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Motorcycles
Rossi becomes the most successful motorcycle rider in history
By Jack Martin
22:11 September 14, 2008 PDT
September 15, 2008 Italian Valentino Rossi wrote himself into the history books yesterday when he took his 69th victory in the premier class of motorcycle racing and almost certainly won himself an eighth world title. His victory took him past the 68 MotoGP wins of countryman Giacomo Agostini (pictured with Rossi) and gives him a credible hold on the title of the greatest motorcycle road racer in history. Though he is already credited with being the youngest rider to have won championships in all three classes (MotoGP, 250 and 125), Rossi has effectively won in four, soon five classes as he conquered both the brutal 500cc two strokes and the smoother, more controllable four-stroke 1000cc machines which replaced them in 2002. He is now within a few points of also having won a championship on the new 800cc machines which suit the high cornering speeds of 250cc riders, as witnessed by the number of riders (Pedrosa, Stoner, Dovizioso, Elias, De Angelis etc) who became immediately competitive in the switch to the premier class – very few riders were able to make the switch to 500cc two-strokes and become immediately competitive. Rossi is also an accomplished Rally driver and briefly contemplated a career with Ferrari in F1. Congratulations to the Doctor and his mentor Jeremy Burgess. Read More
MotoGP stars launch the all-new 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 in Vegas
By Loz Blain
04:00 September 9, 2008 PDT
Yamaha's superstar MotoGP team, including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland, have assembled to throw their star power behind a completely reworked 2009 R1 launch in Vegas - but the magnificent machine barely needs any help to stand out on its own. One hundred and eighty two horsepower (before ram air kicks in) and 206 kilgorams dripping wet, for less than US$15,000 - aren't these magnificent times for motorcycle fans to live in? Read More
Honda's all-new 2009 CRF450R Motocrosser gets fuel injection
By Loz Blain
17:29 September 8, 2008 PDT
Honda's CRF450R motocross bike has been hugely successful since its launch in 2002 - and although the bike is already recognized as the class leader, it's receiving a kitchen-sink included upgrade for 2009. Lighter, quicker, more powerful and with even tighter mass centralization for quick handling, the 2009 CRF450R also sports a Honda first - battery-free, programmable fuel injection that raises output power and control while dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Out of the box, Honda says it's two seconds faster around a supercross track than this year's bike. Read More
First pics: Honda's 2009 Fireblade and CBR600RR launched with Combined ABS
By Loz Blain
01:21 September 8, 2008 PDT
After recently announcing the development of its new Combined ABS braking system for supersport bikes, Honda has released full details of the 2009 CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR, including the system as an option on both. There's also a Repsol paint job and styling update for the new Blade, as well as a more significant makeover for the 600RR that includes new bodywork, monoblock brake calipers, and a revised engine with added midrange torque. The Combined ABS system is set to become standard fitment on all Hondas 250cc and over sometime in the next few years. Read More
Limited Edition MotoGP-inspired Suzuki GSX-R1000
By Jack Martin
02:14 September 6, 2008 PDT
September 5, 2008 Suzuki has had a relatively lean run in MotoGP since the four-stroke era began but since the 800cc limit was introduced, the Suzuki GSV-R has been slowly pegging back the frontrunners and is reliably at the front of the front of the rest, after Messrs Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa and Lorenzo have decided the podium order. To celebrate this newfound competitiveness, the company has launched a Limited Edition MotoGP-inspired Suzuki GSX-R1000. Read More
US$90 motorcycle brake modification claims to stop slides before they happen
By Loz Blain
04:53 September 2, 2008 PDT
