Category: Motorcycles

1. Indian Motorcycle DTRA Hooligan Race Team Announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 27th Feb 2023

   Continued Indian Motorcycle sponsorship supports growth of European Hooligan Racing
   Hooligan class renamed Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023

   
   Indian Motorcycle has announced the signing of Jamie Kimber and Gerard Bailo to contend the 2023 DTRA Hooligan class following the recent US race team announcements. Indian Motorcycle also continues its long-term support and promotion of flat track racing in Europe with sponsorship that sees the class renamed as the ‘Indian Motorcycle Hooligan Championship 2023’.

   Indian Motorcycle’s continued partnership with the DTRA helps to ensure the future of grassroots motorcycle sport and the development of youth riders. As a result, European flat track racing has grown substantially in recent years, being one of the most accessible and respected entry points to the sport outside of North America.

   Anthony Brown, DTRA founder commented, “Indian Motorcycle have helped to grow the Hooligan class in the DTRA since its inception and we are honoured and happy to have them along for the ride in 2023. It will be great to see a mixture of UK and overseas riders battle it out on Indian Scouts and FTRs against the rest of the Hooligan field. With some new tracks and events to be announced in the coming weeks the 2023 Hooligan championship is set to be the best on yet.”

   Jamie Kimber won her first national race at the June 2021 round of the National DTRA championship and went on to secure third in the National DTRA Minibike-Mod Championship Series. Having been spotted by Indian Motorcycle UK, Jamie was awarded a scholarship as the Indian Motorcycle Academy rider aboard the Indian Scout Hooligan for the 2022 season and proved worthy with fourth in the overall championship standings. A recent graduate in Sports Psychology and Coaching sciences, Jamie has competed in many sports from triathlons to rugby but says there is nothing like throwing a leg over a motorcycle and heading to the start line. Jamie can be followed on Instagram at @jamiekimber421

   “Signing for Indian Motorcycle is such an exciting stepping stone for me. It all started in late 2020 when I spontaneously signed up to the ladies class in Scunthorpe on my dad’s Sunday S147 pitbike. He taught me the basics the night before and it all went from there. I took to it quite well. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to ride the Indian FTR as a fully-fledged member of the team. This year, I hope to continue improving, enjoying each moment, and gain National podium results. My heart is with anything two-wheeled and I can’t wait to get stuck in at racing this season. I would like to thank Indian Motorcycle for the opportunity; I am excited to see what this season brings,” said Jamie.

   Gerard Bailo started competing in Supermoto in 2007 when he was just 13 years old and made his Flat Track debut in 2014. Quickly proving competitive, Gerard took third that year and, in 2016, improved to second in the open category. By 2017, Gerard had several regional Supermoto championships under his belt plus the Junior Nations world title and decided to fully commit to Flat Track racing with an opportunity in the DTRA series. Competing only in flat track since then, Gerard had his best season in 2022 winning the FIM Flat Track World Championship. Gerard will compete in the Indian Motorcycle Hooligan series aboard the Indian FTR 1200 prepared by S&S Cycle, while balancing his racing commitments with work in his family’s Insurance business. Gerard can be followed on Instagram at @gerardbailo17.

   “Taking the world title in 2022 was my best season ever, something I had always dreamed of and being able to make it happen was incredible. We also got more experience on the bigger tracks, so this also helps us for 2023. I am very happy to sign the contract with a brand like Indian Motorcycle. I believe we will be very competitive, and I hope to be able to fight for the 2023 national championship title. Thank you to Indian Motorcycle for their trust in me,” said Gerard.

