from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com Wine joined Polaris in 2008 as CEO and was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2013. Polaris Inc on Wednesday announced that Chairman and CEO Scott Wine will leave the company to assume the CEO role at CNH Industrial, the maker of Case and New Holland agricultural equipment. Wine joined Polaris in 2008 as CEO and was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2013. He will remain in his current role at Polaris through the end of the year. Transition plans will be announced at a later date. During his time as CEO, Polaris grew from a $1.9 billion organization to a nearly $7 billion global Powersports company, the company said in a statement. “For the last 12 years, I have had the extraordinary honor of leading the best team in Powersports, and it is incredibly rewarding to reflect on all that we have accomplished together,” said Wine. “I leave with complete confidence that Polaris’ future is bright. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to my incredibly talented colleagues and to the Polaris Board for their guidance and leadership during my tenure.” “Scott has been an exceptional leader for Polaris. During his tenure, Polaris grew from a strong Minnesota company into a global leader in the Powersports market—more than tripling sales and vaulting Polaris into the Fortune 500,” said Polaris’ Lead Independent Director John Wiehoff. In the announcement of Wine’s departure, Polaris reaffirmed financial guidance for 2020 and said sales were on track to increase 2 to 3%. Adjusted net income for 2020 is expected to be in the range of $7.15 to $7.30 share, up from $6.32 a share in 2019, the company said.

by Sabrina Giacomini from https://www.rideapart.com

On November 17, 2020, Yamaha flooded our inboxes with announcements. Between rebranding, racing programs, and final street lineup confirmations, it’s almost like the company made a lot of noise to try to hide the really bad news.

At the bottom of the press release confirming which models are returning for 2021, we learned that Yamaha also axed some iconic models from its lineup including the WR250R, the VMAX, and perhaps most surprisingly, the YZF-R6. You read that right. The R6 is going to be discontinued after 2020.

Introduced in 1999, the Yamaha R6 has become a staple of the sportbike segment, alongside such models as the Suzuki Gixxer and the Kawasaki Ninja. The high-revving 599cc inline-four received raving reviews from the onset which helped cement its place as a sportbike icon. “The Yamaha YZF-R6 kicks ass,” Motorcycle.com wrote about the bike in its First Ride review.

It cleverly flirted with the line between road-friendly and track-ready—debatably more successfully than its Suzuki and Kawasaki counterparts. It also gave sportbikes enthusiasts a little something more accessible to consider than the R1, something insurance companies weren’t going to shun them for.

You’d think that considering the model’s place in the family, Yamaha would have been a little more sentimental about the cut and that the bikes discontinued would have deserved a little more ceremony than they received. Maybe a final, collector’s edition, or something.

“Yamaha understands the iconic history of these models. Regarding the future, Yamaha is continuously looking at new ideas and concepts to support and expand the market, as well as enhance our customers’ experiences.” That’s all Yamaha had to say on the matter.

Considering how matter-of-fact the statement is, it leads us to believe that maybe this could be a Hayabusa type of scenario in which the company pulls the model “for now” over emissions restraints to relaunch a 2.0 version further down the road. Or maybe Yamaha is making room for an MT-07 R7 spin-off in an attempt to streamline the lineup?

Goodbye forever or only for now? We can’t say for sure. All we know for the time being is that there won’t be a 2021 R6. If you were waiting for the new model-year to buy one, you might want to reconsider.

by Jahla Seppanen from https://www.themanual.com

When you’re a retired Formula One driver, what else can you do in your free time except build mind-bending concept motorcycles? In the case of Tarso Marques of Brazil, that’s exactly what he’s doing with the insane TMC Dumont motorcycle.

Yes, it’s still a concept so, no, you can’t drive it yet. In fact, you might be wondering how it even works because the construction shouldn’t make sense in real life.

This hub-less bike swaps a traditional car engine for a 1960s Rolls-Royce aircraft engine, creating an absolutely sick design with a body aesthetic that is futuristic, svelt, and should definitely be in the next 007 movie.

Anatomically, the aircraft engine is positioned where a standard motorcycle engine and fuel tank would be, but takes up an enormous amount of space. Basically, as much as a full frame, radiator —the works. The massive 36-inch wheels are essentially spoke-less and completely open in the center, so with the 300-horsepower engine, we’re hoping the brake disk and caliper have something to hold on to … because we can’t see it.

