Author: Wade Thiel

New AGV AX9 Helmet Launches in North America

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 15, 2018

Multiple Configurations, Multiple Uses

AGV has been building quality motorcycle helmets since the 1940s. Today, Dainese owns it. Any time the company comes out with something new, you’d better take note. On December 12, AGV announced the North American launch of its new AX9 helmet.

The AX9 follows in the footsteps of the AX8 helmet that came before it but offers some new design features and updates. It’s sleeker overall and more of an on-road lid than the AX8 ever was.

The AX9 is special because it can be used in four different configurations. It all depends on what you need. The adventure touring rider who needs a helmet for off-road duty but likes to spend most of his or her time on pavement should be quite happy with the AX9.

A Look at Its Features

The AX9 comes with a bevy of favorable traits including an advanced and adjustable five-vent system for airflow, top-of-the-line comfort with an interior that features antibacterial and moisture wicking materials, a fog and scratch resistant visor that provides 190-degree horizontal vision and 110-degree vertical vision, and a shell made of a carbon, aramid, and and fiberglass composite.

The technical features don’t stop there. It also gets a Shalimar and Nubuck fabric neckroll, an adjustable peak that’s more aerodynamic, a removable and washable interior, a visor micro opening for enhanced airflow, and the visor comes off the helmet so you can wear goggles if you wish. Additionally, the AX9 comes ready to take generic communication systems.

Overall, the AX9 does a good job of taking what the AX8 was good at and improving upon it. With a price tag starting at $499 and seven different graphic designs, the AX9 looks like it could be a winner for AGV.

AGV AX9 Yellow and Silver — Image from AGV

AGV AX9 dark gray and blue — Image from AGV

AGV AX9 black, white, blue — Image from AGV

AGV AX9 red, black, white — Image from AGV

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Yamaha Sets Aside $100 Million for Future Startup Investments

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 14, 2018

The Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund Begins

Yamaha Motor Co. set up a new company fund that will focus on investing in new technologies and startups over the next 10 years. The Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund is an effort by Yamaha. The company designed the fund to “further strengthen its global corporate venturing activities.” Yamaha allocated $100 million to the fund.

The company issued a statement about the new fund on Tuesday. It will be a U.S.-based venture located in Silicon Valley. This location currently houses the Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVLSV).

The YMVLSV was established in 2015. It acted as the tech and investing arm for Yamaha over the past few years. It invested in nine venture capital companies. In the statement, Yamaha pointed out two of the companies it invested in as Veniam and Robotics Plus. Those are likely the two it’s most proud of.

Veniam provides “mesh type Wi-Fi communication services for mobile units,” according to Yamaha. The U.S. venture also develops and sells communications hardware.

Robotics Plus is a New Zealand venture that uses robotics engineering and automation and analysis technology to create automated solutions for agricultural fields.

Why Spend the Money?

Neither Veniam or Robotics Plus directly correlate to motorcycles. You might be wondering why it matters if Yamaha invests in these companies. Well, the transportation industry is changing dramatically. Yamaha needs to start investing in technology start-ups if it hopes to keep pace.

The company seems to be getting out ahead of things by setting up this fund. It also invested $150 million in Grab, entering into a strategic partnership. Grab is an Indian-based motorcycle ride-hailing service. According to a statement by Yamaha, the move will allow the pursuit of next-generation mobility services.

Yamaha and Grab partnership — Image from Yamaha

With that in mind, is $100 million for the Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund in Silicon Valley really enough?

Yamaha sees the fund as a start to its investment in technology ventures worldwide. If it just spent $150 million getting in on a partnership with Grab, it would seem that $100 million is a pittance to have for over 10 years of investment.

Grab is already large, though. Yamaha had to pony up the big bucks to get in on the game. Hopefully, the fund will focus on small ventures that have a potential to get big. That will enable Yamaha to get in on these tech ventures early. Hopefully, that will be before they have to start shelling out significant amounts of money to buy in.

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Suzuki Hayabusa Sales to Continue in U.S. in 2019

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 14, 2018

Americans Can Continue to Enjoy the Hayabusa

When Suzuki announced it would end production of the Hayabusa due to European emissions standards there was a collective cry of “No!” from the motorcycle community. Suzuki now says it will continue to produce the GSX-1300R Hayabusa in the U.S. for the 2019 model year. In Europe, production will end.

