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.

Getting A New Bike? Here’s The Tools And Accessories You’ll Need

Because the worst thing in the world is not built bike and an unexpected lack of Allen keys



Is there a way to moto-present from under the tree with your name on it? Well, lucky you! Unfortunately, it is unlikely to be simply a case of saturation and opening the garage door - especially if the bike was purchased online. So here is a list of the tools and accessories you need to get your new pride and joy up this Christmas.



A torque wrench will come with a range of adapters to fit every bolt

Torque Wrench

an essential piece of kit to make sure you're safe as you head out for that first turn Boxing Day, a torque wrench will make sure that all screws are adjusted to the correct tightness. This is particularly important with carbon frames and components, which tighten the screws could lead to cracks in carbon with disastrous consequences.



A dedicated set of Allen keys will be a good long term investment

Allen keys

Although a good multi tool will include a number of the Allen keys, a dedicated set not only make your new steed on the road as quickly as possible, but will also serve you well for those little tasks that arise from time to time maintenance. It is used to tighten roughly every Bolt you can shake a mini pump, a good range of Allen keys can be found in most decent multi-tools ... even a separate set will probably be easier to use.


A set of keys Torx Topeak for any eventuality

Torx Keys

OK, so while most brands of bicycles used Allen screws through their machines, some companies use Torx screws here and there. From the top of the head, Bianchi and focus are to blame highlights out there (as in the Bianchi Infinito recently reviewed CV), so if you can spy a bit of blue paint through a hole torn wrapping paper , the penalty could go in search of a decent set of Torx keys.


Look Keo pedals are one of a number of systems to choose

pedals

for the uninitiated, it may seem strange that the vast majority of bikes come without pedals, a very vital piece of equipment. However, this allows you to select your own pedal system depending on the type of riding you will be doing. With a range of different pedals on the market such can be difficult to know what to go for, so check out our guide to find out what is best for you.


Be careful not to over tighten the pedals if your key has a long handle

pedal spanner

Selected pedals? Now is the time to fit. Most pedals can be equipped with an Allen wrench located inside the head, but to make the job easier, and keep your knuckles intact pedal wrench is a must. Just be careful not to fall into the trap of tightening if your key has a long handle.


Properly oiling your new bike is essential

Grease (and Carbon Paste)

absolutely essential for establishing your bike to a long and fruitful life. As a rule, anywhere that metal touches metal needs a layer of fat, which means that bolts and screws, pedals, and the interface between the seat tube and seat post. However, if you are lucky enough to have a brilliant piece carbon awaits for you under the tree, be sure to use carbon assembly paste, such as Muc-Off Carbon Gripper instead.


Get into the habit lubeing transmission frequency to keep it running smoothly

Chain Lube

Lubricate the drive train must become a routine if you want to keep everything running smoothly in the long term, so it is essential before leaving for the first trip. Just be sure to wipe clean the chain and cassette any excess lubricant. Check out our test group lubricant brands to choose the best for you.


Cages will let you get the big miles in on his new bike as soon as possible

Cages

for now we are in the final stretch and can probably feel the rush of wind through your hair and the hum of the road beneath your tires. You will not be able to ride for a long time (at least not very fast) without being able to rehydrate, and a couple of bottle cages is achieved. Just make sure the color matches the frame ...

Volvo's Bike Helmet Concept Alerts Riders And Drivers To Each Other

You know what will go perfectly with these bikes heart rate monitoring futuristic rocket propelled? This intelligent helmet that Volvo wants to create. It's a two-way system that works by uploading locations both cyclists and drivers Cloud Volvo. While the system of a car connected on the board makes it possible, the helmet should be linked to a motorcycle application as Strava to do so. Cyclists can then be warned that there is a car coming your way or cross paths with integrated helmet warning lights.

Drivers, however, will be alerted via a heads-up display on the windshield if a bicycle nearby, which is especially useful if you are coming from a blind spot. It's an interesting idea, but if it works is another matter, since not everyone drives a Volvo - Also, some people might not be too interested in uploading their locations to the cloud. Several automakers have shown off V2X (vehicle with the environment) systems connecting locally and directly, but are not yet on the market. To learn more about the concept so stay tuned for more details as we will see in person at CES 2015.

