Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Think you can take a good picture?

FOLLOWING THE success of the first Red Bull Illume Image Quest, the world’s biggest photography contest for action and adventure sports now returns for a new edition – and you can be part of it!With the first contest already resulting 2000 international photographers submitting their pictures and the 50 finalist works being exhibited in outdoor venues across North America, Red Bull Illume 2010 is set to get even bigger and better.Once again, the focus of the brand-new edition is on finding the world’s most outstanding and premium adventure sports images, illuminating the passion, thrilling lifestyle and culture behind each shot and honoring those photographers that brave the planet’s harshest terrains to freeze those precious moments in time.The Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2010 calls upon all action photographers to submit a maximum of five images to one or more of the 10 categories listed on www.redbullillume.com, where they will be judged by an expert panel of renowned photo editors.Submission is open from October 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010 – until then check out all the facts and details on www.redbullillume.com and get ready for your chance of a lifetime to become known as one of the world’s most outstanding action sports photographers!www.redbullillume.

Fiat Yamaha Team Interviews [video]

Fiat has released a series of interviews with Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and other members of the World Champion Fiat Yamaha MotoGP team. The interviews were conducted after the post-season testing in November but the interviews were recently released with English subtitles. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Custom Bike Cake for the Hells Angels

I wouldn’t hold it against anyone if they have never seen an episode of Cake Boss on TLC but after I saw the promo for last nights episode I couldn’t miss it.  Buddy (the cake boss) is asked by a couple of members of the Hells Angels to make a cake, although its not on the same scale as the Go Daddy cake its still interesting to see how they put it together. Click here to watch the full episode.

Electric Moto Corporation

After launching their website last week, the California based Electric Moto Corporation has now announced the IPG Group as their agency of record to help increase brand awareness and bring in some investor interest.  According to their website, other then the EMAX 72 DS electric motorcycle, there is a scooter, ATV, bicycle and a personal watercraft on the drawing board. Some available specs after the jump. Weight:  210 lb Voltage:  72 V Capacity:  14 kW Top Speed:  60 mph HP (approx):  21 Torque:  40 Nm Range:  3 hrs Construction:  Aluminum Wheels (front/back):  21/19 Hubs:  Talon Brakes:  Disc/F&R Type:  Brembo Suspension:  Ohlins Price (est):  $9,995 Mitch Leonard is the newly appointed CEO of Electric Moto Corporation and has more than eighteen years in the motorcycle industry.  Leonard, credentials include working with: American Honda Racing, Pro Circuit Racing, Suzuki Racing, Yoshimura Racing, Troy Lee Designs, Showa Suspension, Ohlins Suspension and Dunlop Tire.

2010 Honda CB Twister Launch [video]

UPDATE:  READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE! Unveiled last Friday in India, this new Honda motorcycle features an air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder 110cc engine, gets 164 mpg and will sell for $900 US!  How do they do it?  Volume!  It will only be available in India (world’s second biggest motorcycle market) at the end of February, 2010. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Skiing on a Scooter? [video]

Riminimoto has created a Snow Kit Solution (SKS) which will convert almost any 50cc or 100cc scooter into a motorized sled or a Slidescooter.  The demo video after the jump demonstrates how easy it is to operate the sled while riding down Marmolada mountain in Italy. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Do You See the Motorcycle?

The Honda crotch rocket rider was traveling at approximately 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the motorcycle. More photos after the jump.

Heated clothing rocks

We’ve all been there, trying to wrap up warm before heading out on the bike in the freezing cold. Last winter I was wearing a thermal under suit, Jeans, three t-shirts and then a winter jacket and trousers over the top. This winter looks to be just as cold as last years but for me things have changed, I’ve discovered heated clothing!

KTM Holiday Party and Track Day

It takes a gambler to win and the Austrian motorcycle maker KTM took that gamble on the weather last Friday while throwing a holiday party slash track day at its local Pala Raceway. Known locally for its Indian casino, Pala, California and its motocross raceway was the site of KTM’s Christmas gift to owners and fans. Warding off the falling rain for most of the day, KTM owners had free reign of Pala Raceway’s 200-plus acres, DJ entertainment, product raffles, a look at Team Peterson’s hill climbing team bikes and photos with Santa for the kids and Jager girls for the adult children.

