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Alpinestars vs Dainese: Alpinestar responds officially

Loyal readers would remember our Alpinestars vs Dainese report we published some time last week. Just to recap, the two Italian riding apparels brands are embroiled in a legal battle of their respective airbag technologies, in which case being the Alpinestars Tech Air and Dainese D-Air Armour.

In light of the battle being reported online by a trusted source, the famed A-star brand has issued an official response to the matter, revealing the true nature of the legal battle in the process as well.

The first thing made clear in Alpinestars’ statement is the fact that the infringement suit it filed for its Tech Air airbag technology patent actual concerns the material of the airbag itself and not the computer algorithm deployment during crash detection as previously reported.

To put it simply, Alpinestars is claiming that Dainese is using a similar physical material for the airbag in the latter’s D-Air suite as the ones used in the former’s rivalling Tech Air system. The consequence of this saw retailers pulling out Tech Air-equipped Alpinestars apparels and products in core markets around Europe such as Germany.

Dainese has not responded to Alpinestars’ allegations, but it is worth noting again that the rivalling devil-horn brand were the most proactive amongst the two at introducing the airbag protection technology into the mass market. In fact, Dainese have even gone to the extent of licensing its D-Air Armor technology to other brands as well.

We’ll have more as soon as the matter evolves over time, to which we expect to last quite some time indeed. In the meantime, you can read the official statement released by Alpinestars below.

Alpinestars Tech-Air Street Airbag system – Statement regarding press coverage of Patent Challenge

With reference to recent articles published about Alpinestars and Dainese being in dispute over airbag technology, Alpinestars is issuing the following statement to clarify the current situation:

Alpinestars has been subjected to an allegation of patent infringement by Dainese on a specific part of its airbag construction used in the Tech-Air Street system.

The Alpinestars’ Tech-Air Street system was launched in November 2014 as the world’s first self-contained street airbag system that independently functions without the need for sensors to be installed on the bike and the subsequent need to link a specific motorcycle to the airbag system used by the rider.

The allegations made by Dainese S.p.A in proceedings launched in Italy against Alpinestars, refer to the assembly of the bag itself, the physical material piece that contains the gas in an inflation and not with any reference to any other parts or Alpinestars’ Tech-Air street system’s use of an algorithm for registering when the airbag deployment should occur.

Dainese instead make claims that the physical construction of the bag in the Tech-Air system infringes upon Dainese’s patents.

In Germany, Dainese did make a direct request to certain retailers, that they cease and desist from offering for sale the Alpinestars Tech-Air Street system, however, no legal action has been taken against Alpinestars and neither has Alpinestars withdrawn any of its products from the German market.

All claims made by Dainese against Alpinestars and/or its retailers are disputed and Alpinestars is taking the appropriate legal measures to ensure that any such unfounded allegations will not prevent distribution and sales of the Tech-Air Street system.

Given Alpinestars’ own research & development has been undertaken through Alpinestars’ in-house Advanced Technology Department since 2001, Alpinestars is contesting the allegations made. The Tech-Air Street system is based on Alpinestars’ technology creation and the physical bag used in the Tech-Air Street system is from known airbag technology, used within the Automotive industry and does not infringe upon third parties’ intellectual property rights.

Alpinestars continues to distribute Tech-Air technology for the benefit of all motorcyclists throughout Europe and the rest of the world and trusts that the allegations made will be proven to have no basis through appropriate legal jurisdiction.

Source: Alpinestars via Asphaltandrubber

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M recalled again

Though it may be somewhat of a new bike, even the manic 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M superbikes will need to undergo a recall at some point. In this recent case, Yamaha has issued a recall for both its new flagship superbike models to fix a small yet potentially dangerous issue.

According to trusted sources, Yamaha’s recall for both the new R1 and R1M sees it addressing a potentially faulty oil delivery pipe O-ring. Additionally, Yamaha had this to say on its official website:

‘It is possible for an oil leak to occur, from the O-Ring on the Oil Delivery Pipe where it enters the engine case, because of improper assembly of the components. If a leak occurs, oil could leak onto the exhaust and in extreme circumstances the oil could catch fire.’

Though the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M aren’t offered here in Malaysia officially, we at BikesRepublic.com are aware of its presence via grey importers. Should you own one, we highly recommend you to have this issue looked at by a specialist garage as soon as possible.

Also worth noting here is that this is not the 2015 YZF-R1 model’s first recall. This new potential fire hazard comes after a recent recall for the R1’s faulty transmission components. The latter problem had forced the Japanese bike maker to issue a ‘stop sale’ order to its American dealers pending the fault’s rectification.

Sources: Visordown and Asphaltandrubber ( Link 1 / Link 2 )

New Kawasaki ZX-14 to be less powerful

As you might have heard a couple of months ago, Kawasaki has updated the ZX-14 for 2016 with an updated engine to keep up with the strict European emission regulations.

