MotoGP 2015: Championship Standings After Le Mans

The doctor remains at the top of the Championship

It may have been Movistar Yamaha Jorge Lorenzo won at Le Mans, but his teammate Valentino Rossi, who still remains at the top of the championship standings by 15 points.

 

Andrea Dovizioso has moved down one to third in the standings despite finishing third in France, while Marc Marquez Repsol Honda sits in fourth after finishing fourth.

Cal Crutchlow remains in seventh after colliding with fellow Brit Bradley Smith and Scott Redding in the 7th and 13th respectively.

Brother Pol and Aleix Espargaró have 4 points between them, as they are now eighth and ninth respectively.

The next round of MotoGP takes place in Mugello, Italy later this month.

New Honda Africa Twin!

2016 Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L arrives early next year.

For those of us who love motorcycle adventure (and perhaps desired to Transalp in late 1980 but never managed to pull the trigger on one), we have great news: Honda has announced it will sell a new Africa Twin starting early in 2016. This new Honda, known as the Twin CRF1000L Africa, is a production version of the real adventure prototype revealed little information on the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last fall.



Honda says the new 2016 Honda Africa Twin will be faithful to the attributes of the original Twin XRV650 Africa produced by HRC in 1988 and 1989 as well as the model XRV750 since late 1989 that helped start the movement ADV. This is the way to say the new Honda Africa Twin has been designed as a scout durable and comfortable all day with enough power to swallow large chunks of highway miles with ease.

 

Interestingly, this new Africa Twin that looks like it's powered by a twin 1000cc parallel rather than a V-twin like the original, it will be available with the latest version of the dual clutch transmission Honda tuned to work well on earth . Honda also says this new Africa Twin benefits of everything the company has learned on and off the road in the last decade, including the return of the HRC team for the Dakar in 2013.

2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF | FIRST RIDE

Be a Racer - 2016 Aprilia sportbike track is a weapon exceptionally exciting and easy to assemble.

Imagine Aprilia RSV4 as an exaggerated cartoon-back Rat Fink cartoon of tire smoke hazing Ed Big Daddy Roth, front tire kicking the sky, flames coming from the exhaust, bug-eyed rat pilot clinging to the handlebars to save her life. That's almost exactly what it feels like to pull the trigger on this now-201-horsepower (claimed, crankshaft) superbike Italian, a small, dominated, non-stop exciting machine that offers one of the driving experiences more viscerally enthusiastic All motorcycle.

Forget for a moment the many structural advantages, 65 degree V-configuration engine 4 RSV4 compact over the conventional four-line packaging benefits, improved mass centralization, lighter weight and reduced inertial effect the shorter rod, etc.-what really connects with monsters combustion engine is the character, something that this bike offers the bagful. With its enticing NASCAR rumble at idle, animal actual roar when you twist the throttle, and the power of strong brick in every rpm, this bike feels network ready right out of the evidentiary Aprilia claim #BEARACER box.

Although the fastest laps yet again in our latest round-bike liters (see "Class of 2013" MC, in September 2013 here) -and he won seven titles rider and manufacturer World Superbike combined in the last six years, it was past time for a comprehensive reform of the RSV4 platform they were essentially unchanged since its debut in 2009. Although it looks superficially similar, engines, chassis, electronics, ergonomics and aerodynamics all been reworked to keep the RSV4 relevant and running in the front of the class.

Although the basic architecture has not changed, the 1000 cc V-4 engine has analyzed every aspect to improve efficiency. Airbox a new and improved air flow increases above batteries variable length intake reconfigured with a fixed even shorter for more power at high revolutions length. Intake paths and exhaust have been reconfigured and both combustion chambers are now smoothed to obtain more accuracy. All valves are titanium, enlarged to 33 mm sockets, while the cams are 600 g lighter and new bars to save 100 g each. The results of this relentless reviser are impressive, an impressive increase of 16 horsepower over last year, to 201 hp at 13,000 rpm (and a maximum of nearly 85 pound-feet of torque at 10,500 rpm). This puts the RSV4 right on the mark with rivals like BMW S1000RR, Ducati 1299 Panigale, and Yamaha R1.

