Planet Knox

Knox gains US patent for Scaphoid Protection System

Planet Knox, the UK-based rider protection specialist, has received a US Patent for its Scaphoid Protection System (SPS). The US patent [US8671463] recognises the unique properties of this innovation and thus protects it from copies in America. Invented by Knox in 2003, SPS received a European patent [EP1594378] in 2011 and the addition of a US patent effectively gives this British innovation worldwide coverage.

What makes SPS unique is its potential to eliminate scaphoid and general metacarpal injury when the user falls onto an outstretched palm, a normal human reaction that often results in one of the most common injuries to the hand. The scaphoid is a carpal bone, which helps to control strength and use of the thumb.
Knox SPS works by adding two sliders to the palm of the glove, one of which covers the general area over the scaphoid. The second acts as a bridge and stops the grab and twist effect. The system is said to protect the hand from compression fractures and hyper-extension, caused by the grab effect when a leather palm grips the road surface and forward momentum carries the rider's body over the hand. SPS allows the outstretched hand to slide along at the same speed and remain in front of the rider’s body.

PLANET KNOX LTD
Cockermouth, Cumbria, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1900 825 825
sales@planet-knox.com
www.planet-knox.com

World Ducati Week 2014

WDW 2014 "a resounding success" according to Ducati

Ducati say that the eighth edition of their World Ducati Week (their international, biennial Ducati gathering) has been an "outstanding success" thrilling the "tens of thousands of motorcyclists" who filled the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit, near Rimini on Italy's Adriatic coast from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July.
The company say that some 65,000 people attended this year, equalling the record attendance set in 2012 when WDW was a 4-day event. Participants are said to have come from 56 different countries, with 40 percent of them from outside Italy, including visitors from as far away as the USA, Australia, Russia, India, China, Malaysia, Gabon, Iceland and Nepal.

 

The largest crowds were there on Saturday 19 July, highlight of the day being the final showdown of the Diavel Drag Race by Tudor which saw Ducati Corse riders (MotoGP and SBK) battle it out on the starting straight of the circuit on powerful lightweight Ducati Diavel Carbon bikes.
Victory was claimed by Regis Laconi (former official Ducati SBK rider), with Matteo Baiocco (current Ducati SBK test rider) the runner-up. Third place went to Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), fourth to Michele Pirro (test rider for Ducati Team in MotoGP).
"It was an exhilarating competition" say Ducati, "placing pros of the highest calibre, past and present, head to head: Troy Bayliss, Carlos Checa, Andrea Iannone, Yonny Hernandez, Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies together with “King” Carl Fogarty and Pierfrancesco Chili.                                                                   
"Immediately after the race, in front of a crowd estimated to be over 10,000 strong, all the riders, plus key management - led by Ducati Motor Holding CEO, Claudio Domenicali, and Audi CEO, Rupert Stadler – saluted the public in an impressive ride-past.

"The final day of this eighth WDW saw thousands of Ducatisti and their bikes once again flood into the paddock of the “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit, all eager to enjoy their last day before heading home in the comforting knowledge that they’ll all be back together again in two years’ time for WDW2016.
"As expected, the Scrambler area was a huge success, arousing considerable interest. This gave enthusiasts attending WDW2014 an exclusive opportunity to enjoy a world premiere of the long-awaited Scrambler Ducati. This latest Ducati motorcycle, expected to arrive in stores early in 2015, attracted an uninterrupted procession of onlookers, with some Ducatisti waiting hours under the scorching sun to enter the famous “yellow container” and get a sneak preview (with a strictly no-photos, no-filming protocol) of the prototype.

"In addition to numerous events, the paddock area of the circuit also hosted a Superbike Celebration, a display of the bikes that have made Ducati history in the World Superbike Championship. There were stuntman shows, riding courses, a chance to road test the new Monster 821, and autograph sessions with Ducati Corse champions past and present.

