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In keeping with the company’s customer-led product development approach, starting next week select consumers across the country will be able to ride and provide feedback on the bike, helping to shape the future of Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle.

While not immediately for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed for the purposes of getting insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“America at its best has always been about reinvention,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “And, like America, Harley-Davidson has reinvented itself many times in our history, with customers leading us every step of the way. Project LiveWire is another exciting, customer-led moment in our history.”

Spurred by this heritage, the Project LiveWire Experience invites customers to test ride, provide feedback and learn more about the story of the motorcycle. Even those who don’t yet ride will have the opportunity to feel the power of Project LiveWire through Jumpstart – a simulated riding experience.

A 2014 U.S. tour – kicking off with a journey down Route 66 – will visit more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships now through the end of the year. In 2015, the Project LiveWire Experience will continue in the U.S. and expand into Canada and Europe.

“This builds on many recent reinvention successes for Harley-Davidson.” said Levatich. “In just the last few years, we’ve broadened our reach to serve an increasingly diverse society, as well as reinvented our approach to product development and manufacturing. This has resulted in cutting-edge products like the recently launched Project Rushmore, Street 500 and 750 and this reveal of Project LiveWire.” hd electric02 

An Innovative Approach to Advance the Possibilities of Personal Freedom

This exciting new ride blends the company’s styling heritage with the latest technology to deliver a new expression of the signature Harley-Davidson look, sound and feel.

“Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “It’s an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand.”

The bike offers a visceral riding experience with tire-shredding acceleration and an unmistakable new sound.

“The sound is a distinct part of the thrill,” said Richer. “Think fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. Project LiveWire’s unique sound was designed to differentiate it from internal combustion and other electric motorcycles on the market.” 

Longer term plans for retail availability of Project LiveWire will be influenced by feedback from riders along the Project Livewire Experience tour. 

“We offer a no excuses riding experience in everything we do and we are led by what our customers tell us matters most,” said Richer. “Because electric vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, we are excited to learn more from riders through the Project LiveWire Experience to fully understand the definition of success in this market as the technology continues to evolve.”hd electric03

Helping Preserve and Renew the Freedom to Ride for Generations

As riding in the great outdoors is one of the best elements of motorcycling, sustainability remains a core strategic focus at Harley-Davidson.

“Preserving the riding environment is important to all of us,” said Levatich. “Project LiveWire is just one element in our efforts to preserve and renew the freedom to ride for generations to come. As a company that has seen success for 111 years, we think in generational terms about our great riding environments for the next 111 years.” 

Fans can learn more about Project LiveWire, as well as specific dates and locations for Project LiveWire Experience stops at projectlivewire.com.  Harley-Davidson also invites anyone who is interested in the possibilities of the future to follow and engage with the company on its social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.h-d.com.end bike test

 


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The waiting is over for Cayenne as the first shipment of the legendry Norton and Bimota’s brands arrived this week. The complete team could not wait to view the latest Bimota’s first to arrive were the Bimota DB5, Bimota DB9, Bimota DB11, Bimota 3D TESI2344

“We are attending the world launch of the much anticipated Bimota BB3 BMW powered machine that is currently causing a sensation in the EVO World Superbikes class , this month and the first two BB3’s will be flown out to South Africa,  After then launch said Craig Langton dealer principal Bimota SA a division of The Cayenne group of companies 

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There was tremendous excitement amongst the staff; some of the younger Cayenne sales guys had never seen a Bimota in its real life form, only pictures and images on the internet. The same applied to the Norton brand.

“We have had a tremendous response from customers since we announced that we had the agency for both these brands and all new customers have been waiting for their arrival” said Langton. “The arrival of these two legendry brands was something different for the Cayenne team.”

The Norton models include the famous Commando 961 Café Racer, the 961 Sport and the 961 SF and are all hand made in the new factory. All the models have the famous parallel twin 961 engines, which is electronic fuel injection, 2 valves per cylinder, 5 speed gearboxes. Upside down 43 mm Ohlins USD adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping forks, twin Ohlins shock with remote reservoir and adjustable ride height, for preload and compression.2352

The braking is the full Brembo system, single 220 mm up front and 2 piston calliper on the rear. Performance is 80 PS @6500 rpm and torque of 90 Nm @ 5200 rpm

Each of the 3 new models have their own styling, for the steering heads, instruments, handle bars, tanks, seats, tail ends and exhausts giving each of them a totally different look.

The new units can be viewed and Cayenne Kyalami, for more information call Cayenne on 011 244 1900 end bike test


 

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If you are not entirely satisfied with your TomTom Rider 4.3” device, TomTom is offering a unique “Satisfaction Guaranteed” offer from 1 April 2014 until 30 June 2014, whereby you can return the device within 30 days of purchase and get your money back.