The chassis has been optimized at the same time, especially in an attempt to prevent horses heavy landing force one cap. The rocker has been lengthened 4mm and motor down slightly in the frame, dropping the center of gravity and move forward slightly in an attempt to keep the bike on the back wheel (offset has been increased from 30mm to 32mm fork to reduce trace and offset any loss of agility direction). As before, the motor position, angle head, swingarm pivot position, and the rear end height all can be altered, like a real racebike.

The integrated electronics Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), which combines traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and ABS-grade career also been reviewed. Mode power road trip softened and electronic interventions intensified mode "nobody uses," he said Aprilia engineers-has been scrapped in favor of a new profile race that slots between the existing Sport and Track modes with aggressive power delivery combined with Track mode electronic interventions that minimize pilot fatigue and wear of the tires. "Track Mode is for your lap Superpole, career mode go the distance," explained the engineer. The three maps have been specifically revised to reduce the intrusion of engine braking, with good results.

Recently repaved Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit on the Adriatic coast of Italy, it was the perfect showcase for the latest RSV4. Mirror-smooth, grippier a diamond file, and multiple fast and long corners occasionally, double apex, perhaps more than any other song Misano requires a bike that works well on the edge of the rim. And perhaps there is no other sport bike more comfortable in the extreme angles of inclination it. It bends it again until the tailpipe drag-it will, and feet slippers are buried and the RSV4 is still stable and neutral stone dead, even in the "Curvone" T11-12 that careen through knee down to 150 mph. This platform is even more reliable and predictable than half that speed ....

Smart Motorcycle Helmet Maker Skully Lands $11 Million In Series A To Start Manufacturing The AR-1

Not long after the closure of one of the most successful campaigns in the history of Indiegogo and landing another $ 1.5 million in seed capital, SKULLY, motorcycle helmet with a heads-up display, has raised $ 11 million in funding Serie A.

Riverwood Walden Ventures and Intel Capital led the round, with participation Training 8 TechStars and Western Technology Investment.

Part of the money will go to finance the production of the first intelligent helmet SKULLY, the AR-1. The element Indiegogo campaign has yet to send and the company says it hopes to start sending supporters principles soon.

SKULLY is also in the midst of hiring a group of engineer’s hardware and software to help with the manufacturing process. It is likely that the new workforce for future product development beyond the first quarter is also used. However, a source close to the company told TechCrunch that SKULLY has a history of high turnover, and has let go of several employees in the last half year.

A company spokesman said he believed SKULLY had a volume of less than average for a SF startup businesses.

Founder and CEO SKULLY Marcus Weller was not ready to discuss future plans of the company. Instead, he stressed that SKULLY is growing and that new funds would be used to hire more people and send the first product.

"There are a lot of costs involved in the process of manufacturing the same. The proceeds of this round SKULLY help carry through its manufacturing milestones and accelerate our technology roadmap," Weller said.

Nicholas Brathwaite, one of the founders of Riverwood Walden Ventures, will have a seat on the board of SKULLY. Bringing in Braithwaite is strategic for the launch smart helmet. He was the lead investor in GoPro and is a former chief technology electronics manufacturer Flextronics. As such, it could take a broader and experience grows Skully network.

This Halo Master Chief Motorcycle Helmet Is Road-Ready

Helmet is approved by the Department of Transportation and will begin this summer.

Not impressed with the dart gun Halo Needler? Maybe you can try. Video game toys and collectible Neca Company announced a motorcycle helmet Master Chief.


And it's not just for show. You can use this modular helmet on the road, as Neca says that is approved by the Department of Transportation.

Here are some key features (courtesy of Neca) for the hull, which of course is modeled after the Master Chief Halo has all the series of shots of science fiction.

The Master Chief Ships motorcycle helmet in July 2015, although the price was not announced.
Exterior Features:

•     Convenient modular design
•     ABS shell with matte UV-protective clear coat
•     Front air intakes reduce shield fogging; rear exhaust vents keep head cool and dry
•     Reflective shield with UV protection
•     Double D-ring nylon chin strap with snap secure
•     Game-authentic deco

Interior Features:

•     Contoured center pad with a design that allows heat to dissipate from the top of the scalp
•     Dual-layer EPS cheek pads for a firm, comfortable fit
•     Center pad and cheek pads are removable and washable
•     Soft, moisture-wicking material
•     Eyeglasses friendly interior

