Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Beastly Ducati superbike custom

As the new 1199 Panigale is to become Ducati’s flagship superbike, Radical has put together a special bodykit for the out-going machine that boasts improved power and less weight. Named Vendetta, the kit is a collaboration between the Radical tuning company and designers Dragon TT, transforming the existing bike into a more aggressive design. Available for the 848/1098/1198, the Vendetta kit is made of either carbon or glass fibre and consists of: front fairing with 2 high beam and 2 low beam ellipsoidal lights , windscreen, aluminum front bracket, sidepanels with incorporated indicators, bellypan, fuel tank, air funnels, single seat with incorporated leds rear light, seat under-tray and silencer adaptors Now more narrow and compact, they claim the advantages the bodykit have over the original Ducati design is more capacity in the fuel tank, improved airflow, less weight and better engine cooling.

Mobile tea-urn

This steam powered motorcycle (not a bicycle, 'cos it don't have no pedals), could be perfect for you if you like a brew at short notice on your Sunday ride. Built in 1894, it's about to be auctioned and is expected to reach a world record price (for a kettle). It uses a coal furnace to super-heat water into steam which is fed into a small engine.

117-Year-Old Steam Motorcycle May Bring Record Bids at Auction

Auctions America hopes an 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle will set  a new record as the most expensive motorcycle sold at auction when it goes on the block during the Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction in January 12 – 14, 2012. The auction house believes the rarity of the Roper — one of only two built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts, according to Auctions America – could drive bids beyond the $520,000 price set in 2008 by a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer OHC.   Auctions America reports the steam-powered motorcycle was built around a Columbia bicycle frame and achieved an average speed of 40 mph in May, 1896.

Steve McQueen: a passion for speed

I don't know many cool people called Steve but Steve McQueen clearly bucked that trend. This new book by Frenchman Frederic Brun is a picture-led biography of McQueen's ventures on two wheels and four, in the movies and on the racetrack. He was an avid collector of bikes and cars and had a life I reckon most of us would love to lead.

Crafar: he's still got it!

That's Simon Crafar, if you need reminding, he beat Doohan at Donington in '98 on a 500. Legend. Bet he made a few bob from the sales of that Arai race-rep too!He's just released an instructional DVD called Motovudu, aimed at you if you want to ride faster on track.

On the subject of safety

This video is from the Imola GP in 1974. The rider is Mimmo Cazzaniga, crashing at Tosa corner. Even though today's speeds are higher, it makes you realise how much safer circuits are now, than they were then.

Jesse James to Appear on American Chopper

In a press release from Discovery Channel, Jesse James is slated to appear in two episodes of American Chopper in December on Discovery Channel. The release states that the two-episode event is a head-to-head build off between Orange County Choppers, headlined, of course, by the notoriously famous Teutul family, and James. According to the release Chopper fans will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite bike after seeing the three finished products during the regularly scheduled American Chopper on Monday, Dec.

Simoncelli Funeral Services Held in Italy

Fans, friends, family members and prominent figures from the world of sports attended the funeral services for Marco Simoncelli at the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano on Thursday, October 27th. The casket was carried into the Assunta church by friends and members of the Gresini team, and at 3pm the services commenced. Flanking the casket  was Simoncelli’s 2008 250cc World Championship Gilera bike on one side, and his MotoGP Honda RC212V on the other. Also in attendance was FIM president Vito Ippolito and CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta.

2012 Indian Motorcycle Preview

For Indian, 2012 represents 110 years since the first motorcycle bearing the namesake rolled off whatever sufficed for production line at the Hendee Co. in 1901. To celebrate, Polaris Industries, owner of the Indian brand since April of this year, is celebrating the occasion with special badging on all 2012 models.

BMW GS Rider Rescues Cow Calf From Canal [Video]

As a motorcyclist I’ve made it my duty to stop and lend assistance any time I see a fellow rider that looks like they’re in need, a sort of paying it forward mentality for the many times I found myself in need of a hand. In most instances the rider stopped on the road’s edge had pulled to the side temporarily to resolve an innocuous issue, but occasionally a rider genuinely needed my help. In either case the riders were grateful that a fellow motorcyclist was checking up on them.

