North West 200 Postponed for Covid-19

The 2020 North West 200 Road Racing Venue has been postponed following the Covid-19 pandemic seen globally. This decision was prompted after significant discussions were held with Public Health Officials and Government Representatives. Several other sporting venues throughout the United Kingdom have been postponed or terminated, which follows after Boris Johnson implemented social distancing measures. Organizers with North West 200 are unsure when the official launch of this event will be announced. It’ll be dependent on the condition of this pandemic by July 2020, which is the period when this virus is slated to be exterminated.

The Clerks Office with North West 200 determined that postponing the race would be challenging for organizers. Sporting analysts anticipated that it’d eventually be cancelled, with those analytic reporters being surprised to learn NW200 is merely postponed. It should be noted that these analysts expect it’ll inevitably be cancelled or delayed by twelve months. Racers themselves could become infected with Covid-19, prompting unexpected delays.

An official statement was provided through the North West 200 Clerk’s Office. It expressed that with the current restrictions in the United Kingdom, organizers were forced to postpone the May 10th to 16th venues by a prolonged period. Continued contact was held between public health officials and government representatives, with the CCGC and MCUI reviewing these conversations. Five parties collectively advised that postponing or cancelling the event is the best decision. Our paramount goal is to bring the North West 200 back to motorcyclists in Ireland, while also acting responsible and protecting our loyal fans. The statement concluded with NW200 expressing thanks towards stakeholders and sponsors, while even apologizing for any inconveniences this decision causes their business operations. This apology extended towards volunteers, competitors and race supporters.

Additional Cancellations

It should be noted that the North West 200 postponement follows after the 2020 Isle of Man TT was cancelled, marking their first cancellation since 2001. NW200 has been terminated once in its existence, with that also being 2001 for an outbreak of Foot & Mouth Disease. Postponements also follow for the Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT, Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100. We’ll keep our readers informed of any additional cancellations in the motorcyclist racing community.

Factory Shutdown for Ducati Employees

Production lines for Ducati’s Borgo Panigale have been shut down for an extended period. This announcement was confirmed on March 13th, with the extensions slated to be enforced until March 25th. Ducati Inc is hopeful that Italy can recover from the coronavirus pandemic in that one week. Most medical experts would collectively agree this isn’t possible, with Italy experiencing the highest rate of death across the European Union.

Ducati Incorporated doesn’t have the governing authority to dismantle the production line shutdown. Italian government officials have implemented a public banning on mass gatherings, which extends towards production facilities. Those employees that have been permitted to continue working have undergone thorough screening methods every time they’ve entered and left their workplace. This nationwide lockdown has extended towards sporting events and entertainment venues, prompting the closure or notable football leagues across Italy on all levels.

Representatives from Ducati have explicitly noted that marketing and product development will continue, even as manufacturing has been halted. This means that permitted individuals have been allowed to keep their positions at Ducati by working from home. The Chief Executive Officer of Ducati, Claudio Domenicali, expressed his thanks towards the workforce that continually have put their best efforts during the countries most challenging moment in centuries. It’s for these reasons that Claudio has implemented security measures that ensure the necessary safety of employees when production lineups are re-opened. It should be noted that these measures are temporary, and that Ducati will begin operations by the latest of April 1st.

Reassurance was also provided to dealers and supporters of Ducati worldwide. Claudio expressed that they’ve been organising new strategies that will ensure a minimal period of downtime after production has restarted. Dealers won’t be forced to wait prolonged period before receiving their next shipments, which is beneficial with the recent release of the 2020 KTM.

Rossi Assisting Home Nation

One of the most notable motorcyclists from Italy has been assisting his home nation amidst the coronavirus. Valentino Rossi has made generous contributions towards multiple hospitals through Northern and Southern Italy, with only one being confirmed. The Marche Nord Medical Institution noted that Valentino Rossi provided them with an unspecified amount of money that’ll be used towards assisting those with the coronavirus.

Le Mans Cancelled for Coronavirus Measures

Shocking postponements were made in motorsports today, with it being confused that the FIM Endurance World Championship at Le Mans 24-Hours has been cancelled following the coronavirus pandemic. This would’ve marked the 43rd edition of this infamous motorsport event, with it being postponed from April 18th to September 6th. Going forward the Le Mans 24-Hours FIM Endurance World Championship will become the season finale.