Five New Bikes That Upend MotorCycle Performance

Motorcycles call if necessary, but these ultra-performance two wheels are nothing short MHz

As the motoring world has begun to digest the incredible performance cars like the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Nissan GT-R Nismo, which must now prepare for a pop culture incomprehensibly fast motorcycles.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R. (Kawasaki)

Street-legal, two-wheeled hyper-speed is not new; Kawasaki Ninja 900, Suzuki GSXR1100 1000 and 1980 Honda Hurricane eradicated all parameters prior to performance street bikes. Such was his power that a bill to ban was introduced in the US Congress. It failed.

The performance of the motorcycle has already gradually slid up, with powerful machines faster increase of one percentage point or two a year - which was, until 2014, when manufacturers design a jump that recalls the arrival of the year Bicycle 80.

First came the Kawasaki Ninja H2, released in the Intermot show in Germany in September 2014. The Japanese automaker could have just launched a rocket-propelled Granada, so thoroughly did the H2-legal on the street and 300 horsepower, track H2R only light internet.

About that number 300 hp, which can strangle the imagination as 707 figure of the witch. Comes courtesy of supercharging, an almost unknown technology in the circles of two wheels.

It's like Kawasaki engineers woke up one day to realize his father, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, owned by all kinds of subsidiaries, Gas Turbine & Machinery Company and Aerospace Company, which could be exploited to contribute know -how to a ridiculous sport bike with aerodynamic wind tunnel-developed to provide the necessary high speed stability.

The H2R is not a racing machine, only a bicycle built to be sold to ordinary citizens who enjoy exercising their motorcycles at the racetrack. The street-going power of H2 has not yet been officially released, but also packs 998 cc engine and transmission specification racing supercharged, so it will be quite fast. How fast? This seems pretty quick.

Incidentally, the H2 is not the first foray Kawasaki forced induction, which is fed large amounts of air into the engine to optimize fuel combustion and increase power. That was the GPZ750 Turbo 1984-1985, prompting a similar foam 30 years. And while Kawasaki could have hit first betting hot-bike in 2014, the brand is not only at the outer limits.





2015 Yamaha YZF-R1M. (Yamaha)

In November Esposizione Motorcycling Mondiale (EICMA) in Milan, the biggest show of the motorcycle in Europe, competitors have developed its own surprisingly fast computer. Consider new Yamaha YZF-R1M. Its naturally aspirated engine of 998 cc in-line four-cylinder rated at 200 horses and riders benefit from the help of electronic MotoGP caliber to take those horses. R1 gets a electronic control system slides engine power metes out according to tilt and yaw angle relative to the direction of travel. It also has a system to limit the height of horses, so that passengers avoid falling backwards with the front wheels raised.





2015 Honda RC213V-S prototype. (Honda)

Down the hall at EICMA, Honda dropped all pretense of keeping the street from the track are divided, rather pretty screwed plates and lights his RC213V MotoGP and offer for sale machine.

The result is the Honda RC213V-S Prototype. The "S" is added to the MotoGP name of the company to indicate that it is the legal issue in the streets. Given habitual secrecy of Honda, the company released no further details, but the slogan "MotoGP bike for the street" was enough to draw attention to a lot of Milan.




2015 Ducati Panigale 1299. (Ducati)

Naturally, if performance is the discussion, the Italians are involved. Ducati 1299 Panigale revealed at EICMA, larger displacement version of the reply of the race, while Aprilia RSV4 RR launched an updated edition of his RSV4 super sports bike.

The new Panigale uses an additional 100cc engine displacement to increase horsepower to 205. An "R" version of the Panigale exists to make several desirable eligible high performance parts for use in their ostensibly World Superbike riders based street bicycle. In this case titanium valves means a lighter crankshaft counterweights using tungsten, and low friction piston using only two rings instead of the three usual for sealing.




RR 2015 Aprilia RSV4. (Aprilia)

Aprilia RSV4 says RR is the street version during its World Superbike contender, and V4 999.6cc engine cranks out 201hp. That muscle is cornered by the electronic systems that keep traction, boats and horses, each of which can be separated off if the rider prefers crashing - er, control it manually.

In fact, this type of electronic aids can keep politicians to claw at bay while allowing engineers to tease even more power and speed of their creations. But first, an answer to the question that is faster at 200 mph requires: the witch or H2?

2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R. (Kawasaki)