motors

Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu.."Eliica" in-wheel electric motor vehicle featuring eight wheels,

2011-03-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu shows a design sketch of his electric vehicle as he established the company to promote electric cars with in-wheel motors at a Tokyo hotel on August 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacturer of an eight-wheeled vehicle that achieved over 370kph on its maximum speed

Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu stands by his two-seater "Luciole" in-wheel electric motor vehicle, at a Tokyo hotel on Ausgut 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacture of an eight-wheel vehicle which achieved a maximum speed of over 370kph.

Japan's Keio University professor Hiroshi Simizu stands by his "Eliica" in-wheel electric motor vehicle featuring eight wheels, at a Tokyo hotel on Ausgut 24, 2009. Shimizu is well known as an inventor of electric vehicles and the manufacture of an eight-wheel vehicle which achieved a maximum speed of over 370kph.

More information about new MV Agusta F3

2011-02-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday with more information about new MV Agusta F3. The news spread all over the web quickly, but I decided to wait if someone published even more details, but now that’s it.

I’ve already written about new F3, check it out here: MV Agusta F3 – an exotic spice for the 600 class , so this time I will just add few words, and hopefully make your day with some new photos I found.

Here’s what it’s all about: new F3’s engine is producing 135HP (100.8 kW) at 15000 rpm !! For 675cc 3-cylinder engine that’s a lot – and the best in the class! The only thing that worries me is that producing such power at and revving so high will give you tiny power/torque at low/medium rpms. Hm, it’s possible MV's engineers have solved out this problem, but we shall wait and see.

They also claim it will be most compact and lightest bike in the class, and I believe them.

The price is not defined yet, as well as release date. While most websites says it should be released in 2012, MV Agusta’s website for UK says that it is coming to UK this year. Go figure!

For the end, as I promised, there is a nice collection of MV Agusta F3 photos. I thought that Picasa Web is a better online tool for browsing the photo gallery, so just click on the photo below and go straight to my MV Agusta F3 photo album.

Updated Goldwing coming up next year!

2011-02-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

I guess most of you have already heard about the new 2012 Honda Goldwing.

It’s not an all-new bike, but just updated current version of Goldwing. Besides cosmetic changes, here is what’s important:

- improved wind protection, especially for the lower body and legs

- saddlebag capacity is up for 7 liters, so now there is 150 liters of total storage

- updated Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System with brighter color screen

- updated Sound System now supports MP3 players

- better seat and backrest material

- revised suspension settings

- airbag models and non airbag models will be available, where non airbag models get a central storage pocket

- other minor tweaks

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I believe this could be the last update of current Goldwing generation which is probably made to extend her lifetime till they prepare the next generation. BMW’s upcoming K1600GTL is going to be Goldwing’s main competition, and to be honest, BMW K1600GTL is a better bike. I’m sure Honda is already working on the next all–new generation of Goldwing, but we shall wait and see.

An interesting thing happened on the Motorcycle-USA.com website: at the first place they published a picture of a Goldwing with windscreen wiper and when I came later I couldn’t find that picture anymore. Windscreen wiper – isn’t that too much for a bike?

Honda CBR600F update – price for UK announced

2011-02-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

… and opinions are splitted among the Brits. Anyway, the new CBR600F price for UK is £7055, which is about 18% less than non ABS CBR600RR model and about 24% less than CBR600RR with C-ABS. £7055 is for ABS model, which seems to include Honda’s CBS… so this becomes a standard on all Honda bikes (except for super sports) – and that does’t impress me. It seems that non ABS model is not offered in UK.

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Despite it’s heavily based on Hornet, I think 600F is a good deal. Hornet is a nice bike, so CBR600F is also going to be a decent bike. For significantly lower price than super sport 600cc bikes, now you can get a fully faired sport 600cc bike, which is more practical, more comfy and easier to ride.

Some would say that the old 600F had couple of horse powers more, but it doesn’t really matter, cause this is not a race track focused bike. Besides that, pay attention on this: for year 2007 Honda’s only sport 600cc bike was CBR600F4i, and 600RR practically pushed it out the year after. Now, for the first time, Honda offers two sporty 600cc bikes: F and RR, so if you want extra horse power, fine, get yourself an RR. You’ve got a choice now, pick your favorite.

I prefer 600F, cause race track is not most important thing to me, I don’t even know if it’s important to me at all. For daily riding, commuting, shorter trips and two up, 600F is a better choice. Plus - it’s cheaper… and probably cheaper on fuel, maintenance, etc. The point is that you have a choice now. So, for this time - good work Honda.

Chocolate for Valentine's Cars

2011-02-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Tokyo - Valentine's Day soon arrived. Confused choosing the right gift for your partner? Just try this one brown car.
Yes, the car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo released a cute car with a brown color theme throughout her body. This is a car created by Japanese designer of the company Tadaaki Wakamatsu Q-Pot.
Practically the entire car body is brown, even the door like a big chocolate bar that is ready to bite. Emm tease ...
But do not try to bite ya, your teeth will be broken, because chocolate is not real chocolate. But only the color of the body only.
To add more prominent impression of chocolate, Tadaaki come too
spraying brown color on the rim car. Smart ForTwo with this chocolate-themed special paint, will sell for 2.36 million yen, equivalent to USD 259 million. Slightly more expensive than the standard version of the smart ForTwo sold 1.84 million yen.

This car is started can be ordered on February 2 until March 13, 2011 later. So in addition to celebrating Valentine's Day could also be to celebrate White Day.

Oh yes very lucky lover who receive gifts this brown car ...

