Husqvarna Motorcycles is recalling specific frame numbers of the 2016 FC 250 machines to authorised Husqvarna dealers for a complete crankshaft replacement.

Following market investigations by Husqvarna Motorcycles it has been determined that deviations in the manufacturing process of the connecting rod may result in early failure and fracturing of the conrod under certain load conditions.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is therefore issuing an instruction to replace the complete crankshaft on affected bikes. Owners of 2016 FC 250 models are being informed by a personal letter, asking them to immediately contact an authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer to arrange an appointment for replacement.

Customers can check online in the ‘Service’ area of the Husqvarna Motorcycles website to determine if their motorcycle is affected by this recall.

Replacement crankshaft work will be carried out at no cost to motorcycle owners, but must be performed by authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers only. 

Shoei’s extensive experience in off-road helmet design and manufacturing has led to the creation of a new standard in off-road helmets, the VFX-W. The aggressive shell design allows for a lightweight off-road helmet that offers incredible protection, form-fitting comfort, cooling ventilation and components that are easy to care for.

Features

• Lightweight, Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus Shell

• Advanced Integrated Matrix Plus (AIM+) construction combines high performance fibers with organic fibers to create a shell structure that is lightweight, rigid and resilient

• Four shell and five liner sizes present increased fit options that help to comfortably fit most head sizes

• Aerodynamic properties are maximized through extensive wind tunnel and rider testing

• Flow-Through Ventilation System

• Front intake vents combine with rear vents and a neck outlet vent to maximize flow-through ventilation

• Cool air passes through the front intake vents, cools the helmet interior and is exhausted through the rear vents by the force of negative air pressure

• 3D Max-Dry Removable Liner System

• The helmet interior is constructed with a comfortable, Max-Dry material that absorbs and discharges moisture two times faster than traditional nylon

• The 3D Max-Dry removable liner system is thermomolded to match the liner perfectly to the helmet interior

• The cheek pads, upper liner and chinstrap covers are easily removed for cleaning and/or replacement

• The removable cheek pads are available in optional sizes so that each rider can personalize their fit

• Sleek Visor and Sleek Mouthpiece

• Aggressively shaped Sleek Visor provides incredible airflow for reduced drag

• Sleek visor is easily installed or removed with the use of three external screws for ease of access to center screw and tightening by hand

• No-clog Sleek Mouthpiece for enhanced flow-through ventilation

• Removable, washable and replaceable Sleek Mouthpiece filter

• Matte black anti-reflection for underside of visor is included (white and graphic models only)

• Unique chin strap clip keeps strap from flapping in the wind

• Ergonomically shaped mud guard

• Helmet sack constructed of soft, velvety fabric with drawstring closure

• TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Standards: ECE 22.05, DOT-218, Snell-M2005

• Construction: AIM+ (Advanced Integrated

• Matrix Plus Multi Fiber) shell

• Weight: 1270gr (+/- 30gr) g

Call (011) 259 7750  to find your local Shoei dealer.

•Shell in AIM+ Organic fibre and multi-composite fibre in  various layers for a shock-absorbent shell  with optimum rigidity

•EPS-liner system with different densities Optimized protection trough EPS elements  with different shock absorbing levels

•CNS-2 visor system With Pinlock® antifog system

•Double-D Ring system Easy to handle, always perfect adjusted

•4 different outer shell constructions:

For perfect fit and compact dimensions 1) XS-S, 2) M, 3) L, 4) XL-XXL

•3d-centerpad, detachable, washable For pleasant wearing comfort

•Cheek pads detachable, washable For better care and individual adjustment

•Chinstrap cover detachable, washable Easy to maintain and clean

•Ear pads To reduce noise

•Multiple venting and extraction For optimum ventilation performance

•Inlets at the brow area Fresh air supply guaranteed

•Four outlets at the top and at the neck

•Spoiler For optimised aero dynamical performance

Call (011) 259 7750  to find your local Shoei dealer.

•Shell in AIM+ Organic fibre and multi-composite fibre in  various layers for a shock-absorbent shell  with optimum rigidity

•EPS-liner system with different densities Optimized protection trough EPS elements  with different shock absorbing levels

•CNS-2 visor system With Pinlock® antifog system

•Double-D Ring system Easy to handle, always perfect adjusted

•4 different outer shell constructions For perfect fit and compact dimensions 1) XS-S, 2) M, 3) L, 4) XL-XXL

•3d-centerpad, detachable, washable For pleasant wearing comfort

•Cheek pads detachable, washable For better care and individual adjustment

•Chinstrap cover detachable, washable Easy to maintain and clean

•Ear pads To reduce noise

•Multiple venting and extraction For optimum ventilation performance

•Inlets at the brow area Fresh air supply guaranteed

•Four outlets at the top and at the neck

•Spoiler For optimised aero dynamical performance

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announces that it will compete in the 39th "Coca-Cola Zero" Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race to be held at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture from July 28 to 31, 2016 with the Yamaha Factory Racing Team and the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team. The two factory teams will use a YZF-R1 specially developed for the Suzuka 8 Hours and Yamaha will aim to take a second consecutive victory and its sixth ever in the competition. 

