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Touratech USA has opened a new retail store and distribution center in Brookfield, CT. Located only a few miles from the New York border, the company invested in this expansion to better serve its customers living on the East Coast.
The store will provide riders with an opportunity to see products in-person and speak directly with adventure motorcycling experts. Visitors can try on riding gear and get expert help fitting motorcycle helmets, riding boots and more.
The Brookfield location will also provide customers with faster delivery times for the company's phone and online sales. Besides riding gear, the store will offer a wide range of Touratech products including crash bars, skid plates, protection items, suspension, luggage and GPS navigation. Adventure riders will also be able to shop other brands including KLIM, Garmin, CruzTOOLS, Backcountry Discovery Routes, Sidi, REV’IT, RAM and Butler Maps among others.
„We are excited about this expansion because it provides better service for our customers and allows them to experience our brand values with a retail experience. We believe this location will serve as a hub for the adventure motorcycling community on the East Coast. We’ve even partnered with Backcountry Discovery Routes to provide a retail location for BDR maps, stickers and logo-wear.“ - Paul Guillien, CEO, Touratech-USA
Just outside of the Danbury city limits, the store is conveniently located right off US 7 / US202 and Interstate 84 which provide easy access from all directions. The store is 55 miles from Hartford, CT and 60 miles from the George Washington Bridge which connects New Jersey to Manhattan, NY.
Address
Touratech-USA East, Brookfield
67 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
1 (800) 491 2926
touratech-usa.com
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- Rarest and most significant Ducati motorcycles to be assembled at London’s Honourable Artillery Company this June.
- Exceptional examples from the past 50 years will be united at the capital’s leading concours d’elegance event, charting the rich history of this most storied motorcycle brand.
- 4x World Superbike Champion and Ducati Ambassador, Carl Fogarty, will also appear at this summer’s event, in association with Bikesure
- Sixth annual London Concours to run from the 28th to 30th of June in the heart of the City.
- Tickets on sale now at londonconcours.co.uk/tickets from £35
London, UK (27th May 2022): The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced that this June’s event will feature a selection of two wheeled stars from the most iconic and evocative motorcycle brand of all, with its ‘Ode to Ducati’ Ducati. Spanning close to 50 years of the Italian marque’s illustrious history, the remarkable collection of bikes will wow alongside the Concours’ breath-taking array of four wheeled machinery – from spectacular supercars to the finest classics - on the immaculate lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City.
The wonderful selection of motorcycles from the Bolognese manufacturer will include an example of the rare 750 GT ‘Sandacst’ from late 1971. The bike, Ducati’s first v-twin cylinder machine, was born when Fabio Taglione, or “Dr. T” – Ducati’s longstanding chief designer and technical director - was tasked with building a 750 class bike to compete with the likes of Moto Guzzi, Laverda and of course the Japanese giants. The move into the 750 class was viewed as crucial to the success of the marque; a gateway to significant sales volumes in the USA. Taglione’s proposed low-cost solution was to blend two of Ducati’s well proven small capacity ‘singles’ onto a common crank case, creating a 90-degree V, or “L Twin” as he termed it. The 750 GT, widely praised by journalists in period for its smooth power and sharp handling, represents the genesis of Ducati’s illustrious lineage of V-Twin machines. In order to get production going as quickly as possible, the very early bikes had engines with sandcast cases and many other detail features not seen on the series production machines, which featured die-cast motors. Just 400 out of a total production of some 4,000 GT’s were built this way before the revised “square cased” engine was introduced in 1975. Relatively few of these early bikes have survived, with a small handful at most to be found in the UK. One not to miss.
This summer’s show will feature another ‘70s 750 – the Super Sport, or “Imola Replica” dating from 1974. This, the very first Ducati SS was conceived as a road going version of the race bike that made a stunning debut with the late, great Paul Smart on board, winning the famed 1972 Imola 200 on its first outing. With Smart’s teammate Bruno Spaggiari taking a close second place, Ducati found themselves catapulted from an unknown producer of lightweight single cylinder motorcycles to a major name on the world map of exotic sports machinery. Unsurprisingly, Ducati management, not least ‘Dr T’ were keen to build on this seismic victory with a road-going replica of the winning bike. A limited run of Imola replicas were sanctioned, the first prototypes emerging in late 1973. Following on from the prototypes, just 401 examples of the ‘Replica’ were ‘batch built’ in the spring of 1974 - all under the direct supervision of Taglione in Ducati’s race shop. At a heady £1650, the SS came in at 50% more than Kawasaki’s mighty Z1.
