Author: Devon Brozek

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Racing

When the first brave competitors sought glory on the Isle of Man in 1907, winning brands went by names like Matchless, Peugeot and Norton. Over one hundred years later, Austrian manufacturer KTM will take a chance to add its name to that prestigious list.

Known around the world as one of the most challenging venues on two wheels, the Isle of Man TT (tourist trophy) race is not only rich in history and heritage but also entertainment value. The 37-mile mountain course with its many real-world obstacles is not only extremely difficult but has also proved to exact high levels of concentration if competitors wish not to sacrifice man and machine to the tarmac. With straightaway speeds approaching 200 miles per hour, followed by bike launching bumps, berms and a collection of what we would call the most intimidating cobblestone walls on the planet, the Isle of Man is not for the faint of heart.

UK-based and KTM-backed Redline Motorcycles will take the flagship RC8R and pilot James Edmeades across the drink this June, marking the first time a KTM has skirted the island for competition in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT Races. The company hopes this orange streak will extend off the rock and legitimize the RC8’s place in competitive road racing events… as well as the hearts of fans the world over. At the very least, KTM and Redline know it will be an historic occasion as they tread in the tire marks of a century’s worth of dedicated enthusiasts… naturally, they just want to do their treading from the top of the leader board.

[Source: BBC]

Isle of Man Austrian style: KTM joins the TT for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Racing

It’s only been a few months since Harley-Davidson officially announced the demise of Buell, but the gang at Erik Buell Racing weren’t comfortable hanging up their leathers just yet. In fact, the newly-released 1190RR may be the first time we get to see the team really show off without any higher-ups to please.

Reading the specs, it clear that you won’t run into this Buell at a Riders Edge event. A new version of the Rotax-built V-twin will displace 1190cc and spit out 185 rear-wheel horsepower. EBR claims that through use of high-quality chassis components and good diet and exercise, they were able to reach a fighting weight of 360 pounds (before the 4.6 U.S. gallons of fuel are added to the frame).

The trick race-bred features keep coming, like a full titanium exhaust and valvetrain, multi-plate slipper clutch and straight-cut gear six-speed tranny. Chassis and suspension take the “tune to the moon” approach, with fully-adjustable Showa race suspension, variable rake and, therefore, variable wheelbase. Just off its championship victory in the 2009 AMA Daytona Sportbike series, Buell shows no sign of bowing out gracefully anytime soon. Click past the break to view the full specifications of the 1190RR.

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Most powerful Buell ever: Staying in the race with the new 1190RR

Most powerful Buell ever: Staying in the race with the new 1190RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorcycle, Off-Road

We first spotted Yamaha’s Super Tenere Concept in October of 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Back then, it was shrouded in fabric and far too polished to be anywhere close to our garage. Fast forward – it’s a new year and the Tuning Fork Company has revealed that this concept has bridged the gap to reality. A good move, considering the continued growth of the adventure and dual sport motorcycle markets. But is the Super Tenere really all that super?

Thinking outside of the Boxer: First look at Yamaha’s XT1200Z Super Tenere originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology, Motorcycle, Design/Style

Have you heard the expression “break neck speeds?” This often overused tag has become the go-to hook line in many motorcycle crash stories on your local evening news. A new design concept called Super Skin from Industrial Design Consultancy, or IDC, looks to address the core issue.

Eighty percent of current motorcycle related deaths are a result of head trauma, and experts agree that rotational forces are the obvious culprit in most of these cases. Taking a cue from how noggins normally protect themselves, IDC claims their “Skull and Skin” design reduces the force that Yoda wouldn’t want to be with you by up to 50 percent, which reduces the possibility of permanent brain injury by 67 percent. We think we can all agree that those numbers are 100 percent positive! Simply put, the Super Skin is a flexible membrane wrapped over a gel barrier that allows it to stretch up to eight times its normal length. Take the whole recipe through a vacuum casting process, and it then becomes durable and retains the look and feel of a “normal” helmet.

Before we can get our heads clad in Super Skin, we’ll be holding our breath until the summer season. Check with your local Lazer Helmet dealer for access to this creepy cool concept. Oh yes, there will be a price tag put on your head. The Super Skin line is rumored to start at $235 (based on the current exchange rate) and will be available in the open-face Rider or full-face Solano designs.

[Source: idc.uk.com]

New ‘skull and skin’ helmet sounds creepy cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Motorcycle

Do you remember the days when motorcycle jumps were measured by cars rather than feet? We know at least one man who is all too familiar with those times, and may even be haunted by them. His name is Bubba Blackwell. He is what we would call a traditional daredevil, consumed with setting records and garnering fame. It is not only Bubba’s Harley but also his Stars and Stripes one-piece suit that leaves no room for guesswork as to his respect and admiration for the late Evil Knievil.

In 1998, Mr Blackwell set a record of his own by clearing 20 cars aboard his Harley-Davidson XR750, logging the longest successful flight on that model. In 2001 gravity got the best of him, leading to the spectacular crash featured on the History Channel’s show Shockwave, which focuses on a 22-car attempt to leap over his own record. Here we go again. On June 12 Bubba will fire up his trusty HD and head to Laconia, New Hampshire, bent on making take two a success by clearing 22 Ford Focuses.