   The Dirt Track Riders Association has just announced its dates and full Series details for the 2023 and Indian Motorcycle and the DTRA actively encourage riders to get involved. The atmosphere at DTRA managed races is inclusive for all abilities with classes from Rookie to Pro-Rider. For full race schedules and details of how to enter visit dirttrackriders.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

   For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

2. MAHLE Powertrain and White Motorcycle Concepts to electrify blue-light three-wheelers

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 24th Feb 2023

   • MAHLE Powertrain and White Motorcycle Concepts to develop fully electric three-wheeled motorcycle for police and emergency first responders
   • Yamaha Tricity 300-based design will target 100 mile operating range and fast charge time
   • Funded as part of the Niche Vehicle Network’s Powered Light Vehicles (PLV) Feasibility Studies competition, the sustainability-focused project will help emergency services achieve their net-zero ambitions

   MAHLE Powertrain is working with White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) to develop a fully electric three-wheeled motorcycle perfectly suited to the requirements of police, emergency first responders and last-mile delivery fleets. Supported by a grant from the Niche Vehicle Network, supported by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, the project will adapt the design of the Yamaha Tricity 300 to replace its combustion engine with a fully electric powertrain with fast-charging capability and a targeted 100 mile operating range. This development will enable emergency services to comply with forthcoming legislation and achieve their net-zero ambitions without sacrificing service levels.

   “Existing electric motorcycles have been designed with the retail market in mind, and can be both expensive and slow to charge,” said Jonathan Hall, MAHLE Powertrain’s Head of Research and Advanced Engineering. “Because emergency services require high levels of availability and have an unpredictable demand, retail electric motorcycles are unlikely to present a cost-effective solution.” 

   The project will build upon WMC’s success with the WMC300FR hybrid three-wheeled motorcycle, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police and on trial with emergency services across the country. Both it and the forthcoming fully electric version make use of the company’s patented V-Duct, a venturi duct that passes through the centre of the motorcycle that significantly reduces drag, improving performance and efficiency. The concept behind this central air duct has been honed on the WMC250EV that forms the basis for WMC’s electric land speed record programme.

   MAHLE Powertrain will use their simulation expertise to determine the optimal powertrain specification for the requirements. By analysing real-world data in a comprehensively modelled virtual environment, MAHLE Powertrain will investigate a number of components such as traction motors and charger systems to arrive at the best possible configuration. This work will also consider a variety of battery topologies – from traditional slow-charging and low-cost options through to novel ultra-fast technologies – and analyse how best to package these components within the motorcycle. A CAD-based study will also develop a concept that integrates the chosen traction motor and transmission into a new rear swing-arm.

   The project’s focus on sustainability is evident beyond the target of delivering zero-emission transport for rapid response fleets, such as in the use of recycled carbon-fibre in the motorcycle’s construction, and the selection of a downsized battery pack with fast charging capability that reduces the use of rare earth materials.

   Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable and UK Police lead for Motorcycles, Nick Adderley, said: “The hybrid three-wheeled bikes we now have in our fleet are providing an alternative, practical and very visible way for our neighbourhood police officers to get out and about in their communities. We need to continue to ensure we are prepared for the future with a sustainable fleet that not only meets the green agenda but also enables us to deliver the policing service our communities need and want. Our close involvement in these developments ensures the operational vehicle meets our specific requirements and I look forward to seeing the output from this study.”

   The electric three-wheeled motorcycle will also serve to make police more visible, which is rapidly becoming a key requirement in community policing, while the completed design can be easily adapted to other services such as paramedic first responders and even last-mile delivery duties. Crucially, the bike can be ridden on a standard car licence, removing the need for specialist training.

   Recent testing by the Metropolitan Police has confirmed the motorcycle’s suitability for high-speed work where aerodynamic stability is critical, even when equipped with heavily-laden panniers.

   Funded by the Niche Vehicle Network, supported by the Department of Transport and Innovate UK, the feasibility stage of the project is scheduled for completion in March 2023. A follow-up project to develop the prototype units is planned, ultimately leading to small series production.

3. Indian Motorcycle Unleashes New Sport Chief, Raises The Bar For American V-Twin Performance Cruisers

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 22nd Feb 2023

   New Sport Chief Combines Timeless American Style with Quality Performance-Oriented Componentry, Including FOX^® Piggyback Shocks, KYB^® Inverted Front Forks, Dual-Disc Brembo^® Brakes and More

   Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed its most aggressive iteration of the iconic Indian Chief with the launch of Sport Chief. Building upon one of the most historic and influential motorcycle namesakes of all time, the 2023 Sport Chief raises the bar for American V-Twin performance cruisers through premium performance-oriented componentry and timeless, American styling.

