Gizmag: Motorcycles

Horex V6 motorcycle set for production

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:08:25 -0600

One of the sensations of recent times in motorcycling circles was the first showing of the VR6 Horex Roadster, with its extraordinary 200 bhp, narrow-angle, V6 supercharged engine. The name Horex is well known in Germany for its motorcycles, and the resurrection of the name is now almost complete with series production set to begin... Continue Reading Horex V6 motorcycle set for production

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Horex, Motorcycles, Six-cylinder

Related Articles:

Yamaha clocks strong performance in MotoGP testing

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:26:29 -0600

Honda's main rival for the 2012 MotoGP title is Yamaha, so lets take a quick look at how the team fared in pre-season testing at Sepang in Malaysia. Team riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies spent the three track days allocated working to arrive at the base settings for the new 1000cc YZR-M1 before serious testing begins next month. The final session saw Lorenzo the second fastest rider, 0.59 seconds behind Casey Stoner (Honda RC213V). Team mate Spies ended up in fourth position, some 0.88 seconds behind Stoner... Continue Reading Yamaha clocks strong performance in MotoGP testing

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Bridgestone, Jorge Lorenzo, MotoGP, Racing, Yamaha

Related Articles:

Suzuki and IE to commercialize FC cars and bikes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:30:14 -0600

Intelligent Energy and Suzuki are to establish a joint venture company, SMILE FC System Corporation (SMILE FC), for developing and manufacturing fuel cell systems. Suzuki has already been working with Intelligent Energy for six years in the development and testing of the CrosscageFuel Cell motorcycle and Burgman Fuel Cell Maxiscooter, the latter already being approved for European roads. An extensive display of the two-wheeled FC technology in cutaway form was one of the highlights of December's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The press release states that the JV will produce at least one car and one motorcycle... Continue Reading Suzuki and IE to commercialize FC cars and bikes

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Fuel Cell, Intelligent Energy, Mio, Motorcycles, Suzuki, Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Related Articles:

Ducati tests 2012 MotoGP bikes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:05:55 -0600

Ducati recently finished its first series of official MotoGP testing at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, beset by the typically hot and humid conditions and rain that interrupted track time. Nicky Hayden had a painful shoulder injury that limited valuable time on the bike, but Valentino Rossi continued until the rain arrived, finishing the session with the fifth-best time... Continue Reading Ducati tests 2012 MotoGP bikes

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Ducati, MotoGP, Valentino Rossi

Related Articles:

Dramatic "Safety Sphere" concept provides all-round protection for motorcyclists

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:14:41 -0600

Airbags for motorcyclists, whether built into the vehicle (a la Honda) or the rider's apparel (like the D-Air, Spidi and Hit-Air), are not a new idea. But Canadian inventor Rejean Neron's Safety Sphere concept has to be the most, well, all-encompassing of those we've seen. Described as an "inflatable crash garment for non-enclosed vehicle riders", Safety Sphere isn't so much built into the rider's suit as it is the rider's suit. In the event of an accident, the intended results are nothing if not dramatic, as the CG video promo ably illustrates... Continue Reading Dramatic "Safety Sphere" concept provides all-round protection for motorcyclists

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Airbags, Concept, Motorcycles, Safety

Related Articles:

Honda's 1000cc MotoGP contender unveiled

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:37:30 -0600

Honda's much-awaited 1000cc MotoGP contender, the RC213V, was unveiled at a Repsol Honda news conference last week prior to three days of official testing at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The RC213V replaces its 800cc predecessor, the 2011 championship-winning RC212V, with much riding on the shoulders of Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa for the new season... Continue Reading Honda's 1000cc MotoGP contender unveiled

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Honda, MotoGP, Repsol

Related Articles:

Purdue University students develop high performance electric motorbike

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:07:33 -0600

It doesn't seem too long ago when we were reporting on breakthroughs in battery technology that would allow electric motorbikes like the Brammo Enertia to travel as much as 45 miles (72 km) on a single charge. These days, we're seeing most of the recent arrivals (such as the 2012 Zero S range, for instance, or the gorgeous custom-built Brutus 2.0) flying past the 100 miles (160 km) barrier with relative ease, a range long enough to quieten even the most fervent of petrol-heads. Two Purdue University engineering students have recently completed the conversion of a Yamaha YZF600r to electric power that further pushes the envelope to more than 120 miles (193 km), using batteries cooled by phase change material... Continue Reading Purdue University students develop high performance electric motorbike

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Battery Electric Vehicles, Electric Motorcycle, Phase change material, Purdue University

Related Articles:

