Saturday, May 30, 2009

The amphibious motorcycle

The amphibious motorcycle


Those of you who have long been thinking at a new and interesting way to spend the summer might just be inspired by this picture. This guy removed his motorcycle’s engine and transmission so that it would lose most of the weight and added a pair of swimmers along with the massive tires just so that he would be able to spend the summer riding those waves.

We can only suppose that the thing is still capable to move on solid ground too in order to meet both requirements of an amphibious.


KTM 200 XC

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KTM sees a gap in between 125 cc and 250 cc two-stroke dirt bikes and that’s what the 200 XC is here to fill in with a successful combination between lightness and agility with serious get up and go. Adequate both for enduro riding and for track racing, the new model manages to represent the next step for those riding the 125s and the 250s simply because it blows away from the two thanks to the superior power-to-weight ratio.

What’s best about the 2009 KTM 200 XC is that the price is in accordance with the bike’s position in the Austrian lineup so we’re dealing with a quite possible best bang for the buck candidate.


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Oberdan Bezzi Design: Ducati 989 R Desmofighter

Oberdan Bezzi Design: Ducati 989 R Desmofighter


Italian designer Oberdan Bezzi has been busy stripping down the Desmosedici RR and turning it in what appears to be the sharpest looking and most powerful European naked motorcycle ever seen, even in form of concept – the Ducati 989 R Desmofighter.

Supposed to benefit of 200 horsepower while weighing only 160 kg, the Desmofighter might just establish new power-to-weight standards for the naked category if Ducati decides to produce it.


For girls only: young man detailing dirt bike

For girls only: young man detailing dirt bike


Because we know that posts such as this one tend to disturb motorcycle girls simply because they know that all bikes are meant to be ridden and not just used as reason for taking damn sexy pictures, we decided to dedicate this one to all of you female riders out there in an attempt to even up the scales. Hope you’re happy!

P.S. Guys, you should stick to following the link…it is well worth it.


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Chopper girl wearing tanga

Chopper girl wearing tanga


When traveling to motorcycle shows and exhibitions, I often like to ask chopper builders what inspires them in achieving the S-shape defined by the gas tank, seat and rear fender. In the majority of cases (when the wife isn’t around), the answer is that the source of inspiration is a woman’s body.

I believe that this picture reflects that very well.

P.S. Note that the woman is wearing tanga underwear just so that almost nothing would stand in between her and the bike. Looks like a perfect blend to me!


Suzuki SuperKatana 1000 by Oberdan Bezzi

Suzuki SuperKatana 1000 by Oberdan Bezzi


While the world expects the launch of a direct competitor for the Ducati Streetfighter, designer Oberdan Bezzi comes up with the naked version of the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000, which looks like the appropriate thing for the job.

Also, the Suzuki SuperKatana 1000 stands as Japan’s response to the BMW K 1300 R, a model which together with the Ducati Streetfighter managed to slightly worry Japanese builders.


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Harley-Davidson FLHTCUSE4 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Harley-Davidson FLHTCUSE4 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide


Traveling from coast to coast has never been easier than with the new Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Built for never-ending highways, this motorcycle offers the comfort, performance and style that daylong riding requires, while being highly reliable. It’s the ride that experienced bikers search for when planning the trip of a lifetime although, for the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide, this sounds like the warm up only.

Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic

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Nowadays, it is very hard towards impossible to come up with brand new, 100 per cent original cruising/touring motorcycle and no manufacturer knows that better than Harley-Davidson. So we’re guessing that engineers and designers came up to the simple conclusion that their new project didn’t necessarily had to be a motorcycle, but something that would take the best of the motorcycle world and add enough carrying capacity to keep a couple on the highways all year round…something like a trike.

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic is the latest addition to the Touring family and addresses to the kind of rider that would have bought the two-wheeled version and turn it into his own. So is it legitimate to suppose that owners themselves inspired Harley on this one?