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

2011-02-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

The supercars world is enriched with an American creation: TranStar Racing Dagger GT. The Super Sport Cars "Extreme" is back! The 2000 hp, 300 mph Dagger GT's design objectives are to be the best-looking, fastest Supercar in the world. This Supercar is being specially designed, very deliberately and explicitly, to break all world records and to bring back the most popular class of race car: the unlimited class which has been regulated, restricted and compromised into extinction.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

”Dagger” meaning in English, dagger, it is clear that the Americans from TranStart Racing have high ambitions. The supercars world is enriched with an American creation: TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars. Dagger GT concept car is based on the middle of this incredible machine, Cheetah Corvette, made by a brilliant industrial designer, Ivan Luccion. Our lead designer consultation is Phil Frank, the designer of the world record for the Saleen S7 super recently won the 24 hours of LeMans.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

While the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport has just entered the Guinness Book of Records with an average top speed of 267 mph, a new 2000hp TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars is about to become the fastest supercar in the world. Tom Nelson, from Nelson Racing Engines is an integral part of the “dream team” his company is the top “big horsepower” engine builder in the U.S., TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars has selected Tom’s multi-fuel (petrol/methanol/hydrogen/ethanol), aluminum 572 Twin Turbo as their preferred engine for its combination of streetability and extreme horsepower – 2000 hp on racing fuel.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

Expected performance figures are equally astounding: 0-60 mph in 1.5 seconds, quarter mile in less than 6.7 seconds and a top speed of over 483 km/h (300mph). The outer body is made from carbon fibre, while a high-strength 4130 Chromoly Steel chassis forms the inner structure. From a technical standpoint, the car have under the hood of a General Motors V8 engine in the “big thing” style: 9.4-liters and attention, 2000 HP! There is no mistake, the Americans announced a power worthy of Gargantua. In addition, the engine will be capable of a peak torque of no less than 2000 lb-ft of torque! Again, is not a typing mistake.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

Dagger GT’s will be made available in three different ’Race’ models:

* Dagger GT-R will be their road racing model, with a dynamic, computer-managed split rear wing.

* Dagger GT-LS will be their land-speed model with 500 mph – rated M/T land-speed tires.

* Dagger GT-D will be their drag racing model with Goodyear Pro Stock Slicks.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

All race models will be convertible to street-legal if desired by owners. TranStar will also continue to offer Sport and Luxury street-legal models:

* Dagger GT-S will be their “Sport” model, a street-legal version of the GT-R model.

* Dagger GT-X will be their luxury model with all the interior, exterior and ride-quality luxuries imaginable and specified by the owner.

TranStar Racing 2011 Dagger GT SuperCars

Each model will be hand-made and custom-crafted to the owner’s specifications. Custom interiors and paint will be provided by award-winning After FX Customs. Only five will be made in 2011 and two of them have already been booked. Sales will begin during the first half of 2011 and 10 units will be delivered in 2012. Each car is priced at a minimum of US$450,000.

automotive sport car consept

2011-02-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Automotive News Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic

The “Wings of Nike” (WON), while its lines may appear a bit abstract, the car was designed to offer superior aerodynamics and down force at all speeds. A few of its most notable design features are its adjustable front diffuser (allows for better engine cooling), wing-style side mirrors (offers extra down force at high speeds), and long wheel base (superior weight distribution).
The Automotive News Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic

Designer Darko Nikolic has created a supercar concept dubbed the “Wings of Nike” (WON), representing triumph and ideal beauty in Greek mythology, which combines the blood rushing and sophisticated looks of 50s with seriousness of limousines of the ’30s. Capturing the sport heart in the sleek, stylish body of limousine, the futuristic sport sedan flow the lines to connect parts, spreading almost individually, along the whole body for superior aerodynamics.

The Automotive News Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic

"Nike of Samothrace - ancient Greek statue - represents Goddess of victory and sea battle. Conveys a sense of action and triumph as well as portraying artful flowing drapery through its features which the Greeks considered ideal beauty", is the inspiration of the name.

The Automotive News Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic

The power engine of The Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic is a 7.3-liter V-12, generating a comfortable yet potent 750 bhp, delivered by four (all wheel drive) 22-inch dubs, and egged on by a 7-speed dual plate clutch transmission. The brakes are ceramic for superior stopping power, and the black and red exterior finish to symbolize its sporty character and fury of a Formula One racecar, which further is enhanced by a chromed bumper, white circles on tires and doors opening backwards.

The Automotive News Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic

Depending on the engine and inner parts it enables the modification of the front diffuser (behind the mask) for easier airflow, without visible changes from outside. Sucked air will be enough to bring sufficient downforce for better control, and to cool the engine and ceramic breaks which is a necessity at high speeds. Employing carbon-fiber with aluminum sub-frames to strengthen the body, the Sport Car offers all-wheel drive for smoother drive at high speeds. Moving on 22-inch wheels with 111,2-inch wheelbase, the Wings of Nike Sport Cars Concept By Darko Nikolic measures 186 x 85 x 515 inches (LWH) in dimensions.

Clash of the Titans, modern power cruisers!

2011-02-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

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Power cruisers of today, Motorcycle Titans - big, powerful and with the torque meant to crush your neck.

They are expensive, thirsty, heavy, dangerous, hard to handle and not very practical… why would anyone want to have one ?

I’ll tell you why – it’s because logic and common sense have nothing in common with a passion for motorcycles. If you asked common sense and logic about these things, motorcycle industry would probably collapse. Motorcycles are here for the passion, the wind on your chest, excitement, joy and the desire for the ultimate freedom. You know, it’s not our intelligence that makes the world go around, all our intellect, logic and common sense are just the tools. The tools used by love, passion and curiosity to make us go further, higher, faster… you know - to boldly go where no man has gone before!

