Showing posts with label from. Show all posts
Showing posts with label from. Show all posts
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Audi SC 1 Design from Audi Ducati
After the official Audi and Ducati together with shares purchased ducati, now the two largest companies that have reverberated to create a premium scooter, which will rival the BMW C600 Sport, and Yamaha Tmax 530. According to information reported by Motorcyclenews, get news from a designer Oberdan Bezzi, who had leaked the look of premium Audi Ducati scooter. The design of this scooter is the result of cooperation between Oberdan Bezzi with Ducati.
Judging from the pictures that have been leaked, the overall scooter premium Audi has a great body and fiber were estimated using the body as well as elegantly designed with Audi logo pinned under the steering wheel.
News for the scooters name is Audi SC-1, which will be pinned with a capacity of 700cc with twin-cylinder engine. Of course I was waiting for further developments of this scooter.
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Judging from the pictures that have been leaked, the overall scooter premium Audi has a great body and fiber were estimated using the body as well as elegantly designed with Audi logo pinned under the steering wheel.
News for the scooters name is Audi SC-1, which will be pinned with a capacity of 700cc with twin-cylinder engine. Of course I was waiting for further developments of this scooter.
ELR GPz550 Kwackers from Hell
The KAWASAKI KZ1000R was in production from 1982-1983. This 998 cc, air cooled DOHC engine was a in-line four with claimed power output of 79hp @ 8,500rpm and had a top whack of 128mph. Its heavy at 247kg (543.5lb). MPG: 36.6 mpg (period test)
Interestingly all the bikes of this series had a single colour, of course the KAWASAKI Green. And that was it. This particular green was so synonymous with Kawasaki, that the colour came to be known as Kawasaki Green, just like Ducati red. And it made Kawasaki a Kawasaki. But then you just couldnt get one back then and still now. Why? Because it was a limited edition bike, around 750 were made. Price was around $4400 back then and now it has just doubled up and thats quoting the minimum, a well kept KZ 1000R will fetch you around $12,000. And the thingy is that it was named after one certain Mr. Eddie Lawson, the four-time winner of the 500cc World Championship during the 1980s, the 1981-1982 AMA Superbike champion and the 1984 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year. Mr. Lawson made a superb comeback in 1993 when he won the Daytona 200 for the second time after retiring from full-time racing in 1990. he had 31 wins and 78 podium finishes racing in the 500cc circuit and was inducted in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. With Kawasaki Superbike , he won the AMA Superbike Series in 1981 and 1982 and the AMA 250cc road racing National Championship in 1980 and 1981.
Interestingly all the bikes of this series had a single colour, of course the KAWASAKI Green. And that was it. This particular green was so synonymous with Kawasaki, that the colour came to be known as Kawasaki Green, just like Ducati red. And it made Kawasaki a Kawasaki. But then you just couldnt get one back then and still now. Why? Because it was a limited edition bike, around 750 were made. Price was around $4400 back then and now it has just doubled up and thats quoting the minimum, a well kept KZ 1000R will fetch you around $12,000. And the thingy is that it was named after one certain Mr. Eddie Lawson, the four-time winner of the 500cc World Championship during the 1980s, the 1981-1982 AMA Superbike champion and the 1984 AMA Pro Athlete of the Year. Mr. Lawson made a superb comeback in 1993 when he won the Daytona 200 for the second time after retiring from full-time racing in 1990. he had 31 wins and 78 podium finishes racing in the 500cc circuit and was inducted in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. With Kawasaki Superbike , he won the AMA Superbike Series in 1981 and 1982 and the AMA 250cc road racing National Championship in 1980 and 1981.
The KZ 1000R was name ELR standing for Eddie Lawson Replica and the bright green colour was a tribute to Lawson’s bright green 1981-1982 Superbike. Of course, you wont be surprised that the ELR was based upon the legendary Z1, a post I made some time back. In 1977 the 908cc went up to 1015cc and after introducing the six-cylinder, 120hp Z1300, Kawasaki in 1981 stepped the 1015cc down by little to 998cc for the KZ1000J, a bike targetted at the European market focussing on sporty street performance. this was a improved Z1 with better emission norms, lesser vibrations, re-worked handling with better suspensions and a lighter engine.