Volkswagen Buys 20 Percent Share in Suzuki

Months of rumors and a more credible report yesterday have culminated in the official news that Volkswagen will take a 20 percent share in Japanese automaker Suzuki, worth $2.5 billion. Volkswagen has its sights set on becoming the world’s largest automaker and with Suzuli’s small-car expertise, it hopes to make a large expansion into developing markets, like India. The news comes just a day after VW officially took a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche.

2010 Kawasaki Z1000 – First Ride

UPDATE: Full Review now available on Motorcycle.com Almost forgotten among a group of new high-profile sportbikes is the new Kawasaki Z1000. After having ridden it yesterday in the twists and hills of the Central California coast, I’m here to tell you that this is a real-world sportbike to be reckoned with. Forget the old Z1000.

Tron Legacy Trailer [video]

The long awaited sequel is slated to be released on December 17, 2010 by Walt Disney Studios.  The original movie, Tron, was released in 1982 and production for Tron 2 has been rumored since the late 1990′s but was confirmed by Disney in September, 2009. Jeff Bridges is back for the second installment along with the Light Cycles that were designed by Daniel Simon, for me its worth the price of admission just to see them in action. The film is Directed by Joseph Kosinski and will also star, Garrett Hedlund, Bruce Boxleitner, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde, Beau Garrett and John Hurt.

Sculpted Motorcycles Out of Watch Parts

Jose Geraldo Reis Pfau is an artist out of Blumenau, Brazil, who creates these motorcycle miniatures out of old watch parts.  Currently, Pfau has over 200 sculptures in his collection, according to his website, its his weekend hobby and are not for sale but could become available at some point in the future. Hit the jump to see some more samples of his work.

Tyre warmers for the daily commute

Ducati's Streetfighter is a serious bit of kit. It's actually perfect for my daily commute, if not, slightly extravagant. It's narrow, nimble and precise.

Sons of Anarchy Back for Season Three

FX has committed to another season of thirteen new episodes bringing back all of the series regulars.  The season finale, that aired on December 1st, drew 4.3 million viewers, the most the show has ever registered, season two enjoyed a 66% increase in total viewers compared to season one. Kurt Sutter, the creator of the show has signed a two-year extension to write and produce the series, so I guess they are planning ahead to season four as well.

Custom R1 for Riders for Health

This R1 will be auctioned in 2010 to raise money for Riders for Health. The bike was donated by Yamaha and the paintjob was designed by Aldo Drudi - the guy behind Rossi's helmet designs. See the similarity?!

The freshest pizza you'll ever get delivered?

I don't know where to start with this one. It's very odd. On a German TV programme, this bloke reckons he can make and cook a pizza while riding his Fireblade.

Modern Motorcycle Art [video]

A.D. Maddox was a good example of an artist actually using a motorcycle to create art, her “bug art” was interesting indeed, now an artist out of New York City, Aaron Young, has given his interpretation using motorcycles to make art. See how this piece was created and some more samples after the jump.

Resident Evil Inspired Chopper

Capcom, the creator of the popular video game series “Resident Evil”, has teamed up with Savage Cycles out of Maryland, to create this zombie killer custom chopper.  The project is scheduled to be completed in January, the limited bikes to be built has no price tag at this point but I am sure it will be steep. Check out some preview shots and a list of some interesting features. From the Capcom blog: The bike is low-slung and mean, armored but fast, with quick access to a number of “weapons” and items, such as an airsoft shotgun and pistol, “health sprays” and a combat knife strapped to the front fork.

Backflips on a Harley? [video]

In late November two motorcycle daredevils from opposite sides of the world were fighting to see who would be the first to backflip a Harley Davidson XR1200 motorcycle. Australia’s Kain Saul reached the Promised Land first when he made a successful jump in Sydney on November 27. Harley-Davidson believes Saul’s jump is the first ever successful backflip for any full size street motorcycle.