 

Design, edit and save routes on your PC via TyrePro®, now available free with all Rider 5 devices purchased

 

Plan a Route

Find the quickest way to get to a destination or point of interest.
• Always ride with the latest map. Get to your destination faster with FREE Lifetime Maps.
• Benefit from FREE Daily Map Changes from the Map Share community.

Plan a thrill i

Plan to have an adrenaline-filled ride.
• Feel the twists, the turns and the adrenaline of the road with Winding Roads.
• Use our Points of Interest to find biker-relevant  places to stop – like restaurants, motels and gas.

Manage itineraries

Plan to have a great ride – in advance.
• Find routes online and upload them to your device with Upload Routes and Go.
• Use PC Route Management via Tyre: Interactive software that helps you search, design, edit and save routes on your PC

Rider 5 Standard              RRP R5170

Rider 5 Premium              RRP R6380

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MILWAUKEE (May 29, 2014) – Take a break from the rat race on June 22-23 to join the thousands of Harley riders around the world who are shedding the shackles of responsibility and hitting the open road during the Harley-Davidson™ World Ride.

“For these two days riders will unite to blow off the daily grind and celebrate that being free is a lot more fun,” said Nigel Villiers, Harley-Davidson Director of Integrated Consumer Experience. “Riding is more appreciated when you can steal the time from something you’d rather not be doing, so let the meetings and honey-dos wait until Tuesday and just ride.”   

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One World, Two Days, Millions of Miles

Launched in 2008 by the Harley Owners Group® as Million Mile Monday®, the annual riding event was expanded into the two-day Harley-Davidson World Ride in 2012 to give more riders worldwide an opportunity to participate. In 2012, participants logged 7.7 million miles, but last year as riders celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the 30th Anniversary of H.O.G., riders from 66 countries blitzed that record by more than 25 percent, tallying an official total of more than 10 million miles. Riders logged their miles solo, in groups large and small, and through a variety of dealer-led events around the world, united by their shared passion for motorcycling.

Whether it’s across town, cross-country, or anything in between, every mile counts and can be recorded by logging into Harley-Davidson’s online   mileage accumulator at h-d.com/worldride, where a rolling odometer will record the collective distance traveled by all participants in the World Ride.

“Every mile we ride together strengthens the bonds between riders and showcases to the world the powerful expression of freedom the World Ride represents,” Villiers said.

New for 2014, ride participants can also log their post-ride mileage directly onto the World Ride web site from mobile devices and share their riding stories and photographs on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #HDworldride. Participants can also download a certificate of participation after logging their mileage on the World Ride web site.

To learn more about the Harley-Davidson World Ride, visit h-d.com/worldride.end bike test


2stroke fb bill

Terra Topia is proud to host the inaugural Two Stroke Challenge sponsored by Global ASP.

The event specifically for multiple modern and VMX (Vintage Motocross) 2 – Strokes, and will also include classes for Vets, Masters and 4 stroke support.

The venue Terra Topia well known to riders and fans is 3.5 km north of  the Indaba Hotel and 4.5 km south of the N12 Freeway, Entry fees are R20 for Adults and kids under 12 get in free, racing starts on both  days at 10h00 and there is ample parking for all

Older Motocross riders are like one big family who share a unique fun-loving lifestyle. A lifestyle consisting of all life's ups downs, risks, challenges, defeats and victories. In motocross, money talks and BS walks.

There is no truer measure of one's abilities than the starting gate and the checkered flag. However since the mid 70's many people have ridden off road bikes and more specifically raced motocross, and are not keen to stop riding. Likewise with masters golf for the older golfers, petrol heads and racers now in their 40, 50's and 60's are frequently lining up at the start of dedicated races to relive their youth and enjoy riding again with their peers.

Regrettably modern motocross with its four- stroke   MX1 and MX 2 is not the ultimate home for a group of older racers and petrol heads who want to continue riding and racing just like back in there days. Modern motocross tracks are designed to be spectacular with the focus on timing and jumping.

To many of the older statesman of motocross, few find the current motocross tracks inspiring or even enjoyable. To many these older racers, modern tracks are downright intimidating and dangerous, with many riders expressing their reservations about lining up on the start line with the younger generations who in most instances spent enough time in the air to warrant an aircraft pilot’s license

 "Bikes change colours and styles, go from two shocks to one, from right-side up forks to upside-down forks, from 3 inches of travel to 12 inches, from 30 horsepower to over 60 and from four strokes to two strokes and back again.

What doesn't change is the rider who gets on the bike and gives it 100 percent every single time while constantly dealing with the weight of the hopes, dreams and pressures of winning. Ultimately, motocross is about people, not motorcycles, Hondas can be red, silver, black or any other colour but what matters is the man or woman twisting the throttle. It has always been this way and will never change.

