Random International News thread

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

KTM considering buying Ducati?

' "I have an emotional relationship with Ducati," assures the KTM CEO. "Ducati is Ducati, there's nothing to shake about that. The only brand that would fit us is Ducati. Everything else you can forget. MV Agusta is too small." '


Source: Stefan Pierer (KTM): «Ducati würde gut zu uns passen»/MotoGP SPEEDWEEK

[Sujan Azad Parikh]

Re: Random International News thread

Confederate Motorcycles was an Alabama-based bike maker responsible for some of the most outrageously designed (and expensive) motorcycles in the world. The company recently announced that it was rebranding itself to the Curtiss Motorcycle Company and would focus on making equally wild machines, but this time based on electric powertrain. The company took this step because of the controversy surrounding its name – a controversy that you can read all about here. In fact, Curtiss has already shown off its first creation and it’s a completely ludicrous machine named the Zeus.

Confederate Motorcycles makes a comeback - Autocar India

[Samarth 619]

Re: Random International News thread

2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the making: but it might not head to India.

The 37-extra-cc cheater is back! And it will be sharper than before.



The new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R might make its global debut in the year 2019. Recent documents filed by the Japanese manufacturer in the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggest that Kawasaki is working on an updated Ninja ZX-6R that is due for the year 2019. One of the most prominent changes on the new 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will be the engine. The motor will be Euro-IV compliant and it will be the same 636cc, inline four-cylinder engine from the present generation model. With the new model, one can get to see a bump in power and torque figures in order to deliver better performance. Also, the engine will now get a three-way catalytic converter in comparison to a two-way unit that comes on the present day model.


Source & more info here:- https://www.financialexpress.com/aut.../1200418/lite/

[Sujan Azad Parikh]

Re: Random International News thread

French company Furygan (who provides MotoGP rider Johann Zarco’s clobber) has announced the introduction of two new textile jackets for S/S 2018.
Both jackets feature CE-approved protection from D30 armour at the shoulders and elbows, and both can accommodate back protectors.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2018/may/furygan-textile-jacket-new-2018-motorbike-equipment/

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

Kawasaki sells a grand total of just two Versys 300s over the last six months:



https://www.cartoq.com/kawasaki-vers...d-heres-proof/

"In all of 6 months, Kawasaki has sold only 2 units of the Versys. In contrast, the Versys 650, a much pricier motorcycle, sold 21 units in April 2018. The motorcycle’s steep price tag of Rs. 4.6 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, means that it’s almost as pricey as its 650cc elder sibling, the Kawasaki Ninja 650N.

"Kawasaki has priced the Versys X300 so high despite assembling it in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route.

"The high price tag by Kawasaki is intentional. The Japanese motorcycle brand is trying to keep its premium appeal intact, and not dilute it with lower priced models."

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

Curtiss (formerly known as Confederate) unveil Zeus, a 170hp electric cruiser:

https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/curtiss-motorcycles-reveals-170hp-electric-cruiser-concept-408333

[drive_angry]

Re: Random International News thread

UM releases blatant KTM rip-off in China:

https://www.cartoq.com/ktm-dukes-design-cloned-by-um-motorcycles-in-china-take-a-look/

"The Xtreet 250X is likely to be sold in the Chinese market but UM won’t even imagine bringing this motorcycle to India because intellectual property laws are a lot stronger here than in China. The major parts of the KTM Duke’s design that UM Motorcycles has copied includes the trellis frame, the fuel tank shrouds, split seats and even the rear mudguard. However, the engine seems different as it’s an air cooled unit compared to the Duke’s liquid cooled motor."

My god! They have not even spared rear fender from copying. Does patent laws not apply in Chinese market? How can a reputed american company do such a thing?

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

UM releases blatant KTM rip-off in China:

https://www.cartoq.com/ktm-dukes-design-cloned-by-um-motorcycles-in-china-take-a-look/

"The Xtreet 250X is likely to be sold in the Chinese market but UM won’t even imagine bringing this motorcycle to India because intellectual property laws are a lot stronger here than in China. The major parts of the KTM Duke’s design that UM Motorcycles has copied includes the trellis frame, the fuel tank shrouds, split seats and even the rear mudguard. However, the engine seems different as it’s an air cooled unit compared to the Duke’s liquid cooled motor."

