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Honda Plans To Unveil New 3D Printed Prototyping Project In 2021

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by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com For decades, OEMs like Honda have used clay modeling extensively in the process of designing their new bikes. Take the CBR1000RR-R, which won Honda’s first-ever Red Dot design award for a motorcycle in 2020. While clay modeling wasn’t the only part of the design process, it was an important part of how Honda brought that design to life. It’s 2021 now, though, and technology is shifting and changing with the times. That change is nowhere more evident than the announcement that Honda R&D Europe has teamed up with Italian 3D printing company WASP (nothing to do with Vespa). The goal of the partnership is to create a brand-new 3D-printed prototyping process that is finished by hand. That way, they say, you get the best of both worlds. Now, we can’t show you any of these just yet, because Honda and WASP haven’t unveiled them as of April, 2021. They plan to do so “in the coming months,” however, and we definitely look forward to seeing what they’ve created together. While clay models have the advantages of being infinitely customizable in the hands of skilled craftsmen, they take a lot of time to get just right. One advantage of integrating 3D printing into the design process is, at least in theory, the time Honda will save. Naturally, how well it works remains to be seen. WASP is no stranger to using its 3D printing processes in the motorcycle world. Back in 2019, the company was already making 3D printed carbon fiber parts on demand for bikes in the Italian Speed (CIV) motorcycle racing championship. If you’ll recall, in October, 2020, BMW’s WSBK team made news when it started bringing a 3D printer to races to print up new parts trackside. WASP was already hard at work […]

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Why shortages of a $1 chip sparked crisis in the global economy

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by Bloomberg from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com The chip crunch was born out of an understandable miscalculation as the coronavirus pandemic hit last year. When Covid-19 began spreading from China to the rest of the world, many companies anticipated people would cut back as times got tough. To understand why the $450 billion semiconductor industry has lurched into crisis, a helpful place to start is a one-dollar part called a display driver. Hundreds of different kinds of chips make up the global silicon industry, with the flashiest ones from Qualcomm Inc. and Intel Corp. going for $100 apiece to more than $1,000. Those run powerful computers or the shiny smartphone in your pocket. A display driver is mundane by contrast: Its sole purpose is to convey basic instructions for illuminating the screen on your phone, monitor or navigation system. The trouble for the chip industry — and increasingly companies beyond tech, like automakers — is that there aren’t enough display drivers to go around. Firms that make them can’t keep up with surging demand so prices are spiking. That’s contributing to short supplies and increasing costs for liquid crystal display panels, essential components for making televisions and laptops, as well as cars, airplanes and high-end refrigerators. “It’s not like you can just make do. If you have everything else, but you don’t have a display driver, then you can’t build your product,” says Stacy Rasgon, who covers the semiconductor industry for Sanford C. Bernstein. Now the crunch in a handful of such seemingly insignificant parts — power management chips are also in short supply, for example — is cascading through the global economy. Automakers like Ford Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG have already scaled back production, leading to estimates for more than $60 billion in lost revenue for the industry

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How a Florida woman helped change the motorcycle industry

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by Daniel Figueroa IV from https://www.wmnf.org These days, motorcyclists live and die by their Dyno sheets, the ultimate measure of an engine’s power. But when the machines came out in the late 80s, it was a women in Florida who bought one of the first units and helped reshape the world of motorcycling. Fifty years later Pam Brown remembers how she got her start wrenching on engines with her dad. They’d work on Volkswagen parts together because he happened to need a hand and she was the one who was around. But when he bought her brothers some single-speed mini bikes, small motorcycles, they were off limits. “He said I could not ride a motorcycle because you are a girl,” Brown recalled. “Girls don’t ride motorcycles.” Fortunately for her, Brown’s neighbor had a crush and a full-fledged motorcycle. “Jimmy Keeler, that’s right” she said. “Eighty cc Binelli.” He let her take a ride. She let the clutch out a little too quick and popped an accidental wheelie, sped down a hill and went – maybe a little too quickly – into a turn. But she made it. And she fell in love. Brown is one half of the couple behind Cycle-Rama, a high performance machine shop in Pinellas Park known over the world for building some of the most coveted aftermarket engine parts in the V-Twin motorcycle world. She’s been there for 38 of the shop’s 45-year existence. But it was in 1989 that Pam Brown put her foot down and made a purchase that helped reshape the world of powersports. The chassis dynamometer In the late 80s, Mark Dobeck invented the first chassis dynamometer. Before that, a mechanic had to ride a bike to tune it and measuring horsepower and torque was mostly a guessing game. Dobeck’s Dyno allowed

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BigIron Auctions to Host Classic Car and Motorcycle Auction

