Marc Marquez is undergoing a six-week recovery after a surgery to his left shoulder.
MotoGP Surgeon, Dr. Xavier Mir was amazed at how the rider won the championship with his damaged shoulder.
The pre-season HRC shakedown run is from 1stto 3rdFebruary.
Marc Marquez had another crazy MotoGP season in 2018 but sealing the championship was what mattered most.
He then went a surgery to correct his left should which he first dislocated in 2013 after the post-season tests at Valencia and Jerez. Dr. Xavier Mir, MotoGP’s surgeon found that the damage required complex surgery to fix. Dr. Mir said after the surgery, “I do not understand how Marc was able to win the world title like that.”
Marquez is now working hard on the road towards full fitness as part of his six-week recovery plan. He needs to be in shape for the first 2019 HRC shakedown test from 1stto 3rdFebruary. The first official pre-season test (Winter Test) is from 6thto 8thFebruary. Both tests will be held at the Sepang International Circuit.
The 5-time World Champion is currently working with physiotherapist Carlo Garcia who is part of the Clinica Mobile medical team.
Marquez suffered recurring shoulder dislocation throughout 2018, including when Scott Redding congratulated him during the celebrations at Motegi.
Avanzando en la recuperación. Primeros ejercicios de estabilidad!
Recovery in progress. First stability exercises!?? pic.twitter.com/j2jKRMdLWQ
Honda filed for a patent for their new variable valve timing technology (VVT).
Could this be fitted to the new CBR1000RR Fireblade?
VVT offers both power and adherence to emissions standards.
Honda filed for a patent for a new variable valve timing (VVT) technology recently. Could it be for the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade most probably due in 2020? Or could it be fitted over other ranges of models, as well?
Honda’s new VVT system is akin to the BMW ShiftCam system which switches cams.
Each cylinder is fitted with two distinct cam lobes, one for low revs and another for higher revs. Like BMW’s system, the camshaft is slid back and forth to allow the appropriate cam to act on the finger followers, which in turn push open the valves. However, Honda’s system differs by having the system on the exhaust cam, as well.
This new system is different from Honda’s own iconic Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control (VTEC). It engages or disengages one set of cam lobes depending on engine load, whereas the new system’s cam lobes all spin at the same time.
Variable valve timing technology is not new in the world of motorcycles. As emission standards become tougher while the demand for more power grows at the same time, VVT is the only way to go. (Please click here to learn more about VVT and DVT.)
Almost all manufacturers employ VVT technology nowadays, although it is starting to be a trend among sportbikes. Heck, even the Yamaha N-Max, NVX and X-Max scooters feature VVT.
But it was Honda who first introduced VTEC to the in the 1989 Integra. It took another decade before it was adopted by the Honda CB400 Super Four VTEC in 1999. Since then, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 and its successor the Multistrada 1260, Kawasaki 1400GTR, Suzuki GSX-R1000 employ one form of VVT or another.
Harley-Davidson is keen to take the lead in electric motorcycles.
Their electric moped and scooter look like the concept drawings we saw last year.
These are still prototypes.
Besides announcing the LiveWire going on sale in August 2019, Harley-Davidson also introduced their electric moped and scooter concepts.
Remember, many countries will see only electric vehicle being produced in a few years’ time.
Both look similar to the concept drawings shown last year.
Electric Moped
Looking more like a mountain bike, Harley’s moped is a cross between an e-bicycle and motorcycle.
Its design definitely has some of the Motor Company’s heritage. Check out that flat-track inspired tail and “tank.”
The battery could be a 2 to 3 kWh type, similar to those fitted to pedal e-bikes that you can find in Japan. It ought to give the rider a few hours of riding. Being of lower capacity also means faster charging times.
Electric Scooter
It may not look it, but this is an electric scooter.
The long seat and footboards mean it should be able to accommodate two occupants. The space between the seat and battery pack offers lots of carrying space.
The battery pack looks large, allowing for lots of running time between recharge. It ought to fit into the role of a daily runner pretty well.
Its front forks are upside down items but we are worried about it being a hardtail. However, this is just a fleshed-out prototype.
Then again, if it does make production in this form, then it ought to the fill the roll as a pit scooter. Tired of walking around at MotoGP? This is your answer.
The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire Available from August 2019.
It is the Motor Company’s first electric motorcycle among many.
The bike features many new technologies.
The 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric bike will be available from August 2019. The Motor Company unveiled the news along with two other electric concepts.
The Harley-Davidson LiveWire’s price is USD 29,799.
Apart from the high-end chassis componentry we reported earlier, the bike uses an all new “Revelation” electric drivetrain. The manufacturer says that it will produce a new Harley-Davidson sound as it accelerates and gains speed. This new futuristic sound represents the smooth, electric power of the LiveWire motorcycle.”
Apart from the drivetrain and chassis, the bike features LTE (4G)-equipped media centre, and IMU-based traction control and ABS.
We’ve tested the LiveWire concept before, and it sounded like a pulse-jet rather than the usual whirring sound you’d get from a “normal” electric drivetrain. It’s nice and it’s not from a speaker.
We also like to add that it was the LiveWire which changed our perception about electric motorcycles. We had expected it to be tame like electric scooters but it both surprised and impressed us. Acceleration was instantaneous and there’s no clutch and transmission to sap the motor’s power, unlike in petrol engines.
It can be charged by using standard household socket (Level 1). Other charging options are via Level 2 charge unit (21 km per hour of charge), and through a Level 3 DC Fast Charge which provides 309 km range from a one-hour charge.
The bike can now be pre-ordered online in certain countries. We are still awaiting confirmation from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya.
Racing is serious business. It takes years of dedication and preparation to make it to the grid, but being a race winner takes some serious focus. So it is only natural to assume that a champion would have taken years and years of preparation to reach the top step of the podium, just as Marc Marquez started when he was 3 years old.