Based on the low-riding profile of the seat and engine, it’s questionable how the bike could sit above the ground, but it does. At least, the concept does. Just pray for a road without speed bumps.

Some motorcycle enthusiasts have questioned the safety and turning abilities that would result from having the back “wheel” so close to the rider — hello, wedgie or mega backside tire burn — and have called the bike “impractical.” That being said, TMC Dumont drove away with the “Best of Show” award at the 2018 Daytona Bike Week.

This isn’t the first time a motorcycle fanatic has strapped an airplane engine to their hog. Back in 2013, the Red Baron bike featured the 150-horsepower, nine-cylinder Rotec Radial engine used in WWI-era planes. However, in terms of pure looks, we’ve never seen anything like TMC Dumont. The motorcycle has been compared to everything from a piece of art to a Tron bike — ultra-sleek, and record-breaking.

Previewing the other passion projects Marques is developing with his brand Tarso Marques Concepts makes us mildly jealous, somewhat shook, and overall excited to finally get back out on a bike.

 

Triumph Motorcycles Announces New Bike

ACCESSIBLE ROAD-FOCUSED ADVENTURE VERSATILITY

New from Triumph Motorcycles, the perfect combination of dedicated 850 Tiger triple engine set-up, and tailor-made high specification equipment and technology, for intuitive and all-day easy riding capability.

Developed from the latest generation Tiger platform, with all of the dynamic poise and agile handling that the Tiger is known for, combined with a new ‘tailor-made’ performance and specification set-up, designed to deliver even more manageable, accessible and intuitive road-focused adventure riding capability.

ALL OF THE LATEST GENERATION TIGER’S:

• Thrilling, accessible triple engine character and responsive performance,
• with innovative T-Plane triple crank.
• Benchmark-setting agile and dynamic handling.
• Commanding poise and style.
• 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and class-leading 10,000 miles service interval

TAILOR-MADE FOR MORE MANAGEABLE AND ACCESSIBLE RIDING CAPABILITY:

• Dedicated 850 triple engine setup.
• Unique engine power and torque. Peak power of 84 HP (85PS) @ 8,500rpm,and peak torque of 60.5 lbft (82Nm) @ 6,500rpm.
• With all the advantages of a Triumph triple, with the perfect combination of responsive power and torque low down, and across the rev range, tuned for an even more accessible and manageable delivery.
• High specification equipment and technology fitted as standard. Including:
  • Brembo Stylema brakes, with twin 320mm discs.
  • Marzocchi upside-down cartridge forks and gas-pressurized, preload-adjustable RSU.
  • 5” TFT instruments.
  • Road and Rain riding modes, with dedicated throttle and traction control maps.
  • All LED lighting
  • Slip & Assist clutch
  • Adjustable screen
  • ABS and Switchable Traction Control
•  Two exciting new contemporary Tiger 850 Sport graphic schemes, with a category-leading level of premium finish and detailing.
• 60+ Genuine Triumph Accessories, for capability, style and security, including luggage.
• The most accessibly priced Tiger in the line-up, at just $11,995

DEDICATED 850 TRIPLE ENGINE SET-UP

The new Tiger 850 Sport shares the same innovative T-plane crank as the latest generation Tiger 900 range, with its own unique 850 tune. Designed for a more accessible and manageable delivery of usable power and torque, the new 850 delivers enhanced all-round easy-riding versatility for commuting, touring or just having spirited two-wheeled fun at the weekends.

The T-plane triple crank and its 1-3-2 firing order give the 850 triple outstanding tractability at low rpm, which translates into an enhanced connection between the rider and the rear wheel, and responsive and intuitive road-riding performance. This new and unique engine configuration has an incredibly distinctive sound, with the throttle characteristics and feel of a twin lower down, married to the rich and responsive torque delivery of a triple in the mid-range and top end.

Peak power comes at 84 HP @ 8,500 rpm and peak torque is 60.5 lbft @ 6,500 rpm, with a smooth and linear power and torque delivery available from low engine speeds and across the rev range.

The responsiveness of the engine is complemented by the slip and assist clutch, which reduces lever effort and provides additional comfort on both long journeys and in urban environments.

