc. is the world leader in the manufacturing and development of performance enhancement products and tools. The company’s EFI tuning devices, diagnostic products and personalized services empower customers with the necessary resources to maximize performance and efficiency.

As it relates to its soon-to-launch Power Vision product, Hourigan pointed out that some 2021 Harleys use a new ECU that required ground-up development efforts, while other models are already supported. The models using the new ECU include Touring, Softail, Pan-America, and Sportster S. The Power Vision PV-3B will support Touring and Softail to begin with, and then additional support will follow. The current Power Vision PV-2B already supports the remaining 2021 Harleys like the Sportster and Street 500/750.

“No matter your brand of motorcycle or style of riding, our EFI tuning devices can help optimize power, torque, improved rideability, overall speed and fuel-efficiency,” Hourigan stressed before adding, “With our extensive library of dyno-tested tunes and the ability to flash your ECU at your convenience, you’ll have a tune for any combination of parts on your next adventure. Our Power Vision easily connects to your motorcycle through the OEM diagnostic connector, so installation is a snap. You can then flash your bike and unplug the device, or you can use it as an instrument panel for more information on your fuel efficiency, engine temperatures, air/fuel ratio, and more.”

Hourigan noted that its product was also built to last with a weather and shock-resistant design.

“Our Power Vision for Harley-Davidson even has a unique autotune capability that can monitor specific data from your Harley while you ride and create a specific custom tune suited just for your parts and riding style,” Hourigan said. “Our Power Vision can hold multiple tunes right on the device and flash them without the need of a computer. It also allows you to alter the tune with our exclusive “Quick Tune” feature, which means that you can reflash your ECU changing conditions and fuel quality right from the road. Keep a tune available to suit your needs, from maximizing MPG’s to flatout grudge match power, the flexibility to change tunes is at your fingertips.

Additional features and benefits include:

● Flash performance tunes via OEM diagnostic connector directly to your ECU, no need to remove ECU or add additional electronics

● Display vehicle data channels in real-time, even set alarms

● Weather-resistant for use in all conditions

● Full color touchscreen display

And more.

“It’s not just a flash tuning device, the Power Vision is also a powerful monitoring and diagnostic tool that provides peace of mind while you ride,” Hourigan said. “The data can also be logged and analyzed using our Power Core Software to help you improve your tune. It also has embedded features such as Autotune, Quick Tune, DTC read / clear, and much more to make it the ultimate EFI tool for your Harley.”

With over four decades of experience, Dynojet, a member of SEMA, has relied on state-of-the-art technology to provide its customers with the best products available. Its philosophy stands behind the belief that its customers are number one. Individualized attention is given so that customers can take full advantage of the products it offers.

When it comes to service, Dynojet Research prides itself on customer service. The company’s team is always standing by to answer any question customers may have about its wide range of products, from dynamometers to EFI tuning devices.

For more information, please visit www.dynojet.com/about-us and https://www.dynojet.com/blog/.

About Dynojet Research, Inc.
At Dynojet Research, our mission is to make every ride the ultimate ride. All of our products, from EFI tuning devices to clutch kits, were made to help your motorcycle, UTV, or other vehicles keep up with your ambitions and exceed your expectations. Our team is made of racers, outdoor enthusiasts, and rebels, so we have the years of experience both on and off the road to help you make every ride the ultimate ride.

Piaggio Group unveils products for 2020

By General Posts

from https://timesofmalta.com

The Piaggio Group has presented a number of exceptional new motorcycles and scooters from its exclusive brands. The highly anticipated new Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Piaggio models were unveiled in preparation for next year.

It’s a new era for Aprilia. Created around a totally new technical base, defined by the 660 parallel twin, comes a new generation of lightweight, high-performance bikes that are sophisticated in design. A return to the mid-sized engine, supported by the electronics and technology of the Aprilia Racing department, to rediscover the pleasure and joy of everyday riding.

The first born in this brand-new generation is RS 660 – premium technical content and advanced but unvarnished performance to rediscover the pleasure of dynamic riding on the road. A sportbike to suit all motorcyclists and that requires no particular experience level or ability. The innovative concept behind the RS 660 project can be summed up by its excellent weight/power ratio that makes for enjoyable riding, whether relaxed or more sports-orientated: 169 kg plus 100hp is the perfect formula for enjoyment on the road.

The Tuono 660 Concept best expresses the new concept of sports versatility introduced by Aprilia with the new family of motorcycles designed around the new 660 cc twin-cylinder that, with the Tuono 660 Concept, is able to deliver 95hp. Thanks to highly sophisticated semi-active suspension, the fastest, most powerful and lightweight RSV4 becomes even more efficient on track and enjoyable on the road. The control unit that governs the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension has access to all the bike’s electronic systems, meaning it is able to recognise all riding phases and therefore adapt calibration of the fork, shock absorber and steering damper hydraulics thanks to the development of an algorithm, the fruit of collaboration between Öhlins and Aprilia.

Tuono V4 1100 Factory is the most exclusive version in the Tuono range, dedicated to an extremely demanding public and equipped with components that largely derive from the Aprilia RSV4 superbike. The front mudguard, engine cover and side panels of the Factory are now in carbon fibre, a prestigious material that, as well as being lightweight and resistant, is able to boost the level of construction quality, now at a peak. The Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory offers, as standard, the most advanced and efficient electronic suspension system currently available.

Following the critical and public acclaim achieved by the V85 TT, Moto Guzzi presents the Travel version, ready to take to the road with its complete dedicated range of equipment. Featuring, as standard, a higher Touring windshield, a pair of very spacious panniers, a set of heated hand grips, a pair of additional LED lights, and the Moto Guzzi MIA multimedia platform that allows a smartphone to be connected to the vehicle, extending the instrument cluster functions. The Sabbia Namib colour is exclusively dedicated to V85 TT Travel. Making its debut is Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone S, a sportier and more sophisticated interpretation of the Mandello best-seller.

There are also various new models from Piaggio. Piaggio Medley combines the agility of an urban vehicle with the dynamic performance of a high wheel model and the comfort and loading capacity of a big GT scooter. The new design puts the emphasis on sportiness, with a totally redesigned front end, at the centre of which the new vertical element stands out, characterised by a 3D honeycomb grille. Making its debut on the Piaggio Medley is the latest evolution in the family of Piaggio i-get engines, with 125 and 150 cc engine capacity: both are liquid-cooled, with four-valve distribution and electronic injection, and deliver 11 and 12.1kW respectively.

Piaggio Beverly, a leader in the high wheel scooter segment, presents its new 2020 range, available with 300 and 350 cc engines. The latter is the innovative engine with record performance introduced for the first time in 2011 with the top-of-range SportTouring version and now extended to the entire Beverly family, composed of Beverly, Beverly S and the brand-new Beverly Tourer.

Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon is a special edition that expresses all the creative energy linking Vespa and Sean Wotherspoon, one of the most creative and influential designers on the American landscape. Sean takes the steel body of Vespa Primavera and creates a new style dedicated to young urban tribes, but one that can also appeal to a wider audience.

Flash Electronics files suit in U.S against Royal Enfield for patent infringement

By General Posts

As per the suit filed, Royal Enfield has infringed Flash electronics’ patent on “Regulator Rectifier Device and Method for Regulating an Output Voltage of the Same” duly issued by the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to Flash Electronics on February 20, 2018 after Flash’s R&D department made a breakthrough invention of the component in 2014.

Home-grown electronic and electric auto components player Flash Electronics India Ltd against Royal Enfield challenging patent infringement in the US regarding the production of an important component for motorcycles, the company said in a press release.

As per the suit filed, Royal Enfield has infringed Flash electronics’ patent on “Regulator Rectifier Device and Method for Regulating an Output Voltage of the Same” duly issued by the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) to Flash Electronics on February 20, 2018 after Flash’s R&D department made a breakthrough invention of the component in 2014.

Since then Flash Electronics has been the key manufacturer and supplier of this component to many leading two-wheeler manufacturers in India and overseas.

The regulator-rectifier is a vital component that smoothly and efficiently converts the AC (Alternating Current) voltage produced in motorcycle engines into DC (Direct Current) voltage to charge the batteries, power the headlights, light up the instrument panel hence drives the motorcycle’s electrical systems.

Besides USA, Flash has been granted patent in various other countries including many European countries including Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Switzerland as well as Turkey and the company would be filing similar suits in the respective jurisdictions soon.

Commenting on the incident, Sanjeev Vasdev, Founder and MD, Flash Electronics India Pvt Ltd said “We have been trusted suppliers to leading auto manufacturers across India and overseas and it’s unfortunate to have to deal with such an unexpected and unprecedented act on the part of Royal Enfield, one of the most prestigious names in the automotive sector.”

He added,” This incident is highly objectionable and has dented the credibility of the brand, at least with us as a partner”.

Further, Vasdev mentioned that the company was approached by 3 senior officials of Royal Enfield on 12th October 2018 in New Delhi to settle the issue amicably and requested Flash not to file any suit on the matter. Flash waited for the outcome of this meeting but Royal Enfield did not address the issue.

Vasdev further commented that Flash will take all necessary action required across the world to ensure that Royal Enfield stops infringing the patent and pays compensation for the violation which would run into millions of dollars. He also urged other component manufacturers to be vigilant , on this kind of predatory behaviour.

Speaking on the lawsuit filed, Royal Enfield said, “We would like to clarify that the said component is supplied to us by an external, proprietary supplier, which independently develops and owns the IP rights in the said component. The supplier denies plaintiff’s claims vehemently.”

The company is evaluating the issue internally and seeking legal advice from our US counsels.