Saturday, June 18, 2011
But rather than just being aimed at bikers themselves, the main target audience is actually other drivers.
That’s because 78% of riders that are killed or seriously injured are in collision with another vehicle, with 67% of those crashes occurring at junctions. Those government statistics, which are from 2009, clearly dispel the notion that most motorcycle fatalities are primarily speed-related with nobody else involved.
Therefore, the focus of the campaign is to encourage drivers to look out for bikers, especially at junctions. Costing £1.2 million for 2011/12, it will include national radio advertising, sponsorship of drive-time radio shows and filling station forecourt adverts.
Mike Penning MP, Road Safety Minister, commented:
"Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but around nine motorcyclists were still killed on the roads each week in 2009.
"As a biker I know how much fun motorcycling can be and what a practical way it is to get around, but it is unacceptable that so many motorcyclists are dying on our roads and I want to tackle this.
"While many drivers may take extra care at junctions, they often don't see bikers and this is a major factor in motorcycle casualties. That is why our Think! campaign aims to remind drivers to think about the biker, not just the bike, so that we see fewer of these needless accidents."
Given the generally poor standard of driving exhibited by many road users - especially a lack of observational skills - the campaign could face an uphill struggle. But hopefully it’ll mean the ‘sorry mate I didn’t see you’ excuse gets used less often.
But rather than just being aimed at bikers themselves, the main target audience is actually other drivers.
That’s because 78% of riders that are killed or seriously injured are in collision with another vehicle, with 67% of those crashes occurring at junctions. Those government statistics, which are from 2009, clearly dispel the notion that most motorcycle fatalities are primarily speed-related with nobody else involved.
Therefore, the focus of the campaign is to encourage drivers to look out for bikers, especially at junctions. Costing £1.2 million for 2011/12, it will include national radio advertising, sponsorship of drive-time radio shows and filling station forecourt adverts.
Mike Penning MP, Road Safety Minister, commented:
"Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but around nine motorcyclists were still killed on the roads each week in 2009.
"As a biker I know how much fun motorcycling can be and what a practical way it is to get around, but it is unacceptable that so many motorcyclists are dying on our roads and I want to tackle this.
"While many drivers may take extra care at junctions, they often don't see bikers and this is a major factor in motorcycle casualties. That is why our Think! campaign aims to remind drivers to think about the biker, not just the bike, so that we see fewer of these needless accidents."
Given the generally poor standard of driving exhibited by many road users - especially a lack of observational skills - the campaign could face an uphill struggle. But hopefully it’ll mean the ‘sorry mate I didn’t see you’ excuse gets used less often.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
To celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, Benelli has unveiled two TNT Century Racer special editions.
The TNT899 Century Racer has an 898 cc three-cylinder engine that produces 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) and 88 Nm (64 lb/ft) of peak torque. Upgrades from the standard bike include 50 mm diameter Marzocchi upside-down front forks and wavy brake discs with Brembo radial calipers.
For those wanting more power there’s the TNT1130 Century Racer, which will be built on request. Its larger capacity engine still has three cylinders, but outputs are up to 127 bhp (95 kW / 129 PS) and 110 Nm (81 lb/ft). While also enjoying the chassis improvements of its smaller brother, it takes them one step further by having fully adjustable front and rear suspension.
Distinguishing both versions of the Century Racer are an Alcantara seat cover, redesigned rear bodywork, dark green paint and a contrasting yellow finish for the cylinder head valve cover and rear spring.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, Benelli has unveiled two TNT Century Racer special editions.
The TNT899 Century Racer has an 898 cc three-cylinder engine that produces 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) and 88 Nm (64 lb/ft) of peak torque. Upgrades from the standard bike include 50 mm diameter Marzocchi upside-down front forks and wavy brake discs with Brembo radial calipers.
For those wanting more power there’s the TNT1130 Century Racer, which will be built on request. Its larger capacity engine still has three cylinders, but outputs are up to 127 bhp (95 kW / 129 PS) and 110 Nm (81 lb/ft). While also enjoying the chassis improvements of its smaller brother, it takes them one step further by having fully adjustable front and rear suspension.
