Motorcycle
The UKP20,000 TTX01 - 86 BHP, Electric 2WD Motorcycle
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UPDATED It’s the first electric superbike and though its range is considerably less than the first modern four-stroke superbike, the 1969 Honda CB750, its top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) is almost identical. Yesterday the first prototype of the TTX01 Electric Superbike was showcased at a press conference for the 2008 NEC Bike Show. Built to demonstrate the potential of electric sports motorcycles for the first emissions-free Grand Prix, the initial prototype is based on a Suzuki GSX750 frame and running gear and runs two 43 bhp Agni Lynch Electric motors arranged in line with the frame. Together, the motors produce 125 Newton Metres of torque and both have been modified to withstand high RPM using Kevlar-reinforced armatures. The vision is to create a lightweight, carbon fiber framed 2WD TTX02 with "hot swappable", 20 kilowatt hour battery packs, regenerative braking and a production run of 50 machines in 2010 with a target price of UKP20,000. Read More
Bimota's DB7 Oronero: a sportsbike symphony in carbon fiber
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In its past reincarnation, Italian motorcycle company Bimota built a reputation around its ability to take the great Japanese and Italian engines of the time and put them into a chassis package that would actually handle - but when the brand relaunched in 2003, many wondered what relevance Bimota would have in an era when the vast majority of modern sportsbikes handle brilliantly straight out of the crate. But it seems there's still room at the top end of the market for bespoke chassis designers, which is a good thing because otherwise we'd never see revolutionary designs like the center-hub steered TESI 3D or the magnificent DB7 Oronero, which boasts one of the first all-carbon fiber frame, subframe and swingarm packages ever to grace a production bike. A truly pornographic piece of motorcycle art, the Oronero also promises breathtaking performance with a weight of just 164 kilograms being propelled by the 164-horsepower Ducati 1098 powerplant. Read More
BMW unveils F 800 R roadster
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The 1200cc Lo-Rider concept may have been the big story to emerge from the BMW Motorrad camp at last week's EICMA 2008 Milan Motorcycle Show, but it wasn't the only new kid on the block. Set to join the F800S and ST in the company's mid-market line-up from May 2009, the new F 800 R naked roadster sports an 87hp in-line 2-cylinder engine, F800GS-style headlights, chain drive and a new light alloy cast double-sided swingarm. Read More
BMW's brutal Lo-Rider concept bike unveiled at EICMA Milan
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Big change is afoot at BMW's motorcycle division. After unleashing the ferocious K1300 series, the crazy HP2 Megamoto and the instantly-competitive S1000R superbike, BMW today showed a bruising concept bike to the fascinated crowds at Milan's EICMA motorcycle expo. Reminiscent of the certified bad-ass Confederate Hellcat, the 1200cc Boxer-engined Lo-Rider is a nasty-looking stubby musclebike that takes BMW's conservative image and beats it to a pulp behind the school toilets. The Lo-Rider is nearly ready for production if interest is high (which it will be) - and BMW are already talking about a mix-n-match sales process that lets customers choose their own headlight, seat and tail units, pipes and paint schemes for a true factory custom vibe. Read More
KillaCycle electric-motorcycle sets new drag record
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The KillaCyle has again caused record-keepers to reach for their erasers with a world beating run of 7.890 seconds for the quarter mile at the Bandimere Speedway in Colorado. The day out for owner/designer Bill Dube’ and his team was topped off by an earlier run in which the 500hp two-wheeler set a new top speed mark 174.05 mph. Read More
Honda demonstrates V2V communication system for motorcyclists
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No matter what your skill level, being aware of what's going on around you is THE most critical safety factor for all road users - if you don't see it coming, you are in big trouble. For motorcyclists, who are simply less visible on the roads and face a much greater risk of death or serious injury in the event that an accident does occur, this factor becomes even more important. In the past, the technology dedicated to inter-vehicle communication has been limited to blowing the horn or perhaps catching a radio report of an accident up ahead, but things are changing fast. This brings us to Honda's latest innovation in the field. The company has debuted a new Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V) system aimed at reducing road casualties of both motorcyclists and car drivers which links vehicles within a defined radio range via a wireless LAN network to provide immediate access to data on vehicle location, accidents, congestion or other potential threats that lie ahead. Read More
