In order to protect the local tyre industry from the negative impacts of smuggling and under invoicing of imported tyre products, the Customs regulators have been recommended to fix the maximum import tariff prices (ITP) for each size of tyre being traded in the international market.
In addition, the government could at least fix the ITP of a particular brand based on the maximum import cost quoted by the brand manufacturer in any of the importing countries. If this is not possible the Customs should collect data of the export price of the brand being imported into Pakistan and set the average price leaving out those quotations that look absurdly low. Tyre manufacturers are dismayed that their genuine concerns have not been addressed by the policy makers as they continue to operate at a disadvantage in the domestic market against global competitors whom they successfully challenge in other markets. A manufacturer said: There should be some rationale in fixing the ITP of the imported tyres. They also added that the Custom officials should have a brief of the manufacturing process of the tyres and the inputs used in those tyres like rubber and chemicals. The rates of inputs could then be retrieved through internet .
He further said that cases where the price of imported tyre is quoted even below the input cost, the consignment should be confiscated instead of providing the unscrupulous importer the choice to pay the duty at very high ITP determined by the officials. The tyre industry would willingly provide all international data in this regard that could be rechecked by the Customs through information high way, he affirmed. Most of the industry expert believes in cases where some Pakistan s car and motorcycle tyre manufacturers have been regularly exporting certain sizes the price quoted by them should be the least ITP for the import of that size. This, they added, is a fair solution as no one in current globalised world would import tyres on inflated rates. They said that deflated rates are regularly quoted to save the government levies like Custom duty, sales tax, and excise and advance income tax. They said that unethical importers make it sure that the invoice of the tyres is 20-30 per cent of the original price. They pay the balance in cash to the manufacturer through hundi (that is also illegal). They said that if a tyre worth $100 (Rs8,600) is imported at $40 (Rs3,440) then even at 5 per cent duty the importer would save huge amount in government levies. They said that the 5 per cent duty on Rs3,440 would be only Rs172 while it would be Rs430. They said that the sales tax or GST is levied on duty paid value of the tyre. In case of under invoiced tyre it would be Rs614 but on original rate it would be Rs1,535. Thus the importer of under invoiced tyre would pay only Rs786 as duty and sales tax while the real amount without under invoicing comes to Rs1,965 - a difference of Rs1,179. They said that the difference would further increase after excise and income tax amount collected at import stage is factored in. This, they added, marginalises local tyre industry that pays all taxes. They said that smuggling is another menace where no duty is paid at all. They said that tyres are bulky products that cannot be concealed in suit cases so the smugglers take advantage of flaws in Afghan Transit Trade agreement signed by Pakistan to facilitate imports in land locked Afghanistan. They said that Afghans import more tyres than Pakistan that is five times larger in size and has huge tyre demand. In Afghanistan the number of registered vehicles is very low and they do not need so many tyres. These tyres find way in Pakistani markets through our porous borders. They urged the government to put quantity restrictions on import of tyres by Afghanistan.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Under new Nationwide rule, will anything change?
It seems simple, doesn’t it? Just draw an X in the appropriate place, and you’re committed to running for only one title on NASCAR’s national level—Sprint Cup, Nationwide, or Camping World Truck. Say goodbye to the moonlighters trying to double-dip championships, and hello to NASCAR’s first real attempt to limit incursions into its No. 2 series. As Dave Rodman reported earlier this week, drivers won’t be barred from competing on more than one national tour, but they will be restricted to pursuing a single championship of their choice.
While NASCAR hasn’t yet confirmed the rule change—the sanctioning body is likely saving the rollout of competition modifications for a pair of formal announcements in the upcoming weeks—drivers are already facing the “pick one” option on their license applications for the 2011 campaign. The era of Cup regulars like Carl Edwards or Brad Keselowski claiming the Nationwide title appears to be over, at least for the short term. Although nobody yet knows how the points structure is going to work, next year’s champion will almost certainly be a series regular, harkening back to the days of Larry Pearson, Jack Ingram, and Sam Ard.
Give NASCAR a little credit for trying something to set apart its Nationwide tour, which has been stuck with this unofficial “Cup light” designation for so long now it’s often difficult to differentiate when Saturday ends and Sunday begins. And yet, with this rule modification in place, what exactly changes? The picture at the end of the season, obviously; the champion could very well be a driver without a race win, given that Justin Allgaier was the lone non-Cup driver to reach Victory Lane on the Nationwide tour last year. But championship exclusions aside, Saturday afternoons will almost certainly look the same as they always have, with Cup drivers clogging the Nationwide starting grid and keeping their stranglehold on the win column.
Barring Cup regulars from pursuing the Nationwide championship will not keep Cup regulars out of Nationwide races, simply because sponsors want them there. The exorbitant cost of backing a car in NASCAR’s premier division has driven many sponsors to the Nationwide tour, where for a more reasonable dollar figure they can still associate themselves with a Cup name. For these companies, the bang for the buck doesn’t come in a season-ending championship, even if the likes of Keselowski, Edwards, and Kyle Busch have been able to deliver one. No, the payoff comes in Victory Lane, where a CEO can spray champagne alongside a driver who’s among the most famous in NASCAR, while his corporate logo gets great time on TV. Until that changes—and there are no immediate signs that it will —Saturdays will retain their familiar theme.