In a 'nod' of recognition to Ducati's corporate status as a VAG subsidiary there were also on-track tests with the Audi R8 V10 and the new Lamborghini Huracán.
Ducati wish to recognise and thank their Official, Main and Technical Partners for their "outstanding support" - TUDOR, Termignoni, TIM, Pirelli, Bosch, Shell, Canon, Arai, Brembo, Cartorama, Dainese, Element Case, Garmin, Gates, Givi and Samauto.

Italian motorcycle industry

PTW sales up slightly for June in Italy

The Italian motorcycle industry trade association (ANCMA) say that total PTW registrations for Italy in June were up by 2.8 percent at 19,437 units – putting the market at +4.4 percent for the first six months of the year (95,614 units).

The top three selling PTWs so far in Italy this year have been Honda’s SH 150/300/125 scooters, taking the top 3 selling spots with 11,416 units between them.

 

The top selling motorcycle so far this year has been BMW’s R 1200 GS, which has clocked up 2,352 unit sales. The Enduro sector in general is the second strongest performing market sector in Italy, being up by 9.3 percent so far this year at 12,102 units. Naked bikes is the largest sector (12,188 units) and strongest performing sector in growth terms (+21.2 percent).

By way of background, last year’s total PTW registrations in Italy were 153,863 units for the full year, which was down from 206,522 in 2012. The second quarter of 2014 (at 59,219 units) is just some 251 units less than the second quarter of 2013, but to put it in context, the second quarter in the year 2000 was worth 219,867 units on its own, on the way to recording 524,619 units for the full year. Quarterly and annual new PTW registrations have tumbled ever since.

Graph – of full year results back to 2000 for a change. Bar graph, with years and total written in bars. If it looks too horrible, just do the last 10 years (2004-2013). Title: Italian PTW annual registrations

BMW 'ABS Pro'

BMW 'ABS Pro' for HP4

BMW is to release what it is describing as the “first ever cornering ABS for Supersports” bikes with a retro-fittable ‘ABS Pro’ for the HP4.

 

When BMW presented the S 1000 RR in 2009 (its first Supersports model) it was the first motorcycle of its type to be fitted with ABS; that year also saw the first track victory by an ABS-equipped Sportsports motorcycle at the 24-hour race in Barcelona.
Continuing its investment in R&D, BMW say that “ABS Pro represents a consistent refinement of the Race ABS in that it now enables ABS-supported braking when cornering”.
Specifically conceived for use on public roads, ABS Pro is said to prevent the wheels from “blocking – even when the brakes are applied quickly, reducing abrupt changes in steering force on shock-braking manoeuvres and stopping the motorcycle from rearing up unintentionally”.

The system adapts ABS control to the motorcycle’s banking angle depending on the current situation on the road. Using the signals for roll rate, yaw rate and transverse acceleration as provided by the sensor cluster (as used for BMW’s DTC/Dynamic Traction Control and electronic suspension DDC/Dynamic Damping Control), as the banking angle increases the brake pressure “gradient” is limited more and more at the start of the brake manoeuvre.

Pressure modulation within the ABS control range is said to be more even with a sensitive response, high level of brake and ride stability and the best possible deceleration on bends.
The ABS Pro will be available as a retrofit solution for the HP4 from the end of October with an expected price in Germany of around €380.

Exhaust Pro-Guide

4Scoot and New Maxi 4 for VESPA GTS 300ie

TECNIGAS, the Spanish exhaust manufacturer, has expanded its product range for maxi scooters and now has options for the most powerful stock Vespa, the GTS 300i.e., with the introduction of the New Maxi 4 and 4Scoot exhausts. Both exhausts are homologated according to the 97/24EC Directive.

The New Maxi 4, with a similar design to the OEM exhaust, is a high performance muffler that also offers high strength and durability, while the 4Scoot is Tecnigas’ sporty model for maxi scooters. It has stainless steel internals and an aluminium outer for an overall weight reduction, which is claimed to be almost half of the stock exhaust. This particular version of the 4Scoot exhaust is fitted with a new end cap in black to offer a more aggressive look, which reflects the exhaust performance, technology and sportiness.

