Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

German Man Throws Puppy at Hells Angels

Now if that isn’t a title that makes you want to read the article, we don’t know what is. Amazingly enough, it’s true. A German student caused a major traffic jam in Bavaria, when, in protest (of what, we’ll never know), he ran into the Hells Angels clubhouse, dropped his pants, threw a puppy into the group, then tried to escape by stealing a bulldozer, which he planned to take to Munich.

2010 Triumph Speed Triple exhausts tested

Over the last month I’ve been busy trying out some of the exhausts available for the Speed Triple. Apart from being very easy to fit, they all claim power gains of around 8bhp and give substantial weight savings. It’s worth noting at this point that Triumph only recommend Arrow cans and discourage the fitting of slip on exhausts especially if they are not mapped to the bike.

Marvel at the beautiful Honda RC30

The Honda RC30 is without a doubt the most beautiful bike ever conceived, and this promotional video solidifies the motorcycle artwork with the technical process it takes to build the VFR750R. The slow motion footage of the road machine alongside its HRC race counterpart further portrays the beauty of the RC30. Watch in awe as the Honda engineer pieces the components together to create a motorcycle masterpiece.

Guy Martin: the next Barry Sheene?

FOLLOWING HIS monumental crash in this year's Isle of Man Senior TT, racing hero Guy Martin has sent fans a video message via his personal website to thank them for their support. Never thought I'd say this but, character-wise and for his blindingly gritty talent, aren't we looking at the modern day Barry Sheene?

Build your own Yamaha VMax

For the origami fans out there, Yamaha have a printable Paper Craft version of their VMax motorcycle (or should that be PMax - P for paper obviously) Download each of the five individual PDF pages and get folding. Might want to stock up on printer ink and A4 paper though as it looks like it will be a frustrating model. As it looks fairly impossible and time consuming I'm putting the challenge out for anyone to go out and complete the paper model themself.

Ben Spies talks MotoGP

TECH 3 Yamaha man Ben Spies gives a fairly in-depth interview about Mugello MotoGP, his championship hopes and his riding style with On The Throttle TV. The multiple AMA superbike champ, who's racing for the first time on many of the MotoGP tracks, reveals he spends most of Friday practice learning the circuit, while others are focusing on set-up and fast lap times. Spies fan or not, it's well worth a watch.

MotoGP racer. 200mph. Sulby Straight

THIS IS CAMERON Donald piloting Suzuki's GSV-R 800 MotoGP racer at close to 200mph along Sulby Straight, Isle of Man. The Australian rode the ultra-quick MotoGP bike as part of Suzuki's 50th Anniversary TT celebrations. Donald was joined by the bike's usual pilot, Loris Capirossi, for a lap of the 37.73-mile course.

Own (what could be) a piece of motorcycling history

Get bidding for what could be a revolutionary motorcycle, as the advert states all you need is, "a fair wedge of ingenuity" to marry together a BMW K75 and the 1.4 diesel engine from a Citroen AX. Thankfully the seller will be able to help with the project: "I have most of the design lodged firmly in my head, and will be more than happy to provide information." With a starting price of £100 and no bids the diesel project bike only has one day left on eBay

A weekend of Lawn mower racing, Big Ed, Muc Off and Carlsberg

Around this time every summer the BMF hold the Garden Of England Motorcycle Show otherwise known as GEMS. The show happens to be round the corner from me so event sponsors MCE Insurance kindly sent me some passes so I could have a look around. Apart from the usual trade stands and crazy arena antics one of the highlights was the national lawn mower racing championship.

NR750 owners should require approval

Words can't express the absolute disbelief of this strangely attired guy trying to ride one of the rarest motorcycles every to grace tarmac. But this clip descends in to absurdity when the rider fumbles setting off on the Honda NR750 and drops the oval-pistoned beauty on its side. Did he stall it or is there a disc lock hidden within the pixilated video?

Retro crashes at The 'Ring

We've been laughing a lot in the office today. Mainly at this clip shot in the '60s at the Nurburgring. Check out all the cars and bikes losing it on what we reckon is a patch of oil.