Just to make it clear, this is not about professional race track or drag bikes, or about bikes that are not in production. This is about bikes that are in production and distributed world wide, bikes that you can actually order at your local dealer shop - if you can afford one, of course! Or even better – if you can handle one!

So, it’s all clear now! :)

We LOVE those expensive, thirsty, dangerous, hard to handle and impractical motorcycles! We feel alive when we ride them!

So what are these Motorcycle Titans of today ? Two of the best you can buy, and I’d say the two most loved are new Ducati Diavel and Yamaha V-Max, introduced 2 years ago!

Actually, two quite different bikes, but at the same time very similar.

Yamaha (Star Motorcycle) V-Max is a legend! It’s a motorcycle with history and with heroic ancestors! It was always among the world’s fastest bikes in the a straight line, famous for its thick black lines left on the asphalt! It’s not a bike for just anybody – it demands an experienced and safe hands, and certainly requires a deep respect of its power. If you don’t respect her power, she will bite you, and she bites like a pit bull. As much as I know, V-Max is the only power cruiser today with the V-4 engine. For a cruiser, even for a power cruiser, it’s got a super sporty engine – 1679cc (102-cubic-inch), fuel injected, liquid cooled V4 DOHC, with four valves per cylinder. The beast produces 200 HP (147.1 kW) and a monstrous torque of 166.80 Nm (17.0 kgf-m or 123.0 ft.lbs). Imagine slightly calmed down but oversized engine of Suzuki Hayabusa or Kawasaki Ninja 1400 (ZX14), but even better. V-Max is a true badass and an impressive motorcycle, a true Titan.

And now, the latest miracle from Ducati. Two years ago nobody would believe that Ducati was preparing to make a power cruiser. But what a power cruiser! It’s not even clear if Diavel is a power cruiser or something never seen before. Ok, but let’s call it a power cruiser. Well, some journalists already declared him as a Fireblade among cruisers, and there’s a good reason for this. Do you remember the time when first Honda Fireblade was released ? It was so much lighter, quicker and more agile than any sport bike seen before. It was razor sharp, and it still is today – but now with some serious competition. Ducati Diavel did the same thing among the cruisers. It is the cruiser with the best power to weight ratio and the most advanced technology available, superior brakes and sporty suspension. It’s a power cruiser with Ducati’s racing genes. The Hi-tech Diavel Testastretta 11° 1200cc V-Twin engine makes 162hp and colossal 94lb-ft (127.5Nm) of torque. Just like V-Max, it has 4 valves per cylinder with DOHC, fuel injection and water cooling. What makes him different and special comparing to other power cruisers is his mass. His dry weight is only 207kg (456lb), which is super light for this kind of bikes – just imagine how beautifully it behaves with that mass and his fantastic suspension. All the journalists who have ridden Ducati Diavel so far were impressed. There is even more; it has electronically controlled various driving modes, high quality ABS that can be turned off and traction control, that can also be turned off. All that makes him even more safe and stable, and also very flexible, and very capable.

Some raw data comparison

	Yamaha (Star) V-Max	Ducati Diavel
Weight:	(Curb) 310.0 kg (683.4 pounds)	(Dry) 210kg (463lb), Carbon: 207kg (456lb)
Engine:	1679cc (102-cubic-inch) liquid-cooled 65° V-4, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder	1198.4cc Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Transmission:	5 speed, multiplate slipper clutch, Final drive: shaft	6 speed, slipper clutch with self-servo action on drive, Final drive: chain
Power:	200 HP (147.1 kW) / 9000 rpm	162HP (119kW) / 9500rpm
Torque:	166.8 Nm (17.01 kg-m) / 6500 rpm	127.5Nm (94lb-ft) / 8000rpm
Brakes:	Front: 2 x 320mm discs; radially mounted 6-piston calipers, Rear: 298mm disc, 2-piston.	Front: 2 x 320mm discs, radially mounted calipers. Rear: 265mm disc, 2-piston. ABS as standard.
Tires:	Bridgestone radial, Front: 120/70-R18, Rear: 200/50-R18	Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, Front: 120/70 ZR 17, Rear: 240/45 ZR17
Seat height:	775 mm (30.5 in)	770 mm (30.3 in)
Power-to-weight:	0.645 HP/kg (considering curb weight)	0.771 HP/kg (considering dry weight)

Comparing the dry specifications data leads to nowhere. They are both powerful, big and special, but these are not really bikes for the race track. So we cannot reduce everything on numbers. Despite many similarities, we must admit they represent different philosophies, and that means everybody will pick his own favorite according to personal preferences and philosophy. They are both fantastic and I do not dare to call any of them a better bike. If you’re dirty rich, if you share my opinion and you like them both – just get both of them! :)

Diavel is much more sporty and hi-tech, while V-Max impresses me with insane power and torque. Diavel is actually trying to be compact and light, and V-Max doesn’t care much about that. V-Max’s brutal power is there to freak your ass up every time you twist on it, while Diavel wants to make you more agile and confident. Riding each one must be impressive.

There are no other bikes on the market that can be easily compared to them. If we made a decision not compare these two, then they both would become really lonely. :) So we had to make them buddies, no matter how different – they’re both ultimate power cruisers of today. Aw they will be compared and tested together, in the near future, just watch for it! :)

Meantime, let everybody choose his/her own favorite. The lucky ones will be those with these beasts in the garage. The force is definitely with them! :)

Revive you eyes and ears!

Now turn on your speakers… or put on the headphones! :)

V-Max on board action…

… and some Diavel on board action!

If you’re like me, then you really enjoyed all this.