This decision was made after FIM Organizers held a meeting with medical experts, determining that it’s best to follow the ban of mass gatherings from the French Health Minister. Going forward, there isn’t allowed to be more than 1000 individuals in one location, with the World Health Organization suggesting that these numbers be lower than what the French Minister is suggesting.

Official Statement

The Federation of International Motorcycles, the Le Mans Organizers and Eurosport Events provided an official statement to their supporters. It noted that to ensure the protection of team members, drivers, spectators and all other individuals involved with this motorsport, we’ve determined to enact postponement measures. This unprecedented situation is creating unexpected scenarios that all sporting events are having to cancel their events. However, it was noted by the federation that their confidence that any inconveniences caused would be reprimanded during the season closer on September 6th.

This public announcement to supporters also expressed that ticket holders will have their purchases valid with the new dates. No exchange of tickets will be required, with this become a common strategy for sporting events having to cancel their venues. It should be mentioned that multiple motorsport events have been cancelled in recent weeks. This included the Argentinian MotoGP, which has been delayed until November 2020. The World Superbike Championship also experienced delays with their Spanish and French Grand Prix’s. It’s suspected that both of these respective motorcycle competitions will be cancelled for the full season in the coming weeks if exposure isn’t terminated with the coronavirus.

F1 Cancellations

Motorsport enthusiasts have been rocked with emotion throughout March 12th. It was first announced that a member on McLaren F1 had contracted the coronavirus, which caused immediate panic on the grid. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen returned to their respective homes unexpectedly, with this almost confirming that the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne would be cancelled three days before it was slated to begin. It’d only be a few hours later before the termination of this motorsport race would be confirmed.

MotoGP Calendar Updated for Coronavirus

The coronavirus is causing substantial issues for MotoGP, with a singular cancellation and postponement occurring. The 1st applies to the Qatar Grand Prix, which has officially been cancelled following the 2020 Calendar. It extends to the Thailand Grand Prix, which has been postponed for an unidentified amount of time. There’s the potential for additional cancellations or postponements in the following weeks as well.

This upcoming season has been thrown into severe chaos, with the increasing spread of the coronavirus or covid-19, prompting substantial cancellations of multiple venues. When it applies to the Qatar Grand Prix, it’s been cancelled following increase travel restrictions. Officials in Thailand’s Buriram are concerned with the potential for increased spread, with them requiring that MotoGP postpone the race until they deem it’s safe. It took the requirement of MotoGP representatives to ensure that a Championship would still be held in 2020 for fans to remain calm.

The Updated Schedule

An official press conference was held throughout the February 6th weekend, informing programmers and reporters that all three variations of the MotoGP Circuits would be held. This includes Moto2 and Moto3, with all three seasons slated to begin on April 5th at the Circuit of the Americas. Considering that this circuit was slated to be the 3rd venue this season, it’s a considerable change-up in the scheduling.

When it applies to the Thailand Grand Prix, MotoGP Representatives confirmed that it’d be returning by October 4th following the potential decrease in spreading. It’ll replace the predestined scheduling for the Aragon Grand Prix, which will now be held on September 27th The result of these changes is a minimal increased period of waiting between the lost Qatar Grand Prix.

Additional Details

It should be noted that these are the only changing being altered to these existing calendar. Instead of twenty races being held throughout the 2020 season, it’ll be limited to nineteen. This extends to the Moto2 and Moto3 competitions. There are an additional four weeks that follow before the MotoGP season is slated to begin, with the unpredictable elements of the coronavirus concerning fans and MotoGP executives that further travel restrictions could be implemented worldwide. Considering that the coronavirus is already spreading in Argentina and the USA, there’s the potential these two events could be cancelled as well. We’ll keep our readers informed of any additional alterations to the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 schedules.

The 2020 Indian FTR 1200 Revealed

Indian Motorcycles have announced they have released the next variation of its bikes on its FTR platform. This is a restyled model that the company is hoping to cash in on due to the popularity of the styling used in its street scrambler.

The overwhelming number of changes are in its appearance. These include a brown seat, higher handlebar, a flyscreen, changes to its exhaust and wheels in terms of comparison to the FTR 1200 and FTR 1200 S. Currently the pricing point for the new model in the U.S will be $13,499 sand in Canada, $16,499.

