Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

Moto Guzzi isn't generally associated with cutting-edge technology, but the company'sthe new V100 Mandello - which marks the brand's centenary - is an intriguing combination of traditional ideas and futuristic thinking.
The bike's stance and styling are traditional sports tourer, avoiding the trend towards high-rise, adventure-bike-inspired machines, and the V-twin engine's cylinders poking out on either side leave no doubt that it's a Guzzi. But that engine is completely new, and the bike hides technical elements that aren't just new to Guzzi, but new to motorcycling altogether.

Measuring 1,042 cc, the engine differs from previous 'small block' Guzzis by using water cooling, helping it along to a peak power of 115 hp and max torque of 77 lb-ft. Not earth-shattering numbers, but plenty for a bike like this. It drives through a shaft hidden inside a newly designed single-sided swingarm and differs from previous Guzzis by having cylinder heads rotated 90 degrees, with the intakes in the middle of the 'V' and the exhaust pointing downwards. Those heads hold twin camshafts and four valves per cylinder.
However, it's the bodywork that, despite its conventional appearance, hides the V100's big news. As well as an electrically adjustable screen, there are automatic, electric wind deflectors mounted on either side of the 17.5 litre tank. These flaps shift position depending on speed and the selected riding mode, deflecting air around the rider and creating genuinely 'active' aerodynamics. Guzzi says that they help reduce wind blast on the rider to make the V100 feel like a machine with a much fuller fairing.
Elsewhere, there are four riding modes, four traction control settings, three engine braking levels and three power maps for the engine, plus cornering lights and an IMU to ensure the ABS and traction control work even when the bike is banked over.
Guzzi will offer two versions, with the base V100 supplemented by a higher-spec version using Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension, a quickshifter and multimedia control through the TFT dashboard.

Benelli

Benelli TRK702 and reborn TNT899 - new twin and triple from Benelli

In Italy Benelli's TRK502 is proving to be a roaring success - regularly topping sales charts - and now a larger-capacity machine with the same style has been type-approved in China, where most modern Benellis are built.
The TRK702 looks near identical to the TRK502, but confusingly it adds yet another parallel twin engine to the company's range. At the moment Benelli has two parallel twins. The smaller engine is made in 250 cc, 300 cc and 500 cc forms, with a 550 cc version recently shown in China, too. 

TRK702X

The larger one, which is effectively two thirds of the old 1,130 cc triple used in the TNT 1130, measures 754 cc and is used in models like the Benelli 752S and the Leoncino 800. However, the TRK702, which has yet to be officially revealed, uses neither of these designs - instead adopting a 693 cc twin that appears near identical to the motor used in CFMoto's 700CL-X.
According to the official type-approval documents, the engine is made by Benelli's parent company, Qianjiang, so it's not simply a bought-in CFMoto unit despite sharing exactly the same capacity and appearing visually similar.
The TRK702's specs show that it makes 75 hp, which puts it very close to the 81 hp achieved by the larger, heavier 745 cc engine used in the Leoncino 800. In fact, the engine is even lighter than the 500 cc unit from the TRK502, leading to the TRK702 - which is visually almost indistinguishable from the smaller bike - to weigh less, it's 220 kg wet compared to 235 kg for the TRK502 in the same state.

TNT899

The Chinese type-approvals show that the TRK702 will be made in two forms - an alloy-wheeled, street-oriented model and a TRK702X with wire wheels and a more off-road look. Both use Brembo brakes, and versions with alloy luggage fitted have also been approved for sale.
Another upcoming Benelli to achieve Chinese type-approval is a reborn version of the old TNT899 triple. Looking similar to the earlier model, designed by Adrian Morton, the updated machine has been modified to meet newer emissions limits, with a carbon canister visible, mounted on the side of the engine, to help reduced evaporative emissions. The power matches the old model (118 hp), and it weighs 220 kg ready-to-ride including fuel.

Vance & Hines

Vance & Hines enters ADV exhausts market

Santa Fe Springs, California based Vance & Hines has launched new Hi-Output 500 slip-ons for the BMW R 1250 GS and GS Adventure motorcycles and, in a signal about its seriousness about the ADV and wider off-road sectors, additionally announced the opening of a new Off-Road Proving Grounds (ORPG) in the Mojave Desert.
The exhaust for BMW adventure touring motorcycles is the company's second product in this category, following the recent announcement of a Hi-Output 450 slip-on for the new Harley Pan America.  

