Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

Please note that the content within our News section (text and images), follows the same copyright laws/notice as all other content on the website - ie not to be reproduced (including slightly amending) without prior consent. 

 RSS Feed

  1. ALBESIANO: 'WE CAN'T BE SATISFIED, WE HAVE TO KEEP WORKING'

    The main news of the two days of MotoGP testing at Misano is the enormous amount of work carried out by Aprilia. Always among the first to take to the track and the last to close, with practice starts on the main straight, even today. An unmistakable sign of the constant ambition to improve, despite an absolute competitive situation.

    A total of 427 laps were clocked over the two days by the RS-GPs of Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Lorenzo Savadori, all of whom were involved in both tests related to the current season and in comparisons and simulations that could help the development of the 2023 prototype.

    Caught up in a crash at Turn 13, Aleix had to interrupt his test towards the end of today's morning session, having suffered a micro-fracture to the little finger of his left hand that is not cause for concern ahead of Aragón.

    ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
    "The injury will fortunately only require a little rest. We'll check it tomorrow with more detailed tests but I'm not worried ahead of Aragón. The test overall was positive. We tried some concepts with a view to 2023 but we will have to analyse the data well, because Misano is a track with a lot of grip, especially after a race weekend. So it will be necessary to reconfirm the sensations on other tracks".

    MAVERICK VIÑALES
    "We have definitely taken a step forward with these tests. I am satisfied with the work Aprilia is doing, both with a view to 2023 and to help me in this season finale. In the second part of the race on Sunday I lost something compared to the best riders and in these two days we have also had the opportunity to analyse that situation and work to improve it."

    ROMANO ALBESIANO
    "Despite what might come naturally seeing the results of this season, our path to perfect competitiveness is still a long one. We are not satisfied and we won't be until we manage to fill all the gaps in the RS-GP. We are already working on the ideas that will go on to define the 2023 prototype but the analysis process has to be meticulous, the risk of missteps is always just around the corner. There are concepts that seem to work, others that don't clearly improve, so after so many laps we will have to be good at analysing the data collected. We are at a good level of performance, but this does not allow us to slow down development."

  2. A motorcycle road trip is an enjoyable experience that all motorbike lovers should have at least once in their lives. You get to enjoy long rides and visit different scenic locations. To make things easier for you, it is crucial to bring some essential supplies. To help you out, we have put together a list of essential and optional items to bring on your road trip.

    Motorcycle Clothing

    The first things you should set aside to bring on the road trip are your motorcycle clothing. These will include your helmet, trouser, jackets and gloves. You will also need some riding boots and socks and earplugs. As you purchase these items, make sure they are breathable and comfortable because you will be wearing them for long stretches.

    A Tool Kit

    You never know what will happen on the road trip, and this is why you need to bring your tool kit. You might not have the option to visit the nearest store to get what you need or to have your bike repaired so you may need to do it yourself.

    Some essentials to bring include a repair kit for flat tyres, a socket and wrench kit, screwdrivers, jumper cables, spare parts, an air compressor and wheel removal tools. You can also include other tools as you see fit.

    A Selection of Electronics

    It is reasonable to assume that if you are going on a long road trip, you will stop somewhere for a night or two to rest and recharge. To avoid getting bored during these downtimes, it would be a good idea to carry a selection of electronics with you.

    You will need your phone to stay in touch with your loved ones and to navigate when travelling through new locations. It is also a good idea to bring a tablet or laptop to have some entertainment when sleeping in a hotel or motel. Your selection of a tablet or laptop is a highly personal and subjective decision. Any of the modern Apple tablets should be fine, and you need a laptop that provides a great video viewing experience.

    Choosing one can be challenging, especially since you need an affordable one with long battery life and great performance. Laptops with Intel Arc graphics perform well without consuming too much power and thus give you the long battery life you will need. Check out this guide on Intel Arc graphics provided by Lenovo to see why this option would be great for you.

    Other electronics to consider include power banks, memory cards, a camera, a GPS tracker and a USB with backups of your important information.

    Hygiene Items

    You should also pack some toiletry and hygiene items. These include sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shaving kit and bug spray. As with the tools, you can also include other hygiene items as you see fit.

    Safety Items Safety is crucial, especially if you will be riding alone. You will need a torch and extra batteries, a location tracker (you can use your GPS), a spare key, bike lock, protein bars in case you are stranded and a cover for the bike and other items.

    Packing a bag for a motorcycle road trip will depend on what you need, but there are some essentials you should not leave behind. Some will make your stay at a hotel more comfortable, while some will save you should you become stranded or lost.

     

     

     

    article supplied

  3. Motorcycle riders need to be extra careful on the road. Did you know that in 2015, there were 5,010 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States? That’s a staggering statistic.   

    Tips for New Motorcycle Riders - How to Stay Safe
    Image Source

    But don’t let it scare you away from enjoying the wind in your hair and the freedom that comes with riding a motorcycle. 

