1970s Ducati 750 sport mounted by Keira Knightley for the new Chanel ad!

 
Keira Knightly's latest appearance in the new Chanel Coco Mademoiselle fragrance advert has hit the screens, so we thought we would share our views about it.

We love it, and why wouldn't we! For starters Keira Knightly in bed is always a good start. Then after mounting a classic 70's Ducati 750 Sport in a flattering beige jumpsuit and shooting an incredibly sexy photo montage, it doesn't get much better.

Check it out for yourself on our youtube channel.

The 25 year old Atonement star is seen wearing a beige catsuit and riding a beautiful beige Ducati motorbike, which seems quite a different style for the fashion house's adverts' which have previously starred Audrey Toutou and Nicole Kidman and are normally very romantic and not usually sporting heavy duty bikes.

Keira has worked for Chanel since 2006, and filmed the advert in Paris last September. Speaking about the ad, she confessed that she didn't know much at the time or what to expect from the ad: "'Nobody said exactly what it was going to be like,' she says.

'I knew that it was something about a motorbike, and I knew that it was going to be beige. They said, ‘Sort of catsuit,’ and I said, "OK."

'It was completely unexpected. It’s a Chanel superwoman, I think.'


Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Win a lidsafe secure helmet bag by pacsafe

We are giving away a lidsafe secure helmet bag by pacsafe to one lucky person.

Win a lidsafe secure helmet bag
All you have to do to enter is submit a review about a motorbike you have owned, past or present, or share your opinions on any bike you have ridden, it's that simple.

The winner will be decided on the 1st of April, remember its not about quantity, we want quality. Don't be afraid to attach an image or even a video!

Submit a review now, its free

T&S (The boring stuff)

This competition closes on the 31st of march at 23:59. One winner will be chosen from the review they have submitted, UKBike's decision is final. The best review will be chosen by the UKBike team.Muliple submissions are allowed. Usual UKBike competition rules apply.

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike


Prices Of New For 2011 Honda Motorcycles Announced | Honda Press Release


Press Release:
Honda (UK) is pleased to announce the prices and ‘on sale’ dates of three of its new-for-2011 motorcycles –the CBR125R, CBR250R and CBR600F. In the 125 corner, the revised CBR125R now comes equipped with the latest advances in fuel-injection, exhaust and catalyser technology making it even more fuel efficient while still carrying the ever-popular sporty styling of its larger siblings. The new CBR125R retains the ‘big bike’ feel this learner legal has always had and comes in Terra Silver Metallic, Ross White Tricolour and Asteroid Black Metallic for 2011. Available now, the CBR125R costs £3,170 OTR (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £70).

Its CBR250R bigger brother, which is a brand new edition to the Honda range for 2011, gives more novice riders the perfect step-up from a 125cc machine whilst also making a great commuter bike for every level of rider. This sports contoured model offers a punchy all-new single-cylinder four-stroke engine with 249cc, which is equipped with advanced fuel-injection for extra performance and economical riding. The CBR250R will be launched in Asteroid Black Metallic and Pearl Blue Tricolour and will be in Honda dealerships from the end of March priced at £3,688 OTR (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £88).

Honda has recognised customers’ desires in the middle-weight class and reintroduced an old favourite - the CBR600F - but with a modern-day usability and the addition of ABS. Production of the CBR600F ceased in 2006 as Honda’s focus turned to the CBR600RR, but recent research has shown a desire for the return of the F model, which carries the performance capabilities of a sports bike but combined with greater versatility, practicality and comfort for all-round riding. The modern day version features a modern, sleek design with the latest Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS) technology. The all-new CBR600F will be available from dealerships from the end of March in Pearl Cool White/Hyper Red, Pearl Cool White/ Moody Blue Metallic and Pearl Nightstar Black/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic and priced at £7,055 (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £105).

A wide range of Honda Genuine accessories will also be available for customers to customise and kit out these fantastic machines to their own requirements.

Further details of the highly anticipated Crossrunner adventure styled motorcycle will be announced closer to the ‘available in dealership’ date of June.

For full details on the new-for-2011 machines or any other model in Honda’s great range of motorcycles and scooters, ‘Genuine Honda’ parts and accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit your local Honda dealer, go to www.honda.co.uk or call 0845 200 8000.

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Honda Announces All New Gold Wing | Honda Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 21, 2011 - American Honda Motor Company announced the first release of machines for the 2012 model year, the Gold Wing and FourTrax Foreman. These two 2012 models kick off the beginning of an exciting new season for Honda.