But…

There’s some more!

Well, I felt it would be unfair not to mention some other motorcycles that would be glad to be ridden with Diavel and V-Max. Comparable or not, they’re all special badass cruisers.

I believe the closest one to Diavel and V-Max is Triumph Rocket III. Rocket III is fantastic and very muscular bike proud on his unique engine: three cylinders in row, 2300cc producing 146bhp / 109 kW at 5750rpm and torque (watch out) 221Nm / 163 ft.lbs at 2750rpm. Its 367 kg (807 lbs) makes him pretty heavy. It is a fantastic bike and I am a great fan of Triumph and their triple-cylinder engines… mouthwatering. Comparing to Diavel and V-Max it’s showing up its age a little. Somehow, I have the feeling that guys from Triumph are a little bit provoked by Diavel and V-Max and that they will reply in some way, soon. Well, Triumph, you never disappointed me so far, don’t start now. Give as your new vision of an ultimate modern power cruiser! I hope someone will help me with this, I doubt they would listen to me alone. ;)

Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is another huge power cruiser. It’s not available on European market anymore, and something tells he will retire soon. I hope Kawasaki is preparing a new modern replacement. Vulcan 2000 is famous for one thing – it’s got the largest V-Twin engine of all the motorcycles currently in mass production. Huge V-Twin offers massive torque (2053cc / 125ci - 141 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm) but I’d say everything on Vulcan 2000 is massive, maybe even too massive ( 340.2 kg (750.0 pounds) ) considering significant lack of horse powers comparing to any of the bikes above. But again, I think its time has passed, let’s just hope Kawasaki will surprise us with something really good for this segment. It still hangs on US market, but in a sort of a touring version, which is even heavier.

Boss Hoss is motorcycle I just could not skip, but honestly, I don’t know what to do with this thing. It doesn’t fit into any category… I’m not even sure if it fits in small car’s garage. But then, I believe that was the idea. Boss Hoss Cycles made a decision to produce largest ever motorcycle available on the market. Because of its engine size and power, these bikes had to be mentioned here, Boss Hoss belongs among the Titans. If you’re not already familiar with Boss Hoss bikes, then I suggest you to seat down now. These monsters are equipped with liquid cooled V8 engines with capacity of 376 ci.i (6200cc). No it’s not a mistake, actually, they used to make even bigger ones. This engine is oversized even for a car. According to this data, it’s a huge sport car engine, but it could power a truck as well. Scary shit! The engine actually is a car engine, made by GM. 445HP @ 5750 rpm and given torque of 445 Ft. Lbs. @ 475 are too dangerous on a bike. For most of people it’s definitely not a good idea to get on one. Besides of a monster engine, this bike, in my opinion, is oversized and too heavy for general use. Weights over 500kg, which is almost comparable with a small car. It can be ridden on regular roads (well, in most of countries I guess), but the question is who is controlled by who, and where will that take you. If you are a pro and/or want to pull some drag races, then go ahead. Conclusion – incredible, incomparable, but not for me, not for the most of people, and in most cases – not for the street.

That’s all folks!

That’s it for today. I was going to write about something else, but I was so excited about the new Ducati Diavel last week, that I just couldn’t resist to make this post. I’ll take a break and then come back to writing… it’s a good idea to do some extra writing while I’m stuck with this damn flu. See you! :)

Proton Persona powered by 100% electric power for about RM80k?

2011-02-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

Click for hi-res image

Would you be interested in a Proton Persona powered by 100% electric power for about RM80k? That could be a genuine question sometime in the future, thanks to Detroit Electric. The team from Detroit Electric is in KL this week with their fleet of prototype electric cars built on existing models. A few cars were available at the media event today including a Lotus Elise, a Proton Persona, and a Proton Savvy. All were powered by Detroit Electric’s electric powertrains with various power ratings.

We took the Lotus Elise for a spin around Proton’s oval test track at its Shah Alam plant. Read our experience as well as more on Dutch-based Detroit Electric after the jump.

The world's fastest urban car...

2011-02-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

The revolutionary commuter vehicle that combines the speed and agility of a motorcycle with the security and comfort of a high-performance sports car.Beat Traffic The Tango's ability to maneuver through traffic is second to none. Like a motorcycle, it can change lanes to gain advantage in traffic better than any car in history. Unlike a motorcycle, it is safe, dry, climate controlled, and can securely carry a reasonable amount of cargo. Where lane splitting is permitted (i.e., driving between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic), such as California, Europe, and Asia, the advantage can be staggering. In extremely heavy traffic, a Tango or motorcycle can travel in 20 seconds the distance that cars travel in 20 minutes.
read the story at..

Never enough of safety

2011-02-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

It was about time to say a few words about safety. It is the topic that cannot be ignored by any biker, or by anyone who drives or rides any kind of vehicle.

As I’m getting older, I am getting more and more concerned about safety. This is not something I want to write about just because I am expected to do so, which is never a reason to write for me. Being safe on the road is something that bothers me every time I start the engine. Having my loved ones in the car with me, or a passenger on the bike, involve an additional stress factor, cause I feel very much responsible for anyone who’s with me. When I was very young I was much more relaxed about this, but experience taught me a lesson (or two).

Do you learn from other peoples mistakes as well as your own?

It was such fun (yeah right) being in a car crash for three times, and once on a motorcycle (counting downfalls from a tiny moped when I was a teen makes no sense). I don’t think my bad experience makes me special; most of people who spend a lot of time on the road have similar experiences, or worse.

