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With the zumo XT2, Garmin has now launched the successor model of the premium motorcycle navigator. Even more motorcycle-specific functions enable simplified route planning and provide an even wider range of useful extras when on the road. And, of course, Touratech already has a robust mount for this brand-new device that can cope with tough offroad use.
Large and brilliant display
The Garmin zumo XT2 is the logical further development of the already very powerful XT predecessor model. The 6-inch touchscreen is 15 per cent larger and another five per cent brighter than the XT. This results in the screen being perfectly readable in all lighting conditions, while operation with gloves is even easier than before, due to the larger size.
Planning tools specially for riders
Specially developed for riders, the zumo XT2 offers numerous features for planning inspiring tours. Garmin has pre-installed popular motorcycle routes on the device, and Michelin Scenic Roads are also colour-coded on the map.
The new "Adventurous Routing" function allows you to create winding, relaxed or scenic routes simply by using the slider. Attractive content such as the Michelin Green Guide, Trendy Places and Local Spots round off the range of planning tools.
The newly developed visual route planner enables you to conveniently create and edit routes directly in the map view.
Even more functions with the Tread App
Additional functions can be accessed by linking the zumo XT2 with a smartphone on which the Garmin Tread app is installed. This provides real-time services for traffic, weather or fuel prices. The XT2 can, of course, also output messages and phone calls to the headset.
In addition, the Tread app allows the use of all road navigation maps, topographic maps and satellite images in the route planner, and synchronises routes, tracks and waypoints via the cloud. The Track Recorder allows the recording of numerous vehicle and route data, and last but not least, the Group Ride Mobile function can be used to track the locations of group members.
Equipped for inReach satellite communication
The zumo XT2 is equipped for Garmin inReach, making it exemplary in terms of safety. With this satellite-based two-way communication, holders of a corresponding subscription can send and receive messages as well as share position data and make emergency calls. And that with no mobile reception required.
Touratech handlebar mount for optimum protection
This handlebar mount in legendary Touratech quality encloses the Garmin zumo XT2, giving it a secure hold even in rough terrain. The laser-cut and CNC-bent aluminium and stainless steel parts offer maximum strength and precision, making accidental opening of the lockable mount impossible.
The zumo XT2 is also reliably supplied with power in the Touratech handlebar mount via the on-board network, through the integration of the Garmin motorcycle cradle.
The handlebar mount comes with clamps for 12-millimetre tubes as standard. The possible combination with optional mounting adapters or the RAM ball joint system results in countless variants for individual positioning.
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Indian Motorcycle is celebrating International Female Ride Day (IFRD) around the world with group rides, dealer events, and demo rides to further empower, recognise and welcome the participation of women in motorcycling and invites female Indian Motorcycle riders to “Just Ride” on Saturday May 6, whether solo, with friends or on an organised ride
The IFRD has put the spotlight on women riders and the female motorsports arena for 17 years aiming to keep women at the forefront of riding and encourage new women to join, while promoting the diversity of women already engaged in all aspects of the powersports industry.
A focal point for events in Europe will be a group ride in France from Toulouse to Nice, May 2-6. With participants from the U.S., Canada and across Europe, riders will cover some of the best roads in France with a celebratory party, also open to the public, waiting for them at Indian Motorcycle Nice.
May 2 – Toulouse to Montpellier
May 3 – Montpellier to Marseille
May 4 – Marseille to Nice
May 5 – Rest Day
May 6 – IFRD Party at Indian Motorcycle Nice
Women riders in France are invited to join influential names from across the online motorcycle community in Jess Wise, Caroline Cora, Jasmine Rose, Courtney Boyd, Deimante Meilune and Sophie Molesti on their ride, even if just for a few kilometres, to elevate the voice of the women rider and celebrate their passion for riding.
Social links:
Carolina Cora
Courtney Boyd
Deimante Meilune – YouTube
Jasmine Rose – The Litas Los Angeles
Jess Wise – The Litas
Sophie Molesti
Participation in IFRD is free and easy and takes place Saturday, May 6, in over 120 countries and everyone is encouraged to join in the conversation by sharing photos of their rides and what riding means to them on social media using the hashtags #IFRD2023, #FocusFemaleForward and #internationalfemalerideday.
For more information on the International Female Ride Day please visit the WEBSITE.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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The EVO series from Touratech Suspension boasts a completely new shock absorber. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 now also benefits from the numerous technical innovations of these premium shock absorbers.