“This pair of 2012 new-model releases really illustrates the great diversity we have in styles of machinery for Honda customers,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “Both the Gold Wing and Foreman serve as the newest extensions of incredibly popular models that have built up large and loyal fan bases in their respective fields over the years. The Gold Wing now expands its reputation as the premier touring motorcycle in the world, while the Foreman is the newest iteration in a full line of machines built to work—but are also ready to lead the way to good times when a day off comes around. With these two especially popular models we’re starting off the 2012 model year in a big way, and we’re equally excited about the additional new releases to follow later this year.”


The first opportunities to view these new Honda models will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina, February 25-27 and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-12.


More detailed information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.


- Gold Wing: The Gold Standard For Two-Wheeled Journeys

Long acknowledged as the pinnacle of two-up motorcycling, the 2012 Gold Wing® continues its remarkable legacy. Its travel-oriented creds include the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer. The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod® interface for a new SRS CS Auto™ technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience. In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather, revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance, and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger. In addition, packages for Navi, ABS and airbag do much to further the Gold Wing’s reputation as the most celebrated touring machine in motorcycle history. Price: $23,199 to $28,499 TBD. Availability: May 2011.


- FourTrax Foreman: Built To Work Hard, Day In and Day Out

Over the years, the FourTrax® Foreman® range of 4x4 ATVs have proven themselves to be hard-working partners that also know more than a thing or two about recreation. For 2012, the Foreman line of ATVs boasts a brand-new liquid-cooled 475cc single-cylinder OHV four-stroke engine that’s powerful enough for taking on those extra-tough jobs. The introduction of a new fuel injection system with 36mm throttle body for instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, and hassle-free cold-weather starting adds to the Foreman’s performance package. The rolling chassis has been re-engineered as well, featuring an all-new and lighter rear suspension system incorporating a single, high-quality shock for increased comfort, precision, and work capabilities, plus a shorter wheelbase for agile handling and a tighter turning radius. With a wide variety of choices in configuration including manual shifting or Honda’s renowned Electric Shift Program (ESP®) that delivers push-button convenience for shifting, plus the option of Electric Power Steering (EPS) there’s a model to suit everybody. Throw in new body styling with a more aggressive look and you have one full-sized machine that will carry you through a week’s worth of chores with ease, then beg for some playtime adventuring come the weekend. Price: TBD. Availability: May 2011.

Article from world honda

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Zero Electric Motorcycles Expand into Mexico




Electric Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced further expansion of its sales and distribution operations with the addition of Dofesa Aventura in Mexico.

The new Zero S and DS models are now available for demo rides and additional models are expected to arrive later this year.

John Lloyd (VP World Wide Sales of Zero Motorcycles) says: "Zero Motorcycles has experienced exceptional growth throughout Europe, and now we are pleased to be expanding our sales and distribution channels in North America with our neighbors in Mexico to continue the enhancement of Zero's international reach.

"It has become increasingly important in this market to deliver an unparalleled experience for those who are interested in affordable, high-performance, two-wheeled transportation and, with Dofesa Aventura, we are perfectly poised to support this development and demand."

Zero Motorcycles entered the European market in 2008 and subsequently experienced a rapid growth in demand. Starting immediately, its complete product line is available for purchase in Mexico and the expansion is being backed with marketing, sales and service through Dofesa Aventura.

Interested riders can now schedule demo rides on the highly popular S and DS, and in the coming weeks will be able to test ride additional models as they become available. Zero's new distribution partner in Mexico is joined by its Canadian network of dealers directed through National Motorsports of Montreal and includes; Ames Motorsports in Edmonton, Motosport Newman in Montrealand All Season Motorsports in Calgary.

Now that the North American distributorship network is complete, anyone who is interested in a Zero motorcycle from Canada down to Mexico can use Zero's dealer locator to schedule a demo ride in their area.

To schedule a demo ride in your area, visit zeromotorcycles.com/locator.

Article from motorcycle-USA

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Big treat for bikers, new motorcycles are on the way.


Read this article on UKBike news here

Motorcycle fans are in for a treat with the return of the Carole Nash Irish Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the RDS.

Many of the best motorcycles in the world will be on show, with BMW among those leading the pack. In fact, BMW Motorrad will be unveiling the incredible new K1600 GT tourer to the Irish public at the show which runs from March 4 to 6.