Monday, May 25, 2009

2009 Harley-Davidson FLTRSE3 CVO Road Glide

2009 Harley-Davidson FLTRSE3 CVO Road Glide


We’ve never underestimated Harley CVO division’s power to deliver a radically upgraded Road Glide, but this is more that we can take. Everything on this bike is taken to a whole new level, unveiling a treatment more likely for supersports bikes to benefit of.

This is one great example of the American company’s ambition to sell production bikes that look and perform like having just rolled out from the custom shop.


Harley-Davidson FXSTSSE CVO Softail Springer

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A part of Harley’s 2009 CVO lineup is the already consecrated Softail Springer, an exclusive motorcycle that isn’t simply carried on as a new model year, but which gets a range of new features that aim towards emphasizing the original design, improving the riding position as well as upgrading the braking system, just to mention a few.

With the 2009 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer, it’s all about riding the best of the best. The style definitely sets this model apart from any other one, while the engine is the largest-displacement production unit currently manufactured by the American company.


Sunday, May 24, 2009

Ducati Desmosedici RR - third episode of the series

Ducati Desmosedici RR - third episode of the series


After the first and second episodes of the Desmosedici RR series, through which the Italian company Ducati gives a detailed lowdown on its most exclusive motorcycle by illustrating the conception and development of the Desmosedici RR project in the words of the key people behind it, providing a not-to-be-missed tribute to the most esoteric of the Bologna-made machines, it is now the turn of Paolo Neviani.

Technical director of RIBA Composites, company that is specialized in composite materials, his role is to explain and widely present the reason why carbon fiber is used to manufacture the Desmosedici RR tail.

See videos after the jump.


Video: BMW Garage Door Opener

Video: BMW Garage Door Opener


An English motorcycle rider has invented a high-tech garage door opener system and adapted it to open/close his garage door when simply tapping the horn within a two second period. The sound-activated unit seems to work highly effective, quietly and requires no maintenance whatsoever.

See the full demonstration video after the break!


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Kawasaki ZX-6R with TRAINING WHEELS!

Kawasaki ZX-6R with TRAINING WHEELS!


The internet abounds with motorcycle riding guides, motorcycle riding tips as well as with advices for choosing the best motorcycle to start riding on, but some riders simply work with what they have and develop their own, more or less efficient, techniques for gaining those much needed skills.

Today, it’s all about maneuvering the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R at slow speed around the parking lot. Although it doesn’t sound dangerous (actually, it isn’t), most riders end up tipping their bikes over in the process so an innovative mind was needed. Apparently, the owner of this Kawi came with the oldest idea of them all – bolting on a pair of training wheels, which actually look genuine so I’m not asking where those came off from.

By looking at the rear tire, I can only be amazed by the fact that someone is actually riding that thing as such.


Arai taking orders for Haga Monza limited edition helmet

Arai taking orders for Haga Monza limited edition helmet


Arai has started to take orders for the barely released Haga Monza replica RX-7 GP helmets. A number of 200 units of the Drudi Performance design helmets will be made and they’re sure few, considering that Noriyuki Haga worn this model during the fifth round of the 2009 Superbike World championship earlier this month. Haga came in second in the first race, but bad luck struck in the second race when the pilot hit a bird and crashed shortly after.

Exceeding both ECE 22.05 and the upcoming Snell M2010 standards, Arai’s RX-7 GP is one of the safest helmets out there and the shell is made of structural net composite (SNC).


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Oberdan Bezzi Design: Triumph Hurricat 1700

Oberdan Bezzi Design: Triumph Hurricat 1700


Triumph barely finished launching their brand new 2009 Thunderbird 1600 model and designer guru Oberdan Bezzi has already come up with its own interpretation of the refined English custom. Powered by a larger displacement engine (1700cc), being fitted with superbike suspensions and wheels, while also featuring new aggressive design lines, the Italian designer’s concept drifts away from the original design and closer to that of the Star VMAX, which reminds us once again that this last has no potent contender to fear of. Imagine the chances for this concept to be even considered for production.