This is due to the fact that the ZX-14 was one of the bikes that did not match the emissions standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

So, with a few tweaks to the powerplant, the bike is now ready for the European market. However, the bike’s maximum output, which stood at 210.7hp in the outgoing model, has been decreased to 199.9hp.

The latest EPA test data shows the model has a ‘new’ version of the 1441cc engine with a three-way catalyst rather than an ‘oxidising’ cat. Along with peak power, carbon monoxide emissions have also been lowered.

Set to be available in two variants (ZX-14R and the ZX-14R Performance Sports) for 2016, notable changes include the new instrument cluster with LCD displays with dot-pattern background, black and white interchangeable displays, Brembo M50 monobloc brake calipers with Brembo radial-pump master cylinder, stainless steel brake lines, Ohlins TTX39 rear shock absorber, as well as Akrapovic exhausts.

The hinged and strapless Vozz Helmets

As it is, the modern safety helmet has come a long way indeed. However, a firm called Vozz Helmets is out to change that with its range of helmets that feature a rather unorthodox yet ingenious design.

Vozz’s unconventional design features a rear access application without straps. The shell opens rearwards and makes wearing it much easier compared then the regular top-down insertion method. As a result, the design negates the need for chinstraps whilst boasting several benefits such as enhanced aerodynamics and increased protection.

Despite the narrow lower rim design, the Vozz’s rearward entry appears much easier to don. We also cannot help but notice that this rearward and strapless entry will favour riders who wear spectacles as well. Check out the video attached above for a better grasp of how this works.

Furthermore, the design also has several extras to protect its users beyond the point of operation. One of which is the rear shell doubling up as a head cup for attending paramedics during emergency extraction. The six-step disassembly can be accessed quickly via scanning a QR code placed in the helmet’s bottom rim by attending paramedics or emergency services personnel.

Vozz currently holds the master patent for the helmet design and is open towards licensing its technology to other parties. More information about the Vozz Helmet can be viewed via its official website, vozzhelmets.com.

Source: YouTube via CarBuzz.com
Images: VozzHelmets.com

KL Bike Week 2015 – Malaysian motorcycling culture at its finest

The annual KL Bike Week returned for its 2015 edition last weekend. Marking its seventh annual running, KL Bike Week 2015 celebrating the best of the maturing Malaysian motorcycling culture over the course of two days in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

As always, the event was organised by local custom bikes institution Red Garage Malaysia. It is here that some of Malaysia’s finest custom bike builders and artisans come together and put some of their best stuff on show. Also present here were custom culture artisans from elsewhere around region such as Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

If you weren’t there last weekend, then you missed quite a spectacle indeed. Nevertheless, here’s our extensive gallery of images to show you just what KL Bike Week 2015 was all about.

KL Bike Week 2015 hosted perhaps one of the largest motorcycling gathering ever hosted in KL city. Of course, this brings lots of attention, thus the crowd.

Plenty of vendors, big and small, were present during KL Bike Week 2015. Whether it be apparels, accessories, parts (new and old), as well as souvenirs, the visiting two-wheeled enthusiasts weren’t disappointed.

Of course, no one wants a dirty bike, which explains the presence of several specialist motorcycle detailers offering on-site cleaning and detailing services.

If there’s one common strain with all the bikes that were present, it is none other than the fact that most are not stock. The Malaysian custom culture is alive and very eclectic to say the least, but it is showing healthy signs of maturing as well.

What goes well next to bikes? Babes of course! There were plenty to be found during KL Bike Week 2015.

And some even brought their pets! Though we were rather unsure if the snake was merely for show, or perhaps a ‘security’ measure of sort. Whatever it is, we wouldn’t mind trading places with ol’ snakey anytime.

The wide variety of bikes are a clear reflection of their owners. Whether you own a classic Vespa Lambretta in ‘survivor’ condition, a tricked- and chromed-out performance naked, a proper British icon, or even a prized custom-built creation, all were welcomed during KL Bike Week 2015.

Motorcycle enthusiasm is blind towards race, culture, religion, or even physical disability. This bloke is one prime example of the latter indeed.

Have a thing for the arts? These artisans would’ve fulfilled your needs and demands.

Have an old Vespa Lambretta? Why not give it a proper makeover? Or make chic office furniture out of it?

Competitions were held for best bike across several categories, as well as best custom helmet paintjob.

Making an appearance was the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, YB Datuk Mas Ermieyati binti Samsudin. The deputy minister was given a proper tour of the show grounds whilst riding shotgun with one of the members from the Malaysian Lady Bikers’ Club before officially launching KL Bike Week 2015 on the main stage.