Peugeot's 3-wheel hybrid scooter concept puts a roof over your head
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October 15, 2008 It's not a car and it's not quite a scooter. Peugeot's HYmotion3 compressor concept vehicle is an original mix of previously seen design elements - a semi-enclosed shell akin to BMW's C1 or the Benelli Adiva and the carving 3-wheel layout of Piaggio's MP3 - with hybrid drivetrain technology added to produce a 2-person vehicle that promises low CO2 emissions as well as greater safety and weather protection than conventional scooters. Read More
2009 Aprilia RSV4 superbike - the most powerful, most race-focused Aprilia ever
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We've been following Aprilia's 2009 V-4 engined superbike closely through its development stages, excited to learn what the company can do with its brand new, fully electronically managed and incredibly compact 1000cc motor. And the first official images and press information have been released. Stunning to look at, the RSV4 will make at least 180 horsepower in roadbike trim (and somewhere around 220 in the version Max Biaggi will race in WSBK 2009) - but more astounding than that figure is the amazing amount of chassis tuning the RSV4 will allow. With adjustable steering head angle, swingarm pivots and even engine mounting points, the new Aprilia can lay a genuine claim to being the most race-focused production motorcycle on the planet. Read More
MotoGP stars launch the all-new 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 in Vegas
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Yamaha's superstar MotoGP team, including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland, have assembled to throw their star power behind a completely reworked 2009 R1 launch in Vegas - but the magnificent machine barely needs any help to stand out on its own. One hundred and eighty two horsepower (before ram air kicks in) and 206 kilgorams dripping wet, for less than US$15,000 - aren't these magnificent times for motorcycle fans to live in? Read More
Honda's all-new 2009 CRF450R Motocrosser gets fuel injection
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Honda's CRF450R motocross bike has been hugely successful since its launch in 2002 - and although the bike is already recognized as the class leader, it's receiving a kitchen-sink included upgrade for 2009. Lighter, quicker, more powerful and with even tighter mass centralization for quick handling, the 2009 CRF450R also sports a Honda first - battery-free, programmable fuel injection that raises output power and control while dramatically reducing fuel consumption. Out of the box, Honda says it's two seconds faster around a supercross track than this year's bike. Read More
First pics: Honda's 2009 Fireblade and CBR600RR launched with Combined ABS
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After recently announcing the development of its new Combined ABS braking system for supersport bikes, Honda has released full details of the 2009 CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR, including the system as an option on both. There's also a Repsol paint job and styling update for the new Blade, as well as a more significant makeover for the 600RR that includes new bodywork, monoblock brake calipers, and a revised engine with added midrange torque. The Combined ABS system is set to become standard fitment on all Hondas 250cc and over sometime in the next few years. Read More
MotoPOD RV-10 fits a motorcycle to your plane
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August 13, 2008 Now here’s an interesting concept – announced at Airventure 08, the MotoPOD RV-10 cargo pod fits underneath a light aircraft and carries a street-legal motorcycle. It takes three minutes to remove the modified Yamaha XT225 and the whole package including motorcycle is anticipated to be under US$10,000 when it goes on sale later this year. Given most small airports are not located near ground transportation services, and the comprehensive and convenient total trip transport innovation dramatically reduces point-to-point times at an affordable price. Read More