   “Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever – offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”

   When designing Sport Chief, Indian Motorcycle set its sights on performance by utilising the finest components from proven brands. With KYB^® inverted front forks, also featured on Indian Challenger models, Sport Chief offers superior handling and ride performance. The Sport Chief’s dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted Brembo^® brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, while piggyback rear FOX^® shocks increase travel to 100 mm and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models. The result is an Indian Chief that begs for more aggressive riding and provides the confidence and capability to take the riding experience to another level.

   “In 2021, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Indian Chief with a lineup that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers.”

   Featuring a simplistic steel-tube frame, Sport Chief preserves the Indian Chief’s mechanical styling. At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 motor delivers 162 Nm of torque, while a stylish new Quarter Fairing, along with new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and 152 mm risers set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Indian Chief lineup. With mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat, riders are in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. Sport Chief features sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli^® Night Dragon tyres, a 15.1 litre fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and three selectable ride modes, including Sport, Standard and Tour.

   Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading 101 mm touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation*. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth^® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.

   For riders looking to personalise their bike, Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the bike’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.

   Performance Accessories
   For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX^® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preference.

   Current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders can upgrade to the Sport Chief’s stock dual exposed FOX^® Piggyback Chief Performance Shocks, which provide 100 mm of travel with increased lean angle and an aftermarket, stylish look that increases stability, and improves comfort and capability for aggressive riding.

   The new Chief Pathfinder 146 mm Adaptive LED Headlight, available in chrome or black, features patented, innovative technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle and delivers optimised illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the bike.

   Style Accessories
   Indian Chief riders looking to add personal style can select from a variety of Indian Motorcycle accessories. New 254 mm Moto Handlebar Risers not only add style but deliver a more comfortable reach. Low and Tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing, while a variety of bags, including a Solo Rack and Rack Bag, Tail Bag, and Bobber Saddlebag, complement the bike’s design.

   The Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing and 152 mm Moto Handlebar Risers are available for current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders.

   Comfort Accessories
   For added comfort and improved ergonomics based off height, riders can add an Extended Reach or Reduced Reach Seat. For two-up riding, Indian Motorcycle offers the Chief Syndicate Seat and a Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the Sport Chief’s aggressive design.

   The 2023 Sport Chief is available in Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, and Stealth Gray. For pricing and availability in your region, please contact your local Indian Motorcycle media contact. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, or by visiting IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

4. n icon reborn: Praga presents the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 9th Feb 2023

   • Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company behind the Praga Bohema hypercar, launches the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle
   • A modern take on the iconic Praga BD 500, the reimagined model beautifully combines classic design with advanced production technology
   • The Praga ZS 800 weighs just 142kg, with its chrome molybdenum steel frame supporting an air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine
   • A limited run of 28 motorcycles, with a premium price point of £75,550 (€86,000) each, is now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023
   • To find out more, go to: www.pragaglobal.com

   February 8, 2023, Prague: Praga, the Czech Republic based manufacturing and engineering company, has launched the Praga ZS 800 motorcycle – a modern reimagining of the iconic 1928 Praga BD 500.

   Created by the same expert engineering team behind the acclaimed Praga Bohema hypercar, the new Praga ZS 800 combines a suite of advanced motor racing production processes and materials with the character and design details of its 1928 BD 500 ancestor.

   Sporting a chrome molybdenum steel frame and titanium exhaust system, as well as unique woven carbon wheels, the ZS 800 weighs just 142kg dry (158kg wet) and with its air-cooled, 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine, delivers a riding experience certain to stir the soul.

   Praga will produce just 28 of the ZS 800, which are now available to order with deliveries starting mid-2023, and the first of these heading to a client in Dubai.

   Modern vision with a 100-year heritage
   In 1928, the first Praga BD 500 rolled out of the Breitfeld-DanÄ›k factory in Prague. Seen as a modern motorcycle in its time, the design was initially conceived by the young aviation designer and passionate motorcyclist, Jaroslav František Koch.