Vance & Hines says that its Hi-Output Adventure 500 is the largest capacity exhaust it has ever made. It is manufactured in high-grade 304 stainless steel tube with a 5-inch (approx. 125 mm) diameter. The system features a brushed, works-style finish, CNC-machined billet aluminium end cap, black heat shield, stainless mid-pipe, spring clip assembly and Vance & Hines' new adventure badging.
With a lower weight than the stock exhaust, the stepped exhaust design "delivers smooth tractable torque throughout the powerband. The glass-wrapped, perforated baffle core design delivers a rich, smooth rumble while still meeting SAE J2825 sound level standards. In addition, the system is 50-state emissions compliant".  
The Hi-Output Adventure 500 was unveiled at the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy Qualifier USA West in October - one of two US qualifying events to select riders to compete in the International GS Trophy in Albania in 2022.
Mike Kennedy, president of Vance & Hines and a former head of Harley in Europe, said: "BMW riders are the core of the ADV bike world, and we know they will love this new Vance & Hines exhaust. More performance, a great look and more rider comfort are attributes that every rider can appreciate." News on European approvals and availability is expected in the first half of 2022.

 

The move to open a Proving Grounds in the Mojave Desert in California is a strategic one and is a robust declaration of intent - anyone making such an investment must be aiming to sell a lot of off-road market exhaust systems!
Slated to have opened by the end of 2021, the V&H ORPG is being created at the well-known Zakar Overland Terrain Park and Event Center in the Mojave Desert, about two hours from the company's Santa Fe Springs, California headquarters.
It will be the company's private test site for off-road products and will include a test lab and service facility where company R&D staff will develop and evaluate future Vance & Hines off-road products.
"We are focused on bringing Vance & Hines exhilaration to all types of off-road riders. Our new proving grounds is an example of our commitment to create a steady flow of great products for off-road fans," continued Kennedy.

VANCE & HINES
www.vanceandhines.com

Sifam Group

'Kyoto' battery charger

Based near Nice in southern France, the Sifam Group (founded in 1994 by Pierre Manuel) has a number of fast-growing own and independent brand apparel programmes for which it is the exclusive distributor.
This microprocessor-controlled charger of the 'KYOTO' battery charger will automatically carry out the entire charging process of the battery until the end of the charging cycle and the charge maintenance.

An LED indicator informs about the progress of the charging process, whether the charging is complete or if the connection has been made incorrectly. Modern safety technology with reverse polarity protection, overheating protection, overload protection and short-circuit protection ensures safety.
Sifam is one of the best-known France based motorcycle parts, accessory, gear and apparel distributors with a wide range of famous name and own brand products available from its 3,900 sq m headquarters warehouse.
Sales Manager Joao Ramos says the company is looking for new dealers in England, Germany and Benelux - enquiries can be sent to him by email (see below).

SIFAM
www.sifam.fr

ProX Racing Parts

ProX launches all-new Ultralight steel rear sprockets

Netherlands based ProX Racing Parts has launched an evolution of its steel rear sprocket offering with all-new Ultralight sprockets.
ProX says its steel rear sprockets have been proven in highly demanding racing situations, with a reputation for long service life, and in upgrading its existing line, ProX engineers set out to combine the extreme durability of ProX's steel construction with the advantages of less weight.

ProX claims that this all-new, lightweight design gives ProX Ultralight steel rear sprockets up to 35% weight savings over other standard steel sprockets. "The high-strength steel construction provides superior longevity even in extreme riding conditions, ultimately translating to two to three times the usable life compared to average aluminium sprockets.
"ProX Ultralight sprockets are CNC-machined to exact specifications to achieve the precise, lightweight design and exact fitment. Diamond-cut manufacturing holds sprocket teeth to strict diameter and alignment tolerances, ensuring even and smooth operation.
"Reliable, flush sprocket-to-hub mounting is achieved with countersunk, tapered mounting holes, pairing perfectly with a set of ProX sprocket bolts and lock nuts. These sprockets are also treated with a full coverage coating for added corrosion and wear resistance and a factory look."

They are available for a wide range of sizes and dirt bike applications, including all major Japanese and Austrian brands, and Beta.
ProX Racing performance replacement parts meet or exceed OEM specifications and standards for dirt bikes, ATVs, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, sport bikes and scooters. Founded in 1975, ProX engine components include pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and valves. The company stocks over 9,000 part numbers for more than 60 different product groups.

