World Of MotorCycles

Honda VT750C2

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:37:00 +0000

VT750C was the best-selling cruiser in Australia in 2005, and though Honda sold even more in 2006, it was pipped for back-to-back victories by an all-new Harley Davidson Softail.

The changes for this 'C2' generation are minor - more a mid-life freshen up than problem-solving mechanical surgery. The front wheel and tyre steps up from 18 inches to 21 inches, and the 750cc V-Twin engine's fuel-injection map has been changed to smooth throttle response and power delivery.

The fuel injection changes also produce a smoother idle, knocking the sometimes annoying edge off that characteristic V-Twin thrum when stationary. Honda also claims a slight reduction in the engine's thirst for fuel, and improvements in exhaust emission levels. Dual shotgun exhausts contribute to this aspect, and also to the bike's aesthetics.

The engine's 30kW of power is never going to endow this middle-weight cruiser with neck-snapping performance, but that's not the idea. Honda offers bigger cruisers for those chasing more grunt, or some of the world's best sports bikes if you want even more. But the VT750C2 is not averse to a few winding roads or a quick strop across a mountain.

It really is an effortless bike to ride. The engine has a robust yet docile character that responds willingly to a twist of the wrist. There's no tacho because there's little need to be in 'exactly' the right gear, though dropping a cog or two does bring a more urgent response.

Harley Davidson Sportster XR1200

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 17:37:00 +0000

According to Autoblog, Harley Davidson have announced the future release of the Sportster XR1200 for Europe. This model moves away from the classic cruiser style to more of a standard or “naked” bike configuration including an aero tail and real rear-sets, not the centered or forward mounted controls found on American Sportsters. This may be pure speculation but it wouldn’t surprise me to see The Motor Company looking to extend its presence in Europe where riders are far more likely to ride the more upright standards or sport bikes than cruisers.

The XR1200 looks like an evolution of the Nightster, with a radical rear fender and tail treatment (for a Harley). I’m not sure how they’re going to get enough air into lump through that little snorkel but I’m sure the details are all being worked out. So is this just a less comfortable version of the venerable Sportster or is this the new world market entry for Harley? Time will tell.

MV AGUSTA BRUTALE S, 2003

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:16:00 +0000

MV’s design genius Massimo Tamburini lived up to his reputation with the Brutale, whose aggressive style was matched by superb handling and plenty of rev-happy performance from a 749cc, 127bhp four-cylinder engine.

KAWASAKI Z750, 2004

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:12:00 +0000

Essentially a down-sized version of the 2003-model Z1000, the Z750 lacks a few details including the bigger model’s four-pipe exhaust system, but gains by providing excellent all-round performance at a reasonable price.

BMW ROADRUNNER BIKESHOP V8

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:09:00 +0000

When German dentist and motorcycle dealer Dr Harald Geiling was looking for a project, he hit upon the idea of building a bike around the four-litre V8 engine from a BMW 740i saloon car. Several years and many hundred hours’ work later, the crazy machine was ready: weighing almost 500kg, producing 286bhp, and developing enough acceleration to loosen its rider’s shoulder sockets.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:59:00 +0000

Triumph looks to have a big hit on its hands with the Daytona 675, a sleek super-sports middleweight powered by the division’s first three-cylinder engine. The 123bhp Daytona was launched to the world’s press early in 2006 at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur, and on the surrounding roads. The triple’s speed, flexible power delivery and easy handling were hugely impressive on both road and track.

2007 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 04:19:00 +0000

The 2007 FXDB Dyna Street Bob again proves less can be more taking minimalist styling from the “bobber” theme in the custom choppers of the 1970s. The Street Bob shuns components like a passenger seat and pegs. A solo seat at 655 mm high clearly states that this is a motorcycle for the individualist. Features like mini ape-hanger handlebars, the classic Fat Bob fuel tank, a wrap-around rear fender and chrome laced wheels combine with the Twin Cam 96 engine for a stylish and powerful ride with a whole lot of attitude. A wrinkle-black finish applied to the battery box, console and belt guard completes the street-wise look. The Street Bob is available in six solid colours and a new olive pearl/vivid black two-tone.