German Motorcycle Tanks from World War II

German Motorcycle Tanks from World War II


Hitler’s contribution to the motorcycle industry throughout World War II is a pure showcase of the natzi leader’s idea of a “two-wheeled” vehicle. These were actually tanks with motorcycle-like riding position. Power came from an Opel Olympia four-cylinder motor developing 36 hp and being capable of moving the tanks with a top speed of 35 mph, so imagine the weight of these things. Created for mountain hunter corps, these war machines were capable of dealing with a 46-degree inclinement angle. So I guess that Hitler’s Honda VFR is out of the question?

Watch video after the break.


Monday, May 18, 2009

The first Fischer MRX American Sportbike arrives to customer

The first Fischer MRX American Sportbike arrives to customer


Fischer, the American sportbike manufacturer, has started to deliver their MRX model, one that is powered by SV650’s V-twin engine. Featuring an aluminum chassis as well as top notch components such as USD forks and an Öhlins shock, the bike has a dry weight of only 367 lbs.

This unique combination is just right for the new owner of MRX #1, John from Minneapolis: "The engineering is great, the seat is very comfortable, the exhaust sounds really good, and the MRX turns heads wherever I go,"

Sounds like a success and a very good deal to me, as the MSRP starts at $7,995!


Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom

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Bikers who like to simply lay back and enjoy the ride and sights ahead of them are offered a unique Softail model with a chopper profile straight from the FX custom era – the 2009 Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom. Also, meeting Harley’s most recent performance and reliability standards, this is a bike that combines nostalgia of the original American chopper design with the benefits of modern engineering.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

KTM offers Limited Champion’s Edition models to celebrate 160+ World Championship titles

KTM offers Limited Champion’s Edition models to celebrate 160+ World Championship titles


Having won more than 160 World Championship titles over the past 35 years, KTM feels the need to celebrate with the launch of a limited Champion’s Edition motorcycle series that involves the new 250 XC-FW, 450 XC-W, 450 EXC and 530 EXC models.

Standing out thanks to a fresh, new and racy look, the bikes are greater performers than their 2009 model year siblings and will start being available on June 1 at KTM dealerships across the country.

They don’t mention how many units of each model will be made so we can’t figure how “limited” the bikes are so there might just be enough for everyone.

Press release after the break.


Bimota DB7 naked concept

Bimota DB7 naked concept


Italian designer Oberdan Bezzi visualizes the Bimota DB7 as a veritable roadster so he puts his skills to work and creates what has to be one of the coolest stripped down sportbikes of all times.

This concept directs our thoughts towards urban riders with an exquisite taste for Italian bikes that are supposed to be both adequate for stunt and short distance travel machines.

We totally dig this concept and hope that Bimota does so too.


Thursday, May 14, 2009

Playboy bunnies and Harley-Davidson bikes go perfectly well together

Playboy bunnies and Harley-Davidson bikes go perfectly well together


This week, the European capital of fashion, Milan, was the shooting place of the 2009 Harley-Davidson & Playboy pics in the photo gallery. Actually, the two big names have teamed up for a contest addressed to all Italian motorcycle owners being at least 21 years of age. These will have to register at www. anightwith.it and so have the possibility both to win a ride with the Harley-Davidson VRSC and meet Italy’s playmates. June 29 is the big day for the lucky winner, who will also end up in the actual magazine, which isn’t necessarily an advantage.

We know how small the chances are that you actually read this last phrase due to the tempting photo gallery, but we’ll have to say that this is just a preview. Harley and Playboy are capable of much more and we want to see it happen.


Buell’s American Adventure Grant Contest: Submit trip essay and win 2009 XB12X Ulysses Grand Prize + the trip of your dreams

Buell’s American Adventure Grant Contest: Submit trip essay and win 2009 XB12X Ulysses Grand Prize + the trip of your dreams


Those who have long been planning that one special motorcycle trip might very well start writing a 250 word essay describing their idea of the ultimate on- or off-road riding adventure, route and destination as well as why they’re keen on accomplishing it and on what riding experience they’re relying in order to do so. Yes, you’re supposing well; Buell will select a winner and offer him/her a brand new Ulysses XB12X, parts and accessories and travel money so that the respective essay would become reality. Afterwards, the bike is for the winner to keep.

