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Honda Civic Si Concept

2011-01-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Civic Si coupe returns. Honda shows off its sleek and sexy Si concept.
February 10, 2005 - Honda can't seem to make up its mind regarding its Civic Si. It was a hatchback for three vehicle generations. It was a great car, but hatchbacks just don't sell that well here in the States. So, the Civic Si became a coupe in 1999. The first Civic Si Coupe was a hit. We still see these cars everywhere we turn. We can't escape them -- they're everywhere.

However, just as the original Civic Si Coupe was hitting the apex of its popularity, Honda pulled it off the market. Honda fans all over the U.S. mourned the loss of their favorite sporty coupe. But all was not seemingly lost, as a new Civic Si hatch was introduced in 2002.

One would think that the introduction of a new Civic Si hatch would have caused celebration in the streets. But the 2002 Si wasn't well-received. It looked like a minivan, had a so-so 160 horsepower motor, and was a little overpriced. This last hot hatch wasn't the hit Honda was hoping for.

It looks like Honda has learned from the mistakes of the 2002 Civic Si hatch. Again, as hatchbacks don't sell that well in the U.S., Honda is brining its Civic Si back as a coupe. While the production version of the Civic Si Coupe won't make its debut until November, Honda offered a little preview in the form of its Civic Si Concept.

We'll be the first to say it: this new Civic coupe is very reminiscent of the Scion tC -- especially in the rear. It even looks like it has a bit of Audi TT-inspired styling queues thrown into the mix as well. All in all, the shape of the new Civic coupe is very sleek and very clean. This new Si looks much better than the old minivan-styled Si hatch. We really hope the final production version looks like this concept.

We also hope that the Civic Si Concept's engine makes it into final production, too. The Si Concept comes powered by a 200 horsepower inline four. And like all true race-inspired Hondas, the Si has a very high redline -- 8,000 rpm to be exact. Also, as this is a race-inspired vehicle, the Si's engine is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed transmission. That's not the only goodie found in the transmission case. A helical limited slip differential is also packed inside to aid in cornering and launching the car.

Speaking of cornering, the wheels aren't too shabby, either. 18-inch cast aluminum rims adorn all four corners of the Si, and those are wrapped in 225/40R18 rubber. Large, cross-drilled disc brakes also sit at all four corners of the car. Clamping force on these discs comes from beefy four-piston Brembo calipers. Needless to say, we are praying for these brakes to make it to the final version of the car.

As the new Civic Si is still just a concept, not too many details have been made available. We'll all have to wait until SEMA in November when the actual production version of the Civic Si makes its debut. Hopefully, we'll learn about the features and the price by then. Stay tuned...

Understanding Hybrid Technology of Honda Civic and Insight

2011-01-18T06:01:00.000-08:00

Some people assume that all hybrid technology is the same. However, Honda hybrid technology stands out in comparison with the standard methods used to power hybrid cars. The type of technology that Honda uses was first launched in 1999 in the Honda Insight Hybrid. A more advanced generation of this technology is now seen in the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Honda Hybrid Technology

The Honda hybrid technology which is so different from that of other hybrid cars in the market today is a technology branded as Integrated Motor Assist. This is a power-assist hybrid technology which is unique in the market. It is a parallel hybrid technology that is implemented in a specific way in the Honda hybrid.

Honda Insight Hybrid Technology

The first time that this technology was used was in the 1999 version of the Honda Insight Hybrid. An electric motor was placed between the transmission and the engine in order to alternatively power the Honda Insight Hybrid. In the first Honda Insight Hybrid, the motor wasn’t able to power the engine alone but did serve to assist in powering the vehicle.

Honda Civic Hybrid Technology

The newer Honda Civic Hybrid uses an advanced version of this hybrid technology which actually allows the electric motor to fully power the car with just electricity. This technology allows the Honda Civic Hybrid to activate the electric motor while coasting. This creates a situation in which regenerative braking can assist in powering the car. This reduces the amount of work that must be done by the gas engine and is what helps to make the Honda hybrid a green car.

Honda Civic Type RR

2011-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Honda has just announced that the Mugen version of the Honda Civic Si will be sold on our shores this fall. Although the car has a modified body, suspension and new wheels the car has been criticized for not having any real performance gains over the regular Civic Si. Well if you live in Japan you can actually buy a more powerful Civic from your local Honda dealer.

On September 13th Honda is going to release another version of the Civic dubbed the Honda Civic Type RR, in Japan. Japan already has a more powerful version of the Civic that we don't get here in the US, the Civic Type-R. The Type-R is already more powerful than our Si model with 225HP and 158 lb-ft of torque. The new Type RR version will come with even more power at 240HP and 160 lb-ft of torque. The estimated 0-60 mph time for the more powerful version is 5.8 sec.

The RR version of the Civic is 22lbs lighter and gets a dual exhaust system. The car also has a modified suspension and braking system thanks to Mugen.

So what is the catch? Well the car lists for $40,000! Honda has stated that the Civic Si Mugen that we are getting this fall will start just shy of $30,000. Well $40,000 probably would be too much for a Civic, even if it has 43 more horsepower than the regular Si version. That probably explains why Honda is only going to make 300 of these cars and in only one color, red.

Honda Civic Mugen

2011-01-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

Honda's getting all over the factory tuning tip. Starting today, tuner kids can get a Civic Si prepped by Japanese Honda tuner Mugen (which was founded by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda Motor Company founder Soichiro Honda) at their local dealerships. The limited-edition Civics won't be cheap (MSRP of under $30,000), but they will be somewhat hotter in the feet than a base model. The tweaks are mainly to suspension damping, tires and cosmetics, with an aero kit, badging and shift knob. Don't get too excited, only 500 will be produced. Press release after the jump. [Gallery]

Press Release:

2007 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Revealed at SEMA

Honda announces plans to sell factory-prepared MUGEN Civic for the first time in U.S.