Distinguishing both versions of the Century Racer are an Alcantara seat cover, redesigned rear bodywork, dark green paint and a contrasting yellow finish for the cylinder head valve cover and rear spring.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Honda Racing Corporation has revealed its NSF250R at the Circuit de Catalunya. The brand new racer has been built to compete in Moto3, the class for four-stroke, 250 cc machines that replaces the current two-stroke 125 cc category from next season.
The NSF250R’s engine is a single cylinder unit, which is tilted back 15 degrees in the bike to help concentrate mass and improve stability. Producing 47.6 bhp (35.5 kW / 48.2 PS) at 13,000 rpm, it features double overhead camshafts plus titanium intake and exhaust valves. Drive is via a six-speed, cassette type gearbox.
Both the aluminium frame and suspension geometry are based on those of the RS125R, although efforts have been made to improve torsional rigidity. This has been necessary to combat the extra bulk of the four-stroke motor, with modifications including the fitment of a revised swing arm. Kerb weight, ready to ride, is 84 kg (185 lbs).
Customer teams will be able to buy the NSF250R at a confirmed price of €23,600. That’s around £21,000 or US$34,500 at today’s exchange rates.
Related posts:
Honda WSB team launch
Honda CBR250R first look
Honda Racing Corporation has revealed its NSF250R at the Circuit de Catalunya. The brand new racer has been built to compete in Moto3, the class for four-stroke, 250 cc machines that replaces the current two-stroke 125 cc category from next season.
The NSF250R’s engine is a single cylinder unit, which is tilted back 15 degrees in the bike to help concentrate mass and improve stability. Producing 47.6 bhp (35.5 kW / 48.2 PS) at 13,000 rpm, it features double overhead camshafts plus titanium intake and exhaust valves. Drive is via a six-speed, cassette type gearbox.
Both the aluminium frame and suspension geometry are based on those of the RS125R, although efforts have been made to improve torsional rigidity. This has been necessary to combat the extra bulk of the four-stroke motor, with modifications including the fitment of a revised swing arm. Kerb weight, ready to ride, is 84 kg (185 lbs).
Customer teams will be able to buy the NSF250R at a confirmed price of €23,600. That’s around £21,000 or US$34,500 at today’s exchange rates.
Related posts:
Honda WSB team launch
Honda CBR250R first look
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kawasaki has announced upgraded versions of its KX250F and KX450F off-roaders for 2012.
In a world first for a production motocross bike, the KX250F’s single-cylinder engine gets dual fuel injectors. This novel system is claimed to give a smooth and instant throttle response, combined with extra power.
The chassis has also received attention. Included in the specifications for 2012 is Showa’s Separate Function front Fork (SFF), which benefits the handling by separating out the shock absorption and damping actions. The rear hasn’t been forgotten either, and the Uni-Trak suspension set-up has been given some tweaks.
A major innovation for the larger KX450F is its launch control feature. Similar to the system used by Kawasaki’s factory racers, it’s activated by the push of a button and works by switching to a separate engine map that’s designed to reduce wheel spin in slippery conditions.
There are also three switchable engine maps for soft, standard or hard terrain. Each of these can then be modified by using the optional KX FI Calibration Kit, which also allows riders to record and analyse data direct from their bike.
UK prices for the 2012 KX250F and KX450F have yet to be confirmed but, to give an idea of where they’re likely to be, the 2011 models currently retail for £6,249 and £6,449 respectively.
Kawasaki has announced upgraded versions of its KX250F and KX450F off-roaders for 2012.
In a world first for a production motocross bike, the KX250F’s single-cylinder engine gets dual fuel injectors. This novel system is claimed to give a smooth and instant throttle response, combined with extra power.
The chassis has also received attention. Included in the specifications for 2012 is Showa’s Separate Function front Fork (SFF), which benefits the handling by separating out the shock absorption and damping actions. The rear hasn’t been forgotten either, and the Uni-Trak suspension set-up has been given some tweaks.