FXDB Street Bob features:
New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with polished covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49 mm forks
29-degree fork angle/29-degree steering head angle
Mini ape-hanger handlebars
Fat Bob fuel tank
Street Bob air cleaner trim ring
Special tank emblems
Wrinkle-black console with turn signal indicators
Wrinkle-black battery cover with polished trim
Wrinkle-black belt guard
Tank-mounted speedometer
Solo seat
Mid-mount foot controls
Wrap-around rear fender
160 mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

2007 BMW R 1200 ST

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 04:04:00 +0000

The BMW R 1200 ST is a replacement for the R 1150 RS, which was one of the most successful BMW boxer twins of recent years. With a particularly loyal customer base, the RS was voted Britain’s number one machine – the overall winner of RiDE magazine’s 2003 Rider Power survey. The R 1200 ST – Sports Tourer – retains the original’s groundbreaking versatility and rideability but provides more power, better handling, less weight, improved aerodynamics and increased weather protection.

The most important features of the new R 1200 ST
Dry weight in road trim 205kg (452lb) – or 229kg (505lb) with a full tank.
Air-cooled, flat-twin power unit displacing 1170cc and featuring a newly aligned balance shaft.
More power and performance: 81kW (110 hp) maximum output and 115NM (85 lb-ft) maximum torque.
Electronic BMS-K engine management features dual ignition and anti-knock control.
Fully-controlled, three-way catalytic converter with two oxygen sensors.
Six-speed gearbox with helical gears.
Innovative on-board network with CAN-bus technology.
Highly stable, lightweight frame of tubular construction.
Lightweight Paralever with weight-optimised drive-shaft and adjustable TDD spring strut.
Extra-stiff Telelever to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.
New cast wheels.
EVO brakes with BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integrated version) available as an option.
Fuel tank made from special, extra-strong synthetic material – 21 litres (4.6 Imp gal) capacity for long range.
Mechanical windscreen adjustment.
Handlebars adjustable for height.
Two-piece, adjustable seat (two versions) and seat height –ranging from 780–830mm (30.7–32.6´´).
Power unit – even more output

Specifications
Capacity, cc - 1,170
Bore/stroke, mm - 101/73
Output, kW/hp - 81/110 at 7,500 rpm
Torque, Nm(lb-ft) - 115 (85) at 6,000 rpm
Configuration - Flat-twin (Boxer)
No of cylinders - 2
Compression ratio/fuel grade - 12/premium plus
Valves/charge control - HC (high camshaft)
Valves per cylinder - 4
Intake/outlet dia, mm - 36/31
Fuel supply - BMS-K
Alternator, W - 720
Battery, V/Ah - 12/14 maintenance-free
Headlights, W - 2 x H4
Starter, kW - 1.2
Clutch - Single-plate dry clutch, dia 180 mm
Gearbox - Dog-shift six-speed
Primary transmission ratio - 1.882
Gears - I; 2.277, II; 1.583, III; 1.259, IV; 1.033, V; 0.903, VI; 0.805
Final drive - Driveshaft
Transmission ratio - 2.62
Type of frame - Steel tubular spaceframe, load-bearing engine
Wheel guidance, front - BMW Telelever
Wheel guidance, rear - BMW Paralever
Spring travel, front/rear, mm - 110/140
Castor, mm - 111.6
Wheelbase, mm - 1,502
Steering head angle - 63°
Brakes - Front; Double-disc brake, dia 320 mm. Rear; Single-disc brake, dia 265 mm. Special equipment BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integrated)
Wheels - Cast light-alloy wheels. Front; 3.5x17. Rear; 5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front; 120/70 ZR 17, Rear; 180/55 ZR 17
Length, overall, mm - 2,165
Width, overall, with mirrors, mm - 890
Handlebar width, without mirrors, mm - 750
Seat height, mm - 830/806
DIN weight, unladen, in road trim, kg - 229
Dry weight, kg - 205
Max permissible, kg - 460
Tank capacity, ltr - 21
Fuel consumption - 90 km/h, ltr/100 km; 3.7. 120 km/h, ltr/1oo km; 5.1
Acceleration, 0–100 km/h - 3.5 sec
Standing-start, km - 22.1 sec
Top speed, km/h (mph) - 200 (124) plus