Additional Features:

•     Meets or exceeds DOT standards (FMVSS 49 CFR 571.218)
•     Nylon drawstring helmet bag included
•     Available in S (55-56 cm), M (57-58 cm), L (59-60 cm), XL (61-62 cm)
•     Limited edition

Yamaha And Helmet Maker Arguing Over 5mm

MotoGP Yamaha Engineers Want HJC Helmet Chin Lorenzo Shortened By 5mm For Aerodynamic Reasons

in racing, the measures taken with tongs and modifications are measured in millimeters, but the idea that the aerodynamics of a MotoGP bike may depend on the chin of the helmet is 5mm shorter is certainly surprising.

This is exactly the point in talks Yamaha racing department is holding with HJC, sponsor Korean town of Jorge Lorenzo. "We have to win 5 mm," explained the director of Yamaha MotoGP Kouichi Tsuji-man primarily responsible for the YZR-M1-sport rider during the official launch of 2015 Yamaha team, held in Madrid. "We have made aerodynamic tests with Jorge and we need this distance when hiding behind the fairing on the straights."

 

To the average fan of the race that might sound a bit absurd, but Tsuji-san insisted that this small difference is aerodynamically very important. "There is no way to win these 5mm. Jorge rests helmet in the tank just above the ECU. If we could use our own hardware we could cut 5 mm, but obligatory ECU Dorna is very large, there is no way win anything or changing its position. That is why we are asking for reducing chin HJC Jorge 5 mm ".

This is not the first time that Lorenzo helmet found with aerodynamic problems in ultra-high speeds reached by MotoGP bikes. Last year, engineers detected some problems with measurements that are performed each year in the first preseason testing in Sepang. In testing this first year, are taken and sent to Japan for analysis by aerodynamicist’s specific images with riders hidden behind fairings of the two long straights of Sepang. It is the starting point for accurately analyze aerodynamic performance.

The importance of aerodynamics in MotoGP is aptly demonstrated by this frontal shot of Lorenzo promotional getting behind the dashboard of your M1 2015. Notice how the fairing and windshield Profile form around the shoulders and helmet Lorenzo.

 

Last season, that particular issue aerodynamics, lasted for much of the year. The problem was the design and aerodynamic spoiler position in the back of the helmet. Designed for a less radical demand for speed, this spoiler literally became a kind of flutter or air brakes during stuck in radically positions taken by the MotoGP riders on the straights. This affected not only the performance of the bike, but also the discomfort to the driver shaking his head at lightning fast speeds aerodynamic resistance. We know that during the second part of the season HJC technical experimented with different types of spoilers at different heights on the back of the helmet. The difference between a seamless integration and one that is not so good can be very significant. An example are the measurements made by Suzuki with Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales. The maximum difference in speed between the highest and the smallest Aleix Maverick appeared to be more than 0.5 MPH ... and this is in short circuits like Valencia or Jerez. In other tracks like Sepang, with two long straights, this figure increases further. Yes, 0.5 mph sounds petty-until that total up to more than 20 to 25 laps, and it should be noted that the time on the faster sections plays a much larger role in the lap time any time won in the slower parts of the circuit.



Yamaha says it cannot simply chop in the fuel tank M1 5 mm lower deck to make room for helmet Lorenzo, due to the large size of the compulsory specification Marelli ECU now mandatory for all MotoGP bikes.

This interesting situation demonstrates once again how MotoGP may be from a technical point of view. Any area you choose, parts-and a bike ride rider protection are pushed to their performance limits. Another example: have you ever thought of tear-off (parts of ultrafine disposable plastic film over the helmet visor) to be a problem? Silly, is not it? Ironically, we can ensure that they are certainly; and you will be amazed by the amount. But this situation will book for our next story.

Marc Coma Wins Dakar, WORCS Opener, National Enduro Preview, Grand Rapids Arenacross And Oakland Supercross Facts! – The Weekly Dirt: January 21, 2015

Welcome to the weekly dirt, his website for news off road worldwide. This week, Kato wraps the Dakar Rally for us, which was won for the fifth time by Marc Coma. We also have news on the first national enduro match on February 1 in Sumter, SC, and wrap the Arenacross in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Finally, we summarize WORCS opener in Taft, California. Plenty to go, so let's go.