LAS VEGAS 10/31/2006 —

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today revealed a prototype Civic MUGEN Si Sedan prepared by legendary Honda tuner MUGEN equipped with a high performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of less than $30,000 and a full factory warranty.

"Enthusiasts have equated the name MUGEN with JDM Honda performance for decades, and with the introduction of the Civic Si Sedan, the time is right for the two companies to once again join forces," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "A MUGEN-tuned vehicle available directly from the factory provides the ultimate level of performance, quality and refinement in a specially-tuned car."

The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the stock Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent (the rate varies depending on condition). Lightweight 16.7-pound 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17x7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich(R) g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to further create MUGEN's rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character.

The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille (with special MUGEN Si emblem), side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. The sports exhaust system reduces exhaust system back pressure from the catalytic converter back, resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear MUGEN emblems outside. Inside, a serial number placard is located on the instrument panel along with a spherical 50 mm MUGEN shift knob.

The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.

Honda's activities at SEMA coincide with the November 1 on-sale date of the new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style and performance of the Civic Si Coupe and marks the first time that "Si" performance has become available in a sedan body style.

Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Prototype Specs:
Ride Height = -0.6 inches (5.3 inches total)
Overall Length = +1.1 inches (177.8 inches total)
Wheels: Forged GP 18x7.5 (pattern 5H-114.3 +48)
Color: Fiji Blue Pearl

Honda Civic

2011-01-18T05:44:00.000-08:00

Honda Civic adalah mobil yangdiproduksi oleh Honda Motor Co. Pertama kali diperkenalkan padaJuli 1972 sebagai coupe 2 pintu, diikuti dengan versi hatchback 3 pintu pada September tahun itu juga. Mobil ini menganut sistem gerak roda depan, di mana mesinnya diletakan melintang, sehingga dapat menyediakan ruang interior yang cukup luas walaupun dimensi mobil terbilang kecil.

Menurut kamus Webster, kata Civic berarti "sesuatu yang berhubungan dengan penduduk, kota, dan hubungan antar penduduk". Dan karena itulah Honda Civic memulai debut pertamanya di dunia pada tahun 1972.Dengan semangat nama yang diusungnya maka, Honda mewujudkan "mobil untuk semua orang" dan "mobil untuk dunia". Sejak saat itu Civic selalu menjadi mobil yang selalu mempunyai sesuatu yang lebih dari mobil sekelasnya dan selalu membawa fungsi nilai ke tingkatan yang lebih maju dan setelah 33 tahun berlalu sejak diluncurkan, Civic rata-rata terjual ke 160 bangsa dan negara di seluruh dunia.

Honda Civic di Indonesia terkenal sebagai mobil sedan 4 atau 3 pintu, yang menawarkan performa, handling yang tajam dan kenyamanan khas Honda. Dan telah mendapatkan tempat tersendiri di hati para fanatik dan pecinta Honda. kebanyakan pengemudi Civic adalah, para remaja, orang yang menginginkan mobil dengan brand image kuat dan kencang yang telah tertanam sejak dulu pada image Civic. Belum lagi para modifikator nasional yang menuangkan kreasinya di Civic untuk membuat mobil ini makin mengena di hatinya dan tidak jarang menarik perhatian orang-orang di sekitarnya untuk memuji dan menikmati hasil para modifikator nasional. Ditambahnya para pecinta kecepatan nasional yang mengerti potensi mesin Civic dalam hal kecepatan, karena mereka dapat mengganti part-part mesin original dengan part aftermarket yang tersedia di pasaran yang didesain khusus untuk Civic untuk meningkatkan potensi performa Civic mereka dalam balapan mobil legal/ilegal.

Toyota Camry

2011-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

Toyota Camry

The Camry is Toyota’s midsize sedan that receives styling updates for 2010 to the sixth-generation Camry design that debuted as a 2007 model.

Toyota Camry

With the new design Toyota traded in the conservative image for a more modern and stylish look while delivering a higher level of performance and driving dynamics, as well as a hybrid version.

Camry

Camry has been the best-selling car in America for seven years running and 11 of the past 12 years. The Camry was first introduced in 1983 and the first U.S.-built Camry was produced in 1988.

2007 Camry

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: Toyota Camry Tuning

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: Toyota Camry hybird

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: Toyota Camry interior

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: 2007 Toyota Camry XLE

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: 2007 Toyota Camry LE

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: 2007 Toyota Camry front angle

: Camry Hybrid

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: 2005 Camry

Detroit 09': 2010 Toyota Camry Makes its Debut

2011-01-18T05:35:00.000-08:00

Toyota has unveiled the revised the 2010 Toyota Camry in Detroit.

For 2010 the standard engine in the Camry is a new 2.5L engine. The Camry LE and XLE equipped with the 2.5L puts out 169 horsepower and in the SE it puts out 179. The 2.5L can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

The exterior changes to the gas powered Camry include a new grille, front bumper, lager headlights and revised taillights. The Camry Hybrid gets a new unique hybrid grille, a distinct front bumper, a wider lower intake, restyled fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The revised (boring) 2010 Camry will be available this March.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Introduces 2010 Camry at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, January 11, 2009 - - The 2010 Camry is on display for the first time today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). As the best-selling passenger car in America for seven years running and 11 of the past 12 years, Camry continues to redefine standards for comfort and performance.

The 2010 Camry and Camry Hybrid scheduled to go on sale in March, have an array of enhancements, inside and out, including exterior styling, performance, safety, audio and convenience features.