2007 Buell Lightning XB12Scg

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:59:00 +0000

Cut for the rider with a shorter inseam, the Lightning XB12Scg offers a seat height that’s 39 mm lower than the Lightning XB12S but with absolutely no concessions in handling or performance.
Shortened front and rear suspension and a reshaped seat lower the centre of gravity and reduce seat height to 726 mm for enhanced rider confidence at stops and low speeds. Power comes from the same potent Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin with Buell InterActive Exhaust. The agile handling from the same rigid chassis and nimble 1320 mm wheelbase is pure Buell.
The Lightning XB12Scg is available in Midnight Black with Black wheels; or with the airbox cover and flyscreen in Translucent Valencia Orange with Amber wheels, or new Translucent Cherry Bomb Red with Cherry Bomb Red wheels. In each case, the frame is Graphite Gray, the front fender and chin spoiler Midnight Black.
Buell Lightning XB12Scg highlights:
100 peak hp @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
110 Nm peak torque @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
DDFI II Electronic Fuel Injection with single-piece 49mm intake throttle body
New Pirelli Diablo T tyres
Revised functional airbox cover and redesigned 3D cover graphic
Dry Weight: 179 kg
Wheelbase: 1320 mm
Seat height: 726 mm
Fully adjustable 41 mm Showa upside-down fork
Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
Buell ZTL front brake
Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology
Magnesium tone cam/clutch covers
Buell® Lightning® XB12Scg MY07 Technical Specification:
Engine - Air/oil/fan cooled, 4 stroke, 45° V-Twin
Displacement - 1203 cc
Bore and Stroke - 88.9 mm x 96.8 mm
Compression ratio - 10.0:1
Valves - OHV, two valves per cylinder
Valve adjustment - Self adjusting
Fuel system - 49 mm down draft DDFI II fuel injection
Exhaust - Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with InterActive valve and mass-centralised mounting
Intake - Zero resistance air box
Power* - 100 hp / 101.4 PS / 74.6 kW @ 6600 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
Torque* - 81 ft. lb / 110 Nm @ 6000 rpm (EU Standard EC95/1)
Lubrication - Dry sump / 2.4 litres capacity
Oil filtration - Screw-on disposable element
Frame - Aluminium frame with Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation system, fuel in frame
Wheelbase - 1320 mm
Rake - 21°
Trail - 83.8 mm
Front fork - 41 mm Showa® inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Rear shock - Showa® coil-over monoshock with remote, under-seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Suspension Travel - Front wheel; 74 mm, Rear wheel; 90 mm
Front brake - ZTL-type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, 375 mm single sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Rear brake - 240 mm stainless steel, single piston, floating caliper, fixed rotor
Front wheel - 6-spoke ZTL™ cast aluminium, 3.5 in x 17 in
Rear wheel - 6-spoke ZTL™ cast aluminium, 5.5 in x 17 in
Front tyre - Pirelli® Diablo T 120/70 ZR-17
Rear tyre - Pirelli® Diablo T 180/55 ZR-17
Lean Angle - Soft Contact: Right 42°, Soft Contact: Left 42°, Hard Contact: Right 50°, Hard Contact: Left 48°
Fuel capacity - 14.5 litres
Gross vehicle weight rating - 385 kg
Dry weight - 179 kg
Load capacity - 180 kg
Seat height - 726 mm
Ground clearance - 90 mm
Overall length - 1950 mm
Overall width - 753 mm
Transmission - Five-speed, constant mesh
Ratio - (1) 2.65, (2) 1.89, (3) 1.41, (4) 1.17, (5) 1.00
Primary drive - Triplex chain 1.500:1 ratio
Clutch - Wet, multiplate, compensated, reduced lever effort
Final drive - Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid reinforced Goodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology**, 2.407:1 ratio
Instruments - Electronic speedometer, tachometer, odometer; dual resettable tripmeter; high beam, neutral, oil, low fuel (plus, odometer shows miles traveled on reserve), turn signal and engine diagnostic indicator lamps; clock
Charging system - 494W peak, 38-amp, permanent magnet, 3-phase alternator with solid-state regulator
Battery - 12 volt, 12 amp-hour
Headlight - Twin Quartz Halogen [H7] , 55-watt low beam, 55-watt high beam
Taillight - 5/21 Watts
Turn signals - 10W manual canceling
Warranty - 24 months (unlimited mileage)
* Europe only - Australian specifications to be confirmed.
**Hibrex and Flexten are registered trademarks of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.