A major innovation for the larger KX450F is its launch control feature. Similar to the system used by Kawasaki’s factory racers, it’s activated by the push of a button and works by switching to a separate engine map that’s designed to reduce wheel spin in slippery conditions.
There are also three switchable engine maps for soft, standard or hard terrain. Each of these can then be modified by using the optional KX FI Calibration Kit, which also allows riders to record and analyse data direct from their bike.
UK prices for the 2012 KX250F and KX450F have yet to be confirmed but, to give an idea of where they’re likely to be, the 2011 models currently retail for £6,249 and £6,449 respectively.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies are set to change colour, albeit temporarily.
Replacing the usual blue and white paintjob will be a red and white design that marks Yamaha Factory Racing’s fifty years in World Championship Grand Prix racing.
Fans will get a chance to see the celebratory livery at two rounds only, the Assen TT on 25th June and Laguna Seca on 24th July.
Related post:
Yamaha YZR-M1 livery
The Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bikes of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies are set to change colour, albeit temporarily.
Replacing the usual blue and white paintjob will be a red and white design that marks Yamaha Factory Racing’s fifty years in World Championship Grand Prix racing.
Fans will get a chance to see the celebratory livery at two rounds only, the Assen TT on 25th June and Laguna Seca on 24th July.
Related post:
Yamaha YZR-M1 livery
Monday, May 16, 2011
Moto Guzzi has launched a special edition of the 1200 Sport. Called the Corsa, it gets a red, white and gold paintjob and a two-tone saddle.
The overall effect is very tasteful, and the good news for UK customers is that the Corsa costs the same as a standard 1200 Sport: £9,378 on the road.
All of which helps the Moto Guzzi’s status as an interesting alternative to that other naked bike with a large capacity twin-cylinder engine and shaft drive - the £9,250 BMW R 1200 R.
Moto Guzzi has launched a special edition of the 1200 Sport. Called the Corsa, it gets a red, white and gold paintjob and a two-tone saddle.
The overall effect is very tasteful, and the good news for UK customers is that the Corsa costs the same as a standard 1200 Sport: £9,378 on the road.
All of which helps the Moto Guzzi’s status as an interesting alternative to that other naked bike with a large capacity twin-cylinder engine and shaft drive - the £9,250 BMW R 1200 R.
Yamaha has launched a special version of its Aerox scooter. Called the SP55, the significance of that number is that Yamaha Motors was founded in 1955 (although the 56th anniversary is perhaps a strange one to commemorate?).
Setting the SP55 apart are its ‘55’ logos, red and white graphics, red pinstripes on the wheels and a tri-colour seat with a carbon-print covering. Subtle it isn’t.
Technically the SP55 is exactly the same as the standard Aerox R. That means it gets a 50 cc motor producing 2.6 bhp (2.0 kW / 2.7 PS) and 3.7 Nm (2.7 lb/ft) of torque, an automatic transmission and disc brakes front and rear.
Pricing in the UK for the Yamaha Aerox SP55 has been set at £2,499 (excluding Government first registration fee and vehicle excise duty). New owners can also get free third party insurance via Yamaha’s ‘Freedom Insured’ scheme, which will probably be a huge financial bonus for many in the SP55’s target market.
Yamaha has launched a special version of its Aerox scooter. Called the SP55, the significance of that number is that Yamaha Motors was founded in 1955 (although the 56th anniversary is perhaps a strange one to commemorate?).
Setting the SP55 apart are its ‘55’ logos, red and white graphics, red pinstripes on the wheels and a tri-colour seat with a carbon-print covering. Subtle it isn’t.
Technically the SP55 is exactly the same as the standard Aerox R. That means it gets a 50 cc motor producing 2.6 bhp (2.0 kW / 2.7 PS) and 3.7 Nm (2.7 lb/ft) of torque, an automatic transmission and disc brakes front and rear.
Pricing in the UK for the Yamaha Aerox SP55 has been set at £2,499 (excluding Government first registration fee and vehicle excise duty). New owners can also get free third party insurance via Yamaha’s ‘Freedom Insured’ scheme, which will probably be a huge financial bonus for many in the SP55’s target market.
