1982 Honda Cx500 Turbo on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Schwantz, Tsujimoto Team Up For Yoshimura Legends Team At 2014 Suzuka 8-Hour

Former 500cc World Champion, Kevin Schwantz, will pair with former Japanese Champion, Satoshi Tsujimoto, in this year’s Suzuka 8-Hour race. The duo originally tackled Suzuka together in 1986, ultimately coming in third position. Now the two are back in celebration of Yoshimura’s 60th anniversary, as part of the company’s “Legend Team.” Yoshimura will also field a second entry with former Australian Champion Josh Waters and All Japan Superbike rider Takuya Tsuda.

EICMA 2013: 2014 Honda VFR800F

Gracing the new 2014 VFR800F is traction control, ABS, heated grips, adjustable seat height and self-canceling blinkers. The V-Four-powered machine has been re-tuned  for greater low and mid-range torque, and also receives a new telescopic fork, Pro-arm swingarm, wheels, new, slimmer bodywork and styling. Starting with the 782cc V4-VTEC engine, Honda engineers focused mainly on cam timing and valve duration/overlap to increase low-to midrange power and torque, claiming 104.5 hp @ 10,250 rpm and 55.4 ft-lbs of torque @ 8,500 rpm. Bore and stroke is 72mm x 48mm, with compression ratio of 11.8:1. VTEC valve timing still operates one pair of inlet/exhaust valves per cylinder at low rpm, and then switches to four as revs rise. Honda’s single-mode Traction Control System (TCS) is fitted as standard equipment and is operated from the left handlebar.

The most beautiful race bike ever?

It was good to see my old HRC team mate Shinichi Itoh making his final Moto GP appearance last weekend at Motegi.  At 44 he was a bit off the pace compared to his younger team mates, but that didn't matter as it was a joy just to see him circulating on what I reckon is most stunning GP bike ever. And I gladly braved the pit lane walkabout chaos just to dribble and take a few snaps. Unfortunately he lost the front in one session trashing a complete set of body work but was back in action on race day to grab a few world championship points.