Calling all classic GSX-R owners

CRASHED YOUR classic GSX-R? Then check these stylish, handmade GSX-R engine cases from Warwicksire-based engineering specialists M&K Enterprises. Beautifully manufactured in a sandcast finish, M&K's GSX-R items are a great option for anyone looking to replace damaged cases, or for those after protecting their bike engine's bottom end in the event of a tumble.

Have Valentino Rossi in your bedroom!

NINE-TIME motorcycle World Champion Valentino Rossi and Italian company Berloni have signed an exclusive agreement which will allow furniture manufacturer to sell “Valentino-style” bedrooms.The collection includes a range of beds, wardrobes and various fittings. Company boss Roberto Berloni enthusiastically declared:“The Berloni brand is very proud to be able to present a range of products which reminds us of such a likeable and professional character as Valentino with his positive and winning personality.”How cool is that?

2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show [video]

NEC Birmingham 2009 – The bikes, the babes, the kit and the people. Raptors & Rockets present the 2009 Carole Nash international motorcycle & scooter show from Birmingham, UK. Check out the video highlight list and Tor Sagen’s video walk through from the 2009 NEC show.

ThermaHelm Helmet Puts Your Brain on Ice [video]

According to the ThermaHelm website, they have developed a liner inside of their helmet that cools the brain after an impact. A standard helmet is made up of polystyrene foam that is an energy absorber but is also an insulator, after major head trauma, the standard helmet acts like an oven heating the brain up to dangerous levels. With the ThermaHelm helmet, the cool liner activates after impact, keeping the brain at normal temperatures until medical help arrives, giving the injured rider a better chance for survival and/or a less serious injury.

The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap [video]

The Tail of the Dragon is concerned by most to be the best road to ride a motorcycle in America, with 318 curves over 11 miles it has to be done at least once in a motorcyclists lifetime.  For the lucky ones who have already slayed this dragon, I know you are thinking that a video could never do the real ride justice, for those who have never heard of the route its a great introduction to this incredible motorcycle destination. Following my BFF through the Dragon from killboy on Vimeo.

Ride a Harley in South Africa

ONE FOR THE ADVENTUROUS: Harley-Davidson has recently launched the Western Cape Experience tour in South Africa.The seven-night trip includes a five-day riding experience aboard the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited. Harley say the 1,000-mile route couples stunning scenery with carefully selected high quality accommodation that represents the Harley-Davidson lifestyle and shows visitors some of the best experiences that the Western Cape has to offer.Harley-Davidson UK and Ireland are offering customers a discount of £500 off the tour cost for a single rider and an additional saving of £120 of the cost of a pillion travelling with the rider. To qualify for this discount customers must book a demo ride online by visiting www.harley-davidson.co.uk.

Video: Barry Sheene's 500 stroker on the Visordown stage

We've got a real treat for you on the Visordown stage at the NEC Bike Show. It's the ridiculously gorgeous Akai Yamaha, ridden by Barry Sheene and now owned by Chris Wilson. Niall Mackenzie and Jamie Whitham fire it up 3 times a day, just before one of our feature shows.

Bradley Smith joins Visordown at the NEC

Bradley Smith was on stage with us on the opening day of the NEC Bike Show, where he was grilled by Mackenzie and Whitham, as well as the audience. He's a great guy, really switched on and had plenty of time for all the fans - I'm not sure I could sign as many autographs, but then it's lucky I don't have to! We were also joined by Yukio Kagayama and John Reynolds earlier in the day, they were both great value too.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO and EVO SP: First Ride

UPDATE:  Read the full review on Motorcycle.com We were invited by Ducati to the Mores Raceway on the island of Sardinia in Italy to take a look at the new Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO and EVO SP. As we were told by insiders at the 796 launch the Hypers are now one big happy family consisting of three members. The EVO and EVO SP are both seven kilos (15.4 pounds) lighter and five horses more powerful than the 2009 Hypermotard 1100.

Honda VFR1200 blog: Dearly Beloved

FOR WHAT we are about to receive... We all know motorcycling's a religion, which may be why Honda chose a defunct church to launch the 2010 VFR1200F - the bike the company reckon will take the sports-touring market by storm. Rain-soaked Spain is the venue for the European launch of the all-new Honda VFR1200F.