Global ASP has had a long history of involvement in multiple facets of motorcycle racing. Unique from most companies, many of the senior executives spend much of their free time riding and racing motocross, therein it was a logical extension of its support of vintage motocross

Their aim was to encourage the older riders to come and participate and race as an alternative to mountain bike riding and golf.  To attract the older riders the focus in collaboration with Terra

Topia set out to host the inaugural South Africa Two Stroke Invitational Championship on a safe, rideable and retro styled track for both old and modern two strokes.

Multiple stars of days gone by as well as many riders who have continued to ride have indicated their eagerness to come and race.

These stars include Rob Wicks, Tony Riddell, Jeff Den, and Neil Riddell, Ryan Hunt as well as more current racers Billy Flanagan , Gareth  Ireland, Michael Caldwell, Kent Wicks, Paul Alcock, Shaun Kirk,

Martinus Briers, Gary Killian, Gerlad Leightley, Dave Bevan, Adriaan De Hutton, and many others. A strong contingent of riders is expected to travel from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Natal.

Organizers say that they have received entries from, past SA National champions, Supercross stars, past enduro and off road champions and even some Supermotard riders and many legends from the past sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties.

All names that will bring back memories from the past and all riding the same motorcycles they did in those days. You will also hear the famous voice of Roger McCleery the man that commentated for motocross, Supercross and most motorsport event all his life not forgetting the legendary Camel Series and Camel International events that he handled

This event is expected to attract 150 riders. According to organizers the spectators will be able to view the great dirt bikes of the past along with many of the same riders that raced them in those days.

For more information go to www.terratopia.co.za or call Dave on 083 226 9416 or Gareth on 082 928 3363end bike test


Motul tt logoAubervilliers, 23 May 2014. As a company with a long and illustrious past in all areas and disciplines of motorsport, there was little doubt in the minds of the cognoscenti that Motul and ‘The Mountain’ would eventually come together as partners.

This came about in 2010 and, now, international specialist in the field of motorcycle lubricants and lubrication has renewed its links with the world’s most famous road race for the fifth consecutive year.  Named as Official Lubricant Partner to the Isle of Man, Motul will be present at the spiritual home of motorcycles and their riders to once again enjoy the mythology, history and excitement of the event.

Testing on the 37.73 mile public road course begins on Saturday (24th May), and the 100+ competitors have been putting themselves through their paces on the scenic Isle of Man, which lies in the Irish Sea between the North West coast of England and Northern Ireland. This year, Motul’s iconic red and white colours will be seen on two specific corners – Quarter Bridge and Gooseneck.

Motul views the IoM TT as an integral part of its two-wheel test and development programme and the complexity and duration of the event provides a perfect backdrop at which to carry out that research.

Furthermore, with the launch last year of its new technologically advanced motorcycle lubricant range, the event allows Motul multiple opportunities to reach its consumers on a personal level. Within the range is the 100% synthetic 300V Factory Line lubricant which will be used by partner teams and riders throughout the 2014 entry list. 

Under the banner of Honda Racing - Road Racing, formerly the Honda TT Legends project, the most notable rider is legendary, Mountain course maestro, John McGuinness, who will carry the No.1 in recognition of his 20th victory in 2013. He will be joined by Manxman Conor Cummins, both competing aboard the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, and the duo promise to pose a serious threat on the roads with the combination of McGuinness’s unrivalled experience and Cummins’s undeniable talent and ambition. Cummins recently finished on the podium at the NW200 event and his confidence will be high going into the Isle of Man event.  Spectators and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the Senior TT race on Friday, 6th June – undoubtedly the highlight of the whole 14 days of action.

As part of its partnership with the event, Motul will also be offering the “Motul Award for Technical Performance” to the most meritorious team, to be awarded on Friday 6th June. end bike test


Developed by Canadian company Lito Green Motion, the revolutionary Sora electric motorcycle has officially entered production. Sora is an eye-catching combination of street fighter and “bobber”: the Street Fighter influence can be seen in the dynamics of the front of the bike, while the bobber influence can be seen in the rear fender that is fixed to the wheel. The result? A big and brutal zero-compromise electric superbike. Sora offers impressive adjustable driving dynamics: it features the world’s first electrical seat that allows the driver to shift between “custom” and “sport” handling while driving – all at the touch of a button. It also offers an automatic “safe range” mode, which uses the bike’s integrated GPS and touchscreen to dole out the remaining charge in such a way that you’re guaranteed to reach your destination. The Sora goes for 300 km on a charge. Power is provided by a 12 kWh lithium polymer battery and a liquid-cooled, three-phase AC induction motor coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s said to go from standstill to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds, with vigorous acceleration all the way through to 190 km/h.