Rossi's M1: The pilot's view explained

THIS IS THE technology-infested array of controls that confront reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi every time he slings his leg over the team's 240bhp M1 racer. The image has been supplied by Alex Briggs, one of Valentino Rossi's mechanics. Much of the technology is already seen on the latest road bikes: a gearshift warning light, gear indicator, power map adjuster, lap timer and, ahem, engine kill switch and obligatory VR46 sweat band around the front brake master cylinder.

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight and Roller Derby? [Video]

Canadian publication Cycle Canada had some fun on a photoshoot for its review of the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight for the July issue. As Pete wrote in our own review, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a rugged, bobber-inspired look with its chopped fender, chubby front tire and underslung mirrors. For the guys over at Cycle Canada, the Forty-Eight conjured up a rather odd image: roller derby.

And today's weather on the Isle of Man ...

WEDNESDAY'S RACE schedule for the Isle of Man TT has been delayed due to foul weather. Above is the view of part of the TT mountain course, seen from one of the cameras on the government's tourism website. IOM webcam From TT organisers: A revised schedule for Wednesday's weather-delayed racing has been annouced at 11.30am.Today's racing at the 2010 Isle of Man TT was delayed due to low-lying cloud, and organisers have confirmed a new schedule for the day's racing.The Mountain section from Ramsey Hairpin to the Creg-ny-Baa is now expected to close at 12.30pm and the rest of the course by 1pm.The second Monster Energy Supersport TT was due to get under way at 10.45am, but organisers said they hoped to get the four-lap race away at 1.45pm.That has now been further delayed to 2pm (announced 1.30pm)The second sure Sidecar race, which was due at 1.15pm, is now provisionally scheduled for 3.45pm.The crossing points will be opened from 5pm to 6pm if the schedule goes ahead.At 6.15pm there will be a one lap practice for bikes entered for Friday's Dainese Senior TT.The TT Zero race, which had been due at 4.30pm, is now scheduled for 6.45pm, over one lap.The course is scheduled to start opening at 8pm, with the Mountain section from Ramsey Hairpin to the Creg-ny-Baa opening at 9pm.The situation is being kept under review and any further changes regarding the racing will be made announced as decisions are made.

Ex-Rutter Ducati 888 on eBay

WANT TO stand out from the crowd on a piece of 90s retro trackday cool?An ex-Michael Rutter 1992 Ducati 888 SPS is up for grabs in eBay, ridden by the man himself in the 1992 season.Imported by Hoss Elm (now there's a name I've not seen for a while) boss of former Ducati UK Importers Moto Cinelli, the bike's fitted with all of the factory Corse parts that were available at the time, including full Termignoni exhaust system, lightweight flywheel, titanium rods, Magnetti Marelli ECU with Eprom race chip.Other stuff:Brembo 320 mm brakes upgraded to machined from solid calipersOhlins supension rebuilt and set-up by Ohlins factory. Ohlins steering damper.Corse close ratio gearbox.Magnesium cases.Marvic mag wheelsMichelin intermediatesFull carbon kevlar bodywork, recently repaintedCarbon Corse tankCarbon Corse wishbone intake system and airbox.Carbon HandlebarsMagnesium yokesCarbon rear discSpares include, complete carbon bodywork set, sprockets, electric start, standard flywheel set, ally selector drum, track stands, plus loads more.It's road registered, too!The downside? It's £25,500, but the seller's open to offers.

Lying on the ground at Glen Vine

This is what you see if you've got a press pass and a video camera and lie on the pavement at Glen Vine. Shot during evening practice on the Friday, you can hear the birds chirping in between the bikes flying past but you can't sense the warm blast of air coming past moments after the riders have disappeared towards Crosby. Watch the leaf in the foreground.

How to take a toll booth - Dukes of Hazzard style

THIS IS what happens when a p*ssed female motorist starts scrabbling around for her spare change on the approach to a motorway toll booth. Filmed in the USA, both driver and toll booth attendant escaped serious injury. Can't say the same for the car.

We sent Forsyth to the TT

HELLO from the 2010 Isle of Man TT. John McGuinness has just broken down out of the lead of the Superbike race, so too did Connor Cummins and there was the likeable Ian Hutchinson to hoover up the top accolade all for himself and the Padgetts squad. You’ve got to be in it to win it, etc.

SBK X first impressions

The brand new SBK X arrived in the office yesterday and I spent the majority of evening locked in my room unable to pull my hands away from my Xbox controller. Here's a quick run down of the new game from Milestone. First on the agenda is the simulation mode.

