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

2011-04-07T13:00:00.000+01:00

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.'

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Win a lidsafe secure helmet bag by pacsafe

2011-03-09T13:21:00.002Z

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

2011-02-24T13:57:00.003Z

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.

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Honda Announces All New Gold Wing | Honda Press Release

2011-02-22T11:16:00.003Z

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

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Zero Electric Motorcycles Expand into Mexico

2011-02-02T16:51:00.002Z

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

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

2011-02-02T12:00:00.004Z

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

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Motorbikes 'to get safe driving aids'

2011-01-31T12:20:00.001Z

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."

Click to play

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

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Castrol Honda confirm return

2011-01-18T16:43:00.002Z

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

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Ducati unveils new MotoGP bike

2011-01-17T09:13:00.004Z

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

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Triumph Motorcycle Parts Used to Make Household Items Rock

2011-01-11T08:56:00.007Z

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

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Transformer scooter goes from unicycle to motorcycle!

2011-01-07T13:57:00.000Z

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.

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Paris Hilton unveils 125GP team

2010-12-20T16:41:00.006Z

Clad in a skintight pink, white and blue bodysuit with ample cleavage exposed, Paris Hilton proved last weekend why she is not your average motorcycle race team owner.

But in a blaze of publicity in Madrid on Saturday, the socialite, model and actress unveiled her shock new 125GP adventure.

Unveiling a striking pink, blue and white paintscheme, Hilton jetted in from America to launch the new SuperMartxe VIP by Paris Hilton team.

Hilton tweeted about her new venture saying: ‘I'm so proud of my new motorcycle team. So exciting!’

She later tweeted to her three million plus followers: ‘I can't believe I have my own racing team! So cool!’

Hilton’s team will run Sergio Gadea and Maverick Vinales in the 2011 125GP world championship.

It has been rumoured that Hilton will attend at least five races next season.

Article from MCN

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Audi LSR concept Motorbike

2010-12-10T11:58:00.002Z

Designer Marc Senger has recently presented his latest concept, the Audi LSR land speed record motorbike. A superbike of the future, the Audi rocket is scheduled for the 2031 Bonneville Speed Week trials and, judging by the way it looks, this streamliner is a winner already.

Ambulance motorbikes

2010-12-09T10:54:00.002Z

THREE motorbike ambulances are helping to save lives in the Mbale region of Uganda, thanks to the PONT (Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust) link.

The vehicles were handed over by three members of the Welsh Ambulance Service at a ceremony in Uganda last week.

This is the first time the poverty-stricken region has had an ambulance service.

Within two days of the launch, which was also attended by Wales’ chief medical officer Dr Tony Jewell, one of the bikes had already transferred 17 people to hospital or health clinics, potentially saving their lives. Julian Newton, a paramedic supervisor from Hawthorn ambulance station in Pontypridd, who has just returned from Mbale, said: “It’s absolutely certain these motorbike ambulances will save many lives and probably have already, in the first few days.

“Unlike in this country, where the lives we save are due to the use of medicines or a paramedic’s interventions, over there it’s often a simple case of getting people to a hospital or a health facility that saves lives. I feel very humble to be involved in something that will make such a big difference to people.”

The ambulances, which are suitable for use on Ugandan terrain, are the result of two years of work between Mbale and PONT. They have been funded by donations to PONT, including more than £4,000 from the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Rotary Club, in Leicestershire.

The three areas that make up the wider Mbale region – Mbale, Manafwe and Bududa – are each now covered by a motorbike ambulance. Mr Newton, who was accompanied by colleagues Mandy George and Giovanni Riva on last week’s Uganda trip, added: “The vision for the future is that the bikes will prove successful and, as the economic situation improves, the Ugandan government will recognise their value and roll them out to other parts of the country.”

Members of the Welsh Ambulance Service and PONT last year trained 60 people in Mbale as first responders as a forerunner to motorbike ambulances.

Limited Edition £6000 Yamaha YZF-R125.

2010-11-29T15:33:00.003Z

Yamaha has unveiled a show-special YZF-R125 – but at over £6000, it could take the average teenager a while to save up for one.

Find a Yamaha YZF-R125 for sale

The popular sports 125, which already costs £3999, gets a £478 full Akropovic exhaust system, Galfer Wave brake discs, a bubble screen, pillion seat cover, frame protectors and a £1200 paint job.

Because it’s a one-off, unveiled to showcase accessories at Carole Nash Motorcycle Live, the only way to get one is to pay for everything separately, bringing the cost to £6072.

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Readers recommend motorbike songs: The results

2010-11-23T16:31:00.002Z

That mixture of thrill-seeking and abandonment is not unique to bikers, but it certainly seems to be popular

'Looking for adventure' ... riding a Harley Davidson in the Californian desert. Photograph: Alamy When you hear the word motorbike, what do you think of? Marlon Brando in an unfortunate cap astride his Triumph? The ultrafast races in Akira? Or, and apologies if you had managed to shut this out of your memory banks, John Travolta and his baby-soft cheeks pootling around in Wild Hogs?

As some of the Readers Recommend community observed, the meaning of the motorbike, all that symbolism stuff, is a lot less broad than its four-wheeled pal, the car. Different cars say different things about their drivers, but in music, it seems, bikes are about rough-edged individuals feeling freedom in their hair.

Steppenwolf, obviously, are largely to blame. Or Dennis Hopper. Or both. Born to Be Wild is inextricably linked to Easy Rider, but it summarises that film's attitude with its motto: "Looking for adventure/ Or whatever comes my way." That mixture of thrill-seeking and abandonment is not unique to bikers, but it certainly seems to be popular.

The Allman Brothers conceive of the Midnight Rider, who heads out with just the clothes on his back and a silver dollar in his pocket. The Jesus and Mary Chain take the same idea and turn it into narcissistic fetish: "I cut the road like a sharpened knife/ And I'm in love with myself/ There's nothing else but me."

The Living End, taken from the Mary Chain's Psychocandy, is a ball of buzzing noise and is complemented by both Suicide's droning epic Ghost Rider and the frenzied breakbeat of μ-Ziq's The Motorbike Track. Quite what it was about the motorbike that encouraged such sounds is not apparent; maybe somebody had experienced one too many rattling carburettors. Other songs engage with the iconography but explore it from different angles. Neil Young's Unknown Legend is a waitress and mother of two. But in Young's mind's eye she's a Harley-riding rebel "colliding with the very air she breathes". Richard Thompson sings a ballad of a love brought short; James, the owner of the titular Vincent, is felled by the law – his lover Red Molly survives him. The tragedy is circumscribed by the fact that Red Molly's feelings for James were, in the first instance, caused partly by the bike. Without the means of his own destruction the couple would never have come together in the first place.

In Daniel Johnston's Speeding Motorcycle, the dreams of speed remain, but the bike is the man: "Pretty girls have taken you for a ride/ Hurt you deep inside but you never slowed down." Johnston aspires towards the robustness of the machine itself, not the Dennis Hopper archetype that owns it.

The Manic Street Preachers composed a great hook upon which to hang their wailing against the functions of capitalism. Here it's possible to see the bike as a fake rebellion: "Under neon loneliness/ Motorcycle emptiness." At least, that's one reading. I'm much clearer as to why the refreshingly unpredictable Dr Alimantado has made this week's list. The Barber Feel It is not in any way a contemplation of bikes, but it does feature a 50cc machine growling away in the background.

This week's playlist:
1. Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
2. Midnight Rider – The Allman Brothers
3. The Living End- The Jesus and Mary Chain
4. Ghost Rider - Suicide
5. The Motorbike Track - µ-Ziq
6. Unknown Legend - Neil Young
7. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning - Richard Thompson
8. Speeding Motorcycle - Daniel Johnston
9. Motorcycle Emptiness - Manic Street Preachers
10. The Barber Feel it - Dr Alimantado & Jah Stitch

Article from The Guardian

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Amazing Motorbike Modifications

2010-11-17T15:01:00.003Z

These motorbike certainly won’t get unnoticed wherever they show up, and all you have to do to have one like these is a little creativity, time and money. But it looks like the owners of these modded motorbikes have gone a bit too far with their desire to have something unique.

Article from lol hunter

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Triumph motorcycles celebrates as profits rise

2010-11-15T09:28:00.002Z

Profits rocketed more than fivefold at Triumph Motorcycles last year, as the British motorbike maker drove through better cost control and use of working capital.

Despite a "very difficult year for the global motorcycle industry", Triumph also grew turnover by 3 per cent to £312.4m for the year to 30 June.

This was driven by "strong" sales of motorbike parts, clothing and accessories, such as automatic breaking systems, said a spokeswoman. However, unit sales of motorcycles fell by 1.5 per cent to 45,501 over the year, which suggests that Leicestershire-based Triumph was able to push through price increases.

But the group, which was founded in 1902, said it was cautious about the outlook for the global market 2011, "due to the continued global economic crisis and the impact on consumer confidence and spending on discretionary consumer goods".

Triumph, arguably best known for its Daytona 675 model, said the world market for motorcycles bigger than 500cc has tumbled by almost half since its peak three years ago.

Triumph grew operating profit by 504 per cent to £15.1m for the year to the end of June, compared to just £2.5m for the previous year.

The profit acceleration was the result of "strong sales of motorcycles and related products, benefiting from better cost control, improved use of working capital and favourable impact from currency exchange rates," said the company.

While it is cautious about the macro environment for global motorbike sales, Triumph stressed it was stepping up its research and development budget and that the public and dealers had responded positively to its new bikes.

A spokeswoman said that Triumph has already launched five new motorcycles of which the new Speed Triple and the Tiger 800 Adventure range are the "most significant"

Article from The Independent

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New Kawasaki concept trike unveiled

2010-11-09T15:01:00.002Z

Lehman Trikes recently unveiled the company’s latest concept trike at the Kawasaki dealer meeting in Las Vegas, according to a press release from Lehman.

The company designed its new model based on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Lehman put the vehicle on display, so Lehman and Kawasaki could receive feedback from dealers.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to solicit feedback from Kawasaki’s dealer network,” Ken Hines, president and CEO of Lehman Trikes, said in the release. “The Vulcan 900 has proven itself as an outstanding motorcycle in the below 1000cc cruiser category and serves as an excellent foundation for a trike that would raise the bar in its class for performance and value.”

The Vulcan trike is being explored as Lehman’s next product.

Article from Power Sports Business

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Dirt Bike Show 2010 | UKBike was there to see the action!

2010-11-08T16:18:00.003Z

All Images are on our facebook page. Click here

UKBike visited The International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park which kicked off in action and style on Thursday, with visitors flocking through the doors to see the latest 2011 model machines, products, clothing and accessories from all the leading manufacturers and suppliers.

On top of all the latest exhibits, the action arena was off to a lively start with audiences packing into the stalls to witness the air-time antics of the Bolddog freestyle team. Other visitors took the weight off their feet and sat back to enjoy the fashion shows, interviews and live performances on the main hall two entertainment stage.

Tommy Searle is making a welcome and popular return to Europe after two years racing in the USA. Searle has returned to ride for the CLS Kawasaki team in the MX2 GP class, and was happy to get back to the International Dirt Bike Show to meet his many UK fans.

On the quad front, KTM UK announced its British and European championship team, with British Championship runner-up Mark Watson moving up from his private KTM team to the works supported KTM team managed by former European champion Richard Cole. Watson joins James Hellewell in the KTM UK team and they are due to start testing their 2011 machines next week.

Article from bikeland

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iTrials jumps onto iPhone

2010-11-02T17:00:00.002Z

Motorbike trials game iTrials is now available on the App Store

Published on Nov 2, 2010

If you fancy playing something like Trials, the popular Xbox 360 motorbike trials simulator, developer Tooko's iTrials for iPhone may just be up your street.

Even though RedLynx develops games for the iPhone, Monster Trucks Nitro 1 and its sequel, for example, we’ve yet to see an iPhone version of its Trials motorbike extravaganza. Looking to capitalise on this, iTrials features 3D graphics courtesy of the Unity engine, 27 levels packed with obstacles and the ability to crash horribly, thanks to Ragdool physics

To keep you hooked, levels and stages are unlocked as you progress, and Facebook and Twitter integration means you can show off your achievements to friends. You can even compete against the world using the Agon Online Leaderboards.

If the idea of riding high-powered bikes over seesaws and moving platforms just isn’t enough, perhaps the promise of free updates with more levels will.

iTrials is available now for 59p from Apple’s App Store.

Article from knowyourmobile

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MV Agusta F3 triple | UKBike News

2010-11-01T14:10:00.002Z

We've got some tech info on the middleweight MV Agusta F3 triple. Lots of claims for power and sophistication...

It looks like the MV Agusta F3 triple we wrote about here is going to be the big star of the Milan Bike show this week and the Italian outfit is making the most of its status as the season's hot ticket. At the moment all we have are press claims, but you can pick the facts from the fantasy below.

And you can say what you like, but it looks fantastic and if the reality lives up to the claims (and if it makes it into full production), then MV will have a winner and Castiglioni will have pulled it out the bag. Again.