HIGH SPECIFICATION EQUIPMENT 

The new Tiger 850 Sport features a dedicated, high specification chassis and equipment package, specifically tailored to maximize the new Tiger 850 Sport’s all-around versatility and accessibility. From the category-leading Brembo Stylema brakes, to the high-quality Marzocchi suspension, adjustable screen, and comprehensive electronics package, with 5” TFT instruments, all LED lighting, 2 riding modes, ABS, and switchable traction control, the new Tiger 850 Sport has been optimized for accessible road-focused adventure fun.

Brembo Stylema brakes

The Tiger 850 Sport features category-leading Brembo Stylema® brakes for superior stopping power. These are lightweight, compact, carefully sculpted and high performing calipers, with reduced volume around the pistons and brake pads, reducing the internal space occupied by brake fluid, and delivering a more immediate braking response. Increased airflow around the brake pads also helps the calipers to cool quicker.

High specification Marzocchi suspension

The Tiger 850 Sport has a high-performance suspension set-up, with premium Marzocchi components front and rear. 45mm Marzocchi upside-down cartridge forks, with 180mm travel, combine with a gas-pressurized monoshock rear suspension unit with manually adjustable preload and 170mm rear wheel travel, to deliver a sporty yet comfortable ride.

CLASS-LEADING ERGONOMICS 

With a narrow seat, ergonomically optimized footrest position, and angle adjustable handlebars the new Tiger 850 Sport has a comfortable upright riding position designed for a  high level of rider confidence and control, when static and on the move. It also features a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat height mechanism, which enables the rider to change the seat height by ¾ in (20mm) to their preferred set-up.

Making every journey even more comfortable the Tiger 850 Sport comes with a large 5.28 Gal (20 L) fuel tank and an adjustable screen, delivering superior wind protection with a simple single-handed adjustment.

Lightweight modular frame. Featuring the new generation Tiger’s modular frame with bolt-on aluminum rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers, the new Tiger 850’s combination of a lightweight frame, light weight engine, high specification suspension, and premium Brembo brakes ensures exceptional handling in all riding scenarios.

HIGH SPECIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

The new Tiger 850 Sport comes equipped with a tailor-made set-up of high specification technology as standard, all selected for enhanced user-friendliness, confidence-inspiring riding, and safety.

5” full TFT display

The Tiger 850 Sport features a high contrast 5” full TFT display, for excellent visibility in all light conditions. Key information is presented to the rider in a clear and intuitive way.

Two riding modes

The two riding modes, Road and Rain, adjust the ride-by-wire throttle response and traction control settings for enhanced control in all riding conditions. The traction control is switchable and may be deactivated independently via the instrument menus if required.

All-LED lighting

The headlight, tail-light and indicators on the Tiger 850 Sport are LED powered for maintenance-free active safety.

12V power socket

The Tiger 850 Sport also comes equipped with a 12V socket that allows mobile devices to be charged while riding.

DISTINCTIVE TIGER STYLE AND ATTITUDE

The Tiger 850 Sport’s bodywork has a focused and aggressive adventure style, with a narrow stand-over width, visually light front end, and dominant fuel tank design and size.

With all of the class-leading level of finish and detailing from the latest generation Tiger range, the new 850 Sport comes in two exciting paint options, Graphite and Diablo Red

or Graphite and Caspian Blue, each incorporating contemporary new Tiger 850 Sport graphic schemes.

DESIGNED TO PERSONALIZE

A range of over 60 genuine Triumph accessories are available for the new Tiger 850 Sport, all designed alongside the bike itself to ensure seamless integration, and the same exacting standards of manufacturing quality and finish.

There are two luggage range options available, both created in partnership with Givi, with the Trekker side-opening panniers with 13.7 Gal (52 L) twin helmet top box, and the Expedition top-opening aluminum panniers, with matching 11.1 Gal (42 L) top box. Additionally, the Tiger 850 Sport accessory range covers options for added comfort, protection, capability, style, and security. For even greater reassurance, all of the Genuine Triumph Accessory range comes with Triumph’s 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

TELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO RACE

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act, H.R. 5434 and S. 2602) has one more chance to pass both chambers of Congress before the end of the legislative session. Lawmakers must hear from supporters of the RPM Act before they decide which issues will be addressed in the final days of the year.

The bipartisan RPM Act would ensure that converting motor vehicles into competition-only vehicles remains legal. Street-legal motorcycles are considered motor vehicles under the federal Clean Air Act.