Maybe one day, if this championship exclusion stays in place long enough, sponsors will be so enticed by the prospect of a season title that they’ll begin to demand younger, championship-eligible drivers in their cars. But right now, that carrot doesn’t seem to hold nearly as much appeal as the race-day attention they receive whenever their car wins. By and large, they’re not in this to have their name mentioned on a stage in Miami Beach during an awards show that few people watch, something evidenced by the fact that only two or three Cup regulars were planning a run at the Nationwide title anyway. They’re in this to associate themselves with marketable, recognizable drivers at a price that seems like a bargain compared to the costs of backing the same competitor on the Sprint Cup tour. And as long as those sponsors come calling, teams and drivers aren’t going to turn them away.
Regardless of what box he checks on his 2011 license application, Busch is still going to compete this season in roughly two dozen Nationwide events. As of this week, Edwards still plans to run the entire Nationwide schedule. Asked on Twitter if he would still run the whole season, Keselowski responded: “Sponsors say yes!” Kasey Kahne has already committed to running a handful of races in the series. Mark Martin recently signed on for four events. Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, and the rest of the Cup regulars who have made side careers out of competing on the Nationwide tour still have obligations to meet, and they’ll still make it exceedingly difficult for the likes of Allgaier, Brain Scott or Trevor Bayne to stand out. None of that changes because the championship criteria is different.
In truth, though, this kind of issue is nothing new to the Nationwide Series, which in its current incarnation has always struggled to serve two masters—the sponsors that it needs (but want high-profile drivers in their cars), and the stars of tomorrow that it needs to produce for NASCAR to flourish in the future. Although the moonlighters have always been there, it’s almost difficult to remember now that this was once a tour that had an identity unto itself, a series fronted by Busch lifers like Randy LaJoie, Jason Keller and David Green, that generated up-and-comers from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Brian Vickers. But the number of independent, non-Cup-affiliated teams dwindled, sponsorship costs at the sport’s highest level reached a certain threshold, and it all combined to produce the somewhat muddled, all-things-to-all-people series that exists today.
NASCAR is right to want to reverse that trend, or at least attempt to, and provide the Nationwide tour with a more defined identity of its own. But even within its own racing circuits, there are only so many things that NASCAR can directly control. The Nationwide tour of today is a product of economic forces at work, stemming from sponsors that want to be involved but only at a certain dollar value, drivers who can use a little extra cash and track time, and teams that assent because it helps them make their bottom line. It’s going to take much more than simply a change in championship eligibility to tear down that complex, particularly since championships aren’t necessarily the reason many of those players became involved in the first place.
If anything, the Nationwide tour is the one place in this Chase era where the race victory matters more than anything else, where Gatorade-dumping revelry in Victory Lane often trumps whatever the points standings happen to be at that given time. And the Cup regulars, who claimed 34 of 35 Nationwide events last year—counting Montreal road-race winner Boris Said—will be back out in force again this season. That won’t change just because they checked a different box.
While NASCAR hasn’t yet confirmed the rule change—the sanctioning body is likely saving the rollout of competition modifications for a pair of formal announcements in the upcoming weeks—drivers are already facing the “pick one” option on their license applications for the 2011 campaign. The era of Cup regulars like Carl Edwards or Brad Keselowski claiming the Nationwide title appears to be over, at least for the short term. Although nobody yet knows how the points structure is going to work, next year’s champion will almost certainly be a series regular, harkening back to the days of Larry Pearson, Jack Ingram, and Sam Ard.
Give NASCAR a little credit for trying something to set apart its Nationwide tour, which has been stuck with this unofficial “Cup light” designation for so long now it’s often difficult to differentiate when Saturday ends and Sunday begins. And yet, with this rule modification in place, what exactly changes? The picture at the end of the season, obviously; the champion could very well be a driver without a race win, given that Justin Allgaier was the lone non-Cup driver to reach Victory Lane on the Nationwide tour last year. But championship exclusions aside, Saturday afternoons will almost certainly look the same as they always have, with Cup drivers clogging the Nationwide starting grid and keeping their stranglehold on the win column.
Barring Cup regulars from pursuing the Nationwide championship will not keep Cup regulars out of Nationwide races, simply because sponsors want them there. The exorbitant cost of backing a car in NASCAR’s premier division has driven many sponsors to the Nationwide tour, where for a more reasonable dollar figure they can still associate themselves with a Cup name. For these companies, the bang for the buck doesn’t come in a season-ending championship, even if the likes of Keselowski, Edwards, and Kyle Busch have been able to deliver one. No, the payoff comes in Victory Lane, where a CEO can spray champagne alongside a driver who’s among the most famous in NASCAR, while his corporate logo gets great time on TV. Until that changes—and there are no immediate signs that it will —Saturdays will retain their familiar theme.
Maybe one day, if this championship exclusion stays in place long enough, sponsors will be so enticed by the prospect of a season title that they’ll begin to demand younger, championship-eligible drivers in their cars. But right now, that carrot doesn’t seem to hold nearly as much appeal as the race-day attention they receive whenever their car wins. By and large, they’re not in this to have their name mentioned on a stage in Miami Beach during an awards show that few people watch, something evidenced by the fact that only two or three Cup regulars were planning a run at the Nationwide title anyway. They’re in this to associate themselves with marketable, recognizable drivers at a price that seems like a bargain compared to the costs of backing the same competitor on the Sprint Cup tour. And as long as those sponsors come calling, teams and drivers aren’t going to turn them away.