With its no-frills concept, powerful engine and long spring travel, the Ténéré 700 has been wowing the adventure community since its release in 2019. It goes without saying that Touratech has developed an extensive range of accessories around this powerful package. Right from the start, the developers paid special attention to the suspension system. Although well-equipped at the factory to meet a wide range of demands, the standard suspension elements of the T7 quickly reach their limits under tough conditions with higher payloads.
The suspension elements from Touratech Suspension have been an effective remedy for years. With a special setup for extreme loads, equipped with extensive adjustment options and yet fully serviceable, the proven suspension elements of the Touratech Suspension Travel range already raised the off-road and touring capabilities of the T7 to a new level.
EVO suspension elements with completely new damper technology
And now Touratech Suspension has topped it once again. Following the semi-active suspension system for the BMW R 1250 GS, a completely new, EVO generation damper technology is now to be used in the conventional suspension systems as well. The Yamaha Ténéré 700 is first in line.
The focus on top performance under extreme conditions has left its stamp on the technology of the EVO dampers. For example, the completely new design of the damper piston has resulted in optimised flow behaviour, preventing the formation oil foam even at the highest frequencies, such as when riding along trails at high speeds. This means that the damping behaviour remains completely consistent over a huge load spectrum. The new low-friction seal on the damper rod is also designed to withstand the highest stresses. In addition, its low coefficient of friction ensures an exceptionally low breakaway torque, contributing to its sensitive response behaviour. Annoying jerking, also known as slip-stick effect, is alien to EVO dampers.
Easy tuning of spring preload and damping
EVO suspension elements have a particularly robust spring preload adjuster for situational adjustment of the spring preload to the respective load condition. Rapid compression of the spring is achieved at comparatively low operating pressure already, which puts less strain on the seals. This is also a big plus in terms of durability. The high-quality spring itself is manufactured by Eibach, a leading global supplier of performance suspension systems.
For the new EVO line, pre-setting of the compression damping is simple and intuitive via a single rotary knob with an easy-to-read scale. This also enables less experienced users to reliably implement individual suspension system setups. Rebound damping is similarly easy to adjust over a wide range.
Easy tuning of spring preload and damping
EVO suspension elements have a particularly robust spring preload adjuster for situational adjustment of the spring preload to the respective load condition. Rapid compression of the spring is achieved at comparatively low operating pressure already, which puts less strain on the seals. This is also a big plus in terms of durability. The high-quality spring itself is manufactured by Eibach, a leading global supplier of performance suspension systems.
For the new EVO line, pre-setting of the compression damping is simple and intuitive via a single rotary knob with an easy-to-read scale. This also enables less experienced users to reliably implement individual suspension system setups. Rebound damping is similarly easy to adjust over a wide range.
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Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited (“Zapp” or the “Company”), a UK-based, high-performance two-wheel electric vehicle company, has received yet another endorsement for its innovative i300 Carbon Launch Edition with a category win at the internationally renowned Red Dot Award for Product Design.
Every year, the Red Dot Award: Product Design sets out to find the year’s best products. The products selected by the Red Dot Jury to win an award may be aesthetically appealing, functional, smart or innovative, but what they all have in common is their outstanding design. The Red Dot Jury is made up of a global team of leading design experts.
Zapp’s Red Dot victory arrives shortly after the Company’s wins at the Good Design Award, the German Design Award, as well as a highly successful night at the E-Mobility awards, held at the British Motor Museum, where Zapp took home an unprecedented three category prizes, along with a further award of merit.
The Red Dot Award further reinforces the world-class design credentials of Zapp and its debut product, the i300 Carbon, which is now available to pre-order on Zapp’s website www.zappev.com.
Warin Thanathawee, Chief Design Officer, Zapp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design. Zapp is very much a design-led company; quality and innovation are at the centre of all that we do, so to have our work recognised by Red Dot’s expert, international jury is a great honour.”
“For the i300, we’ve created a design that blends old and new, one that simultaneously draws inspiration from the history of two-wheeled transport, and looks towards an exciting, electrified future. We’ve created a totally new design language that conveys Zapp’s technological advancement and high-performance credentials, all through appealing forms that are simple yet elegant.”
Zapp is a British company on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp’s debut product, the i300 is an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun.
To achieve this, Zapp’s design team created a unique and innovative ‘Z’-shaped exoskeleton architecture. This distinctive design lowers the i300’s weight and centre of gravity to deliver superb on-road performance and handling. The i300 is capable of accelerating from 0-30 mph in just 2.3 seconds and its unique configuration and exoskeleton architecture also meaningfully reduces weight, maximising efficiency and boosting battery range.
