Autoblog

MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers]

Devon Brozek — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Racing

Call it a feeling of shear uncertainty, nervousness if you will... or better yet anticipation. That is exactly what the German round of MotoGP racing provided for fans around the globe. Not only was the Sachsenring round the mid-marker of this season's racing schedule, but more importantly it would give life back to the shake-up that can only be described as "The Rossi Factor." A turn-nine crash by Randy de Puniet, which would take out two other riders culminating in his motorcycle bursting into flames, didn't hurt the action either.

Just as the rest of the field were settling into their respective places in the championship fight, and only six weeks after the brutal high-side that would leave a bone poking through his skin, Valentino Rossi - who had to hobble out to his bike using crutches - returned to racing with the goal of salvaging valuable championship points and proving that no one should relax just yet. As racing reached blastoff - and after the Puniet crash and re-start of the abbreviated 21-lap race - Jorge Lorenzo was able to fall into a familiar position at the front of the pack, but Repsol Honda pilot and runner-up in overall points Dani Pedrosa was not about to let Lorenzo run away with the German round.

After swapping positions several times, Pedrosa finally took firm control of the lead and proceeded to set a blistering pace around the Sachsenring circuit, setting a track record only to best that time two laps later on his way to a 3.5-second margin of victory. Lorenzo admitted to happily playing it safe on his way to second place, collecting valuable championship points, when he said, "Dani was very, very strong and I was at the limit trying to stay ahead."

Stoner, Rossi and Dovizioso competed the top five in just that order, with Rossi almost edging his way on to the podium as he and Stoner had a wonderful battle that would last right up to the final turn. Hit the jump for the full top ten results, including that of Spies and Hayden. To put it mildly, we can't wait to see what develops as the action comes Stateside. See you at Laguna!

[Source:Motogp.com | Image: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers]

MotoGP 2010 Sachsenring: Shake-up, crack-up and the return of The Doctor [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles

Devon Brozek — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Police/Emergency, Motorcycle, Rumormill

How far is too far? In a recent press release, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made a plea to the federal government to require anti-lock braking systems on all motorcycles sold in the U.S. The group cites a newly-released study showing 22 percent fewer damage claims are made on motorcycles with ABS compared to non-equipped models, in part, as justification for the law.

Although we cannot agree more with Institute president Adrian Lund when he says, "the best motorcycle accident is the one that never happens," we also can't help but notice the possibility of selfish motives on the part of the insurance industry. If you're a lifelong gearhead, you might agree that a good "insurance agent" can be a great asset, however, would you want them effectively telling you what you can and cannot do on your motorcycle?

Are we saying that motorcycle ABS is a bad thing? No way. In fact, with each new ABS-equipped bike we ride, braking performance seems to improve dramatically. However, one of life's greatest pleasures can come at the precise moment tap your brake to initiate a sliding entrance into that sharp left-hander, just before powering out with a pasted-on grin. Dangerous? Of course, but that's why we buy good insurance, right? Check out the IIHS's complete press release after the jump, and let us know what you think of the proposal.

[Source: Washington Post]

Continue reading IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles

IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First drop in motorcycle related deaths in a decade, are we really any safer?

Devon Brozek — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Motorcycle

In a preliminary report, the Governors Highway Safety Association recently indicated a 10% drop in motorcycle related fatalities around the U.S. in 2009. This decline marks the first such improvement in over a decade as deaths have been on the rise consistently from 1997 onward.

Are we really seeing improvement in motorcycle safety, equipment and riding ability? Likely not. As the old saying goes, numbers don't lie, and the drop in fatal injury's comes on the heels of the most extreme decline in motorcycle sales in recent history, which no doubt helped put the brakes on the awful upward trend.

The report goes on to attribute everything from the economy and aging baby boomers to increased training efforts from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation from coast-to-coast. Oh yeah, and we almost forgot the bad weather! Although it may seem that the GHSA can't seem to pick a clear cut reason for the drop, we can only hope history will not repeat itself in this instance, allowing this positive trend to continue. To see the full report and suggestions for increased safety, hit the jump for the release.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Continue reading First drop in motorcycle related deaths in a decade, are we really any safer?

First drop in motorcycle related deaths in a decade, are we really any safer? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar

Devon Brozek — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Middle East, Racing

Few duos in history have offered up more raw two-wheeled entertainment than that of Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Up to this point we are only sure that they ever agreed on one topic, that is, who should pass the checkered flag first. Each man would resoundingly agree that they, individually, deserve that honor.