Free BMW panniers for new 1200GS owners

BMW is offering a set of complimentary panniers with the purchase of any new R 1200 GS motorcycle registered between 01 June and 30 September 2010 to celebrate the GS's 30th Anniversary.The offer covers both the standard R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure machines, as well as the special-edition 30 Year Anniversary R 1200 GS and Adventure models.The company's Vario Panniers, worth £506.57, will be offered (given) to anyone buyingthe R 1200 GS, and a pair of Aluminium Panniers, worth £665.45, to new GS Adventure owners.

2010 NCR Millona 16

Take one Ducati Desmosedici 200+hp engine and put it into a super lightweight NCR chassis and you’ll quite possibly have the world’s fastest and most powerful motorcycle. At 145kg dry weight it’s lighter (even) than a MotoGP bike… The 989cc V4 produces a staggering 200hp @13.800rpm and 116Nm @10.500rpm. We’re going to have a chat with Michele Poggipolini of NCR about this bike, but we strongly suspect it’s a one off special.

ROOF goes commando

A JOINT adventure between ROOF helmets and French cartoonist P'tit Luc has resulted in this: the Jet Rat.It's fibreglass, complies with E22-05 J, has a removable chin guard and visor and has a design inspired by American football helmets. Removable and washable lining. Available in matt black, matt aluminum and camo.

Used Review: Held Defence Jacket

I got this mid-weight summer jacket about six weeks ago and have used it every day in sunshine, driving rain and even hail. It’s very light with a zip out thermal lining and, so far, has proved to be totally waterproof, windproof and you don’t get sweaty because it’s breathable. The zips on the outer pockets are quite tight and they’re a little too far round the sides to be easily reachable.

Used Review: AGV GP Tech helmet

I’ve been wearing this helmet for six weeks now. I used one every day last year but this version’s got a few updates that make a massive difference. This brand new one’s got slightly improved ergonomics.

Used Review: A-stars Radiant gloves

I took three sets of gloves to Morocco back in January. A set of leather summer gloves, the Alpinestars 365 Gore-Tex gloves and these Alpinestars Radiant Drystar gloves. There was a bit of science in the planning but in truth, I struck it lucky.

New: Knox Handroid

Looking like a Kangaroo crashed into a branch of Wickes; these new gloves are a first for armour specialists, Knox. There are so many features it’s hard to know where to start but the dazzling list of safety options needs to be addressed. So here it is: the Handroid features ‘exo skeleton flexible spines’ that connect up the knuckles, a scaphoid protection system and a twistable lacing system that tightens up the glove over your wrist, then at the pop of the button, releases it again.

Grab a bike bargain!

FANCY nabbing a bargain? Then get yourself down to what used to be Mottingham Motorcycles this Bank Holiday Monday, before the liquidators clear the shop. There are 56 motorcycles and a whole rake of workshop equipment, clothing and accessories and the new owner is hoping to clear the lot on the day.

Arai unveil TT special designs

Ahead of the 2010 Isle of Man TT races Arai are set to release two special, limited edition designs. The first is the RX-7 GP TT Series helmet, designed by Aldo Drudi. The black Arai is based around the famous Three Legs of Man symbol with the iconic TT lettering wrapping around the bottom of the helmet whilst across the top of the helmet is a black and white chequered flag.

35 years ago this month

IT'S 35 YEARS since Evel Knievel attempted to jump 13 London buses at Wembley Stadium. Riding a heavy, slow Harley-Davidson XR750, the American daredevil had serious reservations about the jump, admitting the take-off ramp was too short, therefore limiting the bike's speed. But even though the plucky American knew his chances of pulling off the stunt were slim, he was reluctant to disappoint the 80,000-strong Wembley crowd.

ZX-10R Owner Modifies His Bike, Making his Own Exhaust and Cutting Holes in the Frame

Shervin Rezaiy (a.k.a. ShervinRRR), a member of ZX-10R.net, part of the Motorcycle.com forum network, has found a novel approach to modding his sportbike. Such as punching speed holes in his license plate: Making his own LED turn signals: Crafting his own exhaust out of aluminum sheet metal (also see the image at the top): Cutting holes into the bike’s frame: And creating new air intakes where none existed before: Is he for real?