Regardless of what box he checks on his 2011 license application, Busch is still going to compete this season in roughly two dozen Nationwide events. As of this week, Edwards still plans to run the entire Nationwide schedule. Asked on Twitter if he would still run the whole season, Keselowski responded: “Sponsors say yes!” Kasey Kahne has already committed to running a handful of races in the series. Mark Martin recently signed on for four events. Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, and the rest of the Cup regulars who have made side careers out of competing on the Nationwide tour still have obligations to meet, and they’ll still make it exceedingly difficult for the likes of Allgaier, Brain Scott or Trevor Bayne to stand out. None of that changes because the championship criteria is different.
In truth, though, this kind of issue is nothing new to the Nationwide Series, which in its current incarnation has always struggled to serve two masters—the sponsors that it needs (but want high-profile drivers in their cars), and the stars of tomorrow that it needs to produce for NASCAR to flourish in the future. Although the moonlighters have always been there, it’s almost difficult to remember now that this was once a tour that had an identity unto itself, a series fronted by Busch lifers like Randy LaJoie, Jason Keller and David Green, that generated up-and-comers from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Brian Vickers. But the number of independent, non-Cup-affiliated teams dwindled, sponsorship costs at the sport’s highest level reached a certain threshold, and it all combined to produce the somewhat muddled, all-things-to-all-people series that exists today.
NASCAR is right to want to reverse that trend, or at least attempt to, and provide the Nationwide tour with a more defined identity of its own. But even within its own racing circuits, there are only so many things that NASCAR can directly control. The Nationwide tour of today is a product of economic forces at work, stemming from sponsors that want to be involved but only at a certain dollar value, drivers who can use a little extra cash and track time, and teams that assent because it helps them make their bottom line. It’s going to take much more than simply a change in championship eligibility to tear down that complex, particularly since championships aren’t necessarily the reason many of those players became involved in the first place.
If anything, the Nationwide tour is the one place in this Chase era where the race victory matters more than anything else, where Gatorade-dumping revelry in Victory Lane often trumps whatever the points standings happen to be at that given time. And the Cup regulars, who claimed 34 of 35 Nationwide events last year—counting Montreal road-race winner Boris Said—will be back out in force again this season. That won’t change just because they checked a different box.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Motorcycle Digest
Honda announces pricing for key new 2011 models
American Honda has announced pricing on two significant 2011 models, its CBR250R and CB1000R.The CB1000R naked cycle will sell for $10,999, according to a press release from the company. It features a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected inline four-cylinder 998cc powerplant.
The standard CBR250R will be priced at $3,999, while the ABS version will cost $4,499. The CBR250R sport bike has a newly designed 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a four-valve DOHC cylinder head and fuel injection. Both models will be available at dealerships in the spring.
Ducati, auto manufacturer partner on projects
Ducati and auto manufacturer AMG will partner on future common marketing activities, the two companies announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.The co-marketing plans include AMG supporting the Ducati MotoGP Team as the brand’s official car partner in 2011. Also, during select AMG events, participants will be able to test ride Ducati bikes and Ducati customers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with AMG’s cars, a press release stated.
“In AMG we have found a partner who perfectly reflects our brand values of high performance, motorsports, excitement and our sense of unmistakable style and design,” Gabriele del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, said in a press release.
AMG, founded in 1967, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG.
Small motorcycle OEM reporting improved sales
Motorcycle manufacturer Ural is reporting its best retail sales in four years.The Russian manufacturer, in a newsletter, said its recent October sales were the highest for that particular month since 2006.
“Overall we are looking at a 30-plus percent boost in sales,” the company reports.
Ural said its two-wheel drive models continue to make up the majority of its sales but its T-series bikes are becoming the second-largest seller.
The company’s demographic continues to get younger, as now every sixth customer is 35 years old or younger.
Nine inducted into Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Nine motorcycling legends recently were inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas during the American Motorcyclist Association Legends & Champions Weekend.The class of 2010 included: legendary two-stroke engine tuner Eyvind Boyesen, dirt-track racer Don Castro, sidecar roadracing champion Larry Coleman, off-road rights activist Clark Collins, AMA 250cc road-race champion David Emde, competition apparel pioneers and JT Racing founders John and Rita Gregory, desert racing champion and team manager Bruce Ogilvie, and championship team owner and Pro Circuit founder Mitch Payton. Each was honored with a place in the Hall of Fame, a video chronicling their careers, an induction speech and a ring.
Bob “Hurricane” Hannah was also recognized as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame legend. Hannah, a seven-time AMA National Champion, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. The Hall of Fame ceremony was hosted by actor and motorcyclist Peter King.
Triumph brings its tiger, other models to the IMS
Triumph Motorcycles is returning to the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows nationwide series.The first stop for Triumph was scheduled to be the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, Calif., on Dec. 17-19. Triumph was slated to unveil its largest new product lineup in the company’s 109-year history at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
“The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows are a great way to share our new products with customers across the country, and Triumph is looking forward to introducing some exciting new models including the Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC adventure bikes, three new cruiser motorcycles, and the all-new Speed Triple and premium Daytona 675R sport bikes in Long Beach,” said CEO of Triumph North America Greg Heichelbech.
In addition to the Long Beach show, Triumph Motorcycles also is scheduled to exhibit at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York, Jan. 21-23; in Cleveland, Jan. 28-30; and in Rosemont, Ill., Feb. 11-13.
MRP adds all United Motors of America manuals
MRP has added all United Motors of America repair and parts manuals to the dealer support section of its website, the company announced.Dealers can use the manuals to look up parts for all 40 models previously imported by United Motors of America.
