Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Honda VFR revealed in new motorcycle patent
As for a modern VFR 1000, (See my avitar Bike list).
but Everything most of you described is "WHY" I bought the '06 Triumph Sprint ST, although it's not a V-4, it does have a awsome engine note.
It was what I wanted Honda to do for years & wouldn't, & since I own both, I can make these comparisons.
Honda VFR
800 cc
108 hp
SSSA-Yes
Motor-V-4
under tail exhaust
Hard bags-additional cost
handles well
brakes linked, option linked ABS
Great gas milage
Reliable
Good looks
Triumph Sprint ST
1050cc
138HP
SSSA-yes
Motor-Inline 3
Undertail exhaust
hard bags come with purchase
handles well
Brakes: Non-Linked (thank God !) Non-linked ABS option
Great gas milage
reliable
great looks
So basically the same wth the differences of Engine config, decplacement, brakes, & HP as to what I wanted & waited for for years from Honda & didn't get.
Now since I have the Sprint, Suped up VFR, & a '04 VFR, the only thing for Honda to do is make a Sportbike/Superbike V-4 900/1000 or RC61 V-2, to bring me back !
Started looking at Jays picture and found the french web site where this picture originated, took me 30 minutes to learn how to make my computer translate french and the translation is a little rough but I thought this was interesting...
Honda VFR 1000
VFR 1000: the return to the roots
What can one reproach the VFR 800 V-tec well? Certainly not its rigour. Then, for 2008, Honda could approach the original spirit of its motor bike launched in 1998 and reinforce the links which then linked it with the competition.
Honda VFR 1000
Admittedly, the last years saw the reinforced road qualities and the performances of the VFR. The last evolution of the motor bike, which embarks variable distribution V-tec and ABS since 2001, is not made to dominate the comparative ones and to attract comments praising the rigour of its design. And it is justified: the VFR, except a lack of imagination to control, does not deserve that praises so much the homogeneity of its behavior is obvious. Then, to approach its initial spirit today, Honda could reposition its motor bike towards more sportivity. Wasn't the VFR in other time a cousin close to the RC 30 and another RC 45, which has to offer her 4-cyclindres out of V before disappearing? Yes, the VFR over the years is more geared toward touring and not involved in the sporting crenel, leaving this noble task to the CBR 1000 RR.
Without anything to change with the bases of its motor bike, Honda could thus soon reveal a mounting whose V4, more generous of cubic capacity, would propose an exploitation definitely more sporting. One questions oneself then as for the utility of the variable distribution, more inclined to meet needs specific to the road motor bikes. One likes to imagine a machine comfortably accumulating the miles, but especially all been willing to stimulate the Egro's by the power and the neat character of his mechanics. ABS would not be quite obvious step called into question, but one would appreciate the arrival of a radial device, just like that of an entirely adjustable reversed fork. Side line, the austerity of the current model has its place with a more dynamic reinterpretation, consequently approaching the spirit inspired by the CBR 1000 RR. A return to the root's and in force.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14: the most powerful and the fastest production motorcycle in history
the 178bhp Kawasaki ZX12 has had the most horsepower of any production motorcycle, though it has played second fiddle to the 175 bhp Suzuki GSX1300 Hayabusa (named after the Japanese Peregrine falcon, one of the few animals on the planet which can travel at 300km per hour which it does during a dive) because the Hayabusa has a higher top speed – the Suzuki’s aerodynamics enable it to more than make up for the slight horsepower deficit and it has now held the title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle for six years since it launched. The Hayabusa’s top speed as measured by the Guiness Book of Records is 317 km/h. But Kawasaki’s just announced ZX14 company flagship boasts 1400cc, much slipperier aerodynamics and the most horsepower and highest top speed of any production motorcycle EVER! The publicity conscious Kawasaki is keeping mum on the exact figures but the rumours emanating from Japan indicate we are just about to see the world’s first 200bhp production motorcycle and one with a top speed of waaay over 200mph. Full details inside.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
MV Agusta F4 R 312 the fastest motorbike in the world
The evolution of racing bikes is the result of many small steps. The underlying concept is never abandoned, rejected or turned upside down. It is only meticulous little changes that finally lead to perfection. It is for this very reason that the F4 has made history for sports bikes and gone on to become a legend.