ENGINE
This iconic engine has now returned in the form of an avant garde middle weight supersport with performance technical solutions based on the demands of Claudio Castiglioni who is convinced that this is the ideal architecture for a middle weight supersport.

The engine is the most compact, incredible short and narrow engine ever seen in this category. The powerplant is incredibly modern in design, technologically advanced and capable of generating the most power ever seen in this category. One of the numerous technical features is the counter-rotating crankshaft, never before seen on a production supersport engine.

ELECTRONICS
The most advanced electronic engine control system has been designed specifically for this
extraordinary three cylinder. For the first time on an MV (and in the middle weight supersport
category) there is Ride By Wire with multi-maps that optimize the power output in all riding
conditions. The MV TC traction control has been incorporated into the engine control system raising the dynamic control to a new level on the F3.

CHASSIS
As always, those who ride MV Agusta's have become accustomed to having the very best components and the maximum performance from the chassis. The new F3 follows this tradition with a level of quality that exceeds most of the 1000cc superbikes on the market.

As with all previous MV's, the advanced frame design incorporates a mix of steel tubing and aluminum side plates that wrap around the ultra compact engine offering a level of compactness never before seen on a supersport motorcycle. The compact engine dimensions left the maximum liberty to design the most advanced chassis on the market with an exceptionally long single sided swingarm that guarantees traction and feedback to the rider.

The components, as always, are of the highest quality. The Marzocchi front fork
is completely adjustable as well as the Sachs rear shock. The front brake system consists of a Nissin radial master cylinder and Brembo radial calipers and discs. It is simply the best and the new standard by which all other middleweight supersport bikes will be judged.

Article from superbike

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Honda drives in new CBR250R

2010-10-29T08:54:00.003+01:00

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2010: Honda has unveiled its all – new 2011 CBR250R motorcycle to the world in Thailand.

The new CBR250R is a lightweight motorcycle developed to cater to the rising international demand for small and efficient lightweight bikes. Currently there is a lack of options in that segment internationally with a very few players like Kawasaki and Hyosung producing such motorcycles.

The Japanese auto company has also confirmed that the 2011 CBR250R will make its way to India early – mid 2011. The bike will be launched in Thailand this November though.

The new bike has been developed by Honda Japan with significant involvement from Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) and Honda Thailand.

The CBR250R will be powered by a 250cc single cylinder engine, with a flat and well – spread power and torque curve for maximum driveability at low and mid range rev band and better efficiency.

The bike will source materials and components from strategic sources to keep the prices as low and competitive as possible.

We hope that by ‘competitive’, Honda is not implying a price tag close to that of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which retails for a very high price of close to Rs 3- lakh in India. The CBR250R uses a light construction, diamond shaped, tubular frame that is said to offer agile handling and great manoeuvrability.

Article from Humsafar

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Top Gear: Stig's helmet fetches £3,400 at auction

2010-10-26T14:56:00.000+01:00

The distinctive white racing helmet worn by The Stig on the BBC's Top Gear fetched £3,400 at auction on Wednesday night.

The distinctive white racing helmets worn by The Stig on the BBC's Top Gear fetched £3,400 at auction.

It was sold by Sophia Vaizey, who was given the helmet as a leaving present after working on the show as a production co-ordinator for 18 months.

One of the programme's presenters, Richard Hammond, signed it, along with production crew members and The Stig himself, who has now left the motoring show but wore it from around 2002 to 2005.

The helmet went under the hammer at Gorringes Auctioneers in Lewes, East Sussex, with a guide price of £1,200 but ended up going for almost three times as much to a private collector.

Mrs Vaizey, 30, from Hove, previously said she hoped the helmet would fetch a good price following the recent highly publicised High Court battle involving the BBC over the disclosure of The Stig's identity.

She said: "The Stig wore that one on the show for quite a while. He then got a new one for safety reasons, so it got stored away in the Top Gear office.
"I was quite surprised when they gave it to me but also I felt honoured."
The BBC recently took legal action to block publication by HarperCollins of an autobiography which would unmask racing driver Ben Collins as the show's mystery driver.

But after more than a day of legal argument in private, Mr Justice Morgan said he would not grant the BBC a temporary injunction to do this as he said his identity was already widely known.

It had been a badly kept secret for some time, having already been published in the media last year.
Collins has since joined rival show Fifth Gear on Channel 5 where he will appear without his trademark helmet.

Article form the telegraph

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WIN a Motorcycle Helmet and a Motorcycle Rainsuit worth £129.98! | UKBike

2010-10-26T08:50:00.000+01:00

WIN a New MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip and a PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit.

We are offering all UKBike members the chance to win a MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip, retailing at £99.99! AND a PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit, retailing at £29.99!

1st place will win our main prize, the new MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip along with 1 of 3 PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit's, 2nd and 3rd place will also win one of these fantastic suits.

It couldn’t be easier to be in with a shout for this fine prize. Simply send us a review of a bike that you know well from the past or present. On the 22nd of November the UK Bike team will select a winner, the prize will be sent via post, and the winning review will be our ‘featured review’ on the UKBike home page for the first last week of November!

We are looking for interesting, informative reviews of a decent length that sum up your bike experiences, both good and bad. Got a particular story attached to the bike? Share it with your fellow members! Feel free to add some action to your review with photos and video – but it’s the words that we’re most interested in!

Closing date for reviews is November 21st, the winner will be announced and contacted in the week of the 22nd of November.

1st place winner will have the choice of size and colour of the helmet, (Black or Silver).

All winners of our rainsuits will have the choice of size and colour too, (Black or Red)

Good luck!

Terms and conditions.

Entries must be submitted by 11.59pm on November 21st 2010. The winner will be notified by e-mail the week of the 22nd of November.The UKBike team’s decision is final. Members can submit multiple bike reviews. Any enquireies or problems with sending photos please email kai@ukbike.com

Harley Profit Rises as Finance Unit Makes Up for Slumping Motorcycle Sales

2010-10-19T16:39:00.001+01:00

Harley-Davidson Inc, the biggest U.S. motorcycle maker, said third-quarter profit more than doubled as earnings in its finance unit made up for declining sales worldwide.

Net income rose to $88.8 million, or 38 cents a share, from $26.5 million, or 11 cents, a year earlier, Milwaukee-based Harley said today in a statement. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was 36 cents. Revenue fell 1.9 percent to $1.09 billion, and retail sales slid 7.7 percent.

Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell, who has cut costs by renegotiating labor contracts, said Harley is focused on transforming itself to “succeed at today’s volumes.” The financial-services unit, which makes loans to motorcycle buyers, had operating income of $50.9 million compared with a $31.5 million loss a year earlier.

“Motorcycle demand is slumping, and that slump has yet to show signs of abating,” Brent Miller, an analyst with Gradient Analytics in Scottsdale, Arizona, said in an interview. “That’s a bit concerning. How long can a company continue to count on its financial services arm to fill in that gap of dragging demand?”

The new labor agreements at factories in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin reduce jobs, give new employees fewer benefits and will let Harley add and cut workers based on demand. The Wisconsin contracts start in 2012.

MV Agusta

Excluding discontinued operations such as the MV Agusta line of motorcycles, profit rose to 40 cents a share from 24 cents a year earlier.

Harley raised the low end of its production plan for this year. It now expects to ship 207,000 to 212,000 motorcycles to dealers, a decrease of as much as 7.2 percent from last year. In July, it forecast shipments of 201,000 to 212,000, as much as a 9.9 percent decrease. Deliveries fell 27 percent last year to 223,000 from 303,500 in 2008.

Most motorcycle sales are discretionary purchases, which consumers reduced as the economy slowed, Wandell said today.

“All of our market data and research indicates there’s still a tremendous affinity for the brand and a desire to own Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” Wandell said in an interview. “It’s a matter of getting some help with the economy on top of everything else we’re doing with our strategy.”

Harley’s U.S. retail sales in the three months ended Sept. 26 fell 9.4 percent from a year earlier. Industrywide retail sales of heavyweight motorcycles fell 14 percent, Harley said.

Harley declined $1.25, or 3.9 percent, to $31.24 at 10:44 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares gained 29 percent this year before today.

Rossi to wear Ducati motorcycle clothing at Valencia test

2010-10-18T16:10:00.000+01:00

Valentino Rossi will pull on his Ducati-red motorcycle clothing for the first time at the post-season testing session at Valencia.

MotoGP teams only have a limited number of sanctioned testing sessions, and Rossi was keen to get to work with the Ducati team as soon as possible - the first opportunity being the test in Valencia shortly after the season finale.

There had been much speculation about whether Yamaha would allow the contracted rider to test in Ducati motorcycle clothing, but it seems that the manufacturer's executive officer for engineering operations Masao Furusawa has granted the Italian his wish.

Rossi told broadcaster Italia1: "Furusawa called me and told me it was a way of saying thanks for what I have done for Yamaha.

"I think it's a nice gesture and it shows that Yamaha has valued the things done over these years."

Rossi achieved another podium in the latest round in Australia, finishing third after a late passing move on Nicky Hayden, his teammate for the 2011 season.

Article from PH Motorcycles

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Kawasaki ZXR, 900cc Review

2010-10-12T14:45:00.002+01:00

Review

Well where do i start? How about with the styling, in one word for the year of release....aggressive! razor sharp rear end and gaping ram air mouth, sqautted ''arse up and head down'' riding position finish the bike of nicely. **how much** a nice clean and tidy find will see you with a little bit of change from £4,000. mid range £3,500. poor state £2,800. **will i be aching after 30 mile? what does it go like and will i survive the twistys** This bike was designed for the track. So in all honesty the riding position......Read More

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Brightona 2010 - UKBike was there to see all the action and get some photos.

2010-10-11T13:44:00.003+01:00

Click here to check out all the pictures from the day.

Brightona 2010, ran successfully yesterday down at Maderia Drive. UKBike was there to see all the action.

Brightona is one of the biggest motoring events with participants as high as 40,000, Brighton was heaving with motorcycles of all shapes and sizes most of the day.

Since 2004 Brightona has donated a staggering £75,000!! This has allowed vital life saving equipment to be purchased and improve the lives of hundreds of people and families in Sussex.

Growing each year, Brightona raised £12,500 in 2006 and £23,000 in 2008. Hopefully 2010 broke the record.

Bikers come from all over the country; in fact, all over Europe - and maybe even further afield.

This was truly a sight worth seeing! Bikes start to arrive mid-morning and fill up the Drive: the noise, the smell of petrol fumes, the wave and wave of arriving bikers all generate an atmosphere of excitement. A great coming together.

By the time the Drive was filled up, a vast range of motobikes is on display. Bikes and bikers of all ages; bikes, trikes, sidecars; every manufacturer's name in the history of the motorcycle in represented. An exaggeration perhaps, but you'll certainly find Vincent, Norton, Kawasaki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Victory, BSA, BMW, Triumph, Suzuki, National Chopper Club, and many customised machines, especially trikes.

There was also a stage, DJ, rock'n' roll, bands, etc to provide the entertainment.

We were there with our camera yesterday taking a number of pictures of bikes that took our fancy. All our photos will be uploaded to our facebook page www.facebook.com/ukbike.

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Biker banned for only 8 weeks after doing 107mph in 40mph limit!

2010-10-07T12:23:00.002+01:00

A self-confessed “petrolhead”, who rode his Suzuki motorbike at 107 mph in a 40 mph zone in Stowmarket, was today banned from driving for eight weeks.

Sudbury magistrates heard John Dove, 26, of Stowupland, had only owned the machine for a month when police saw him on a dual carriageway.

Dove, who admitted speeding on August 1, was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Is an 8 week ban too small seeing as he was travelling nearly 3x the limit?

Article from EADT24

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Pedrosa thankful for motorcycle clothing, but title hopes end.

2010-10-05T11:52:00.002+01:00

Pedrosa's accident has ended his title hopes.

Dani Pedrosa was thankful for his robust motorcycle clothing after a heavy crash in practice for the Japanese round of the MotoGP championship at the weekend.

Unfortunately for the premier class' in-form rider, a high-speed tumble through the gravel left him with a triple-fracture of the collar bone, which appears to have handed the riders' title to compatriot Jorge Lorenzo.

But thankfully Pedrosa's motorcycle clothing prevented more serious damage to the rider's ankle, after X-rays showed the heavy impact had not broken the joint.

"We X-rayed the ankle as well and it is okay. He had old fractures but nothing new, just a small contusion," said MotoGP medical director Michele Macchiagodena.

However, with Pedrosa out of action and Jorge Lorenzo continuing to score points, the Yamaha rider now needs to finish in a ninth place during the next race to confirm himself as the 2010 MotoGP world champion.

Pedrosa recently signed a new two-year deal with Honda, where he will be joined next season by current Ducati rider Casey Stoner.

Article from PHMotorcycles

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$50 Motorcycle Retrofitted To Run on Solar Power

2010-10-04T11:12:00.001+01:00

Tony Danger Coiro, a student at Purdue University, has recently created a zero-emission electric motorcycle that is powered by solar energy. The motorcycle, which initially cost about $50, is a transformed version of an old 1978 Suzuki.

He spent more than $2500 retrofitting and redesigning the bike, which is capable to reach a top speed of 45mph, having a range of about 24 miles per charge.