TAG HEUER Night Vision eyeglasses for safer driving
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August 7, 2008 Driving at night is far more dangerous than driving in daylight according to the statistics. Though only 10% of road miles are driven in the dark, 48% of road fatalities occur at night. That’s primarily because at night our pupils dilate, and we become short-sighted, though glare, halos, and reduced peripheral vision all contribute to ocular tiredness. TAG Heuer has released a set of ophthalmic Night Vision glasses specifically designed to correct dark-induced myopia, reduce glare, contrast the dark blue surroundings without changing colour perception and ultimately offer safer driving after dark. Read More
The world's lightest four-stroke 250 single engine
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Four stroke dirt bikes were once overweight and underpowered, but that’s changing fast. Specialist off-road motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna has disclosed details of a new 250 four-stroke engine it is testing that weighs just 22 kilograms. Though the motor may be small, there has been no significant saving in weight as the new bike, which is likely to be available in limited quantities by the end of the year, comes in at 92 kilos dry – the same as the Yamaha YZ250R and Suzuki RMZ250. Read More
The Toyotron Hunter Electric Motorcycle
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REVISED July 31, 2008 Given the reluctance of the big four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to sacrifice their existing markets by introducing electric motorcycles, the window of opportunity for small and innovative manufacturers to work with the Chinese manufacturing powerhouse to create pollution-free motorcycles that run at negligible cost is wide open. A new electric-only motorcycle manufacturer hit the scene this month in Thailand, moving the country ahead of many first world countries in the quest for sustainable transport. It borrows quite a bit from what has been before, but it looks the goods. Read More
Triumph announces up-spec 675cc Street Triple 'R'
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July 22, 2008 Triumph's 675cc Street Triple has decimated the middleweight naked roadbike class in the short time it's been out, embarrassing Honda's Hornet, Yamaha's FZ6 and Suzuki's GSR600 with its superb handling, exciting 110-horsepower 3-cyclinder engine and excellent ride comfort. It's frequently said to be more fun to ride than its big brother, the 1050cc Speed Triple, and is in such high demand that waiting lists for the 'Striple' run into several months all around the world. And now Triumph are releasing a higher-spec 'R' version using the suspension and brakes from the Daytona 675 which is causing a similar commotion in the Supersport class. Read More
Harley-Davidson acquires MV Agusta group
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July 14, 2008 Harley-Davidson has swooped in with around 70 million Euros to rescue the MV Agusta group from its finicial difficulties. Although Harley and MV might look like strange bedfellows, both are premium, no-expenses-spared brands with huge cultural significance. H-D expect to reap strong financial rewards when MV releases uber-designer Massimo Tamburini's next masterpiece - the 675cc inline triple MV Agusta F3 supersports bike. Read More
Honda's outrageous DN-01 to launch August 1
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From its sports-scooter meets future-cruiser styling to its dual-mode auto/sports-shift infinitely variable transmission, the 680cc DN-01 destroys Honda's conservative, staid reputation in a flurry of raised eyebrows and shaking heads. It couldn't possibly be a Honda - yet it is, and it's going on sale in the UK from August 1 to see if the market's ready for a truly progressive, niche-busting two-wheeler. Read More
BMW's two-wheel-drive, 800cc hill climb motorcycle
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The all-wheel-drive revolution that has swept the off-road car racing world continues to gather strength in the vastly more conservative motorcycle market. Yamaha's 2-Trac and Christini's aftermarket AWD system are well established as proof that 2-wheel-drive is an effective and significant advantage to off-road motorcycle racers, and now BMW is using a two-wheel drive system in one of the toughest arenas of all - the European Hill Climb Championships, where despite star rider Christian Pfeiffer bowing out due to injury, a 2WD F800-powered hill climb bike took fourth place in its first competition outing.
