White Motorcycle Concepts, the British company aiming to set a raft of new world land speed records with its revolutionary electric-powered motorcycle at Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flat next summer, has successfully completed the initial trials of its ground-breaking WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator.

British Engineering company completes initial trials of WMC250EV
Focus switches to high-speed running as bike development ramps up
WMC continues to engage with potential partners ahead of record attempt
17th September 2021, Northampton: White Motorcycle Concepts, the British company aiming to set a raft of new world land speed records with its revolutionary electric-powered motorcycle at Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flat next summer, has successfully completed the initial trials of its ground-breaking WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator.

Ridden by company founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob White, the carbon-fibre prototype ran without fault during its shakedown test at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground and has now completed a comprehensive full system pass off. The programme now moves on to the next phase of its multi-stage testing schedule including runs at a higher-speed range.

The WMC250EV, which is capable of reaching speeds of more than 250mph in final trim, featuring market-disruptive technologies including WMC’s ultra-low drag system V-Air. This innovative system uses a large duct at the centre of the bike which forces air through the vehicle, reducing aerodynamic resistance by 70% compared to a conventional motorcycle. The positive implications for this technology across the automotive industry are wide-ranging and extensive.

The bike also features a D-Drive motor unit that powers the front wheel, which in turn makes it possible to harness regenerative braking energy. In its final powertrain configuration the WMC250EV will feature an 800v high voltage system, but for the early testing phase it is using a low voltage (60v) system that produces 100kw. It is anticipated that in world land speed specification the bike will be two and a half times more powerful.

A key element of WMC’s initial phase of its process-driven programme, supported by multiple world leading motorsport businesses, was to successfully correlate the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data of the 300kg vehicle with the results of a real-world test. With this box ticked and various other avenues of development uncovered, the team will continue its methodical testing programme ahead of next year’s world land speed record which will include a British record attempt in early 2022.

WMC continues to engage with potential partners ahead of its ground-breaking record attempt. If successful, the WMC250EV could change the way motorcycle manufacturers approach vehicle design through the next decade because of its vastly reduced CO2 emissions and the possibilities it offers for accelerating the essential decarbonisation of the motorcycle industry globally. Indeed, the Northampton-based company is working on road-going projects and its patented technologies are already being incorporated into road-going variants. An announcement with further details on this is due in October.

“We are delighted with the progress made so far with the WMC250EV,” said White. “We were encouraged by the great reception the launch of the bike received in June, and the high level of interest that the project has gained subsequently. This is a completely bespoke motorcycle, so for it to run cleanly straight out of the box is fantastic.

“We are taking a measured and controlled approach to our testing programme to ensure no stone is left unturned and given the results we have gained to date my confidence is building all the time that we will be successful.”

WMC testing will continue through the rest of 2021, with regular updates posted on its social channels, before embarking on its world land speed record build-up programme early next year.

Roadshow to promote new Ducati London store   

Test rides of 2021 Model range
Ducati is set to return to the capital later this year with an all-new Ducati London store.

To support the arrival of the new store, Ducati UK will be bringing their Roadshow and demo fleet to the Bike Shed from Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th September 2021, 9am-5pm.

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch is a mecca for motorcycling culture and the perfect place to announce Ducati’s arrival in London. Its unique combination of café, bar, restaurant, and event venue, make it the ideal destination to spend time exploring the 2021 Ducati range.

And there is plenty to explore with Ducati’s range of motorcycles. From the urban Monster to the globe trekking Multistrada V4 S. Although the Monster and the Multistrada are the headliners for 2021, there is so much more to try. There will be the Superbike range including the Panigale V2 and V4 S, the less track focused SuperSport, the Hypermotard, the stripped down V4 Streetfighter, as well as the cruiser options of the Diavel and XDiavel.

Demo rides will be led by outriders to guide them through the London traffic and on to the test route. Test rides will be 45 minutes long. Riders must have held a full UK motorcycle licence for a minimum of 2 years.

For more information on the Bike Shed and its location visit www.bikeshedmoto.com

APRILIA RS 660 DOMINATES THE TWINS CUP CLASS IN MOTOAMERICA

KALEB DE KEYREL IS 2021 CHAMPION THANKS TO HIS SECOND PLACE IN NEW JERSEY

TOMMASO MARCON WINS ON HIS DÉBUT WITH APRILIA

It’s fair to refer to Aprilia’s adventure in the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class as domination. In fact, in its début year, the RS 660 literally changed the face of the category, turning up in the paddock with almost no preparation, but immediately taking on a highly prominent role.

It is no coincidence that the title was clinched with a Race 1 podium in New Jersey that was monopolized by the Italian twin-cylinder and where second place finisher Kaleb De Keyrel earned the points he needed to be crowned the 2021 champion. This is a triumph that will take him to Italy for a wild-card spot in the last round of the Aprilia RS 660 Trophy in Vallelunga.

Credit goes to De Keyrel and Team Robem Engineering, who skillfully exploited the technical potential of the RS 660, which proved to be in its element right away on the demanding American tracks. This is a testament to its DNA which, although intended for the best possible street use, in no way betrays its competitive nature. The ideal compromise between light weight, power, and the proverbial chassis structure from Noale.

The perfect weekend was topped off by Race 2, with no fewer than four RS 660 bikes in the top four spots. Winning the race was Italian Tommaso Marcon, riding in a special wild-card spot and tester for the 660 project, ahead of Anthony Mazziotto and fifteen-year-old surprise Maxwell Toth, on the podium twice in his Twins Cup "first".