Coiro in collaboration with Jim Danielson and Sean Kleinschmidt, a colleague have launched the Purdue Electric Vehicles Club. Kleinschmidt and Danielson converted a 1987 Porsche 924S they bought for $500 to run on electricity, during their summer vacation.

According to Coiro, the Purdue EV Club will commercialize its latest electric cars prototypes and technologies. Meanwhile, Coiro has started designing a new green motorcycle equipped with a 100-horsepower motor that will reach a speed of 100 mph and a range of nearly 100 miles per charge. Besides this, the bike will have no drive trains, having the motors located in each wheel.

Source: Green Optimistic

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Vintage Motorcycles Set for RM Auctions

2010-09-29T10:49:00.001+01:00

Motorcycle Auction

Formed in 1991, RM Auctions has become the world's largest collector car auction house, specializing in quality automobiles and classic motorbikes.

RM returns to Hershey, Pennsylvania next month (October 7-8, 2010) for their annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey event.

In addition to the impressive roster of four-wheel rolling history consigned for sale, RM Auctions will also be presenting a select array of vintage motorcycles.

The motorcycles range from a four-horsepower 1911 Flanders to a 1960 Indian-Enfield. There is also a 1926 Cleveland Fowler Four, a 1948 Indian Chief Bonneville, a 1930 Excelsior Super X Streamliner V-Twin and a 1905 FN Type A 4-cylinder motorcycle.

These beautiful and rare collector motorcycles all come with appreciatively sizable price tags - which is always good fodder to excite the attendees into zealous bidding.

For those who might be interested in participating in the auction but are unable to attend in person, RM Auctions has a range of remote bidding options, including Internet, telephone and absentee bidding.

The motorcycle auction will stream live online at rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the bidding and sales.

For more information on RM Auctions, from full event details to a copy of the digital auction catalog go to RM Auctions Motorcycles.

Article from ultimate motorcycling

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MotoGP Paddock Girls in Aragon 2010

2010-09-23T09:24:00.003+01:00

The glamour of the MotoGP Paddock Girls, at the thirteenth race of 2010 in Indianapolis.

Video from Motogp

Electric scooters and motorcycles

2010-09-22T09:51:00.000+01:00

Zero-emissions two-wheelers are very much in their infancy but the choice is growing all the time.

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid.

This is still at the pioneering stage, with none of the major players even participating, leaving the field open for a motley collection of strange brands, rebadging, a very wide mix of quality and no clear leader or single growing force.

That's not to say everything looks like it's come out of a garden shed, but equally it's unrealistic to expect the levels of design sophistication or build quality you'd find in a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha.

Only two electric motorcycles are available and sales of these still register in the dozens so you're as unlikely to see one as hear one.

The rest are scooters, the majority Chinese built (which generally bodes ill for quality) and the handful of different models come with a multitude of brand names that seem to come and go. In other words, while there are some reasonable products out there, beware.

Hybrid powertain with electric motor mounted alongside the rear wheel shaft (left side)

Motorcycles Zero

These are designed and built in Scotts Valley, California, as fun and performance machines rather than simply commuters, although they will fulfil that role.

Founder Neil Saiki is a qualified aeronautical engineer and the design reflects this. They look pretty good, too, more like conventional supermoto and trail bikes than worthy transport for geeks and greenies.

There are four models, which are essentially the same machine with minor differences according to purpose. The X and MX are for off-road use only, where their very low noise levels make them highly suited to dedicated parks and circuits near built-up areas.

The S and DS are road-legal supermoto and trail bikes differing only in wheels and tyres, priced from £7,995. These come with a two-year warranty. A "future-proofing" warranty is also available at additional cost, with upgrades at much reduced cost.

The Zero S and DS can be ridden with an A1 licence, the same as a 125cc petrol bike. Although the 67mph top speed is only slightly more than a conventional 125's, the acceleration is claimed to be substantially greater.

The claimed range is 50 miles, with a four-hour recharge time.

Quantya

Swiss-made machine with a top speed of 45mph which, like the Zero, is legally in the same category as a 125. The Quantya Strada isn't cheap though - £9,100 is close to superbike money for learner bike performance, although the UK importer is also working on a hire-and-ride arrangement which will help mitigate this.

It looks very much like a conventional small trail bike, and its off-road credentials are good, the plan being to set up off-road parks using these machines exclusively.

While the top speed is low, as with most electric vehicles, initial acceleration is good, with a time of 1.9 seconds quoted for 0-42mph, which will keep you in front of most traffic from the lights.

The Strada's throttle response characteristics can be changed to suit different riding styles, although this demands a laptop computer when it ought to be possible via a handlebar switch, as it is on many conventional motorcycles.

The open-road range is claimed to be 40-50 miles, dropping to 25 miles in stop-start traffic. Recharging takes about two hours.

Scooters Xero Tech

A range of scooters imported as part of the Green Tech product range by the Best Buy technology chain, the new UK division of the large US company. Although the scooters are assembled in the Far East, Xero is a British company, so with this and Best Buy behind them they're a safer bet than most.

Three models are on sale, the Urban Citi, Urban Tourer and the Classic, the most popular because of its traditional scooter looks. This is available as 1kW and 3kW versions, although if you make use of the 3kW Classic's greater performance the range will inevitably suffer.

This is quoted as 30-40 miles, with an eight-hour recharge time. Top speed is retstricted to 30mph to comply with the machine's moped categorisation. A 12-month/6,000-mile warranty is offered, which is reassuring. Prices start at £1,499.

Best Buy has stores in Thurrock, Southampton, and Merry Hill (West Midlands), with more opening in Liverpool, Croydon and Derby this year. A retail website launches in the autumn.

e-max
Electric Transport Ltd offers the e-max 110S for £3,450 and the stripped down 80L for £2,950. The 110S is the more practical, with a claimed 60-mile range and two- to five-hour recharge time, while the 80L can cover 28 miles in one go for a recharge of 1.5-3 hours.

e-max is a German company based near Munich, while the scooters are built at a German-owned and managed factory in Wuxi, near Shanghai in China.

Lithium-ion batteries are used with a purpose-built motor located in the rear wheel. A booster button is fitted which increases power by 80 per cent, useful for steep inclines. Disc brakes are fitted front and rear.

These are more costly than most of the generic Chinese scooters, but the design and quality are a significant improvement.
end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Piaggio MP3 Hybrid

It's not all-electric but the MP3 Hybrid is the only machine from a major manufacturer that comes close. The strange double front wheel layout is common to petrol MP3 scooters and is very successful in Italy for the additional braking power and stability.

The Hybrid combines a 125cc four-stoke engine and electric motor with increased battery capacity. The relationship between them is controlled by an electronic management system where the electric motor aids acceleration from low speeds while the engine recharges the batteries.

Piaggio claims up to 170mpg and 40g/km CO2 emissions, and the MP3 Hybrid can also be used on electric power only in zero emissions zones, although its range is restricted to a dozen or so miles, and top speed is just 20mph with weak acceleration. The price is £8,255.

Do I need a special licence to ride one?

The licence requirements for an electric motorcycle depend on the category in which it is classed, in line with conventional two-wheelers. Most electric scooters are counted as mopeds, which means a top speed of no more than 30mph.

These can be ridden on a car licence without L-plates if you passed your test before February 2001, otherwise a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate is required, but still no L-plates. Mopeds are not allowed on motorways.

A 125cc equivalent demands a motorcycle licence, either the full class A or the A1 light motorcycle class, or it can be ridden with L-plates after CBT has been passed (as long as a provisional A or A1 category is on the licence).

Note that passing a test on an electric two-wheeler will restrict you to automatic motorcycles or scooters only.

Article from the Telegraph

Motorbike helmet that lets you see road behind

2010-09-20T09:26:00.003+01:00

Brit device that saves lives

A motorcycle helmet which gives riders eyes in the back of their head is set to transform road safety in Britain.

The Reevu MSX1 Helmet contains a tiny mirror in the top of the visor which allows the rider to see behind him.

The device uses technology which was originally developed in order to transmit messages to submerged oil rig divers.

The helmet has so far saved the lives of hundreds of customers, who have since written to the Sunderland-based company to express their thanks.

Engineer Graham Steele, 48, worked on the original technology in the late-1980s, which used pagers inside divers' helmets to prevent accidents in the North Sea.

He had to create a screen which was easy to read when it was close to the wearer's eyes.

Reevu chief executive Graham, who invented the helmet, said: "In the 80s there were a lot of divers being killed in the North Sea because at the depths they were working, it was difficult to pass them information. Pager technology was all the rage back then and the idea was to make a small LCD screen inside the helmet on which the divers could read messages.

"But if you hold a screen very close to your eyes, you can't see it - the focal length between your eye and the thing is too short. But one day I was in my workshop and had a Eureka moment."

Motorbike enthusiast Graham said: "I realised that even though you might not be able to see a screen when it is it close to your eyes, you can see it clearly if it is reflected onto a mirrored surface from behind you. We realised we had a brilliant idea for a motorbike helmet."

The top of the helmet liner is sculpted so the rider can see behind simply by glancing up into the rear-view mirror. The rider is more aware of his surroundings through peripheral vision.

Since ordinary motorbike helmets restrict both the wearer's hearing and field of vision, it is thought they have already prevented hundreds of accidents.

The Reevu helmet is available direct from the manufacturer and retails at around £249.

VIEW IN FRONT

Bikers can switch between looking at road ahead and the mirror

MIRROR VIEW

Tiny device reflects the view of the road behind like a car rear-view mirror

VIEW BEHIND

Technology used by North Sea divers was the helmet's inspiration

Tomizawa '48' to be retired from Moto2

2010-09-17T13:39:00.002+01:00

Organisers to present late racer's parents with memorial plaque

MOTOGP ORGANISERS Dorna are to retire the number '48' from future Moto2 championships as a marked of respect to Shoya Tomizawa, the 19-year-old Japanese racer killed during the Moto2 race at Misano, just under a fortnight ago.

Tomizawa was killed after a three-bike pile-up at one of the fastest parts of the course. Earlier this week the upcoming Japanese star was buried at a ceremony in Japan.

A memorial plaque bearing Tomizawa's race number will be given to his parents as a tribute to their son.

Born to be wild - 62 year old on a road trip of a lifetime

2010-09-16T09:21:00.000+01:00

A British grandmother has sold her $300,000 house to tour the world on her Harley Davidson motorbike.
Former hairdresser Sue O'Grady, 62, plans to sell her six bedroom house in Doncaster, Northern England, and hit the road for as long as ten years, to travel through America, Africa, the Middle East and Australia.

She said: "I love my home, I've lived there a long time and it's everything I ever wanted, but I probably love my Harley a lot more on balance, so the house has got to go.
I can travel a long way and see a lot of the world with the proceeds from the sale, and if I can stretch the money out and make it last for eight or 10 years then so much the better.

Good luck to you Sue, all the best.

Article from Female First

Unlucky bike fanatic Brad Pitt's vintage motorcycle lets him down again

2010-09-15T11:45:00.001+01:00

Regular guy Brad Pitt likes nothing more than to tool around town on one of his collection of vintage motorbikes.

But the Inglorious Basterds star appears to be somewhat unlucky with the two-wheeled speed machines, as he broke down again while on his way to a film set in Los Angeles.

The 46-year-old actor's Ducati bike failed to start. However, he didn't have to look too far for assistance - calling for help from his bodyguard.

Start me up: Brad Pitt, seen in Los Angeles, comes a cropper again on one of his vintage motorbike collection as the old bike won't start

Clearly the actor is not that great at getting his hands dirty fixing his prized machines.

Brad was forced to call for help, and a dark SUV arrived and whisked him away leaving his flunky to deal with the roadside drama.

This is the latest in a string of bike related mishaps for the father of six.

I need a hero: Pitt waits patiently for help to arrive... in the form of a bodyguard

Hands on: Pitt stands back as his driver takes a look...

Last July the embarrassed actor was forced to hitch a lift with a member of the paparazzi when he found himself stranded in a residential area.

And in October he was thrown off one of his custom motorbikes seconds before confronting a paparazzo in downtown Los Angeles.

Pitt was weaving through busy traffic when the eager photographer drove his Toyota Camry too close to the star.

The actor lost his balance while swerving to avoid the car and clipped the wing mirror of a parked vehicle.

...but soon scoots off in his black SUV when the bike cannot be started

In an interview he revealed that he uses them to escape the attentions of the paparazzi.

Brandishing a motorcycle helmet, he told a reporter at W magazine: 'This is my anonymity. With it, I’m just another a***hole on the streets.'

Pitt's obsession with motorbikes has seen him build a massive collection including a Ducati Desmosedici RR and a Monster 696.

Meanwhile, Pitt's partner was seen arriving home at Los Angeles International airport with two of their three daughters, Shiloh, and Zahara.

Top Gun: Tom Cruise was out and about on his bike yesterday, visiting Universal Studios in Los Angeles

Action man: Like Brad, Cruise is an accomplished bike rider

3D boobs set to cause mayhem

2010-09-14T14:38:00.002+01:00

New ad campaign could cause accidents say experts, 16 years after first Wonderbra ad turned heads

THE MANUFACTURERS of cleavage-enhancing Wonderbra have come in for criticism from road safety groups following the unveiling of a huge 3-D poster near London Waterloo station.