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In the first Italian race at Imola Ayrton Badovini riding the Bimota BB3 crossed the finish line in first position in the EVO Class of the World Superbike Championship achieving the very first victory for Bimota this season.Ayrton

It was an unforgettable day that marked history for Bimota after 14 years; they are back to their normal winning ways in world competition. When the new Bimota BB3, ridden by the talented Italian, crossed the line in a sprint to the line, followed by a victory wheelie, the complete box of the Alstare Bimota team exploded into a burst of joy that pervaded all the technicians, friends and guests present at the event.

The rewards for the Bimota continued on the day thanks to the performance of Christian Iddon with his great second place in Race 1 and Race 2 which gave him a third place on the podium giving Bimota an historical presence on the podium of two Bimota BB3’s.

Now the race of Bimota continues in the other way, the production of the first 125 units and the need to begin to get the points in the races. In Imola the BB3 was exposed to public for the first time a complete road version of the BB3, a good two weeks ahead of schedule and a record created by the production department at the Bimota factory in Rimini .

The road replica of the beautiful Bimota BB3 EVO will be the guest star of the Bimota Experience Weekend on June 14/15 at the brand new circuit Tazio Nuvolari a weekend dedicated to the track where the emotions for this wonderful Italian motorcycle can be shared by all. It can also be viewed at Cayenne Kyalami in the near future.

 “We also celebrated this win” said Craig Langton the South African Bimota agents and division of the Cayenne group as the new brand is a win for us, as we have a few of the new BB3’s on route to this country that have already been taken up by new customers.” “There is something about the Bimota brand that does things to motorcyclist who will buy the motor cycle without seeing the machine.” end bike test


Castiglioni Tamburini
Varese, 7 April 2014 – After a long period of illness, Massimo Tamburini, recognised as the world's 
greatest motorcycle designer, died yesterday at the age of 70.

For over 13 years Tamburini was head of the MV Agusta Design and Engineering Division at CRC (Centro Ricerche Castiglioni) in San Marino, for which he dedicated a significant part of his career, designing Cagiva, Ducati and MV Agusta motorcycles together with Claudio Castiglioni, all of which renowned as the most beautiful bikes in the world. Among these, motorcycle enthusiasts acknowledge first and foremost the outstanding MV Agusta F4 and Brutale models.

“Massimo Tamburini was one of the legends of the motorcycle industry. I want to remember his passion, enthusiasm and determination. He was a great designer, but above all he was truly passionate about motorcycles. He left our company a precious heritage and will always occupy a place of honour amongst motorcycle’s all time greats,” stated Giovanni Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta. “His name will go down in history for his ingenious intuition and perfectionism applied to every small detail.”end bike test


Bimota Aragon
Bimota and Superbike Racing are two names linked in motorcycle racing history back in time, Bimota had won the last World TTF1, the first race of the new World Superbike Championship, Bimota in 2000 won an incredible race with Antony " The Go Show" Gobert. Then for a number years silence and nothing from the famous Bimota factory keeping the industry thinking the worst.

The Industry then saw the small Bimota factory come alive again it had been redesigned and restructured, transforming it. In September 2013 the Bimota operation had changed totally, the new energies had awakened the instincts of a brand that was born with racing on international stage in its blood, they were now back in their natural place on the race tracks of the world.

 Bimota officially returned to International SBK World Superbike racing this year at round two in Aragon Spain and immediately making its presence known.

Bimota brought out its latest creation the BB3, a motorcycle presented at EICMA 2013, 5 months after that it was already on the track and a few weeks later in dealerships around the world. An operation that defined difficulty and to say complex would be an understatement.

It was all made ??possible by the great partner BMW, the German motoring giant was immediately keen on the project and created a synergy which was immediate, almost empathic, which allowed Bimota to proceed in stages. This is now all history.

At Aragon, Bimota began to write a new page in its racing history and did so with class, but knowing that it will all start from zero again and they must earn the respect of the riders, the teams, the press, and all in the race paddock. They were excited again for the smell of rubber on the track, racing fuel, the multi colours in the pits and the great moral support from riders and teams at the circuits. Bimota started this adventure this year with a major fan that will follow all the races around the world, its historic founder, Massimo Tamburini.

Bimota debut at Aragon was fast, elusive and remarkable achieving a 2nd place in race 1 and 3rd place in race 2.

The success was unexpected, because the bike had just obtained the necessary license to participate in round 2.

Only a few days before the race they had only accumulated 200 km of testing

"We were confident of scoring with the motorcycle performance" said Andrea Acquaviva, the designer of BB3. "But we were all surprised for it to happen so soon.” “The emotions we felt when watching the new motorcycle competing at these levels was amazing, in an instant all the efforts and sacrifices made were rewarded”.

The factory has great admiration for the young riders Ayrton Badovini and Chris Iddon, who started the season immediately with an overall good feeling for the new motorcycle.end bike test


 

 

 

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