The KZ1000J was the basis of the KZ1000R. With a boxy but very sweet bikini fairing and a black treatment to the engine and handlebars, it inspired track-styling. A Kerker four-into-one exhaust , a small oil cooler, Dunlop K300 series tires and Showa shocks designed to look like the shocks on Lawson’s Superbike racer and brilliant Dunlop K300 tyres, it was a very sporty. The engine was of course carry forwarded from the J series and the difference was the finishing treatment. The main change was in steering geometry and riding position. The rake angle was extended to 29 degrees from the J-models 27.5-degree spec, with an accompanying increase in trail from 3.89 to 4.50 inches. The seat height was dropped by half an inch, and the footpegs were set four inches farther back and an inch higher.
Kawasaki also built 30 real racers, named S1 which were given to some choosen racers. Although this was a limited rin, Kawasaki later revived the spirit of this brilliant machine by releasing a replica called the ZRX 1100. Come to think about it, the ZRX 1100 was actually a replica of a replica, isnt it? Well, it was further increased to 1200 cc and in 2005, the ZRX 1200R returned in the candy version of the original Eddie Lawson Replica - Lime Green!
Kawasaki also built 30 real racers, named S1 which were given to some choosen racers. Although this was a limited rin, Kawasaki later revived the spirit of this brilliant machine by releasing a replica called the ZRX 1100. Come to think about it, the ZRX 1100 was actually a replica of a replica, isnt it? Well, it was further increased to 1200 cc and in 2005, the ZRX 1200R returned in the candy version of the original Eddie Lawson Replica - Lime Green!
The KAWASAKI GPz550 was launched in 1981. It was also a 4S, in-line four DOHC engine belting out 57 bhp @ 9500rpm. Transmission was via a 6 speed gear box. Okay now lets get down to business. The GPz550 was a stunner. Period. In terms of performance. It would blow off even hardcore Kwackers by its sheer speed. And to go with the firecracker, it was painted in red. It was stylish with the black mufflers and the term pocket rocket was actually coined for this bike. It was later also known as the godfather of the crotch rocket.
All of Kawasaki bikes, well most of them had the K or Z series like KZ1000 or Z1100, now when Kawasaki wanted to add something more to a bike (read added performance), it had to have a different moniker, so what better than the 2 alphabets "GP"! So, you see, this GPz550 was an upgrade of the street hooligan KZ550, with a hot-rod version of the old machine’s four-cylinder engine, an air-charged fork, adjustable shocks and a bikini fairing.
The new engine generated a claimed 57bhp at 9,500rpm, 4bhp more than the KZ’s power plant, and did a quarter-mile time of 12.65 seconds — a world record in 550cc street bikes.
Just like the RD350 (which was but a 2S), the GPz 550 had a similar attitude when it was compared with bigger bikes. It blew away the 750s!
But more of all, it was an allrounder. It could do twists and straights with equal aplomb. It was not a guzzler, the ergonomics were suited for every style of riding and even the pillion was comfortable. It set the middleweight class alight when it came out in 1982. Obviously the GPZ600R has largely replaced it, but the 550 still has plenty of fans who prefer its handling, lines and air-cooled integrity.
The GPz later evolved to become the Z550A1. While the basic engine configuration remained the same, a seven-spoke cast wheels and a slab-sided tank was put to improve performance and give more confidence to the rider. Later the 7-spoke were changed to 5-spoke and the final model in 1984 had a LCD unit set in the petrol tank, the three-spoke wheels and a frame-mounted fairing. Suspension was made easier to adjust and anti-dive went on the forks.
But more of all, it was an allrounder. It could do twists and straights with equal aplomb. It was not a guzzler, the ergonomics were suited for every style of riding and even the pillion was comfortable. It set the middleweight class alight when it came out in 1982. Obviously the GPZ600R has largely replaced it, but the 550 still has plenty of fans who prefer its handling, lines and air-cooled integrity.