Camry also has an upgraded standard powertrain for 2010. A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) will produce 169 hp for Camry, LE and XLE grades. For sporty performance, SE grade get additional tuning and gets 179 horsepower, 21 more horsepower than the previous four-cylinder engine. The new engine can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. A powerful 3.5-liter V6 delivering 268 horsepower is also available.

Exterior changes to the gas model Camry include a newly designed grille and front bumper, an enlarged lower intake, larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps. The Camry and LE grades feature restyled standard wheel covers. The XLE grade will run on new 16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the SE grade adds new 17-inch sporty alloy wheels.

The Camry Hybrid exterior enhancements will include a unique hybrid grille, a distinct front bumper, a wider lower intake, restyled fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Camry Hybrid, equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive, certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) is just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard, producing over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

Inside, Camry and LE grades are available with an optional audio system equipped with a new USB port for auxiliary music sources, Bluetooth®, integrated satellite radio, single-CD, and MP3 and streaming music capability. Previously an option, all Camry gas models will now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control with traction control. Auto up/down power windows with jam protection on all four doors is standard equipment. Camry Hybrid adds a newly designed meter cluster and Fraichir, a combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber, cloth seating surfaces that are gentle to the skin.

Mercy ASMA

2011-01-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

Tuning house asal Jerman, ASMA memperkenalkan hasil modifikasinya pada Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Istimewa jika memandang bagian gril dan komponen body yang ditransformasikan dari model Mercedes Benz S-Class anyar.

The Eagle I, seperti namanya, tak cuma mengaplikasikan body kit berkarakter aerodinamis, meski sedikit radikal, juga membuat S-Class membesut velg berdiameter 21-inch yang dilapisi ban 255/30 ZR21 pada roda depan dan 295/25 ZR21 di belakang. Konsep modifikasi lain yang khas tuning house Eagle adalah seputar aplikasi stiffer suspension, dimana ketinggian bodi kini nyaris hanya 2 inchi saja dari permukaan tanah. Sementara tampak belakang dilengkapi sport exhaust system yang semakin menambah aura sporitf yang ditempilkan “The Eagle”.

Lumma Bikin Keren BMW X6

2011-01-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

Lumma kembali menggarap ulang BMW X6 menjadi lebih menggigit dari soal penampilan dan menjadi semakin oke dalam segala situasi, terutama sangat pas untuk ajang pamer saat dibawa menuju tongkrongan mobil-mobil modif. Berawal dari ketidakpuasan para tunernya ketika menyertakan SUV ini dalam event otomotif Essen pada tahun lalu. Sehingga sebuah paket modifikasi telah dirancang guna mengubah tampangnya menyongsong ajang pamer di Geneva tahun ini, mereka menyebutnya dengan istilah CLR X 650 GT.

Semua sisi eksterior dan interior mengalami perubahan signifikan. Terlihat dari bagian depan si putih ini, terdapat spoiler berbahan karbon demikian juga pada bumper belakangnya. Guna menambah aksen dekoratif, pada bagian samping pun dipadukan dengan grafis bergaris panjang, dari atas headlights-nya menuju buritan. Kemudian kubah roda juga dibuat lebih melebar lagi dari semula. Pada atapnya pun dipoles dengan warna hitam sebagai harmonisasi dengan warna bodinya.

Membangun harmonisasi dan kekompakan dengan bodinya yang full custom, sang modifikator memberikan nuansa lis putih pada velg berjari-jari hitam berukuran 11x23 inchi. Melengkapi tampilan sang pendukung kaki-kaki ini dipakailah pelapis karet yang mempunyai kemampuan performa tinggi dengan ukuran 315/25-23. Semakin eye catchy karena bentuk ban yang tipis membuat tongkrongan berkesan ceper, hal ini ditunjang pula oleh penurunan suspensi menjadi lebih pendek.

Untuk mesin memang tidak mendapat sentuhan berarti karena sang owner sudah cukup puas dengan mesin standar berikut beberapa racikan baru dari para mekanik di rumah modifikasi yang bermarkas di Jerman ini. Hanya dengan bermodal program ECU, yang dicangkokkan pada mesin bertipe 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, cukup mampu meningkatkan respon terbaik dan agresif dari sang dapur kebutnya ketika dikendarai.

Setelah puas merombak semua wujud eksterior, kini giliran bagian dalam kabin yang mendapat giliran. Pada interior-nya hanya terdapat lingkaran kendali roda produk dari Lumma sendiri, berikut speedometer yang yang mudah dibaca oleh pengemudi. Selanjutnya untuk jok turut mendapat sentuhan custom dengan kombinasi warna yang sangat sesuai, hingga terlihat begitu menawan. [nus/timABT]

Specifications :

Car : BMW CLR X 650 GT
Basic car : BMW X6
Engine : 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 with reprogrammed ECU
Wheels : 11x23-inch, high-performance tyres Michellin of size 315/25-23
Exterior : Rear carbon fiber spoiler, line all the way to the sides ending at the front headlights, front and rear fenders are enlarged
Interior : Custom steering wheel and seats

Beutler Future BMW Concept

2011-01-10T19:53:00.001-08:00

"Where did your spaceship land?“

The man in his mid-fifties shakes his Schuberth flip-up helmeted head, befitting his station in disbelief. "Could you please move over for a second? I have to take a closer look on this bike -- is it really a BMW?“ Five minutes later his perfect motorcycle world has finally collapsed when I told him that I was actually sitting on a BMW GS just like him.

He probably continued to shake his head for another hour when I spurred the silver-black bike again and the two-cylinder boxer engine plunged itself again into the thousand curves of the Black Forest, orchestrated by the greedy slurping of the two small open air filters and the deep grumbling of the shortened standard exhaust system.

Yes, this absolutely isn’t a one-man Starfighter that was launched from a starship -- it really did start life as a totally stolid BMW R 1100 GS.