TECNIGAS PARTS
Crespià (Girona), SPAIN
Tel: + 34 972 57 09 88
info@tecnigas.com
www.tecnigas.com


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Giannelli for Yamaha MT-07

GIANNELLI is now able to offer full exhaust systems for the recently launched Yamaha MT-07. The new systems from the Italian manufacturer, which include the option of silencers in aluminium, carbon fibre or titanium, are said to provide performance increases. All of the systems are street legal, and both the titanium and carbon fibre silencers have carbon fibre end caps, while the aluminium silencer has the choice of carbon fibre or stainless steel end caps and carbon fibre end caps only on the black anodised version. 

Giannelli also has a street legal catalytic converter available for use with its systems for the MT-07.

GIANNELLI SILENCERS
Selci di San Giustino (PG), ITALY
Tel: +39 0758 61081
info@giannelli.com
www.giannelli.com


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GPR slip-ons for Brutale

GPR has introduced a new range of slip-on exhaust mufflers for the MV Agusta Brutale 800. The new range incudes homologated silencers and short racing slip-ons, all with a removable dbkiller.

The company claims that across the range the new slip-ons offer an increase in performance of 2hp, along with a weight saving of 3.5 to 4kg. The weight saving is dependent on the material used for the muffler body and there is a choice of aluminium, brushed stainless steel, coloured steel or titanium.
A feature of the new slip-ons is the supporting kit, which eliminates the traditional strap or welded bracket. Instead a new patented bracket kit is used that is said to be better looking and easy to assemble and install.

GPR ITALIA SRL
Riozzo di Cerro al Lambro (MI), ITALY
Tel: 39 02 98112058
info@gpr.it
www.gpr.it

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Remus exhausts

REMUS has launched a range of Hexacone slip-on and complete exhaust systems for the 2014 BMW R 1200 RT, and its Hypercone slip-on mufflers for 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S.
Both the Hexacone and slip-on ranges include the option of muffler bodies made from a choice of stainless steel, carbon fibre or titanium, and all versions have carbon fibre inlet and outlet caps. 

Remus’ Hexacone complete 2-into-1 exhaust systems are also offered with the same choice of muffler bodies, and in addition feature a carbon fibre heat shield.
The Hypercone mufflers are available with a choice of bodies made from stainless steel, black stainless steel or titanium. With the Hypercone there is also the option to replace the stock connector pipe with a stainless one (with or without a catalytic convertor included for the Ducati option).

REMUS INNOVATION
Baernbach, AUSTRIA
Tel: +43 (0)3142 6900 0
office@remus.at
www.remus.at

Gilles Tooling

MT-07 equipped by Gilles Tooling

GILLES Tooling has expanded its product range to include not only universal parts but also model-specific itms for the new Yamaha MT-07.
Among the parts being offered by Gilles Tooling through Yamaha are billet aluminium adjustable rearsets, which are a derived from the company’s existing Factor-X rearset line. This version offers a wider range of adjustability with six different footpeg positions, and titanium anodised and Yamaha racing-blue anodised parts.

The Gilles Tooling front and rear axle protectors, as well as its chain adjusters, incorporate the same colour schemes, and the chain adjusters also feature embedded bobbins. 

Previously available for the MT-09, the Factor-X levers, now also available for the MT-07, offer 35-step reach adjustability and a slim construction, which makes them suitable for riders with small hands or for female riders.

In addition to the parts listed above, which will be exclusively available through Yamaha, Gilles Tooling will also be offering machined 1D.GT risers for handlebar conversions from 22mm to 28.6mm diameter. They mount on top of the original handlebar clamps and lift the handlebars 25mm, and the MT-07 is the first bike for them to be available for. Matching handlebars with 28.6mm diameter are also new to Gilles Tooling. The GTO aluminium handlebars will be offered in two different geometries (low and medium), in black or gold.

GILLES TOOLING
Wecker, LUXEMBOURG
Tel: +352 267 893 1
info@gillestooling.com
www.gillestooling.com

Amphibious

Air-free tank bag

ITALIAN outdoor activity specialist Amphibious say "versatility and protection" is the name of the game with their air-free new motorcycle tank bag.
Their "100 percent waterproof" design features a valve that allows the excess air to be removed, making the bag as small and compact as possible - the 25 litre capacity can be reduced to as low as 15 litres while still full of the rider’s items.

