Category: Gear Reviews

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electric motorcycles Gear Reviews Harley-Davidson Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

Does Harley Have a Grand Electric Plan?

It Could Have a Large Selection of Electric Bikes

If you thought the future of Harley-Davidson and the motorcycle industry, in general, was all about high-powered electric motorcycles, you were wrong. I see speedy electric motorcycles as part of the HD portfolio for sure, but it will only be one part, and likely not the most important part. 

As Cycle World points out, the recent purchase of StaCyc hints that Harley has grander plans for its lineup. One that hits multiple ages and multiple areas of the market. Gone are the days of HD catering to one specific area of the market. The company seems to have learned its lesson.

Harley-Davidson StaCyc
Image from Harley-Davidson

The publication lays out a groundwork for Harley to have bikes at four different levels in the industry. The first level is for little electric bikes for kiddos (StaCyc), the second level is for electric bicycles for adolescents and adults (think your typical e-bike), third level is for lower-powered electric scooters and small electric motorcycles, and the fourth is for machines like the LiveWire (but hopefully much better than the LiveWire).

It’s an idea I stated when the news of Harley buying StaCyc. If Harley can get a kid riding a Harley electric bike when he’s young, he’ll want one when he grows up, too. Cycle World doesn’t discuss what would happen to its gasoline-powered bikes. I would assume those would stick around for quite a long time. People won’t want to give up on gas bikes, and Harley will still make a boatload of money selling them.

With that said, the future is electric. Harley-Davidson could be setting itself up for success. It needs to, too, with the way its bike sales are currently going.

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Cardo Systems Gear Reviews JBL Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

Cardo and JBL Launch Preorder of 45mm Audio Set

Improve Your Audio Experience

Cardo makes some of the best communication systems for motorcyclists. We’ve discussed and reviewed the company’s products in the past. Recently, the company reached out to us to let us know that it opened preorders for the new 45mm Audio Set.

Cardo and JBL teamed up to produce what the companies call “the highest quality audio experience for motorcyclists.” We’ll have to test that before we can believe that claim, but JBL’s quality is well-known and with Cardo’s communication systems being what they are, we wouldn’t be surprised if the 45mm Audio Set was legitimately a high-quality piece of technology.

The set will work with Packtalk and Freecom systems. It provides users of those products with JBL’s cutting edge Sound Processing and Equalizer Sound Profile technologies. The sound processing part of the technology helps make the sound appropriate for the 45mm setup. The equalizer sound profile tech lets you customize the audio settings.

You get three different sound profile settings: standard, bass boost, and vocal. It’s pretty obvious what each does from the names. If you want to be among the first riders with the new JBL audio set, you can head over to Cardo’s website and take advantage of the preorder availability.

 

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Gear Reviews Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Royal Enfield Royal Enfield Bullet Trials Web Bike World

Royal Enfield Unveils Its Bullet Trials Off-Roader

A Killer Scrambler-Style Motorcycle

We recently reported on the teaser that Royal Enfield sent out. Now, it seems the motorcycle is truly part of the company’s lineup. The company has a 350 and a 500 version of the bike, just like we thought it would. The bike isn’t quite as crazy of a scrambler as some other company’s bikes. Royal Enfield went the minimalist route. The bike looks like just enough of an off-road machine to be interesting.

The frame, engine(s), and most of the rest of the bike have stayed the same. For the most part, the Bullet Trials is just a Bullet. What’s changed is the headlight design, handlebar design, upswept exhaust, and Cleat tires on a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel.

I find it surprising that Royal Enfield didn’t upgrade the suspension in some way, but I don’t expect many people to really take these bikes too far from the road. The styling will sell, but few people who buy these bikes are going to be beating on them as adventure riders do.

If you’re wondering about power output. As I said above, it won’t change from the regular versions of the Bullet. The 350 makes about 20 hp and the 500 makes about 27 hp. The bikes get disc brakes with standard dual-channel ABS. 

As I said above, these bikes are mainly about style. With that said, I could see cruising down a fire road on one, or slinging some stone around on a gravel road. They’re cool little bikes, and I hope Royal Enfield decides to bring them to the U.S. 

 

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Gear Reviews lane filtering Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Utah Web Bike World

Utah Legalizes Lane Filtering

Another State Does the Right Thing

California is still the only state that allows all-out lane splitting, and many people oppose that, but the movement to add lane filtering to more states is growing. In Utah, a recent bill passed that allows lane filtering. This is different than lane splitting but works under some of the same principles.

When the speed limit on a road is 45 mph or less and car traffic is stopped—like at an intersection— then you can filter through traffic. This will move motorcyclists more easily through congested urban areas. It’s a win for motorcyclists and something that more states should consider.

With all that said, there are some rules riders need to abide by to properly lane filter. First off, you must be on a motorcycle (no trikes or reverse trikes). Second, there must be two lanes of traffic at least. Third, as I mentioned above, the speed limit must be 45 mph or less. Fourth, you can’t ride faster than 15 mph while lane filtering. Fifth, you can’t filter lanes if the cars are not stopped.

