Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Hayden and Stoner go on the piste

DUCATI MOTOGP men Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden took to the slopes today, at the opening of the 2010 Wrooom event at Madonna di Campiglio’s in Italy's Dolomite region.The annual event celebrates Italy's upcoming motorsport calendar; press conferences with the two Ducati Marlboro Team riders, Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden feature tomorrow, while the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F1 team will conclude proceedings on Friday.Sadly, there are no 'You've Been Framed' moments. Not one of the Ducati duo goes arse-over-tit in the snow.

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Born on January 8th, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley would have been 75 years ago today if he was still alive today.  As a tribute to “The King” of Rock and Roll, the Harley-Davidson Museum has created a special exhibit, expanding on the semi-permanent collection from Elvis that has been on display since the museum was opened in 2008. The bill of sale, insurance, and registration papers for the 1956 Harley-Davidson KH pictured above will be on display along with the motorcycle that was owned by Elvis and the Graceland Museum has loaned some rare photos for the occasion. Along with Cadillac’s, Elvis had a passion for motorcycles but especially loved his Hogs and rode Harley’s in many of his films, including Roustabout (1964), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Clambake (1967) and Stay Away Joe (1968).

AUDIO: Hailwood Honda Six on full song

DUKE Marketing have released an audio CD of the historic Diamond Jubilee 1966 Isle of Man TT, capturing the action, atmosphere and magic of this unique event - and here's a clip of the disc.Listen to Mike Hailwood roar away from the line on his deafening Honda 250cc six, as Mike's father is interviewed by one of the radio presenters. It's classic stuff.The full CD has interviews with Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, Stuart Graham, Freddie Frith and Stanley Woods - plus Agostini being grilled by Hailwood.

Troy Lee unveil Steve McQueen tribute helmets

TROY LEE Designs has announced a three-year licensing partnership with the Steve McQueen estate,  to produce a limited edition helmet line,which will be unveiled to the public for the first time this week.With only 700 units going into production, the SE3 helmet features Dual Density Shock Pad System, Dual Density EPS Liner , a newly designed nose guard, air ram top scoop intake, aggressive high flow mouthpiece, and quick-release cheek pads for emergency helmet removal and a Dual Density EPS Liner.Troy Lee says this will be the first in a series of Steve McQueen helmet styles to appear over the next three years. The first helmet in the line will be available at select retailers in the U.S. and internationally and online at www.troyleedesigns.com in June 2010."My dad was an avid motorcyclist and huge supporter of the sport," said Chad McQueen, Steve's son.

The unseen Honda collection

IN AN UMARKED warehouse in Torrance, California, lies a collection of classic Honda cars and motorcycles from the past four decades - most have never been seen by public eyes.The collection was started by a former executive of American Honda, Tom Elliott, Honda USA's executive vice president for sales, John Mendel, tells the New York Times.“The problem was, we kept turning up more and more significant models that we couldn’t let go of,” said Mr. Mendel. We just kept parking them in this warehouse.

Roland Sands: New Blood

HERE'S THE latest instalment of US bike building guru Roland Sands' New Blood video. The film, narrated by Charley Boorman, follows Sands and his day-today life, looking at the development of some of Sands' creations. It's a cool series of videos to sit and watch if the boss/wife/teacher ain't looking...

Who needs a bucket and sponge anyway?

If you use your bike daily then you’ll know that keeping it clean in the winter is a tricky job. So I’m all up for fast and simple ways to keep my ZX-6R clean through the winter. At the NEC bike show I picked up some Soapstar cleaning pads.

Knob Polish - it comes up a treat!