The GPz later evolved to become the Z550A1. While the basic engine configuration remained the same, a seven-spoke cast wheels and a slab-sided tank was put to improve performance and give more confidence to the rider. Later the 7-spoke were changed to 5-spoke and the final model in 1984 had a LCD unit set in the petrol tank, the three-spoke wheels and a frame-mounted fairing. Suspension was made easier to adjust and anti-dive went on the forks.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Mail from a DUCATI Mono owner
How often do you really jump when your mailbox says "You Got Mail"? Surely, not very often, right? Since I started blogging, I too started recieving mails and a few mails made me jump that came from special individuals, like the owner of Crocker Motorcycles and the owner of Falcon Motorcycles. Then I receive some mails with very nicely done custom bikes. Very recently, I got an email from a gentleman who has a prototype/ concept bike/ limited edition.... (I hope you get the picture) ... bike with him which he rides. And just guess, which bike can it be?
Just let me put across the mail I received...
Hello,
I read your "blog" on the Ducati Supermono. Im the guy who wrote the Wikipedia article on the Supermono. I own a Ducati Supermono.
If you would like some more photos for your article, Id be happy to help. You actually have one of my bike on your website already. If you would like more photos, let me know.
Best Regards,
Jon
Saturday, May 4, 2013
In the News New bikes from MV and Guzzi
The brand who was almost rulling all the racing circuits some 40 50 years ago, now just seems like a spent force. Of course I am talking about Moto Guzzi. Guzzi still have some very very good looking bikes, all capable of matching their competitors and being Italian is used to high quality besides being looking good. But Guzzi has a rich heritage of racing accolades and it seems to aim at winning a few accolades back. During the last EICMA in Milan, it showcased the V7 Classic and Cafe Racer, very plain looking bikes, very similar to the model of 70s yet very Moto Guzzi, meaning good looking. Well, along with that, they talked about a Clubman Racer V7, a 750cc bike in all Moto Guzzi originality, raw and so very chick. This is a real beauty and in all probability is going to be launched this October. The small bar-end mirrors, instrumentation without racing tachometer, the race number boards and heat wrapped exhaust all looks so delicious. What is not probably a good thing is that the engine will be the same from the V7 which is not really a performance machine although it will have a slight benefit due to the Arrow exhaust system. The V7 based machine will cost around $1500 more than a standard machine as result of some of the modifications and it is siad that the model is being launched due to public demand. Although Guzzi is definitely looking at the racing circuits as of now, the market picture sure does look more rosy with the Clubman.
Source: Motoblog Italy
It is a good thing that Claudio Castiglioni has bought back MV Agusta from Harley Davidson. I never understood why MV was bought by HD on the first place since the MV marque is not really into the HD image plus HD was anyway having trouble in selling the Buell bikes. Whatever be the business reason behind it, but these two brands have so strong brand images that they just doesnt gel in the public view. S that noe MV is back to CC, they have let the cat out of the bag by the soon-to-be-launched F3. Claudio Castiglioni has announced his plans for revitalizing the MV marque. HD did good in the short period by launching the new Brutale and F4, but now CC is goping to invest around 40 million USD after aquiring all the rights back to the Castiglioni family. According to sources, MV is planning to launch around 10,000 units annually and the biggest piece of news here is the price. MV Agusta: If sources are to be beleived, the F3 has a list price of 9,000 Euro (11,600 USD). That is a stael for any bike with the MV Agusta sticker.
So what kind of a bike can you expect from the most revered brand in current motorcycling scenario? The F3 ibikw will have a new three-cylinder 675 cc motor that will revolutionize the market, as well as our company according to CC. CThere is also a Sport version lined up which will cost around 2000 Euro more and it seems to be in the direct segment currently hold forth by Triumphs sporting bikes. This seems to be a very good strategy since this will make the MV more affordable maintaining the same high class which MV is famous for and which means it is certainly looking for more in number of unit sales. What now you can expect is an entry level bike from MV with smashing goods looks a bit more common on the streets. But critics are also suspecting this will diminish the exclusivity value associated with MV. But then again, with the shadow of economic crisis always looming large now-a-days, MV had to take this step.
Source: Motos Blog France
So what kind of a bike can you expect from the most revered brand in current motorcycling scenario? The F3 ibikw will have a new three-cylinder 675 cc motor that will revolutionize the market, as well as our company according to CC. CThere is also a Sport version lined up which will cost around 2000 Euro more and it seems to be in the direct segment currently hold forth by Triumphs sporting bikes. This seems to be a very good strategy since this will make the MV more affordable maintaining the same high class which MV is famous for and which means it is certainly looking for more in number of unit sales. What now you can expect is an entry level bike from MV with smashing goods looks a bit more common on the streets. But critics are also suspecting this will diminish the exclusivity value associated with MV. But then again, with the shadow of economic crisis always looming large now-a-days, MV had to take this step.