Doubling up as a backpack, Amphibious say the concept has been developed from their experience manufacturing "professional containers” for several outdoor activities (Amphibious are suppliers to the Italian Mountain Rescue Corps and the Italian Navy amongst others), and that their motorcycle-specific design incorporates many of the same technical features that they have developed for extreme use.

Weighing 650 grams, it is made of sturdy yet lightweight TPU, which is not stitched but seamed, using high frequency welding/bonding, with removable anti-shock sidewalls, a reinforced padded base, two side pockets, reflective stripes, D-rings and PVC handle.
The “motorcycle set” created by Amphibious also includes two different side bags, universal mounting bags, their FLUO range, leg bags, hip bags, backpacks and self-inflating cushions.

AMPHIBIOUS S.r.l.
Lesmo (MB), ITALY
Tel. +39 039 6065 879
info@amphibious.it
www.amphibious.it

German motorcycle registrations up

German motorcycle registrations up 10.5 percent for first six months of year

Data released by the German motorcycle industry association the IVM show that motorcycle registrations in June were up by 9.3 percent (10,284 units) compared to June 2013, making it the fifth month of the year so far to see growth, and the 20th month of growth out of the last 30.
 

For the year to date, motorcycle registrations were up by 10.5 percent and at 66,213 units this is the highest first half year performance for the German market since 2008.
In total PTW terms, German registrations were up by 7.7 percent in June, and at 15,375 units for the month that was the best June performance since 2008.
Total PTW registrations for the year to date were up by 9.1 percent at 91,535 units, which again is the best first  six month performance since 2008, with total PTW registrations there now having show growth for 19 out of the last 30 months.

Record sales for BMW Motorrad

Record sales for BMW Motorrad

BMW Motorrad has reported an all-time six-month high for sales in the first half of 2014, with worldwide sales of 70,978 motorcycles and scooters.
The total sales are an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the equivalent period of the previous year. 

Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing says "we have achieved an all-time six-month high in the first half of this year"

Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing: "We have achieved an all-time six-month high in the first half of this year. Never before have we sold this many vehicles in the first six months of a year. With an increase of 9.3 percent in the first half of 2014, we remain on course to achieve an all-time sales high for the year as a whole.

“The best-selling model remains the R 1200 GS. Almost 15,000 units were supplied to customers worldwide during the first six months of the year. This is followed in second and third place by the two new boxer models R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT with 9,708 and 7,420 units respectively. The R nineT launched in March surpassed the expectations with sales of 4,114 vehicles".

www.bmw-motorrad.com

Spanish motorcycle registration

Spanish motorcycle registration growth continues

Spanish motorcycle trade association ANESDOR has released motorcycle and moped registration data for June this year that shows continuing motorcycle and PTW growth.
Motorcycle registrations in Spain for June were 11,288 units, which is up by 16.1 percent over June 2013, and with 52,681 units registered for the first six months of this year, the market is up by 19.3 percent compared to the same period in 2013.
This means that Spain has now seen 10 consecutive months of growth in motorcycle registrations since September 2013, and is now also ahead of 2012 in first six month terms.

Interestingly, the larger the displacement of motorcycle, the stronger the growth is in Spain. Light motorcycles (up to 125cc) grew by 13.5 percent for the year to date, but average displacement motorcycles (126cc – 750cc) grew by 24.9 percent, with the over 750cc market up by 38.2 percent.

The light motorcycle cycle sector remains the most popular, accounting for more than half (59.3 percent) of the total motorcycle market in the first six months.

In style of bike terms, Spain remains a market dominated by scooters, of all displacements, which accounted for 66.2 percent of the market (+15.1 percent) with off-road motorcycles up 6.9 percent and road-going motorcycles showing the strongest growth at 32.6 percent.
Total PTW registrations in Spain were 13.3 percent up in June, and at 59,332 units are 16.2 percent up for the first sixth months of 2014.