AN AMERICAN accessory manufacturer has come up with a polishing wax which they claim is perfect for motorcycles.Called 'Knob Polish' the compound was originally designed as a non caustic way for the airline industry to clean the intake and exhaust ports on jet engines. According to the makers, the commercial airline industry discovered the resin would take the hazing off windshields and worked well as a fuselage polish.The makers claim it works on chrome, aluminum, gold, silver, helmets, carbon fibre, stainless steel, brass, plastic covers, plastic windshields and paint.  Knob Polish

DVD: 1988 & 1991 Transatlantic Challenge

This DVD from Duke Video just landed on my desk. Can't wait to get it on tonight. Here's the blurb from the Duke site: The Transatlantic Challenge was the ultimate two-wheel showdown – the best racers from the United States travelling to Great Britain to do battle with a spectacular line-up of racing rivals.

Used Review: Gaerne G-ike boots

This is Gaerne’s entry-level boot and I’ve been wearing it mainly as a commuting tool over the last year and a half. It’s a good-looking boot that looks like a trainer under jeans and is as comfortable as one too.  The G-Ike has plenty of support in the heel from a steel plate in the sole and plenty of thick plastic around the ankle.  I know for a fact having come off an Aprilia Shiver in these that they provide a fair amount of protection though not enough to stop me twisting an ankle. But they’ve held up really well and I’m still happy wearing them though not for winter as they’re far from waterproof and a tad drafty for sub-zero days.

Used Review: Rev-It Monza Textile Jacket

I picked up this jacket around 3 years ago and intended to wear it as an occasional trip-down-the-pub number, but I’ve ended up wearing it as my main jacket. It’s billed as lightweight and aimed more at the scooter market, but it comes with Knox armour, has a removable liner and really is waterproof. Which is lucky, because I wore it on a sunny trip to Dorset, 465 miles in total where the sun probably shone once, but I missed it through the fog and sideways rain.

Used Review: Arlen Ness G6037 Gloves

I love these gloves. I haven’t fallen off in them yet but I just know they’re going to do the business when I do. They enjoy the catchy name of G6037.

Used Review: Arai Corsair

The comfort of Arai’s lids in the upper range are, for me, beyond compare. I’ve spent the last two years wearing this lid, and, just my luck, I crashed the first time I wore it. Chasing a Fireblade down the Brands Hatch straight, his engine blew sending me and the RC8 I was (briefly) on, sliding across his oil towards the gravel.

New: Shark RSI

The new RSI (imagine naming a new lid after Repetitive Strain Injury) features some ambitious design and some good features backing it up. The very simple “Push One” quick release visor system works well and there are five different densities of shock-absorbing materials to do their work should you make a big error. As for the graphic, everybody knows flames add a minimum of 5 horsepower to any engine.

New: Puma Moto Performance Boots

The ultimate city boot, the brand new Puma Moto Performance boot keeps you protected and dry, without having to boot up like  you’re heading out to a race. Velcro flaps make it a cinch to get in and out, while a bloody big thick plastic heel will last forever. Solid build is where these are at.

New: Lightech Paddock Stand

One look at the World SBK paddock tells you Lightech equipment is at the top of its game. Ultra-sturdy and easy to use, these paddock stands suspend some of the most technically advanced machines in motorcycling, and somehow they’ve made a stand look sexy! Paddock stands.

New: Knox Sixpack Rucksack

This ingenious little backpack can go a long way to making your life easier. The secure helmet net keeps your lid safe, while there are pockets inside for an extra visor and laptop. The clever size means it’s small enough for a daily commute and large enough for a weekend away.

New: Exo2 Heated Vest

Technology is the name of the game in heated rider-wear, and the StormRider’s got it. The heat panels are made of a conductive polymer, the outer shell is wind and water-proof, while all the lining materials work together to maximise heat retention. Don’t forget to TAKE THE PLUG OUT!

New: Ducati 80s Leather Jacket

You can always count on Ducati to come out with decent retro-styled gear. The 80s jacket is made of premium 1-1.3mm thick waterproof cowhide, featuring stretch patches at the shoulders. CE-approved composite armour in the shoulders and elbows cushion any knocks while a breathable liner keeps you cool.