The RPM Act states that it was the clear intent of Congress when passing and amending the Clean Air Act that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, used solely for competition would be exempt from the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions against modifying emissions control devices.

The American Motorcyclist Association supports the bill and its protections for amateur and professional racing enthusiasts.

Tell your elected officials that you support the RPM Act by clicking the Take Action button below. –AMA

Take Action

My FXR chopper needed tools for the Bandit’s day roll and I checked with Cruz Tools. I don’t think this chopper has any metric fasteners except for the 10mm battery bolts. As you will see, there are a few metric tools in the Cruz Tools Speedkit for Harley-Davidsons.

On the other hand, this kit did the trick. I only added a 6-inch crescent wrench to the mix, plus I will add some bailing wire into my Dayroll, when I transfer the tools. Cruz tools have become my go-to source for setting up Bandit’s Dayrolls for any bike.

They included 14 and 17mm open end wrenches. I need to test these on 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 bolts. If they don’t do the trick, I will add a handful of American open-end wrenches.

The Dayrolls are perfect for any bike application. They do it all. I don’t care if you ride a rat bobber or a new bike, they allow you to carry the necessary back up gear, like chap stick, a padlock, a lighter, a map, a scarf, your jacket liner or a spare sweatshirt, night glasses, spare gloves, your phone and a complete Cruz Tool Kit.

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screwdriver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The SpeedKit provides a major upgrade over OEM tool kits, and still fits in a relatively compact space. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

If you ride a bike with bags, this is a natch. Just throw it in your bags with a Crescent wrench and a can of Fix-O-flat and you’re good to go.

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
12mm Combination Wrench
10mm Combination Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
0-20 psi tire gauge
Locking Pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

$34.95

Cruz Tools makes four SpeedKits, one for Harleys, one for Japanese bikes, one for European bikes and one for Dirt bikes and UTV/ATVs

Japanese Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for Metric motorcycles, UTV, ATV, Snowmobiles, Snowbikes, and personal watercraft. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

10 x 12mm Open End Wrench
14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
10-50 psi tire gauge
5.5 slip-joint pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

European Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for European motorcycles such as BMW, KTM, or Triumph. The kit features wrenches to cover most common fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The SpeedKit provides a major upgrade over OEM tool kits, and still fits in a relatively compact space. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

10 x 12mm Open End Wrench
13 x 15mm Open End Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8? & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
10-50 psi tire gauge
5.5 slip-joint pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

Dirt Bikes Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for off-road motorcycles, dirt bikes, UTV, and ATV. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, locking pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and 0-20psi tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The Off-Road speed kit is similar to the Metric kit, but with locking pliers, 10 & 12mm combination wrenches, and low-range tire pressure gauge. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
12mm Combination Wrench
10mm Combination Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
0-20 psi tire gauge
Locking Pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

There are presently four roadster motorcycles in BMW Motorrad’s lineup for the U.S. market: the R 1250 R, the S 1000 R, the F 900 R, and the G 310 R. As of later this week, that number will grow, as the Bavarians are getting ready to present two new models in the range.

The announcement was made with just a couple of days left before the unveiling is set to take place. The Germans will be showing the two new bikes on their Youtube and Facebook channels on Thursday, November 19, starting at 4.00 pm CEST.

We are also promised “exciting guests,” but more importantly the launch of the configurator for the two new models as soon as the presentation concludes. Naturally, we’ll be covering the story as soon as the info and photos for the bikes are released, so check back here for more later in the week.

Despite all the things going on in the world, BMW has been very active in 2020 on the motorcycle front, a sign that in the coming years it will focus more on this industry.

The biggest reveal of the year for the Germans was the R 18, the first entry in the cruiser segment since the R1200 RC (and a direct jab at Harley-Davidson), but also a bike powered by the “most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever used in motorcycle series production.”

More recently, we’ve been given a preview at the bike maker’s plans for the electrified scooter segment, with the presentation of the near-production version of the Concept Link. Called Definition CE 04, the electric two-wheeler is supposed to revolutionize the segment through a series of technological advancements, including the use of the largest display in the scooter world, a 10.25-inch unit.

Given how extreme these two premieres of 2020 have been, we expect BMW to up the stakes in the roadster segment as well as soon as the new models are unveiled.