   Featuring one of the first ever four stroke DOHC engines designed by Koch, the BD 500 not only presented multiple innovative design features, but earnt its place in motorcycle history when Koch himself rode the bike from Rome to Prague, covering a distance of 1,480 kilometers in 35 hours and 40 minutes, setting a new endurance record.

   Now, in 2023, history is repeating.

   The brainchild of Jan Žuži, an engineer working on the lightweight 700 hp luxury Praga Bohema hypercar, the ZS 800 began life as a passion project to create a BD 500 remake.

   Alongside fellow engineer Radek Šebesta, Jan developed the concept, combining engineering expertise and dedication with Praga’s exceptional production capabilities and racing technology. And, so, the Praga ZS 800 was born, a modern reimagining that retains the character and design of its ancestral BD 500.

   The Praga ZS 800: Cutting-edge technology applied to classic design
   The Praga ZS 800 is a masterclass in craftmanship. A combination of the very latest production processes and ultra-lightweight materials brings this motorcycle to life.

   Within a chrome molybdenum steel frame rests the air-cooled 773cc four stroke parallel twin engine. The modern yet classically styled unit is lightweight and marries perfectly with the aesthetic of the ZS 800, offering beautiful architecture that resembles the original BD 500 engine structure, bevel gear cam drive, fuel efficiency, and complies with Euro 5 standards.

   The ZS 800’s unique forged carbon wheels work in harmony with its hydraulic drum brake system – a system chosen to complement both the motorcycle’s style and performance. The hand-woven carbon rims are a complex artistic pattern of overlapping carbon fibre with intricate carbon tensioned spokes to emulate the look of the BD 500.

   A sculpted front fork sits at the fore of the motorcycle; a structure only made possible through five-axis machining and chrome molybdenum steel. Nestled within the fork is fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with a titanium spring that effortlessly delivers a smooth and exclusive ride.

   With its 11.5L fuel tank embellished with a forged carbon cover, the Praga ZS 800 has an incredible dry weight of just 142kg, complete with 50:50 weight distribution between the wheels – all of which culminates in a notably poised ride.

   The Art of Engineering: Mastering materials
   The Praga ZS 800 is a product of skilled engineering and true understanding of complex, high-grade materials.

   Titanium is used throughout the design, with almost every screw, axle, nut and bolt of the chassis and engine made from the lightweight, high strength metal. The exhaust system is also fully titanium and weighs just 4.8kg as a result – with select elements constructed using state-of-the-art 3D printing.

   Premium materials such as duralumin alloys, noble chrome molybdenum steel and forged carbon are also incorporated into the ZS 800’s design. Dedicated to achieving the perfect structure, the engineering team utilises the very latest production processes to manipulate the complex materials, including over 300 hours of five-axis machining.

   The ZS 800’s Chief Designer, Jan Žuži, said: “Strong and extremely lightweight materials – such as carbon, titanium, chrome molybdenum steel and aviation duralumin – enabled us to reimagine the rigid rear wheel suspension, the front swingarm fork, and the hydraulic drum brakes.

   “These futuristic materials and Praga sports division’s latest production facilities have enabled us to transfer those elegant historical design elements to the present day, and to build a motorcycle with contemporary driving characteristics and a unique feel.”

   The premium price point of £75,550 (EUR 86,000 (excl. tax)) is testament to the intricate and tireless engineering that goes into every Praga creation, including the limited run, £1.1m Bohema hypercar. With deliveries arriving from mid-2023, the Praga ZS 800 is a machine for both collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

   To find out more about the Praga ZS 800, go to: www.pragaglobal.com

   Full specification
   ENGINE

   • Engine type: Four stroke parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, four valves per cylinder
   • Bore & stroke: 77 mm x 83 mm
   • Capacity: 773cc
   • Compression ratio: 8.4:1
   • Exhaust: Titanium alloy

   TRANSMISSION

   • Gearbox: 5-speed
   • Clutch: Multi-plate wet, Manual

   PERFORMANCE

   • Power: 50hp
   • Torque: 65Nm

   BODYWORK

   • Seat: Single seater with Öhlins fully adjustable suspension unit
   • Fuel tank: 11.5 litre
   • Mudguard: Forged carbon