Polaris Invests in Brammo Electric Motorcycles

Polaris Industries Inc. has announced a minority investment in Brammo, an Ashland, Ore.-based maker of electric motorcycles. By investing in Brammo, Polaris obtains access to its proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the electric motorcycle market.

How I'll remember Marco

I think we'll all be mourning the loss of Marco Simoncelli for a long time yet; his full potential will remain an unanswerable topic of many pub debates for years to come. But one thing's for sure: he was unique and this year he injected so much energy, plenty of controversy and a whole load of 'what ifs' to the sport. I must admit, for years I used to sacrifice whatever was happening on a Sunday to make sure I could watch the GP but this year I haven't seen every race, it just hasn't been the same: Stoner has been dominant, the grid has been embarrassingly low on numbers, Rossi has been absent and the battles have - in general - not been memorable.

K1600 goes on extensive heated-seat test

When the bike in question has a 1.6 litre, 6-cylinder engine and is designed to whisk you down to Italy in a couple of days, then the usual road-test of a couple of hundred miles around twisty country roads here in the UK just wouldn't have cut it. So last weekend I took a virgin (not in that sense) pillion for a blast around Northern France. Full first ride report to follow shortly but I wanted to mention the heated seats.

2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Classic Announced

During Suzuki’s annual dealer meeting the company reported that cruiser sales at large are down 6.2% YTD. However, Suzuki says its cruiser sales are up 12.5%, and in an effort to keep riding this wave that’s handily outpacing the rest of the cruiser market, the company announced the addition of the Boulevard C50T Classic. While the Classic is a carbon copy of the C50T, it does away with the C50T’s standard windshield, passenger backrest and saddlebags.

EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 Honda Integra Specs Released

Honda has released specifications and new photographs of its new 670cc Integra motorcycle/scooter crossover which will make its public debut at the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. While the hybrid model may not be for everyone, the engine details are important as Honda has announced it will also debut two additional models at EICMA using the same power plant. The 2012 Honda Integra, named according to Honda for integrating “the ease of use of a scooter with the dynamic performance of a motorcycle”, uses an all new 670cc parallel Twin engine with a second generation version of Honda’s dual clutch transmission.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 250,000 Motorcycles for Rear Brake Light Switches

Harley-Davidson is issuing a recall for 250,757 units from its Touring, CVO Touring and Trike line from model years 2009 – 2012. The rear brake light switch on the models in question may become degraded due to the heat from the exhaust systems. This may affect brake light function and may result in a brake fluid leak.

2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, V-Strom 1000 Adventure and V-Strom 650 ABS Adventure Announced

Suzuki is bringing back its V-Strom 1000 for 2012 and adding a new U.S.-only  “Adventure” version with luggage. The 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 is unchanged from its previous version, last offered as a 2009 model. It’s powered by the same 996cc liquid cooled, fuel-injected 90-degree V-Twin engine as the previous model.

2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 – Gixxer Thou Updated with a Focus on Weight Savings

Suzuki has updated its GSX-R1000 sportbike for 2012 with Brembo monobloc calipers and a new single-pipe exhaust system. Last updated in 2009, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 also receives a number of updates to the the engine to the wiring harness to even the front tire to to reduce overall weight by 4.4 pounds. The new GSX-R has a claimed curb weight of 447.5 pounds.

French Moto Website Anticipates Versys 1000 at EICMA 2011

Musings of a liter-size engined Kawasaki Versys have circulated the web for a few years now, as loyalists of the likable Versys 650, as well as displacement-driven riders waiting in the wings, have pondered the potential of a more powerful adventure bike from Kawasaki that’s in the same league as BMW’s R1200GS and Yamaha’s Super Tenere. Alas, nothing of the sort has ever left the lips of Kawasaki, let alone go into production. Recently, however, the French motorcycle website, Moto-net.com, has produced convincing images that appear like photos of a complete Versys 1000, including matching hard luggage.