Trackside Support and Technical Assistance Will be Available to SCORPION™ MX Riders Throughout the Week

ROME, Ga. (November 17, 2020) – Pirelli has announced its plans to return for the 49th annual Thor Mini O’s amateur motocross national at Gatorback Cycle Park on November 22-28, 2020. With the event featuring both motocross and supercross-style tracks as well as the potential for a variety of weather conditions throughout the week, it’s critical to match tire setup with track and soil conditions. Pirelli will be working with its trackside vendor Mid-State Motorsports to have its SCORPION™ MX range readily available and provide technical support and assistance to all racers competing on Pirelli products.

“Mini O’s is a special event that Pirelli looks forward to each year,” said Nick Walton, off-road race manager, Pirelli. “The event produces great camaraderie with families coming together for the Thanksgiving holiday and produces a unique opportunity for amateur riders to showcase their skills on both motocross and supercross tracks. Pirelli places great emphasis on the grassroots level of the sport, and together with our trackside vendor Mid-State Motorsports, we look forward to providing the technical assistance and products needed for SCORPION™ MX riders to get a step ahead of the competition.”

For riders who are set to compete at Gatorback Cycle Park for the upcoming Thor Mini O’s, Pirelli is recommending the SCORPION™ MX32 Mid Soft front and rear tires as a starting point. In the event of rain or softer than normal soil conditions, the SCORPION™ MX Soft rear scoop tire is an alternate option. Recommended air pressure is 14 PSI for all tires.

Pirelli continues to give consumers and riders of all skill levels access to the very same tires used by its factory racing teams and world champions such as Tim Gajser, Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings. The SCORPION™ MX range consists of the SCORPRION™ MX32™ Mid Soft, SCORPION™ MX32™ Mid Hard, and SCORPION™ MX Soft, providing a tire suitable for all conditions. Pirelli recently introduced new minibike sizes for its highly sought-after MX Soft in 12-inch and 16-inch sizing.

The event information for the Thor Mini O’s can be found HERE.

Road Glide CVO on the road with Koz Mraz

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations has always set the gold standard of style and luxury. Because they are manufactured in a limited quantity, they always sell out.

2020 CVO ROAD GLIDE
Sand Dune monotone with pearl topcoat
Starting at $40,999

Click Here to see this Bike Review on Bikernet

Join the Cantina – Subscribe Today

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

 

by Mircea Panait from https://www.autoevolution.com

When you hear Harley-Davidson, what do you think of straight away? What kind of image does it spring into your mind? Easy Rider is one potential answer, but we can all agree that H-D stands for old-school motorcycles and a very strong culture built on these loud bikes.

The problem with Harley-Davidson, however, is the company’s reluctance to modernize, reinvent itself, and appeal to a younger audience. Japanese manufacturers are miles ahead in every respect, but H-D is trying hard to make amends for decades of resting on past laurels. The LiveWire is the perfect example of this change, and in the spring of 2021, the Serial 1 electric bicycle will be joining the electric motorcycle.

Revealed less than a month ago, the Serial 1 consists of four models at launch. These are the Mosh/Cty and Rush/Cty in three variants called the Regular, Speed, and Step-Thru. Capable of 20 mph (32 kph) or 28 mph (45 kph) from 250 watts of continuous power, these mid-drive electric bicycles don’t come cheap at $3,399 for the entry-level specification. At the highest end of the spectrum, you should prepare $4,999.

Classified as Class 1 e-bikes in the United States of America, the Serial 1 features a frame-integrated battery of the lithium-ion chemistry and a maintenance-free carbon belt drive designed by Gates. Coincidence or not, the LiveWire has a belt drive too.

At the time of writing, there’s a pre-order special offer for all Serial 1 bikes in the guise of free shipping in the Lower 48 States and Germany of all places. No fewer than eight sizes are offered in total, four for boys and four for girls. From S to XL, the Serial 1 lineup should be perfect for riders ranging from 4’11” to 6’5” or 149 to 195 centimeters.

All e-bikes ship as standard with integrated lights up front and at the rear, and the electric motor comes courtesy of Brose Drive. No fewer than four drive modes are offered in the guise of eco, tour, sport, and boost. As for the transmission, the Enviolo Automatiq is geared up mostly for ride comfort rather than out-and-out performance.