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- Improved wet grip* and longevity** compared to the MICHELIN Road 5 tyre range
- Performance improvements made possible by a new tread design, advances in raw materials and optimized tyre architecture
As the latest in a long line of class-leading sport touring tyres, Michelin is pleased to announce the launch of its MICHELIN Road 6 tyre range, a tyre range designed to offer riders of roadsters, trail bikes, sportsbikes and GT motorcycles the optimised performance in terms of wet grip, longevity, comfort and handling.
Alongside the standard MICHELIN Road 6 tyre range, which now incorporates sizes for big trail bikes, there is also the MICHELIN Road 6 GT tyre designed for grand touring machines.
Using technologies developed by engineers in Michelin’s R&D centres, the new MICHELIN Road 6 tyre offers a 15 percent improvement in wet grip* and a 10 percent increase in tyre life** compared with its predecessor, the MICHELIN Road 5 tyre.
These improvements in performance have been made possible by a new tread design, advances in raw materials and an optimized tyre architecture.
Tread Design:
- An optimized void ratio of 14 percent (the ratio of grooves to rubber), which gives high levels of grip performance in wet and dry conditions. This ratio does not change when cornering to give consistent feedback.
- MICHELIN Water EverGrip technology – a patented sipe technology developed by Michelin to give high levels of wet grip and rider confidence in these conditions. The design of these sipes mean that they open as the tyre wears.
- New groove and sipe angles, with longer edges to cut through the film of water and grip the road surface.
Raw Materials:
- A 100 percent silica compound featuring MICHELIN Silica Technology improves grip in cooler conditions and on damp and wet roads, without any compromise on tyre life.
- MICHELIN 2CT+ (2 Compound Technology) front and rear means that different parts of the tread are optimized for different performance characteristics. The harder under layer of tread rubber maintains rigidity during cornering, whereas the softer upper layer in contact with the road offers very good grip and high mileage in dry and wet conditions.
Architecture:
- MICHELIN Radial X Evo technology – the 90-degree plies on the crown of the tyre ensure a wide footprint giving high grip levels, both in a straight line and at lean angles. The sidewalls of the new generation of Radial X Evo tyres use a special ply fold that provides even more flexibility and greater comfort by absorbing road deformations, and at high speeds the tyre remains stable, making it well-suited to high-powered motorcycles. The overall effect of this technology is that the handling and responsiveness of the tyre are optimized to provide riding pleasure and fun without compromising on safety.
- MICHELIN Aramid Shield technology is a highly dense, more rigid tyre casing, which helps give excellent feedback and handling. Aramid tread plies resist centrifugal growth at speed, reduce weight and provide excellent stability.
Another Michelin first
Bearing in mind the pride that most riders have in the appearance of their motorcycles, a first for a MICHELIN Road tyre range is the use of MICHELIN Premium Touch Design in the design of the sidewalls of the MICHELIN Road 6 tyres. This exclusive technology uses micro geometry on the sidewalls to create texture, which in-turn allows it to modulate contrast and create shades of grey to highlight the tyre markings and give an attractive finish.
Available in dealers from 1 January 2022, the new MICHELIN Road 6 tyre range comprises six front and eight rear sizes, while the MICHELIN Road 6 GT tyre range is available in one front and three rear sizes. This range provides fitments for everything from small roadsters such as the KTM 390, through sports bikes and trail bikes, up to GT machines such as the BMW K1600 GT/GTL.
MICHELIN Road Tyre History
The MICHELIN Road 6 tyre range follows in the footsteps of a long line of Michelin firsts in its Road tyre ranges:
2002 MICHELIN Pilot Road – the first Road tyre range
2007 MICHELIN Pilot Road 2 – the first Road tyre range featuring sipes
2014 MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 – the first Road tyre range with a dedicated GT version
2018 MICHELIN Road 5 – the first Road tyre range using 3D sipe technology
*In-house comparisons of the MICHELIN Road 6 and MICHELIN Road 5 ranges conducted at Fontange track:
07 & 08/07/2020: 120/70 ZR 17 & 180/55 ZR 17, on a Suzuki 1250S Bandit and a Triumph Street Triple S 765.
15/03/2021 & 21/05/2021: 120/70 ZR 17 & 180/55 ZR 17, on a Suzuki 1250S Bandit.
17/01/2020: 120/70 ZR 17 & 180/55 ZR 17 (GT version), on a BMW R1200RT.
17/09/2020: 120/70 ZR 17 & 160/60 ZR 17, on a Kawasaki ER6n.
17/01/2020: 110/80 ZR 19 & 150/70 ZR 17, on a BMW R1200GS.
**Comparison of the MICHELIN Road 6 and MICHELIN Road 5 ranges, according to an independent test on public roads by DEKRA Narbonne:
20/07/2020 to 07/08/2020: 120/70 ZR 17 & 180/55 ZR 17, on a BMW K1300R.
