Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Sugo: Great racetrack, awful kahzis

IN THE high-tech World of the Japanese flushing toilet, it’s nice to know that some things just don’t change.Race track toilets, that’s what I’m talking about. Even here in Japan, where some toilets play soft music while delivering an invigorating sphincter valeting, it’s a grounding experience to discover that race circuit facilities (Motor Sport Vision excepted) are as bad the World over.I mean, will you look at this? A glorified porcelain hole in the floor that invites the user to squat like a dog.Mallory Park: I’ll never be rude about your facilities ever again…

Is this Honda's inspiration for mass-centralisation

SORRY TO keep carpin’ on about porcelain bathroom products but this beauty, I think, is of great motorcycling significance. Feast on its elegant lines and classical, elegant beauty. Combining an integral hand basin (with a nifty electrically operated water pump in the cistern lid) this john not only provides ingenious space saving design techniques but also serves as a timely reminder to wash your hands once you’ve pointed Percy at the porcelain.

Honda VFR1200F Launch: Tokyo (no) Show

IF YOU'VE never been to the Tokyo show before, let me tell you this: you’re missing nowt.‘You picked a bad year to come,’ said the Yamaha designer and he was spot on. Three halls of mainly Japanese car manufacturers and lots of empty spaces wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. Maybe my expectations were too great, maybe I should have been expecting my glass to be half empty?

Questions For Paul Teutul Sr.

On the heels of the American Chopper season debut this Thursday and the recent OCC Rocks CD release, motorcycle.com has been given the opportunity to conduct a phone interview with the one and only, Paul Teutul Sr., owner of Orange County Chopper.  If you have any questions you would like us to ask, please hit the comment button above and lay it on us. Get your questions in ASAP, the article will appear on motorcycle.com in the next few weeks.

Shop Class as Soulcraft

Matthew Crawford is a practicing motorcycle mechanic out of Richmond,Virginia. He’s also an excellent writer who holds a philosophy degree from the prestigious University of Chicago. This unusual trifecta informs “Shop Class as Soulcraft: an Inquiry Into the Value of Work.” Anyone who’s changed their oil or timed a distributor (remember them?) will appreciate the result.

New Lorenzo lids unveiled

HELMET MANUFACTURER X-LITE will be unveiling one of their top-of-the-range lids in a variety of colour schemes favoured by Fiat Yamaha MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo.The X-802 is now available in the MotoGP star's black paint scheme, with the recognisable red 'X' on the crown. The back of the helmet features an 'Evolution of Lorenzo', which charts the transition of the Mallorcan from boy to worldwide phenomenon, in a Charles Darwin cartoon stylee.If that doesn't float your boat there will be more options: Lorenzo's Captain America paint scheme, seen at the Indianapolis GP, will be available by the end of the year, along with the NASA-style astronaut helmet used during Lorenzo's stunning victory at Estoril.The helmet is priced at 484 euros (£442) on the European market.I feel a phone call coming on...

Honda VFR1200F launch: Even the toilet has ABS

Just touched down in Tokyo after a twelve-hour flight from Heathrow and, as a total Japan virgin, I can tell you it’s all as weird as you’d probably imagine. Check out my hotel room’s toilet with inbuilt electronic arse power washing facility. Going to check that bad boy out as soon as I’ve filed this copy.

Hard Rock and a Hog

If you have any financial stability these days it seems there are many opportunities to take advantage of, now there can never be enough deals out there but here is one that sounds great.  Starting at $239, you can grab a room at the Hard Rock Hotel for two nights at their San Diego location but included with your stay is a Harley-Davidson bike rental. The Hard Rock and a Hog Package includes: * Two night accommodations * Day rental from San Diego Harley Davidson * Detailed map of the best hog rides in the San Diego area * Gift bag of Harley Davidson goodies * $40 meal credit for an early morning breakfast at Maryjane’s * Complimentary access to Float and 207 * Dates: August 21, 2009 – December 30, 2009 * Rates start at $239 If your interested, check out the Hard Rock in San Diego and the San Diego Harley-Davidson sites for more information or for more destination ideas, click here.

How To Draw a Motorcycle [video]

If you ever wanted to learn how to draw a motorcycle with a pencil and some paper then hit the jump and watch the demonstration video to see this Harley-Davidson V-Rod drawing above come to life right before your eyes.  Also, there is a step-by-step method listed on how you can learn to sketch your favorite bike for yourself. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Start your drawing with two circles that will form the wheels of the motorcycle.

Is Night Vision for Motorcycles Useful?