“Our intent is to provide dealers with an online source of OEM PDF files they can use to order the correct OEM parts from MRP and to have a resource for legitimate brands that left the market,” MRP Sales Manager Kerwin Vega said in a release.
All manuals available on MRP’s website can be accessed at www.martinracingdealer.com/ WSWrapper.jsp?mypage=Manuals.htm.
Consumer feedback results in additional diavel color option
In response to feedback from motorcycle show visitors, Ducati has announced the addition of a diamond black color scheme for the new 2011 Ducati Diavel. With the Diavel receiving consumer attention at motorcycle shows around the globe, Ducati collected feedback from passionate motorcyclists viewing the bike for the first time. The new diamond black color option is the result of response to customer demand.While the Diavel Carbon was appreciated alongside the Diavel in traditional Ducati Red, the black livery replaces the originally presented white offering. The new black scheme also will be further enhanced with a black anodized headlamp body and lateral air intakes — parts, which will also appear on the red Diavel.
The new black diamond color already has been incorporated into production plans and will be available alongside the entire Diavel range this February at authorized Ducati dealerships.
New motocross track being built in Ohio
A new American Motorcyclist Association-sanctioned motocross track is being built in Ross County in Ohio, according to a published report.The track is expected to open in 2011, with two AMA-sanctioned races scheduled for the same year. Ross County is located in south central Ohio.
“The race dates are set,” Chris Scott, the voice of the events at the new track, told the Chillicothe Gazette. “May 14 and 15, and then July 9 and 10. This is a big deal for motocross in this area, and it’s going to give riders and fans a new place in the Midwest that’s going to be top of the line.”
The track will be located adjacent to the Ross County Fairgrounds off Ohio 207. Because of its proximity to the fairgrounds, it will have access to camping, utilities and WiFi Internet service. The track will be specific to motocross and will sit in AMA District 11, which includes 44 counties in Ohio, Scott said.
Honda Contingency Program for 2011 announced
American Honda has announced a new round of race contingency for 2011.
For the upcoming racing season, the Red Rider Rewards program is doubling the number of events eligible for payouts. This gives Honda customers an opportunity to win money at more than 700 race events.
Winnings will be issued through the HRCA Red Rider Rewards Card and can be used anywhere that Visa is accepted.
Administered by the Honda Riders Club of America, the rewards program supports racers all across the United States during the 2011 race season. Model-year 2009 and newer machines are eligible for the program. For more information about American Honda’s Red Rider Rewards program visit powersports.honda.com /racing/contingency.aspx
MX Sports Pro Racing Releases 2011 Motocross Schedule
MX Sports Pro Racing has announced its 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship schedule.The 2011 American Motocross schedule will consist of 12 rounds, with locations from California to New England. The series includes motocross riders from across the globe.
The 2011 season kicks off on Saturday, May 21, with the Hangtown Motocross Classic, which is held at the Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle Park in Sacramento, Calif. The series will once again travel the country and conclude on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Pala Raceway, which is just north of San Diego.
“We’re fortunate to boast the best motocross facilities in the world in the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship,” said MX Sports Vice President Davey Coombs. “Several of our tracks have hosted national events for nearly four decades, including such legendary race tracks as RedBud, Unadilla, High Point and more, while our newer facilities present the vision of the future for American Motocross. The 2011 season, which will be the 40th year of this tour, is going to be another epic chapter in American Motocross.
“We have also been exploring several new facilities in the Southeast,” added Coombs. “The area is one of the most popular regions of the country for off-road motorcycles, and it is the hope of MX Sports that we will be able to announce a new addition to the schedule for 2012.”
Provider of bike history reports announces partnership
Sparta Commercial Services Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Specialty Reports, Inc. DBA Cyclechex, an exclusive provider of online motorcycle history reports, announced it has entered into an agreement with IronPlanet, an online marketplace for used equipment and vehicles, to provide active mutual support for each other’s websites and business activities.Cyclechex is the initial online product offering from Specialty Reports Inc. IronPlanet is a leading online auction company for used construction and agricultural equipment. Recently, IronPlanet added a range of automobiles, powersports and motorcycles to its online marketplace.
Management at both IronPlanet and Cyclechex believe that the addition of Cyclechex Motorcycle History Reports for the motorcycle segment of the auction website will enable buyers to bid with an even higher level of confidence.
Commenting on the new relationship, Anthony Havens, CEO of both Sparta and Specialty Reports, said, “Our arrangement with IronPlanet is exactly what Cyclechex is looking for as we reach out to an increasing variety of companies who are quickly recognizing the value of a Cyclechex history report as a true enhancement to their sales activities.” PSB
Saturday, January 29, 2011
FAST TORQUE
Welcome to our second edition of "Fast Torque", where you guys, the Bikesales Network readers, get to have your say about everything in the two-wheeled world.
Each month we give away a prize, and "Pogo" won a pair of Andy Strapz Rain-off Motorcycle Overgloves last month for his letter about the Can-Am Spyder. This month's prize will be a trendy Crumpler 'Barney Rustle' bag. Valued at $150, it's water resistant, has reflector strips, accessory loops and rip-stop lining, and like all Crumplers gets a "Til death do us part" lifetime warranty.