First images Maxtra 125 motor and tests
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June 22, 2008 The Chinese Maxtra Racing team completed its first series of tests on the all-new 125 GP development machine in the UK this week. The photography session for the tests has revealed the first images of the radical new motor’s innovative engine architecture. You’ll see from the accompanying image that the single cylinder points downwards at about 45 degrees. This previously untried layout offers improvements to both intake and exhaust. There is more space for an airbox, enhancing the effectiveness of the ram-air intake system and the exhaust clearly has a free run to the rear of the machine.The remarkable full story of the team and its plans can be found here. Read More
Honda announces 'brake by wire' supersport motorcycle
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June 11, 2008 Motorcycle 'driver aid' technology is becoming more and more prevalent; the 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R, for example, features a primitive traction/stability control system, and the latest Yamaha R1 and R6 engines feature 'fly by wire' throttles, in which an ECU interprets and moderates throttle inputs before they reach the engine. Anti-lock braking is beginning to feature on almost all touring-style motorcycles, and Honda's Combined Braking system, or CBS, is fitted to several of the company's less sports-focused models, where it distributes braking force between front and rear wheels even if only one brake lever is pressed. Honda's latest advancement in rider aid technology is to combine ABS and CBS into one electronically-managed system that prevents braking lock-ups and also manages weight transfer under heavy braking to help stop the rear wheel from lifting in an emergency stop. Read More
Can-Am Spyder Roadster review
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It combines the open air exhilaration of two-wheeled transport with the stability of four, but it's not a motorbike and it's not a convertible sportscar. In fact, direct comparisons with anything else on the highway are largely useless because there's simply nothing out there like the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. More than a decade since BRP first began to explore the idea for totally a new breed of three-wheeled road going conveyance and four years since the styling was finalized, the world wide roll-out of the Spyder is now in full swing. Noel McKeegan climbs aboard for a closer look. Read More
UnoMoto: the electric transport balancing act
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May 27, 2008 A design that is best described as a two-wheeled unicycle, the UnoMoto takes a Yamaha R1 frame, side-by-side wheels and Segway-like gyroscopic technology and wraps it in a custom made body to create a very different kind of electric commuter vehicle. Though perhaps not as slick in the design stakes, the UnoMoto prototype is reminiscent of the radical Bombadier EMBRIO Concept but with even simpler controls. Except for an on/off switch all control is achieved through simply leaning: forward to accelerate, back to brake, and sideways to make a turn. Young Canadian design engineer Ben Gulak deserves our applause on at least three counts: it's compact, its green and it's thoroughly unconventional. Read More
Dreamfit: the motorcycle for paraplegics
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May 15, 2008 A chance encounter with a paraplegic ex-motorcross champion in a hospital carpark inspired Darren Lomman to put together an audacious project: a motorcycle for paraplegic riders - and his working prototype, a heavily modified Honda CBR250RR, is now road licensed and operational. Read More
Three-wheeled, GSXR-engined Stealth Tryke
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May 8, 2008 The line between car and motorcycle has become increasingly blurred in recent times with the appearance of scintillating 3-wheeled conveyances like Campagna's T-Rex and BRP's Can-Am Spyder roadster. In that vein, the custom made Stealth Tryke from Lehigh Valley Choppers employs a GSXR 1000 engine and wide, flat profile tires to take advantage of the stable "Y" configuration and deliver what looks to be one ripping ride. Read More
Gearing up for Goodwood
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April 17, 2008 The wheels are in motion for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed which will be held between 11-13 July under the theme ‘Hawthorn to Hamilton – Britain’s Love Affair with World Motor Sport’. Read More
Seat Shield Reduces addresses potential health risk for motorcyclists
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April 11, 2008 Are motorcyclists increasing the risk of prostate and colon cancer by exposing themselves to low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) radiation? The answer is yes according to Canadian inventor and author Randall Dale Chipkar, who has created a specially shielded motorcycle seat to minimize this potential danger. Read More
KTM's RC8 superbike targets Ducati's 1098S
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March 20, 2008 World Superbike racing is about to get a serious shake-up in 2009, as new heavyweight contenders step into the ring from BMW, Aprilia and 675 triple. In WSBK 2008, it seems the Ducati 1098S, the fastest Ducati ever with Australia's Troy Bayliss on board, is already standing out the bike to beat - and that's exactly the way KTM have approached the development of their 1148cc v-twin RC8 superbike, which weighs in, on both the scales and the dyno, as an absolute equal to the slippery Ducati. Read More
Sidam's tilting Xnovo three-wheeler: scooter or micro-minivan?