Featuring the most compact in-line six-cylinder motorcycle engine in production, the 160bhp machine offers a never-before-seen blend of performance, comfort and technology. Steve Pitt, BMW Motorrad Market Area Manager for Ireland, said: ' The K1600 GT is a fantastic addition to our award-winning range of motorcycles.

This genre-defining luxury touring motorcycle features BMW's stunning new 1600cc in-line six-cylinder engine integrated with lightweight materials and cutting-edge technology previously only found in super-sport machines.

I am excited that we will be introducing the K1600 GT to all those who visit the show this year.' Another world-first for motorcycles from BMW Motorrad is the Adaptive Headlight. Available as an optional extra, the Adaptive? BMW's new K1600 GT tourer which will be on show at the RDS.

Headlight uses lean angle and speed data from the motorcycles to aim the light beam around the corner when the motorcycle is in motion, constantly providing the best possible vision when riding in the dark.

Steve Pitt added: ' The K 1600 GT personifies the term 'gran turismo'. There is truly nothing else with the K 1600 GT's blend of smooth, driving six-cylinder power, agile chassis and all-day comfort. 'It isn't class leading - it's class defining. The GT is the new benchmark for dynamic, cross-continent touring'.

Compiled by David Tucker. david.tucker@peoplenews.ie

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Motorbikes 'to get safe driving aids'

Motor bike in traffic, BBC

The safety systems created a "bubble" of awareness around a rider

Motorbikes could soon be sporting collision detection and other safety features more usually found on cars.

Research is testing ways to put these systems on motor bikes and how best to alert riders to dangers on the road.

The systems tested include warnings about speed limits, the tightness of road bends and information about other vehicles to aid lane-changing.

The first bike-based safety systems could be appearing on motorbikes within two years, say researchers.

Proof of concept tests on the Saferider systems, as they are known, have been carried out in simulators and on road bikes by Mira (formerly known as the Motor Industry Research Association), which acts as a testing and innovation centre for carmakers.

"Saferider takes the driver safety systems that are becoming standard on cars and tries to adapt them to the unique needs of motorcyclists," said Jonathan Moore, an ITS consultant at Mira, involved in the Saferider project.

Statistics gathered by Mira suggest that about 22% of all road accident fatalities involve bike riders and it is the only mode of transport which is seeing a rise in the number of deaths.

Mr Moore said making safety systems on motorbikes useful was "challenging" because of all the distractions to which riders were subjected.

"One of the most difficult things is getting the rider's attention," he said. "There's a high level of ambient noise and vibration to deal with and we really don't want motorcycle riders looking down at the handlebars any more than they need to."

The Saferider system allows motorcyclists to send SOS alerts and warns of potential hazards. Video provided by engineering consultancy Mira on behalf of Saferider.

Bubble wrap

Mira has been investigating how to use haptic, tactile feedback systems to safely get the attention of riders and warn them about other vehicles, prepare them for the road ahead or give help at junctions.

Mira engineers outfitted a Yamaha Tenere and a Triumph Sprint with the safety systems so they could be tried out on a test track.

The systems include laser scanners, haptic handles and gloves, a vibrating seat, lights, smart helmet-cameras and radar as well as a pannier full of the electronics that analyse data gathered by the sensors and pump out warnings.

One system tested works out if riders are travelling too fast to negotiate upcoming bends. Mira has developed software that acts as a "co-pilot" which, with the help of a digital map, knows what speed they should be travelling to make it round a bend.

"One system under test based around radar constantly monitors the blind spots around and behind riders," said Mr Moore. "Vehicles behind or to one side of a bike can be hard to spot because the helmet restricts visibility and riders must remember to move their head regularly to check."

"We put a motor in the cheek pad of the helmet so if you do not notice the object it will vibrate and give you a tactile warning that there's something to the right or left," said Mr Moore.

The system can also help give a rider information about traffic further behind in adjoining lanes to help with overtaking or lane-changing.

Motorbike collision detection systems developed by Mira warn a rider about an imminent impact and let them take action by slowing down sharply or, in the case of a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the bike, following it while slowing.

The safety systems could be a boon to less experienced bike riders.

"They do not give the attention to the road they should or have the experience to deal with problems," said Mr Moore.

The prototypes demonstrated by Mira showed it was feasible to fit such safety systems on motorbikes, said Mr Moore. He speculated that manufacturers would start to put them on bikes within the next 18 months to two years.

Saferider is a collaborative R&D effort that is part of the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme. Participants include Mira, Yamaha, Porsche Engineering and Fema, among others.