So write in with whatever's on your mind to win stuff, but also to be published. Indeed, this the place where you tell us about your experiences, opinions and vexations. Perhaps there's a new naked bike that has caught your eye, or maybe you're concerned about the way road rules are being enforced? Whatever's on your mind, let us know. We do a fair bit of gas-bagging here at the Bikesales Network, and now it's your turn to join in. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the 'comment' link to send us some sage words.
NEW DUCATI?
This Ducati power cruiser is a case of too little, too late. And too expensive, too "design-conscious", too pretentious. Like Italian cars, purses, shoes and hair-do's. But it does beat Honda's yawn-approach. It's still more Boloni from Bologna. Possibly sold as 155hp and 185kg? You cannot be "new" if you stay the SAME! Something half Buell and half MT 01 isn't "it". I'd sooner ride a Vespa Scooter.
- Otto
1800 LEARN-TO-DRIVEWhat in God's great earth is wrong with car drivers today? I drive a car as well as a motorcycle, but it blows my mind just how many car drivers don't use their effing indicators. Whether changing lanes or even at traffic lights or T-intersections, it scares the bejesus out of me how many drop kick drivers don't flick that little lever. Clearly it takes too much effort to let other road users and pedestrians know which way you plan on travelling. No wonder the roal toll is spiralling out of control.
- John Howard
Ed: I must confess I have noticed this trend getting worse over the last few years. Maybe a solution would be for all motorists to undergo refresher courses, or maybe the rozzers could actually do their job instead of sitting around revenue raising.
EXHAUSTING DESIGN
The Kawaksaki GTR1400 has way too small a fuel tank and the person who designed that exhaust system should be shot. It has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen attached to a motorcycle.
- Peter
ENGLAND vs ITALY
I had a Bonneville 2001 model, but I now own a Guzzi V7 Classic and I'm not sorry at all. The Bonneville was good in concept, but it came with some major issues regarding quality of manufacture and components. I gave it away in the end. My V7 is brilliant. The seat is the only bit I have changed, it was too high and too 'firm', but I now have the bike of my dreams. Well done Moto Guzzi!
- Stuart Garfath
MOBILE MORONS
The number of drivers I have seen using their hand held mobile phone has increased. They are far more likely to cause an accident than anyone else. Speed cameras don't catch them but the state government is saying by this action, let's punish the potential victims instead.
- Peta
ELECTRIC SUPERBIKESGreat idea this Aussie electric superbike. I have a revolutionary idea for the lighting system, would love to get involved later when that stage comes around. One comment I will make however: You don't design a frame and then the electric powerplant to go into it! Frames are generally designed around the thing they hold or join. The power plant, power source and mechanical drive train being some of the major components of this concept bike I thought it would be obviouse to figure out what needs to be housed within the frame and build the frame to accomodate it! So why is the frame the stage one?
- Aaron
Ed: You make a valid point Aaron. Lots of manufacturers start with the powerplant, then add the trimmings - so to speak. Let us know about your lighting system too.
ONLINE MOTORCYCLE MANUALS
Well thats just great news if you own a Kawasaki but what if your looking for an owner's manual for a 1990 Honda ST1100?
- TinyWWWarrior
Ed: Can anyone help?
TWO FINGERED SALUTE
While I enjoyed Rob's comment on what might be described as the misuse of statistics, I care less for his comments on two finder braking. I've been riding for over twenty years and am a two fingered braker. I'm not advocating it for everyone but as Rob points out it's his personal opinion. I've locked the front on my BMW using two fingers, I've lifted the rear wheel off the ground at over 100km/h using two fingers on my aprilia, I have raced... Two finger braking is, for me, natural. I'd do more harm than good trying to modify my behaviour now. So why did I ever start using two fingers on the brakes? I think it was so I always had the brakes covered while still holding the throttle. Perhaps you could redo your reaction time calculations based on the fact my front brake is covered... I run two fingered levers designed for that purpose, two fingers are all I need.
- Two Fingered Braker
GOOD WORK
Fantastic up to date news articles to keep us informed.
- Detlev Zunk
WARMING TO THE IDEA
Hello, great article but on the subject of warm hands and heated grips - I found that warm grips alone aren't very efficient in very cold weather and upon arriving home, my fingers were still so chilled as to make it difficult to get my garage key from my jacket pocket. Even after taking my gloves off. Here comes a plug for the cure, from your own shores incidentally - Barkbusters handguards. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to the aforementioned company or any good-looking smelly women at this point in time, sadly. All the best.
- Mike Stride, Burry Port, Wales, UK
GET WELL SOON CHAD
Chad Reed, you have done us proud. Meeting you was an honour and a pleasure. Nothing is as important as your health. Get well soon brother. Jay, Brett and Dean will do us proud. Jay and Brett are as hard as nails and Dean will learn alot from them. Go Aussie's. I'll be chearing the loudest.
- JC, Melbourne
ESPRESSO #1I believe the first espresso machine to be used in Australia was in 1955 at Don Camillo's in North Melbourne. But I could be wrong.
- Mark
ESPRESSO #2
The first espresso machine first espresso machine to be used in Australia was in Cooma, NSW in the 1960's by Snowy Mountains Scheme workers and their families.
- Hopper
TRANSFORMING MOTORCYCLE
Geometry changes at speed eh? The mind boggles. How long before the safety nazis get hold of this motorcycle and smother the tank with warning notices or an outright ban on public road use?
- Magnus Windle
HEADING FOR THE HILLS
Is it any wonder that New South Wales is well on the way to financial insolvency?! The Government can only take so much from those that pay taxes, and when we are bled dry, what next? I am doing something about it, I am moving to Canberra, and all my former State taxes will, of course, come with me. There is only so much blood in this stone!