Beyond that of the styling updates, beneath the styling, the spec sheets is identical. The rake, trail and wheelbase haven’t changed, nor have the brakes. However, the suspension for the S model seems to be using a 43 mm adjustable inverted fork while the rear shocks incorporate the base model rear shock system.

While the wheels are identical, it does feature red pinstripes with stainless steel spokes. The tires are Scorpion Rally STRs from Pirelli and are designed to match the looks of the scrambler. The seat sits at 33.1 inches, and the tank holds 3.4 gallons.

Rally’s Output

The output for the new restyled model will see 123 horsepower at 8,250 rpm while at 5,900 rpm, it will deliver 87 foot-pounds of torque. That is an increase of two pounds of torque and three horsepower from its 2019 model, and this applies to all the FTR models in 2020.

The Rally, of course, will maintain many of the premium features in its other FTR’s. This will include its LED lighting, slip-assist clutch and electronic cruise control. While the original was not an inexpensive bike, the updated model isn’t as well, but you do get some extra bang for your buck. To understand the performance of the Rally we looked at the past reviews to help give you some insight and the results of its handling impressed us and that leaves us with the expectation that the updated model should be quite versatile.

One thing is certain, however, and that is small steps are being taken by Indian tin its lineup to diversify its offering beyond that of its touring and cruising models. Of late, the company has shied away from the American V-twin engines to more liquid-cooled engines, and that can only lead to better things to come.

Lazareth LM-410 Review

Reviewers have been quick to criticize the Lazareth Motorcycle Company, who typically manufacturer vehicles that aren’t meant for practical on-road environments. Instead of this company listening to those critics, they’ve doubled down on the abstract concept with the new Lazareth LM-410. Alterations have been made to the specifications and physical design of this model, with it sharing minimal similarities to the Lazareth LM-847. One of those key differences is the Yamaha R1 Engine, which was selected after Lazareth dropped Maserati in late 2019.

Those that purchase the Lazareth LM-410 will receive a four-wheeled motorcycle, which carries enough weight and sustainability to stand upright without any kickstand. This is because Lazareth knows those who purchase this motorcycle will want it for investment purposes. Standard customers with Lazareth use these vehicles towards movie production sets, photography shoots or commercial filming contracts. That’s why the LM-410 is one of the most stylish and scenic motorcycles created by Lazareth.

Motorcyclists wanting a unique ride don’t need to purchase the LM-410 for aesthetic purposes only, with this model providing street-legal access. Consumers in the European Union can buy this substantially expensive motorcycle under the “Bat-Pod” production name. This production code centres around the previous Bat-Motorcycle created by Lazareth for The Dark Knight, which became one of the most infamous and iconic vehicles in film history. Its predecessor will be more sustainable, with limited production available to ten units. This will make it appealing to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with consumers slated to be from Dubai and Barcelona.

The Cost & Special Editions

Those ten individuals wanting to purchase the Lazareth LM-410 will require a payment of $107,965.00 for the four-wheeled motorcycle. Some believe this France-based motorcyclist firm will maintain a bidding auction, specialized models. This could see the standard price tag rise by substantial valuations, reaching $1,000,000.00 or more. The Lazareth Motorcycle Company didn’t provide any details regarding potential customers for the LM-410, which realistically won’t be insured by an insurance corporation. This makes this vehicle more of a novelty than a Yamaha or Suzuki contender.

The Lazareth Motorcycle Company has created specialized models of their vehicles for a prolonged period. Most of these special editions are sold to significant Hollywood Production Houses like Universal Studios, Warner Brothers and Walt Disney Studios. They’ve become one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers for Hollywood, which has been prevalent since 2008 with The Dark Knight.

The Suzuki V-Storm 1050XT Review

Consumers supporting the Suzuki motorcycle brand have a new Enduro Tourer in the lineup. Named the Suzuki V-Storm 1050XT, multiple upgrades were confirmed for this upcoming model. Most notable were the design alterations, with the headlights are reformatted and the beaks appearing more reminiscent to the DR-Z. Nostalgia is a substantial element with the V-Storm 1050XT, with its maximum height being the minimum 50mm. Those wanting customization elements have a rotatable windscreen that can be implemented into eleven positions. Additional enhancements to this model into the LCD Instruments, LED Taillight and Ergonomic Display.