Amid a generation of modern daredevils like Robbie Maddison stretching the world distance records well over 300 feet, Bubba’s record may not appeal to everyone. But one thing is for sure – with a history like Blackwell and his XR750 have had, we can be assured that the sport of flying motorcycles will continue to entertain us and motivate the next generation to push the limits.

[Source: Ultimate Motorcycles | Image: awnisALAN – CC 2.0]

Over the top on a Harley-Davidson XR750: Take two for Bubba Blackwell’s record-breaking leap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Motorcycle

Just how many MotoGP World Championships does it take to get your very own signature line of computers? Well… everybody’s favorite Doctor and Packard Bell have answered unanimously. Nine is the number! Valentino Rossi has agreed to sign off with the continued Yamaha racing partner, which will officially badge a line of notebooks the VR46 lineup.

The view comes from 11.6 inches of HD screen space. To ensure you catch all the action while replaying your favorite MotoGP clips, Diamond View LCD technology is said to keep things clear on those mind-bending high-speed straights. A built-in six-cell battery will allow you to make use of the webcam and microphone, as well as connecting to the outside world via a 3G module, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for up to eight hours. Finally, a full-size keyboard and multifunction touch pad should make searching for the latest race results as easy as a good victory lap wheelie.

Don’t worry, you won’t have a hard time spotting the VR46 in the lineup at your favorite electronics depot. Design partner Aldo Drudi lends his famous Star and Moon artwork to the lid, making it a replica of the one you see Rossi sporting on the track. Each point of the star is one-of-a-kind to honor the five continents where GP racing takes place. The same number 46 that has become a Rossi family tradition is visible on the front cover and the inside just as it is on the front-running YZR-M1.

If you need another excuse to daydream about bar-to-bar battles in the corkscrew at Laguna, we recommend taking a moment when pulling out your VR46. Now, send an note to your boss explaining why you need some time off to make a local track day!

[Source: Ultimate Motorcyling]

The Doctor’s New Tool: Packard Bell introduces the Valentino Rossi Laptop originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Videos, Motorcycle, Specialty

We are amidst one of the most persistent bouts of winter weather many parts of the world have ever seen. Chalk it up to Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of this dreaded season, or perhaps just a good old fashion case of cabin fever, but either way, the crew at Max BMW Motorsport couldn’t wait another second to give the 2010 BMW S 1000 RR a good Twist of the Wrist. What? You gonna let a few feet of ice stop you?

Take your regular old 193-horsepower Beemer, fit a set of Michelin Pilots with cleats and you have the makings of a good snow cone business. After watching the video, we think the new BMW S 1000 RR looks ready for battle – the exhaust note alone will confirm that. Plus, you can choose from four unique color selections, as well as BMW’s typical A’ la carte menu of safety and performance options.

Not convinced? The claimed best-in-class power-to-weight ratio may just quicken your pulse. If you find yourself sitting comfortably behind closed doors warming your toes by the fire while you await that first ride of spring, don’t fret! Looks like Germany may have actually come up with a cure for the winter blues. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Two Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video]

Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Motorcycle

Apparently, Wisconsin would like to prove that there is more to the Badger State than just cheese and beer. A new piece of legislation being voted on would officially make Harley-Davidson the State Motorcycle. We know what you’re thinking here folks… why doesn’t my state have an official motorcycle? Perhaps you should consider moving to Wisconsin.

The passing of Bill 596 will not be as simple as a cruise down Main Street on your favorite Road King, though. The advocacy group Noise Free America is voicing more than just support for the company, which has been a staple of Wisconsin history since 1903. It lists motorcycles as the fourth worst offender – just edging out the dreaded leaf blower – as noise polluters in this country.

Noise Free America’s goal is to use this opportunity to set a precedent for any other state with two-wheeled ambitions. This opposition may prove to be no more than a bump in the road for Wisconsin Bill 596 as overwhelming support should make quick work of officially labeling the Badger State as Hog Heaven.

[Source: Clutch & Chrome]

Beer, Cheese and Bikes: Harley-Davidson may be named State Motorcycle of Wisconsin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorcycle

We felt a distinct flutter of excitement when we first saw the 2011 Gas Gas EC 450. This is the kind of bike that tempts its owner to find the most indirect route between two of your favorite remote locations… and the tougher the terrain, the better.

It looks like we’re not the only ones looking to get out of Dodge as the offerings in the dual sport and adventure motorcycling segment become more diverse each year. Couple that with the growing popularity of rally-style racing the world over and we are bound to see more to come. But for the small Spanish company Gas Gas it looks more like a mission, as evidenced by the EC 450 seen above. This is really the first production fighting-weight 450cc rally bike to come off the shelf.

The six-speed transmission as well as the battery-less fuel injection system seem to add to the no-nonsense appeal of the EC 450. As the images floating around seem to have become closer than ever to the dealership floor, we decided to see what it would take to get our hands on one.

After a search of clues and rumors worthy of the next National Treasure flick, a representative from Gas Gas USA has confirmed that the chances of getting our hands on one Stateside may be no greater than that passing flutter of excitement. Sadly, it appears that economic pressures in both the U.S. and European markets have led the company to keep this Spanish recipe for adventure off of our plates for now. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of the Gas Gas EC 450 Desert.

[Source: Bike EXIF]

Gas Gas looks poised to throttle into the adventure dual sport market… maybe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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