Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

What We Ain’t Getting: 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n

Kawasaki announced its 2012 street model lineup this week announcing a number of updates to its ZX-14R, as well as the Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Ninja 1000 and Ninja 650. Absent from Kawasaki’s U.S. offerings is the naked version of the Ninja 650, the ER-6n which has also been updated and will be available in other markets such as Europe and Canada.

Andrea Dovizioso Signs with Tech 3 Yamaha for 2012

The Tech 3 MotoGP team has reached a one-year agreement with Andrea Dovizioso, signing the Repsol Honda factory rider to take Colin Edwards’ place on the Yamaha satellite team in the 2012 season. Dovizioso will join the Tech 3 Yamaha team after three years with the Repsol Honda team. Despite currently holding onto the third overall spot on the 2011 championship points standings with five podium appearances and 13 top-five finishes in 15 races, Dovizioso found himself the odd man out with Honda which will stick with a two-man factory team of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa with Marco Simoncelli riding a factory-supported Honda RC212V with the Gresini team.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Engine Details Revealed.

Today, Ducati has revealed many telling details about the all-new 1199 Panigale “SuperQuadro” engine in anticipation of the machine’s complete unveiling next month at EICMA in Milan. Needless to say, with all the hype and buildup surrounding the 1199 Panigale, much of it has centered around the completely radical and highly oversquare engine that also acts as the main stressed member of the monocoque frame. The design goals were rather ambitious — 195 hp, among others —and as such, much of what we’ve come to expect from Ducati has been thrown out the window.

Ridden: BMW R1200GS Adventure

My first meeting with a BMW GS was an unfortunate one. It was going back a few years now (certainly pre-Charlie McGregor era) Having just picked up this new model, I’d ridden 100 miles on a warm summer’s evening to reach my house by dusk. Mindful of the fact that said house contained two frenetic, bark-happy border collies and a small, sleeping child, I cut the ignition, whipped the clutch in and planned a gentle coast up to the area outside my front door.

Used: X-lite X-802

You know when you press your face against a window pane to distort your face into humorous contortions? Well that's a bit what my face was like at high speed with this new X-802 X-lite helmet until it got fettled with some new cheek pads. I've been wearing it pretty much non stop since January and generally I adore it.

Steve Jobs: Rest in peace

Like me you probably discovered the news of Steve Jobs' death on an iPhone, an iPad or iMac. Years before turning Apple into the cool brand that it is today, Steve Jobs rode round on an old BMW. Apple said his "brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives.

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.

2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 – Ducati’s Top Selling Model Returns

For a company best known for its sportbikes, it may surprise some to learn Ducati’s hottest selling model is its Multistrada 1200. But it’s true: the Multistrada 1200 family, consisting of the base version, the 1200S Sport, 1200S Sport Pikes Peak Special Edition and the 1200S Touring is topping Ducati’s sales charts. It makes sense then for the Ducati Multistrada 1200 to return relatively unchanged for 2012, though it appears the Pikes Peak edition is the only version of the Multistrada to come in the 1200S Sport trim.

2012 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Corse Edition Announced

Ducati is introducing a new track-ready Corse Edition of the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP for 2012. The 2012 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Corse Edition comes dressed in red, white and black colors (similar to the Pikes Peak edition Multistrada). Otherwise, the Corse Edition is mechanically similar to the 2011 Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP.

KTM Presents 250cc Moto3 Engine

KTM revealed its new 250cc four-stroke engine that will be used in the Moto3 World Championship which is set to replace the 125cc class in 2012. The single cylinder engine is all new and not a repurposed motor from KTM‘s 250cc offroad engine portfolio and is said to weigh just 55 pounds. Official specs were not released, but Moto3 regulations dictate a maximum bore of 81mm, a rev limit of 14,000rpm.

2012 MV Agusta F4 R Corsa Corta Revealed

MV Agusta has announced the 2012 edition of its F4 sportbike featuring the new “Corsa Corta” engine from the F4 RR. The 2012 MV Agusta F4 R Corsa Corta engine has a 79mm bore and a stroke of 50.9mm, compared to the 76mmx55mm engine found on the previous F4, last updated in 2010. The engine uses titanium valves, a first for production engines, and is paired to a new 4-2-1-4 exhaust with the F4′s signature underseat pipes.  According to MV Agusta, the new Corsa Corta engine produces 195 hp at 13,000 rpm and 82.6 ft-lb.

World Superbike Championship Rebranding Itself for 25th Anniversary

The World Superbike Championship is getting a branding makeover for 2012 as the production-based racing series marks its 25th anniversary. The rebranding efforts will include a new logo as well as a new look for its television broadcasts. According to series promoter Infront Sports & Media, the new look “will be launched as a symbol for the on-gong development and innovation of the series”.

New: Alpinestars Lucerne Drystar jacket

Alpinestars have launched another textile jacket into their range. The Lucerne Jacket features zippered ventilation panels and slim, lightweight Bio Armor protectors. The Drystar lining is breathable but keeps water out.

Electric Scooter Startup Evolve Launching with Three Models

New York-based Evolve Motorcycles is set to launch with an initial product lineup of three electric scooter models. Founded by Benjamin Plum, Mazdack Rassi and Lex Kendall, Evolve will premiere its new Titanium, Neon and Helium electric scooters and preview two future design concepts at a launch event Oct. 6 in New York City.

Schuberth SR1 Racing Helmet & S2 Full-Face Road Helmet

  Schuberth helmets has announced the forthcoming additions to its North American offerings including the top secret S2, the roadracing SR1, the C3 World Graphic and the auto racing SF1. The S2 made only a brief debut and pictures were restricted but the full-face sibling to Schuberth’s C3 modular helmet was given its first public appearance to the dismay of those back home in Germany. The S2 replaces Schuberth’s S1 helmet introduced in 2002.

