Scenic (p)review Video! Mt Everest by MC! Ducati Diavel S! MC Clothing hardly helps prevent fatal injuries! Viking Leather Jacket!

Aug 2, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Summer is progressing smoothly and the entire MIR team is enjoying their holidays. Hopefully you can enjoy this edition of the Moto Intel Report with a cold beer or a cocktail in your hand.

Tom is kicking it back in bonny Scotland and Guido and I are dealing with the heat on our respective holidays here in Mexico. As Tom is enjoying the Highlands, Guido and I are writing this week’s articles.

Guido has a (p)review video about Scenic’s big update, talks about Everest and learns that motorcycle clothing doesn’t help prevent fatal injuries. I talk about my experience with a jacket I was asked to test as well as a testride on a Ducati Diavel :O

Now, without further ado, let’s get rolling…

Jasper, Tom & Guido

EPIC RIDES

Mt Everest Basecamp – by Motorcycle

Tibet is arguably one of the most mysterious and beautiful places in the world. Stunning Tibetan landscapes with views of iconic landmarks such as Lakes Yamdrok and Namtso as well as Mt. Everest. And while your are there, visit one of Tibet’s most revered Buddhist locations including Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery in Lhasa.

This video is from one of the guided motorcycle tour operators there, but there are many to choose from. It’s not cheap, but definitely a ‘bucket list’ adventure that you’ll never forget. One day, when I have time, I’m going to do this 🙂

Guido

MOTORCYCLES

2019 Ducati Diavel S

At US$22.995 this beast does not come cheap but what a bike it is. Ducati Merida in Mexico was kind enough to let me test it and I fell in love. It has 3 riding modes: Cruiser, Urban and Sport. Low ground clearance, 17 inch wheels and 157 horsepower made it feel more like a sportbike than a cruiser. This bike is incredibly nimble and with the different riding modes you can control how aggressive the throttle is. Something I didn’t dare to try was the launch control. The system works by allowing you to hold the throttle wide open and be smart with the clutch—good luck! Read all about it here!

Jasper

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SCENIC BIG UPDATE

(p)review

As you might know by now, I’ve been working on a very big update for the past year. In this newsletter I’ve been reporting on new features and showing you some pictures of the new user interface. Have a look at the newsletter archive if you’d like to know more.

Two weeks ago the beta test started, and I’m lucky enough to have a Moto Vlogger in the beta test. He made a video on Scenic’s big update. So if you’d like to see Scenic 2 in action, have a look here (English version) or here (German version).

Guido
PS: Currently I have enough beta testers to keep me (very) busy.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Motorcycle Clothing hardly helps prevent fatal injuries

Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable in traffic. We all know that. Related to mileage, the chance of a motorcyclist dying in traffic is 21 times greater than that of a motorist, the German research institute “Unfallforschung der Versicherer” (UDV) has calculated.

The research institute, an initiative of the German insurance companies, points to the limited effect of protective clothing. The institute has analyzed motorcyclist injuries in crashes and has also performed crash simulations.

In summary: protective clothing helps a lot, as long as you don’t hit an obstacle like a tree or car. Even at lower speeds of 25 km/h (15 mph), hitting an obstacle can be fatal, regardless of protective clothing. With these kind of crashes the rider mostly dies due to fatal injuries in the chest area or on the head. Read the full article here (German only).

Guido

MOTORCYCLE GEAR

Viking Cycle Britannica Riding Leather Motorcycle Jacket

Viking asked us to test a Viking Cycle Britannica Riding Leather Motorcycle Jacket and I decided to wear it during my Ducati test ride in a scorching hot Merida on the Yucatan peninsular in Mexico.

A comfortable fit and perforated leather under the armpits made that I was still comfortable in extreme conditions (36c/97f). A good jacket for spring, summer and autumn, which delivers a lot of bang for your buck. Read the full review here!

Jasper

PIC OF THE WEEK

Colle de Nivolet

This picture was sent in by Chris. This is on the Colle de Nivolet Italy with his 2017 Yamaha MT07, while on a 10-day motorcycle trip through Italy, Slovenia and Austria.

What’s your most beautiful / funny / crazy motorcycle pic? Share it with us and it might be featured in the next Moto Intel Report. Here you can find al submitted pics.