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February 26, 2008 Riding the wave of interest started by the Piaggio MP3 and Gilera Fuoco three-wheelers, French scooter importer Sidam is planning to try its luck with a new bike that turns the concept backwards. The Xnovo gives the tilting triangle wheelbase concept a much less fun, more utilitarian application than its Italian forebears, acting like a mini-minivan with huge carrying capacity, a hard roof, windscreen and twin driven rear wheels each on its own swingarm. And while it probably handles like a barge, the Xnovo may well find a niche as a traffic-busting courier/delivery vehicle. Read More
Aprilia RSV4 racebike unveiled
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February 26, 2008 Aprilia has taken the wraps off the 1000cc, V-4 engined superbike it plans to race in the World Superbike Championship in the 2009 season in front of an audience of more than 1,200 dealers attending the International Piaggio Group Convention in Milan. The race version of Aprilia's first ever 4-cylinder engine is already making a claimed 207 horsepower - with more room yet for development potential - and the new bike is due to make its road debut by the end of 2008. The unique, compact four-cylinder 65 degree V engine configuration achieves peak power at 13,500rpm and uses a computer controlled fly-by-wire system similar to that found in the recent R1 and R6 Yamahas for controlling power output and traction. Read More
Adiva release 250cc convertible scooter
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February 18, 2008 Gizmag road-tested the head-turning Adiva convertible scooter in when released in its 150cc guise, now news that a 250cc version of the rain-beating getabout has been announced. Read More
Phillippe Starck designed Voxan Cafe Racer Super Naked
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February 13, 2008 French designer Phillippe Starck has created this striking minimalist Cafe Racer Super Naked around Voxan's 1200cc engine. Weighing in at 180kg and putting out 140hp, the Cafe Racer Super Naked prototype is just that at the moment - here's hoping it makes the showroom floor. Read More
Aprilia’s FV2 concept bike
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Providing a futuristic showcase platform for the company's upcoming technical and styling directions, Aprilia’s FV2 concept bike incorporates a fly-by-wire injection system, traction control, ABS, electronically adjustable suspension and carbon fiber construction with a 1200cc, 90-degree v-twin engine that we are likely to see in the RSV and Tuono in the next couple of years. Read More
Acabion GTBO: faster than a Bugatti Veyron at only 20% throttle
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Bugatti Veyron owners, and indeed car owners as a group, have been looking very smug since the amazing supercar posted its awesome 250mph top speed and 1000 horsepower acceleration that not even the fastest motorcycles could match. But it seems Acabion has taken the crown back for the bike brigade, with its release of a road-ready streamliner that's capable of beating they Veyron's top speed using only 20% throttle. The Acabion GTBO is said to top out at around 340mph (close to 550kmh) if you're game enough to hold on to 50% throttle, and with engines varying from 350 to 750 horsepower, it's a very serious piece of kit... Even if it does have training wheels. Read More
Monster Motorbike: the 13 tonne car crushing colossus
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Almost thirty feet (9 meters) long, ten feet (3 meters) high and weighing as much as a school bus, the name emblazoned along the side of this menacing two-wheeled beast says it all - it's the "Monster Motorbike from Hell". Designed and built in Perth, Australia, by stunt driver Ray Baumann where it's been wowing fans with its car and caravan crushing capabilities, the Monster Motorbike is powered by a Detroit Diesel truck engine and six-speed Allison automatic and uses a two-speed Eaton differential from a road train to drive a huge chain on each side of the one-meter wide rear wheel, itself taken from a Caterpillar 80 tonne front end loader.