- Stuart Garfath
BYE BYE TWO-SMOKERS...
Although I'm a big MotoGP fan, I have always loved and will miss the 125 class. The buzzing wail of screaming 125s coming around Turn 12 like a swarm of angry mosquitoes is unforgettable. The smell of two-stroke fumes reminds me of my young days growing up in Italy, where the whole town seemed to be on a two-stroke bike of some sort. Not anymore though, as many cities in Europe have banned two-strokes. Does this mean the end of the two-stroke motorcycle?
- Mark
Ed: The trend has been towards four-strokes for the last 10 to 15 years, but many companies still have dedicated two-stroke line-ups, including KTM and Husqvarna. In addition, clean emission two-stroke technology is a constant work-in-progress so on that basis it's probably too early to sound the death knell of the two-stroke.
CTP RIP-OFFI am disgusted at the CTP rip-off - how can they justify charging these fees for CTP that is designed to cover the passenger, and occupants of other vehicles injured if a motorcycle collides with another vehicle and injures the occupants? It's rare that pillions are carried, and the chances of a motorcycle injuring the occupants in another vehicle is also very remote. Using that logic cars CTP should be triple what they cost now.
- Waybe Gibbs
CTP BOON
My CTP costs for my 1200cc and 600cc bikes have actually gone down with the new pricing policy, so I see no need to protest about that particular change. What I would like to see would be CTP insurance as part of drivers/riders licence applications and renewals. Why is it tied to vehicle rego? The vehicle doesn't get sued, you do! Yet here we are paying ongoing costs for something that often is not being used anyway. You can only drive/ride one vehicle at a time. Move CTP to licence fees and reduce the rip-off in registrations which line the insurance companies' pockets when there is no risk when your bike or second car is parked in the garage.
- Peter Davidson
PROS AND CONS
I agree this Honda VT750S looks like a fantastic bike for the price point and a great first bike after LAMS. Only reservation is the ridiculous fuel tank at only 10 litres! You would always be hunting for a servo.
- Carl
SULTANS OF BLING
The Sultan's blue MV Agusta looks great. But I wonder if the new owner can actually use every one of those 186 horses?
- Alex
Ed: He probably has a private race track!
DON'T WAIT UP...
There has been a lot of "talk" about a 1200 Dorsoduro for the last three years. Thank god I didn't wait for Aprilia, otherwise I would have missed the utter enjoyment provided by my two Ducati Hypermotards in the mean time.
- Ian Minus
PEOPLE POWER
This protest effort in NSW should be supported countrywide as it will affect us all. Strength to you all in NSW. We applaude you and support you!
- Lew
SCALING HEIGHTS
Regarding the Hypermotard 1100, my only concern is my height. I am 170cm tall. Would my feet comfortably touch the ground?
- George Tyler
Ed: Thanks for the letter. I'm only 172cm myself, and I had no trouble touching the ground or any nervous moments at traffic lights when riding the big Ducati. Take one for a test ride, I reckon you'll be fine.
SHOW ME THE MONEY?
Hope the new Ninja ZX-10R is priced between $18,000 and $20,000. My next bike might be a Honda, but if this Kawasaki shapes up....
- Alan
ADVENTUROUS DESIGNS
RE: The off-road Adventure bike from Triumph... Hope they keep the weight down. About 800 or 900cc would be about right. Not top heavy, a good pipe and no water stoppage problems would be nice. Well at least till it sinks. Reasonable log clearance, a rack, and please give us a strong headlight Triumph. KLRs, Suzukis, and BMW 800 lights are cr*p. And give us decent bars, and an accessory plug and bracket space for trackers. Definately no suicide fly by wire systems either...
- Dennis Newland
Ed: You're asking for a lot of things there Dennis. But you might just be surprised with what Triumph offers on its upcoming Adventure bike. The company's hardly put a foot wrong in the last couple of years, and we'll know the full details soon as it'll be revealed in the coming months. Watch this space!
AMERICAN SPORTS TOURER
Great write up of the Motus MST-01. With a target dry weight of 227kg (500lbs), it's still light when compared to existing sport-tourers such as the FJR, C14, etc.
- Brian
HONDA JUNKER
The Honda VT750S has low power, low torque, weak brakes. A rear drum and one disc in 2010 sums it really well.
- Fred
Ed: Take your point Fred, but this bike's primary purpose is 'casual' cruising. Its performance won't knock your socks off, no argument there, but it's not been designed to. It's also built to a price, hence the rear drum.
ITALIAN STALLION
I think this 'Power Cruiser' will be a bike for the "Ducati People". Why on earth would you buy that over a Yamaha V-Max. It even looks a lot like a V-Max. The Yamaha will be better built, more reliable, more powerful, cost less and probably more fuel efficient. This one is a no-brainer!!
- Peter Hickey
HOW MANLY!
OMG OMG OMG, I want one of these Hypermotards just because of how manly it would be to ride a bike that is rough and tough at low revs like that. Hmmmm, V-twin motard.
- Alan
STREET BRAWLER
I know it's a concept, but I want one......now!!!
Each month we give away a prize, and "Pogo" won a pair of Andy Strapz Rain-off Motorcycle Overgloves last month for his letter about the Can-Am Spyder. This month's prize will be a trendy Crumpler 'Barney Rustle' bag. Valued at $150, it's water resistant, has reflector strips, accessory loops and rip-stop lining, and like all Crumplers gets a "Til death do us part" lifetime warranty.