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Featuring Chevyland USA Inventory and Classic car curator Monte Hollertz vehicles and memorabilia on online auction block, closing May 6. BigIron Auctions announced today it is conducting an online auction featuring more than $1 million in classic cars and motorcycles, original Chevrolet parts and dealer memorabilia from the historic Chevyland USA car museum in Elm Creek, Neb. Monte Hollertz was a Nebraska farmer, turned classic car enthusiast who passed away in Jan. 2020. He began collecting different models of classic cars in the 1960s. Hollertz opened Chevyland USA in 1974 and took over as head curator in 1980. Chevyland USA housed more than 80 vintage vehicles from the early 1900s and newer. With more over 400 items, there is sure to be an item of interest for any car enthusiast or collector looking for items to add to their collection. Among the items included in the auction are: 1915 Chevrolet Baby Grand Touring H-4 4-Door 1922 Chevrolet 490 3Dr Sedan 1925 Chevrolet Superior Series K Roadster 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster 2Dr Coupe 1958 Chevrolet Impala Tri-Power 2DR Hardtop 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS 1969 Corvette Stingray Take a peek inside the museum to see some of items that will be sold during the auction. BigIron Auctions offer buyers an easy-to-use, secure, online platform in which to browse and bid on these classic cars and other items. There are never any buyer’s fees, the auctions are unreserved, and all equipment is lien-free. In addition, we provide complete transparency between the buyer and seller. To view the items included in the auction, please visit the BigIron Auctions site when the auction opens for bidding on April 15, 2021. The auction will close on May 6, 2021. NOTE: Interviews are also available for media who want to learn more about auction items or are interested

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Four generations of a family in motorcycle sales

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by Julie Perine from https://www.connect-bridgeport.com Those who were into the Suzuki GT750 might remember Leeson’s Import Motors moving into its West Main Street storefront. That was in 1970, but the history of the family-owned retailer dates back much further. It all started in the 1930s when Paul Leeson started a motorcycle shop out of his house on James Street, selling Harley Davidson and Triumph bikes. During the ‘40s, the shop was relocated to Route 50 in Adamston, operating into the ‘50s when Leeson retired. “Our grandfather loved motorcycles and it is just in our blood,” said Shawna Merrill, current sales manager. “Once you have ridden a motorcycle, it gives you such a sense of freedom. There is nothing else that makes you feel the way you do when you are riding.” In 1968, Leeson’s daughter Janice and her husband Sam reopened the shop, then called Clarksburg Suzuki Sales. Just two years later, Leeson Import Motors came full circle when it returned to Bridgeport. Four generations and many members of the Leeson family have been part of the operation which today carries a variety of power sports vehicles and accessories. “We sell Suzuki motorcycles and ATVs, Kawasaki Motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, Kymco scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides, Arctic Cat ATVs and side-by-sides and SSR Pit bikes, off-road motorcycles, youth electric ATVs and side-by-sides,” Merrill said. “We are a full-service dealership, offering sales, parts and service.” Through the years, there have been definite trends and sought-after vehicles. The Suzuki T20 and RM370 of the late-1960s and ‘70s gave way to the Kawasaki 900 Eliminator of the ‘80s. That decade also featured Suzuki’s buy-out of the GSXRs and, of course, the ATV era as Suzuki introduced the Quad Runner 125 and 185. “In the 1990s, ATVs and motorcycles got bigger and faster,” Merrill said.

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Meet the Ducati master re-creating Isle of Man-winning motorcycle

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by Ellie Honeybone from https://www.abc.net.au You may be forgiven for assuming the world’s leading manufacturer of Ducati bevel drive engine parts would live in a bustling city, perhaps in Italy or the United States, somewhere central and close to consumers. But in fact, this talented engineer and self-described “petrol head” lives in a tiny historic town, deep in the forests of south-west WA. Even though shipping his handmade engine parts around the world from Nannup is a logistical nightmare, Brook Henry wouldn’t have it any other way. A family business Mr Henry grew up surrounded by Ducatis. His older brothers imported and distributed the high-performance motorcycle brand in New Zealand from the late 1960s through to the 1980s. “I spent pretty well all my time at the workshop, fixing, racing and working on Ducati bevel drive twins and singles,” Mr Henry said. “I also did an apprenticeship outside that business as a toolmaker, but I never liked doing toolmaking and I always wanted to go back to motorcycles.” That love of motorcycles grew and continued for the next 40 years with Mr Henry now a household name and ‘master’ in the Ducati world. He has travelled extensively, inspected designs inside Ducati’s Bologna factory and even appeared on bike lover Jay Leno’s US television show. After settling down first in Perth and then further south in Nannup, Mr Henry developed a business building, designing and shipping bevel drive parts, engines and complete motorcycles across the world. Pandemic revives restoration projects There are only so many original bevel drive Ducatis in existence, making Brook Henry’s business incredibly niche. These bikes were built during the 1970s and 80s and made famous after legendary British champion Mike Hailwood won the Isle of Man race in 1978. When the world went into COVID-19 lockdown during

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Harley-Davidson Bikes Get Exclusive Billet Aluminum Parts from Rizoma