September 2, 2008 If there's one thing motorcyclists fear above all else, it's losing the front end under braking. And while the major manufacturers come up with various complicated electronic brake systems like Honda's Combined ABS to tackle the problem, these generally only start working once the wheel starts to lock up. A small aftermarket operation in the US, however, is applying air-over-hydraulics technology - similar to the units that help pull up huge cargo planes on short runways - in a simple and cheap brake mod that fits just about any bike and claims to prevent brake lock-ups before they even begin. Read More
Kawasaki preparing revolutionary new engine
By Mike Hanlon
10:56 August 28, 2008 PDT
August 28, 2008 Just when you figured that the incremental development of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle was all you’d ever see comes news that Kawasaki is about to release a bombshell on the motorcycling world with the release of a radically different engine. Spanish Motorcycle Magazine SoloMoto has details of the new motor revealed in an exclusive interview with a Kawasaki executive and plans to print the details in its September 16 issue. Most significantly, the preview interview, (here in Spanish), indicates that it will feature similar technologies to those employed in the KTM-owned Husaberg 450 we wrote about earlier this year. The radical Husaberg engine has been reconfigured to put the crankshaft near the motorcycle’s center-of-mass and results in a significant improvement in handling. Kawasaki’s patents predate the Husaberg design by several years and the technologies will be applied to motors with different numbers of cylinders and extending to KHI’s four-wheelers as well. Read More
Honda’s 100 mph 110cc PGM-FI prototype
By Mike Hanlon
23:47 August 6, 2008 PDT
August 8, 2008 Fuel injection arrived on two wheels with the release of Honda’s CX500 Turbo a quarter of a century ago, and Honda has been developing smarter and more intricate computer controlled fuel injection systems for its two wheelers ever since. These days its advanced PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) technology is fitted across the range from 50cc scooters through its MotoGP race machinery, offering broader and smoother power, better throttle response and vastly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. A prototype being quietly shown around Asia suggests that it might also lead to some lightning fast scooters in the near future. Read More
TomTom GPS navigator for bikers
09:25 August 6, 2008 PDT
August 6, 2008 Now in its second generation, TomTom's navigation solution for motorbikes features a ruggedized waterproof housing, a 3.5" touchscreen with large, "glove friendly" icons, a secure universal mounting system and comes bundled with a Cardo scala-rider® Bluetooth® headset for in-helmet spoken instructions and hands-free phone calls. Read More
The world's lightest four-stroke 250 single engine
By Mike Hanlon
10:19 August 5, 2008 PDT
Four stroke dirt bikes were once overweight and underpowered, but that’s changing fast. Specialist off-road motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna has disclosed details of a new 250 four-stroke engine it is testing that weighs just 22 kilograms. Though the motor may be small, there has been no significant saving in weight as the new bike, which is likely to be available in limited quantities by the end of the year, comes in at 92 kilos dry – the same as the Yamaha YZ250R and Suzuki RMZ250. Read More
The Toyotron Hunter Electric Motorcycle
By Mike Hanlon
22:22 July 30, 2008 PDT
REVISED July 31, 2008 Given the reluctance of the big four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to sacrifice their existing markets by introducing electric motorcycles, the window of opportunity for small and innovative manufacturers to work with the Chinese manufacturing powerhouse to create pollution-free motorcycles that run at negligible cost is wide open. A new electric-only motorcycle manufacturer hit the scene this month in Thailand, moving the country ahead of many first world countries in the quest for sustainable transport. It borrows quite a bit from what has been before, but it looks the goods. Read More
Triumph announces up-spec 675cc Street Triple 'R'
By Loz Blain
21:21 July 22, 2008 PDT