Klaus Beutler is the man behind this project. Normally he is running a paint shop and among bikers in Germany and in the adjoining properties – since his hometown Görwihl is just a few minutes away from Switzerland and about an hour to drive from Austria – he is one of the best places to go for special paint jobs.

The 40-year old doesn’t really know or doesn’t want to remember how he happened to buy his conservative Enduro-Tourer motorcycle back in 1998. Before this decision Beutler’s garage was rather occupied by Japanese bikes from the legendary Kawasaki Z1 up to the current superbikes.

But you quickly learn to estimate the virtues of a GS on the narrow and curvy roads in our region. You will even rarely find a rider of a modern superbike who can leave you behind with this 170 hp rocket”, the master smiles.

One day back in the year 2000 Klaus Beutler had some difference of opinion with a pensioner regarding the right of way, and that is what changed the design of the BMW GS. Since a motorcycle painter also has to work on damaged bodywork every day, it didn’t take long until the R 1100 GS was repaired again, and as a side effect he also modified it a bit in a quite subtle way.

With this first conversion, he developed a taste for it and since he needed a show bike anyway for his different appearances at motorcycle shows to promote his Carbonlook paint jobs, he started to think about how to turn his Enduro into a unique eye-catcher with a very innovative "Streetfighter" look.

There were some strange UFO sightings recorded at this time, but maybe the famous Black Forest beer lent a hand in the development, along with many meetings with his pal Peter Stoll, who is distributing Streetfighter parts under the name MEGATEC.

Although they have strayed from the path of virtue at BMW with motorcycles such as the K 1200 R or the HP2 Megamoto over the past few years, I am sure that even the wildest concepts of the BMW designers for the bike of the year 2020 are comparatively conventional in contrast to this bike.

Klaus Beutler started with a plain white sheet of paper, and also with lots of moulding foam, filler, a pile of fiberglass mats and epoxy resin.

Some original parts were thrown in the dustbin immediately. The high standard front fender isn’t wanted on the FUTURE BMW just as little as the standard fuel tank cover or the standard saddle including its auxiliary frame which is exchanged for a much shorter self-made construction.

Passenger footrests are equally pointless – the black knight of apocalypse rides alone into the street café. The massive enduro-style tire didn’t suit the constructor’s plan either, nor did the huge 19-inch standard front wheel. And toss the lamps and turn indicators all around, along with the upright stock instruments, which haven’t been the favorite choice of the customizer.

As a result, the former enduro stood quite naked in Beutler’s workshop, who meanwhile had quite an exact idea how his BMW should look like in the future. Futuristic and aggressive – this philosophy characterizes the face of the former GS.

Beutler Future BMW - wBW Lightbox - Click photo to view.

The handlebar cover design, which includes the handlebar and the new digital cockpit, takes after the skull of a bull we have seen thousand times in western movies and that certainly isn’t by change. The two tiny ellipsoid headlights, one coming from a Ferrari F50, gives the bike this special kind of Star Trek look in the rear view mirrors of the bike in front of you, which clears the road ahead.

The BMW-typical Telelever front wheel suspension also got a new suit and looks quite technical due to its contrasting Beutler-painted carbon-look and brushed aluminum finish. It is even hard for experts to reveal that these parts are made from simple plastic.

Behind that the bike hunches its shoulders that even the hunchback of Notre Dame would be proud of. The Monocoque-style unit from fuel reservoir cover and tiny saddle, which has got such a strange design, that it looks like it would like to take the rider’s butt into a loving grip, isn’t only very special due to its hemispherical shape but especially due to its tasteful combination of – you’ve guessed it – carbon and gleaming silver.

The two small rear lights round out the design language of the front section while the two-tone fenders front and rear are more or less an alibi. The rear mudguard perfectly matches the whole design due to its inspiration taken from the bike’s standard single-arm swingarm. The aggressive look is finished by the spoiler fitted below the engine.

Of course the conversion also contains special wheels and it was quite helpful that BMW uses a modular wheel system for their motorcycles. The 3.5Jx17 and 6Jx17 rims with 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 tires come from the strong-as-an-ox K 1200 S.

Before BMW owners run to their dealer to ask for a set of ultra-light Carbon wheels like this for their bike, they should know that the remarkably real high-tech look of the rims on the FUTURE BMW isn’t a result of the super-light carbon material, but from the paint shop of Klaus Beutler. This finish is also available for all cast alloy wheels of other motorcycle manufacturers.

"The 1,085 cc two-cylinder boxer remained basically unchanged, but for a better sound I have adapted the open air filters and got the standard exhaust system made shorter", Beutler explained; he should know, as he invested about 900 working hours into his jewel. The exhaust wrap on the headers give the bike an even more angry look.

In a time when the 200 hp barrier has already been touched by some bikes, the 80 HP of a R 1100 GS doesn't sound too impressive, but if you ever made a trip across the Alps you will know that it is pretty tough to follow any BMW with an experienced rider.

The absolute ease of maneuverability is certainly lost a bit because of the change to the wider low profile tires. And in the much lower and wider handlebar makes the biggest disadvantage of the BMW Telelever front suspension even more noticeable: The rider would certainly appreciate a better feedback from the front wheel.

But this becomes a matter of habit, just like the handlebar cover which moves with the bar and which also houses the instruments.

But the uniqueness generated by the FUTURE BMW is simply fascinating. The boxer engine makes lots of fun with its enormous propulsion power and it doesn’t matter that the bike doesn’t run faster than about 200 km/h. Nevertheless you shouldn’t underestimate 80 horsepower on two wheels: With an acceleration time of about four seconds from 0 - 100 km/h you are on the same level like a current Porsche 911 turbo.