New version of the Brutus electric motorcycle unveiled

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:03:06 -0600

Chris Bell has just put the finishing touches to a new version of his Brutus electric sport cruiser. Brutus 2.0 will continue to be tweaked for improved performance ahead of an end of year production window, but has already managed a zero to 60 mph (96.56 km/h) test run in just 4.74 seconds - despite tipping the scales at 535 pounds (242kg) - and is claimed to have a top speed in excess of 100 mph (160.93 km/h), and a range of at least 100 miles (160.93 km) between charges. The new version has been treated to a new drive train, upgraded braking, new bodywork, new electronics and new controls... Continue Reading New version of the Brutus electric motorcycle unveiled

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle

Related Articles:

Husqvarna goes retro with 70s-inspired Concept Baja

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:13:28 -0600

Husqvarna has decided to go back to the 70s with its Concept Baja. The retro-styled bike had its first debut at the 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York last Friday as part of the exhibition's 12-city tour across the U.S. Taking its name from the famous desert race that's been run each year for more than four decades, the Concept Baja radiates a 70s vintage vibe with a design that echoes the company's off-road models from that era, but with a modern touch most immediately evident by an LED-array headlight built into the front number plate and an LED instrument display built into the crossbar... Continue Reading Husqvarna goes retro with 70s-inspired Concept Baja

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Concept Motorcycle, Husqvarna, Retro

Related Articles:

World's most famous traffic outlaw giving away his 499-horsepower turbo motorcycle

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:26:37 -0600

Of all the colorful characters in the motorcycle world, few polarize opinion as strongly as Sweden's mysterious "Ghost Rider." It's not hard to see why - with five DVDs full of heinous traffic law violations, including 300 km/h (180 mph) wheelies, police baiting and near-suicidal top speed time trials around the Swedish freeway system, he's probably the most famous flaunter of road rules the world has ever seen. And now, his most famous steed, a 499-horsepower turbocharged, naked Hayabusa, is being given away through a website lottery. Only ridden to church on Sundays, it's the perfect practical getabout to take down to the shops... Continue Reading World's most famous traffic outlaw giving away his 499-horsepower turbo motorcycle

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Crazy, Motorcycles, Speed, Suzuki, Sweden

Related Articles:

Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle will stand up for itself

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:58:59 -0600

As any avid biker will tell you, motorcycles have a lot of advantages over cars - they use less fuel, accelerate faster, are more maneuverable, can be parked in more places, and don't incorporate the weight of extra seating for passengers who are non-existent on solo commutes. As many other people will tell you, however, motorcycles also leave their occupants open to the rain and cold, and can potentially tip over and scatter those occupants across the road. That's where Lit Motors' C-1 comes into the picture. It's a proposed fully-enclosed two-passenger electric motorbike that uses an electronically-controlled gyroscopic stabilizing system to stay upright when stopped, or even when struck from the side in an accident... Continue Reading Lit Motors' C-1 electric motorcycle will stand up for itself

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle, Gyro, KERS, Self-balancing

Related Articles:

Lazareth's 250 hp, Ferrari-powered Wazuma V8 quad goes up for sale

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:48:15 -0600

In my part of the world, quad bikes (or ATVs) are everywhere. They're great for dropping in and out of the fields to check the vines, as well as hitting the road or dirt track for a bit of well-earned fun. Although there are quite powerful examples, for the most part quads are unlikely to generate the same kind of drool as, say, a Ducati superbike. That's certainly not true of Lazareth's Wazuma V8F - which is built around a 250 horsepower Ferrari 3 liter V8 engine, features a BMW gearbox and sports customized Brembo braking and Momo rims. As you've probably already worked out, though, this unique beast of a quad doesn't come cheap... Continue Reading Lazareth's 250 hp, Ferrari-powered Wazuma V8 quad goes up for sale

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: BMW, Ferrari, Motorcycles, Quad

Related Articles:

Confederate's X132 Hellcat "affordable" �berbike is finally in production

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:53:55 -0600

Birmingham UK may be the birthplace of many an historic motorcycle marque but Birmingham Alabama is where we'll find Confederate Motorcycles, builder of exclusive "heirloom" machines for the rich and famous. These aren't custom choppers; not the Bondo-filled multi-lacquered fantasy machines of reality TV fame. These are properly engineered and prototyped limited-production models that in the past have sported prices tags of well over $100K. This time, with the X132 Hellcat, Confederate has created a machine that could almost be thought "affordable" whilst still retaining its obsession with detail and stunning design... Continue Reading Confederate's X132 Hellcat "affordable" überbike is finally in production