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Harley-Davidson is not exactly riding the high wave at the moment. Still plagued by corporate-level issues, the bike maker struggles to come up with new models that should turn the fortunes around. Bronx, Pan America, and an yet mysterious muscle bike are only three of the bikes Harley plans to launch into battle as soon as 2021, hoping to regain that which it has lost in recent years. Until then though, something has to be done when it comes to the existing range as well. The Milwaukee bike maker already announced the introduction of the 131 crate engine for certain two-wheelers in its portfolio, and this past week went for a more visual approach by announcing a partnership with Italian motorcycle parts company Rizoma. In what Harley calls “the first co-branded collection of its kind designed exclusively for H-D® motorcycle riders,” a rather very short list of billet aluminum parts and accessories will be made available for riders of “a broad range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles” who wish to make their machine look apart. The list starts with 1.44 inches in diameter hand grips, continues with rider and passenger footpegs, and goes up front for specially designed mirrors with a broader view for the rider. The LiveWire, the electric motorcycle that will soon be seen in action on Apple TV+ when the Long Way Up show hits the web on September 18, was not left out, and receives a solo custom element in the form of a charge door. “Precision craftsmanship and unmistakable style define this collaborative collection from Harley-Davidson and Rizoma. Lasered H-D and Rizoma logos on a subdued black on black finish display minimal branding that lets the machined texture and performance aesthetic take the lead,” Harley says in a statement. “This sleek collection

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Motorcycle repairmen mould scrap into fine art

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by Pann Rethea from https://www.phnompenhpost.com At a small motorcycle repair shop about a half-hour drive outside of Phnom Penh on National Road 1, passersby can’t help but stop and take a look at what’s for sale. But it’s not motorbike parts they’re interested in, it’s the works of metal art formed by fusing scraps and old tools. Metal creatures made from bike chains, spokes and discarded shocks beckon people over to take a selfie and chat with the artists, low-income repairmen who turned to artwork after their wages took a hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic, many people have been facing financial problems, especially blue-collar workers,” 36-year-old Kang Sothea, the founder of the small collection of repairmen-artists, tells The Post. “The team of motorcycle repairmen whom I’ve supplied motorcycle engine oil to are losing their income. Less people come for engine oil changes, so they can no longer afford to stock the products I’m selling.” Because the repairmen have fewer jobs to fill, they often have time to chat about their mundane lives and crack jokes to cheer themselves up during hard times. It was during one of these laidback chats that Sothea noticed a pile of discarded motorbike parts which the repairmen intended to sell to a junk collector for petty cash. Sothea says: “I often noticed them stockpiling old rusty parts of motorcycles in the back of their workshop. The chain, sprocket-wheel, suspension, steel mudguards, nuts and screws sparked an idea [in me] to turn them into something interesting that can be sold. Seeing different old parts of motorcycles triggered my imagination. I could see them turning into metal animals for decoration.” Having worked in engine oil distribution for three years, Sothea has become close to repairmen in different places. These strong friendships paved the

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Kawasaki Starts Home Delivery Of Motorcycles, Spares And Accessories In USA

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by Satya Singh from https://www.rushlane.com United States is the worst hit due to coronavirus pandemic, with more than a million confirmed cases and over 61k fatalities As the lockdown continues to restrict auto sales, Kawasaki USA has announced that it will start home delivery of its vehicles, spares, accessories and apparel. Auto dealerships are shut in most places and people have been forced to stay indoors. There are also the ones who may not want to visit dealerships due to the high risk of infection. In this situation, online sales and home delivery of products appears to be the only effective solution for auto companies. In India, online sales platform and home delivery option have been launched by various auto companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda, Tata Motors, MG Motor and Hyundai. Kawasaki’s product portfolio in US comprises motorcycles, ATVs, utility task vehicles and jet skis. The company already provides online option to buy vehicle accessories, spare parts, maintenance products, apparel and gifts & collectibles. For buying Kawasaki vehicles, customers will probably need to contact their nearest dealer. It is expected that the necessary formalities, paperwork, financing, and down payment will be processed online in coordination with the dealer. Once the deal is finalized, the vehicle will be home delivered to the customer. Kawasaki will be working closely with its dealers across the United States to ensure that customers get the best vehicle delivery experience. The deliveries will be done in accordance with guidelines mandated by local authorities. Efforts will be made to ensure that the home delivery experience is just as good as deliveries done at dealerships. Before delivery, the vehicle will be thoroughly checked by the dealer. At the time of delivery, customers can go through the checklist to ensure that everything is as per their order. All

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Motorcycle enthusiasts gather at the Farm Show Complex for 32nd Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet & Show

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by Valeria De Leon from https://fox43.com HARRISBURG – Motorcyclists came out to Dauphin County for one of the largest indoor motorcycle shows on Sunday. Jam-On Productions hosted its 32nd Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet & Show. The event featured everything motorcycle related- like parts, apparel and vintage bikes. Organizer, Mark Weiler, said the show brings motorcycle enthusiasts together to shop for the coming holidays. “This is a very strong event, there’s a lot of people here. Probably getting ready for the holidays, vendors are selling so they can get some money for the holidays and people to shop to get some presents. It’s good strong meet for that time of year,” said Weiler. Jam-On Productions holds motorcycle shows all over the country including in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

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