Used: Ixon Evil jeans review

The benefits of Kevlar reinforced jeans is obvious but in the past I have been vain enough to not want to wear denim that looks like it has come out of my dad’s wardrobe. These Ixon Evil jeans have got a great cut to them and although the Kevlar inserts result in G-Star style stitching I think they look pretty good. Ixon offer a range of different cuts and colours with motorcyle jeans coming a long way in style over the last few years.

Halloween for Motorcyclists: I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle [Video]

Some motorcycles bite, particularly those with a kick starter. Kick starter levers sometimes “kick back” as any past or current owner of a bike with a kicker will attest. But what would you do if you discovered your bike really wanted to get you?

Concept Motorcycles Galore

This concept Honda is the work of French designer Benoit Vignot. You can see this and other images by Vignot in a Core77.com blog post dated Oct. 21, 2011.

Cresent Suzuki Team Entering WSBK; Several Other Shoes Still to Drop

British Superbike racing team Crescent Suzuki announced it will enter the World Superbike Championship next year, but Suzuki racing fans are perhaps left with even more questions about the 2012 racing season. Crescent Suzuki will enter two riders on GSX-R1000 superbikes next season, but the team has not named its riders or described the level of support it will receive from Suzuki. This season, Crescent Suzuki fielded John Hopkins and Jon Kirkham with Hopkins falling short of winning the championship thanks to a photo finish on the season’s final race.

Yamaha, Honda Donate to Thailand Flood Relief Efforts

Honda and Yamaha announced relief aid for the people of Thailand affected by severe flooding that has swamped large parts of the country since late July. Yamaha and its Thai subsidiaries are donating a relief package worth about 30 million yen (US$390,000) including 3,000 life jackets. Yamaha is evaluating what items to provide including outboard motors.

Asia-Only 2012 Ducati Monster 795 Unveiled in Malaysia

Ducati unveiled a new model to its Monster family specifically for the Asian market, combining the engine of the 796 and the chassis of the 696. The new Ducati Monster 795 is powered by the same 803cc 90-degree V-Twin engine as found in the Monster 796, claiming 87hp at 8250 rpm and 58 ft-lb. at 6250 rpm.

EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 Honda Crosstourer Headed for Production

Honda announced it will mass produce the Crosstourer adventure tourer unveiled first in concept form at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. The 2012 Honda Crosstourer will use a V4 engine similar to the one used in the VFR1200F and will also be available with Honda’s dual clutch transmission. Long-travel suspension adds to the adventure touring theme, but the Crosstourer is still more suited to paved roads than dirt.

Bizarre Dainese advert

Check out these two bizarre adverts for Dainese that are currently causing a bit of a stir across the 'net. The adverts, used for outdoor print campaigns, were produced in 2007 in Belgium by leading ad agency Mortierbrigade. The ads show the Dainese Pro Shop apologising to people waiting for an organ donation.

EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 Yamaha TMax – Scooterus Maximus [Video]

The 2011 EICMA show in Milan is just a few weeks away and from what we’ve seen from the manufacturers so far, it looks like the prevailing theme this year is the maxi-scooter. Honda will present its 700cc dual clutch transmission Integra scooter at EICMA, BMW announced it will unveil two new maxi-scooters in Milan, and Aprilia is rebadging an 850cc V-Twin Gilera scooter as the SRV 850. And now Yamaha is jumping into the fray with an update to its popular TMax.

EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 KTM Freeride 350 – Lightweight Entry Level Enduro Bike

  KTM has revealed a new lightweight entry-level off-road model with a claimed weight of just 99 kg (218 pounds). Set to debut at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the 2012 KTM Freeride 350 was created as an introductory model for off-road enduro riding. The Freeride 350 offers an easier entry point to off-road riding than the company’s competition-based EXC line.

Harley-Davidson Reports Q3 2011 Results

As expected, Harley-Davidson reported a net income of $183.6 million over the third quarter ended Sept. 25, 2011, a 106% increase from the $88.8 million reported in the same quarter of 2010. Harley-Davidson reported sales revenue of $1.23 billion, a 13.4% increase from the $1.09 billion reported in the same quarter of 2010.