The F4 of today is a symbol of this legend. The R312 where "three hundred and twelve" is the top speed. To go fast means, tests, hard work, sweat and winning on the track with all the sacrifices and dedication that calls for. With the F4 1000 R MV Agusta was the protagonist last season in the Superstock production series. Unlike others, it is style that adds to the MV machines lined up on the starting grid. More words seem hardly enough to describe the beauty and appeal of a model that, still today, leaves the competition unable to answer.
It is not just its streamlined elegant looks or prestigious name, this time it is also a record holder - 312 km/h. To win on the track you always need more speed. This is why the production MV F4 1000 R 312 now has an evolved professional suspension system. Huge 50 mm Marzocchi forks provide all the stability that an incredibly powerful bike needs.
The forks are carbonitride treated and feature 13 compression and 22 rebound settings. The Sachs monoshock absorber has double hydraulic compression settings to deal with acceleration stress. Compression settings can relate to high speed use for tracks that have small uneven sections on the curves and for low speed handling to make shock absorption more progressive on accelerating out of a bend. The real beauty of monoshock absorbers is the fact that they offer spring preload options.
To improve the gyroscopic effect of a motorbike that wants to be "Top Gun" has meant superlight forged Y- spoke aluminium Brembo wheels fitted with 190 tyres of which a full 6 inches comes in contact with the ground at the rear. It has meant Brembo brakes on the R312 with 320 mm front discs with P4/34 radial calipers. The F4 R 312 puts out over 180 CV at 12,400 rpm. This too is a record if you consider the Euro 3 limit. It is the result of painstaking development work on the 4 cylinder MV engine with special work done to the cylinder head. New 30 mm Del West titanium valves with reinforced springs were fitted and cams given redesigned raised profiles.
Throttle bodies had their inner diameters increased from 46 to 48 mm and longer intake horns were fitted. All this provided an increase of 8 CV "sweetened" by the Magneti Marelli 5 SM Eprom Flash Memory CPU that not only manages the power output but the EBS (Engine Brake System) too. This anti-bounce system is controlled by a solenoid valve that allows the second cylinder to provide power even on deceleration with the valves closed. The only thing left to do is decide on a colour scheme to make the dream come true. There is the innovative white livery that highlights the geometric form of the machine, "Bodoni" black that leads for style and elegance and lastly, the classic MV Agusta red/silver.
Just have a good look at a F4 R 312 and you’ll soon realise that the others are just motorcycles...
SPECS
Engine: Liquid cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder. DOHC, 4 radial valves per cylinder
Capacity: 998
Bore x Stroke: 76 x 55 mm
Ignition/Starting: Multipoint” electronic injection / electric
Max Power: 180 hp @ 12440 rpm
Max Torque: 85 lbs/ft @ 10000 rpm
Transmission / Drive: 6 Speed / chain
Frame: CrMo steel tubular trellis
Front Suspension: 50mm Marzocchi forks
Front Brakes: 2x 320mm discs 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 210mm disc 4 piston caliper
Seat Height: 810 mm
Dry-Weight: 423 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 21 Litres
Top Speed: 312 km/h / 194 mp/h
Friday, April 3, 2009
World’s Most Expensive Motorcycles
Motorcycles have had mass appeal to the general public for roughly a century and a half. An American named Sylvester Howard Roper designed one of the first motorcycles in the 1860s. The motorcycle was displayed at fairs and circuses around the eastern U.S.. Europeans also had their hand in popularizing motorcycles and during the World Wars, motorcycles functioned as a quick means of transportation.