Though it is well known as a gathering of choppers, KL Bike Week has since opened itself up to enthusiasts of other types and groups such as superbikers and dirt bikers. Making their presence felt here were the Ducati Club of Malaysia.

KL Bike Week 2015 was also an event where enthusiasts can spot some true rarities like this classic WW2-era BSA. Not only is it period-correct paint, there’s even period-correct and matching accessories primed as well.

Another rarity we spotted was this Suzuki GSX650S Katana. This modern classic from the 1980s invoked a lot of nostalgia, especially with its pop-up headlight feature. FYI, this modern classic is one of many up for sale by specialist importer Sri Changgong.

Another rarity we spotted was this, the Confederate Motorcycles X132 Hellcat Combat.

Together with our friends from Shell Advance Malaysia, BikesRepublic.com were also present at KL Bike Week 2015. Visitors at our booth took part in our special simulator time trials to win exclusive prizes from us and Shell.

It is hard to believe that this custom-built supermoto started out life as a mere Modenas Kriss moped. What was even more unbelievable was the fact that it was built by a bloke who’s barely 17 years old!

The festivities continued into the night where competition winners were awarded.

The evening soiree ended with the arrival of rockstar and actor Awie. Awie took to the stage with his band, Wings, to give KL Bike Week 2015 a fitting end.

KL Bike Week 2015

2015 Yamaha R1 and R1M recalled

Yamaha has announced that it is recalling all 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M bikes sold so far in the US, UK and Canada to replace the gearbox following a number of failures on the new model.

It is said that there have been a small number of second gear ratio failures on racing and track bikes under extreme load and with mistimed gear-changes, which have led to the gearboxes seizing.

While Yamaha UK hasn’t explained what is happening in detail to owners, Yamaha USA has sent out letters with the necessary details to owners, explaining what the problem was and what needed to be repaired.

“In affected motorcycles, both second gear wheel and pinion gears in the transmission may break as a result of extremely high stress and/or improper shifting. This is due to inadequate component strength and stress concentration at the gear teeth bottom land. In addition, the third and fourth wheel gears may be deformed or break as a result of excessive stress caused by hard usage.

This is due to inadequate component strength. If gears fail, the transmission could lock up, causing loss of control that could result in a crash with injury or death,” said the letter.

Video: BMW G310R in detail

BMW Motorrad rocked the motorcycling world when it finally decided to go big by going down-market. The firm has a strong foothold in the large-capacity segments already, so perhaps the creation of the all-new BMW G310R was inevitable.

It may be small, BMW has set its sights for world domination with its newest model. The firm recently released a promotional video that details some of the bike’s special traits and features in better.

If you didn’t know, the BMW G310R is the fruit of the German powerhouse’s partnership with India’s leading bike manufacturer, TVS. It comes powered using a newly developed 313cc single-cylinder engine with a claimed output of 34hp to propel a claimed unladen weight of 158.5kg (more details in our launch story).

Taking a few notes from Austrian rivals KTM, the BMW G310R is being mass-produced in India. The effort should see the baby beemer being priced similarly to its Austrian segment rival (read KTM 390 Duke). Suffice to say, this is one bike we are anxiously waiting for in 2016.

Source: YouTube via Visordown

MV Agusta enjoying 30% sales increase

It seems that the cash flow injection by new shareholders Mercedes-AMG have done wonders for the MV Agusta brand. MV Agusta looks set to end the year on a high note after it recorded a 30% increase of its sales for 2015.

The firm reportedly sold up to 9,000 units worldwide this year, with much of the brand’s growth recorded outside of its Italian home market. The brand’s performance in its home market remain rather flat with a0.1% decrease this year compared to 2014, but elsewhere, the MV brand is thriving to say the least. One key market for the brand is the UK where it recorded a staggering 140% increase compared to 2014.

2104-MV-Agusta-Turismo-Veloce-Lusso-800-04 — MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso 800

The firm states that revenue is up by 30% for 2015, which means it is enjoying larger-than-average contribution margin of 40%. Much of this is contributed by strong sales performance of several premium models, notably the likes of the Tursimo Veloce and Dragster RR.

However, it is worth noting that MV Agusta did not unveil a new-for-2016 model during the recent EICMA 2015 show. Whether the brand is able to retain this momentum next year without a substantially new model remains to be seen.

Sources: Asphaltandrubber and Visordown

KL Bike Week 2015 – Malaysian biking haven returns

Once again, KL Bike Week returns for its 2015 edition. Organisers Red Garage Malaysia is hosting the annual two-wheeled soiree in the grounds of Lanai MaTIC off Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The two-day event starts today and will run until tomorrow (Dec 19).