The 750 SS on display this June was one of perhaps 25 bikes at most delivered new to the UK - shipped to its first owner by air freight – and has been cherished ever since by a total of just four owners in 48 years. Often referred to as the “green frame” these 401 bikes were the only round case Ducatis to leave the factory with the iconic “Desmodromic” cylinder heads.
The Honourable Artillery Company will play host to another ‘racing replica’: a 1980 Ducati 900 MHR. The bike is closely affiliated to one of, if not the, greatest racers of all – “Mike the bike” Hailwood. At the age of 38, 11 years after retiring, Hailwood made a comeback appearance at the Isle of Man TT in the Formula 1 class. Riding a modified and specially prepared 900 SS Ducati, he won the 1978 race. This burnished his already god-like reputation among fans, and prompted Ducati to introduce what would become their best-selling bike of the late 70s and early 80s: the 900 “Replica” or MHR. The MHR that will be on display at the HAC this June recently made a pilgrimage to the Isle of Man for the Classic TT, following in Hailwood’s tyre tracks 40 years on from his stunning victory. Much of the credit for the race preparation for the 1978 race goes to Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycles in Manchester. It’s a source of great satisfaction to the owner of all the bikes on show that it was none other than Steve Wynne who rebuilt the engine and cosmetically refreshed the 1974 750 SS “green frame” also on display.
A Ducati from the late 1980s will also be amongst the bikes on display, an 851 Kit Racer from 1988 – a fuel injected, water-cooled four-valve machine that moved the game on significantly for Ducati sports bikes. The 851 featured an evolved version of Ducati’s two valve, air-cooled ‘Pantah’ engine, revised by its original designer, Massimo Bordi, with a little help from a famed British engineering firm Cosworth. The resulting power plant laid the foundations for 30 years or more of Ducati Superbikes. The road going variant, the “Strada” was initially criticised for its unusual steering characteristics – on account of its 16” wheels - and lack of firepower when compared with Honda’s RC30. The ‘Kit’ rectified things, with power boosted to 120bhp, larger 17-inch magnesium wheels, a braced swinging arm and a close ratio gearbox, amongst other race shop only features. Only 207 examples were built, and the Kit Racer is viewed by some as the most thrilling and visceral of all Ducati’s sports bikes.
This June’s event will also host more modern machinery, including the Ducati D-16 RR of 2008. The 1000cc, four-cylinder D-16 RR - modelled on Ducati’s GP6 Moto GP racer – was a real weapon, offered only to select customers, promising nigh-on Moto GP performance for the road. In the view of the late, highly respected journalist Kevin Ash, Ducati delivered on this promise. Packing a 200bhp V4 (with four valves per cylinder and four cylinders, hence ‘Desmo- 16’) and revving to 14,000 rpm, the D-16 Race Replica offered a lucky few a glimpse of what it was like to pilot a Gibernau or Capirossi factory race Ducati of the period.
The collection of superb Ducatis will also include the 1199 Superlegerra of 2014 – the bike that heralded the end of the road for Ducati’s long line of twin cylinder superbikes. Whilst the v-twin is still found today in Ducati’s middleweight and sports touring models, Ducati waved goodbye to the v-twin Superbike with these exclusive limited-edition models. The Borgo Panegale factory pulled out all the stops, producing two batches of super exclusive “Superlight” ‘twins’ – the 1199 of 2014, and the 1299 of the following year. Just 500 numbered examples of each were delivered worldwide. The 1199 SL that will star at this June’s event retailed at £60,000, produced an eye watering 205bhp, and weighed just 155kg dry – a weight more typical for a 500 or 600cc middleweight sports bike. Packed with the latest in technology and rare materials such as magnesium, carbon fibre and even tungsten – the latter used for components within the engine - the SL was a furious performer. Autocar underscored just how furious by substituting an 1199 SL for a Ferrari La Ferrari when carrying out a supercar test with the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918. The Superleggera matched the 903bhp McLaren P1 and Porsche’s 918 right up to 180mph, even pulling ahead after a standing start, before the cars’ slippery aerodynamics and longer gearing gave them an edge. A rare opportunity to witness this remarkable machine in the metal.