This means Americans can enjoy the blistering-fast motorcycle for a while longer. No one knows how long it will take for U.S. emissions standards to catch up to the Euro 4 standards that will take effect in European countries. That means we could enjoy the Hayabusa for years to come.

20 Years and Counting

2019 Suzuki Hayabusa — Image from Suzuki

The bike will be a carryover model for 2019. Suzuki won’t make any updates. Much of the model dates all the way back to its 1999 debut. The Hayabusa is known for straight line speed, but it handles well, too. It’s a serious superbike, and the fact that it’s still such a dominant force in the marketplace says something for the original design.

Don’t let the fact that Suzuki will keep selling the current model in the U.S. fool you, though. The rumors are that Suzuki has a new bike in the works. There’s plenty of supporting evidence, too, from patent applications to the fact that Suzuki has already renewed the trademarks to the Hayabusa name.

The next Hayabusa probably won’t come out for a couple of years. That means U.S. riders will have a little while longer to enjoy the current model. When the new model does come out, it’ll have to put the old one to shame to live up to the bike’s illustrious name.

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Graphic Launch for 2019 Arai Quantum-X, Signet-X, and VXPRO-4

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 14, 2018

Bold New Looks for December

We recently received word that Arai Helmets created some new graphics for their 2019 Quantum-X, Signet-X, and VXPRO-4 helmet lines. This gives the helmet designs, which are a couple to a few years old at this point an updated look to keep buyers interested.

The Quantum-X and Signet-X came out in 2016 and are two of the better full-face helmets on the market today. They’re based on the Corsair-X. They’re designed similarly but specifically for two different head types, which is what got the most buzz upon their release. The VXPRO-4, on the other hand, is a motocross helmet that Arai released in 2015 to follow up the much-loved VXPRO-3.

New Quantum-X and Signet-X Graphics

The Quantum-X (above) is the bucket you want if you need a helmet designed for a round-oval head shape. Arai calls the new Quantum-X graphic design Cliff. The Cliff design offers two colorways in two color schemes: Red/Black Frost and Red/White.

Arai Signet-X Shockwave — Image from Arai

The Signet-X (above) is crafted for riders with a long-oval head shape. The new graphic design is called Shockwave. It comes in three colorways and three color schemes: Black Frost, Gray Frost, and Blue Frost. I guess Arai has a thing for calling colors “frost.”

The new designs are attractive and full of angles. The Quantum-X gets a blockier design, while the Signet-X gets more swoopy lines.

New VXPRO-4 Graphic

The VXPRO-4 provides ample protection. The press and consumers alike seem to like the helmet considerably. The new graphic design should help Arai keep it in people’s minds for 2019. Unlike with the Quantum-X and Signet-X, Arai has only one color scheme for its new design called Combat.

Arai didn’t provide the names for the individual colors, but as you can see from the photos, it’s comprised of light blue, green, silver, and black. The design itself features blocks of color and stars. It’s a design that fits right in with other motocross helmets but is different enough to stand out.

I personally go for solid colors with my helmets, but if you’re into graphics on your lid the new options from Arai should pique your interest.

Arai Quantum-X Cliff Red and White – Image from Arai

Arai Signet-X Shockwave Gray Frost – Image from Arai

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U.S. Senate Passes Motorcyclist Anti-Profiling Resolution

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 13, 2018

The Resolution Passed with Bipartisan Support

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed a motorcycle anti-profiling resolution that encourages communication and collaboration between motorcyclists and law enforcement, according to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). It discourages the profiling of people based only on the fact that they ride a motorcycle.

Senate Resolution 154 also encourages law enforcement to condemn profiling of motorcycle riders among their ranks during training and while on the job. The resolution is a step in the right direction. With that said, a Senate resolution does not have the force of the law behind it.

A Show of Good Faith

The resolution comes after a rise in motorcycle registrations, according to the AMA. The association also noted that roughly half of the motorcyclists it surveyed have experienced profiling. The AMA seemed pleased with the results of the resolution.

“In 2015, Congress wisely acted to ban federal highway funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints, recognizing that federal funds are better spent on promoting highway safety for all vehicles and drivers,” said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard. “Now, the Senate has taken a big step further to help end the discriminatory and ineffective practice of profiling motorcyclists.”

The motorcyclist anti-profiling resolution should help put an end to police giving motorcyclists extra attention on the road. It should also further discourage U.S. law enforcement from practicing tactics like motorcycle-only checkpoints.