The concept sounds great but like with any new product or idea it may look good on paper but how well will it work in the real world, Darren Haley from FLIR is trying to find out.  Haley, is currently testing out this product that is hands-free, it uses a thermal camera that is plugged into a GPS unit to display a more detailed image when riding at night. Haley, does make one good point about having oncoming cars blind you as they pass, he also mentions in the article that he uses the unit like you would a side or rear-view mirror. The display allows you to see the lines of the road without having to look at the car and blinding you The unit will be priced under $2,000 (that usually means $1,999).  I have way too many questions and concerns about this concept but I guess its too early to judge… Source

Brammo’s Enertia Electric Bike Off to Washington D.C. [video]

Its no accident that two riders representing Brammo started their PR road trip earlier this week from Ann Arbor, MI to Washington, DC.  It also the happens to be about the same route CEO’s took from the big three, but instead of asking for a handout they are only looking to promote electric transportation as a solution to the transportation “crisis”. The trip is about 520 miles and will take them about a week and a half (Google maps claims the trip should take 8 hours), hopefully because they are sight seeing or visiting family and friends along the way, unfortunately its more likely it will take this long due to the limited range of the batteries in the Enertia bike. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Buell Motorcycles Shut Down [video]

Update Nov 13: Last Buell Motorcycle Rolls Off the Line An emotional Erik Buell has posted a video on the Buell Motorcycle site officially announcing that Harley-Davidson has shut down all Buell motorcycle production.  Harley-Davidson will honor all warranties for Buell owners, Buell dealers will still be selling the limited supply of bikes that are currently on hand.  Visit Motorcycle.com News for more details. You can watch the video statement from Eric Buell after the jump. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

World’s Quickest VMax?

The Star Motorcycles VMax is the most powerful production streetbike in mass production. On October 25, 2009, a few VMax enthusiasts will be tearing up the dragstrip at Sacramento Raceway Park. The event is open to all www.starVmax.com and www.rswarrior.com members.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 First Ride [video]

UPDATE: FULL REVIEW HERE! So much for predictions. Weather during the month of October in Bologna,Italy, can typically be cold and wet.

Geeky snippets ahead of the Phillip Island MotoGP

Valentino Rossi has finished on the podium eleven times in his twelve visits to Phillip Island across all three GP classes. The only race at Phillip Island that he did not finish in the top three was on his first visit riding a 125cc machine in 1997 when he finished sixth. In 1998 and 1999 he won the 250cc races and since then has had nine podiums in the premier-class including five victories, the last of which was in 2005.

Datatag unveils new security marking system

DATATAG has developed an all new invisible Ultra Violet etching system to help the fight against bike theft.The new ‘UV’ system etches a permanent UV mark into the bodywork and is virtually invisible to the naked eye. It can only then be seen under UV light, so it does not visibly mark or spoil the aesthetics of your motorcycle’s bodywork – important when you’ve just spent ten grand on your new pride and joy! In addition Datatag have also introduced a new layer of security in Datatag’s Datadots – now with the addition of a forensic chemical DNA called Datatag DNA, an invisible and individually unique solution.

OCC Rocks!

The OCC Band, which is composed of Orange County Choppers co-workers, will be featured in this classic rock compilation CD that was curated by Paul Teutul Sr.  One of the songs listed on the track list, “Summertime Blues”, will feature Paul Sr. on vocals.  The CD will also feature Judas Priest, Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult and many more… New episodes of American Chopper will start on Thursday, October 22nd at 9PM on TLC, but it will be in the second show of the season on October 29th that will focus on the making of the album and the building of the custom bike that appears on the CD cover.  The OCC Rocks CD will be available in stores on October 27th and will sell for $12.98. Find a link to download a FREE MP3 for the “Summertime Blues” track and see the full track list after the jump.

Calling all iPhone owners...

iPHONE OWNING bikers now never need miss a call with the introduction of the new iBike Rider iPhone case.The iBike Rider can be paired with its headphone / mouthpiece, allowing riders to answer calls and listen to music. Obviously not while riding, your Honour. The iBike Rider can prove a useful GPS holder, as the iPhone is capable of delivering turn-by-turn instructions.

Diesel Helmet Protects Quique [video]

Here is an inspiring story about Quique “The Head”.  Even with all of his short comings Quique manages to have a somewhat normal life even if he has to wear a Diesel helmet all of the time to protect his melon.  At least he has style, cool helmet Quique! Check out this heart-warming video after the jump. Get the Flash Player to see this player.

2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster [video]

Over the past few model years Triumph strove to create some sense of how the Rocket can be used, eventually creating a touring-friendly model with windscreen and saddlebags as standard, called the Rocket III Touring. Then came the Rocket III Classic. More pulled back handlebars, floorboards rather than pegs, and two-tone paint helped define the powerful motorcycle as something appealing to the cruiser crowd.