The poster, which encourages passers-by to view wearing 3-D specs, is to promote the company's new Full Effect brassiere.

Safety groups have branded the idea a "distraction" for motorists; Wonderbra suffered similar criticism for their the 1994 'Hello Boys' ad campaign, featuring Czech model Eva Herzigová.

The 1994 poster, which showed Herzigová staring down at her peachy assets, was blamed for dozens of road accidents.

The latest 20ft wide poster, which stars Brazilian model Sabraine Banado, could be "a distraction" said Vince Yearley, a spokesman for IAM.

"For those motorists who don't happen to have 3D glasses in their car - and most don't - then as the image is slightly blurred, it will cause you to want to focus on it even more," continued Yearley.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/

Scott Redding ready to get back on his bike after Shoya Tomizawa crash horror

2010-09-14T09:01:00.000+01:00

Teenage motorcycle star Scott Redding will be back on a bike tomorrow just eight days after being involved in the crash that killed his friend, Shoya Tomizawa, in Misano.

The 19-year-old Japanese rider died after falling from his motorcycle and being hit by Alex de Angelis and Redding, who had no chance of taking evasive action in the Moto2 race at the San Marino Grand Prix.
Gloucester-born Redding, 17, the youngest rider in history to win a Grand Prix, has spent the week following the accident with his best friend, 125GP rider Danny Webb, in Malaga, Spain.

Redding suffered a laceration in his lower back that required 12 stitches after he was thrown several metres into the air at close to 140mph before coming to rest more than 100m from the point of impact.

Getting back on track: Scott Redding (right)

‘We’ve been in Spain trying to get Scott fully fit and mentally prepared for the next race at Aragon,’ said Webb, 19, who has been friends with Redding since he was 10 years old and they competed together in mini moto
.
Redding has been able to go on long walks to keep mobile and is set to take part in a one-day test at Valencia for his Marc VDS Racing team ahead of next weekend’s race.

Webb added: ‘Tomizawa, Scott and I were all friends. It’s difficult, but you’ve got to get on the right side of it and be really strong and positive. Tomizawa wouldn’t want anyone to be sad. He would want everyone to be having a good time, as he would be.

‘You’ve just got to try to get your head down and refresh your mind. Scott is being strong now. He’s ready to get back on the bike. What happened is a tragedy, but nobody could have done anything to change it. It’s hard to say, but that’s what can happen in racing.’

Redding, who was knocked unconscious in the crash, has no recollection of the incident, but has since watched a video of the race.

‘We had it on in the house,’ said Webb, who rides for Andalucia Cajasol. ‘He knows what’s happened. It’s put his mind at rest.

‘We could not live without motorcycle racing. We’re both going to get out there and do the best we can. Scott can’t wait to mix it with the top lot again. He’ll be there at Aragon, back at the front, I’m sure.’

Track tragedy: Young Japanese rider Shoya Tomizawa lies fatally hurt on a stretcher after crashing during the Moto2 race at the San Marino Grand Prix

Tomizawa’s crash was the second fatal accident in a week at a Grand Prix following
the death of 13-year-old Peter Lenz in a support race at Indianapolis. The sport was stunned by both tragedies.

Bradley Smith, 19, who is Britain’s most successful Grand Prix rider since Barry Sheene and competes in the 125cc category with Webb, said: ‘This puts everything
into perspective. I was sat there at Misano in a bit of a strop because I’d had engine problems. But I’m still in one piece and ready to go to the next race.’

James Toseland, a double world Superbike champion and former MotoGP rider, said: ‘Racing is a passion you have from a kid, it’s not a job.

‘There are no words to describe the loss, but as a professional racer he died doing what he loved doing. There’s no shame in that. Not everyone understands why people would consider the sacrifice. It’s very difficult to explain.’

The race next weekend is certain to be emotional as the sport mourns the loss of one of its rising stars.
Redding said in a team statement: ‘Tomizawa was a really good guy and will definitely be missed in the paddock and on the track. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team, who all suffered a huge loss at the weekend.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

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Brighton Burn-Up 2010

2010-09-13T11:12:00.005+01:00

See all the images from the Brighton Burn-Up 2010 here

The Ace Cafe Reunion Run, or the Brighton Burn-Up as its known, ran successfully yesterday down at Maderia Drive.

The Brighton Burn-Up is one of the biggest motoring events with participants as high as 40,000. Along with Brightona (which we happen to sponsor (; ), Brighton was heaving with motorcycles of all shapes and sizes most of the day.

Ace Cafe is the famous bikers' cafe on London's North Circular Road. Built as a cafe for road hauliers in the 1930s it became the favourite haunt of Britain's motorcyclists, part of teenage culture and post-war rock 'n' roll. It closed in 1969: end of an era.

But in 1993 Mark Wilsmore had the idea for the Ace Cafe Reunion, an annual event at the old Ace Cafe site. And so it's gone from there and in 1997 the old cafe itself was reborn.

The Ace Cafe Reunion is for both Mods and Rockers - young and old - bikes and scooters - young and old.

Bikers come from all over the country; in fact, all over Europe - and maybe even further afield.

There was also a stage, DJ, rock'n' roll, bands, etc to provide the entertainment.

We were there with our camera yesterday taking a number of pictures of bikes that took our fancy. All our photos will be uploaded to our facebook page www.facebook.com/ukbike.

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Roaring through the English countryside... it's Captain America: Motorbike scenes for comic book film shooting in London

2010-09-09T12:37:00.000+01:00

As a comic book star of the Forties of, Captain America was as patriotic emblem for his country, often depicted fighting the Nazi powers of World War II.

But it seems the Captain America in the forthcoming movie based on the iconic cartoon character is going to be bringing his powers to Britain as well.

Today motorbike scenes for Captain America: The First Avenger were being shot in the London countryside.

Hero on a bike: Scenes were being shot today in a leafy London location for the forthcoming movie Captain America: The First Avenger, seen here a stunt double for American actor Chris Evans who will play the title role

He's one Easy Rider: The stuntman was sat astride a classic US Army Indian motorcycle

Chris Evans, seen here at the Fantastic Four premiere in 2005, is playing Captain America

American actor Chris Evans, who also starred in the Fantastic Four comic book films, is playing the title role in the film. And today his stunt double was snapped in a leafy London location, dressed in full regalia, riding a US Army Indian motorcycle.

True to the original character, the costume comprised the colours of the American flag, complete with a huge star on the chest, helmet and cape.

There was also a magnificent Forties-style car on set, which was seen being driven through a woodland location, as well as some more futuristic looking motorcycles.
The film started shooting in June, when Tommy Lee Jones was confirmed as playing US Army Colonel Chester Phillips.

Dominic Cooper will also play a role as the younger version of Howard Stark, the character which John Slattery portrayed in Iron Man 2.

One of the first filming locations earlier in the summer was near the University of Manchester in the Northern Quarter, centred around Dale Street, chosen after a search for a location best fitting 1940's Lower East Side Manhattan, New York.

On location: The film, set for release next year, is based on the 1940s comic book character

More filming is scheduled there for later this month. But in the meantime production will continue in London, with a number of key landmarks expected to be taken in during filming.

The movie, directed by Joe Johnston and scheduled for release in July next year, will also star Lord of the Rings actor Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt / Red Skull, Captain America's nemesis and head of the Nazis' terrorist activities.

The futuristic-looking bikes on set today appeared to be carrying riders bearing the Red Skull symbol as a chase scene was filmed.

Scenes will also be shot in Liverpool in the autumn at locations including the city's Albert Dock. It is being filmed with 2-D cameras, but will be converted into a 3D movie during post production.

Johnston did a one-day test shoot with a 3-D rig as opposed to shooting in 2-D and converting but called it 'a nightmare' due to bulky gear and restricted filmmaking options.
He said he's a firm believer in the conversion approach if done right, telling the Los Angeles Times recently: 'It's a new challenge and it's exciting.'

Chase scene: There were also some more futuristic bikes on set, with these riders appearing to be bearing the Red Skull symbol, Captain America's nemesis and leader of the Nazis' terrorist activities

Marisa Miller on why she loves bikes and being FHM's number 1 sexiest woman!

2010-09-08T17:05:00.000+01:00

According to FHM it turns out that Megan Fox isn't, contrary to popular opinion, actually the hottest woman of the world.

The magazine has released its annual list of the 100 Sexiest Women in the World, and to the shock and dismay of girl-watchers everywhere, the former Transformers beauty came in a mere Number Two.
And who, pray tell, grabbed the top honors this year? Victoria's Secret model Marisa Miller.

We at UKBike do not mind this due to the the interview she had with Esquire magazine.

The Harley ad pin-up on why she loves bikes:
1. Sex - A man on a motorcycle turns me on because a man on a motorcycle is automatically bad.
2. Leather - Nothing’s sexier to women than a leather jacket.
3. Throbbing - A bike starting up gets me revved up.
4. Freedom - A woman likes a sense of adventure and endless possibilities.
5. The forbidden - Girls aren't supposed to ride motorcycles. Having my H-D Nightster in my garage feels like I have an escape vehicle. Burnouts? Let’s just say women like to push themselves too.

Congratulations Marisa Miller

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Biker's anger over fine for parking at 'wrong angle'

2010-09-08T13:04:00.000+01:00

A biker has been left fuming being issued with a parking ticket.

Andrew Taylor was fined £50 for leaving his 1400cc GSX Suzuki motorbike at the wrong angle along the white line on Market Street, Torquay, even though motorbikes are allowed to park for free so long as they do not take up an entire car parking space.

Mr Taylor, 51, a biker of 30 years and a clay pit worker from Paignton, said: "So much for being a bike-friendly town.

"Market Street is quite steep which is why I had to park the bike at a 45-degree angle or it would have fallen over.

"I was told motorbikes can park for free if they don't take a whole space."
"My back wheel was touching the kerb. I went to the shop to sort out a problem with my mobile phone and when I came back I had a parking ticket."

Mr Taylor rang the number on the ticket and was told to take a picture of the motorbike and its position on the road before contesting the fine.

He said: "There aren't any signs anywhere warning bikers of what they can or can't do."
Officials in the council's parking department confirmed motorcyclists were able to park within street pay-and-display bays free of charge provided the motorcycle was parked at right angles to the kerb on the white lines which demarcate each of the bays.

A spokesman said: "Parking this way allows for other vehicles to still park within the designated bays and make payment at the machine.

"Maximum stay and No Return periods at each location must be adhered to also, as failure to observe this will result in the issue of a penalty charge notice.

"If a motorcyclist wishes to place a motorcycle within a marked bay taking up the entire bay, he can purchase a ticket from the pay-and-display machine to do so.

"If the ticket cannot be clearly displayed then the ticket can be kept on their person.
"If a penalty charge notice is subsequently issued to the motorcycle, the pay-and-display ticket can be provided as evidence of correct payment having been made."

The spokesman added: "Parking for motorcycles is free in council-run car parks, provided it is within the designated area or parked safely outside of a bay, and not within a marked bay."

A Torbay Council spokesman said: "We have an appeals process for motorists and motorcyclists who feel there are mitigating circumstances which have led up to a penalty charge notice being issued.
"We would therefore urge the motorcyclist in this instance to follow these procedures, which are stated on the rear of the penalty charge notice.

"We will investigate the matter by considering the comments from the motorcyclist and reviewing all the data captured by the civil enforcement officer at the time the penalty charge notice was issued, and respond in due course."

Article from This is South Devon

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1970s Ducati 750 sport put to the test as Keira Knightley takes it for a spin!

2010-09-07T14:58:00.004+01:00

Actress Keira Knightley was recently in Paris, shooting for a new Chanel ad. For this, the slender beauty rode (or at least pretended to ride...) a 1970s Ducati 750 sport.

Knightley wore an all suede, all beige bodysuit, paired with cap-toed boots and helmet to match the classic bike — so very Chanel.

The only turn-off? Knightley's photo shoot involved a tow vehicle and training wheels for the bike.

Prosecutor considers action over Tomizawa death

2010-09-07T11:08:00.003+01:00

The prosecutor of Rimini has reportedly launched an investigation into the death of Shoya Tomizawa following the Moto2 Grand Prix at Misano.

According to the Italian ANSA news agency, Paolo Giovagnoli will begin an inquest into the 19-year-old's tragic death in a move that could also see criminal charges being brought.

Tomizawa crashed on lap 12 of the race into the path of Alex de Angelis and Scott Redding, but the race was not stopped as track marshals swiftly stretchered him off the circuit.

However, Tomizawa was then accidentally dropped by a marshal when they stumbled whilst carrying through the gravel.

With an impending autopsy set to reveal exactly what contributed to his death, ANSA says Giovagnoli is considering bringing charges to individuals that are yet to be identified.

The news comes a day after MotoGP officials defended the decision not to stop the race to allow Tomizawa to receive treatment at the track, claiming they were better equipped to deal with his serious injuries behind the scenes.