UK motorcycle market up

UK motorcycle market up over 12 percent for first six months

Figures released by the MCIA show that growth in the UK motorcycle market continues, with June up by 8.1 percent (10,097 units) over June 2013, with the first six months of the year up by 12.8 percent over the same period of last year at 49,137 units – the UK’s highest first half motorcycle registrations performance since 2009 (54,400 units).

In total PTW terms, the UK was up by 6.3 percent over June 2013 and is running at up 10.1 percent for the year to date at 53,994 units – also the highest seen there since the first six months of 2009 (62,412 units).

In motorcycle and total PTW registration terms, the market in the UK had appeared to stabilise in 2012, with growth seen throughout that year over 2011. However, several factors, not least weather, saw the market lose most of that growth in the first nine months of 2013, but this latest data represents 9 consecutive months of motorcycle registration growth.

Magura

Magura hydraulic clutch for BMW F series

MAGURA has introduced a version of its Hymec hydraulic clutch conversion kit for use on BMW F series motorcycles.

The Magura kit, which replaces the stock cable set-up, has been engineered to offer 15 percent lighter clutch operation, improve clutch feel and control. The kit is said to be fully plug and play and features a break away lever in the event of a fall over. The company says that the hydraulics will compensate for expansion and contraction in the clutch system to ensure a constant pressure point. Included in the kit is a forged lever, with improved ergonomics and span adjustment, while the kit is supplied filled with a specially developed mineral oil – 'Magura Blood' – which is non-toxic and non-hygroscopic.
The Magura Hymec hydraulic clutch conversion kit can be retro-fitted to the BMW F800 R, F800 S, F800 GS, F800 ST, F800 GT, F650 GS and F700 GS models. 

MAGURA GMBH & CO
Bad Urach, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)7125 153 262
powersports@magura.de
www.magura.com

Cellular Italia

New Interphone MC Bluetooth Series

COMMUNICATIONS specialist Cellular Italia has added to its motorcycle-specific Interphone MC communication system series with the F3MC, F4MC and F5MC.
The F3MC connects wirelessly to a mobile phone, Sat-Nav and music player, along with being useable as a rider-to-pillion intercom that can be used with a second device (Interphone or another brand). 

The F4MC allows bike-to-bike intercom toggling with up to four other riders, within a range of 0.8km. It receives GPS voice instructions and allows communication with a pillion or other riders via intercom and receives phone calls directly into the helmet. There's a function to listen to music from a stereo A2DP connection, or MP2/iPod via cable. The F4MC also has a built-in FM radio with RDS and a preset memory for up to eight stations, including automatic radio muting for incoming calls.

Sitting at the top of the range is the F5MC, which has a range of up to 1.3km, and can connect between up to four riders in conference mode. Its multi-device connectivity includes mobile phones, A2DP Bluetooth stereo, FM radio, with RDS, and conference intercom. The AnyCom feature allows communication with all types of brands and intercom devices. It also features an 'intercom auto reconnect', where if the paired intercom device goes out of range the F5MC will automatically try to reconnect to the device.

All the MC Series devices are now available as single units or as a twin pack, and a handlebar remote control is available for the entire Interphone MC product range.

CELLULAR ITALIA
Reggio Emilia (RE), ITALY
Tel: +39 0522 334002
www.cellularline.com
international.interphone@cellularline.com

'International Night'

'International Night' to be staged on INTERMOT's Trade Visitor Day

THIS year's INTERMOT will see the return of IDN’s popular 'International Night', from 18:30 to 20:00 pm on Wednesday October 1st at the Dealer Lounge Business Centre of the Koelnmesse exhibition centre.
The show is open to the media on Tuesday September 30th, with Wednesday October 1st being a Trade Day, and Thursday October 2nd to Sunday October 5th open for all visitors.
Since the move to Cologne from Munich in 2006, this is the first time that INTERMOT has promoted a specific Trade Visitor Day, with consumers only able to gain access by invitation.