These dramatic Ducatis, and more, will be on show at the Honourable Artillery Company this June, at the capital’s ultimate automotive extravaganza. Carl Fogarty, the 4x World Superbike Champion and Ducati Brand Ambassador, will also make an appearance, on behalf of Bikesure, the ‘Ode to Ducati’ class co-sponsor. Fogarty will be chatting with Dave Vitty and Jason Plato, from the Fuelling Around podcast on Wednesday 29th June.
Further class announcements will follow in the coming weeks, as we build towards the 6th edition of our unmissable event.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said:
“It gives us great pleasure to reveal this latest exciting class, which will bring the most spectacular bikes from the most evocative motorcycle manufacturer of all to the heart of London. Ducati is a magnetic brand that holds great allure for anyone with a drop of petrol in their veins. The superb selection, along with the fantastic array of supercars and iconic classics, is set to make this June’s show the most special yet.
“Guests to the Honourable Artillery Company will be treated to a truly special array of cars, along with a decadent range of food and drink options, and a carefully curated line-up of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2022 is set to be another occasion of total automotive indulgence.”
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- Ducati and Bulgari sign a new partnership based on shared values of lightness, technology, design and passion for beauty
- The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph redefines the standards of luxury sports watches with unconventional materials and exclusive colors
- Produced in a limited series of one thousand pieces, the watch is personalized with the Ducati brand and carries an engraving on the case back
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 19 May 2022 - Ducati and Bulgari announce a new partnership, a collaboration between two Italian icons in their respective worlds who share a common vision of innovation and design, as well as a great passion for beauty.
The collaboration gives birth to the Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph, an elegant sports watch produced in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces that celebrates the union between the jewellery Maison and the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. A combination of excellence, performance and passion.
The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition redefines the standards of what a luxury sports watch can be. The chronograph presents a stunning dial in Ducati red color and three counters with a sporty style inspired by the Ducati rev counter graphics: black background, white indexes, red sphere. The hour markers also refer to the aesthetics of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Centro Stile Director: "The collaboration with Bulgari is based on many elements that we have in common, first and foremost the fact that it is another Italian brand for which design is much more than a corporate asset, it is a true raison d'être. The quest for lightness, obsessive attention to detail, the use of fine materials and the creation of a distinctive and immediately recognizable design are the values that have inspired us in this project. Working on this project with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director, whom I have known for 15 years, was a way of bringing together our passions: motorbikes and high-end watchmaking."
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director: "I had a great pleasure to visit once again the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale in Italy and exchange with Andrea Ferraresi, discussing the many parallels between motorbikes and watches, our common passion for the beauty of the mechanics and the Italian design approach. For this special collaboration the Bulgari Aluminium model was a natural choice due to its combination of materials, sporty character and iconic look. The red color and the recognizable font that we use for the numerals on the dial are a nod to the captivating universe of Ducati motorbikes."
Made of unconventional materials, the watch features a 40 mm diameter aluminum case with the iconic bezel and bracelet in black rubber, while the crown and chronograph pushers are made of titanium. The chronograph is water-resistant to 100 meters and the mechanical automatic BVL 130 movement, beating inside at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensures tenth-of-a-second accuracy.
The titanium case back, with anti-wear DLC treatment, is personalized with the Ducati brand and production number, to attest to the uniqueness of the limited edition piece. The watch is delivered in a special anodized aluminium case with rubber interior and soft touch finish, bearing the signatures of the two brands Ducati and Bulgari.
For Ducati the collaboration with another Italian brand such as Bulgari is an occasion to celebrate the excellence of Made in Italy. At the same time, this represents an opportunity to offer to passionate Ducatisti experiences and products outside of the motorcycling world that enhance beauty, technology and passion.
The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph is already available for sale in Bulgari stores and with authorized retailers as well as on the brand's website.
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The new film from motorcycle safety campaign Live Fast Die Old by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland*, launched today. 
Part of the campaign’s Breathtaking Roads series, the film highlights the thrill of riding while also reminding bikers to enjoy Scotland’s roads safely.
Despite accounting for less than 1% of all road traffic in Scotland bikers account for 7% of casualties1, with bends and overtaking among the riskiest manoeuvres. 2
Shot on the scenic Isle of Skye, the short film uses striking slo-mo footage to highlight the importance of considering the entire picture and every potential hazard before making the decision to overtake. It urges bikers exploring Scotland’s roads to ‘take your time to take it all in’.
