1980 Honda Cx 500 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

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.

Honda RC-E Electric Sportbike Revealed at 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

We’re still waiting for any technical details but here are initial photographs Honda has released of its new RC-E electric sportbike concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. (Updated with six more high-resolution images.) Honda describes the RC-E as an electric version of a supersports bike, claiming a powerful and smooth ride for an electric vehicle within the compact form of a 250cc-class motorcycle. The images clearly show Brembo calipers and Ohlins suspension, and we especially like the LED headlights and the retro styling.

Old boys up front and where are the new 600 Gixers?

As I’ve been gagging for the new race season to kick off so it was almost a pleasure getting up at stupid 0 clock to watch the World Superbike Championship  opener at Phillip Island last weekend. I have to say Messrs Burnicle and Whitham were on form although I was disappointed there were none of the usual verbal attacks on each other that always add to the entertainment.    I’m sure they will put things right soon but the world superbike regulars must have been disheartened that Moto GP veterans nailed five of the six available rostrum slots.