[Samarth 619]

Re: Random International News thread

RIP Alan Kempster.




Guys, unless his Facebook page is hacked or there's a major confusion in reporting the news, Alan Kempster, the left side story rider, has passed away.

Alan Kempster was a rider who rode despite not having one arm and leg. He was a major inspiration to all of us.





More information on the specifics is yet to come...


Please have a look here:- https://www.facebook.com/LeftSideSto...38978609453743

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

The Mystery of the Traub Motorcycle: World's rarest motorcycle found hidden inside wall, shrouded in mystery and boasting of technology far ahead of its time - and it still runs today.

Mystery of the Traub Motorcycle – Blooms Mag



"In 1967, a plumber doing renovations of an apartment building outside Chicago tore down a brick wall and found what would prove to be a baffling mystery to vintage motorcycle enthusiasts – a one-of-a-kind motorcycle bearing 1917 plates and the name “Traub”. The building’s elderly owner admitted that his son had stolen the bike before going off to WWI, never to return. But where the bike came from and who made it remains a unknown to this day.

Don’t think this unique motorcycle is merely a museum piece though. Walksler rides the Traub fairly regularly. When asked about the engine components, he enthusiastically replied, “Everything inside the engine is just magnificent. The pistons are handmade, and have gap-less cast iron rings, the engineering and machining being simply years ahead of their time.”
“When comparing other top motorcycle makes and models of the era, the Traub has no equal. Comprised of a sand-cast, hand-built, 80 cubic-inch “side valve” engine, the machine has the ability to reach speeds in excess of 85 mph with ease,” says Walksler.
Aside from its few off-the-shelf components, the Traub has many unique handmade features. The three-speed transmission is thought to be one of the first of its kind and the rear brake, a dual-acting system that employs a single cam that is responsible for pushing an internal set of shoes, while pulling an external set, has never been seen on any other American motorcycle.
“For a machine to have such advanced features, unparalleled by other motorcycles of the same era, is truly outstanding,” said Walksler. “It’s my opinion that The Traub was an attempt at a new breed of motorcycle. But how on earth could a machine have been produced in such great form, with capabilities that far exceed that of any comparable machine, without the knowledge of the rest of the motorcycle industry during that time.”"

[The Monk]

Re: Random International News thread

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/harley-davidson-recalls-251000-motorcycles-worldwide/articleshow/62830807.cms

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

PLY Kickstarter helmet promises smart on a budget

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/ply-helmet-kickstarter-promises-smart-on-a-budget

"Will history repeat itself, or will this be the smart helmet that's affordable and real?"

[Samarth 619]

Re: Random International News thread

Casey Stoner blessed with a baby daughter.


The li'l one's name is Caleya Maria Stoner, born on 6th of October, 2017 at 1:30 PM.

In a Facebook post by Stoner, he says that both mumma and baby are doing great, and the baby weighs "2,605 kgs". Err... Well, I guess he means 2.605 kgs (with a dot, not a comma).
So, it seems Casey is sealing his retirement decision, athough we have seen fathers racing before.




Casey already has a 4 year old daughter, and even earlier he wasn't quite sure of returning to racing with family responsibilities and all. Those who know Casey best feel like they've seen the best and last of him already, and now its his turn to relax and enjoy family life.

However, he has been receiving suggestions about considering his retirement decision, which he acknowledges but so far, nothing concrete has come up.
He's a test rider for behind the scenes testing already, and he hasn't lost much speed, so maybe if the 3 ladies can convince him that bikes are awesome at any stage of life, then maybe we'll see number 27 getting back with a bang. Nothing concrete so far though.

In any case, let's wish the family all the best for an awesome and happy life!




Source: https://www.facebook.com/officialcas.../?type=3&ifg=1

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

Ducati will not be sold to Harley-Davidson (or Bajaj or RE), rather will remain independent:

https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/2017/09/30/volkswagen-withdraws-ducati-sale-amid-unions-opposition

[marcussantiago]

Re: Random International News thread

Ana Carrasco first woman to win world championship bike race:

https://www.motorsport.com/supersport/news/carrasco-first-woman-to-win-world-championship-bike-race-954635/