Honda’s V-4 History

As Honda prepares its new VFR1200 for its official unveiling, the red-wing company has set up a website detailing its long involvement in V-4 engines. It began back in 1979 with the introduction of the NR500 grand prix racebike. Rather than fielding a 500cc two-stroke engine, Honda used a four-stroke oval-piston V-4 motor – essentially a V-8 with four cylinders that could be revved to 19,500 rpm!

Chinese Motorcycle Show: Babes and Bikes

We were in Chongqing, China, last week to peruse the latest offerings from the Chinese motorcycle market at the China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition. Known as the 2009 CIMA Motor Show, this is China’s sole national-level bike show. We’ve got a couple of interesting articles on the show and the Chinese motorcycle market starting with the first installment and now the second installment that are live on motorcycle.com but here is a selection of pictures that demonstrate the globally universal link between bikes and babes.

"That's one small step for man..."

TO CELEBRATE the 40th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon, Fiat Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo will wear an astronaut-style paint job on his helmet at this weekend's Portuguese GP. The Spaniard's lid has been sprayed to look a little like a spaceman's helmet and has Neil Armstrong's immortal words: "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind" written on the rear. Let's just hope Lorenzo doesn't launch himself this weekend.

Quick Impressions on the Honda NT700V

UPDATE:  Read the full review of the 2010 Honda NT700V now on Motorcycle.com It should be obvious, but one of the perks of being in the business of evaluating motorcycles is the opportunity to see and ride a huge variety of bikes. Recently, while returning a CRF230M to American Honda’s main offices I spotted the new-to-the-U.S. NT700V sitting amongst the gaggle of bikes set aside for the moto media.

Keep cool, says Rossi

MOTORCYCLE SUPERSTAR Valentino Rossi has been working in collaboration with Italian helmet giant AGV to help racers keep a cool head when out on the track. Trials have been conducted to assess the benefits of using ice cool gel packs within a rider's helmet to help fight the heat build-up during strenuous GP racing. The special pockets have shown that they can help reduce the rider's inside helmet temperature by up to 10 degrees celcius.The new system was designed "thinking of the bikers, who always complain about the heat in summer due to the helmet so I tried to imagine how to apply the technology to reach us in the cold on this particular user,"  explains Massimo Mortarotti, administrator of Dispotech, the company behind the original idea.

2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R and 1090RR First Impressions

MV Agusta has revealed the latest iterations of its Brutale naked sportbikes. Although looking much like the previous 989R and 1078RR, these new editions have been full overhauled with revisions to their four-cylinder engines and significant chassis tweaks. Both versions use a lighter engine crankcase than before, and both have names that suggest a displacement different than what is actually under the tank.

MX vs. ATV Reflex Preview [video]

The highly anticipated return of this extremely popular off-road racing video game franchise will arrive just in time for the holiday season.  The latest incarnation of MX vs. ATV Reflex is apparently a big jump forward that will feature an all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine, Rider Reflex control system and real-time terrain deformation.  It will be available on XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PSP and Nintendo DS. Check out the video demo after the jump.

A biker-friendly beer?

A SCOTTISH brewer criticised for manufacturing Britain's strongest ale has answered his critics by launching the weakest - and calling it Nanny State.Brewdog came under fire earlier this year when they put on sale Tokyo - a beer with an 18.2% alcohol content. The company hope their new 1.1% brew will balance out the difference.BrewDog founder James Watt wrote on his blog: "Anyone who knows BrewDog, knows beer, or anyone has more common sense than a common (or garden) gnome will know that the scathing and unrelenting criticism we faced was pretty unjustified."If logic serves the same people who witch-hunted and publicly slated us should now offer us heartfelt support and public congratulations. However I fear that this, unfortunately, is an arena devoid of logic and reason."

"Are you insane?"

FORMER DOUBLE WORLD speedway champion Bruce Penhall has made a comeback to racing at the age of 52.The American legend and 1980's teenage hearthrob took to the cinders once again earlier this week, at the Industry Hills track in California in a special Old Timers Night, reports today's Sun newspaper.Penhall admitted: "My family said 'Are you insane?' But my friends said 'We'd like some free tickets!'"I'm in my fifties, I'm out of shape and I'm nowhere near ready to trade elbows with the regular guys. But once you know the basics of riding speedway it's not hard to get right back into it."Who reckons we should have a 500cc Old Timers GP series?

Triumph Rocket 3: Hope you like black

COLOURED PAINT must be thin on the ground at Triumph: the company's latest incarnation of their gargantuan Rocket 3 will only available in black when it's released early next year. And there's more torque, too: 165ft-lbs to be precise - up 15 per cent on last year. Triumph also say the new bike will offer "A completely different riding experience from its predecessor." Bold statement.