Believe it or not, the battling duo has come together, united in purpose, to lobby for an earlier start at the Losail International Circuit's "night race." The event, held in Doha, Qatar, will mark the official kick-off of the 2010 Moto GP schedule. Traditionally, the Losail event barely squeezes into it's scheduled date, with a start time of 11pm. Is this just because track management is so proud of those awesome lights? Dorna, which promotes Moto GP events, has several good reasons to host the race at its scheduled time. First, daytime temperatures in Qatar can be so brutal that they would make T.E. Lawrence blush, and second, the time slot allows the race to be broadcast live during prime viewing hours in Europe and acceptable hours in the U.S.

The argument from the riders is that the primetime slot is just too late. At this time of night, temperatures in the desert begin to take drastic swings, adding complexity to tire choice as grip rapidly changes along with those temperatures. Are there valid concerns here? It would seem so - amidst a recent test session at Losail, not one but three premier riders hit the tarmac later in the evening, all within moments of one another. If any one, or in this case two, people had a chance to change the GP schedule, we would put our money on the Rossi-Stoner alliance. But this close to the race, it remains to be seen if their collectively high-pitched voices will make it to any listening ears. Either way, if you missed the point, did we mention Moto GP is starting again? What was it they were worried about?

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS launches maps to compare traffic laws between states

Chris Shunk — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Click above to view the IIHS Helmet Law maps

If you plan on interstate travel, it's probably a good idea to understand the many differences in state traffic laws. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety is creating a series of color-coded US maps to point out the differences in state regs, beginning with motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws.

The motorcycle helmet law map shows which states mandate helmet usage, have a partial helmet law, or no helmet law. Bikers wanting to ride with the wind in their hair can head over to Illinois, Iowa, or New Hampshire. Be warned, though, that the IIHS has found that states repealing or weakening their helmet laws have seen an increase in motorcycle crash deaths.

The bicycle helmet law map shows the different laws governing helmet usage on bikes. Bicycle helmet legislation varies greatly between states. There are seven different types, ranging from mandatory helmets for bicyclists 11 and younger to no laws on the books whatsoever. In California and New Mexico, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet.

Gallery: IIHS Helmet Law Maps

[Source: IIHS via Kicking Tires]

IIHS launches maps to compare traffic laws between states originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Andrea Pininfarina killed in motorcycle accident

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:52:00 EST

We're saddened to convey the latest reports from Italy on the untimely passing of Andrea Pininfarina. Andrea Pininfarina, head of the eponymous design studio, was the son of Sergio Pininfarina and grandson of the carrozzeria's founder Battista "Pinin" Farina.

According to the announcement by Confindustria, the industrial association over which Sergio once presided and of which Andrea served as vice-president, Andrea was killed in a motorcycle accident in Turin, not far from the company's headquarters. He was only 51 years old. Our condolences to the entire Pininfarina family, and our appreciation to Guy for alerting us to the sad news.

[Source: International Herald-Tribune via theCarfanatic.com]

Andrea Pininfarina killed in motorcycle accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle

Professionals earn pockets full of cheese usually because they do whatever it is they do better, faster, stronger than anyone else. Sometimes, though, they get the big bucks because they'll do something again after having nearly killed themselves the first time. That is: they'll get right back on the horse when a lot of non-professionals would instead grab a gin and tonic and watch reruns of I Love Lucy.

Jorge Lorenzo earned his money and a stay in hospital over the weekend during practice for the MotoGP China Grand Prix. On one run the bike bucked under him coming out of a turn, sending the 21-year-old rider up out of his seat like he was riding a bronco, but he managed to keep the bike upright and moving. On a following run he wasn't so fortunate, highsiding, somersaulting, and suffering a fractured left ankle, a painful right ankle, a cut heel, a knee abrasion, and forearm compression.

But here's where Lorenzo really impresses: he still got on the bike to qualify on Saturday, and came in fourth in Sunday's race. Follow the jump to check out the videos of the bucking incident and the highside. And from now on, the word you're looking for to describe Jorge Lorenzo: pro.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead

VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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POOF No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Safety, First Drives, Motorcycle

Click above to view video

Motorcycles always have that ever-present danger of turning their operators into hamburger should the rider take a spill. Racing crashes are especially nasty, and while leathers do offer protection from road rash, cushioning impacts to the upper torso is key to increasing survivability. Dainese, a manufacturer of cycling equipment, has been working on an airbag system to help riders avoid injury called the D-Air suit. The system relies on accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors embedded in the suit, and when a computer determines there's a need, an upper-body airbag is deployed in less than a half a second. It looks like a similar, although much more complicated design, than the Airbag Jacket by Impact Jackets, which has already saved at least one life that we know about. Of course, this would all be avoidable if people didn't insist on climbing onto a powerful engine supported by the minimum of wheels and zooming around at the highest possible velocity, but what fun is that? Check out video of the Dainese D-Air suit after the jump.

[Source: Winding Road]

Continue reading *POOF* No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology

*POOF* No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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