Article From Crash.net

Japanese rider Tomizawa killed in crash at San Marino Moto2 GP

2010-09-06T11:32:00.000+01:00

Only 19, Tomizawa fell on the Misano World Circuit in the 12th lap and was run over by two other riders. He was taken to hospital but died of injuries he sustained in the crash.

Japanese motorcycle racer Shoya Tomizawa died of injuries sustained in a crash on Sunday at the San Marino Moto2 Grand Prix, according to local news reports. He was 19 years old.

Racing in fourth place at the time, Tomizawa lost control on a kerb coming out of a turn in the 12th lap of the race on the Misano World Circuit. He fell and was run over at high speed by the next two riders, Italy’s Alex de Angelis and Scott Redding of Britain. He was taken to hospital but died there because of the injuries, according to the reports. Tomizawa competed for the Suter team and got his only world championship race win in the season-opener of the newly-formed Moto2 class in Qatar. He came second at the following race in Spain and was ranked sixth in the standings ahead of Sunday’s race.

De Angelis reportedly walked away unharmed while Redding required treatment on so far undisclosed injuries at the circuit.

Tomizawa is the first rider to die in MotoGP racing since compatriot Daijiro Kato at the Suzuka home race in 2003. Last weekend American Peter Lenz, 13, died in Indianapolis when he was run over by a 12-year-old rival after falling in the warmup lap for a junior race.

Article from The Hindu

UKBiker Babe Competition

2010-08-20T13:08:00.003+01:00

Want to be the face of UKBike and win some great prizes at the same time?

UKBike is looking for its next model! If you or you know someone who would be interested in winning this great prize then read the details below to enter.

It couldn’t be easier to be in with a shout for this fine prize. Just go onto www.facebook.com/ukbike and click on our competitions tab. Or click this link http://www.facebook.com/ukbike?v=app_7146470109

From there follow the instructions.

Terms and conditions.

Photos must contain a motorbike (scooters, mopeds, trikes, ATV's ect will be accepted). The winner will be used across the site for up to 6 months. Voting will only be registered through the LIKE button. Entries must be submitted by 11.59pm on September 19th 2010. The winner will be notified by e-mail in the week after the end date. The UKBike team’s decision is final. Members can submit multiple photos. Any enquireies or problems with sending photos please email kai@ukbike.com

Suzuki certain to stay in MotoGP for 2011

2010-08-10T09:01:00.000+01:00

Speaking to British Eurosport at the Brands Hatch BSB round on Sunday, Rizla Suzuki team boss Paul Denning said that he is "100%" sure Suzuki will remain in MotoGP for 2011, but could offer no concrete assurances of the factory's participation beyond that.

"Business is tough," added Denning, before implying that Suzuki needs to be convinced of the future economic model for MotoGP - and achieve greater track success - to remain involved for the long term.

2011 is the final year of the 800cc MotoGP formula, with new 1000cc rules coming into effect from 2012.

That means, unless Suzuki wants to fall further behind, it will need to design an all-new bike - hence the uncertainly beyond next season.

2011 is also when the current contract between the MSMA (MotoGP manufacturers) and Dorna expires.

Suzuki has rookie Alvaro Bautista under contract for next year, but veteran team-mate Loris Capirossi looks certain to leave the team - possibly for Pramac Ducati - after becoming disillusioned by the lack of progress with the GSV-R project.

Suzuki has only won one MotoGP race since the switch from 500cc two-strokes at the end of 2001 and hasn't taken a podium finish since 2008.

Kawasaki withdrew its factory team from MotoGP - due to a lack of results and the global financial crisis - at the end of 2008. Suzuki, as the next least-successful brand, has faced questions over its continued participation ever since.

Mentioning Kawasaki's MotoGP exit, Denning added that he was pleased to see Kawasaki win race two at Brands, in the hands of WSBK rider Tom Sykes, who is making a one-off BSB return this weekend with the Paul Bird Motorsport team.

Suzuki last won a 500cc/MotoGP title with Kenny Roberts Jr in 2000.

Article from Racers Republic

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Honda XBR 500cc 1987 Review

2010-08-05T16:41:00.001+01:00

Overall Rating:

Review

My very first XBR was a fantastic bike. I was delighted by its handling and on full chat it made a great head turner by te sound out of ....Read More

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Ducati deny Valentino Rossi's move from Yamaha is done

2010-08-04T16:04:00.000+01:00

Ducati say they have not completed a deal to sign Valentino Rossi despite rumours that the seven-time MotoGP world champion was set to move.

The Fiat Yamaha rider is widely expected to join the Italian team next season following Casey Stoner's exit.
"Recent news which has appeared on websites has been misreported and must be attributed to the many rumours circulating lately," said a statement.

"Whether and when a deal is reached an official press release will be issued."
Former world champion Stoner recently announced he was leaving Ducati at the end of the season to join Honda, which would create the vacancy for the Italian rider and Italian manufacturer to link up.

Rossi has just returned to action following a broken leg which looks to have ended any realistic chance he had of retaining his world title this year, as he now lies fifth in the standings.
His Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo is the leader, 72 points clear of nearest rival Dani Pedrosa.

Earlier this week, Ducati chief executive and president Gabriele Del Torchio had been quoted as saying Rossi would be paired with American Nicky Hayden in the company's 2011 MotoGP team, but they have now backtracked.

"Regarding the recent allegations attributed to Mr del Torchio, Ducati states that no agreement has been reached with the riders Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden for the future Moto GP season, although our interest in these riders remains," said the Ducati statement.

Despite Ducati's coyness, Rossi is widely expected to announce the end of his seven-year association with Yamaha during the next round of the MotoGP championship, at Brno in the Czech Republic on 14-15 August.

Yamaha racing boss Lin Jarvis recently stated he wanted his rider line-up for next year finalised before the Brno race weekend, with World Superbikes champion Ben Spies tipped to be named as Lorenzo's new team-mate.

Article from the BBC

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Kawasaki ZL, 600cc User Review

2010-08-03T16:19:00.003+01:00

Overall Rating:

Lovely handling bike - especially for something that looks like a cruiser. Low (very low) seat gives a low centre of gravity and makes it a doddle to chuck around. Although its got cruiser style, and lots of it, it is slim (not lardy) and has an upright (not "feet first") riding position so on the go it feels like a "normal" road bike. The engine pulls well but......Read More

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A Motorbike Fire Engine!

2010-08-03T16:07:00.000+01:00

Firefighters on Merseyside will use motorcycles to answer fire calls in a new pilot scheme.

The BMW bikes carry two 25-litre water tanks and a 30-metre hose reel which produces water droplets and foam.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue is the first fire service in the UK to use the new vehicles. It will use two bikes for attending low-level fires.

The service said it will allow them to save fire engines for emergencies where life or property is at risk.
'Pioneering project'

Deputy chief fire officer Mike Hogen said: "We are once again looking for innovative ways to help us tackle the issues that we face in Merseyside.

"Anti-social behaviour fires, such as wheelie bins and skips, account for 62% of our total fire call-outs.
"In recent years we have looked at alternative ways to tackle these incidents and these fire bikes offer a new, exciting possibility."

The firefighters using the bikes have been given special training and specially-designed protective equipment.
Group manager John McCormack, from the fire service, said: "It is a pioneering way of dealing with small fires and because it has never been done here, the project has been several years in the making.

"The bike and the kit have been specifically designed so that they are safe and fit for purpose and we are impressed with the products that we now have."

The trial is due to start next month.

You have to ask how well that is going to handle when the tanks are only half full and the water is sloshing about!

Article from the BBC

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Even Kesha is surley not going to ride that motorbike in those heels!

2010-07-07T12:46:00.001+01:00

Kesha is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what's appropriate.

But even she surely wouldn't ride a motorbike in these high heels.

The pop star posed astride a bike in six inch platforms and super-short hot pants for her new video Take It Off.

Pop pose: Kesha sits astride a motorbike in a scene from her new video for Take It Off... but surely she can't be riding it in those heels?

From American Indian headdresses to bin liner inspired outfits, she doesn't shy away from playing with fashion.

But despite her reputation, Kesha recently insisted she has been misrepresented as a party girl.

The singer, whose debut song TiK ToK was number one for nine weeks in the UK, said she is actually very responsible.

'I wouldn't have a No 1 record or song if I wasn't a hard-working person,' she said.

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Electric Motorcycle Just Misses 100 MPH at Isle of Man

2010-06-09T10:22:00.000+01:00

One hundred miles per hour is nothing for the race bikes racing on the Isle of Man during the famed Tourist Trophy races, but it is an elusive target for the electric motorcycles joining the action. Michael Czysz and his crew are closing in on it though.

Mark Miller lapped the 37.7-mile course aboard the MotoCzysz at an average of 94.66 mph. That’s the quickest pace yet for an electric motorcycle during the Isle of Man TT, but it’s unofficial because it happened during practice. Still, it makes Miller an early favorite to win Wednesday’s TT Zero electric motorcycle race.
“I’m really confident now with the bike and will happily not touch it now until the race,” team boss Michael Czysz — pronounced sizz, as in sizzle — said in a statement. “I think that the bike is capable of achieving the 100 mph lap as we still have something in reserve but it will require everything going right on race day.”

The team, from Portland, Oregon, led the field by more than 3 minutes during practice, putting Miller well ahead of James McBridge of ManTTX and Ron Barber, who handily won last year’s race for Team Agni. Miller hit 99.974 mph at one point. The government of the Isle of Man has promised £10,000 to the first team to achieve 100 mph.

Ten teams are competing in the TT Zero, which split from the TTXGP to stage its own race under rules set by the FIM.

Photo: Isle of Man TT

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FERRARI READY TO HELP ROSSI

2010-06-07T13:59:00.001+01:00

Rossi - broken leg.
FERRARI READY TO HELP ROSSI

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has offered Valentino Rossi the use of the Scuderia's cars during his recovery.

Rossi, who has in the past been linked to a move into F1 with Ferrari, suffered a "serious" leg break on Saturday morning when he crashed in practice for the Italian MotoGP.

The Italian is expected to be on crutches for at least six weeks after which he faces a long rehabilitation with some predicting he could be out of MotoGP for up to five months.

And until he's able to get back on his bike, Ferrari have offered him the chance to use their cars.

"Everyone at Ferrari is with you at this difficult time," di Montezemolo said on Ferrari's website. "We are sure that you will be back on track soon, even stronger than before.

"If during your convalescence you feel you would like to do some training on four wheels, then remember that the door to Maranello is always open to you."

Article from Sporting Life

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BMW recalls thousands of motorcycles for brake check

2010-05-25T17:06:00.000+01:00

The German manufacturer is recalling six models manufactured between August 2006 and May 2009 in the latest scare to strike a global automotive company.

Around 6,600 motorcycles in the UK are effected by the recall.

No accidents have been reported in relation to the fault, BMW said, and only a small number of complaints have been received.

Nonetheless, the recall, which accounts for roughly a third of BMW motorcycles produced during the period in question, is the second to strike the company in the last two years. A similar fault was identified in 2008, but a BMW spokesman accepted modifications to the brake fluid lines had failed to eradicate problems.

Letters received by British owners of the bikes said vibrations could cause the front brake lines to develop leaks that could allow brake fluid to escape. In a worst case scenario, this could lead to a failure of the front brakes.

According to the company, the fault effects one in 1,000 vehicles. The models recalled include the R 1200 GS Adventure model, the R 1200 GS, the R 1200 R, the R 1200 RT, the R 1200 ST and the K 1200 GT.
BMW, which owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce car brands, sold 20,840 motorcycles in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 265,809 cars.

Shares in the company were unmoved by the recall on Tuesday, as they gained 2.42pc on the Frankfurt market.

The recall by BMW comes just months after Toyota was forced to recall more than 8.5m cars globally and became engulfed in crisis. Billions of dollars were wiped off the Japanese company's market value as US authorities called for an investigation and eventually fined it $16.4m (£11.4m) for being slow to deal with faulty vehicles. Toyota paid the fine on Tuesday.

Article from the Telegraph

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Jorge Lorenzo wins in Le Mans

2010-05-24T16:36:00.001+01:00

Spaniards won all three categories

There was another full Spanish podium in the French Motorbike Grand Prix on Sunday at Le Mans, with Jorge Lorenzo on his Yamaha winning the Moto GP category. It’s his second consecutive win and consolidates his lead in the Drivers’ Championship. He is now nine points clear of Valentino Rossi. Dani Pedrosa ended fifth after spening most of the race in third position.

Toni Elias won in Moto2 ahead of Simón and is now leader, while the Spanish were also dominant in 125 with a win for Pol Espargaró.

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Old-School - An Electric Enfield

2010-05-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

The Volta 102 is not your typical motorcycle. But James Hammarhead is not your typical motorcycle builder.
Hammarhead is a clinical neuropsychiatrist and expert in fMRI paradigm design. When he isn’t doing research at University of Pennsylvania, you’ll find him riding an old-school motorcycle or wrenching on an old-school motorcycle. He’s got a thing for British bikes and usually has a project in the works.

That passion for vintage iron led him to launch Hammarhead Industries, a boutique builder creating retro British bikes with a twist.

And, in one case, a cord.

Hammarhead (a mashup of his last name and his wife’s last name) goes by his given name James Loughead in the academic world. The Volta 102 that he built in just three months is one in a growing field of electric street bikes but the first to go retro.