It’s a shame when police target all motorcyclists due to the actions of only a few riders. Often, the profiling of motorcyclists isn’t a problem. In fact, many police ride. However, there are instances where law enforcement has lumped all riders together. This resolution should help the motorcycling community and law enforcement function better and coexist more easily in communities across the U.S.

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The Triumph Scrambler 1200 Gets Inspiration Kits

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 13, 2018

Kits Designed to Pique Further Interest in the Bike

With the upcoming kickoff of the Scrambler 1200, Triumph decided it needed to really get people excited about the bike. The company released two Inspiration Kits for the new motorcycle. These will help make your Scrambler 1200 feel special.

There are two kits: Escape and Extreme. Both offer a unique take on what the Scrambler 1200 can become. The Escape Inspiration Kit is focused on turning the bike into a touring motorcycle that will gobble up the miles with aplomb. The Extreme Inspiration Kit increases the off-road prowess of the mildly capable Scrambler.

The Escape Inspiration Kit

Scrambler 1200 Escape Inspiration Kit — Image from Triumph

As I mentioned above, this kit is all about taking the Scambler 1200 and turning it into a more capable touring machine. The equipment included with the kit should help do this while also giving it a little visual flair.

The kit includes a rugged pannier and fitting kit, handguards, grab rack kit, LED fog lamps, center stand, and a flyscreen with the mounting bits needed. While this equipment should help make it a better tourer, it won’t absolutely transform the motorcycle. You’ll still be able to enjoy the bike for what it is.

The Extreme Inspiration Kit

Scrambler 1200 Extreme Inspiration Kit — Image from Triumph

If you want to take your Scrambler 1200 the other way, then the Extreme Inspiration Kit is for you. Its focus is on making the Scrambler a more legit off-road machine. In order to do this, Triumph had to add a bit more equipment than it did for the Escape kit.

The Extreme kit includes a high front mudguard, carbon Arrow silencer, aluminum radiator guard, machined oil filler cap, black handlebar brace, LED indicator kit with rear light relocation kit, side stand base extension, stainless steel dresser bar, headlight grille, and headlight bezel. This is arguably a more extensive transformation than with the Escape kit.

While both kits add a little style and some extra capability, they do a good job of keeping the Scrambler 1200 what it is, which is smart. After all, Triumph doesn’t want to change what makes the Scrambler alluring, just enhance what’s there.

However, if you really want an off-road bike or a legit touring bike, you’re better off with a different motorcycle. The kits help the model lean a little more one way or the other but neither wildly transform the motorcycle.

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New 500cc Will Soon Accompany the KTM 790 Adventure

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 13, 2018

The Immediate Focus Is on Smaller Displacement Bikes

Yesterday we reported on the fact that KTM’s boss, Stefan Pierer would like to buy Ducati in order to build higher displacement bikes. In the same interview with Speedweek, the CEO let slip that his company will build a 500cc motorcycle. That bike would come with the help of its Indian partner Bajaj.

Pierer didn’t go into details much about the motorcycle other than the fact that it would be manufactured by Bajaj for KTM. He said he wants the bike to be able to compete with Japanese bike manufacturers. I assume he means Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. Honda and Yamaha are the top dogs, and Pierer’s KTM would likely be gunning for those two companies.

“Growth is happening in the emerging markets today, and in these emerging markets ‘premium’ is the mid-range of 500 to 800cc,” said Pierer.

The new KTM 790 Adventure also fits into this section of the market. Piere made it clear that KTM will be pushing that model pretty hard in the immediate future. He spoke of the upcoming 500cc model close the same time in the interview that he discussed the 790 Adventure. That makes me wonder if the smaller displacement bike will follow much of the 790’s formula. Let’s hope so.

The Mid-Range Bike Wars Heat Up

KTM has big plans for the 790 Adventure. The company wants to sell 15,000 of them in the next year alone. Pierer also said the company plans to add variants of the 790 to its lineup, including a supermoto version at some point.

The upcoming offerings are part of Pierer’s overall plan for the company as the motorcycle industry changes.

“I’m very satisfied with our motorcycle business this year, but I’m feeling a global change.”

He said that despite good things for KTM, there’s a lot of uncertainty around the world.

“In Europe, 2018 went very well. But we do not know how Brexit will impact. In America, we have an unpredictable president. We do not know what will happen there tomorrow.”