PROX RACING PARTS
www.pmi-europe.nl

GasGas

Sam Sunderland - GasGas' first ever Dakar Champion

"When you win big, you got to celebrate big!" That is what GasGas said on the occasion of newly minted 2022 Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland's homecoming visit to the GasGas HQ in Austria - the entire GasGas family congratulated Sam on his outstanding performance.
This was only the third attempt on the Dakar for the GasGas brand, but it represented the 19th Dakar Rally title for the PIERER Mobility AG family of brands - GasGas, KTM and Husqvarna.
"To celebrate the 2022 Dakar victory in style, Sam Sunderland handed the trophy to Stefan Pierer (CEO PIERER Mobility AG) at the headquarters before riding his winning Dakar bike through various buildings for a celebration with all employees.

Sam Sunderland: "It's incredible to celebrate my Dakar win with everyone from GasGas - I will remember this day forever. This really was a team effort with so many people at the factory in Austria fully behind the rally programme, so it's amazing to share this special result with all of them. This Dakar win really does feel so much better than my first! It's my first rally win with GasGas and things couldn't have gone any better. The bike worked perfectly from the start, which made things a lot easier, as this year's race was one of the toughest I've ever done. It's been five years since my first win, and with it being such a tight race this year, it makes this victory much sweeter."

 

Stefan Pierer, CEO PIERER Mobility AG: "Winning our 19th Dakar Rally title and to bring back the trophy to Mattighofen is a very special moment for everyone here in the company. It clearly underlines our commitment to this very special event and writes a positive new chapter in our incredible Dakar history. Sam's performance was truly impressive. With the support of the GasGas team, he managed the race perfectly, fighting hard and using his experience perfectly. This is a result everyone involved in GasGas can be very proud of."
Pit Beirer, Motorsport Director: "Sam has done an incredible job at this year's Dakar. It was a long fight, with many challenges to overcome, but with the support of the whole Motorsports team he was able to bring the trophy back to Austria. We are so proud of all the hard work the whole GasGas team have put in to achieve their first Dakar win - it's an historic victory and hopefully just the first success in what will be a successful year for the brand. When you think about what goes into a race like Dakar - the preparation, the logistics, the trucks, everything that goes on behind the scenes - all of this must come together to claim a win at one of the toughest events on the motorsport calendar. This is another important step in the onward progression of the GasGas brand."
Robert Jonas, Vice President Motorsports Offroad: "To win the Dakar Rally is a huge achievement for both Sam and the GasGas Factory Racing team. We are extremely proud of the victory and definitely thankful for the hard work of so many. Sam did an amazing job, maintaining good speed and consistency at this year's race, as well as navigating well through every stage to ensure he stayed near the top of the standings. And with such a dedicated team behind him, that performance was rewarded with a win at the world's toughest rally raid. Congratulations to Sam and the whole of GasGas Factory Racing"!
 

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield successfully completes quest for the South Pole

Commemorating "120 years of adventure and exploration on motorcycles," Royal Enfield has succeeded with its 90° South - Quest for the Pole on the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
On December 16, 2021, two riders, Santhosh Vijay Kumar and Dean Coxson, reached the geographic South Pole in 15 days. Departing from Cape Town, South Africa, the team arrived at Novo in Antarctica for four days of acclimatisation, loading of supplies, checking equipment and the motorcycles. 

From Novo, the team covered an overland distance of 3,200 km (1,988 miles) over the next nine days, braving extreme weather conditions with temperatures between -30° to -25°C (-22° to -13°F) and wind speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) towards the Ross Ice Shelf.
The Ross Ice Shelf was the designated start point for the riders, however, an unexpected blizzard forced the team to alter their course. Instead of starting the ride from 86 degrees South, the team started the 400 km (250 mile) ride from 87 degrees South, completing the ride at the South Pole on December 16, 2021.

Two Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles were modified in-house with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice and function under the extreme conditions of Antarctica. The motorcycles were ridden on a compacted snow track from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole, to reduce motorcycle drag and limit emissions to an absolute minimum. Royal Enfield is consciously ensuring no footprint is left behind by the expedition team, except wheel tracks that will be quickly lost to snow drift. In line with its #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, the team is ensuring all waste is brought back for appropriate disposal.
From the South Pole, the team headed towards the western part of Antarctica, Union Glacier, from where they flew out to Punta Arenas, Chile.