This year, KL Bike Week 2015 organisers have arranged with city officials to have parts of Jalan Ampang leading towards the event grounds closed the hopes of making things easier for bikers coming in and out. Worry not as you can still visit the event by taking a train to either KLCC or Dang Wangi as both stations are just 10-minute walks from Lanai MaTIC. You can refer to the map we’ve attached below.

Another key highlight of the event this year besides the mass show of all things two wheeled are the presence of several local bands tasked at providing the event’s soundtrack from its main stage. Of course, the main highlight of the roster this year is none other than legendary local rock band Wings who will headline the stage on Saturday evening.

We took a tour in the early hours of the event earlier today to see what you can expect from KL Bike Week 2015 (#KLBW2015).

First of all, you’ll see plenty of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Much of the local Malaysian Harley-Davidson owners community will be present in full force.

KL Bike Week is also a mecca for many custom bike owners and enthusiasts. You’ll see them at every corner and perhaps resting under a tree like this threesome.

KL Bike Week is also the perfect place to hunt for bargains. Plenty of vendors are present here offering various things from souvenirs to apparels, as well as various bike parts, riding gear, not to mention services as well such as on-site bike detailing.

The amount of kits on sale are impressive too, and would please just about any DIY biker buff. What caught our attention today was this, the VOLO Advance Braking Indication system.

However, should you fancy some of the finer things the two-wheeled world can offer, you can also indulge in artisan crafts. This selection of custom-made helmets and wood paintings made by Indonesian bike artisans Riders Rules are one example.

Should you be the type who’s always carrying a cheque book in your pocket with a finer taste for bikes, then you might just find yourself oogling over some rarities up for sale by specialist importers present. We absolutely love this Ducati Paul Smart we found on display by specialist importers Sri Changgong Sdn Bhd.

Besides that, Sri Changgong’s collection also includes a range of classic Japanese GP-derived two-stroke sports bikes. The Yamaha RZV 500R and the two TZRs next to it have indeed reignited our love for two-strokers.

Sadly though, some bikes you’ll see on the grounds of KL Bike Week 2015 aren’t for sale, like this rare Honda NM4 Vultus maxi-scooter. Yes, you read that right, this blacked-out thing is a SCOOTER. And beleive it or not, it is taking all the limelight away from the blacked-out MV Agusta parked next to it.

Of course, KL Bike Week isn’t all about two-wheels. There are plenty of independent food vendors and stalls or gerai with a rich selection of F&B. Even bikers need to fuel up too, and so should you.

Our visit during the early hours today was short, so no sights of massive biker groups mingling around just yet. But this bloke walking around with a fiesty-looking parrot on his shoulder was interesting to say the least.

Also making an appearance is the 1Malaysia custom cruiser built by the famed Orange County Choppers. Was this budgeted using the hotly contested RM2.6 billion? Hmmm…

Got the need for speed? Well then, let BikesRepublic.com and Shell Advance remedy that for you virtually! Yes, we are present this year together with our partners Shell Advance Malaysia and you can win exclusive prizes in our simulator tournament just by visiting our booth!

So? What are you waiting for? Come on down tonight and experience some of the best of Malaysian motorcycling at its finest!

See you at KL Bike Week 2015 folks!

Leon Haslam to head to BSB

Uncertain about his future in the WSBK World Superbike Championship, rider Leon Haslam is all set to make a return to the MCE British Superbike championship in 2016.

Sources say that the 32-year-old will be teaming up with JG Speedfit Kawasaki, and will ride alongside James Ellison and Peter Hickman.

It is said that this will be the first Haslam will be riding a Kawasaki machinery in his career. And with a brand new bike closely developed with the factory team of Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes, it could be the chance that Haslam needs to finally bury his demons in the domestic series.

Although no official announcements have been made, Haslam did mention that he was looking at BSB options, and that interesting offers have already been made by certain parties.

Alpinestars and Dainese airbag tech feud

Two of motorcycling’s biggest and leading apparels brands are tangled in a legal battle over a groundbreaking piece of safety technology. The two are none other than Alpinestars and Dainese, and the tech in question are their respective Tech Air and D-Air airbag technologies. (more…)

KL Bike Week 2015: Road closure announcement

Red Garage Malaysia, the organisers of the KL Bike Week 2015, have announced that a part of Jalan Ampang, adjacent to the Malaysia Tourist Centre (MaTic) will be closed on the 19th of December (Saturday) from 10am to 10pm to make way for visitors and participating bikers making their way in and out of the event.

The KL Bike Week 2015, which will be held at The Lanai, Malaysia Tourist Centre (MaTic), will take place on this Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19.

Set to feature an array of activities such as a custom bike show, classic bike show, custom helmet painting contest, live music performances, burnout competitions, and many more, the event is expected to attract thousands of bikers from not only Malaysia, but also other countries in the Asia Pacific region.

For more information, visit Red Garage Malaysia’s official Facebook page.