New: Knox Zero OutDry gloves

Check out these new Winter gloves from Knox. Knox have pioneered OutDry technology for winter gloves with their Zero, launched earlier this year.  Based on a patented lamination process, the waterproof and breathable membrane is bonded directly to the glove’s external shell by the action of pressure and temperature, preventing water from collecting between the outer shell and membrane. Featuring the dialled-in Boa Closure system that uses a dial to draw ‘side pods’ over the wrist for multi-adjustable closure, helping to eliminate tight spots and restriction to blood flow, which can contribute to cold hands and fingers.With drum-dyed aniline leather on the fingers and back of the hand, and a tough yet supple goat leather and Amara Grip Pad with silicon for increased feel and grip on the controls, the Zero uses top grade materials.

Used: Forcefield Pro L2 back protector review

Back in 2004 I was at the peak of my crashing days, managing to fall off a motorcycle with alarming regularity. I just had to look at a motorcycle and I'd fall over. I picked up this Forcefield after putting a rather worrying dent in my Knox Stowaway having landed on a tree-stump.

The Kenny Roberts electric (push) bike

£5,800 - that's the cost of this KR limited edition Picycle. So what is it? It's an innovative push-bike that's also got battery power (for those steep hills or trips home from the pub).

AMA Monster Energy Cup: Anything Goes for $1 Million Prize

AMA Pro Racing has released a new supplemental rules package for the Oct. 15 Monster Energy Cup race at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. In short?

Limited Edition 2012 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Chrome and Desert Storm

Royal Enfield has released a two new limited edition versions of its Bullet C5 Classic. The Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Chrome (also known as the Royal Enfield Classic Chrome in other markets) is based on the regular retro-styled Bullet C5 Classic but with chrome tank,  fenders and side covers as well as hand-painted pinstripes and accents. Consumers will have the choice between the red and chrome version pictured here or black and chrome.

Ducati Teases New Monster for Asian Market

Ducati will unveil a new Monster model for the Asian market, expected to be called the 795. The Italian manufacturer has a new micro-site (http://www.monster.ducati.com/) displaying the shrouded image above along with a countdown ticking off the days until the Oct. 20 launch event in Sepang, Malaysia.

Josh Hayes to Test Tech 3 Yamaha M1

Two-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes has been invited to test Colin Edwards’ Tech 3 Yamaha YZR-M1 at the MotoGP post-season test. Tech 3 principal Herve Poncharal told MCN Hayes will get to ride a few laps on the Yamaha M1 Nov. 7 at the end of season test at Spain’s Valencia circuit.

Used: Alpinestars Supertech R boots

I've worn these Alpinestars Supertech R boots for my season racing in the 848 Challenge and up until the last race of the season, they were looking in great shape! When I tried on a pair of Supertechs a few years ago, they were the first boots I'd worn with a separate inner and outer. At first I didn't get on with them for two reasons: I felt like they took an age to get on and didn't like the feeling of 'slip' between the inner booty and the outer.

Stoner explains the tank slapper

Casey Stoner looked all set to win at Motegi, after translating his pole position into an early race-lead. But coming over the crest on the back straight his bike momentarily lost control in a tank slapper. Regaining composure the championship leader was forced to pump his brakes to get the pads back in place, with the rear-wheel bouncing in the air he ran out of time and space to make the 90 degree right hander and was forced to run into the gravel.

2012 BMW G650GS Sertão Announced

BMW has unveiled a new more off-road oriented version of the G650GS. Named for a dry backlands region of northeastern Brazil, the 2012 BMW G650GS Sertão adds longer-travel suspension and wire-spoke wheels to make it a more capable machine for off-road adventure riding. The Sertão’s 41mm fork offers over 210mm of travel compared to the regular G650GS’ 170mm.

2011 World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies

Chaz Davies has captured the 2011 Supersport World Championship, completing a triumphant return to the series for Yamaha. Davies, the 2008 Daytona 200 winner, finished the Magny-Cours round in sixth place, giving him an insurmountable 35-point lead over Hannspree Ten Kate Honda‘s Fabien Foret with one race remaining. The championship comes in Yamaha‘s return from a one-year absence from the series.

2011 World Superbike Champion Carlos Checa

Carlos Checa has won the 2011 World Superbike Championship and secured Ducati its 17th manufacturer title. The Althea Ducati rider secured the title with a win in Race One of the Oct. 2 Magny-Cours round in France, and then captured the manufacturer title with another win in Race Two.

KTM Signs Ryan Dungey for 2012-2013 AMA Supercross and Motocross Seasons

KTM has signed Ryan Dungey to a two-year contract to race in the 2012-2013 AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons. The deal reunites Dungey with team manager and motocross icon Roger DeCoster. Dungey and DeCoster share a connection that goes back to 2006 when the former world champion recruited Dungey for the Suzuki factory racing team.

Having a blast on the KTM Duke 125

With young Taylor finally lifting my riding ban from his 125 Duke last week (I snapped the gear lever off in a failed garden stunt), I’ve been clocking up a few miles on what surely is the ‘must have’ learner bike of 2011. Last week I hopped aboard for a jaunt into the heart of Leicester where you can still park bikes for free then walk to all the major shops in minutes. I needed to appear in person at the main Post Office for an International Driving Permit as I found out without one; I couldn’t drive during my trip up coming trip to the Japanese Grand Prix.

Yamaha Motor USA to Swallow Up Yamaha Canada

Yamaha’s board of directors has voted in transfer all shares of its Canadian subsidiary to its American subsidiary, a move which would give Yamaha Motor U.S.A. responsibility over the entire North American market. The proposed transfer, set to begin in December,  will make Yamaha Motor Canada a subsidiary of its American counterpart.