July 22, 2008 Triumph's 675cc Street Triple has decimated the middleweight naked roadbike class in the short time it's been out, embarrassing Honda's Hornet, Yamaha's FZ6 and Suzuki's GSR600 with its superb handling, exciting 110-horsepower 3-cyclinder engine and excellent ride comfort. It's frequently said to be more fun to ride than its big brother, the 1050cc Speed Triple, and is in such high demand that waiting lists for the 'Striple' run into several months all around the world. And now Triumph are releasing a higher-spec 'R' version using the suspension and brakes from the Daytona 675 which is causing a similar commotion in the Supersport class. Read More
Harley-Davidson acquires MV Agusta group
By Loz Blain
20:03 July 13, 2008 PDT
July 14, 2008 Harley-Davidson has swooped in with around 70 million Euros to rescue the MV Agusta group from its finicial difficulties. Although Harley and MV might look like strange bedfellows, both are premium, no-expenses-spared brands with huge cultural significance. H-D expect to reap strong financial rewards when MV releases uber-designer Massimo Tamburini's next masterpiece - the 675cc inline triple MV Agusta F3 supersports bike. Read More
Honda's outrageous DN-01 to launch August 1
By Loz Blain
23:34 July 9, 2008 PDT
From its sports-scooter meets future-cruiser styling to its dual-mode auto/sports-shift infinitely variable transmission, the 680cc DN-01 destroys Honda's conservative, staid reputation in a flurry of raised eyebrows and shaking heads. It couldn't possibly be a Honda - yet it is, and it's going on sale in the UK from August 1 to see if the market's ready for a truly progressive, niche-busting two-wheeler. Read More
BMW's two-wheel-drive, 800cc hill climb motorcycle
By Loz Blain
03:01 July 9, 2008 PDT
The all-wheel-drive revolution that has swept the off-road car racing world continues to gather strength in the vastly more conservative motorcycle market. Yamaha's 2-Trac and Christini's aftermarket AWD system are well established as proof that 2-wheel-drive is an effective and significant advantage to off-road motorcycle racers, and now BMW is using a two-wheel drive system in one of the toughest arenas of all - the European Hill Climb Championships, where despite star rider Christian Pfeiffer bowing out due to injury, a 2WD F800-powered hill climb bike took fourth place in its first competition outing. Read More
Holy Cow – the Batcycle becomes the Batpod
By Mike Hanlon
13:33 July 5, 2008 PDT
Comic book hero Batman has been with us for 70 years next year, becoming one of the most popular fictional characters of all time. Along the way, Batman became more technologically savvy, using wondrous gadgets such as the bat-car, bat-computer, bat-cave, bat-signal, bat-radar, bat-camera and bat-cycle to fight an array of adversaries such as the Joker, Catwoman, the Penguin, Two-Face, the Riddler, and Scarecrow. With the latest celluloid interpretation of the Batman character set for global release next week (The Dark Knight), we’re about to see another interpretation of the Bat-cycle – the Batpod. Read More
Yamaha developing CVT enduro bike
By Mike Hanlon
17:00 June 29, 2008 PDT
Yamaha is developing a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission) enduro machine according to recent patent applications. Conceived by Leonardo da Vinci 500 years ago, the CVT power delivery characteristics could well be a boon in slippery off-road conditions, particularly with some help from a computer. The CVT's biggest advantage is ensuring the motor is always running “in the power band” and as the infinitely variable gear ratios change, it should deliver one smooth rush of power from standstill to top speed. Read More
First images Maxtra 125 motor and tests
By Mike Hanlon
17:11 June 21, 2008 PDT
June 22, 2008 The Chinese Maxtra Racing team completed its first series of tests on the all-new 125 GP development machine in the UK this week. The photography session for the tests has revealed the first images of the radical new motor’s innovative engine architecture. You’ll see from the accompanying image that the single cylinder points downwards at about 45 degrees. This previously untried layout offers improvements to both intake and exhaust. There is more space for an airbox, enhancing the effectiveness of the ram-air intake system and the exhaust clearly has a free run to the rear of the machine.The remarkable full story of the team and its plans can be found here. Read More
Tankgrip makes a sports motorcycle two can ride
By Mike Hanlon
18:04 June 20, 2008 PDT