As the motorcycle progressed, the engines and frames became bigger, sleeker, faster and more powerful, resulting in the high-tech and expensive motorcycles of today. If you can afford one, a custom motorcycle built to your exact specifications is within reach.
Currently, the most expensive motorcycles in production are fetching in between $100,000 and $200,000 US. While researching expensive motorcycles, we found 4 bikes that dominate all others in performance, appearance…and cost.
The fourth most expensive motorcycle we found is the new MV Agusta F4 CC created by Claudio Castiglioni, the motorcycle company’s director. He wanted to create a spectacular motorcycle that met strategic marketing needs while also being something truly special and unique. The expensive motorcycle bearing his very own initials “CC” has a top speed of 315 kph (195 mph), 1078 cc’s and a 198 hp engine. Each bike will boast a platinum plate located near the top of the steering column showing the model number from 1 to 100, making this motorcycle all the more special to its owners. This Italian dream costs 100,000 Euros ($133,745US).
Next on our list is the MTT Turbine Superbike costing $150,000 (111,000 Euros). Not only is this motorcycle expensive, its also extremely fast. The Superbike is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Powerful Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production”. The turbine engine in this one is made by Rolls Royce and is capable of over 300hp. The motorcycle also boasts carbon fiber fairings, a rear mounted camera with LCD color display, forward-and rear-looking radar detector with laser scrambler, one touch “Smart Start” ignition, and many other cool gadgets. This bike seams to be pretty popular in Hollywood. It starred in the movie “Torque” and even Jay Leno owns one!
The Macchia Nera Concept Bike is near the top of the list of most expensive motorcycles at 150,000 Euros ($201,000). Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, its Italian designers and engineers set out to create an extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”. The Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals and alloys like titanium and aluminum making it very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia Nera shows exposed belts and engine components, giving its design a minimalist feel while still being aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for retail at this point, but if you have an extra 150,000 Euros ($201,000) laying around for an expensive toy, your dream might come true.
The most expensive motorcycle in production will cost you at least $250,000. The production is limited to a few hundred models, so you better place your order. The Dodge Tomahawk V10 superbike boasts 8.3 liter engine (505 cubic inch), and the 10 cylinders can bring the bike to a maximum speed of almost 400 mph. The 1500lb bike has an independent 4 wheel suspension and can reach 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.
As the motorcycle progressed, the engines and frames became bigger, sleeker, faster and more powerful, resulting in the high-tech and expensive motorcycles of today. If you can afford one, a custom motorcycle built to your exact specifications is within reach.
Currently, the most expensive motorcycles in production are fetching in between $100,000 and $200,000 US. While researching expensive motorcycles, we found 4 bikes that dominate all others in performance, appearance…and cost.
The fourth most expensive motorcycle we found is the new MV Agusta F4 CC created by Claudio Castiglioni, the motorcycle company’s director. He wanted to create a spectacular motorcycle that met strategic marketing needs while also being something truly special and unique. The expensive motorcycle bearing his very own initials “CC” has a top speed of 315 kph (195 mph), 1078 cc’s and a 198 hp engine. Each bike will boast a platinum plate located near the top of the steering column showing the model number from 1 to 100, making this motorcycle all the more special to its owners. This Italian dream costs 100,000 Euros ($133,745US).
Next on our list is the MTT Turbine Superbike costing $150,000 (111,000 Euros). Not only is this motorcycle expensive, its also extremely fast. The Superbike is the Guinness World Record holder for the “Most Powerful Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production”. The turbine engine in this one is made by Rolls Royce and is capable of over 300hp. The motorcycle also boasts carbon fiber fairings, a rear mounted camera with LCD color display, forward-and rear-looking radar detector with laser scrambler, one touch “Smart Start” ignition, and many other cool gadgets. This bike seams to be pretty popular in Hollywood. It starred in the movie “Torque” and even Jay Leno owns one!