So write in with whatever's on your mind to win stuff, but also to be published. Indeed, this the place where you tell us about your experiences, opinions and vexations. Perhaps there's a new naked bike that has caught your eye, or maybe you're concerned about the way road rules are being enforced? Whatever's on your mind, let us know. We do a fair bit of gas-bagging here at the Bikesales Network, and now it's your turn to join in. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the 'comment' link to send us some sage words.
NEW DUCATI?
This Ducati power cruiser is a case of too little, too late. And too expensive, too "design-conscious", too pretentious. Like Italian cars, purses, shoes and hair-do's. But it does beat Honda's yawn-approach. It's still more Boloni from Bologna. Possibly sold as 155hp and 185kg? You cannot be "new" if you stay the SAME! Something half Buell and half MT 01 isn't "it". I'd sooner ride a Vespa Scooter.
- Otto
1800 LEARN-TO-DRIVEWhat in God's great earth is wrong with car drivers today? I drive a car as well as a motorcycle, but it blows my mind just how many car drivers don't use their effing indicators. Whether changing lanes or even at traffic lights or T-intersections, it scares the bejesus out of me how many drop kick drivers don't flick that little lever. Clearly it takes too much effort to let other road users and pedestrians know which way you plan on travelling. No wonder the roal toll is spiralling out of control.
- John Howard
Ed: I must confess I have noticed this trend getting worse over the last few years. Maybe a solution would be for all motorists to undergo refresher courses, or maybe the rozzers could actually do their job instead of sitting around revenue raising.
EXHAUSTING DESIGN
The Kawaksaki GTR1400 has way too small a fuel tank and the person who designed that exhaust system should be shot. It has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen attached to a motorcycle.
- Peter
ENGLAND vs ITALY
I had a Bonneville 2001 model, but I now own a Guzzi V7 Classic and I'm not sorry at all. The Bonneville was good in concept, but it came with some major issues regarding quality of manufacture and components. I gave it away in the end. My V7 is brilliant. The seat is the only bit I have changed, it was too high and too 'firm', but I now have the bike of my dreams. Well done Moto Guzzi!
- Stuart Garfath
MOBILE MORONS
The number of drivers I have seen using their hand held mobile phone has increased. They are far more likely to cause an accident than anyone else. Speed cameras don't catch them but the state government is saying by this action, let's punish the potential victims instead.
- Peta
ELECTRIC SUPERBIKESGreat idea this Aussie electric superbike. I have a revolutionary idea for the lighting system, would love to get involved later when that stage comes around. One comment I will make however: You don't design a frame and then the electric powerplant to go into it! Frames are generally designed around the thing they hold or join. The power plant, power source and mechanical drive train being some of the major components of this concept bike I thought it would be obviouse to figure out what needs to be housed within the frame and build the frame to accomodate it! So why is the frame the stage one?
- Aaron
Ed: You make a valid point Aaron. Lots of manufacturers start with the powerplant, then add the trimmings - so to speak. Let us know about your lighting system too.
ONLINE MOTORCYCLE MANUALS
Well thats just great news if you own a Kawasaki but what if your looking for an owner's manual for a 1990 Honda ST1100?
- TinyWWWarrior
Ed: Can anyone help?
TWO FINGERED SALUTE
While I enjoyed Rob's comment on what might be described as the misuse of statistics, I care less for his comments on two finder braking. I've been riding for over twenty years and am a two fingered braker. I'm not advocating it for everyone but as Rob points out it's his personal opinion. I've locked the front on my BMW using two fingers, I've lifted the rear wheel off the ground at over 100km/h using two fingers on my aprilia, I have raced... Two finger braking is, for me, natural. I'd do more harm than good trying to modify my behaviour now. So why did I ever start using two fingers on the brakes? I think it was so I always had the brakes covered while still holding the throttle. Perhaps you could redo your reaction time calculations based on the fact my front brake is covered... I run two fingered levers designed for that purpose, two fingers are all I need.
- Two Fingered Braker
GOOD WORK
Fantastic up to date news articles to keep us informed.
- Detlev Zunk
WARMING TO THE IDEA
Hello, great article but on the subject of warm hands and heated grips - I found that warm grips alone aren't very efficient in very cold weather and upon arriving home, my fingers were still so chilled as to make it difficult to get my garage key from my jacket pocket. Even after taking my gloves off. Here comes a plug for the cure, from your own shores incidentally - Barkbusters handguards. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated to the aforementioned company or any good-looking smelly women at this point in time, sadly. All the best.
- Mike Stride, Burry Port, Wales, UK
GET WELL SOON CHAD
Chad Reed, you have done us proud. Meeting you was an honour and a pleasure. Nothing is as important as your health. Get well soon brother. Jay, Brett and Dean will do us proud. Jay and Brett are as hard as nails and Dean will learn alot from them. Go Aussie's. I'll be chearing the loudest.
- JC, Melbourne
ESPRESSO #1I believe the first espresso machine to be used in Australia was in 1955 at Don Camillo's in North Melbourne. But I could be wrong.
- Mark
ESPRESSO #2
The first espresso machine first espresso machine to be used in Australia was in Cooma, NSW in the 1960's by Snowy Mountains Scheme workers and their families.
- Hopper
TRANSFORMING MOTORCYCLE
Geometry changes at speed eh? The mind boggles. How long before the safety nazis get hold of this motorcycle and smother the tank with warning notices or an outright ban on public road use?
