Well, for most of us, summer took its time arriving. But now were in the full throws of the hot weather its a great time to be on two wheels. In this round-up weve got news on some awards won by Bosch for technology that we previously featured, confirmation on the demise of Victory Motorcycles, a look at some of the interesting things weve been posting about lately, plus other news and views from the two-wheeled world.
Three CES innovation awards for Bosch
In our last newsletter we took a quick peek at Boschs new Connectivity Suite for motorcycles, launched at CES in Las Vegas. It seems it went down well with the organisers, as did their Lean connectivity unit for small bikes and scooters, grabbing three awards for innovation. The Lean unit is chiefly aimed at countries like India and Thailand, where there are huge numbers of scooters and a rising number of accidents. Linking to a smartphone, the unit can automatically alert emergency services if the rider falls off, or be activated manually from the left handlebar.
CES 2017 Innovation Awards for Bosch's motorcycle systems
Bosch motorcycle systems honored with three CES 2017 Innovation Awards
The Lean connectivity unit for small bikes and scooters.
Defeat for Victory
On 9 January Polaris Industries announced that it would immediately begin winding down Victory Motorcycles after 18 years on sale, concentrating on the newer but more successful Indian brand. A shame, none the less, because having road tested a few of Victorys line-up over the years many proved themselves enjoyable, capable and characterful machines. Theres a good report on the reasons why Polaris Industries is ending production of Victory Motorcycles (and it's effect on Harley-Davidson) in this Motley Fool article:
Why Harley-Davidson can't benefit from Victory's demise
Does this guy know Victory Motorcycles are being discontinued?
Ride Forever track training day
Once again proving the benefits of taking a Ride Forever course extend long beyond the day itself, Chris Smith of Passmasters recently organised a track-based training day at the Pukekohe Park Raceway for a group of riders who had achieved either Rider Forever Silver or Gold level. Many of the Ride Forever coaching providers lay on track days, and other specialised training too, so you can take your riding in the direction you want and you'll be in expert hands. Ask your local provider to keep you posted on special events and courses.
Pukekohe track day for Gold and Silver level riders
Ride Forever Gold and Silver course information
Rider Forever instructor Chris from Passmasters guides bikers around the Pukekohe race track for their circuit sighting session.
A riders perspective
Ive never been to a riding class or school that was a waste of time or where I didnt learn anything. Even top motorcycle racers like Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi all work with coaches on improving their skills between race seasons, whats your excuse? Thats a quote from David Bober's article 'So you want to be a better rider? Lets talk motorcycle training', which is one of the best weve found on the value and joy of rider coaching:
So you want to be a better rider? Lets talk motorcycle training
Beauty and the eye of the beholder
Mamim Burov's motorcycle concept for automaker's Koenigsegg
What is it with car designers trying to design motorcycles, or is it just us? A recent concept for Swedish automaker's Koenigsegg by its Russian designer Mamim Burov looks just like the Lotus C-01 from a few years back and is therefore just as polarising in its appearance. Road-going examples of the Lotus don't appear to be thick on the ground, so how will its Russo-Swedish emulator go?
Mamim Burov's motorcycle concept for automaker's Koenigsegg
C-01 Lotus motorcycle
Michelin Pilot Road 4 tyre review
Steeling yourself for a trip to the tyre shop for new hoops? Make sure you read my recent review of Michelins Pilot Road 4 tyre. The old Road 3s were some of our favourites, so the Road 4 had big boots to fill, so to speak.
Tyre review: Michelin's Pilot Road 4
Riding with a champion
Avalon Biddle in action.
Another reason to keep your eye on the news, articles and reviews section of the Ride Forever website is an upcoming article on Avalon Biddle's 'coaching day'. Subsequent to the announcement of her ride with a top Dutch team in World Supersport 300, the 2016 FIM European Womens Cup Champion decided to finally get her motorcycle licence. She undertook coaching with one of our top Ride Forever coaches and we went along for the day.
Ride Forever news, articles and reviews section
Avalon Biddle gets World Supersport 300 ride with top Dutch team
Stay in touch
If you haven't heard about our Be A Better Rider Challenge, make sure you check it out on our page and or on Facebook: #beabetterrider. And remember you can always get more news and articles and register for Ride Forever coaching:
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