But then every once in a while comes a person who does not seem to have to try very hard to win, like that one person back in school who skipped classes, slept during lessons, yet still brought back perfect scores. A phenomenon of sorts that wins races with seemingly little effort.
Credit to photographer.
And so, let me tell you about a pint sized race winning racer who looks like she obsessed over her nails, hair and skin too much to be hanging around a grimy race track. I want to tell you about Bee, arguably one of the most successful female motorcycle racer in Malaysia. It would take some serious silverware to get anywhere close to that title, but Bee obviously isn’t lacking on trophies.
She racked up 10 race wins to her name in 2018, stepped on the podium 12 times, and also brought back two top five finishes. She races in the MSF Super 1000 Ladies category, the Ducati Desmo Cup, the Sportsrider SBK Series, and placed first in the MSF Superbikes Time Attack. Now that is quite a feat considering Bee has only been riding superbikes since 2017.
Bee, who races a Ducati 959 Panigale, is the daughter of one of the most well known motorcycle dealers in the country, Ngo Yoke Kwang or more affectionately known as Ah Kwang, owner of Welly Sungai Buloh, a company that operates a Ducati, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and Yamaha dealership. She works with her father as an Aftersales Administrator and is in charge of the service centre.
Credit to photographer.
So what made her hang the heels for riding leathers? “My customers are always inviting me to go riding, and after a while I simply got frustrated as I could not ride. So I went and got my riding license and started private coaching at the Malacca International Motorsport Complex (MIMC),” explains Bee.
Credit to photographer.
As sweet as it all sounds, it has not been an easy ride for Bee. Her parents were never supportive of her new found passion. “I really had to convince them that I am a safe rider, I had to show them that I am always using full riding gear when I ride. And I do not ride on the road, I think it is way too dangerous and prefer riding on track where there is always someone to help you in case you fall,” said Bee.
Bee with her father and siblings.
Bee says that her parents were so unsupportive that she was in total disbelieve when her father appeared at the Sepang Circuit during the final round of the Ducati Desmo Cup 2018. “He has never attended any of my races, so when he appeared there with food in his hand, I was in shock. Even at the starting grid, you could see he was nervous but he did give me a pat on the back for encouragement. But I would like to thank my dad for making this all happen, he may not support it but he did end up sponsoring me for all the races. He also gives me a lot of advise on race craft such as when to overtake, braking and helping me to prepare mentally and physically before every race”
As we chatted, I asked her what was the most difficult part about being a female racer, her reply almost knocked me off the chair. “Menstruation of course!”
“Do you know how difficult it is to focus on a race when you have menstruation cramps? It is really hard, but it makes the wins a lot sweeter.”
“I also have very small hands and this makes reaching out to the clutch and brake more tiring during the race. I tried adjusting the levers but its not much help.”
So what advise does this obviously talented racer have to share with people who wish to ride motorcycles? She says, “I haven’t been racing for long enough to give proper advise but for girls who want to start riding and racing bikes, I would say just follow your heart and go for it, just make sure to get the proper coaching, get the right lessons and then go out and enjoy yourself.”
Credit to photographer.
It seems like she has almost achieved everything there is to achieve for a female racer in Malaysia bar dirt biking, so what’s next for Bee? “I am not sure which races I want to compete in as yet, but I am thinking of going riding at foreign circuits like Philip Island or Zhuhai or even Buriram to get more experience.”
Credit to photographer.
The lady obviously has more raw talent than most guys but perhaps it is also because she is so fearless in what she does yet never forgets to have a good time. Her social media postings show her approach to life, she simply does not take it so seriously yet gives it everything she has at the same time. And her results on track speak for themselves.
Credit to photographer.
My colleague Wahid summed it up perfectly when I told him that I had just returned from interviewing Bee, “oh man, that girl, she is fast and so damn fearless!”
Bikesrepublic.com wishes Bee the best for the upcoming Malaysian race season.
More than 10,000 road accidents resulted from the use of retreaded tyres.
The JPJ will work closely with JKR and SIRIM for enforcement.
We motorcyclists must watch out for pieces of tyre retread at all times.
One of the biggest dangers for us motorcyclists is hitting a piece of separated truck tyre tread. They are usually the carcasses of retreaded tyres.
There’s not much to cause a motorcycle to lose control and hitting a large piece of tough rubber invariably sends us off the road. We can look forward to extensive bodywork or motorcycle component damage even if we don’t crash.
Apart from that, The Mythbusters conclusively tested that a piece of retread flying off a tyre at speed can decapitate a person standing directly behind.
Last Friday, the Minister of Malaysian Public Road Works, Baru Bian said that more than 10,000 road accidents resulted from retreaded tyres.
JPJ officers checking tyres – The Sun Daily
When contacted by MyMetro, the Chief Director of the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) Datuk Seri Shahruddin Khalid said that the department will work closely with the Malaysian Public Works Department (Jabatan Kerja Raya – JKR) and Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM).
The cooperation will look into the issue of enforcement and revision of the quality of retreaded tyres being sold in Malaysia, especially among heavy trucks.
He added that currently available retreaded tyres adhere to the standards set by SIRIM. Only SIRIM can determine if the tyres conform to their standards.
Datuk Seri Shahruddin claims that the problem arises when operators use tyres retreaded by non-licensed retreaders. As such, SIRIM officers ought to perform the checks and enforcements as they are familiar with the standards set by their organisation.
Truth is, Malaysia isn’t the only country with large numbers of retreaded tyre failure, instead it occurs worldwide.
In the meantime, you and I as motorcyclists need to stay vigilant at all times when riding. Besides that, keep your distance from trucks that are travelling at speed on the highways.