The engine-block powering this Enduro Tourer is the 1037cc V-Twin, which is listed at 107hp at a maximum rpm of 8500. Torque is listed at 6000rpm at 73.8 pounds-per-foot. This provides extensive power in short periods, with the powertrain providing immediate torque to the throttle, giving sensitive controls over the speed. Individuals wanting a lightweight motorcycle with formidable turning capabilities and stronger straight-line speeds, with the added benefit of classic designs, don’t have to look any further. It should be noted that this vehicle comes with specialized features like a Three-Tier Drive Mode Selector, Hill Hold Controls, Slope Dependent Controls, Motion Brake Systems and Three Traction Control settings. This allows for increased customization on how your V-Storm 1050XT will ride.

The Ride

The 2020 Suzuki V-Storm 1050XT is one of the fastest and most pleasurable Enduro Tourer’s available to consumers. It follows similar design factors to its predecessor, such as the lightweight cornering and mid-range height. It creates driving scenarios that most motorcycle brands cannot provide, with Suzuki learning substantial data from their presence in MotoGP. Specialized technologies like electronic throttles deliver increased boosts to acceleration, with peak RPMs being hit within seconds.

These elements brought over from the Suzuki MotoGP outfit will enable riders to have better racing capabilities. The Suzuki Company is provided special notices to anybody purchasing this motorcycle, asking them to master the manual and customize their controls to various scenarios. Others accidents will be more likely for riders unfamiliar with all the 1050XTs benefits.

Drivers have better performances when it applies to drag racing and to come out the corners, which will benefit those in standard racing leagues. Standard drivers taking rides in unfavourable conditions don’t have to worry about safety either, with Motion brake Systems that are more enhanced than typical ABS systems. These efficient components create one of the highest-rated motorcycles throughout the 2020 fiscal year. We give the 2020 Suzuki V-Storm 1050XT an 8/10 rating.

Ducati Unveils New Superleggera

After months of speculation regarding the 2020 Ducati Lineup, their latest model has finally been unveiled. Named the 2020 Panigale V4 Superleggera, this is slated to be one of the most expensive and exclusive motorcycles built by Ducati. It’s been known for a prolonged period that Ducati was implementing a carbon-fibre model, as manufacturing blueprints were leaked by October 2019.

Design elements relating to those blueprints indicated an updated model of the Panigale V4, which had been requested by Ducati loyalists. There are minimal differences in comparison to this model and its predecessor with detailed intel provided to Ducati Executives through an email chain. The link relating to the Panigale V4 Superleggera was leaked this weak, providing the public information regarding pricing and specifications.

Design & Engine Specifications

Implemented aerodynamics with this upcoming model are unlike anything the Ducati Panigale brand has seen. Design implementations from the Superleggera series mixed with the carbon-fibre body are enabling for increased speeds. Biplane winglets allow optimal downforce to produce significant straight-line speeds and improved cornering. It’ll be the fastest model in the Panigale brands history, listed at 168mphs or 270kmh.

When it applies to design implications, the livery is inspired by the Desmosedici GP19. Engine specifications include a 998cc engine clocked at 224hph used the V4 Stradale Engine. The weight reductions provided with magnesium, titanium, aluminium and carbon fibre for manufacturing has allowed this vehicle to weight 350 pounds. Subsequently, the power-to-weight ratio is the best seen with Ducati. The Panigale V4 Superleggera offers loyalists a 1.45 hp/kg ratio.

When looking to the specifications for additional parts on the Panigale V4 Superleggera, consumers will be thrilled to learn that Ohlins Pressurized Forks & Titanium Shocks are used in correlation with Brembo Brakes. Callipers are created by Stylema R, with a racing kit option available for this model from Akrapovic. This will increase power capabilities to 234hph and increased control over the vehicle via a RaceGP Display.

Those wanting to purchase this motorcycle will need an extensive amount of money, with limited united being built. The Panigale V4 Superleggera costs $100,000.00 for the base model and can increase by an additional $50,000.00 with all bundles included. There’ll be an exclusive 500 models created, at five models built per day. The House of Borgo Panigale and the Ducati Company confirmed that this motorcycle wouldn’t be released until June 2020. Delays could follow depending on their manufacturing facilities capabilities.