ANOTHER RACE AT THE FRONT FOR ALEIX AND APRILIA
MAVERICK’S FEELING IMPROVES LAP AFTER LAP

ALEIX: "EXTREMELY FAST RACE, IMPORTANT CONFIRMATION"
MAVERICK: "IT’LL TAKE TIME BUT WE’LL GET THERE, I’M CERTAIN OF IT"

Another race with the best, from the first to the last lap, and a podium just barely missed. By now, Aleix and Aprilia are no longer a surprise. The RS-GP in the hands of the Spaniard confirmed that it is capable of battling consistently for the podium.

On the friendly Aragòn track, warmed by a decidedly summer climate, the leading group maintained an extraordinary pace. Espargarò started well from the second row, managing his position in fourth place during the early laps and even getting a taste of the podium. Only a drop in the finale kept him from launching the decisive attack against Joan Mir, but fourth place is still an extremely important result, also in terms of the championship: in fact, Aleix is now seventh in the rider standings with 96 points.

Finishing his first race for Aprilia, Maverick Viñales achieved the goal for the weekend, which is still to gain experience astride a new bike and on a new team. The Spanish rider’s feeling improves with every outing and the 23 days today represent an extremely important set of information and experience, especially in preparation for the 2022 season.

ALEIX ESPARGARO'
"In the race today, the pace was out of this world, especially at the front, and even physically I can’t remember too many Sundays that have been this demanding. I’m pleased with the position, but more than anything, with the consistency we’re demonstrating, which is still my primary goal for this season. Considering the fact that in the finale, since overtaking Mir for third was impossible and I had a good gap ahead of Miller, I increased the pace a bit, I was still able to keep up with the riders who were making the difference over the rest of the grid. This means that we can battle with anyone and on any track, which is a huge step forward for me and for Aprilia."

MAVERICK VIÑALES
"I’m satisfied with the weekend overall. We knew that the position wouldn’t be our primary objective. In fact, I used a slightly different setup in order to continue experimenting with this new bike and gather information. I started well – that’s the first positive note – and in terms of tyre management, I must also admit that the situation is good. Maybe if we had started a bit farther forward, we’d be talking about a different race, but the flying lap in practice is a question of confidence and that will come with time and miles. We are at a point that requires great effort and work, but I know that we’ll be successful in the end."

The UK is experiencing a surge in motorcycle sales and usage.
Find out why bikes are more popular than ever and which models are doing the best...

A look at current MC market trends in the UK

Motorcycle usage experienced profound growth in 2020, so much so that third-quarter registration figures increased by 100 000. Last year’s third-quarter figures sat at 1.35 million as opposed to 1.25 million in 2019. The increase in motorcycle purchases was in direct correlation with the rise in household expenditure. One cannot discount the practicalities or the affordability of motorcycles these days either. Chinese motorcycles have made a significant dent thanks to great pricing and low production costs – even Harley-Davidson now produces some of their bikes in China.
Some of the upswing in terms of UK motorcycle sales and growth can be attributed to the global health crises of the last year and a half. Socially distanced commuting is doing the rounds while the incredible boom in delivery services has also led a massive proliferation in motorcycle usage. Below are some of the bikes doing the most business in the UK right now.

The Lexmoto LXR125

125cc bikes have really carved out their slice of the market and we have the various Chinese manufactures to partly thank for that. The Lexmoto LXR125 is both visually appealing and pocketfriendly and this has made it an incredibly popular option. With a price tag of only £2199, the Lexmoto LXR comes in at less than half of what you’d pay for Yamaha’s equivalent – the YZF-R125.
The Lexmoto offers all the aesthetic qualities such as a racy bodywork and a stubby exhaust and for a little bit more (£2499) you can also get more. Sure, it’s not as fast as the Yamaha nor is it as well-constructed, but seeing as it’s a beginners bike, odds are you’ll trade it in for an upgrade soon enough.

The Honda CB125F

The Honda Motor Company has a track record of offering investors in auto and vehicle industries more bang for their buck. As far back as 1948 this Japanese multinational conglomerate has produced both cars and bikes of impeccable quality.
For the longest time Honda has maintained its reputation when it comes to providing the commuter with something simple, reliable, affordable and economical. It owes a lot of this credit to its old CG125 which it unveiled way back in the 1970s. The most recent of these models, the CB125F, was launched in 2015. The enduring popularity of this bike cannot be denied and this is largely due to its proven reliability, durability and Honda’s well-established footprint in the motorcycle world.

The Honda PCX125   

Honda’s PCX125 scooter hasn’t just proven itself to be the UK’s top-selling scooter, it’s also taken the title of top-selling 125, and the sales don’t lie. Last year in 2020, an average of 300 of these models registered each month!

The bike has received its fair share of stylish updates – mainly in 2014, 2016 and this year again, but the basic recipe for the bike’s success remains the same. As they like to say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Easy to ride and with very accommodating luggage space, the PCX125 offers both comfort and practicality. It’s also an incredibly sleek and sexy scooter to behold and offers all kinds of modern tropes like a smart LCD digital dash, LED lights and ‘stop-start’ technology – all giving this liquid-cooled number a premium feel. Nippy and affordable, you’d be selling yourself short not to look twice at this one.

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