17/08/2020 to 14/10/2020: 120/70 ZR 17 & 180/55 ZR 17 (GT version), on a BMW R1250RT loaded, but without top-case.
28/09/2020 to 12/11/2020, dimensions: 120/70 ZR 17 & 160/60 ZR 17, on a Suzuki Gladius 650.
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tyres, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 123,600 employees and operates 71 tyre production facilities which together produced around 170 million tyres in 2020. (www.michelin.com)
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Getting your first motorcycle should be a fun experience. You get to enjoy the thrill of hitting the open road after getting your licence. Although motorcycling has plenty of lasting memories, freedom and exhilarating moments, there are also a few things to consider before buying one.
Whether you plan on buying a motorcycle for leisure, adventure or commuting, there are plenty of beginner-friendly options to consider. So, how do you find your first motorcycle? Here is everything you should know before buying one.
Budget
Buying your first bike can be expensive. One mistake most people make is to only save up for the bike. However, you should also remember that gear and maintenance can be costly. In fact, equipment is amongst the most expensive elements of a motorcycle. For example, a high-end helmet might cost you north of $1,000. In addition, you will also need a safety jacket, some bike pants, boots, and gloves. Budgeting and pre-planning are great ways to save some money and strategise for the future not just when purchasing a motorcycle but even when doing other things like playing a long strategy game or even playing exciting games at Platincasino Ireland.
Identify Your Needs
There are many reasons you might need a motorcycle. For one, you may need a bike to commute. However, if you want a bike for fun, you should consider either a track bike or a dirt bike. Remember that you can use either of these bikes for casual riding.
A dirt bike is high up because of the tall suspension. It's comfortable for your back because it uses handlebars. Track bikes have an aggressive racing position that might not be ideal for long commutes.
How Much Power?
This is a question that every new rider asks themselves. The power of a motorcycle varies depending on the engine's cubic capacity (cc). As a beginner, the best engine capacity should be anything below 700 cc's.
Most bikes between 150 to 700 cc will produce between 10 to 70 horsepower. This is enough power for most beginners. You should also check the laws in your country to know whether there is a stipulated cc size for a beginner. However, when considering the power, go with the bike you are comfortable with.
Suitability
There's more to owning a bike than budget and power. It would be best to consider a bike that you can easily handle. Therefore, check the weight of the bike and its riding height. Most dirt and sport bikes are light and easy to handle.
However, adventure bikes and cruisers are on the heavier side. These bikes also have low ride heights, thus a low centre of gravity, making them perfect for short riders. As for comfort, you can adjust it by purchasing plushier seats that either add or reduce the ride height.
Conclusion
Buying your first bike can be arduous without ample research. However, by following this guide, you can purchase a bike depending on your budget, requirements, power, and manageability.
A good beginner bike shouldn't have too much power, but it shouldn't be slow either. Therefore, consider a bike with all the features that you might need. For example, if you plan to make longer journeys, you need a comfortable bike with extra features like cruise control and a quick shifter.
With all this in mind, you should be able to choose a perfect first motorcycle. Good Luck!
article supplied
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The 2021 MotoGP season only came to a close in mid-November, after the Valencia Grand Prix. The race was won by Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia, four spots ahead of title winner Fabio Quartararo. 
But while the dust has just about settled on 2021, teams, riders, and fans are all gearing up for the 2022 season.
Bikes have already hit the track, with a test session taking place at Jerez on 18th November. More testing is scheduled for the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia and the Mandalika International Street Circuit in Indonesia in early February, less than a month before the start of the season.
So with just a matter of weeks to go before the lights go out, here are some of the things to look for in 2022.
2022 MotoGP Favourites
Betting on MotoGP has grown in popularity in recent years, with most major bookmakers now offering odds on individual Grands Prix and the championship as a whole. This is also helped by the growing number of free bet promotions that are offered by these bookies, allowing bettors to get more value from the wagers that they place.
Few bookies have released their odds for the 2022 season yet, but it’s still possible to make some predictions about the upcoming season.
In recent years, Marc Márquez has been a dominant force in the sport. The Spanish rider will turn 29 just before the start of the new season, in which he hopes he will make a triumphant return. The Honda rider missed much of 2020 and several races in 2021 due to an arm injury. If he can put that behind him, expect him to be back at the front of the pack.
Fellow Spaniard and 2020 title winner Joan Mir is also likely to be a strong contender, as is reigning champion Fabio Quartararo.
The 2022 season is likely to be a close battle, which should make it exciting from start to finish.
No Rossi
This year will be the first time this century that the MotoGP paddock will not feature the legendary Italian rider, Valentino Rossi. The Yamaha rider finally hung up his gloves at the end of the 2021 Valencia Grand Prix, finishing just 18th in the championship - a far cry from the impressive seven world titles he won between 2001 and 2009.
After finishing the season in third place in 2018, Rossi has ended each of the following three in 7th, 15th, and 18th respectively. While he hasn’t been at the front, battling for wins anywhere near as much as earlier in his career, the Italian will still leave a large hole in the paddock for 2022. 