According to Speedweek, the company sells around 265,000 motorcycles per year. It has brought the brand Husqvarna up considerably, increasing sales from around 6,000 to more than 30,000 in just five years. The number of employees under Pierer’s reign has risen from 150 to 5,000, with a few hundred more being employed by WP Suspension, which KTM owns.

No matter what happens, Pierer seems to think KTM can continue to build on its success. If it continues on its current path of positive growth, the future should be bright.

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Will the Suzuki Hayabusa Live On?

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 12, 2018

The King is Dead, Long Live the King—We Hope

After nearly 20 blistering fast years, Suzuki will end production of its GSX-1300R Hayabusa. Why, you ask? It’s certainly not for lack of demand. It’s due to the stringent Euro 4 emissions standards, which to me sounds like a pretty silly reason to say goodbye to this legendary motorcycle.

When the Hayabusa first hit the road in 1999 it was a revelation, a 194 horsepower monster at the peak of the motorcycle speed wars. After it and subsequent efforts by competitors, manufacturers gave themselves a self-imposed top-speed limit of 200 mph.

Since the Hayabusa debuted, it has been a motorcycling icon and one of the most highly sought after superbikes you could buy. The fact that anyone with enough money—not even that much money, really—could go out and buy a motorcycle that would do 194 mph is ludicrous.

With all that said, it doesn’t seem like Suzuki is ready to let it’s high-speed motorcycle go forever. Some information recently surfaced that hint at Suzuki bringing a new model to production fairly soon.

Return of the Mack

Suzuki GSX-1300R Hayabusa — Image from Suzuki

A new Hayabusa, a better Hayabusa, may be yet to come. Suzuki renewed trademarks for the Hayabusa name, according to RideApart. That means it’s worth betting Suzuki will keep the iconic bike going.

The guys at CycleWorld mentioned some information from “Suzuki insiders” that confirm a new Hayabusa is in the works. The publication points to patent applications that show a new frame with a Hayabusa-like engine in and a new exhaust system for that bike.

Undoubtedly, the new Hayabusa would be even quicker and more agile than its predecessor. Suzuki would have to really knock it out of the park to live up to the motorcycle’s name.

Considering the Hayabusa’s current design has a lot of equipment that dates back 20 years or more suggests Suzuki could indeed make a better, faster bike. Good God, can you imagine the mind-warping speed of the next ‘Busa? Cross your fingers.

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Could KTM Buy Ducati? KTM’s CEO Thinks So

Post author By Wade Thiel
Post date December 12, 2018

The Austrians Gaze Lovingly at the Italians

In an interview with the German website Speedweek, Stefan Pierer, the CEO of KTM, said he would be interested in Ducati to continue KTM’s current positive momentum.

Pierer discussed Ducati as a possibility after being asked if KTM could continue to compete with its twin-cylinder engine or if it’ll have to go with more cylinders and larger displacement. He said a three-cylinder engine would be possible if KTM’s partner Bajaj bought Triumph.

Bajaj has expressed interest in that kind of deal, but Pierer said he sees Ducati as the right move.

“I have an emotional relationship with Ducati,” Peirer said. “Ducati is Ducati, there’s nothing to shake about that. The only brand that would fit us is Ducati. Everything else you can forget. MV Agusta is too small.”

A KTM and Ducati Marriage Makes Sense

Stefan Pierer CEO of KTM — Image from KTM

As Visordown points out, a stronger connection of some kind between the two companies actually makes a lot of sense. Audi currently owns Ducati, and Audi’s engines can be found in the KTM X-Bow. There’s already a connection between the two brands, so it would seem that KTM would be the first to know how to broker a deal of some kind.

Then there’s the question of money. Audi reportedly paid around 740 million euros for Ducati back in 2011. It would probably go for more money now. When asked about actually coming up with that kind of capitol Pierer didn’t seem to be too worried.

“Audi may soon have other priorities than a motorcycle plant due to the diesel affair and e-mobility. Ducati is the Ferrari of the motorcycle industry. Of course, having such a brand in our group would be interesting.”

He went on to mention homologation, Euro 5 emissions, the need for many bikemakers to expand to Asia and specifically India to survive. It seems Pierer sees Ducati as a smart move for his growing company, and KTM is growing.

Since his appointment as CEO in 1992, Pierer has brought KTM to prominence. It went from 150 employees to around 5,000 today, and it now owns Husqvarna and WP Suspension. Adding Ducati would help continue the company’s extensive expansion.

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