To get your invitation to the free of charge IDN International Night at INTERMOT
(18:30 hours Wednesday Oct 1st) just email Sara Viney  (sara@dealer-world.com)

Promoted by International Dealer News, and hosted by INTERMOT and the show's sponsors, International Night is unique - the only 'meet & greet' business reception specifically for industry professionals (of all kinds) and unique in the motorcycle industry.
The 'Cologne' Show has always been regarded as the world's primary international motorcycle industry expo, and with the backing of International Dealer News this is your opportunity to meet colleagues from the industry in a relaxed environment as the show closes (at 18:00 hours) on the Trade Visitor special day.
In 2012, INTERMOT underlined its position as “the most significant motorcycle industry international business platform” with the number of visitors increasing to 55,000 – with a record proportion of those trade visitors (43 percent) being from outside Germany and an 8 percent increase in the number of countries represented.
That year also saw the introduction of the Business District, which was developed to bring together a number of expo initiatives that had been developed for trade visitors in prior years.

This year it is once again located between halls 4 and 5, with the Dealer Lounge as the central meeting point.
In addition to International Dealer News the business district is being supported by other motorcycle industry trade magazines in Europe such as World of Bike and Bike und Business in Germany, British Dealer News in the UK, L’Officiel in France, Moto Dealer News (Italy) and Moto Taller (Spain).
The business district provides exclusive exhibition space for vendors who only want to meet other professionals in the international motorcycle industry and provides facilities for all kinds for professional visitors to be able to make meeting appointments away from the exhibition booths.
Additional trade initiatives operated by INTERMOT include the Dealer Card, which provides show access privileges and the online Matchmaking365 service, which is an expo visit experience optimiser – it enables trade visitors to gain an overview of the suppliers of selected product groups in the run-up to the fair, establish valuable business contacts and place targeted requests.
Matchmaking365 is a free of charge, time-saving service that helps trade visitors maximise the benefits of their visit.
This year sees the international motorcycle industry celebrate the 50th anniversary of its expo involvement with the city of Cologne, and highlights and a timeline from past shows will be showcased along with an “old timer” exhibition. 

www.intermot-cologne.com

Zandona

Zandona Shark EVC

ZANDONA’S Shark EVC is a back protector made in Italy using specialist materials such as the ultra-breathable S.R.T. (Sweat Removing Textile) 3D textile material, which transfers sweat from skin to the exterior of the fabric.

The Shark EVC is also designed to provide back protection and to offer kidney support. Its structure is composed of high-technology deformable structure, splinter-proof plastic materials and E.V.C. (Evoluted Viscoelastic Cells), an innovative waterproof anti-shock material with a high performance/weight/thickness ratio.
The plates are joined to a drop wire system to guarantee impact distribution throughout the whole protection surface. Shark EVC also has an Anti-Torsion system, which limits twisting and deformation.
It is CE approved to EN-1621-2/03 Level 2 and available in anthracite, black and white, and sizes height: x6 – x7 – x8 – x9 and waist: XS – S – M – L – XL.

ZANDONA
Caerano di San Marco (TV), ITALY
Tel: 39 0423 569135
info@zandona.net
www.zandona.net

Ariel Motor Company

Ariel launches Ace motorcycle

ARIEL Motor Company has launched a new motorcycle for sale alongside its current car production. The Ariel Ace is the first new motorcycle to carry the classic British Ariel name in 50 years. The first Ariel was a bicycle in 1870 featuring patented spoked wheels, and more recently Ariel was known for its four-cylinder Ariel Square 4 and the two-stroke, pressed steel framed Ariel Arrow motorcycles.

Orders are being taking for the Ace, which will begin production at the start of 2015 in low volume by Ariel at its factory near Crewkerne, Somerset, in quantities of between 100 – 150 motorcycles per annum alongside the Atom sportscar.
The way that Ariel builds vehicles allows each motorcycle to be tailored and fitted to individual customer choice to give them exactly the bike they want and to personalise it to their own use and taste. From low riding cruiser through street and naked machines, to super sport bikes, the Ace will be built to owners’ specific requirements and desires. Adjustable footrests, brake and gear lever, plus different seat heights and handlebar configurations allow the Ace to be personally fitted for each rider.
It is not only the fit of the bike that is tailored to each rider, as there is also the choice of variants of front and rear suspension, low and high seats with pillion options, different sizes of tank, handlebars, wheels, exhausts, bodywork and more, as well as colours, finishes and materials.