The old-school aesthetic follows Hammerhead Industries’ mission statement, which comes down to “keep it simple, stupid.” Hammarhead isn’t interested in fuel injection or ABS or carbon fiber components. His love affair with minimalism was cemented riding a Royal Enfield through India. The bike was elemental and irresistable.

“That sealed it,” he says. “I decided I was interested in going into smaller, more simple bikes.”

The Volta started as a 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, a modern take on a ’50s classic. It was ideal because the simple steel frame was roomy enough for an electric drivetrain. The Bullet’s engine is a stressed member, so Hammarhead had to fabricate a subframe, but the conversion was straightforward.

“I wanted to do it as a a vintage conversion,” he says of the Volta. “The thing about vintage bikes that makes them so attractive is they’re simple, they’re robust and they’re durable. And that is just as green as alternative fuel.”

The Volta uses an EnerTrac hub motor. It makes 10 kilowatts (13.4 horsepower) continuous and 30 kilowatts (40 horsepower) peak. That’s a big jump over the Bullet’s 18 ponies. Both the Volta and the Bullet weigh 368 pounds, so the conversion made the bike faster. The motor is, in theory, capable of 118 mph. Hammarhead is shooting for somewhere around 100.

You’d think the unsprung weight of a 45-pound motor would bugger the handling. But Hammarhead says it isn’t an issue “because we’re not at the edge of the performance envelope.” The motor was designed for motorcycles and scooters, so durability isn’t a concern, says Mark Gelbien, the guy who designed it.

The lithium iron phosphate battery pack is rated at 6 kilowatts. It has 32 cells but can take as many as 36 to increase range or power. Hammarhead says it’s good for 50 to 70 miles, depending upon how hard you’re flogging the bike. The fake fuel tank houses two 110-volt, 15-amp chargers that will charge the battery in four hours. An external charger drawing 110 volts at 20 amps does it in two.

Regenerative braking returns energy to the pack, and you can dial it in anywhere from 10 to 90 percent. Hammarhead says the system “works and feels like engine braking.” Hammarhead built the bike with off-the-shelf parts to ensure reliability.

“The first goal was making it robust,” he says. “We didn’t want bleeding-edge technology.”
He’s taken the Volta out for a few runs through Philadelphia and says the bike “is a blast to ride. It is nearly silent and has that ‘lazy’ handling of the [internal combustion] Enfield.”

Hammarhead unveiled the Volta, along with the Woodsman 500 and Jack Pine, April 16 at a gallery in Philadelphia. The Jack Pine, a riff on the Triumph Scrambler, got the most attention but the Volta got some love too. The first Volta is a prototype that Hammerhead is still refining, but he plans to build as many as three more this year and five next year.

They aren’t cheap at $18,500 and Hammarhead knows the Volta is a niche bike. That’s the point. He says filling a niche will be the only way to survive once the big manufacturers make the startups building electric superbikes and dirtbikes irrelevant.

“This will all be moot when Honda and Yamaha and KTM introduce their electric bikes,” he said. “And they will. They’re waiting for the market to turn, and it will.”

Hammarhead is planning a more conventional electric motorcycle with an upright riding position. He’s also kicking around the idea of a biodiesel bike. He’ll always love retro rides but says alt fuel is the future.
“I’m passionate about all motorcycles,” he says. “But the future of our sport, and our industry, is in bikes that are efficient, bikes that are quiet and bikes that use alternative fuels.”

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My new F-Word (thats fast!) Gordon Ramsay tests Triumph motorbike

2010-05-05T10:22:00.000+01:00

The high-octane chef goes from Hell's Kitchen to Hell's Angel on Triumph's Thunderbird cruiser

Gordon Ramsay on Triumph's Thunderbird cruiser

I grew up with a love of bikes, scrambling in the back garden and across the fields of Stratford-upon-Avon on an 80cc Suzuki that I shared with a friend. Funnily enough, the one rule my dad gave me before I left home was 'Don't get a motorbike' - so of course that was the first thing I did when I left home.

When I came back from my training in France I got a Yamaha FZR 1000 Genesis, then a Ducati 748, then a Honda Fireblade - a ridiculous death machine - followed by a Yamaha R1 and a Ducati 1098S. Now I've got a 200hp Ducati Desmosedici RR in the garage, which is definitely for the track only. By contrast, this Triumph Thunderbird is calm and collected.

Triumph has been the sleeping beauty of the bike industry. For years people were obsessed with speed, but recently they've started looking for a bit more sophistication and class. The Thunderbird 1600 is handmade in Leicestershire, so it appeals to my patriotism and sense of nostalgia. I saw the Thunderbird when it was in development, and even then I thought it was a work of art.

The stainless steel is brilliantly eye-catching: black and silver go so well together. I love the attention to detail - the guard on the back of the belt drive is extraordinarily well made. It's very curvaceous, very sexy. It's not the least bit flashy; it's classy. There's a big di fference. On the road, the first thing that hits you is how smooth it is - it's got a Rolls-Royce glide. It purrs.

To test any new bike out, I like to go down the A3, then west along the M27. We've got a house on the River Test in Romsey, Hampshire - a lovely little place right next to a pub. So Tana went down in the car with the kids and I went on the bike. It isn't the kind of bike you want to sit in city tra ffic with - it doesn't lend itself to that; it's too heavy - so from Romsey I took it on a nice A-road jaunt through the countryside, down to Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage.

Then I hooked up with my mum's partner Jimmy and my brother-in-law. We're a biking gang, like a mini Hell's Angels. We rode down to Devon and back up the A303 and we felt like 25-year-olds.

The bike's suspension is soft, but I was impressed with the cornering. Usually the raked front end on a cruiser is a problem when you're in a slow turn, so you have to wrestle with it - but not on this. Also, unlike most cruisers its two cylinders are parallel, not V-shaped. They give a great thump when you open up the throttle and loads of low-down torque. And yet it doesn't burn too much fuel. It's clearly designed for the roads in America, where Triumph sells a quarter of its bikes. But I have to admit, when I'm in America I ride a Harley.

The best biking road in the world is either the Pacific Coast Highway or the road from LA to Vegas. I like to ride fast, but you have to be careful. In California, the police will book you as soon as look at you.

Biking gives me a sense of freedom and escape. Everyone goes on about shooting, but what do I want to shoot a pheasant for?

I can't think of anything more boring. I want speed. I've done in excess of 195mph on a track. Never on a road. When I'm in my leathers and helmet, I feel completely free and in charge of my world. It's good for your mental state when everything else is pressure and demands. There's no phone, no BlackBerry, no food critic on the back seat. You're away.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1270091/My-new-F-Word-thats-fast--Gordon-Ramsay-tests-Triumph-motorbike.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0n2rdvel1

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First production motorbike sells for £86,200

2010-04-26T11:12:00.000+01:00

The first production motorbike has sold for more than £80,000 in Stafford.

The 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller was being sold by Bonhams auctioneers, at the Stafford County Showground. It was part of the Carole Nash International Classic Bike Show.

The final sale price of £86,200 was more than the estimate of between £40,000 and £60,000.

It was in the same auction as a Brough Superior, of the type ridden by Laurence of Arabia. That sold for £157,700 – it was estimated to go for between £110,000 and £130,000.

The Hildebrand and Wolfmüller was made by the Hildebrand brothers, Henry and Wilhelm, who developed the motorcycle in partnership with Alois Wolfmüller and his mechanic, Hans Geisenhof, in the late 1800’s.

Their design was powered by a twin-cylinder, water-cooled, four-stroke engine displacing 1,488cc, which until relatively recent times was the largest power unit ever fitted to a motorcycle. It only has a maximum power output 2.5bhp at 240rpm, but was capable of speeds approaching 30mph.

Bonhams auctioneers have over 500 lots for sale at the show, with bikes ranging from classics to modern day Ducatis and Hondas. The eventual total for the auction was £1,618,324.

Article from Staffs Live

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Pixie Lott showcases her new fashion collection astride a yellow motorbike

2010-04-22T14:44:00.000+01:00

Here's sexy Pixie, looking like she's got a Lott on her mind. And she has.

The Mama Do singer showcased her new fashion collection astride a yellow motorbike, wearing black bovver boots, knee-high socks and a gypsy-style headband.

The star, who is supporting Rihanna on tour, posed up to launch her own Lipsy collection which goes on sale next Wednesday.

We're told: "Pixie was really hands on with the designs so is really nervous about how the public will react. She's praying she's got another hit on her hands."

She probably has...

Article from the Mirror

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Iveco sponsors MotoGP motorbike racing championship

2010-04-15T16:34:00.000+01:00

Iveco has agreed a two-year deal with Dorna Sports, which runs the MotoGP motorbike racing championship, to be its official commercial vehicle supplier.

Under the deal, the truck manufacturer will supply 15 Stralis tractor units, as well as four EcoDaily vans to support the international race series.

Iveco is already the official sponsor of one of the MotoGP teams, Fiat Yamaha.

The Iveco vehicles will be responsible for transporting materials, equipment and personnel throughout the racing calendar, which runs from April, and journeys through 14 countries.

In recognition of the company's efforts, the Australian round of the championship is to be called the Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2010.

Iveco's involvement with MotoGP is part of its broader sports-based sponsorship initiative, which has linked Iveco to some of the most famous sporting teams in the world, including New Zealand's All Blacks and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team.

Article from transport engineer

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Honda Unveils Electric Motorbike

2010-04-13T15:54:00.000+01:00

With the EV-neo electric motorcycle, Honda, which sells the Insight and other gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, and the FCX Clarity hydrogen powered fuel-cell car, brings some of its latest green technology to motorbikes.

Associated Press

A woman rides Honda Motor Co.'s new electric scooter EV-neo at Honda's research facility in Wako, a Tokyo suburb, Japan, Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

Honda said it will begin leasing the bike in Japan in December, but has no plans to sell it at the moment.

"It is becoming important for companies to meet society's needs for CO2 reduction," said Toshiyuki Inuma, a general manager at Honda's motorcycle unit, at a test-drive event in Wako City, north of Tokyo.

Honda, Japan's second biggest car maker and the world's biggest motorcycle maker by volume, first leased electric motorcycles 16 years ago, albeit in small numbers, rolling out only 200 bikes over three years.

But in a sign of potentially deep demand in some emerging markets for such advanced electric motorbikes, Yamaha Motor Co., the world's second largest motorcycle maker, also plans to roll out its latest electric motorbike this summer.

Yamaha hasn't said whether it will sell or lease the bike.

Honda plans to lease its EV-neo scooter to businesses, such as pizza restaurant operators and others that run delivery services in Japan. It doesn't plan to lease it overseas. The leasing price hasn't been disclosed and Honda hasn't decided how many bikes it will lease.

The EV-neo uses a lithium-ion battery with double the power density of the nickel-cadmium battery used in the earlier electric motorbike.

The charging time for the new model is half the eight hours of the previous bike. Honda says rapid charging equipment gives the new battery an 80% charge in 20 minutes, and the bike can travel more than 30 kilometers on a single charge.

However, the company isn't certain if it can commercialize its electric motorbike operations on a large scale, Mr. Inuma said. Honda is still sizing up the potential market for such bikes, as demand will depend on costs.

To succeed with this product line Mr. Inuma said: "We have to differentiate our technology from others. Then, we'll see whether we can offer the price that customers would want."

One of the main challenges has been making the battery smaller and reducing the total vehicle cost.
The EV-neo's electric motor shares key parts with the Insight hybrid, and that cuts costs, said Koichiro Honda, an assistant chief engineer.

The company said it will use battery technology by major Japanese electronic equipment maker Toshiba Corp. Toshiba's lithium-ion batteries give nearly twice the power as those used in Honda's earlier electric bikes, so it was chosen over GS Yuasa Corp., with which Honda has a joint battery venture, said Mr. Honda, the engineer.

"One of the reasons is the durability," he said.

Article from the wall street journal

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Britten Electric Motorbike Concept

2010-04-12T09:20:00.001+01:00

Hub-less rims seem to be gaining popularity in concept designs nowadays, not that we’re complaining. Next up we’ve got the Britten V1000E that is designed by Selwyn Shadbolt, featuring a compact and light design. Power is drawn from a single large capacity electric engine. For some reason, we can’t seem to be able to find any handles on the design though. Strange.

Article from Ubergizmo

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Thrive Concept Motorbike Adds Green to Good Looks

2010-04-09T11:29:00.000+01:00

The concept is actually a hybrid, running off electric motors for small distances, and relying on gasoline when the batteries run out. It could run entirely off electricity for shorter commutes, like intra-city travel, making it go low on emissions.

The Thrive Motorbike concept from designer Michael Luzar adds a touch of green to performance motorcycles. There was once a time when clean, green motorcycles were impractical and ugly. Thankfully, the notion has long been sent to the gallows by the likes of Zero and Mission Motorcycles, and the Thrive Concept delves into the same idea of making green look good.

Thrive has been designed as a single seater, and its bodywork is mostly aluminum and carbon fiber to keep the weight low. Bodywork of the motorbike is cleverly arranged to hide its internal mechanism and batteries, and give it a sleek, clean look. The concept motorbike is proposed for 2015.