    Just follow these safety tips for new motorcycle riders, and you’ll be sure to stay safe on the road.

    1. Get trained and licensed

    Before you even think about hopping on a motorcycle, make sure you are properly trained and licensed. In many states, you need to take a formal motorcycle training course and pass a written exam and on-cycle skills test before you can get your license. 

    2. Wear the right gear

    One of the most important safety tips for new motorcycle riders is to always wear the proper gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and sturdy boots. 

    3. Get familiar with your bike

    Before you head out on the open road, get to know your motorcycle and how it works. Review the owner’s manual and become familiar with the controls. Practice starting up the engine, shifting gears, braking, and turning. 

    4. Start out slow

    Once you’ve got the hang of your motorcycle, take it easy at first and avoid busy streets or highways. Stick to quiet side roads where you can build up your confidence and skills before tackling busier areas. 

    5. Be visible

    Make sure you are highly visible to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Wear bright clothing, and equip your motorcycle with reflective tape and proper lighting. 

    6. Use caution when passing

    Use extreme caution when passing other vehicles, and always signal before you change lanes. Make sure you have plenty of space and time to complete the maneuver before returning to your lane. 

    7. Watch for road hazards

    Be on the lookout for common road hazards such as potholes, gravel, oil slicks, puddles, and debris. These can all cause a motorcycle to lose control, so avoid them if possible or proceed with caution if you must ride over them. 

    8. Be aware of other drivers

    One of the most important safety tips for motorcycle riders is to be aware of the other drivers around you and anticipate their actions. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, so other drivers may not see you or may misjudge your speed or distance. Always give yourself enough space to react if another driver makes a mistake. 

    9. Ride sober

    Never drink alcohol or take drugs before riding a motorcycle. Not only is it illegal in many states, but it will impair your judgment, slow your reaction time, and make it more difficult to operate your bike safely. 

    10. Take breaks on long trips

    If you’re going on a long trip, take breaks every few hours to rest and stretch your legs. This will help you stay alert and focused on the road. 

    5 Things you should never do on a motorcycle

    Now that you know some basic safety tips for motorcycle riders, let’s take a look at five things you should never do on a motorcycle.

    1. Don’t ride without a helmet

    Never, ever ride without a helmet. It’s not only illegal in many states, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. A helmet is the best way to protect your head in the event of a crash, and it could save your life. 

    2. Don’t ride without insurance

    Another thing you should never do is ride without insurance. If you are involved in an accident, motorcycle insurance will help pay for damages, injuries, and other costs associated with the accident. 

    3. Don’t speed

    Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, so it’s important to always obey the speed limit and never ride faster than you are comfortable with. 

    4. Don’t tailgate

    Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is dangerous for any driver, but it can be especially hazardous for motorcycle riders. If the car in front of you suddenly stops, you could rear-end them or be thrown from your bike. 

    5. Don’t lane split

    Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is illegal in most states and can be extremely dangerous. If a car suddenly changes lanes, you could be hit or pinned between the two vehicles. 

    By following these safety tips and avoiding these dangerous behaviors, you can help keep yourself safe while riding a motorcycle. Remember, motorcycle accidents can happen even when riders are being careful, so always stay alert and ride defensively.

     

     

     

    article supplied

  4. #SanMarinoGP race. STELLAR RIDE TO MISANO PODIUM FOR ENEA
    An excellent performance and spectacular finish marked Enea Bastianini’s race on home turf at Misano, which saw the standard bearer of Team Gresini MotoGP battling for the win up to the finish line with Pecco Bagnaia - his future teammate starting next season. 

     
    It was not an easy race for Enea, however, especially at the beginning, but he managed it the perfect way before recovering the right feeling and pace in the final laps, when he fought hard on equal terms with the Ducati rider #63. Courtesy of today’s result, ‘Bestia’ goes from sixth back to fourth in the standings, with now 138 points under his belt.
     
    It was an uphill encounter for Fabio Di Giannantonio, who after the coming together with Franco Morbidelli was still able to make it to the chequered flag, while gathering important data and fresh feedback ahead of the last leg of the season.

    2nd - ENEA BASTIANINI #23
    “I had a strange feeling with the tyres at the beginning, as they didn’t get into perfect temperature. From halfway point I was then able to find back the right feeling. I tried all I could until the end, first at turn 14 and then at the last corner I wanted to win, but I had made a mistake before and then towards the finish line Pecco closed the door shut and there was nothing I could do. It’s great to be on the podium with this livery and on such a special circuit for me.”
     
    20th - FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
    “It’s a shame that the race was kind of ruined straight away. I pushed too hard at turn four to overtake and crashed… I did my best to make it to the finish line and honour these colours and this track. Obviously, we were aiming at a different type of result, we had a great pace and we could have been in the top ten. Now we’ll try to make the most of the day of testing in order to get to Aragon with the best possible feeling.”