   CHASSIS

   • Frame: Chrome molybdenum steel frame – Swedish steel called DOCOL 15CDV6
   • Handlebars width: 800 mm
   • Handlebar circumference: 28.6 mm
   • Wheelbase: 1,435 mm
   • Rake: 27º
   • Trail: 100 mm
   • Seat height: 795 mm

   BRAKES

   • Front brakes: Hydraulic double simplex drum 200 mm
   • Rear brakes: Hydraulic simplex drum 200 mm

   SUSPENSION

   • Front suspension: Girder front fork with Öhlins suspension TTX22
   • Rear suspension: Hard tail rear with Öhlins TTX air under seat suspension

   WHEELS

   • Front wheel: r18” x 2.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
   • Rear wheel: r18” x 3.5” forged carbon wheel with carbon tensioned spokes
   • Front tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 GP 100/90-18 56H F T TL
   • Rear tyre: Dunlop Roadmaster TT110 GP 130/80-18 66H R TT

5. Honda C90 and Triumph Bonneville top the charts for classic motorcycle enthusiasts, new emissions report from loop reveals

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 18th Jan 2023

   • Honda C90 and Triumph Bonneville are most popular classic motorcycles with British bikers
   • New report offers insights into the make-up of the UK’s classic bike scene, and quantifies the sector’s overall carbon footprint
   • Average annual emissions comparable to a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal or just one latte a day, while the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s transport emissions
   • The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/

   The humble Honda C90 and trusty Triumph Bonneville are the most popular classic bikes with British enthusiasts according to a new report that details the carbon footprint of the UK’s historic motorcycles.

   Following on from its earlier report that quantified the carbon footprint of the UK’s classic car parc, awarding-winning automotive PR and communications agency loop has turned its attention to classic motorcycles.

   Its latest report analyses historical data stretching back more than 100 years to conclude that riding a classic motorcycle for a year has roughly the same impact as a single roundtrip flight from London to Portugal1, or little more than drinking a latte a day for a year2. In total, the entire classic motorcycle fleet accounts for just 0.05% of the UK’s overall transport emissions3.

   While famous brands such as Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki dominate the sector, early pioneering marques such as Velocette, Matchless and AJS aren’t far behind, suggesting bikers are proud of their motorcycling heritage and are keen to see it preserved.

   Honda is the most popular make overall, with almost 36,000 classic bikes registered for use on our roads. In second place, however, lies BSA, makers of the iconic Gold Star and Bantam, with nearly 29,000 bikes puttering about the countryside.

   The report also reveals the popularity of the ‘young timers’ – relatively modern classic bikes parked up in storage, waiting to be awarded historic status by the DVLA. There, behind the omnipresent C90, lies the legendary Honda VFR750F, with more than 2,500 currently on SORN.

   Drawing on years of data from official sources such as the DVLA and Department for Transport, the report offers fascinating insights into the make-up of the country’s classic motorcycle sector, how fuel efficiency and bike use have changed over time, and the part global events have played in shaping the industry.

   Alex Kefford, loop’s Technical Writer and author of the report, said: “By trawling through millions of datapoints and delving into decades of archive data, we’ve been able to paint a fuller picture of the UK’s classic motorcycle scene.”

   “As a result, we’ve seen the effect popular culture has had on the rise and fall of the powered two-wheeler, as well as the impact of the occasional oil crisis. But what’s surprising is how intent bikers are on keeping their motorcycling heritage alive and on the road. In fact, the average age of a UK motorcycle is now more than 15 years – the oldest figure on record.”

   Based at Bicester Heritage, the heart of the UK’s classic automotive scene, loop delivers a full service for clients stretching throughout the automotive, engineering and technology sectors. With a unique understanding of the classic market and unparalleled connections within the automotive industry, loop produces award-winning work for clients across Europe and internationally, from compelling story-telling to complex whitepapers, launch events to press office support.

   The report is available to download here: https://loopagency.co.uk/quantifying-classic-motorcycles-emissions/.