Another key innovation of the i300 is its ultra-portable double battery system. Each battery pack weighs just 6kg and can be charged from 20% to 80% via a standard 220v/110v wall socket in approximately 40 minutes. The portability of the battery packs makes the i300 easy to charge anywhere and at any time without reliance on a public charging network.
Zapp is committed to Gen-2 sustainable design and production and the i300 exemplifies Zapp’s mission to create truly sustainable products. Not only are most of the i300’s components recyclable, but its exoskeleton architecture lowers the number of components required for assembly, in turn reducing assembly steps and energy used.
Proposed Business Combination
On November 22, 2022, Zapp and CIIG Capital Partners II, Inc., a U.S. publicly-listed blank check company (Nasdaq: CIIG) (“CIIG II”), announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”). Upon closing of the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Business Combination”), the combined company, Zapp Electric Vehicles Group Limited (“Pubco”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, is expected to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ZAPP”. The Business Combination is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to stockholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.
About Zapp
Zapp Electric Vehicles Limited is a British company – run by a team of experts from the mobility industry – on a mission to redefine the electric two-wheeler segment. Zapp created the i300 as an urban electric high-performance two-wheeler capable of traditional motorcycle levels of performance in a step-through format, combining ease of use with exhilaration and fun. The i300 is the first in a suite of high-performance electric two-wheelers expected to come to market from Zapp. Zapp is expected to operate a high-quality direct-to-customer (DTC) experience called DSDTC (drop-ship-direct-to-customer). Customers ordering the i300 online will have their bikes conveniently delivered to their home by “Zappers” who provide at-home inspection, service and support throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.
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It’s Stress Awareness Month, and automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing results from its latest health and wellbeing survey, in which most automotive workers identified stress as the biggest issue they are struggling with.
Over 1,000 automotive employees took part in the survey from all UK regions, ages, gender and working environments. A total of 66% of respondents said stress had most affected their health and wellbeing, followed by poor sleep and low mood, both at 62%.
The survey also revealed that the proportion of people suffering from stress in the workplace has increased by 8% year on year, with ‘high workloads’, ‘pressure to meet targets’ and ‘not enough staff’ driving this. The survey also reveals that there has been an increase in people affected by ‘poor work-life balance’ and ‘not taking enough time to rest and relax’.
Read survey results report
Read a summary report of the results here: https://www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2023
The survey also revealed that poor sleep has increased from 49% to 62% - which perhaps isn’t surprising given the increase in stress levels of those surveyed. Around 92% of people also reported their cost-of-living had increased compared with a year ago and those struggling to make ends meet has increased by 10% (18%>28%). In addition, worryingly, 1 in 10 people said they have skipped meals in response to the rising cost of bills.
Respondents were also asked to highlight the issues most likely to impact them over the next 12 months. The top three issues mentioned were the cost-of-living crisis (52%), supply chain shortage e.g. chips - semiconductors (33%) and staff shortages (31%). These issues are likely to be contributing to the stress levels of those working in the automotive industry.
The survey is in its sixth year, with the aim of uncovering the key health and wellbeing issues currently affecting the automotive industry workforce so Ben can continue to provide relevant support now and in the future.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “With it being Stress Awareness Month, it is very timely that we’re sharing our latest survey results, especially as the findings tell us that stress is presenting as a real area of concern for our automotive workforce. Through our annual surveys, we listen to our automotive family so we can fully understand the health & wellbeing issues they are facing, enabling us to provide the support they need.
“In addition to stress being the biggest issue, it’s clear to see that automotive workers are also under more pressure and aren’t taking enough time to rest and relax outside of work. There are also some worrying trends relating to the cost-of-living crisis, such as skipping meals. In light of these results, we want everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry to know that we’re there for them, so please get in touch if you’re struggling.
“We’re also here for employers too, so if you’re worried about stress in your workplace, please do reach out and connect, emailing [email protected] to discuss how Ben can support your organisation and the health and wellbeing of your employees.”
If you’re feeling stressed and would like some tips and advice, visit www.ben.org.uk/stress.
Ben is here to support the lifeblood of the automotive industry, its people. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
About Ben:
Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.
Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.
Ben also operates continuing care and support for those in later life, which isn’t dependent on an automotive industry connection, via its residential care centres, day centre and retirement village. www.ben.org.uk
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