Riding again for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team will be Katsuyuki Nakasuga, the defending champion and current holder of four consecutive titles in the pinnacle JSB1000 class of the All Japan Road Race Championship, and MotoGP regular Pol Espargaró, who put Yamaha in pole position last year with an incredible flying lap, despite it being his first time to race at Suzuka and aboard the YZF-R1. The two star riders that helped bring Yamaha its stunning Suzuka 8 Hours win last year will be joined by Alex Lowes, who rides for Yamaha in its return to the World Superbike Championship this year. The team manager will be Wataru Yoshikawa, the current manager of Yamaha's All Japan Road Race Championship factory team. 

As for the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team led by manager Mandy Kainz, it will field team regular Broc Parkes, who is competing this season in the Endurance World Championship, and Kouta Nozane and Takuya Fujita, two young but top riders competing in the All Japan Championship's premier class.

Also, this year will see Monster Energy as the main sponsor of both Yamaha teams. Monster Energy is a key partner in Yamaha's quest for victory in racing series around the world, such as the MotoGP World Championship, the Motocross World Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship. Yamaha's entries will have the valuable support of Monster Energy and a host of other sponsors as they battle to repeat last year's success at Suzuka. 

As Yamaha Motor celebrated its 60th anniversary last season, concerted global efforts were made to energize our racing activities, such as the introduction of the new YZF-R1 to the race scene. The result was not only a victory at the previous Suzuka 8 Hours but also numerous wins and championship titles in production-based racing in Japan, Europe and North America. These successes did much to boost Yamaha's presence in the world's markets. 

Yamaha is pursuing a more aggressive policy for racing activities this season, which includes returning to the World Superbike Championship, and this entry of two factory teams in the Suzuka 8 Hours is another example of this strengthened policy. 

Yamaha will be aiming to win a second consecutive victory this year in the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours and further strengthen the presence of the YZF-R1 in Japan and abroad. And like last year, we will be seeking new gains in technological expertise, promoting development of human resources and sharing the excitement and rewarding experiences of motorsport as an embodiment of our "Revs your Heart" Brand Slogan.

Cape Town, South Africa (24 May 2016) Harley-Davidson®, leading the way in the new wave custom scene, today announced the first ever local Battle of the Kings contest winner and Africa’s Custom King 2016, Harley-Davidson® Cape Town.

“We wanted to be outrageous and daring whilst still retaining Harley’s core brand values.  We translated a ‘Steam Punk’ theme into the bike build and combined old era machinery with todays’ technology in the paint work.  I am proud our Custom team have been awarded this title - Shaun (Chrome Consultant), Corne (Service Manager), Verdi (Technician), Craig (Sales Executive) and Amir (Spray painter) put great effort into the process and to get our custom bike ready in time, we worked consecutive days and nights with Master Technician, Makram. The team effort certainly paid off,” comments George Hansen, Dealer Principal Harley-Davidson Cape Town.

The competition, which took place between January and April 2016, saw 10 authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships across Africa competing for the Custom King title in this year’s Battle of the Kings contest.

With over 10 000 Harley exclusive parts and accessories to choose from the Custom teams were encouraged to demonstrate their originality and creative customization skills on the 2016 Sportster® Iron 883™.

“We used the Iron 883 for the 2016 Battle of The Kings competition, as it represents the ideal blank canvas to demonstrate the customization skills of the Harley-Davidson® dealer network.  The competition was tough and we are impressed by how our dealers worked their magic on this year’s Battle of the Kings entries and translated their vision of individuality, rebellion and freedom which is core to the Harley-Davidson brand,” says Paul de Jongh, Harley-Davidson Africa Country Manager.

The contest, a two-stage process, began with an online public voting system where bikers and enthusiasts had the chance to choose their favourite top 3 Custom Kings at https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_AA/ between March and April 2016. A judging panel then voted for the winning entry.

The custom scene came alive with the 10 bikes displayed at major events nationally and culminated at Africa Bike Week from 28 April to Sunday, 1 May 2016.  The public had the opportunity to witness the intricate works of our network, Harley’s expert custom consultants and expert technicians.

With over 4500 votes, the public determined the top 3 finalists; Harley-Davidson Durban, Harley-Davidson Tyger Valley and Harley-Davidson Cape Town.