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Confederate, Motorcycles

Related Articles:

Adiva unveils all-electric CARGO3 tilting three-wheeler

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:29:39 -0600

If there is one thing that electric motorcycles are ideal for, it is for ferrying deliveries around congested urban centers quickly and efficiently. And that's just the market Italian-based Adiva has in its sights with the CARGO3 scooter it displayed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Similar to the newly electrified Honda Canopy, the CARGO3 is an all-electric tilting three-wheeler (one front, two rear) that features a rear deck to accommodate an optional rear mounting box, plus a roof, deflectors and wiper-equipped wide windscreen for protection from the elements. .. Continue Reading Adiva unveils all-electric CARGO3 tilting three-wheeler

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle, Motorcycles, Scooter, Three Wheel, Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Related Articles:

Honda's electric superbike shown - but wrapped in secrecy (or apathy?)

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:44:36 -0600

One of the disappointments of the Tokyo Motor Show which opened today was the lack of information on many of the concepts on show, and in particular, Honda's much awaited first real electric motorcycle. Up close, it looks like the real deal, but not one scrap of information was available on even the specifications. Honda wasn't the only culprit but with its extraordinary technology, we were expecting more. We have lots of pics, but no info whatsoever... Continue Reading Honda's electric superbike shown - but wrapped in secrecy (or apathy?)

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Automotive, Honda, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Related Articles:

Yamaha shows retro lightweight 125cc motorcycle that gets 220 mpg

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:18:26 -0600

Yamaha's press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show today was a genuine sign of the times. Four brand new world premiers were shown. The largest internal combustion engine amongst them was a 250cc model with fat tires designed to go anywhere – the SUV of motorcycles was the claim. There was also a three-wheeled electric commuter, a fold-up electric pedal-assist bicycle and, wait for it, an 80 km/l (226 mpg Imperial or 188 U.S. miles/gallon) retro 125cc commuter that's somewhere between a bicycle and motorcycle – it weighs just 80 kg and it is beautiful... Continue Reading Yamaha shows retro lightweight 125cc motorcycle that gets 220 mpg

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Concept, Motorcycles, Tokyo Motor Show 2011, Yamaha

Related Articles:

The 137mph Energica electric superbike

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:38:19 -0600

Italian electric race-bike outfit CRP Racing has announced its first road-going superbike, the Energica. With 100 kW of power and top of the line chassis and suspension, all clothed in modern Italian style bodywork, the Energica is capable of speeds up to 220 km/h (137 mph) and range of 150 km (93 miles) on a single charge, due in part to a power train efficiency close to 95 percent. The package includes such niceties as ride-by-wire throttle, a brace of radial-caliper Brembo disc brakes, Ohlins suspension, digital multifunction LCD dashboard and LED lights... Continue Reading The 137mph Energica electric superbike

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: EICMA 2011, Electric Motorcycle, Energica, Superbike, TTXGP

Related Articles:

Historical Ducati v-twin to go under the hammer

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:11:33 -0600

Just four decades ago, Ducati was known for its outdated desmodromic singles and little else. On April 23, 1972, Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari debuted Ducati's new desmodromic 750 v-twin with a 1-2 victory at the Imola 200 Mile Race. They beat Giacomo Agostini's MV Agusta, plus the best that Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, BSA, Laverda and Moto Guzzi could offer. The famous victory set Ducati on a course that saw its big desmo V-twins dominating superbike racing for four decades. The official factory reserve bike from Ducatis most famous moment is coming up for auction, with bidding expected to finish beyond EUR150,000... Continue Reading Historical Ducati v-twin to go under the hammer

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Ducati, Motorcycles, RM Auctions

Related Articles:

Ducati's flagship 1199 Panigale: the full story

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:25:15 -0600

A formula one car, at 640 kg and about 800 horsepower, has a power-to-weight ratio around 1.25 horsepower per kilogram. The new 1199 Panigale, with 195 horsepower and 164 kg, has a ratio of 1.19 horsepower per kilogram. Granted, that figure changes significantly if you add my porky badonkadonk and a full tank to the equation ... but regardless, this roaring L-twin beast is not only the new power-to-weight champion of the production motorcycle world, it's a ground-up reinvention of the Ducati superbike that has reportedly been in development since the venerable 1098 first hit showroom floors in 2007. Even without factory support, the 1198 won this year's World Superbike championship ... and absolutely everything about the Panigale looks significantly better, including Troy Bayliss' lap times. Let's take a closer look at what is easily the most desirable supersports bike of 2012... Continue Reading Ducati's flagship 1199 Panigale: the full story