But the road performance is of minor importance on such a bike. Its owner is always confronted with astonished looks and countless repeated questions. And for all this, you'll need a good measure of self-confidence mixed with a shot of exhibitionism and a well-stuffed wallet.

In the end the investment of 12,000 Euros for the conversion alone plus the 17,000 Euros that are required to get a new R 1200 GS released from the dealer’s showroom are all it takes. Then you can sit behind the handlebar of one of the most extraordinary bikes of our time – the applause at the street café is guaranteed. Just like the impeccable quality of the conversion. Klaus Beutler doesn’t only seem to be great painter but also a great customizer.

BMW GINA : Mobil konsep ringan

2011-01-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Pabrikan Mobil selalu tertarik untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana masa depan itu nantinya. tapi kuncinya adalah apakah kita bersiap menghadapi tantangan atau menyediakan pilihan terbaru. kita tahu bahwa BMW selalu memperkenalkan mobil2x konsep yang mencengangkan tetapi bahkan di dalam “mimpi terliar” kita kita tidak menyangka untuk melihat mobil konsep terbaru BMW akan dibuat dari “kain pakaian”. desainer Group BMW telah menciptakan GINA atau Geometri and Function dengan mengunakan huruf “N” nya.(huruf “N” pada Funcion maksoodnya red.).BMW GINA yang merupakan mobil konsep ringan mengusung pemikiran inovatif yang memungkinkan
kebebasan maksimum kreativitas. BMW juga telah mengeksplorasi pilihan yang kreatif lebih dari sekedar menggambarkan bagaimana kendaraan masa depan nantinya.Mobil ini dapat merubah bentuk dan permukaannya hanya dengan sebuah sentuhan sebuah tombol, dan prinsip “GINA” telah digunakan untuk “memciptakan” desain BMW masa kini.

K1200S - TECHNICAL BITS EXPLAINED

2011-01-10T01:46:00.000-08:00

GOOD BALANCE

Twin balance shafts are gear driven.

In order to prevent those bar-buzzing secondary vibes that an inline four configuration inherently produces (and one that plagued the original four-cylinder K motors to such an extent that BMW ended up using extensive rubber mounting between the motor and frame), a set of twin balance shafts are used.

These are driven by gears off of the crankshaft, and rotate at twice engine speed (the required frequency to counter secondary vibration).

GOOD HEAD

The cylinder head incorporates almost straight intake ports (for optimum air flow) and a relatively flat combustion chamber, enabling a very high compression ratio of 13:1 (see ‘MANAGED’ below for associated anti-knock control). According to the BMW literature this “clearly confirms the ideal geometry of the combustion chambers with an ideal combustion process and optimum efficiency”. Consider yourself told.

Chain (lhs) drives the exhaust cam, which in turn drives the inlet cam by direct gearing (counter-rotating).

The valve-train uses little follower arms (rockers) that apply the force of the rotating cam in a direct line down the valve, as opposed to the more conventional cam to bucket system, which includes an undesirable side to side force as the cam comes on and off the bucket (BMW citing their Formula 1 experience as justification for this design). They also reckon it saves a bit of weight.

The clearance adjustment mechanism is worthy of note, as without buckets, conventional shims cannot be used. Instead, the end of the follower incorporates a cup into which a semi-spherical shim is located. These come in different sizes depending on the clearance required.

Drive to the cams is by a conventional chain and sprocket system, but the chain drives only one of the camshafts (exhaust), with a pair of gears – part way along – transmitting the drive to the inlet. BMW reckon that this achieves two things: more precise valve timing and a narrower cylinder head. Although any system that uses a chain will have some timing inaccuracies (as the chain wears it stretches and so as the tensioner takes up the slack it pulls the cams around a tad and retards the overall timing), minimizing the length of the chain will reduce that undesired effect somewhat.

LUBED

Oil pumps and crank feed.

By using a dry sump system (oil stored in a separate tank instead of in the sump) they not only keep overall engine dimensions down, but also ensure a steady oil feed to the motor under extreme conditions (oil-in-sump designs can theoretically gulp air into the pump, although the bike’s probably no longer shiny side up at this point or just well low on oil). However there is a price to pay in the form of an additional oil-pump (scavengeand feed) and extra oil lines to and from the oil tank (although BMW are using aluminium ones to try and reduce the associated weight penalty).

It’s probably a good time to mention that oil feed to the big-end bearings of the crank is delivered directly via drillings through the crank itself. Conventional supply is through crankcase drillings to the main bearings – which need a special ring grove to collect the oil – directing it into individual crank drillings and then from there on to the big-end bearings. According to BMW this means that not only are larger main bearings needed (increasing engine width) but the oil is also being pumped against the centrifugal forces of the rotating crank. As a result of this design, the 1200S’s oil pump can be run at a much lower pressure.

COOLED

Pump is on the head!

Since the vast majority of heat in an engine is developed at the very top of the cylinder (the combustion chamber), BMW have adapted the cooling system so that cooled coolant from the radiator is fed directly to this area. This is done by mounting the water pump on the cylinder head itself, with its drive coming from the intake camshaft.

Some of the coolant is directed to the cylinders, but their water jackets only extend partially down the sleeves – BMW stating that this allows for faster warm up time and subsequently, reduced wear of the cylinders and pistons. All in all, this system means that there is less plumbing and coolant (2 litres) required than a conventional system, saving weight.

However, unless I’m missing something, it also means the coolant flow no longer follows the natural flow of convection (i.e. hot liquid rising).

GEARED

Cassette style gearbox can be fitted as a complete assembly.

In order to fulfil their compact design-brief, BMW veered away from K-convention and not only fitted a multi-plate wet clutch (gasp) but also an integrated gearbox. The box is of the cassette-type, meaning that it can be replaced quickly (although that wouldn’t really apply in this case), but more importantly, assembled and tested before being fitted to the engine. Although this doesn't really effect the final product, it does give some savings in production time.