Being watchful and experienced makes me have trust in my judgment while I ride, partly at least. What really freaks me out are the others. You know, you could never know what the other guy on the road has in mind… is he or she drunk, pissed, clumsy, half blind or deaf, or making it out with his companion while driving, does he or she sees you and has he/she noticed the sign that says you are on the higher priority road. Well, these things are scary, not stupid horror movies scary, but real life scary. Whenever you get out from a dangerous situation on the road, you should memorize it well, cause next time you could not get that 1/2 of meter (1.6 feet) or that split of a second that saved your ass.

I learned to slow down on the crossroads, especially if the sight is unclear, just enough to make emergency stopping or turning possible. Some of my buddies asked like “hey, you’re on the main road, why did you slow down ?” Well, I tried to explain, some listened and some will just have to learn. Hopefully the lesson they are going to learn, sooner or later, will not cost them anything.

Several months ago, a friend of mine had an accident while he was riding his Kawa Z750. He's got hit by a car on the side, having his leg crashed, which resulted in multiple surgeries and many weeks in bed. And he was lucky. He was also wearing almost all the protection thingies you can remember – and that was not just luck. He was also on the main road. The only explanation of the car driver was that he didn’t see the motorcycle, at least not on time. It was late evening and it was dark enough, all the street light were on, as well as the light on the car and on the bike. But again, it just happened. You've heard more stories like this, I know. Could my buddy do something more to help being noticed earlier ? Maybe he could.

Active vs. passive safety

Beginners often don’t think about it, but there are two primary ways of making you safer. First, there’s something we call passive safety, and second – there is active safety.

Passive safety include all the things that help your survive and reduce your injuries at the moment when the accident occurs. In your car, passive safety features are your seat belts, head back rests and airbags, at least these are the most obvious. Less obvious, but not less important are rigidity of the car’s construction and special reinforcements parts, seat’s anatomy and there's even more.

On a motorbike, passive safety is mostly your protective gear… helmets, boots, gloves, special jackets, various protective pads and inserts. Motorcycle also can be equipped be with different protective parts – some of them will only protect the bike (partly), but some can save your legs and arms of being trapped/pinched between the bike and the down surface if you slide.

Active safety, on both, car and motorcycle, includes all the features and equipment that helps to prevent the accident. What can help you to prevent the accident ? I will start from the most basic thing – it’s your own attention, concentration, experience and comprehension of rules. In traffic, try to watch out by yourself and don't rely too much on other people attention. Next would be – to see and to be seen. So, for safety is better to own a vehicle with noticeable, prominent colors, that stand out from the crowd… or the background. Keeping your car’s windows and your helmet’s visor clean also helps. Too old and bad quality tires are not good – renew them on time and buy the best ones you can. To see and be seen – be sure your vehicle has quality headlights, back lights and direction indicators; and keep them clean. HID/Xenon bulbs recommended.

Brakes are part of active safety that most people think of first. Good brakes are crucial. ABS (Anti Blocking System) device controlled brakes are common today, everyone should have them. I encourage everyone to have ABS on the motorcycle, it is good in all cases – except for the race track and off road riding.

Cars often have electronic stability control, while stability of the motorcycle is absolutely in hands of a rider and integrity of the bike. Traction control is very usable if you deal with a bunch of horse power or torque.

In the months to come, I will try to cover each aspect and piece of equipment in details.

As for today I just hope I enumerated most of them.

Motorcycle visibility problem

Visibility problem is the one I will try to cover this time, as much as I can. On the motorbike, probably the main safety issue is visibility; not being seen on time, others are not aware of your presence, or they just misjudge your approaching speed or path. Many motorcycles magazines and groups organized various actions about this issue and I will only remind you on two of them:

- “Being invisible” by Motorcycle Daily – click here for more info

- “Look twice save a life” – click here (facebook group)

Being hardly visible on a motorcycle may be caused by a lack of attention or lack of awareness about motorcycles by car drivers. It is partly consequence of often a bad training of new drivers, a training that never mentions presence of motorcycles on the roads. Be aware that you can run into a really bad car driver, who does not even trying to notice you. I met a guy who thought that a car regularly have the right of way in respect of a motorcycle in all situations – seriously! I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of him, I would love to publish his ugly face on the net.

Another reason for being hardly visible is just a nature of a motorcycle itself; it is small and it doesn’t have almost any big flat colored surfaces. Being small – I think it’s is obvious how this make you invisible. Pretty irregular shape of a motorbike, without large painted surfaces, makes you look camouflaged from many angles, like a commando in the jungle. It’s too easy to get merged with the background.

So, what a biker can do ?!

Now we finally come to the point we can actually talk about some real life suggestions of how to improve something.

1. Reflective wheel stripes – all the bikers seen them or at least know about them. They are affordable and easy to apply. You might not like it on certain types of the bikes. They can really help you to be seen at night from the sides – but they can get dirty very easy, so better clean them from time to time. Here are the example photos.

2. Reflective paint, stickers and badges – it is good to have some of these. Special paint can be expensive I guess and you must hire a professional if you want it to look good. Stickers and badges are more affordable... useful, but don’t expect a miracle.

3. Cat’s eye light reflector , aka retroreflector aka retroflector aka cataphote. I am sure all of you know what this is, at least under one of these names. Most of cars, motorcycles and bicycles have one, integrated within the back light. Wikipedia says it is a device or surface that reflects light back to its source with a minimum scattering of light. It shines stronger and brighter then any reflective paint or a sticker. The problem is that many people consider them ugly and the reason is insufficient sources where you can get a good cat’s eye with modern design. Another problem is that most of them are NOT self adhesive, so they are often difficult to install. Anyway, if your bike comes with one of them, I suggest you to keep them, and keep them clean and safe of scratching. It is also a good idea to attach a cat eye on your backpack or anywhere else you find suitable.

