The Grand Rapids, MI based comeback of the Buell brand has announced that the legendary Buell Hammerhead 1190RX is going into production with reservations being taken online from November 1. Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co., said: "We have former executives from Buell, General Motors, Lotus Engineering, Toyota and Bombardier Recreational Products ensuring we are manufacturing and developing the highest quality products. It will have a Grand Rapids, Michigan- built and proven 185 horsepower high-performance 72-degree V-twin engine with 13.4:1 compression, sporting EFI with four injectors and exerting 101.6 ft/lbs of torque. Buell's unique chassis and braking system is the key to its success on the racetrack and on the road. The Hammerhead has a specialised aluminium 'Fuel in Frame' design which provides strength, lower centre of gravity and added balance, with a single-track perimeter front braking system that reduces the unsprung weight. The overall weight will be 419 lbs to allow the rider unsurpassed performance and feel during turns at just 419 lbs/190 kg; www.BuellMotorcycle.com
Mitas will be increasing prices across its line for motorcycle, scooter and other tyres and for its complete range of tubes and mousses. The company says its second increase in 2021 is due to the significantly higher prices of raw materials and logistics services across the industry. The increases from 5% to 10% will take effect starting October 1, 2021.
Reuters reports that the Indonesian Energy Ministry has launched a pilot project to convert motorcycles that run on combustion engines into electric-powered vehicles, part of a national drive to make transport more environmentally friendly. The project has successfully converted ten such motorbikes and is aiming to convert 90 more by November. The government has set a target of having 13 million electric motorbikes - including converted ones - and 2.2 million electric cars on the roads by 2030. It has also pledged to stop all sales of vehicles powered by combustion engines by 2050. Indonesia had more than 15 million cars and 112 million motorcycles on its roads as of 2019.
Yamaha Motor's flagship PW-X3 Drive Unit for eBikes (PedElecs) is described as its "smallest, lightest and most powerful drive unit" and as being a "class-leading model from the industry's eBike pioneer". Yamaha claims it invented the world's first Electrically Power Assisted Cycle (EPAC) nearly 30 years ago and that it is "recognised as one of the world's leading innovators in eBike technology".
After its "near death experience" following the withdrawal of primary sponsor Petronas, the Sepang Racing Team has become RNF MotoGP Racing and will continue participating in MotoGP until at least 2026. Former CEO of Sepang International Circuit and Team Principal Razlan Razali remains as Team Principal.
Boston based Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF - founded in 2015) has revealed an innovative sensor technology that is expected to debut on Piaggio two-wheelers in 2022, with PFF robots launching in late 2021. "PFF's hardware-software modules offer uncompromising safety by providing robust monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. Featuring Vayyar Imaging Radar-on-Chip technology, it is the industry's first ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle safety platform. The complete sensor package is developed, built and supplied by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles' Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS). ARAS applications are on the front line of the battle to prevent collisions and protect motorcycle riders. ARAS technology meets the rigorous technological requirements of traditional driver assist functions, addressing additional motorcycle-specific challenges such as size constraints and seamless vehicle manoeuvrability at high-tilt angles".
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com, Cycle World, motorbikewriter.com