In order to keep it slick, the shafts and gearshift cylinder are mounted in roller bearings. In order to keep it compact, the input and output shafts are stacked (as per most other sportbikes).

Not willing to go too far from tradition, final drive is by shaft (the only sportbike to use one). Although a chain drive is a more efficient way of transferring power to the rear wheel, BMW point out that this is true only for a chain in good condition, whereas their shaft set-up suffers only a few percent of power loss and is maintenance free (albeit a tad heavier).

It’s a similar unit as used on the new R1200GS and is a sealed-for-life affair.

MANAGED

Remember the super-high 13:1 compression ratio? Well, although high-compression provides for a greater power production for a given amount of fuel, it also puts the engine perilously close to blowing itself up if the fuel’s octane is not sufficient to cope with the heat generated (high compression = high heat = fuel detonating before the plug can fire = bad. Very bad).

In order to protect itself from this possibility, the K1200S uses the anti-knock control first seen in the R1200GS. Sensors in the cylinder head check for any signs of knock developing and counter it by retarding the ignition timing, thus reducing the combustion temperatures.

This system also allows for regular fuel to be used, although the resulting ignition retardation will result in a modest drop in power and slight increase in fuel consumption.

IN AND OUT

Huge exhaust at least sounds good.

Thanks to the forward angle of the cylinders, a large (10 litre) airbox can be installed above the motor. There’s also space for two direct feeds from the left and right of the headlight (where air pressure is the greatest), giving effective ram-air at higher speeds. This in turn supplies a greater charge of fresh air to the motor, boosting engine torque and subsequently power.

Once it’s all burnt up, the charge exits the motor into a rather humongous (9.5 litre volume) exhaust containing a catalytic converter – yet it manages to tip the scales at a respectable 10.4 Kg. Oh, and they reckon that it’s tuned for a sporty sound – which I can confirm, ‘cause I rode it.

ENGINE

2011-01-10T01:44:00.000-08:00

The over-riding requirements for this motor by BMW were to try and keep it compact, light and efficient. After some amount of research on different layouts and types, BMW came to the conclusion (somewhat reluctantly I suspect) that the across the frame inline four was the best format for this type of bike.

Okay, so an inline four cylinder with DOHC and four valves per cylinder is not exactly a revolutionary design, but there are some interesting ideas incorporated into the new K1200S motor:

LOW AND COMPACT

Lean it over 55 degrees.

Unhappy with the high centre of gravity of the conventional inline four designs, BMW incorporated a 55-degree forward lean angle into the cylinders of the K1200S. This moves more of the load toward the front wheel and opens up space above for a large airbox, as well as giving freedom of frame design (no requirement for it to go around the motor).

By making the motor a dry sump design and slapping the alternator behind the cylinders instead of on the end of the crank, they have also managed to keep the overall width and height of the motor to a minimum. This enables a low mounting of the motor, while maintaining lean clearance (50 degrees) and aiding a low c of g.

Okay, that’s all fine and dandy, but what’s going on inside then?

Triumph Tiger 800XC First Look

2011-01-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

Triumph Tiger 800XC Sport Touring Bike

2011 Triumph Tiger 800XC Pictures

Triumph Tiger 800XC Motorcycles

Triumph Tiger 800XC Official Photos

Honda CBR 600F

2011-01-10T01:37:00.000-08:00

Honda CBR 600F Motorcycles

Honda CBR 600F Dash

Honda CBR 600F Photos

Honda CBR 600F Bodywork

Honda CBR 600F Rear Side View

Honda CBR 600F Black Color

Honda CBR 600F Seat

Honda CBR 600F Sportbike

Honda CBR 600F Engine

2010 Honda CBR 600F Pictures

Honda CBR 600F Taillight

Honda CBR 600F Wheel

Honda CBR 600F First Image

Motor Cross 2011 (HONDA)

2011-01-10T01:34:00.000-08:00

Honda telah merilis informasi pertama pada 2011 yaitu Honda CRF450R 2011 dan Honda CRF250R 2011 khusus untukmotorcross. Tidak banyak yang baru dari motor ini, tapi model motorcross besar sedikit direvisi dan pada dasarnya semua sisa lineup terlihat menjadi carryover dengan pengecualian beberapa mesin.

Motor Cross 2011

2011 Honda CRF450R – MSRP $8199

Honda klaim lebih baik rendah dan menengah daya dari perusahaan Unicam, motor empat-katup dengan menggunakan “berbagai tweaks tuning mesin.” Sebuah badan 46mm throttle baru didirikan untuk respon throttle lebih baik. linkage ini direvisi bersama dengan pengaturan suspensi baru. Di dalam garpu adalah cartridge silinder lebih ringan dan suspensi depan dan belakang kedua mendapatkan diperbarui valving.

Honda mengatakan hasilnya adalah meningkatkan traksi roda belakang dan perjalanan plusher. Big Red masih memanfaatkan milik Progresif perusahaan Honda Steering Damper (HPSD) yang mendapatkan piston .11 bengkak untuk melompat dari 20mm ke 24mm.

2011 Honda CRF250R – MSRP $7199

Honda diperbaharui CRF250R tahun lalu di jalan besar dengan mesin bahan bakar injeksi semua-baru. Tanpa spesifik tersedia sekarang, 250R yang mendapat perlakuan serupa dengan motor besar, dasar yang lebih baik dan kekuatan menengah, besar piston HPSD dan valving suspensi baru. Baik 450 dan 250 yang seharusnya untuk memenuhi batas 94 desibel dengan knalpot muffler baru.