The cat's eyes were invented by Percy Shaw in 1934. (UK patent #436290 and #457536) and trademarked the name Catseye® . Percy Shaw was born in Halifax in West Yorkshire, UK in 1890. Found this information on the net. More about retroreflectors !

4. Clothes and protective gear with glowing/reflective details and surfaces. This definitely can help to become more visible. Use any chance you have to wear something that reflects light. Be imaginative. Nobody will complain about you not being so elegantly dressed while you ride.

5. It is good to have a motorcycle with an unusually shaped front light, or having more then one headlights. Here is why: motorcycle with plain single front light that approaches toward you in the dark can easily be mistaken by a car with one light broken. I don’t have to tell you how bad this can be. You want to clearly manifest that you’re coming up on a motorcycle. Having two front lights, one for each side, can also help to others to better estimate your width, and that helps too. Here are some good examples.

6. It is good to have a loud exhaust pipe; not too loud, but loud enough for others to hear you from the inside the car, so if they can’t see you, at least they will be aware you’re near. They will hopefully pay attention and look around to locate you.

7. Use the horn whenever you think they don’t see you and let them know you’re around. Be careful how you use it, though. Sometimes you could distract someone and cause the reaction you didn’t want to. For example, when overtaking, give them a discreet horn signal, and wait a second to be sure they located you - and then start overtaking. Press the horn always when someone is coming too close, and/or you suspect they’re not aware of you.

8. Quality LED turning signals are certainly good things too have. Besides the fact that they often look better than ones with ordinary bulbs, they also produce more intensive light. Another advantage is that LEDs (Light Emission Diodes) will probably last as long as your bike, except if you break them. They are very reliable, so you don’t need to worry about the bulbs anymore. Also, the back positioning and stop light should be also replaced with LED ones if possible, for the same reasons.

9. Additional neon lights for your motorbike – use these and you will increase your chances to be noticed on time, that’s for sure. Now, it can be expensive for someone, and installation takes time and skill – or hiring a pro (which makes it even more expensive). There is also a question of the look, cause not everybody likes it. Some people (as myself) think that neon lights draw too much attention and makes you look like a mobile advertising billboard, but again, many people likes it. Not my cup of tea, but if you like it and if you can afford it – go for it.

10. HID/Xenon lights are recommended for everyone and for all situations. This is the most effective, latest technology available to on the market and it is affordable for the most of people. The only problem that could occur is that your bike doesn’t have modern headlights with sockets that support these special bulbs. You can still install HID bulbs, but it will take some additional work and investment – more about this to come within a few weeks. Main advantage of HID lights is that you will have much better vision at night, but they will also help you being more visible on the road, even on the daylight.

This part of my little motorcycle safety chat stops here. Now, remember the story about my friend from the beginning of the article – could he do more and help himself to be noticed one or two seconds earlier. Perhaps he could do more, and he would eventually avoid the accident. He rides again, but now he shines at night almost like a Christmas tree. You should always take some extra steps for your safety and the safety of your passenger.

I work on collecting all the web links where you can order the products I mentioned here. It’s a work in progress and it will be ready soon.

All the pictures in this article have been found using Google Image Search, so if anybody thinks I violated something (some copyright), let me know and I’ll fix it. Thanks.

Please leave a comment. I’d like to hear other opinions, ideas and experiences about visibility on a motorcycle. If you have more ideas that make sense, I’ll be glad to present them in an additional article. Thank you.

An update about new Moto Guzzi models

2011-02-02T02:49:00.000-08:00

After four low-res images found their way to the net,

Piaggio Press released an official artical about two new models.

I will just quote the text from their own artical:

"

The new California prototype, with an original 1400cc transverse V90 twin-cylinder engine, carrieson the tradition established by a bike acclaimed in five continents for its comfort, reliability and performance, delivering a re-styling that enhances the architecture of the powertrain and the comfort assured by a enerously sized saddle and tank. Fitted neatly around the cylinder unit, the tank heightens the impact of the new valve covers, helping to create a new style element on this irresistible California. All the technical components –wheels, brakes, suspension – are new too, proclaiming the California’s membership of an eagerly awaited new generation of Moto Guzzi bikes.

Much more of a classic but equally fascinating, the Moto Guzzi V7 Scrambler is built on on the famous frame of the V7 Classic fitted with a 750cc small-block engine. Chrome trim, spoked wheelsand sports tyres create a bike that, in the 1960s, would have qualified as a "Regularity" model like the famous 175 Lodola, which this Scrambler recalls with its low headlamp and integrated instrument panel. The exhaust system with its two raised side-by-side silencers is a distinctive feature of this Moto Guzzi Scrambler.

"

Images their published officialy, for public, are also low quality, but, of course,

journalists from the highly rated magazines got some hi-res photos.

The best quality photos (I managed to find) are released by MotorcycleUSA.com,

so you might want to check out their artical too.

Besides these, I found two more images in decent quality (at least for the web).

For best viewing open them in new tab or download and open in some photo viewer.

New California looks fantastic to me, that's why I made this update - I love it.

New Moto-Guzzi bikes - spy pics leaked

2011-01-31T10:19:00.000-08:00

These photos, taken by the mobile phone camera, have been posted on an Italian Moto-Guzzi forum.

Pictures are taken at the Piaggo's annual dealers meeting.

Shown bikes are the new V7 Scrambler and the new California, and rumor says they will be ready for 2012.

There are also speculations California has all 1200cc engine, but someone mentioned possibility of even larger engine.

If I get more information I will post it ASAP.