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Dannii Minogue - Sexy Motorbike Photoshoot

2010-04-08T12:44:00.000+01:00

Voted the most beautiful person by "WHO" magazine and she likes bikes!

Check out her photo shoot on a Aprillia RSV and a Yamaha Fazer

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Prince Harry splashes out on bespoke 166mph Ducati superbike.

2010-04-01T14:59:00.000+01:00

Speed-loving Prince Harry has just splashed out on a bespoke 166mph Ducati superbike to add to his growing collection.

The 25-year-old-royal, who inherited several million pounds from his late mother's estate last year, bought the 848cc model at a cost of around £11,500.

He then paid to have the bike re-sprayed black with a distinctive Italian-inspired stripe in red, white and green down the side.

The Ducati 848 is described by enthusiasts as a 'sexy, sexy bike' and can reach 0-60mph in little more than three seconds.

Third in line to the throne Harry already owns a couple of trail bikes which he driven since the age of eight on his father's country estate.

Eighteen months ago he bought himself an £8,000 Triumph to celebrate passing his test and taking part in a marathon 1,000 mile motorbike charity trek across South Africa with his brother.

William already has a £15,000 Ducati 1198, however, and hasn't been able to resist teasing his younger brother - telling him he wasn't eligible 'to play with the big boys yet'.

So after being given the chance to ride pillion on a Ducati during a secret visit to the MotoGP British Grand Prix at Donnington last summer, Harry made his mind up that he would get one at any cost.

Although the young prince's bike is still not quite as powerful as his brothers 185 mph model, Harry is cock-a-hoop at his prize new purchase.

Harry is a huge fan of motorbikes. During his tour of duty in Afghanistan, he even found an abandoned motorcyle and drove it past a Spartan armoured vehicle in the desert in the Helmand province.

A friend told the Mail: 'Harry loves his motorbikes and has absolutely no fear - which may, or may not, be a good thing! William has been winding him up for months so he was the first person he told about his new 'baby' and he heartily approves.

'Both William and Harry enjoy the anonymity that putting on their leathers and taking to the road gives them.
'No-one knows who they are and in the biking world people just treat them as one of the lads, which they love.'

THE DUCATI 848

The Ducati 848 is described as the lightest, fastest stopping, quickest lapping superbike in history.

Weight: 168kg (369lb)
Engine: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Horse power: 134hp
Top speed: 166 mph
Fuel consumption: 44mpg
Made: Bologna, Italy
Insurance: Up to £5,000 a year for a rider of Harry's age and occupation

Unfortunately Harry's father is slightly less enthusiastic about his youngest son's latest purchase.
Like any loving father, Prince Charles worries about his safety on such a powerful bike.

But Harry has reassured his 'papa' that he is a perfectly safe rider and pointed out that both he and William are followed at all times by a police officer on a similarly high-powered machines.

'The way Charles worries about his sons is rather sweet, really. His reaction when Harry told him was like that of any father whose child has just announced they have bought themselves a motorbike,' said a source.
'But he knows that his sons are old enough to make their own decisions about things like that and he would never dream of stopping them.

He just limits himself to asking them to be careful.'Italian-made Ducati bikes are considered the 'ultimate' high performance bike around today.

A spokesman for the firm said: 'We consider ourselves a very aspirational brand - the Ferrari of the motorbike world.'

Harry is currently training with the Army Air Corps to become a helicopter pilot and is due to find out within days whether he has been selected to fly their Apache or Lynx models.

Either way, he hopes to be able to return to the frontline in Afghanistan - and could see active service there in as little as 18 months time.

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UK man who invented James Bond-like flame throwing cycle arrested

2010-03-31T16:04:00.000+01:00

A plumber who tinkers with motorcycles in his spare time was arrested recently for one of his innovations he added onto his cycle.

Stamford, U.K. - It could be said that Colin Furze is a man who is always looking for that next "first," and he might have found that with his latest device - a flame thrower for his scooter. It would be safe to say that Furze has a thing for fire, having set a world record in 2007 for having the world's largest bonfire. But as much as he loves fire, it is motorbikes that really turn Colin Furze's crank.

The 30 year old loves bikes, whether motorized or not, and he loves to adapt his bikes to make them, well, a little more interesting. Because that's how Furze likes his motorcycles. The plumber and tinkerer was most recently known for having built the world's longest motorcycle. Furze found himself another spot in the record books after building the world's longest motorcycle, which can hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. He told press

"You can ride it like a normal motorbike but steering is a bit of a problem as it has just a small turning circle. I thought it would be a cool thing to do and I'm thrilled to be in the Book of Records."

He set that record in 2008. Before Christmas 2009, Furze fitted his scooter with a flame thrower capable of shooting flames for 15 feet, as seen in the video posted above.

The inventor left the working device on his scooter, and he showed it off to the press earlier last week, ensuring he received police attention. Furze was arrested after police saw him driving his enhanced motorbike last week near Stamford, England only days after the press published his story. Initially arrested, he was released without charges on unconditional bail while police investigate.

Police had arrested Furze the grounds of possession of an object converted into a fire arm. Furze had demonstrated his improvised bike for the press just days prior to his arrest. Before Furze took up breaking records, he was a bit of a prankster, with friends taping his stunts for You Tube.

One prank involved throwing a dummy off of store roofs, while another saw Furze and an unknown friend dressed up as an odd 'stupid' horse standing in strange places, such as an intersection on a roadway, or in a gas station shop. Most of Furze's stunts are benign.

Furze has a You Tube channel with over 13,000 subscribers, although his newest video is two years old. Furze's friends and fans have been writing messages on Furze's channel following his arrest. The Telegraph said Furze is a James Bond fan, and said the man had been warned by police that he could not ride his scooter on the roads.

A Wikipedia entry on Furze said he is a stuntman. Furze and his colleagues are working on bringing an extreme urban sports event to Stamford, England this summer. Stamford has existed as a town for 1,000 years. Known for being a market town, today Stamford is known for its architecture. Stamford has a population of 18,000 people.

Some Motorbike Wold Records.

2010-03-31T09:50:00.000+01:00

Longest Motorcycle

WHO:

Colin Furze

WHAT:

14.03 m (46 ft 3 in)

WHERE:

Stamford, United Kingdom

WHEN:

14 October 2008

The longest motorcycle is 14.03 m (46 ft 3 in) long and was created by Colin Furze (UK). It was presented and measured at Saltby Aerodrome, Leicestershire, UK, on 14 October 2008.

Tallest Rideable Motorcycle

WHO:

Gregory Dunham

WHAT:

3.429 m (11 ft 3 in) tall

WHERE:

California, USA

WHEN:

2005

Gregory Dunham (USA) has constructed a rideable motorcycle that is 3.429 m (11 ft 3 in) tall to the top of handlebars, 6.187 m (20 ft 4 in) long and weighs 2.948 tonnes (6,500 lb). It is powered by a 8.2 litre (502 cu in) V8 engine and has tyres that are 1.88 m (74 in) tall.

WHO:

Clint Ewing

WHAT:

60.96 m (200 ft)

WHERE:

Universal City, Los Angeles, USA

WHEN:

27 January 2008

The longest motorcycle ride through a tunnel of fire was successfully completed by Clint Ewing (USA) and measured 60.96 m (200 ft) long at Universal City, Los Angeles, USA on 27 January 2008.
The record was attempted for the NBC TV Special "Guinness World Records Live - The Top 100".

Blindfold Motorcycle Speed Record

WHO:

Billy Baxter

WHAT:

265.33 km/h (164.87 mph)

WHERE:

RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK

WHEN:

August 2, 2003

Billy Baxter (UK) reached a speed of 265.33 km/h (164.87 mph) while riding a 1,200cc Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle unsighted at RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK, on August 2, 2003.

Article from Guinness World Records

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Awesome Underwater Motorbikes

2010-03-30T11:37:00.000+01:00

Even though it was release in 1994 I have never seen one of these before! September, 1994 - former car worker Andrew Sneath unveils the world's first underwater motorbike.

Video from diagonal uk

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MOTORBIKE VS TORNADO AIRCRAFT

2010-03-29T12:44:00.000+01:00

Leon Haslam of the Airwaves Ducati British Super Bike Team races against a Tornado GR4 jet...

Video from grainmedia

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2010 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Preview

2010-03-26T09:16:00.000Z

1340cc - 1340cc, DOHC liquid-cooled engine with 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers provides 11% higher performance and smoother operation

Front ForksFront Forks - Fully adjustable inverted front fork featuring DLC coated inner tubes for minimal friction resistance and outstanding suspension performance over a variety of riding conditions

2010 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Instrument cluster features four analog meters for speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature with a S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator and adjustable engine rpm indicator

LED taillight utilizes a double lens structure with a clear inner lens and a red outer lens for maximum visibility and a high quality finish

Radial-mount front brake calipers for maximum braking performance and allows for smaller 310mm front brake rotors resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved handling

S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose from three different engine settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences

Suzuki SDTV fuel injection system with dual injectors per cylinder and ram air intake with large volume airbox

Vertically stacked twin headlights provide increased light intensity, improved light distribution and match the elegant flow of the new Hayabusa styling

Engine Features

1340cc, DOHC liquid-cooled engine with 16-valves, Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers provides 11% higher performance and smoother operation

High efficiency curved radiator now features dual electric fans controlled by the ECM for increased cooling capacity. Oil cooler now has 10 rows cores for increased heat dissipation

Ion plating treatment utilizing PVD (physical vapor deposit) method is applied to piston rings providing a smoother surface treatment for increased durability, reduced friction loss and reduced oil consumption

Large volume 4-2-1-2 exhaust system with a large capacity catalyzer, dual triangular canisters and closed loop system that meets Euro 3 and Tier 2 regulations

Lightweight aluminum alloy pistons feature a revised shape and a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1 for maximum performance in all conditions

Lightweight titanium intake and exhaust valves with narrow 14 degree valve angle for high combustion chamber efficiency

SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders minimize cylinder size and improve heat dissipation and new hydraulic cam chain tensioner for reduced mechanical noise

S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose from three different engine settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences

Shot-peened chrome-moly steel connecting rods for maximum durability

Slick shifting 6 speed transmission working in conjunction with an innovative back torque limiting clutch for smooth and controlled downshifts

Suzuki SDTV fuel injection system with dual injectors per cylinder and ram air intake with large volume airbox

Ventilation holes at the cylinder skirt for reduced pumping losses and increased performance

Chassis Features

2010 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Aggressive aerodynamic fairing design with low drag coefficient retains it’s signature Hayabusa look and features a muscular look to work with the amazingly powerful engine and cutting edge chassis

Bridged aluminum alloy swingarm features a cross-sectional shape for increased rigidity and to cope with improved rear tire grip and increased engine output

Fuel tank height is lowered to allow riders helmet to tuck in and windscreen height is increased for improved wind protection and optimum aerodynamic efficiency with the rider in place

Fully adjustable inverted front fork featuring DLC coated inner tubes for minimal friction resistance and outstanding suspension performance over a variety of riding conditions

Fully adjustable rear shock absorber with a 43mm piston and 14mm rod diameter Lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength

Instrument cluster features four analog meters for speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature with a S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator and adjustable engine rpm indicator

LED taillight utilizes a double lens structure with a clear inner lens and a red outer lens for maximum visibility and a high quality finish

Lightweight single piston rear brake caliper working in conjunction with a new larger 260mm rear brake disc

Passenger seat and rear subframe are lowered for improved passenger comfort

Radial-mount front brake calipers for maximum braking performance and allows for smaller 310mm front brake rotors resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved handling

Vertically stacked twin headlights provide increased light intensity, improved light distribution and match the elegant flow of the new Hayabusa styling

Wheels mounted with high performance Bridgestone BT-015 tires for unmatched handling and control.

Article from top speed

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Schwarzenegger rides again -- this time aboard an electric motorcycle

2010-03-25T17:07:00.000Z

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose affection for motorcycles played out at the box office in the Terminator movies and others, gave an electric motorcycle a whirl at a press conference yesterday.
Schwarzenegger sat astride the a new Zero Motorcycles electric cycle during a demonstration in San Francisco. He was promoting after approval of a new statewide rebate program that gives consumers $1,500 off the purchase of an electric cycle. With the federal tax credit, consumes can reap savings of $2,500. Even with the rebates, though, the street-ready motorcycle is still pricey:
They can cost upwards of $7,500.

"Zero electric motorcycles are very important technology and this is great for California because this is an ideal place to ride motorcycles," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I love the financial side of these motorcycles because they cost less then one cent per mile to operate and you get a 10% federal tax credit plus a California rebate of $1,500. That equates to a 25 percent price reduction making these electric motorcycles affordable for anybody."

"We are honored to be here and to have received the support of Governor Schwarzenegger. We are a California company creating California jobs and are extremely proud the Governor's office recognized us for our efforts," said Gene Banman, CEO, Zero Motorcycles.