2011 Honda CRF70F dan CRF50F – MSRP $ 1.899 (70F) dan $ 1.499 (50F)

Honda juga memperbarui sepeda motor terkecilnya yaitu CRF70F dan CRF50F. Perbedaan hanya grafis baru (berani, tentu saja) dan warna baru pada tabung garpu atas.

Foto Motor Cross 2011 Terbaru

“Sepeda Motor Cross 2011 Terbaru” entri lain yang tersedia. Honda CRF230F , Honda CRF150F, Honda CRF100F dan Honda CRF80F masih di dealer, namun tahun model yang paling terbaru untuk mesin ini adalah 2009. Hal yang sama berlaku untuk enduros yang lebih luas, Honda CRF450X dan Honda CRF250X, dan garis ganda Honda XR650L sports dan Honda CRF230L. Kesemuanya masih tersedia di Amerika

Ducati 1098

2011-01-10T01:31:00.000-08:00

Jumat, 16 November 2011

PARA penggemar balap motor di berbagai belahan penjuru dunia tentu amat terkesan dengan performa Ducati Desmosedici GP7 di arena MotoGP 2011. Sebelas gelar juara seri GP berhasil dibukukan pabrikan motor terkemuka Italia ini yang spesialisasinya sejak pabrik Ducati didirikan 1920 di Bologna adalah membuat motor 4 tak.

Bagi yang mengimpikan memiliki motor Ducati dengan performa mendekati yang digunakan Casey Stoner dan Loris Capirossi, bisa melirik Ducati 1098. Motor ini bermesin V-twin dengan kapasitas mempunyai tenaga 160 bhp dan mampu dipacu hingga mendekati 300 km/jam.

Ducati 1098 menggantikan Ducati seri 999, yang telah dihentikan produksinya, penggantinya Ducati 1098 merupakan kombinasi teknologi Ducati GP dan Superbike yang amat sukses di dua arena lomba motor bergengsi ini. Ini adalah satu satunya motor sport yang bisa dimiliki penggemarnya dan paling mendekati racing technology.

Trademark Ducati tercermin pada penampilan 1098 yaitu ciri high tail dan bagian depannya yang compact dikombinasikan dengan knalpot terletak di bawah sadel menjadi ciri khas Ducati dengan single-sided swing arm untuk mengekpresikan kendaraan roda dua yang amat aerodinamis dan kekar. Panel instrumen digitalnya juga mengadopsi style Ducati Desmosedici GP7 yang digunakan di arena MotoGP.

Mesin 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione ini dikembangkan oleh pabrik Ducati bagian produksi motor sport bekerja sama dengan Ducati Corse yaitu divisi balap pabrik Ducati yang spesialisasinya membuat motor balap SuperBike dan MotoGP.

Karena di produksi tangan (hand made) harganya tidak bisa dibandingkan dengan motor sport buatan pabrikan asal Jepang yang dibuat secara massal. Sistem remnya juga amat canggih buatan Brembo mirip dengan aplikasi tehnologi yang dipakai di MotoGP.

Brembo Monobloc M4-34 merupakan 1 unit kesatuan yang utuh tanpa sambungan. Sistem remnya mampu memberi pengereman maksimal pada kecepatan tinggi diatas 200 km/jam. Harga Ducati 1098 tipe standar 30.000 dolar AS (Rp 280 juta), sedangkan untuk spesifikasi balap (high performance) sekitar Rp 420 juta. (bk)

Motor Modification Style 2011

2011-01-10T01:30:00.000-08:00

Motor Modification Style

2011 Martini Ducati MotoGP

2011-01-10T01:29:00.000-08:00

The dices have been thrown in what the 2010 MotoGP season is concerned, so Italian design guru Oberdan Bezzi comes with a plan for both the 2011 Ducati racing team and Valentino Rossi and his latest sketch pretty much says it all.

Obiboi hopes for a 100% Italian racing team, so he revives the iconic Martini Ducati livery on a Ducati Desmosedici and hopes The Doctor will master this for many seasons to come, starting with the 2011 one. Although the chances for the designer’s dream to come true are small, Rossi hasn’t confirmed or infirmed his possible switch to Ducati in 2011.

Oberdan Bezzi describes the 2011 Martini Ducati MotoGP on his blog with the following words: “would be the result of a favorable astral conjunction, a real emergency room! Sponsor a mythical (Martini) with great tradition in the engine high-level entrant into starring in the World Championship, the renewed desire to challenge a champion without peer (Valentino Rossi) and the technical competence of a prestigious brand and hungry for glory (DUCATI)! The ingredients of a dream everything ITALIAN!”

Jadwal MotoGp Musim 2011/2012

2011-01-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

Jadwal MotoGP 2011 sdh dirilis, pembalap2 terbaik bakal bersaing dlm balapan yg tentunya sgt seru. Menurut Jadwal MotoGp 2011 balapan akn start pda maret 2011 dn brakhir pd november. Bgi para Moto Gp Mania tentunya sgt menunggu2 dihelatnya seri terbaru motogp ini. Sirkuit Losail – Qatar bakal menjadi sirkuit pertama pda musim ini.

Yg seru dlm jadwal motogp 2011 yaitu persaingan antara valentino rossi dan jorge lorenzo, rossi yg kini bergabung dgn ducatti bkal bersaing sengit dgn mantan rekan se timnya dulu di yamaha. Motor baru yg ditunggangi rossi digadang2 bakal menjadi mimpi buruk tim yamaha. Jadwal Moto Gp 2011 sendiri bisa anda lihat dibawah ini:

Sabar ya gp mania… walupun dlm jadwal motogp 2011 baru akan dimulai maret, ttapi anda perlu mendapatkan update berita motogp terbaru. jgn sampai ketinggalan loh.. dan jadilah saksi bagaimana persaingan sengit di seri musim terbaru ini.

