98 Honda Shadow on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Own A Scale Model Of The Elf5, One Of The Most Unique Racing Motorcycles Ever

If you’re a fan of scale model racing motorcycle kits, this 1/12 scale model of the Elf5 racer, as ridden by Ron Haslam in 1988, should make your mouth water. Designed by famous F1 designer André de Cortanze, the Elf5 was the culmination of a radical experiment by de Cortanze and Elf, the French petroleum giant. And even though it didn’t claim the racing success Cortanze and Elf had hoped, the experimental Elf motorcycles hold a distinctive place in motorcycle racing history, with some of its technology still in use today.  Powered by a Honda NSR500 V4 engine that served as a stressed member and main mounting structure for the single-sided swingarms both front and rear, this recently released scale model is based closely on the actual Elf5 racing machines. This full detailed kit maintains the single-sided suspension, with the front suspension consisting of aluminum alloy and springs that will be partly movable.

Rumor Check: Honda's Mini-Africa Twin Will Be The XL750 Transalp

Trademark filings confirm the return of a familiar name. Back in May 2021, MO’s resident sleuth Dennis Chung took a dive into the rumor mill surrounding a possible mini-Africa Twin coming from Honda. Trademark filings for the name Transalp were filed in several markets around the world, including the U.S.

Classic corner: Phillip Island turn 12

Ask any racer what corners they would choose for their perfect track and the long swooping left that makes up the final corner of Phillip Island would appear on quite a few designs. Here the Honda World Superbike riders Jonathan Rea and Hiroshi Aoyama, along with technician Chris Pike and Pirelli's Giorgio Barbier detail the classic corner from the Australian track.