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Ducati, Motorcycles, Superbike, Supersports

Related Articles:

Three new tilting narrow-track vehicles from EICMA - including a tilting offroad quad scooter

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:02:00 -0600

Tilting three- and four-wheelers make a lot of sense - they're almost as narrow and light as motorcycles, and perhaps even more maneuverable, but they offer enormous amounts of grip and stability. There's so many new narrow track vehicle designs sprouting up all over the world right now that it's easy to see them becoming a significant part of the commuting mix in the congested cities of tomorrow. So here's three new designs we spotted at EICMA Milan - one electric four wheeler, a petrol powered three wheeler and an aggressively styled four wheel tilter that seems to have off-road ambitions... Continue Reading Three new tilting narrow-track vehicles from EICMA - including a tilting offroad quad scooter

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Eicma, Motorcycles, Quad, Three Wheel, Tilting-Vehicle

Related Articles:

BMW reworks the S1000RR

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:19:00 -0600

We were mightily impressed by BMW's S1000RR superbike the first time round, now the German manufacturer has announced the S1000RR mark II. Power and maximum torque figures remain at 142 kW (193 hp) and 112 Nm on the revised superbike with the mostly subtle changes centered on improving response, power delivery and handling. The torque curve, throttle response and suspension have all been tweaked along with the (very effective) ABS and Dynamic Traction Control systems. Externally, the 2012 SS1000RR gets an upgraded instrument cluster, revised rear-end, redesigned side panels with the addition of two winglets for improved aerodynamics and a new range of colors... Continue Reading BMW reworks the S1000RR

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: BMW, Eicma, Superbike

Related Articles:

Bad news for Zero? KTM becomes the first major factory to release an electric motorcycle

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 21:37:46 -0600

Pretty much every major motorcycle factory has hinted that they're working on battery-electric models, but Austria's KTM has just become the first to get e-rubber on the road. The Freeride E, just unveiled at EICMA, is a featherweight, electric off-roader reminiscent of the Zero MX. Geared towards big fun in short bursts, it should be comparable to a 125cc 2-stroke to ride - although with a much smoother throttle response and a bigger wallop of torque available. And while it's a baby step, it heralds the next wave of electrics that will hit the market soon - backed by big factory development dollars and ready to duke it out with the little guys in a tough market segment... Continue Reading Bad news for Zero? KTM becomes the first major factory to release an electric motorcycle

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Dirt Bikes, Electric Motorcycle, Electric Vehicles, KTM, Off-road

Related Articles:

Volta BCN electric motorcycles make Milan debut

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:17:06 -0600

Spain's Volta Motorbikes is at the International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan this week, to debut two varieties of its new Volta electric motorcycle. The Volta BCN is the company's first two-wheeler and the first to be designed in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, after which it is named. It's essentially one model offered in two different styles and finishes - the Sport has been designed as an urban motorbike, while the City is headed for the downtown core. These stylish sustainable mobility solutions offer a top speed of 74.5 mph (120 km/h) and a range of 43.4 miles (70 km), and will be released in Europe in Q2 of next year... Continue Reading Volta BCN electric motorcycles make Milan debut

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle, Electric Vehicles, Motorcycles

Related Articles:

Honda to show electric supersports RC-E motorcycle at Tokyo Motor Show

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:17:31 -0600

At long last, the world's largest and most influential motorcycle manufacturer appears to be getting serious about electric motorcycles, announcing it will be showing a supersports motorcycle concept at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. Named the RC-E, the images released by Honda indicate a a super sports motorcycle designed solely for the "the joy of riding." .. Continue Reading Honda to show electric supersports RC-E motorcycle at Tokyo Motor Show

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle, Honda, Supersports, Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Related Articles:

2012 Zero S electric motorcycle gets 100 miles+ on a single charge

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:40:10 -0600

When we first took the Zero S electric motorcycle for a spin our verdict was that while great fun to ride, impending advances in battery technology will mean that this - and other electric bikes - will only to get better from here ... and they are. Zero Motorcycles has announced a complete overhaul of every model in its 2012 range of electric two-wheelers with new powertrains and upgraded power packs that promise greater longevity, speeds of up to 88 mph (142 km/h) and a significantly improved range in excess of 100 miles (160 km) for the street-oriented models... Continue Reading 2012 Zero S electric motorcycle gets 100 miles+ on a single charge

Section: Motorcycles

Tags: Electric Motorcycle, Electric Vehicles, Motorcycles, World's First, Zero Motorcycles

Related Articles: