Skip to main content
Tag

emissions

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for April 2023

By General Posts

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world.

Click Here to read the NCOM News on Bikernet.com

In the news this month

  • MSF CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF TRAINING RIDERS
  • US & EU PUSH IMMINENT DEMISE OF FOSSIL FUEL VEHICLE
  • HAWAII CONSIDERS ‘RIDE ON RED’ LEGISLATION
  • FACIAL RECOGNITION COMING TO MOTORCYCLES
  • POLICE DRONES ZERO IN ON MOTORCYCLE ROAD SAFETY
  • CALIFORNIA BILL WOULD LIFT BANS ON CRUISIN
  • LANE SPLITTING BILL FILTERS THROUGH OREGON LEGISLATURE
  • EAR PROTECTION FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

QUOTABLE QUOTE:

“We’re surrounded. That simplifies things.”
~ USMC Col. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller during the Chosin Reservoir campaign in Korea, 1950

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Follow Bikernet.com Weekly News, every Thursday — know your market, know your industry, know motorcyclists.
Visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/cantina_bikernet_news.aspx

Invasion of the Small Capacity Engines

By General Posts

Small is Big: Motorcycles with less power, more styling, high sales volumes

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

Click Here to Read this Comprehensive Overview of All Things Big About Small

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for February 2023

By General Posts


Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

Click Here to read the February 2023 NCOM News on Bikernet.com

  • YAMAHA PLEDGES 10 MILLION YEN TO TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
  • HONDA SHOOTS FOR THE MOON
  • EUROPEAN UNION PROPOSES DIGITAL DRIVING LICENSES
  • SKILLS CRISIS OVER LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING IN MOTORCYCLING
  • MOTORCYCLE HELMET MARKET EXPECTED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY
  • CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION COULD INVOKE DONOR-CYCLISTS
  • RIDER SAVED BY SMARTWATCH AFTER FALL FROM CLIFF ON HIS MOTORCYCLE
  • JAY LENO SUFFERS SERIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASH
  • SAFETY INSTITUTE BACKS CAT-ASTROPHIC ROAD RULES
  • NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE
  • SAVE THE DATE – 38TH ANNUAL NCOM CONVENTION IN ARIZONA

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world.

CLICK Here to view options to subscribe to Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter

What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

By General Posts

by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

Following the Jan. 18 announcement, Motorcycle.com has secured a copy of the X350RA’s official owner’s manual, plus a single image of the model, with clear proof it is intended for use for Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. We’ve also briefly got a look at the official parts catalog, confirming some of the differences between X350 and X350RA.

The image above briefly appeared on Harley-Davidson’s Service Information Portal, showing a roadster with neutral riding ergonomics and, tellingly, bright orange bars bolted on to either side of the radiator.

The owner’s manual includes an illustration of the X350RA from the rider’s perspective, and it offers another view of the radiator guards. The added protection further confirms our suspicions that the “RA” version of the X350 is intended for the Riding Academy.

The owner’s manual further confirms some specifications of the X350RA. The bike is powered by an eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine displacing 353cc. The engine isn’t entirely new but a larger version of the engine employed by the QJ-built Benelli 302S. The X350’s 45.2 mm stroke is the same as the Benelli’s, but its 70.5 mm cylinder bore is larger than the 302S’ 65.0 mm. The X350’s 11.9:1 compression ratio is just slightly off the 12:1 ratio of the Benelli 302S.

The X350 reportedly claims an output of 36 hp, but the Harley-Davidson VIN information confirms the X350RA will only claim 23 hp. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board further confirms that the RA model has been restricted, as it certifies the X350 and X350RA alongside a “derating removed” version of the RA which would presumably offer its full power output.

The owner’s manual further confirms the X350RA will have a circular instrument module with an analog speedometer and a small digital screen displaying mileage, time or engine speed.

The manual provides instructions for adjusting the damping on the inverted fork and rear shock. Also present are ABS and dual petal-shaped disc brakes, which is a bit of a surprise as many of Harley-Davidson’s larger, more powerful models still only use a single front disc brake.

The X350RA runs on 17-inch wheels, front and back. Pirelli supplies its Angel CT tires with a 110/70-17 up front and a 150/60-17 at the rear. From the parts catalog, we can confirm the non-RA model will have larger tires, with a 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear.

According to the owner’s manual, the X350RA claims a running weight of 440 pounds,with its 3.6-gallon fuel tank at 90% capacity. We expect the non-RA model to come in a bit lighter as it lacks the protective bars. The X350RA also has a 55.5-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 30-inch seat height.

We don’t expect to have much longer to wait before Harley-Davidson officially announces the X350 and X350RA. While we thought there was a chance it would have been part of the Jan. 18 announcement, we can see how a small-displacement Chinese-manufactured Riding Academy model would stick out in an event focused on Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary. Harley-Davidson likely has a coordinated launch plan with Qianjiang for both the X350 and X350RA

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for December 2022

By General Posts

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world

Click Here to read this month’s NCOM news coverage on Bikernet.com

This month’s NCOM news covers topics as varied as:

  • Congress requires NHTSA to force Automakers to monitor drivers
  • Best and Worst Drivers in the USA presented State-wise
  • Unvaccinated at higher risk of Traffic Accidents claims Canadian researchers studying encrypted government records
  • The Road to Decarbonization
  • European Motorcycle group calls to make Motorcycling affordable
  • First Honda ‘Electric Motorcycle’ on Parade
  • Yamaha goes green with Plant-based materials for future bike designs
  • Romanian motorcyclists obligated to carry fire extinguishers

THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Gear up & ride to your next Wild Biker Party in style – Click to checkout the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for November 2022

By General Posts

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world.

This Month’s Bytes -+- Click to read at Bikernet.com

  • AVID MOTORCYCLIST ELECTED AGAIN TO NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE
  • ARIZONA SENATOR CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF THE RPM ACT
  • U.S. LAWMAKERS PURSUE “RIGHT TO REPAIR” CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
  • HARLEY HIT WITH ANOTHER RIGHT-TO-REPAIR LAWSUIT
  • EUROPE MOVES TO BAN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • INTERNATIONAL TREATY AGAINST FOSSIL FUELS FLOATED AT U.N. CLIMATE SUMMIT
  • WORLD’S BIGGEST BIKE SHOW BREAKS NEW RECORDS
  • SUZUKI-POWERED DRONE TAKES FLIGHT

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

All Things Motorcycling ? All About Big V-Twins ? Have a look at www.Bikernet.com * Get all the inside news, reports, updates on motorcycles – Join the Cantina – click to sign-up

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for October 2022

By General Posts

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

In the news this month:

  • Arizona Lane Filtering Law
  • Attack on Noise in California
  • Federal Answer on Anti-Biker Profiling
  • Cost of charging e-bike as much as refueling an ICE engine bike
  • Linking Russian Attacks to Potholes in UK
  • Plant-based Asphalt from France
  • Now Watch Videos while you ‘Drive’ a Self-driving Car
  • Gamers to explore Poke-universe on Motorcycles

CLICK HERE To Read the Whole Article on Bikernet.com ….

THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

All the Motorcycling News you need to use to stay on Two-Wheels – get updated with free Bikernet Blog Weekly Newsletter. Click & Start !!!

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for September 2022

By General Posts

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).

In the News this Month:

  • QEII RIP
  • NEW STUDY REVEALS SELF-DRIVING CARS ARE NOT SAFE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
  • SELF-DRIVING CARS ARE COMING, SOONER THAN LATER
  • CALIFORNIA VOTES TO BAN NEW GAS CAR SALES BY 2035
  • NOTEWORTHY TOO: MAJOR HEATWAVE IN CHINA DISRUPTS SUPPLY CHAIN
  • TEN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES DUE FROM HONDA BY 2025
  • ILLINOIS ANNOUNCES ROUND TWO OF ITS EV REBATE PROGRAM, INCLUDING BIKES
  • BIG BROTHER MAY PUT AN END TO SPEEDING IN NEW YORK
  • ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULATED NATIONS SET TO BAN ALL MOTORCYCLES

Catch all the Details by Clicking Here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Get ready for a comprehensive News on motorcycles, every Thursday, only on Bikernet.com

Click to Sign up for the Cantina Membership for eXclusive content.