2011-01-31T02:29:00.000-08:00

London - The day or supercar super car market increasingly crowded course. British supercar manufacturer, Noble did not want to lose and are ready to produce their latest supercar, M600. What are the advantages of this car?
It turns out Noble M600 holds surprises. Through a capacity of 4.4-liter V8 engine, Noble M600 is able to send power up to 650 bhp with 818 Nm of torque reaching the rear wheels.
As reported by Auto Express, on Monday (31/01/2011) with a weight below 1200 kg thanks to the application of carbon fiber in his body, Noble M600 also claimed to have a better ratio than the current fastest car, the Bugatti Veyron.
With a combination of ferocious engine and lightweight body that makes Noble M600 also be capable of driving up to 193 km per hour in just 8.9 seconds only. And can run up to a top speed of 362 km per hour.
But to create efficiency, Noble M600 make three choices of power modes to choose from when walking on public streets starting from 450 bhp, 550 bhp and 650 bhp. When each mode is enabled then all of the features in this car will come to adjust.
But for the price, Noble did not want to announce their prices to be marketed M600, but reportedly has no potential pembelli 52 people who are ready to bring this car into their garage.
Rumor says that the Noble M600 is likely to be released in the spring with a price of about 200 thousand pounds, or approximately USD 2.8 billion.

MV Agusta F3 – an exotic spice for the 600 class

2011-01-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

All new MV Agusta F3 is the bike I accidentally dropped of the “New 600cc bikes for 2011" article. Now I believe it’s better that way. New Agusta F3 looks so fantastic to me, that it definitely deserves separate article.

The F3 powerplant brings most advanced electronic engine control system specifically designed for this bike. It’s the first bike in this class with Ride By Wire multi-maps system that optimizes the power output in all riding conditions, which also includes traction control. The mixed steel tube / aluminums frame offers superb rigidity and ultimate compactness, again the best in the class. Other components are also top notch; completely adjustable Marzocchi front fork and high-end Sach rear shock. The front brakes consist Nissin master cylinder, Brembo discs and radially mounted Brembo calipers, which is, again, probably the most expensive brake set in the class.

Engine configuration is also a little bit specific – basically, it is very similar to the engine used by Triumph Daytona 675/R, which means: three cylinders packed in 675cc. In my opinion, Triumph has proved this engine configuration is fantastic, offering same power as 4-cylinder 599cc bikes, but adding some extra grunt. This concept made Triumph Daytona multiple winner of the 600cc comparo tests during several years. Now with Agusta F3 with got one bike with the same engine concept, but with even higher spec and exclusive high end components.

I admit I am impressed with the 3-cylinder sport bike engines. I just love the sound of the Triumph's triplet engines and I can't wait to hear the sound of the new F3... it could be even better.

Well, there is one more sky high thing about this motorcycle. You probably guessed - it's the price. They didn’t announce the price yet, but since the MV Agusta make exclusive and exotic top notch bikes, you can count with the quiete big bunch of bucks.

The weight and power output also haven’t been released yet, but it will not be surprise if it turns out to be lightest in the class, and maybe even the most powerful. Since all the data is not announced yet and the bike is not included in the MV Agusta's fantastic bike configurator on their website, I guess they still didn't sort out all the marketing details, but you can expect the bike in free sell during the next few months. When this happens we'll have much more information and I will make another article about it, for sure.

There’s almost nothing to say about esthetics of the bike. It’s simply needless. Famous Italian motorcycle designers… which made Agusta F4 model, the bike that was awarded as the most beautiful motorcycle in the world for 2010... Well, I attached the photos, so take a look.

As I said before, Augusta’s are rarely included in comparison tests, probably for being too expensive and exclusive for trashing around the track by the bunch of journalists. I can only hope someone will be effective enough to manage to get one an F3 from the factory and to put her on the test with the others.

The ultimate competitor of the F3 will definitely be the improved version Triumph's Daytona 675– the 675R! 675R was mentioned here earlier - it’s the best Daytona so far. I am so curious to see these two bikes together on the race track. I guess I’m not the only one, so let’s hope someone will fulfill our wish, soon.

Somehow I doubt I will ever get a chance to ride one of the MV bikes, but you never know. Running a famous blog has some advantages, you know! Yeah right! ;)

Modifcations New Sport car Design Toyota Yaris

2011-01-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

Modifcations New Sport car Design Toyota Yaris

Modifcations New Sport car Design Toyota Yaris

Modifcations New Sport car Design Toyota Yaris

Template update... and what's coming

2011-01-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

Last few days I've been busy trying to fix some things on the blog. More precisely I've been setting up a new template, because the old one couldn't support some gadgets and the template setting features of Blogger. Anyway, in its original state that template was built for Wordpress, and later it was converted in Blogger format. I was asking for problems from the moment I picked it and recent Blogger updates made it almost unusable.

So, here's the new one, I hope there's anyone else out there except me who likes it.

Anyway, in the article about 600cc bikes I missed to mention the new MV Agusta F3, which seem to be a brilliant motorcycle. MV Agustas are kind of exotic bikes, and sometimes I just forget to put them in the same line with the others, just like they're out of competition. But they are not, they shouldn't be.

It would be really good and fair for these bikes to be included in group tests, especially within super sport 600 and 1000cc comparison tests, but that rarely happens. Is this because they're to expensive for the journalists to trash them around the track or it is the factory policy? I couldn't say. I only know I would love to see how F3 and F4 would compare with other "R" bikes.

I also want to write about some bikes that could be rather good, but inexpensive alternative for beginners or the people with a tiny budget. In my opinion it is easy to choose a bike when you have 20,000 bucks in your pocket. The problem is how to get yourself a bike that will serve you well (and safe) if your budget is very limited. There are various alternatives, but quality differs, so you better be careful with these. The good news is that it is possible to find just the right balance between the affordable price and the quality.