The Utah law, HB0149, will expire in 2022 if the legislation doesn’t take further steps. Also, the law leaves a gray area. It says you must filter lanes in a safe manner. What people consider safe varies, so that may be a point of contention between motorcyclists and law enforcement.

As Common Tread pointed out, other states such as Connecticut, Maryland, and Oregon have similar laws in the works. It will be interesting to see if they shake out in the same manner that Utah’s did. I certainly hope so. While I can understand people’s concerns with lane splitting, lane filtering just makes sense. Also, it’s not like you have to do it. If you’re not comfortable with it, just wait with the cars. No harm there.

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electric motorcycles Gear Reviews Mugen E.Rex News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

Mugen’s E.Rex Electric Dirt Bike Is Pretty Similar to Honda’s CR Electric

Similar But Not the Same

Mugen revealed an updated version of its E.Rex electric dirtbike at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. We reported on the electric superbike Mugen showed off there. We thought it’d be best to highlight the E.Rex, too. The E.Rex appears to share much of its powertrain with the Honda CR Electric that debuted at the same show. Seeing as how Mugen and Honda are closely tied together this isn’t very shocking.

The Mugen bike may have similar bones to the Honda, but the styling and aerodynamic elements are different than Big Red’s bike. As MoreBikes points out, the Mugen E.Rex takes cues from the Shinden Hachi electric superbike whereas Honda turns to its CRF line.

Mugen E.Rex

Unfortunately, Mugen didn’t release technical specs for the bike, so all I have to go off of are the images floating around the web. The bike gets some knobby Dunlop tires, Showa front suspension, and the same style twin-spar aluminum frame as Honda’s machine.

Mugen is known for its Shinden superbike, among other things, so it will be interesting to see if the E.Rex ends up racing. I wouldn’t put it past the team to enter it into some hardcore off-road races down the line to show just how impressive this machine is.

I’ll keep an eye out for technical specifications in the future. I’d be interested to know the power figures for the E.Rex’s powertrain. It looks different than the previous prototype, and that could mean Mugen has made some leaps forward with the technology.

 

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Aprilia Aprilia RSV4 Aprilia RSV4 X Gear Reviews Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

The Limited-Edition Aprilia RSV4 X Takes Things Up a Notch

More Extreme, More Awesome

I kind of can’t believe it’s been 10 years since Aprilia introduced the RSV4. To commemorate the superbike, the company has decided to put out a limited-edition version of the motorcycle that is a truly dominant force. It takes what the RSV4 is and ups the ante.

During the 2019 Aprilia All Stars event at Mugello, Aprilia took the wraps off its new bike. Max Biaggi, the former WSBK and 250cc world champion, hustled the motorcycle around the track. The motorcycle is a true track monster. Thanks to numerous updates.

Aprilia started with the bike’s weight. It was able to reduce weight considerably by adding in more carbon fiber and aluminum. The fairing, fuel tank, brake and clutch levers, brake and engine pump guards, foot pegs, and more have all been lightened to make the bike faster. The Marchesini forged magnesium wheels also have an impact on weight. According to MoreBikes, Aprilia was able to trim it down to about 364 pounds. 

Aprilia RSV4 X

As far as the engine goes, the Aprilia RSV4 X gets a 1,100cc V4 that’s been more than breathed on by Aprilia Racing. The team hand assembled the engine and fine-tuned it so it puts out 225 hp. The engine gets an Akrapovic exhaust system, MotoGP-spec air filter, and an ECU map specifically crafted for racing.

The gearbox is an Aprilia No Neutral one, meaning neutral is all the way at the bottom so that the shifts are quicker and smoother. The bike also gets some Brembo GP4-MS calipers and steel rotors with T-Drive technology.

Aprilia will make only 10 of the bikes to commemorate the RSV4 superbike. The new RSV4 X will cost 39,900 Euros, which is a little over $45,100. You can try to reserve the bike during the second half of April at Aprilia’s website.

 

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arlen ness Custom Motorcycles Gear Reviews Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

The Motorcycling World Loses an Icon, Arlen Ness Dies at 79

The Custom Motorcycle Scene Will Never be the Same

If there’s one man who has defined the custom motorcycle scene for decades, it was Arlen Ness. Ness passed away on March 22nd. He was 79 years old. He leaves behind a rich legacy and some seriously awesome custom motorcycles. Ness was often called The King of Custom Motorcycles. While his style of custom bike might not be your favorite, there’s no denying these bikes stand out and his influence was felt by everyone in the industry. 

Ness had a shop in Dublin, California, where he turned out some of the coolest bikes ever seen. He also had a relationship with Victory Motorcycles. He built special editions of the models that helped boost the brand to the status it enjoyed at its peak.