Conditions required indicate that submitters must be legal U.S. 50-state residents at the time of the entry, at least 18 years of age and poses a valid motorcycle license.

Take your time and plan everything well because submissions are accepted until June 23rd.

Press release after the break.


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train

Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Night Train


Harley-Davidson is supposed to offer the proper ride to anyone with a taste for freedom, not necessarily speed, and the 2009 FXSTB Softail Night Train is one of those special bikes that the American company builds for a specific rider crowd. Destined to young, rebel and fit (if we take in consideration the riding position) bikers, this might not be the ideal highway cruising motorcycle, but it will make a striking good impression down the boulevard.

KTM 150 SX

KTM 150 SX


2009 sees the introduction of the all-new KTM 150 SX, apparently a "new" two-stroke dirt bike, but in fact an upgraded and renamed 144 SX. Like its inspiration model, the 150 SX brings the best of the 125 cc and 250 cc worlds in an incomparable product characterized by extreme ease of handling and serious two-stroke power to work with. It stands as the choice of middle, an uncompromising one, for dirt riders who know exactly what they request from a bike.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Videos: Testing the Brammo TTR - it doesn’t get any better than this

Videos: Testing the Brammo TTR - it doesn’t get any better than this


Brammo has been recently testing their TTR prototype which will be raced at the 2009 all-electric Isle of Man TTXGP and took the opportunity to shoot two teasing videos which not only show that the bike can be fast and look aggressive (note that it doesn’t get the final touches yet), but sound unbelievable good too. We’re simply amazed by the two rather fast passes and the sound that they’re accompanied by!

See videos after the break.


The invisible motorcycle?

The invisible motorcycle?


If the owner of this naked motorcycle (most likely a Honda CB1300) plans to be undetected by police radars after completely foiling the thing, then I’m waiting to hear about the results. Until then, it looks ridiculous and useless even as a form of modern art.

Monday, May 11, 2009

BMW S 1000 RR

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BMW has made its all-new S 1000 RR superbike official at last! Going through the performance data – 193 horsepower at 13,000 RPM, 82.5 lb-ft of torque at 9,750 RPM, 455.3 lbs. wet weight – we can’t help being amazed by what the German engineers could deliver; not that we ever underestimated them, but this is the best power-to-weight ratio of all literbikes so far and this is just a promising debut.

The bike will feature ABS and an extremely advanced traction control system as standard equipment while an HP Gearshift Assistant stands for full-power clutchless upshifts so we’re expecting it to break one track record after another.

Easy to distinguish due to the asymmetrical headlights and uniquely shaped fairing, the Beemer will lead to the development of racing bikes that will be piloted by Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus during the 2010 WSBK Championship. Starting from a street legal bike is the main condition for racing so expect it to go on sale in U.S at the beginning of 2010.

Press release after the break.


Harley-Davidson FXCW Rocker/Rocker C

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In the past few years we’ve witnessed Harley-Davidson taking on roads they’ve never rolled on before and last year’s launch of the all-new Rockers was a clear indicator that we’ll be seeing more of Harley’s innovative side. We certainly did with the introduction of the all-new Iron and V-Rod Muscle, but the two very similar Softail models stand out once again, now as 2009 model years, and we’re not looking the other way.

Meanwhile, this bike also got a very capable and threatening opponent so the manufacturer custom bike market is in full growth and dispute.


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Buell 1125R hits 148.7 mph on ice

Buell 1125R hits 148.7 mph on ice


Buell’s 1125R sportbike was acquainted for being fast, but not the fastest one out there. Meanwhile, things have changed as the 1125’s Rotax-built Helicon V-twin engine powered the bike to a precise speed of 148.7 mph. Ok, but that’s no record-breaking speed you might say and I couldn’t agree more. All that needs to be mentioned is that the respective speed was achieved on ice, which changes the situation completely.

Stunt rider Craig Jones got behind the handlebar of an 1125R equipped with studded tires and a shot of nitrous for the attempt that took place on Lake Dellen in Sweden. The lake ices only for a short period in mid winter but when it does it allows for these kinds of activities to take place on its surface. I just cannot see why other manufacturers don’t come up with such fairly unusual achievements.