I hope for some more time and material for writing, soon. Cheers!

Otomotif New Modif Cars designs

2011-01-29T03:59:00.000-08:00

Otomotif New Modif Cars designs

Collection Automotive News SuperCar Style

2011-01-29T03:46:00.000-08:00

Collection Automotive News SuperCar Style

The Maserati Spyder and Coupé grand tourers are produced by Italian automaker Maserati 2002-2007. They have now been replaced by the GranTurismo. The two boards see the four-seat coupe and roadster versions of two places, respectively. Both models were based on 3200 GT, which was sold in Europe but not in the United States. The Coupé and Spyder are commonly referred to as the 4200 GT, which is an evolution of the model name and a previous reference to the increase in displacement to 3.2 L (3217 cc) and 4.2 L (4244 cc).

The Spyder was first unveiled to the public in 2001 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with the debut of the Coupe is following soon after in 2002 at the Detroit Auto Show. The U.S. sales began in March 2002 to the Spyder and Coupé for May. The launch of the Maserati Spyder announced return to the U.S. market after a hiatus of 11 years. Almost as soon as it was introduced, the Spyder has been selected by Forbes magazine as the best GT in 2001.

The Coupé and Spyder are designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Italdesign’s, who also designed the Maserati Ghibli. The cars were built factory in Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena, Italy.
Listen
Read phonetically

Collection Automotive News SuperCar Style

Even the basketball player Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain bought the Ghibli 1967-1973, which seemed an exquisite piece of sculpture. In contrast, the Spyder looks very conservative to a 176 mph-Maserati. It lacks the veneer of democracy to enter Ferrari 360 Modena coupe and convertible.

Driver Diary
But then, one could argue that the new Maserati is supposed to be less racy looking for a Ferrari. It was designed to be a “daily driver”, a car that can easily be used regularly as a Porsche 911. Most Ferraris have never seen such use.

Maserati also made the big Quattroporte sport sedan from the 1960s to the mid-1980. It was quick, elegant and exclusive, and Maserati plans to produce a new generation Quattroporte sedan in 2004.

Tarnished the image
The Merak SS was slower than earlier sports car Maserati. That was why it was developed when Maserati was encountering difficulties.

Collection Automotive News SuperCar Style

The sexy Maserati Spyder is the first sports car sold in America by the legendary Italian automaker since its 1981 Merak SS coupe. It promises to make us forget the small, boxy, coupes problematic, sedans and convertibles sold in the 1980s by such equipment once glamorous.

It is almost unbelievable that no sports car Maserati was sold here for 21 years, considering that the automaker started producing cars in 1926. That was two decades before Ferrari opened its doors. In the 1960 Maserati was considered a very exotic, fascinating sports car for all of fan motor with jet setters. ”

Colorful history
To fully appreciate the new Spyder (convertible Italian), you must know a little history of Maserati. It focused primarily on race cars, until their first production car, the 3500GT sports car arrrived in 1957. Among the many important victories worldwide, Maserati has twice won the Indianapolis 500. Ferrari did not come close to winning the race.

Maserati sports cars sold in 1960 and 1970 were often sexier than Ferraris and were purchased by rich, glamorous people. They included the Sebring, Mistral, Ghibili, Bora and Khamsin. The limited production 1960 Maserati 5000GT model was custom built for some of the richest people in the world, including the Shah of Persia and Aga Kahn.

Collection Automotive News SuperCar Style

When the Merak first arrived in 1972, the company was sold to France’s Citroen troubled by Orsi family, who bought the clothing of the brothers Maserati in 1937. (The brothers built racecars OSCA success after the Second World War.)

Citroen sold Maserati to race former pilot and businessman Alejandro de Tomaso in 1975 that eventually put the name Maserati those boxy, problematic turbo models that have tarnished the image of the maker. Maserati finally left the U.S. market in 1990.

There was an expensive flop 1989-91 two-seat convertible made by Chrysler and Maserati and sold by Chrysler dealers. Oddly named “Chrysler TC by Maserati,” had many parts and engines Chrysler Chrysler and Mitsubishi. The car seemed to be of low quality the cheapest Chrysler LeBaron four-seat convertible and horrified fans of raunchy old Maseratis.

The Maserati Spyder is luxurious and sexy with an elegant look for the competition at present

Das Auto News Volkswagen

2011-01-29T03:45:00.000-08:00

Das Auto News Volkswagen

Vortex Sports Cars The F1 Turn Key New Race Car at 2010 SEMA Show

2011-01-29T03:42:00.000-08:00

Vortex Sports Cars

Vortex Motors – a new outfit that calls Seattle home – is using the SEMA Show as a coming-out party for the F1. The standard version, the F1 Turn Key, is sourced from an upgraded version of General Motors' turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four running through a six-speed manual transmission. Output is rated at 290 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, but Vortex Sports Cars The F1 Turn Key New Race Car at 2010 SEMA Show will also sell an Ultimate version, bumping those numbers up to 330 and 360, respectively.

Vortex Sports Cars

The Ariel Atom is a living legend among performance cars. The British-built cycle-fendered psycho of an automobile is as spectacular at setting track records and redefining the term “bare-bones motoring” as it is warping tall, curmudgeonly men’s faces. With Ariel Atom – the Vortex F1 is ready for battle. Seattle-based Vortex Motors captures the attention of the racers with the debut of its F1 track car at 2010 SEMA Show. It is an upgraded version of General Motors.

Collctions Sports Cars Three Wheels

2011-01-29T03:35:00.000-08:00