• 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.

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.

Virtual Reality technology has enabled us to explore far-flung locations that we might never have been able to visit, which is great for people with a motorcycle hobby who don’t get much time to get out on the open road.

VR headsets, software and devices have allowed motorcycle fanatics to continue enjoying their hobby in a much cheaper and more convenient way. Find out more about how VR will change the motorcycle hobby right here.

How is VR changing the motorcycle hobby?  

People who enjoy motorcycling as a hobby often have to plan out ways to reach desirable locations well in advance, which means finding anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days or more.

These same people tend to work long hours, therefore, don’t get too much time to indulge in their passion for going out on the open road. VR technology is changing this.

Thanks to the latest developments in VR headsets and other cutting-edge VR technology, motorcyclists looking to get away can now experience being out on the open road from the comfort of their homes.

It means they get to spend more time with the family and can still enjoy their favourite pastime. It may not be the same as being on a motorcycle taking in the Scottish Highlands, the African Wilderness, the Mountains of Nepal, or the Australian outback, but it’s the next best thing, and it’s becoming extremely popular.

Are VR casinos a thing? You can now take up more hobbies thanks to VR technology, one of which is VR casinos. You can enjoy online poker at today’s best VR casinos, although they are still not yet as good as live dealer casinos from award-winning software providers, such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play.

What are the best VR headsets in 2023?

If you’re looking to see what all the fuss is about and get your hands on a VR headset in 2023, then you may want to consider investing in one of these top-of-the-range devices before purchasing any other VR headsets.

Some of the best VR headsets on the market today are the following impressive devices:

● Valve Index VR Kit – this innovative piece of kit will set you back around $1,000, and it’s regarded by many as the best PC VR headset for gamers

● Meta Quest 2 – you can get your hands on this all-round relatively affordable device for just $400, and it’s a huge hit with most people

● HTC VIVE Pro 2 – this top-of-the-range headset costs just over $1,280, but if you want the best of the best, this is the device for you

● HP Reverb G2 – if you’re looking for a decent device for less than $400, then you may want to invest in this for just $380

Honourable mentions

One of the other reliable VR devices on the market today is the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite. If you’re looking for something much cheaper, you may want a headset you can hook up to your smartphone or Nintendo Switch.

Examples include the BNEXT VR Headset, which is compatible with iPhone and Android phones, the OIVO VR Headset, which is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, and the VR Shinecon Virtual Reality Headset.

You also have the Pansonite VR Headset with remote control, the Viotek Spectre VR headset for most smartphones, the PlayStation VR Marvel’s Iron Man VR Bundle, and Atlasonix VR Headset, and the Oivo VR headset for the Nintendo Switch, to name just a few great VR devices.

Top 5 motorcycle destinations in the world

If you aren’t yet convinced by VR headsets and would prefer to visit some of the world’s best motorcycle road trip destinations in person, there are several highly recommended locations you should add to your bucket list. They include the following:

● Australia’s Oxley Highway

● Spain/Morocco’s Granada to Marrakech

● America’s Pacific Coast Highway  

● Wales’s Historic Coastline

● Nepal’s Kathmandu to Mount Everest Base Camp

People are also fond of several other top locations, such as the Pan American Highway in South Peru, Paso de San Francisco in Argentina, and even the Coast of Britain.

If that’s not enough to keep you going, you also have Dalton Highway in Alaska, the Valley of the Rocks in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Uyuni (the Salt Flats), which is also in Bolivia, and Cairo to Khartoum in Egypt / Sudan.

Preparing your trip to any of these destinations will take months of planning, but don’t forget that plenty of helpful websites can help do all the hard work for you and take the stress out of the planning part of the operation.

article supplied

After last year’s great satisfaction, the will to share the on-track excitement had to continue and this is why we will see the logo of the well-known, Cotignola-based company BATTIPAV on the conveyor of Di Giannantonio and new arrival Alex Marquez’s Ducati machines, as well as on the riders’ leathers, pit-box panels and hospitality.  

This is a worthy tribute to celebrate the 40 years of activity for the company specialised in machines and tools for the building industry, which operates both on the Italian territory and Internationally thanks to the state-of-the-art projects by the Tondini family.  

Passion and Made in Italy will be back in full display in Europe and around the world, to deliver unforgettable moments of true sport to the millions of enthusiasts.  

STEFANO TONDINI – GENERAL MANAGER, BATTIPAV
“The level of succes achieved in 2022 has created plenty of buzz, but also excited the guests selected by Battipav, who had the lucky chance to celebrate together with Team Gresini at the track! There will be plenty of benefits and surprises in store this year, too, for those brand Ambassadors who chose to wear the colours and values of the Italian company – and will enjoy a true #BattipavExperience. 
 
CARLO MERLINI – MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, GRESINI RACING
“First of all, I would like to wish a happy birthday to Battipav! Forty years are quite the milestone for this company, which was able to combine a family atmosphere with innovation, digitalisation and strong attention to human resources – the real asset of every company. And we’re glad that this recurrence coincides with another year of partnership with Team Gresini MotoGP. Last year, in what was the debut season of the Battipav – Gresini MotoGP partnership, was quite a sensational one and we’re sure 2023 has plenty of more excitement in store with Alex and Diggia, two young, talented and extremely motivated riders! I would like to thank Stefano, Ketty and Claudio for their passion and trust.”

Suzuki has confirmed its withdrawal from the British Superbike Championship, ahead of the 2023 season.

Aligning with its global racing strategy – which saw the termination of its MotoGP project as well as a scaling back of factory support in the Endurance World Championship – and following the departure of the current GSX-R1000R model from European markets, Suzuki has suspended its official involvement in the premier domestic superbike series.

Over the past six seasons – in partnership with Hawk Racing – the Suzuki GSX-R1000R has won superbike and superstock races with the likes of Bradley Ray, Richard Cooper, Sylvain Guintoli, Kyle Ryde, Gino Rea, Tim Neave, Billy McConnell, and Charlie Nesbitt behind the ‘bars. And in 2019 Cooper also helped steer Suzuki and Hawk Racing to the National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

There has also been success on the roads, with Cooper taking podium finishes at the North West 200, while Michael Dunlop raced the GSX-R to victory in the 2017 Senior TT, the bike’s first appearance at the prestigious Isle of Man TT races.

Suzuki would like to thank the riders and fans for their support, and especially Steve and Stuart Hicken and everyone at Hawk Racing for their hard work and dedication over the last six years, without which none of those historic results would have been possible. Everyone at Suzuki wishes the team well for the future.

Suzuki will continue to support racers campaigning GSX-R machinery at all levels via its Race Parts Programme.