Bajaj Auto India & Triumph Motorcycles Partner Together

Fans were surprised to learn that Triumph Motorcycles and Baja Auto India have partnered together. This partnership will be long term without any equity involved, with the two corporations working to develop mid-capacity motorcycles. Triumph Motorcycles will have better fortunes when emerging in new markets. Famous in the United Kingdom, Triumph has struggled to grow in the Middle East and North America. It should be noted that these two corporations have previously worked with each other.

Both corporations have their respective strengths in the motorcycle markets, with Triumph having a more significant focus on large-capacity motorcycles. The Baja Auto India Company engaged with small-capacity motorcycles, as their respective environments demands for compact vehicles. Baja typically designs models that maintain 200cc to 750cc engines, that have small-scale bodies and off-road capable shocks. These elements are required for the narrow streets of India, which have thousands of people bustling around each other. Creating motorcycles for this environment isn’t Triumph’s strong suit, which is why this partnership will benefit their international growth drastically.

Triumph Motorcycles confirmed that they’d be taking a new direction following a less-than-desirable performance throughout 2018-19. Triumph performed at respective valuations in Europe and the United Kingdom but drastically failed in global markets. Triumph UK will focus entirely on big-capacity models, with Triumph International focusing on small-scale bodies. It’s quite impressive to see two companies reinvent themselves for the benefit of consumers. Instead of developing unsatisfactory vehicles, their partnership will educate both companies on how to enhance their shortcomings. When it applies to Baja India, they’ve failed when it comes to quality and finishes. Considering that Triumph Motorcycles excels with those two manufacturing processes, Baja India will receive numerous benefits from this partnership as well.

Strategies

This follows a strategic partnership that is benefiting Baja India more than Triumph International. Moving forward, Baja will become the leading distributor for the international subsidiary of Triumph. Additionally, all distribution activities and profits from Triumph in the Indian market will be taken over by Baja Auto India. Considering that this UK-Based motorcycle firm has seen declining profits, this partnership seems like one last Hail Mary towards a new resurgence. We will continue to update our readers on the future growth or decline of Triumph Motorcycles throughout 2020.

New Triumph Tiger 1200s

Throughout the winter is the time when motorcyclists plan their next adventures for the upcoming summer season. However, often a new motorcycle is required for these excursions. Triumph Motorcycles hopes to entice you with two new models, which were confirmed earlier this month. Both models are designed after the Tiger 1200, with experiences slated to be more adventurous and exciting. One model is named the Tiger Desert 1200 XR, with the second named the Tiger Snowdonia 1200 XC. Both are manufactured for specific environments, with their respective paint schemes providing camouflage. Consumers that purchase either of these models can anticipate metallized graphics, enabling for designs to battle against the elements.

Multiple components from the original Tiger 1200 are provided into the XR & XC Classes. This includes the Triumph Shift Assist, allowing for easier upshifts and downshifts on the clutch. It’ll work similarly to the Triumph Shift Assist, which is also available for these models as an additional add-on accessory. Purchasing the enhanced clutch for the Desert XR or Snowdonia XC will require $495.00 from consumers. Regardless of the clutch selected, an Arrow Exhaust will compliment it. This’ll allow for peak performance with the 1213cc Liquid-Cooled Engine offered in all variations of the Triumph Tiger. This engine provides 141 horsepower, with an additional ninety pounds of torque. Enhancing the liquid-cooled engine is a fuel-injected swingarm shaft drive. Power from the clutch to the wheel hasn’t ever been this efficient on a six-speed transmission.

The suspension is sustained with an anti-lock brake system, allowing for immediate stops in worst-case scenarios. Owners of the XR or XC Triumph Tiger’s will have a TFT Screen; this will provide all information required on the performance of these motorcycles and the rider’s surroundings. These 2020 updates models also have six modes for riding, allowing for different environments to be approached.

The Associated Costs

Those wanting to acquire one of these updated Triumph motorcycles will require $4,000.00 for the base-line versions. Most reviewers believe that an additional two to four thousand will be spent on upgrading the suspension, cast-line wheels, silencers and specialized seating. These are the necessary upgrades that’ll be required for most riders. Numerous special editions of this bike can be created by Triumph Motorcycles, with this manufacturer often doing custom jobs for paying clients. Subsequently, prices could cost upwards of $10,000.00 to $15,000.00. However, Triumph Motorcycles with customized builds are an investment that can wield substantial profits over a prolonged period.