Robby Bell WORCS Bag Opener and Dakar Wrap

In 2013, Robby Bell won the first round of the ATV / MC World Series Championships Mountain Off-Road Rocky (WORCS) and went on to win the first course.

Last year, Gary Sutherlin won the first game and went on to claim the championship.

Will the pattern repeat this year?

Campana certainly hopes and concepts accurately Kawasaki rider once again won the first round of WORCS in Taft, California, which has almost all the way. FMF KTM support rider in second Sutherlin installed immediately, but was unable to keep up, although he departed from third rider Justin Jones. Bell teammate Justin Seeds and FMF / Maxxis / RPM KTM Racing Team Eric Yorba Pros completed the top five.

In Pro 2, Michael Del Fante mimicked the performance of Bell, leader of the kind at every turn for victory over Steven Gibson with Dalton Shirey third.



After about 6,000 miles through three countries over two weeks, Marc Coma celebrates its fifth win Dakar. Photo courtesy of KTM Images / Rallyzone Bauer / Barni



Dakar first three (from left): the Third Toby Price, winner Marc Coma and runner Paulo Goncalves. Photo courtesy of HRC Team 



A tired but happy Laia Sanz ended a historic ninth overall in Dakar, riding quickly navigate accurately and prevent further mishaps. Photo courtesy of HRC team

The Dakar Rally came to an exciting conclusion in Buenos Aires on Saturday after nearly 6000 miles through three countries over two weeks. Red Bull KTM Marc Coma controls that final week with the born of four wins Dakar previous experience; although it did not win a single stage in the last week, did not like his pursuers were all victims of one subject or another. Accumulated a total time of 46 hours, three minutes and 49 seconds.

As expected, the HRC team provided the greatest challenge to the power of giant KTM factory team riders CRF450 Rally proving extremely competitive and riders of all up to the task, and the demonstration of selfless team work.

In the end, the Red Riders finished with seven stage wins of the 13 stages, Paulo Goncalves runner-up honors winning back Coma 16:53. In Australia Toby Price completed the podium in his first Dakar, the KTM supported factory drawing attention to their historic victory stage 12 to become a member of that select group of individuals who have won a stage in his first appearance in Dakar .

Nor can we ignore Team HRC Laia Sanz, his fifth in the eighth and ninth stage overall final result much better for any woman in history.

Note the only Americans to finish were Robby Gordon and Johnny Campbell in the car category, post 19th overall after several time-consuming problems during the race. But they end on a high note by winning the final stage.

An American who hopes to get a crack in Dakar in the near future is Colton Udall. The pilot WFOx Motorsports Honda recently agreed to run in the race Tatts Finke Desert, one of classic off-road racing in Australia in June.

A number of Western-based SUV racers traveled to Ohio, but not for a career. Instead, he went to get his 2014 championship hardware in the annual AMA Championship Banquet. These AMA / SRT Hare & Hound National Champion Ricky Brabec were, some of whom had never flown or Ohio before.-Mark Kariya.

Kenda AMA National Enduro Kicks



Andrew DeLong attempt to defend his title in 2014 AMA National Enduro Series Kenda this year.

Kenda AMA National Enduro Series this year begins on February 1 with a round of 10-round series in Sumter, South Carolina.

The 2015 season is shaping up to be the most exciting in a long time, with no fewer than 760 entries in a row for the first round - the largest ever - plus a pro incorrectly completed field stacked with a ton of heavyweights.

 

Of course, Andrew DeLong will be back to defend their national title 2014, however, the driver backed Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna factory goes against the likes of Baylor Brothers (Steward and Grant), Russell Bobbitt, Charlie Mullins, Jesse Groemm, Cory Buttrick, Brad Bakken, Ryder Lafferty and stars outside the Australian road Josh Strang and Daniel Milner.

This year we will also see an unprecedented amount of participation from the factory with the series, as Husqvarna, KTM, Yamaha, Beta, Suzuki and Gas Gas all be represented with some type of supported equipment manufacturer, including Airgroup Racing.

Although the race starts at 9:00 am Sunday, there will be plenty to do and see on Saturday, along with the best USA Pro Trials Logan Bolopue holding a demonstration trials in the pits at 3 pm. Meanwhile, KTM will host a spaghetti dinner at 5pm.