Article from USA Today

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KTM’s All-New Electric Bike Unveiled

2010-03-25T11:59:00.000Z

It’s currently on display at the 2010 Tokyo Motorcycle Show – KTM’s all-new “Freeride”, the Austrian manufacturer’s first zero-emission motorcycle prototype. There are actually two “near-series prototypes” slated to be on display, an off-road version as well as what appears to be a supermoto version, likely aimed at being street-legal.

As for the official release of the Freeride, KTM says development is right on target, and plans to have them available in Europe as early as late spring of 2011. As far as whether or not the Freeride will make its way to the U.S... KTM says that has not yet been decided.
No MSRP has been announced, but the manufacturer plans to keep the price competitive with current enduro machines which they say is under 10,000 Euro. (At the current exchange rate, that roughly translates to $13,000.)
Read on to see what KTM has to say about its new release, which will no doubt stir a pot of controversy in the off-road market. Check out the specifications and get answers to some frequently asked questions on the Freeride.

Article from Cycle News

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Motorcycle madness in Tom Cruises latest movie

2010-03-24T16:39:00.000Z

Do stars who happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts have any say in bringing their two-wheeled passion to the big screen?
Case in point, controversial heartthrob, Tom Cruise is the latest leading man and biker appearing in the saddle and on the big screen in his latest movie, Knight and Day.

The motorcycle scenes were filmed in Boston Massachusetts where Tom rode what appeared to be a classic Kawasaki Police bike. In Knight and Day, scheduled for release in June 25th, Cruise plays a super spy who turns lonely Cameron Diaz’s life upside down after a blind date, taking her on a violent journey to protect a powerful battery that holds the key to an infinite energy source.

Wanting to share the publicity wealth, Cruise is also seen on a Ducati with Diaz sharing the saddle in the upcoming movie.

Cruise is no stranger to the motorcycle passion in either is personal or professional life.
An iconic scene in both is movie career and the 80's film genre featured Tom Cruise racing a Kawasaki Ninja 900 along a runway as a F-14 takes off. His other motorcycle movie appearances included Triumph's in Mission Impossible with the actor riding a simialr bike on the stage of Oprah's talk show to promote the movie.

In his personal life, the actor has been seen in a variety of saddles.

He is among the famous names that own a Confederate Motorcycle (a F131 Hellcat Combat model) and created a paparazzi stir when he arrived at the War of the Worlds premier in 2005 on a Honda Dune with wife Katie Holmes on the back.

Cruise caused a commotion when jumped to the top of the list for the first Ducati Desmosedici RR motorcycle, supposedly upsetting fellow celebrity biker Brad Pitt, with Denzel Washington and Michael Jordan being drawn into the never confirmed celebrity gossip. The 'Top Gun' actor even took his wife and Hollywood to the 2008 Red Bull US MotoGP World Championship in July of last year.

Recently, celebrity gossip threatened to overshadow the pre-release publicity for Knight and Day with a rumored, and never confirmed motorcycle spill by Cruise in downtown Hollywood. Reportedly, two eyewitnesses saw the Mission Impossible star slide into an SUV while he was riding his Ducati down La Cienega Boulevard. A slightly injured Cruise limped to a nearby restaurant to call paramedics who arrived thirty minutes later.

But according to Tom's publicist, Amanda Lundberg it never happened and the 47-year-old Cruise was not involved in any such incident.

"Totally false," she says of the report, which also claimed Cruise needed medical attention at a nearby hospital. "Not true at all."

Article from Clutch and Chrome

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Harley-Davidson and Custo Barcelona present their exclusive ‘Harley Custo’

2010-03-23T16:21:00.000Z

Very Mediterranean, fresh and colorful.
This is the impressive Harley-Davidson that integrates a surprising design and never before seen aesthetics in the motor world

The Harley Custo was born from a charitable proposal and will be auctioned off in the summer. The funds collected will be designated to the Fundación San Juan de Dios for its project in Sierra Leone

Barcelona, March 18, 2010. Harley-Davidson and the fashion designer, Custo Dalmau have joined their inspiration to create the exclusive Harley Custo. The result of this emotional experience is a unique Harley-Davidson collector’s item where Custo Dalmau reflects his creativity and the motorcycle builder and designer, two-time world customization champion, Ferry Clot, has modified, adapted and given shape to incorporate the designs and aesthetic brought by the creative.

The idea was born from a passion between the designer and Harley-Davidson which shares values such as freedom, independence and a deep vocation for designs with a non-conformist spirit. Custo Dalmau is a fan of the motor world and, in his beginnings as a designer, he travelled across the United States on motorcycle, a trip that was the source of inspiration of his first designs, as well as the start of diverse adventures on two wheels.

The fashion designer has found a new muse in Harley-Davidson, a reflection of his passion for two wheels. His creativity united with the talent and experience of Ferry Clot has produced this spectacular result: a surprising Harley Custo with a very Mediterranean and colorful aspect, inspired by the dragster sports motorcycles.

The Harley Custo, a transformed Night Rod Special by Harley-Davidson, has come from the encounter between Dalmau and Clot. Both creatives share a special pleasure for aesthetics that go beyond the conventional and, on this occasion, have fused their creativity in an altruistic way, creating a Harley that has never been seen before in the motor world.

Ferry Clot has modified, adapted and given form to the creative idea proposed by Custo Dalmau, compellingly influencing the bodywork, the parts of the motor, the chassis, the forks and the hubcaps. Absolutely each detail has been hand-painted.

In the words of Clot: “The originality of Custo Dalmau’s creative proposal has impressed me and created a challenge, because it obligates us to carry out a great transformation of the motorcycle from the structure to the look. It has been an extraordinarily exciting experience because Harley-Davidson has been very daring”.

Dramatic pictures as motorbike gang raid The Queen's jewellers ‎

2010-03-23T09:32:00.000Z

The walk on by raid: How a smash and grab motorbike gang can strike the Queen's silversmith in broad daylight - and no one turns a hair

It could have been a scene from a gangster movie, one shop worker said.
And passers-by who witnessed this robbery in London yesterday certainly treated it like one.
While self-preservation may have stopped them from intervening, they weren't too scared to stand there and enjoy the show.
One older gentleman was so unconcerned (or so oblivious) that he strolled right past the motorbike riding gang breaking into the branch of jewellers Mappin & Webb at 11.20am.

Crime show: Four robbers break into a central London jewellery store as another stands guard, while witnesses simply watch or stroll past

The store's staff were probably a little more concerned as the robbers, still wearing their helmets, smashed the window on Old Bond Street. Luckily, no one was hurt.

The gang grabbed tens of thousands of pounds worth of loot, and then roared away.
There were claims that police officers took 25 minutes to arrive on the scene, giving the robbers plenty of time. Witness Petra Remias, 25, who works in a shop opposite said: 'The men started banging on the window with a huge hammer - it made a horrible noise.
'It was like a gangster movie. People in the street started gathering around in a semi-circle to watch.
'The raid lasted between five and ten minutes, it wasn't quick.'

Broad daylight: A gang member smashes the glass and then leans in to snatch fistfuls of gems and watches worth at least £50,000 each

Brazen: A forensic officer gathers evidence at the site where the gang member smashed through the glass

Gemma Flitton, 29, works in the Ralph Lauren showroom above Mappin & Webb. She said: 'It felt like an earthquake.
'We could feel the sledgehammer blows as they vibrated through our floor.
'It was extraordinary because there were dozens of people watching and taking pictures. At least 60 people were on the pavement opposite.'
Mappin & Webb has proved a popular target for smash-and-grab gangs. The same branch on the junction with Piccadilly suffered a similar raid last year.
And the Regent Street store was raided three times in 2008. In one attack a Vauxhall Vectra was driven through the front doors.
In 2006, two teenagers were jailed after stealing £26,000 of goods from Mappin & Webb in Fenchurch Street A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Westminster CID are investigating. We have not been informed of any injuries.'
The spokesman rejected claims that it took officers 25 minutes to reach the scene, saying they attended within two minutes of receiving the call.
Forensic officers yesterday refused to say what was taken from the store and what it was worth.

A spokesman for Mappin & Webb declined to comment. The chain acts as silversmith to the Queen and Prince Charles.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: 'At 11.17 police were called by a member of the public reporting a robbery in progress at Mappin and Webb, Old Bond Street, officers were immediately despatched.
'A call was also received at 11.18 by a PCSO who was in the area and had begun pursuing the suspects on foot as they made off down Pall Mall.
'At 11.20 details of bikes were despatched over the radio and at 11.21 the officers in the response car were pursuing the suspects in the direction of Duke Street. Air support was also in attendance.
'Officers lost sight of the suspects in Wimbourne Street and returned to the scene at Mappin and Webb, arriving at 11.36. During this time a number of PCSOs had already attended the scene at Mappin and Webb.'

Article from The Daily Mail

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Honda 3R-C concept World Debut at Geneva International Motor Show 2010

2010-03-22T11:54:00.000Z

The revolutionary Honda 3R-C concept will make its world debut in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which makes its European debut at the show.

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.
The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.
The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.
The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.

Article from motorbike search engine

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Meet the new face of BBC MotoGP ‎

2010-03-18T14:59:00.000Z

After all the new bikes and liveries, plus line-up changes, the last question all fans have been asking themselves about the 2010 MotoGP season can finally be answered - who will be presenting the BBC's MotoGP coverage?

Suzi Perry, the face of MotoGP for more than a decade, decided in the close season to step down and concentrate on other work.

Now, her replacement can be revealed - Jennie Gow.

"It's a dream come true," she told BBC Sport.
"It's the most amazing opportunity for anyone who's into bikes, I can't wait to meet every rider and every person involved with it - there isn't a rider I'm not looking forward to meeting."

The 32-year-old has an extensive background in newspapers, radio and television, presenting motocross and speedway, and says she is thrilled at the prospect of getting involved with the world of elite-class motorbikes.

"I've always been interested in sport in general but my first foray into sports broadcasting was with bikes, so I'm biased towards them," she added.

There were some thrilling races and battles in the 2009 campaign before Valentino Rossi ran away with the world title and Jennie cannot wait for the new campaign to start.

"There were some amazing races last year and I think it will be even better in 2010 - there are some real grudges there, and with Ben Spies coming through, there's going to be loads going on."

The move into MotoGP is a big step for Jennie - but she says it is a challenge she cannot wait to take on. She will be working in the BBC team alongside experienced commentators Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish and reporter Matt Roberts.

"I call myself an honorary biker - I've got a lot to learn, and I'm very aware of that, but hopefully the biking community will welcome me," she stated.

"I come to it from the fans' point of view - Steve and Charlie are there as the pros, I'll bring you the fans' enthusiasm.

"The globetrotting will be a first for me - I've done bits of travelling for work before but nothing as major as this, so I'll certainly be buying some new luggage, something that will last more than one flight!"
After 13 years of covering motorbike racing for the BBC, Perry took the "agonising" decision to step away from the sport.

"I am still bike racing's number one fan but the time commitments have prevented me from doing other stuff," she told Motorcycle News.
"It feels like a part of something has died. That might sound a little dramatic but that's how I feel."
Jennie knows it will be a hard act to follow.

"Suzi has been amazing with bringing on bike coverage," she said.
"She knows it inside out as she's lived it for so long. It's a massive challenge for me and I hope I can do it justice. If enthusiasm counts for anything then I've certainly got lots of it - I hope I can do a decent job for the fans."

And despite stepping into the limelight, it is not something she is particularly keen to hog.
"My style is energetic and quite chatty but this sport is all about the riders and the stories, not me. I'm there to relay it to the people who can't be there, it's about getting that sense of excitement across to those watching."

Article from BBC

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How to Advertise a Bike....Put A Hot Blonde Model on it!

2010-03-17T16:08:00.000Z

How do you drive motorcycle journalists crazy? Run a feature photo shoot with WSBK race bike, a helicopter, and a hot blonde model. Its not that we don’t like these things, it’s just that we like answers more. BMW seems to have an endless supply of photos that keep us perpetually guessing what the production S1000RR will look like. Sure the carbon fairings and tasty race bits are nice and pleasing, but we want to see some OEM ABS plastic, horrible CAFE compliant exhaust pipes, and maybe a blinker here and there. Lately, it seems like only the race bike seems to be getting love from Mr. Nikon and Mr. Canon…and it keeps us up at night.

Make no mistake, by all measures the race-ready S1000RR is a technical powerhouse. It boasts very un-BMW-like features like an aluminum beam frame, an inline-four motor, traction control, telescopic forks, and the Double VANOS continuously variable exhaust and inlet valve timing. All these features add up to a final product that is a low weight (190kg wet), high power (190hp with a huge torque curve) beast that has a chassis suspension package to rival the best.
We will continue to wait and see if BMW ever gets around to actually making a street version (we know they have to at some point). Also, no word on whether you get a helicopter or blonde german girl with the purchase. We can hope though.

Article from Asphalt & Rubber

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Bikerbabe 2010 Competition

2010-03-17T11:02:00.000Z

The search is on for...

The Motorbike Show Biker Babe 2010..

The Motorbike Show Bikerbabe 2010 competition - After the great success of The Motorbike Show Biker Babe competion introduced in 2009, it's back for another year by popular demand.

Last Years Winner!

For More Information and Pictures Visit www.themotorbikeshow.co.uk

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