Source: Motos Blog France
Friday, May 3, 2013
The Cafe Racer from HD The SUPERMANX
Whos the man here? Mike.... Mike Cook. Well, his project didnt actually projected as it should have, but none the less, his creation finds favour in every cafe racers fan book. Imagine a Harley, aahhh!!! Imagine a Cafe Racer, aahhh!!! Now imagine the fusion! What! Yes, you read it right! But how? How? Ask Mike Cook.
What you see in this post are the pictures of the $39900 SUPERMANX, a Cafe Racer with a Harley heart.
And what a heart, the Supermanx used the massive 1850cc double camshaft engine hardly able to contain within the chassis designed for a Cafe Racer and if this project would have survived, it would have been Americas first Cafe Racer to be Made in America. But again, not by an American. The world is shifting. Nortons and Vincents are now having their production facilities in the U.S, where as the man who gave the Supermanx is actually British. So, the heritage of cafe Racers are very well etched.
American Cafe Racers is the creation of Mike Cook, who CV includes working with the likes of Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, Cosworth Racing in the U.K. and Jesse James’ West Coast Choppers and has been involved in IMSA racing, CART racing and others. He probably got inspired by the Norton Customs of Colorado and started his own Supermanx project and formed American Cafe Racers in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Supermanx as the name suggests, is inspired by the old Norton Manx but it was never going to be a easy job to fir the huge 1850cc V-Twin engine in a Manx frame and so the entire suspensionand frame needed reworking.
The Supermanx as the name suggests, is inspired by the old Norton Manx but it was never going to be a easy job to fir the huge 1850cc V-Twin engine in a Manx frame and so the entire suspensionand frame needed reworking.
The price of $39, 000, the non-traditional V-Twin in place of the traditional in-line, the final belt drive in place of the traditional chain drive and the gold colours and not finding favours among the cult cafe racer lovers. But then it does stand for something new and hope it finds its own fan following among the new generation. Such a awesome job and not clicking just doesnt make sense.
Mike Cook, the man..... Source - Cafe Race Nicknamed The Left Coast Limey because of his British heritage, Mike Cook is busy working his way to the top of the custom motorcycle industry. Like the bike he has created, Mike is a combination Anglo-American. Born in England in 1963 Mike enjoyed an upbringing in a country with a rich history of motorcycling and motorsports. His father constructed his own racing cars and the family spent many weekends on trips to all the race circuits around the country. Mike started building and modifying Karts and Motorcycles at an early age and quickly developed a reputation among his peers as the top “wrench” in the area, even though he wasnt old enough to get his license. By 15 he was the mechanic for the British National Karting Champion. In 1980 the Cooks moved to Kansas City in the United States. Mike adapted to his new life by building the potent Yamaha TZ750 engines for a local racer and continued building and modifying his own bikes. The home garage housed a constantly changing lineup of machines needing his attention but Mike seemed to have a particular interest in the bikes he remembered seeing in England. He continued his work in the local speed shops and honed his skills building engines, welding,designing and making custom parts. He restored several vintage racing cars for area enthusiasts and supported them at race meetings around the country.
To read more, click here
For a Test Ride, read the article in Cafe Racers Return
Original Source - Supermanx at Netart
Detailed Specifications of the Supermanx, source - Biker Net
Frame - Twin duplex cradle, 1.25 d.o.m. steel TIG welded
Front & Rear Suspension - WP inverted fork. Adj. comp/rebound. Polished black anodized finish & Monoshock swingarm, 2.5” tapered roller bearings, chromoly pivot tube.
Front & Rear Wheels - 19 x 3 alloy rim. Stainless spokes. 120/70/ZR19 AVON & 18 x 5.5 alloy rim. Stainless spokes. 200/55/ZR18 AVON
Engine - H-D twin cam 88B series engine used as the base, with vibration reducing counterbalancer.Displacements available up to 124 cu in. Fuel Tank - Hand formed aluminum. Capacity 6.5 gallons
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