The film is available to watch here – Watch the Breathtaking Roads film
The film can be downloaded here – Download the Breathtaking Roads film
The dedicated Live Fast Die Old website and Facebook page offer rich and engaging content, with films and blogs from Scottish bikers sharing first-hand experience and tips with peers, as well as route inspiration and best practice advice.
To find out more about the campaign and join the conversation, visit the Live Fast Die Old website www.livefastdieold.scot or Facebook page - facebook.com/livefastdieoldscotland
The Live Fast Die Old campaign is looking for bikers across Scotland to get involved by sharing their experience, advice, top routes and ride-out tips with other bikers. If you’d like to be part of the campaign, follow Live Fast Die Old on Facebook and or get in touch on [email protected].
*Road Safety Scotland is part of Transport Scotland
1 Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 (February 2021)
2 Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2020 (October 2021)
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Nationwide roadside rescue and recovery operator Start Rescue is warning bikers they must take a moment to check their pride and joy before taking to the road, with more than 40 motorcyclists hurt every day on UK roads according to Department for Transport.
The DfT’s shocking statistics show that despite only accounting for one per cent of traffic on UK roads, motorcyclists made up 20 per cent of road deaths in 2020. Fortunately, fatalities are much reduced from 1979 when over 1,000 bikers lost their lives; in 2020 that figure was down to 285. Lockdown has reduced these figures further but with spring upon us, bikers are once again taking to the roads.
Start Rescue recognises that many accidents are caused not just by other motorists’ poor motorcycle awareness on the roads, but also by motorcycle owners’ poor maintenance and neglect of their machines. With summer approaching and the roads starting to dry out, many bikers are opening their garage doors and dusting off their precious two-wheeled steed.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, said: “We’re blessed with some great roads in this country, but too many bikers are left stranded by poor preparation. While Start Rescue can help recover a broken bike and rider, it’s better to be prepared. A mechanical mishap on a bike isn’t just inconvenient – it can be dangerous for the rider and other road users.”
Lee continues: “Storing a bike in a lockup or garage during winter is a sensible way of protecting it from the elements (particularly road salt) but it doesn’t guarantee reliability once the weather warms up. Old batteries can fail, even if they’re disconnected. Trickle charging can recover some batteries, but a new replacement guarantees starting on the button (or kick-starter).”
Lee understands that most bikers take great pride in cleaning and polishing their pride and joy, but there are other benefits: “A good clean can highlight any problems hidden by dust – such as leaks and perishing rubber seals or pipes. Likewise, any corrosion that’s starting to take hold will be obvious with a sponge rubbed across it. Give the chain some spray lubrication after a clean to preserve it.“
Start Rescue urges all bikers to check their tyres carefully. Firstly, the legal tread requirements for motorcycles over 50cc are a minimum of 1mm around the tyre’s entire circumference and across the centre ¾ width of the tyre. For mopeds less than 50cc, all grooves of the original tyre tread must be visible. Start Rescue recommends replacing tyres well before these limits for the sake of safety, but also because the penalty for insufficient tread depth and/or poor general condition can be up to £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre. If the tread depth is OK, check for any unusual or uneven wear, eg a bald patch. If the tyre itself is OK, check the pressures are correct.
Finally, consider a refresher course for safer riding. Lee says: “While it’s easy to be dismissive of road rules, accidents often hurt your loved ones more than they hurt the rider - be a safer rider for them. BikeSafe (www.bikesafe.co.uk) is a police-run scheme for post-test training. The content covers attitude, observation, cornering, overtaking, filtering, junctions, group riding, hazard awareness and the system of motorcycle control.”
Checklist for mothballed motorbikes:
- Check tyres: pressures, cracking, tread
- Check brakes – renew old fluid, check pad thickness & disc condition
- Damper condition – any leaking/bad seals, stanchion pitting and scratches
- Frame corrosion/cracking
- Check all lights
- Check fluid levels – oil, coolant, brake fluid
- Lubricate the chain
- Consider a service if the bike has been stored a long time
Editor’s notes:
www.startrescue.co.uk is a trading style of Call Assist Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been providing breakdown services on behalf of many brands for the past 23 years. Call Assist currently services more than 2 million policyholders through a large network of approved recovery agents throughout the UK and a further network in Europe.
Accident statistics taken from the following publications:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-provisional-estimates-year-ending-june-2021/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-provisional-estimates-year-ending-june-2021
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2020/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2020
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