Although he won’t be riding, Rossi won’t be going too far as the Italian will be running his own team known Racing Team VR46 in 2022.
A Changed Calendar
After a turbulent few years in which global sports like MotoGP had to adapt and change its scheduling to pack in as much racing as possible, the 2022 calendar is expected to be more of a return to normality.
The Argentinian, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Australian, and Finnish Grands Prix are all set to return. This does, however, mean that the doubleheaders in Qatar, Portugal, San Marino, and Austria have been dropped.
The Indonesian Grand Prix’s return after 24 years will take place on the newly-built Mandalika International Street Circuit. Meanwhile, the KymiRing, another new track, will become the new home of the Finnish Grand Prix, after a 39-year absence.
Lineup Changes
As happens each year, there will be new rider and team combinations for 2022. One of the most notable, aside from Rossi’s absence, will be the return of Aprilia as a full factory team for the first time since 2004.
Esponsorama Racing will be replaced by Rossi’s Racing Team VR46, Gresini Racing returns as a fully independent outfit, and RNG MotoGP Racing will take the place of Petronas SRT.
Meanwhile last year’s Moto2 champion and runner-up, Remy Gardner and Raúl Fernández, will be moving up into MotoGP, riding for Tech3 KTM. Other new faces on the grid include Enea Bastianini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Marco Bezzecchi.
With so many new faces, teams, and tracks the 2022 MotoGP season is shaping up to be an exciting one.
article supplied
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NAWA Technologies (NAWA), pioneers of revolutionary 3D nano-technology to unleash efficient, green mobility, has revealed the first fully rideable prototype of its NAWA Racer electric motorbike at the world’s biggest two-wheeled show, EICMA 2021 in Milan.
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Cardo Systems, the global market leader in wireless helmet communication for motorcycle riders, today announced a brand new range of bluetooth communicators, raising the benchmark for quality and innovation once again.
With Cardo’s continued commitment to its customers, the new range confirms its position in the market as the best option for those demanding the most out of their riding. Bringing a whole new generation of products with an array of features as standard, such as over-the-air software updates, meaning no cables are needed, the most advanced Bluetooth 5.2 chip on the market will now be integrated into all devices. Fast charging as standards means you can focus on the ride ahead, with a 20 minute charge giving users two hours of ride time.
The Cardo SPIRIT is a brand new product line and delivers all of the qualities that made Cardo recognisable as the high quality brand it is today, at an incredible introductory price of only 99.95 euros. The SPIRIT is powered by the latest Bluetooth technology and brings all of the essentials needed by a young, urban rider and combines them with unprecedented attention to detail, build quality and durability. With the ability to connect up to two riders up to a 400m range, it allows the rider to focus on the ride ahead and enjoy seamless connectivity.
The Cardo SPIRIT HD provides the unbeatable package, with everything a rider will ever want from a Bluetooth communicator at an affordable price. The SPIRIT HD is powered by the latest Bluetooth technology, and is combined with features such as high quality sound from powerful 40mm HD speakers, FM radio, and 13 hours talk time.
The Cardo FREECOM 2x establishes itself as the mid range, and firm favourite in the product line-up, as the best Bluetooth communicator for two riders. Added benefits include premium Sound by JBL, live intercom and analogue jog-dial. The Cardo FREECOM 2x sets a new standard for Bluetooth communicators with features such as Live Intercom, an auto-reconnecting Bluetooth connection for two riders, with live sound like never before. The Cardo FREECOM 2x also boasts features such as being waterproof and over-the-air software updates which provides additional value to an already incredible package.
Topping out the new line-up, the Cardo FREECOM 4x positions itself as the world’s best, fully featured, Bluetooth communicator for up to 4 riders. All of the benefits and features you’d expect from Cardo are standard with the addition of an auto-reconnecting Bluetooth connection for four riders, with live sound like never before – FREECOM 4x is the ideal premium Bluetooth companion for any ride.
Alon Lumbroso, Chief Executive Officer, Cardo Systems, commented “We are extremely proud and excited to replace our entire Bluetooth product range with two new exciting product families. The Cardo SPIRIT line sets a new standard for riders and our Cardo FREECOM x line-up raises the benchmark to position itself as the world’s best communication system on the market. Regardless of what or how you ride, we are confident we have a communicator for everyone.”
For more information about Cardo Systems, visit CardoSystems.com or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and see all the latest videos on YouTube.
About Cardo Systems
Cardo specialises in the design, development, manufacturing and sale of state-of-the-art wireless communication and entertainment systems for motorcycle riders. Since inception in 2004, Cardo has pioneered the vast majority of innovations for Bluetooth motorcycle communication systems and in 2015, it has also introduced the world’s first mesh powered communication protocol into the motorcycle market. The company’s products, now available in over 100 countries, are the world’s leading communication devices for the motorcycle industry.
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