New: Alpinestars Apex Drystar Glove

This well-styled glove is a mix of leather and textiles aimed at giving you the best feel possible from an all-weather glove. The goat skin ‘chassis’ features an extra-warm liner and works together with an Alpinestars 100% waterproof Drystar membrane to keep the elements away. Best looking winter glove on the market, we reckon!

New: Aerostitch Roadcrafter one-piece suit

The one-piece Roadcrafter suit is claimed to be one of the most versatile suits on the market. The all-condition Gore-Tex suit is designed to fit over regular clothes, but it’s tailored to reduce wind flap (it says here). Perfect for your daily commute or a cross-continental adventure.

Top Motorcycle News of 2009

The year is coming to a close so let’s take a look back at the top stories of 2009 in the world of motorcycles after the jump. Buell Motorcycles Shut Down Harley-Davidson made the shocking announcement Oct. 15 it would discontinue Buell Motorcycles.

We will exterminate!

THIS ONE may be a couple of years old but it gave us all a laugh at Visordown HQ. Take one mobility scooter, a stack of MDF board and a wild imagination and you've got the ingredients for a whole new way of getting about town. What a legend!

Hybrid Motorcycle Gets 282 MPG

The ET-120 is the hybrid version of the Strike EV that was released earlier by Eko Vehicles based in Bangalore, India and claims to be the first hybrid motorcycle in the world.  The new hybrid bike will feature a 70cc gas engine and electric motor that will get 120 km/l or about 282 mpg in hybrid mode, has a top speed of 40 mph but the power and torque will be equivalent to a 120cc engine. More info and a press release after the jump. The price will be around $850 U.S.

Hizzy race replica for Xmas?

STEVE HISLOP fans may be tempted by this Arai RX-7GP replica of the racing legend's helmet - which has gone on sale six years after the Scot lost his life in a tragic helicopter accident.Just 750 examples are destined for the worldwide market; the first batch is available at Crossan Motorcycles for £599.99 each.A royalty from each sale will go to Hislop's family.Contact Crossan Motorcycles on 028 30850911 or buy from www.thevisorshop.com

Kenny Roberts Return to the Indy Mile [video]

In a year that saw Yamaha riders James Stewart, Valentino Rossi, and Ben Spies capture the perfect “trifecta” of World Championships, perhaps one of the most memorable moments for race fans around the world, was “King” Kenny Roberts’ return ride at the infamous Indy Mile in late August. As a year end surprise, Yamaha is pleased to offer race fans around the world a video of this monumental occasion. The video features both archival footage from Kenny’s victory in 1975 as well as the events surrounding this recent monumental motorcycling event.

Snowed in? Well, me and the ZX-6R are!

For the second time this year ive got up in the morning, gone to leave for work and found this sitting in my garden. Usually I leave the ZXR under cover, but last night I knew it may be tricky getting out of the garden so I had it lined up and ready to go for a frosty start, well “Frosty” turned out to be an obvious understatement. The good news is despite all types of extreme weather the paint finish and overall quality of the parts on the Ninja have proven to be very good.

Stolen Harley-Davidson Returned 17 Years Later [video]

Stolen from his apartment in West L.A. 17 years ago, Warren Huff, thought his Harley-Davidson was gone forever.  The bike was found in Valencia after a man brought the motorcycle in for inspection.  The bike was stock originally but Huff gets the customized Harley back as is. Hit the jump to see the news clip.

Scorchio!

With the worst weather we've had this winter rapidly approaching London, the arrival of some heated gloves from Held were a very welcome and needed surprise. I'll be giving the Magma a proper review in the used gear section in the magazine in the spring but for now I can tell you that they have three heat settings (30°, 36° and 42°) and should last up to three and a half hours on the medium setting. They are 3M Thinsulate lined and have a Goretex membrane and cost £149.99.

honda design book

Those of you with a penchant for coffee table books will love this little gem from Japan. Honda Design 1957-1984 does exactly what it says on the tin and allows us an insight to the work behind many of our favourite motorcycles. Sketches, pre-production drawings and plenty of retro pictures of a golden era.