APB Corp, Tokyo (Hideaki Horie - the man behind development of the Nissan Leaf), has invented a new kind of battery that is said to be 90% cheaper to produce than standard lithium-ion batteries - and potentially much safer - by replacing the basic components of a standard Li-ion battery in order to speed up and simplify the manufacturing process. "Manufacturing the new batteries is significantly simplified by replacing the metal-lined electrodes and liquid electrolytes typically found within Li-ion units with a resin construction."
KTM CARB filings appear to suggest that the 200 cc Duke will be headed for U.S. KTM dealerships soon. Okay, so it's not a 45 degree or even a 60 degree V-twin, indeed it isn't even a custom bike of any kind - just thought we'd mention it here, because KTM's North American dealers will be able to sell each one they get five times over! For the record - it is a four-stroke, single-cylinder rated at 25 hp and 14.38 lb-ft of torque, 308 pounds dry. As an entry level poster child, it is bound to prove to be a winner.
The January 2021 edition of MC Mässan, the annual powersports industry expo in Sweden, has been cancelled. Slated for Gothenburg (the show alternates between there and Stockholm), Swedish authorities have not yet indicated any likelihood that the present restrictions on large indoor events will be lifted in time for the show to go ahead. Instead the organizers are working on a tentative plan for the show to move outdoors in the spring - possibly in May 2021. The Start2Ride event planned for 19-20 September in Eskilstuna this year is also cancelled.
Documents leaked from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the USA appear to suggest that Ducati is working on a 1,260 cc 157 hp Lamborghini edition Diavel. A Multistrada Enduro 1260 Grand Tour and a Scrambler 1100 Pro Dark may also be in the pipeline.
According to rideapart.com, a report by the Center for Health Economics and Policy Studies at San Diego State University in California suggests that this year's 80th Sturgis Rally could be responsible for over 260,000 of the cases of coronavirus reported in the United States between August 2 and September 2, 2020 - almost 20 percent of the total number of cases reported in the country during that period.
Citing COVID-19, Harley-Davidson of Southampton has become one of the many Harley dealers forced to have to wave the white flag of surrender this year. Home of the Pioneer Valley H.O.G. Chapter, the store has been owned since 2007 by Aaron and Monica Patrick who, at one stage, owned five dealerships altogether - Southampton H-D was the last one.
Sources: AMD, IDN, FT, Reuters, PSB, MPN, B&B, BDN, MCN, AP, Bloomberg, MSNW, Electrek, electricmotorcycles.news, RideApart.com, Motor1.com
