Here at Insidebikes we aim to give you all the latest biking news from the UK in Ireland when it happens. Despite the coronavirus ‘lockdown’ there’s been plenty going on, and here is a round up of some of the smaller stories you may have missed from the month…
Harley make limited FXDR
Harley-Davidson is making a limited edition run of its 1868cc FXDR power cruiser.
Just 30 will be built, exclusively for the UK and Ireland, and they will feature a custom paint job from Surrey based Image Design Custom. The limited edition features a hand painted white, black and gold colour scheme, as well as single piece drag bars (replacing the standard model’s clip-ons).
It’s priced at £18,345, compared to the standard model’s £17,995.
Zero go arty
Electric bike manufacturer Zero Motorcycles have joined forces with London based artist Dan Gold to create an ‘art bike’ based on its new SR/S model.
The street art specialist, who has previously collaborated with Honda, is currently running around on the electric steed, but is planning to rip the fairings off and hand paint the panels in the coming weeks.
Tricity 300 prices announced
Yamaha’s three-wheeled Tricity 300 scooter is set to hit the showrooms in June, priced at £7,547.
In normal times the Tricity 300 would likely be an overlooked novelty in the Yamaha range, but with commuters looking to get off public transport during the Covid-19 crisis, the new trike has a real ace up its sleeve – it can be ridden on a car licence.
With two wheels up front it can be ridden by both full motorcycle and car licence holders, who don’t even need to do CBT training – making it an attractive option for commuters looking to socially distance on their way to work each day.
MotoGP back on track
MotoGP bikes have roared for the first time since testing in Qatar in February, with KTM riders Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa conducting a private test at Austria’s Red Bull Ring. MotoGP is looking to resume again at Spain’s Jerez circuit with two Grands Prix, running separate events on the last two weekends of July – most likely behind closed doors – although there’s no news yet on the British GP, currently scheduled to take place at Silverstone on 30 August.
In other GP news, Ducati has confirmed that Australian Jack Miller will move from the satellite Pramac squad to the factory team in 2021.
Track days return
This week saw bike fans return to the circuits, with the resumption of track days at various circuits. The Carole Nash backed Honda Ron Haslam Race School, based at Leicestershire’s Donington Park race track, has announced that it is planning to return on June 17, subject to official confirmation from Honda and Donington Park.
MV Agusta Rush on its way
Italy’s motorcycle factories have returned to work and Varese based MV Agusta has confirmed that its £30k supernaked, called the Rush, should be in showrooms in June.
With 208bhp and a top speed limited to 300kph (186mph), the Rush promises to be as brutal as it looks – although top end Ohlins suspension, sophisticated electronics and loads of carbon fibre mean that it should be tameable beast.
Bike dealers open in June
Motorbike dealerships are among the businesses set to reopen in England on June 1.
While some remained open in a limited capacity throughout the pandemic, mainly for servicing, parts and sales to key workers, they will be allowed to reopen with some adaptations for social distancing as the government looks to restart the economy.
At the time of writing, no official announcement has been made for the timetable of opening dealers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Ride 4 set for October release
The fourth instalment of the Ride video game series has been slated for a October 8 release.
Available for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, previous games have been praised for their realism and addictive gameplay. For the latest edition, developers Milestone (the brains behind the official MotoGP games) have collaborated with Bridgestone and Yamaha to create Ride 4. Expect more realism, additional tracks and a wider range of new and classic motorcycles than ever before.
Norton ready to reboot
New owners TVS of India have taken no time to start rebooting newly acquired classic brand Norton Motorcycles. The company are advertising for new staff to join the Castle Donington headquarters, with roles including Design Engineers, Quality and Purchasing Managers.