Article from the BBC

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Castrol Honda confirm return


The name of Castrol Honda is to return to the Superbike World Championship this year after the lubricants firm confirmed its return to major motorcycle racing sponsorship.

The Castrol Honda team won the Superbike World Championship in 1997 with John Kocinski and in 2000 and 2002 with Colin Edwards when it was based in Lincolnshire.

For 2011 the team, which will be run by Ten Kate Racing in Holland, will have riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus contesting the World Championship.

Carl Fogarty, who won the world title four times, and two-time winner James Toseland have also raced for Castrol Honda.

Article from the press association


Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Ducati unveils new MotoGP bike




Ducati has unveiled its new GP11 MotoGP contender, the bike with which Valentino Rossi will make his debut for the Italian team.

The team's technical chief Filippo Preziosi hinted that Ducati had significant development plans for the new bike, and said it should address the issues that prevented a title challenge in 2010.

"The GP11 Ducati will start in Sepang [testing] as 'step zero'," he said.

"The engine has an evolution in that the goal has been to have a flatter torque curve. The aerodynamics are very similar those you saw in Valencia.

"We've worked on decreasing drag, increasing top speed and helping the fuel consumption. The bodywork has been based around Nicky Hayden [who is broader across the shoulders than Rossi] for his top speed. Also we've concentrated on having less lift on the front."

Ducati introduced winglets to the front of the GP10 at the Sachsenring last July after it was found that the front was only just in contact with the ground at the top end of the speed range after 180mph, and the GP11 features an evolution of that design.

As AUTOSPORT reported yesterday, the bike will have a smaller 42mm set of front forks compared to the stiffer 48mm forks that contributed to a series of high-speed falls for Hayden and Casey Stoner last season. The carbon fibre 'airbox/chassis' will have more flex in it together with the triple clamps to aid the feel of the front when leaned over.

"We have many things to test in Sepang but first the team will go with two bikes to Jerez on January 17, 18 and 19 with Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi so we can get to Sepang with more of an understanding," Preziosi added.

Italian graphics and helmet design guru Aldo Drudi has followed Valentino Rossi over to Ducati, and has designed the team's new livery.

Article from autosport

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook.com/UKBike

Triumph Motorcycle Parts Used to Make Household Items Rock

I really like products that are made out of stuff that most of us would never think to make them from. These new Triumph Motorcycles product prototypes are exactly what I mean.
Working for an exhibition for the

Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, designers took various parts from Triumph motorcycles and used them to make other stuff you might see around the house.

See all the photos here

My favorite item is the record player made from the brake parts. The platter for the record is a disc brake rotor, and you can see what appears to be the caliper cover on the side of the record player. The bowl made from the spokes and center hub of the wheel is really cool too.

Wine drinkers with a penchant for Triumph will like the corkscrew that is made from the grip and handle bar of the bike. This one is cool in that you pull the brake lever on the handle to make the corkscrew spin. There are a few other cool items like cutlery made from brake and clutch levers, and a floor standing mirror made from motorcycle mirrors.

Article from technabob and designboom

Want to WIN AN IPAD?
Join our facebook community: Facebook/ukbike

Transformer scooter goes from unicycle to motorcycle!



Electric scooters are practical and fun, but annoyingly, they don't transform into unicycles. Oh wait, yes they do -- say hello to the Uno.

The Uno has been around since it was a Segway with attitude, invented by a Canadian high-school student. The bike balanced on two parallel wheels and looked like a unicycle on steroids.

The latest prototype, which is being shown off at CES this week, adds a third unmotorised wheel that stretches out the front at high speeds, transforming the Uno into a normal-looking scooter, which we assume also defends the Earth from its evil robot enemies.

According to BPG Motors, the company that makes the Uno, the bike stays stable during the transition, enabling you to keep cruising along while you punch the air and your neighbours gape and point.

When it's balancing on two wheels, the scooter's small size means it has a one-metre turning radius and it could be tucked away indoors or transported in a lift.

The gyroscopically stabilised unicycle mode is also more stable than a motorcycle at low speeds, says BPG on its website.

BPG plans to bring the Uno to Europe first, where we shamelessly scoot around without worrying that it reflects badly on our personal endowments. The scooter should arrive in limited quantities, at about the same price as a top of the range Vespa scooter, or around £4,000.

Clap your eyes on the photo gallery here to see the Uno in both its guises.
 
 
Want to WIN AN IPAD? Join our facebook community: Facebook/ukbike