- Magnus Windle
HEADING FOR THE HILLS
Is it any wonder that New South Wales is well on the way to financial insolvency?! The Government can only take so much from those that pay taxes, and when we are bled dry, what next? I am doing something about it, I am moving to Canberra, and all my former State taxes will, of course, come with me. There is only so much blood in this stone!
- Stuart Garfath
BYE BYE TWO-SMOKERS...
Although I'm a big MotoGP fan, I have always loved and will miss the 125 class. The buzzing wail of screaming 125s coming around Turn 12 like a swarm of angry mosquitoes is unforgettable. The smell of two-stroke fumes reminds me of my young days growing up in Italy, where the whole town seemed to be on a two-stroke bike of some sort. Not anymore though, as many cities in Europe have banned two-strokes. Does this mean the end of the two-stroke motorcycle?
- Mark
Ed: The trend has been towards four-strokes for the last 10 to 15 years, but many companies still have dedicated two-stroke line-ups, including KTM and Husqvarna. In addition, clean emission two-stroke technology is a constant work-in-progress so on that basis it's probably too early to sound the death knell of the two-stroke.
CTP RIP-OFFI am disgusted at the CTP rip-off - how can they justify charging these fees for CTP that is designed to cover the passenger, and occupants of other vehicles injured if a motorcycle collides with another vehicle and injures the occupants? It's rare that pillions are carried, and the chances of a motorcycle injuring the occupants in another vehicle is also very remote. Using that logic cars CTP should be triple what they cost now.
- Waybe Gibbs
CTP BOON
My CTP costs for my 1200cc and 600cc bikes have actually gone down with the new pricing policy, so I see no need to protest about that particular change. What I would like to see would be CTP insurance as part of drivers/riders licence applications and renewals. Why is it tied to vehicle rego? The vehicle doesn't get sued, you do! Yet here we are paying ongoing costs for something that often is not being used anyway. You can only drive/ride one vehicle at a time. Move CTP to licence fees and reduce the rip-off in registrations which line the insurance companies' pockets when there is no risk when your bike or second car is parked in the garage.
- Peter Davidson
PROS AND CONS
I agree this Honda VT750S looks like a fantastic bike for the price point and a great first bike after LAMS. Only reservation is the ridiculous fuel tank at only 10 litres! You would always be hunting for a servo.
- Carl
SULTANS OF BLING
The Sultan's blue MV Agusta looks great. But I wonder if the new owner can actually use every one of those 186 horses?
- Alex
Ed: He probably has a private race track!
DON'T WAIT UP...
There has been a lot of "talk" about a 1200 Dorsoduro for the last three years. Thank god I didn't wait for Aprilia, otherwise I would have missed the utter enjoyment provided by my two Ducati Hypermotards in the mean time.
- Ian Minus
PEOPLE POWER
This protest effort in NSW should be supported countrywide as it will affect us all. Strength to you all in NSW. We applaude you and support you!
- Lew
SCALING HEIGHTS
Regarding the Hypermotard 1100, my only concern is my height. I am 170cm tall. Would my feet comfortably touch the ground?
- George Tyler
Ed: Thanks for the letter. I'm only 172cm myself, and I had no trouble touching the ground or any nervous moments at traffic lights when riding the big Ducati. Take one for a test ride, I reckon you'll be fine.
SHOW ME THE MONEY?
Hope the new Ninja ZX-10R is priced between $18,000 and $20,000. My next bike might be a Honda, but if this Kawasaki shapes up....
- Alan
ADVENTUROUS DESIGNS
RE: The off-road Adventure bike from Triumph... Hope they keep the weight down. About 800 or 900cc would be about right. Not top heavy, a good pipe and no water stoppage problems would be nice. Well at least till it sinks. Reasonable log clearance, a rack, and please give us a strong headlight Triumph. KLRs, Suzukis, and BMW 800 lights are cr*p. And give us decent bars, and an accessory plug and bracket space for trackers. Definately no suicide fly by wire systems either...
- Dennis Newland
Ed: You're asking for a lot of things there Dennis. But you might just be surprised with what Triumph offers on its upcoming Adventure bike. The company's hardly put a foot wrong in the last couple of years, and we'll know the full details soon as it'll be revealed in the coming months. Watch this space!
AMERICAN SPORTS TOURER
Great write up of the Motus MST-01. With a target dry weight of 227kg (500lbs), it's still light when compared to existing sport-tourers such as the FJR, C14, etc.
- Brian
HONDA JUNKER
The Honda VT750S has low power, low torque, weak brakes. A rear drum and one disc in 2010 sums it really well.
- Fred
Ed: Take your point Fred, but this bike's primary purpose is 'casual' cruising. Its performance won't knock your socks off, no argument there, but it's not been designed to. It's also built to a price, hence the rear drum.
ITALIAN STALLION
I think this 'Power Cruiser' will be a bike for the "Ducati People". Why on earth would you buy that over a Yamaha V-Max. It even looks a lot like a V-Max. The Yamaha will be better built, more reliable, more powerful, cost less and probably more fuel efficient. This one is a no-brainer!!
- Peter Hickey
HOW MANLY!
OMG OMG OMG, I want one of these Hypermotards just because of how manly it would be to ride a bike that is rough and tough at low revs like that. Hmmmm, V-twin motard.
- Alan
STREET BRAWLER
I know it's a concept, but I want one......now!!!
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