Meeting of the Minds 2022

By General Posts

Meeting of the Minds 2022 – Demand reaches room capacity! – Hotel booked up!

Just as the MRF brought Bikers Inside the Beltway to capacity for hotel room requests, demand by attendees has brought the 2022 Meeting of the Minds conference hotel to the same level.

Not to worry… the MRF has a back-up hotel two minutes away. Plus, you can still register for the conference. Use this link to register for the conference Meeting of the Minds 2022. Or register when you arrive.

Use this link to book your rooms at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel or call the hotel direct at 515-244-2151; Book your group rate for Motorcycle Riders Foundation Last Day to Book: Monday, September 19, 2022

The 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, scheduled for September 22-25 in Des Moines Iowa, will do everything to reinforce the MRF’s commitment to motorcyclists’ rights and staying eternal vigilant.

Charlie “Chopper” Gilmore – U.S. Army veteran, motorcycle restorer, and freedom fighter is on deck as just one of the presenters at the 2022 Meeting of the Minds. His presentation – The Price of Freedom – is taken from life experiences and will certainly motivate and inspire attendees.

The Meeting of the Minds – renewing old friendships and making new ones. The Meeting of the Minds – three days of nuts-and-bolts workshops to augment the tools needed to promote and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. The Meeting of the Minds – more than a dozen presentations and workshops to build and strengthen individual’s and state motorcyclists’ rights organization’s commitment to protecting the freedoms motorcycling brings us all.

Workshops and presentations include but are not limited to:

  • Up-to-the-minute Legislative Updates
  • The necessity of Political Action Committees
  • Riding skill enhancement
  • What aging demographics means to motorcycling

Protecting the rights of motorcyclists is not just a collection of words in a press release any more than leaving your motorcycle parked in your garage is about riding.

Profiling, E-15 (ethanol fuel), autonomous vehicles, all part of the present and future of motorcycling. The MRF’s legislative agenda is a result of input from motorcyclists with the directions to take care of business on Capitol Hill.

The MRF understands motorcycling, motorcyclists’ rights, and what it takes to keep the siege against your rights, your freedom, your lifestyle, and yes, your motorcycle at bay. However, participatory democracy works best with participants.

Meeting of the Minds 2022 – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation – “Let us refuse to be silent! Speaking freely is a decisive step forward on the road to freedom”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit http://mrf.org

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events, check out Bikernet.com News every Thursday. CLICK HERE.

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for August 2022

By General Posts

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

In the News this Month:

  • Motorcyclist killed by self-driving car — “the driver of the Tesla said he had the ‘auto-pilot’ setting on…he told police he didn’t see the motorcyclist.”
  • UN set to allow increased speed for autonomous vehicles
  • Honda developing lane assistance system for the “bikes of the future”
  • UK wants to ban the sale of new fossil fueled motorcycles
  • Jury acquits trucker charged with seven-count motorcycle homicide (Yes! Its that New Hampshire trucker!!!)
  • Petition calls for proper punishment for Bike thieves
  • Sturgis traffic down, but still higher than average
  • Bonneville motorcycle speed trials cancelled due to flooding
  • Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) calls it quits
  • SAVE THE DATE 2023 NCOM Conevention in Phoenix

Click here to read important motorcycle related NCOM news for August 2022 on Bikernet.com

THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:
“But where, says some, is the king of America? I’ll tell you. . . . let a crown be placed . . . , by which the world may know, . . . that in America the law is king. For in absolute governments the king is the law, so in free countries the law ought to be king; and there ought to be no other . . . ” ~ Thomas Paine (1776), Patriot

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Want only motorcycle news and significant information about news affecting all motorcyclists in the nation ? Click and subscribe to Cantina only on Bikernet.com — more than just the Thursday News, there is a lot more to discover.

Riding Free for 25 years!!!