Local industry leaders were then tasked with subjectively judging these finalists based on their own artistic, professional and personal tastes drawing whilst inspiration from Dark Custom, the underground face of Harley-Davidson.  Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom motorcycles are intentionally rough and rugged around the edges, drawing on the rebellious spirit of the brand and embodying individuality and freedom of expression.

The judging panel included Expresso presenter, Ewan Strydom, Man Cave presenter, Siv Ngesi, SA HotRods magazine Editor Joe van Zyl and designer, Carrol Boyes. 

Photographs from: SA Hot Rods

All 10 Battle of the Kings bikes are available at the respective dealership and will be on sale at MSRP R229 000.

Battle of the Kings participating dealerships:

Harley-Davidson Cape Town http://www.harley-davidson-capetown.com/

Harley-Davidson Tygervalley http://www.harley-davidson-tygervalley.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Durban http://www.harley-durban.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Zambezi http://www.harley-davidsonzambezi.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Bloemfontein http://www.harley-davidsonbloemfontein.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Gold Rand http://www.goldrandharley-davidson.com/

Harley-Davidson Pretoria http://www.harley-pretoria.com/

Harley-Davidson Johannesburg http://www.hdavidson.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Clearwater http://www.clearwaterhd.co.za/

Harley-Davidson Reunion http://www.hdreunion.com/

For more information and to check out the bikes that went into battle visit:

https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_AA/

#BOTK2 #DarkCustom

https://www.facebook.com/HarleyDavidsonAfrica

Twitter - @harleyafrica

Instagram - @HarleyAfrica

Ducati presents the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, the most adventurous version ever of the renowned Bologna-built multibike. Born to be unstoppable on any terrain, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro is a full- optional bike designed to satisfy even the most demanding globetrotter. Moreover, this maxi-enduro has specifically been developed and built to handle the stress and strain of off-road riding. Ducati test riders have put the Multistrada 1200 Enduro through its paces under the most extreme riding conditions to ensure reliability whatever the terrain while maintaining the ride quality and fun one expects from a Ducati.

Thanks to spoked wheels - 19'' at the front and 17'' at the rear - the Multistrada 1200 Enduro is perfect for long-distance adventures. Featuring electronic semi-active Sachs suspension (front and rear) and a 30-litre fuel tank, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro is unstoppable on any terrain and has a range that can exceed 450 kilometres (280 miles).

The Multistrada 1200 Enduro marks Ducati's entry into a new market segment, that of the maxi-enduro tourers; however there's been no compromising on Ducati style and technology. The smart, sports look has  been  renewed  and  upgraded  with  numerous  off-road  features.  The  electronics  package  is everything a rider could wish for, thanks to the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), developed by Bosch, which  dynamically  measures  pitch  and  roll  angles  and  acceleration  along  the  3  axes,  raising performance and safety standards even further.

On the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Cornering ABS, Cornering Lights (DCL), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system with 200 mm of wheel travel all come as standard. Moreover, for the very first time on a Ducati, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) has been introduced to aid uphill starts.

Tested and developed under the most extreme conditions, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro features the excellent, hard-wearing Multistrada 1200 frame together with a new twin-sided swingarm. The bike is powered by the tried and tested 160 hp Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine with EURO 4 type approval, now equipped with a new exhaust system. Thanks to Riding Mode technology (Enduro, Touring, Sport and Urban), the Multistrada 1200 Enduro offers that same four- bikes-in-one spirit that has made the Ducati multibike such a winner.

Other as-standard features on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro include electronic speed control and the Bluetooth module; the latter, via the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), lets riders connect the bike to a smartphone and manage key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging, music) via the switchgears and display information on the TFT dashboard.

Furthermore, the new Multistrada Link App for iOS and Android provides access to a whole series of functions: these process bike data received via Bluetooth allowing the user to improve, extend and share the ride experience via connection with the ducati.com website or social networks.

The Multistrada 1200 Enduro comes in three different colours (Ducati Red, Phantom Grey and Star White Silk) and can be personalised with items from the comprehensive Ducati Performance accessory catalogue by Touratech which includes the four Enduro, Touring, Sport and Urban packages.

To be a world-class racer in the world of motorsport, bravery is a pre-requisite.  To be a success in two-wheeled racing, particularly at the legendary Isle of Man TT event, requires men and women in a different league altogether. 

Supporting many of those fearless, disciplined and focused racers for a 7th consecutive year as official lubricant partner to the TT event is Motul.  The internationally renowned company has itself always faced technical challenges head on, and been focused on seeking out new ways to bring better performing, more effective and reliable products to competition and the high street alike.

