Candy Red Honda CL Motorcycles, page #65

Moto blog

French Moto Website Anticipates Versys 1000 at EICMA 2011

Musings of a liter-size engined Kawasaki Versys have circulated the web for a few years now, as loyalists of the likable Versys 650, as well as displacement-driven riders waiting in the wings, have pondered the potential of a more powerful adventure bike from Kawasaki that’s in the same league as BMW’s R1200GS and Yamaha’s Super Tenere. Alas, nothing of the sort has ever left the lips of Kawasaki, let alone go into production. Recently, however, the French motorcycle website, Moto-net.com, has produced convincing images that appear like photos of a complete Versys 1000, including matching hard luggage.

Concept Motorcycles Galore

This concept Honda is the work of French designer Benoit Vignot. You can see this and other images by Vignot in a Core77.com blog post dated Oct. 21, 2011.

Yamaha, Honda Donate to Thailand Flood Relief Efforts

Honda and Yamaha announced relief aid for the people of Thailand affected by severe flooding that has swamped large parts of the country since late July. Yamaha and its Thai subsidiaries are donating a relief package worth about 30 million yen (US$390,000) including 3,000 life jackets. Yamaha is evaluating what items to provide including outboard motors.

EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 Honda Crosstourer Headed for Production

Honda announced it will mass produce the Crosstourer adventure tourer unveiled first in concept form at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. The 2012 Honda Crosstourer will use a V4 engine similar to the one used in the VFR1200F and will also be available with Honda’s dual clutch transmission. Long-travel suspension adds to the adventure touring theme, but the Crosstourer is still more suited to paved roads than dirt.

The Honda Collection Halls in Motegi

I thought you may have to be from a certain era to enjoy the Honda Collection Halls in Motegi but I was wrong. This immaculate museum has hundreds of race and road bikes on display starting with the first ever (wooden) motorcycle built right up to the amazing machines Pedrosa and co are campaigning this year. Being part of the Honda owned Motegi Twin Ring circuit complex, I was expecting it to be a Honda only zone so was amazed to see lots of iconic bikes from other manufacturers also on display.

Flooding in Thailand Not Expected to Affect Honda Motorcycle Production

Severe flooding in Thailand has disrupted Honda’s automobile production but the company’s motorcycle production is expected to proceed normally. Hundreds have been died since July due to heavy flooding in Thailand and several provinces remain underwater as the Asian nation experiences its worst floods in 50 years. Heavy monsoon rains from multiple storm systems over the last few weeks have added to the problem, affecting millions in northern and central Thailand.

The most beautiful race bike ever?

It was good to see my old HRC team mate Shinichi Itoh making his final Moto GP appearance last weekend at Motegi.  At 44 he was a bit off the pace compared to his younger team mates, but that didn't matter as it was a joy just to see him circulating on what I reckon is most stunning GP bike ever. And I gladly braved the pit lane walkabout chaos just to dribble and take a few snaps. Unfortunately he lost the front in one session trashing a complete set of body work but was back in action on race day to grab a few world championship points.

Stoner explains the tank slapper

Casey Stoner looked all set to win at Motegi, after translating his pole position into an early race-lead. But coming over the crest on the back straight his bike momentarily lost control in a tank slapper. Regaining composure the championship leader was forced to pump his brakes to get the pads back in place, with the rear-wheel bouncing in the air he ran out of time and space to make the 90 degree right hander and was forced to run into the gravel.

2011 World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies

Chaz Davies has captured the 2011 Supersport World Championship, completing a triumphant return to the series for Yamaha. Davies, the 2008 Daytona 200 winner, finished the Magny-Cours round in sixth place, giving him an insurmountable 35-point lead over Hannspree Ten Kate Honda‘s Fabien Foret with one race remaining. The championship comes in Yamaha‘s return from a one-year absence from the series.

Honda Canada to Launch CBR250R Racing Series

Honda Canada will introduce a new national racing series featuring the CBR250R for 2012. The news is no surprise as Honda has been running a CBR125R Challenge racing series as a support class for the Canadian Superbike Championship since 2008. With the CBR250R on the market for nearly a year (and reportedly doing quite well at that), a racing series featuring the quarter-liter sportbike was almost inevitable.