See video after the jump.


Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones

Harley-Davidson Softail Cross Bones


In what concerns the Softail lineup, Harley-Davidson has an ace up its sleeve and it is called the Cross Bones. Part of the “Dark Custom” line, this model first stands out visually and brings impressive performance down the scene as soon as the reliable, massive and yet extremly refined V-twin motor is started. The bike envokes the old-school style although being still a relatively new addition to the American maker’s family, a model that shares no apparent feature with it’s siblings, but there’s got to be something.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

2009 MotoGP Race Report: Valentino Rossi wins at Jerez

2009 MotoGP Race Report: Valentino Rossi wins at Jerez


World champion Valentino Rossi won yesterday’s Jerez race in front of a 120.000 person crowd, counting his first win of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship season, the Spanish Grand Prix.

KTM 250 SX

KTM 250 SX


Some might say that two-stroke dirt bikes are dead and buried, but KTM says “Not Yet!” to that and offers a great model to back up their affirmation – the 2009 KTM 250 SX. This bike is keen on providing the demanding two-stroke crowd with loads of torque, defining a unique powerband as well as sound and smell, all contributing to the unmistakable riding experience.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy

Harley-Davidson Softail Fat Boy


Each and every one of the Harley-Davidson families has an iconic model that simply can’t be missed in the crowd. The Fat Boy is that specific model for the Softail family due to the multitude of distinctive features completing the already unique American style. Can’t get enough of it? It’s all about the pure pleasure of admiring your ride long after you’ve stopped the engine so we’re talking about a rolling work of art right here.

KTM 450 SX-F

KTM 450 SX-F


KTM worked their magic on the biggest 2009 SX-F model, the MX1-destined 450 and, like on all other racing bikes, it all stands in the details. The retuned engine is claimed to provide a healthier rush across the powerband while chassis and controls updates are aimed at improving handling as the rider is supposed to feel more at home on the new model than on the previous one.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Ducati Hypermotard as Mototerminators

Ducati Hypermotard as Mototerminators


We’ve long been craving to find which specific motorcycle could have possibly met the demands necessary to shoot the kind of action footage used for Terminator Salvation and not in a thousand years would the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 have emerged from our apocalyptic images-intoxicated brains. Yet, the answer was always there only that we couldn’t pass over the Ducati’s impeccable finishing and spot the very essence of the bike.

See video after the jump.


2009 Yamaha R1 MotoGP-replica limited to France

2009 Yamaha R1 MotoGP-replica limited to France


Because no Yamaha R1 fan is stranger to MotoGP, Yamaha Motor France offers, with the occasion of the Grand Prix of France (15-17 May), four limited edition replicas of the bikes raced by Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

Featuring nothing special apart from the racing paintjobs and a corresponsive free replica helmet, the bikes come with a price of 19,990 euros which translates into US$26,600.


Sunday, May 3, 2009

KTM 450/530 EXC

KTM 450/530 EXC


KTM’s unmistakably diversified off-road competition lineup brings the 450 EXC and 530 EXC motorcycles in our attention for being both track and trail machines and for offering the possibility to be taken on the roads too. They’ll never perform like dual-sports bikes and, most likely, they’ll go in the back of trucks if there are even 15-20 miles in between riding spots, but once there it will be nothing to stop these blasts.

The Austrian manufacturer simply had to profit of the light and nimble chassis and address to more than one category of riders with it and so two different and strikingly similar models ended up being produced. Displacement is really the only difference though.


Quantya vs Zero - First Ever Public Race

Quantya vs Zero - First Ever Public Race


Today, May 1st, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Europe’s Quantya Track all-electric dirt bike faces the Zero X, America’s top electric motorcycle in a showdown as never before. During the half time show of the AMA/Maxxis MiniMoto Supercross race, five bikes from each manufacturer will go head to head in quiet dirt-spreading action towards the finish line.

30 pounds lighter and 69 per cent more powerful, the Zero X starts as a favorite, but the Track is sure to give it a hard time which is precisely what the crowd has gathered for.

Press release after the jump.