MotoGP: 2011 Yamaha Contract News

2011-01-10T01:23:00.001-08:00

Speaking to the Italian sports newspaper the Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiat Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis said he's hopeful that the team will have its lineup revealed before Round 10 of the 2010 MotoGP Championship that occurs Aug. 13-15 at Brno.

The current contracts for riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo expire at the end of 2010. Rumors are spreading that the nine-time world champion Rossi will move to Ducati for 2011. These were further enhanced when current Ducati Team rider Casey Stoner announced he has signed with Repsol Honda for 2011.

Rossi was allegedly offered a bit over $19 million from Ducati compared to about $11 to $13 million from Yamaha. If this move to the Italian team occurs, Rossi will most likely be teammates with Ducati Team rider Nicky Hayden; the American spent a year as Rossi's teammate with Honda in 2003, a year Rossi won the championship and the Kentucky Kid finished in fifth.

There is also much hearsay that Lorenzo, who currently leads the championship, is to stay with Fiat Yamaha.

Jarvis told the Italian newspaper that if either Rossi or Lorenzo leave (of both), current Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider will be on the factory team. In MotoGP, first-year riders are restricted from competing on factory teams. But Spies will already have is experience with the satellite Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team, and thus can move to a factory team. Spies has a contract with Yamaha until the end of 2011.

Again, Yamaha is expected to release 2011 contract details before the next Round of MotoGP action at Brno. Stay tuned for details.

CASEY STONER HEADS TO REPSOL HONDA FOR MOTOGP 2011

2011-01-10T01:19:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, it is now official with Honda big boy Shuhei Nakamoto coming out in the open and declaring it. Casey Stoner will indeed don Repsol Honda colors in the 2011 MotoGP championship and this finally ends the feverish speculation about Stoner and Honda which had been raging around for months together. Stoner’s move to Honda also intensifies another big story that could become reality very soon.

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi could move to Ducati and take Stoner’s place thus making Marlboro Ducati an Italian dream team. While Casey Stoner is indeed a confirmed rider for Repsol Honda, we have word emerging from HRC that Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso could both be retained by them making the Repsol Honda line up an ultra formidable one. So, with three big names in one team, sparks anyone?

Boxfresh x Raleigh BMX Burner

2011-01-10T01:10:00.000-08:00

Boxfresh combined with US bicycle maker Raleigh to produce an extremely limited BMX model. The British brand currently has two bikes in stock, so act fast. Traditional Raleigh details adorn the frame, while boxfresh graphics hit the pads, seat and front fork.
Many detailed images after the jump.

Crooks and Castles x SE Racing BMX 26 Inch Flyer

2011-01-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

Crooks & Castles will team up with SE Racing BMX on this 26 Inch Flyer. This is the first bike for Crooks & Castles, and features full grain leather diamond quilted seat and pads, Crooks and Castles logo on the forks, white wall tires, printed donuts and handlebar end caps. Limited to only 300 worldwide, with a retail price of $750. Only available at select Crooks & Castles retailers like 5&A Dime.

New Bike, Complete. New Beginnings, Begun.

2011-01-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the poor photo but I wanted to share this with you as quickly as possible because it has changed my life. Funny how a “kids” bike can do that eh?
I don’t know if it’s apparent or not but I haven’t been much of a rider for a while. I’ve spent the past years focusing on career and family, as I know many of you do. Hell, this blog is focused on old school riders so I know who my audience is. You people work for a living!

I had been dusting off my old STA250 when I could but it wasn’t enough to pretend that I was still a “rider” in the true sense of the word. I rode everyday for many years to try and innovate and bring something new to Freestyle BMX, whether it was through my riding (ego) or through my bike company (super ego). Your comments and e-mails have given me a good look at how my contribution to BMX has affected you and I sincerely appreciate all of your correspondence and I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I’m no Mike Dominquez, Kevin Jones or even a Rick Moliterno but sure, I had my moment of being a “known” rider. It’s nice to hold onto those feelings and remember the excitement and fun of riding “professionally” but things change quickly and without notice.

The mistake I feel I made was to have loved this sport much more than I could handle. I started a bike company to express not only my commitment to this sport but to make my mark on it. It turned out to be more like squeezing a puppy so tight then suddenly realizing that you’ve squeezed all the air out of it. It seems like a grand idea to show everyone how much you care about something but then in the end, in my mind, I think I ended up killing what made me so happy. Being a rider gave me a lot. It gave me confidence and friendships that last till this day. It taught me that hard work and perseverance would allow me to achieve my goals in life. It made me believe that people were actually interested in my thoughts, feelings and ideas. Those are characteristics worth preserving and I tried to do just that though this blog.

I started this blog in 2006 to try to do something I’ve always done well, which is sharing. I was sending out links of things I saw on the Internet to so many riding friends I thought I would just consolidate it into one place. I had no idea where it would go. I felt that I was sharing information about not only BMX riding but also the things we as “mature” riders think about because what are we all in the end? We are showmen and creative people aren’t we? The whole reason I practiced and learned my first trick (back wheel hops) was because I wanted to show it to someone (my Dad). So that’s what this blog came to represent, another way for me to show you something without actually wowing you with some new “backwards” trick. It worked out and hundreds of people visit this site everyday. It makes me feel great that a lot of you find the same things that I do interesting. It truly does. The problem is this… I think after the past few years I started to fool myself that doing this blog was a lot like actually riding. It took this new bike and a few conversations to make me realize that not only should I share myself through this blog but also through my riding like I had started to do oh so many years ago. I learned an important lesson with this new bike. Some people prosper by “faking it till they make it” and others fool themselves by “making it then faking it”.

I don’t want to be and will not be the latter so I’m letting you all know now that if this blog isn’t as updated as regularly as it used to be please excuse me… I’m out riding.