In 2016, Ness earned the Sturgis Lifetime Achievement Award. He was known and adored by thousands of riders across the country and around the world. Ness is survived by his wife Beverly and his kids and grandkids. Two of his sons are also well-known motorcycle builders, so while Ness has gone to that great highway in the sky, he’ll live on through them and the thousands of people his work touched throughout his lifetime.

 

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electric motorcycles Gear Reviews Motorcycle News Mugen Mugen Shinden Hachi Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

The Mugen Shinden Hachi Is Ready for Isle of Man TT

An Electric Speed Demon Debuts In Japan

At the Toko Motorcycle Show, Mugen debuted the latest iteration of its Shinden electric superbike. The company named the bike, now in its eighth version, Mugen Shinden Hachi. The previous version raced at the Isle of Man TT, and this bike will do the same.

Mugen hasn’t made major changes to the powertrain of the motorcycle. However, the superbike’s aerodynamics received some serious enhancements.

According to Asphalt and Rubber, the biggest changes appear at the front air intake and the tail section of the motorcycle. Both feature a new design that should let air slip around them more quickly and effortlessly.

The electric motor putting out the power will remain the same. With that said, Asphalt and Rubber suggests the bike will benefit from improved battery technology. That paired with the improved aerodynamics should help the bike be the leader in the TT Zero segment of the race.

Piloting the Mugen superbike in the race will be a team headlined by John McGuinness and Michael Rutter. The two men and the rest of the team know the Mugen Shinden well, and should be able to lead the bike to success at the Isle of Man.

 

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Gear Reviews Honda Honda CR electric prototype Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Web Bike World

Honda Reveals Electric Dirt Bike Prototype

Could This Change Everything?

Honda is a dominant force in the motorcycle world. It’s changed the course of the industry in the past, and now I wonder if they’re about to do it again. Meet the Honda CR Electric prototype. The publication Moto-Station recently shared some images of the bike at a Honda presentation at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

While there aren’t many details to speak of at all at this point in the game, Honda stated it’s a 250cc equivalent. The bike looks a lot like its gas-powered counterparts. It utilizes an aluminum twin-spar frame design. To that, Honda added Showa suspension and some Dunlop tires that are properly knobby for a dirtbike.

In addition to the images included above and below. There’s also this short video. Unfortunately, most of it is of the sheet that’s covering the bike, but it does give you an additional view of the motorcycle.

As Asphalt and Rubber notes, the company has more or less built its reputation on the back of the four-stroke engine, so for it to make the electric transition, even in a prototype like this, is a big move. The bike might not be designed for the masses, but you can bet Honda has its sights set high. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the equivalent of the Honda Super Cub but for electric motorcycles come from Honda at some point down the road. At this point, the company appears to be experimenting with off-road bikes, and that’s smart. The instant torque and twist-to-go simplicity of an electric motorcycle could serve riders well.

Honda CR electric prototype

 

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2020 Suzuki Katana Gear Reviews Motorcycle News Other Motorcycle Blogs Suzuki Web Bike World

What the First Reviews Say About the 2020 Suzuki Katana

The Consensus Is Pretty Positive

Suzuki has revived the Katana name and added it to a new bike that pays homage to the old one in the styling department. It’s a unique blend of modern styling and design with somewhat retro aesthetics. Honda is doing the same thing with its Neo Cafe Racer line, and now Suzuki is tapping into its heritage. Smart move Suzuki.

The bike gets a 999cc 2005-2008-generation GSX-R1000 engine. That engine makes 150 hp and nearly 80 lb-ft of torque. Is that the most out there? No, but it’s better than many of the other neo-retro bikes and should make it a true contender in the performance department.

2020 Suzuki Katana

Recently, Suzuki had a bunch of moto-journalists out to review the bike in Japan. We thought it’d be smart to showcase some of those opinions together so you can see what some of the top publications are saying. Without further ado, here’s a quick look:

Motorcyclist

“The 2020 Katana is a testament to tradition and Suzuki’s never-ending goal of assembling the perfectly balanced streetbike. Despite its lacking some of the more modern and high-end componentry of its rivals, there’s no denying the polished overall riding experience and careful attention to detail.” – Adam Waheed 

Motorcycle.com

“At the end of the day, the new Katana is largely about style, and if it knocks your socks off, you won’t mind its abrupt throttle or a little bit of vibration. You might grow to think of its blemishes as endearing. Art is supposed to hurt a little.” – John Burns

MC News (Australia)

“To be honest the bike doesn’t really need more grunt, but I really wish that Suzuki had made this bike just that little more special by stretching it towards that 1074cc of the original GSX1100SZ.” – Trevor Hedge

Ultimate Motorcycling

“Suzuki nailed it; the Katana unites an already respected performance-breed engine with ergonomics that are tame enough for everyday commuting, yet ready for serious sport riding or sport touring.” – Ron Lieback

It would seem that pretty much everyone had the same idea. Suzuki managed to blend the ethos of the old bike into a new model with good but not amazing performance. It’s a sporty but not too hardcore of a bike, and it sounds like Suzuki could have a winner on its hands if the price isn’t too high.

 

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