June 21, 2008 Riding a sports motorcycle with a pillion passenger is possibly a more challenging pastime than riding one properly without a pillion. The design of the bike is so racetrack orientated, that adequate provisions for a pillion are indeed, inconsequential other than meeting minimum regulatory standards. Any Yamaha R1, Suzuki Gixxer or Honda Fireblade perches the pillion six inches above the rider and 12 inches back. The pillions footpegs require the flexibility of a yoga master to use, and the pillion-handgrips invariably also require the arm-strength and balance of an Olympic gymnast for effective use. Under acceleration, the pillion feels vulnerable and under brakes, the rider takes the weight of the pillion. The main problem is that there’s just no logical place to put an effective, strong and comfortable set of pillion handgrips. Until now – enter the Tankgrip - this is a very good idea. Read More
Honda announces 'brake by wire' supersport motorcycle
By Loz Blain
23:11 June 10, 2008 PDT
June 11, 2008 Motorcycle 'driver aid' technology is becoming more and more prevalent; the 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R, for example, features a primitive traction/stability control system, and the latest Yamaha R1 and R6 engines feature 'fly by wire' throttles, in which an ECU interprets and moderates throttle inputs before they reach the engine. Anti-lock braking is beginning to feature on almost all touring-style motorcycles, and Honda's Combined Braking system, or CBS, is fitted to several of the company's less sports-focused models, where it distributes braking force between front and rear wheels even if only one brake lever is pressed. Honda's latest advancement in rider aid technology is to combine ABS and CBS into one electronically-managed system that prevents braking lock-ups and also manages weight transfer under heavy braking to help stop the rear wheel from lifting in an emergency stop. Read More
Can-Am Spyder Roadster review
21:25 June 5, 2008 PDT
It combines the open air exhilaration of two-wheeled transport with the stability of four, but it's not a motorbike and it's not a convertible sportscar. In fact, direct comparisons with anything else on the highway are largely useless because there's simply nothing out there like the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. More than a decade since BRP first began to explore the idea for totally a new breed of three-wheeled road going conveyance and four years since the styling was finalized, the world wide roll-out of the Spyder is now in full swing. Noel McKeegan climbs aboard for a closer look. Read More
Yamaha set to release world's quickest motorcycle
By Mike Hanlon
20:23 June 3, 2008 PDT
June 4, 2008 Yamaha will release what is expected to be the world's quickest accelerating production motorcycle at a press conference later today in Madrid. The production 2009 V-Max will come almost 25 years after the original and groundbreaking 1200cc monster custom was first seen, and is expected to be almost identical to the concept machine shown at the 2007 Paris and Tokyo Shows (pictured above). With an 1800cc fuel injected motor, the new V-Max will produce 210 bhp and feature state-of-the-art everything. The launch is due in Madrid later today and Yamaha is using the internet for a simultaneous unveiling here. If you can’t wait until then, here’s our photo gallery from last year’s Paris and Tokyo Shows. Read More
Bold new Chinese Racing bid unveiled
By Mike Hanlon
07:59 May 19, 2008 PDT
Could history be about to repeat itself? In 1959, a small Japanese team entered the famous Isle of Man TT races on a new make of motorcycle: Honda. The establishment greeted the newcomers with polite amusement. They did not laugh for long. Now a Chinese motorcycle maker has announced it will follow an identical path starting in 2009 – exactly a half century later, there’s an eerie similarity. Read More
Harley-Davidson Museum to open in July
00:29 May 16, 2008 PDT
May 16, 2008 The 130,000 square-foot Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee will open its doors to the public on Saturday July 12. Read More
Dreamfit: the motorcycle for paraplegics
By Loz Blain
03:50 May 15, 2008 PDT
May 15, 2008 A chance encounter with a paraplegic ex-motorcross champion in a hospital carpark inspired Darren Lomman to put together an audacious project: a motorcycle for paraplegic riders - and his working prototype, a heavily modified Honda CBR250RR, is now road licensed and operational. Read More
Alexis Olson
- November 9, 2009 @ 21:08 UTC