 
Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, says of the design and styling options: “Motorcyclists have a real passion for their machines. They like them to be individual and they want them to be their bike, not just another bike identical to hundreds or thousands of others. The usual route is to buy a standard bike and then add various aftermarket components to change the bike into what they want. However, with the Ace the uniqueness is built in as the bike is produced, and each one will be as individual as its owner.”
Talking about the performance capabilities of the Honda V4 powered Ace, Saunders says: “We looked at an out and out, super lightweight race bike, but they are already out there, and are so far beyond the abilities of most riders, so we took the decision to produce a really fast bike that was easy to ride and within the capabilities of most riders. Our motto is ‘Serious Fun’, and those two words absolutely encapsulate what the Ace is all about.”
The load bearing aluminium frame, made from six individual billet aluminium sections, carries the engine, various seat packages, front and rear suspension as well as providing a safety cell for the fuel tank. Different head angles, via interchangeable eccentric bearing holders, are achievable to tune the rake angle from 21.8 degrees to 28.4 degrees, with a standard mid-point of 25.1 degrees for neutral handling.
The Ace uses the Honda V4 VFR1200 Unicam engine, which is mounted transversely, and was chosen for its power, flexibility, compact size and advanced technology with a claimed output of 173bhp and 129Nm of torque. Throttle by wire technology has been combined with Ariel’s fuel mapping, intake system, and Ariel’s various exhaust systems.
The Honda VFR engine also gives Ariel the ability to offer the Ace in manual and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) form. The six-speed sequential manual offers standard motorcycle transmission, while the DCT version can be used in fully ‘Auto’, ‘Sport’ or push button ‘Manual’ mode. 

The Ace features front suspension options of telescopic forks, or the Ariel Girder front end. Made from machined aluminium, the Girder fork’s multi-bearing top and bottom suspension arms offer improved compliance and reduced stiction over conventional telescopic forks, providing better response over different road surfaces and undulations as well as under braking to corner.
Rear suspension is by a Pro Link single-sided, cast aluminium swingarm, containing the shaft drive, with options of different gas damper.
Front brakes are Nissin 320mm floating hydraulic discs with six-piston calipers, while the rear are Nissin 276mm with a two-piston caliper. All versions of the Ace have electronic ABS brakes together with switchable traction control.
Wheels are five and seven spoke alloy, with the option of BST full carbon fibre and aluminium lightweight wheels made specifically for the Ace. Dependent on the use of each bike Ariel will choose from a wide range of Dunlop tyres to suit the use and purpose of each bike.
Further components, bodywork, tuning parts and accessories will be developed as part of a continuing Ace design and engineering programme to further expand customer choice. As with the Ariel Atom, new parts will be retro-fit compliant, allowing Ace motorcycles to be upgraded over a period of time or as further developments are made.

ARIEL MOTOR COMPANY
Crewkerne, Somerset, UK
Tel: 01460 78817
sales@arielmotor.co.uk
www.arielmotor.co.uk 

Yamaha

New MT-09 option from Yamaha

YAMAHA has celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of its MT-09 by releasing a new version of the motorcycle – the MT-09 Street Tracker. Inspired by ‘70s scramblers, the new option has a range of special parts fitted as standard along with a unique matt finish to the frame and bodywork.

Among the special parts fitted to the MT-09 Street Tracker are a short carbon front fender with aluminium stays, and an aluminium front number plate that offers wind protection for the rider as well as enhancing the race look. This race look is furthered with the additional aluminium side number boards fitted under the sides of the seat.
A first on this version of the MT-09 is the use of a totally black frame, and the 850cc three-cylinder engine is also finished in matt black and features a bronze coloured cylinder head, while the dark bronze wheels complement the gold coloured upside down forks.

An option being offered on the Street Tracker is an exclusive high-level Akrapovic exhaust system that has been specially developed for the bike. Exiting to the right side of the bike's tail, it offers increased cornering clearance.

www.yamaha-motor.eu