The TT, or Tourist Trophy, was first held in 1907 and takes place over a 37.75 mile (60km) Snaefell Mountain course. These are public roads which, for two weeks every year, close to become a racetrack.  Racing begins from Saturday 4th June, culminating in the blue riband Senior TT race on Friday 10th June which has fast become the realm of one of the event’s living legends, John McGuinness

The “Morecombe Missile”, who races for the Motul-supported Honda Road Racing Team on the superb CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP, will be going for further victories in the RST Superbike TT race and Senior TT event to supplement the 23 he’s already achieved.  The King of the Mountain’s win in the Senior TT last year established an incredible new lap record with an average speed of 213.56 km/h (132.701mph).  Alongside him for Honda will be Manxman Conor Cummins who will be keen to at least match his best ever result of 2nd in the Senior TT on his 10th participation in the Isle of Man’s mythical event.

Not content with dominating the Senior TT, John McGuinness also bagged the 2015 TT Zero in which electric motorcycles participate. Motul will once again be partnering with Mugen for this event, the Japanese engine specialists hoping to repeat their success of 12 months ago.

Other teams supported by Motul in 2016 are RC Express Racing and its two riders Ivan Lintin and Alan Bonner.  Lintin will be looking to retain Isle of Man TT Lightweight title, competing on a Kawasaki in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes, and using a newly built ER6 Kawasaki for the Lightweight events.

East Coast Racing’s Lee Johnston last year posted his first TT podium in the Superstock class, and will be hoping to match or better that result, while Team York Suzuki’s 23-year-old Mark Goodings will be racing in no fewer than five events.  Also receiving Motul’s expert technical assistance will be Silicone Engineering Racing, with Dean Harrison – who impressed on his way to a 5th place finish at the recent NW200 – aboard a Kawasaki. 

Aside from its technical support to these teams, Motul will also be sponsoring a special exhibition which is bringing together most of the machines on which John McGuinness has won the Tourist Trophy over the years.

The Yamaha Historic Racing Team was back on track on May 21st-22nd at the Circuit Dijon Prenois in France for the "Coupes Moto Légende" (Cup Moto legend), the most important classic bikes meeting in Europe. Yamaha is a faithful partner of this event and this year the team brought some fabulous motorcycles again, such as the OW31 and the FZR500. Steve Baker, the Grand Prix 750cc World Champion of 1977, also made a special appearance and showed once more why people line up to see his extraordinary riding skills.

Milan, 18 May 2016 – Pirelli SCORPION™ Trail II is the best enduro street tyre on the market. Proclaiming this is the prestigious German magazine Motorrad, which has completed a comparative test of the best enduro street tyres available for sale.

The victory in the 2016 test is confirmation for Pirelli. The SCORPION™ Trail II had already been voted best enduro street tyre in the 2015 edition of the same comparative test, and this second success further reinforces the supremacy of this tyre in its segment. It also highlights, after one year since being introduced on the market, that no other tyre manufacturer has been able to match the performance offered by the technological solutions developed by Pirelli.

Specifically, the enduro street comparative test was published in the 11/2016 release of Motorrad currently on newsstands. The editorial staff of the magazine compared the tyres from six manufacturers in sizes 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear mounted on the current model of BMW R 1200 GS. 

SCORPION™ Trail II was the winner in three out of four of the tests performed: daily use on provincial roads in new conditions, wet testing and evaluation of the behaviour after 4.000 kilometres of use. And in the last test, the evaluation of the tread wear, it finished second just behind the METZELER TOURANCE™ Next.

In each test different parameters were evaluated and a numeric value assigned. In total, a maximum score of 500 points was available.

Below is the final ranking and score:

1) Pirelli SCORPION™ Trail II                                        458/500 points

2) Metzeler TOURANCE Next                                            446/500 points

3) Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A 40                               429/500 points

4) Continental Trail Attack 2                                              425/500 points

5) Dunlop Trailsmart                                                          414/500 points

5) Michelin Anakee III                                                        414/500 points

From the article, we learn that the Pirelli SCORPION™ Trail II has positively impressed the experienced testers of Motorrad for its riding precision combined with an exceptional stability and a consistent sporty behaviour after many kilometres. The first-class wet behaviour was further evidence to decree SCORPION™ Trail II the best in its segment.

SCORPION™ Trail II is in fact the fusion of two worlds: the field of off road competition and the road trip. Designed for the most demanding motorcyclists, it features key points of excellence; high mileage, consistency of performance for its entire tyre life and fantastic wet behaviour.

SCORPION™ Trail II is the Pirelli tyre specifically designed to meet the most demanding expectations of this market, with an aggressive tread pattern supported by strong technological innovations, giving good stability even at high speed, traction on dirt, handling, comfort and grip in all riding conditions.