The Macchia Nera Concept Bike is near the top of the list of most expensive motorcycles at 150,000 Euros ($201,000). Built around a Ducati 998RS engine, its Italian designers and engineers set out to create an extremely high tech and expensive motorcycle that would be thought of as “the ultimate track bike” that is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple”. The Testastretta engine is fitted with lightweight metals and alloys like titanium and aluminum making it very lightweight. The view from the side of the Macchia Nera shows exposed belts and engine components, giving its design a minimalist feel while still being aesthetically pleasing. We should add that this bike is a one of a kind and not in produced for retail at this point, but if you have an extra 150,000 Euros ($201,000) laying around for an expensive toy, your dream might come true.
The most expensive motorcycle in production will cost you at least $250,000. The production is limited to a few hundred models, so you better place your order. The Dodge Tomahawk V10 superbike boasts 8.3 liter engine (505 cubic inch), and the 10 cylinders can bring the bike to a maximum speed of almost 400 mph. The 1500lb bike has an independent 4 wheel suspension and can reach 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.
World’s Most Powerful Motorcycle - Rapom 8200
Many sportbike riders want to be able to brag that their motorcycle is the most powerful. 160 hp, 190 hp even 250 hp gives you bragging rights. But what about 1200 hp !!! The motorcycle is called the Rapom 8200.
Nick Argyle has got the top bragging rights. He constructed a motorcycle using a Mopar 8.2 litre (that's Rapom spelled backwards), supercharged V8 truck engine. The monster motorcycle, called the Rapom 8200, is street legal.
The huge engine runs on alcohol, at 4 mpg. He doesn't ride it on long distances (not at the price of alcohol), usually just to the local drag strip.
At the drag strip, he'll run, thanks to traction control, 0-60mph in under three seconds and from a standing start to a quarter of a mile in under seven seconds.
He's got two forward and one rear speed in the gearbox. The motorcycle weights 1,000 pounds, so don't drop it.
It's an impressive work of engineering. It's not exactly a motorcycle that you'll use to cruise the twisties, or to go and pick up a loaf of bread, but you can imagine the throb of the engine when you (carefully) open up the throttle.
Friday, March 27, 2009
VentureOne 3-wheel Hybrid Vehicle by BMW DesignWorks
Introducing the VentureOne, a revolutionary 3-wheel, tilting, plug-in Hybrid vehicle. This unique 2-passenger flex-fuel Hybrid vehicle will achieve 100 miles per gallon, accelerate from 0-60 in 6 seconds with a top speed of over 100 mph, yet at a retail price of under $20,000. And if that weren’t enough, imagine combining the performance feel of a sports car with the agility of a motorcycle. This is an exhilarating driving experience that can only be compared to flying a jet fighter two feet off the ground.
While the same height and length as the MINI Cooper, the driver in the VentureOne sits as high off the road as a BMW 3-series. When combined with its 360 glass canopy effect, the VentureOne not only provides a driver with tremendous road visibility, but adds to a sense of overall driving confidence.
The VentureOne weighs approximately 1,200 pounds in prototype form, with an overall width of 48 inches, a length of 11′ 8″, and a 106 inch wheelbase. The engine is located in the rear of the vehicle at a low height. The passenger compartment and the front wheel tilt when cornering; however, the forces are aligned with the vertical axis of the driver’s body, resulting in the driver being pressed into the seat rather than pushed across it.
Although classified as a motorcycle according to the NHTSA (since it has three wheels), the VentureOne has an enclosed body. The reinforced roll-cage construction in combination with front-and-side-impact protection, and a highly efficient passenger restraint system, give the occupants a level of protection comparable to conventional cars or statistically, 33 times the safety of a typical motorcycle.
Design: BMW Designworks
a Unicycle-Motorbike-Segway Hybrid
Sometimes a bike is just a bike... there's no photoshopping going on here, guys. This is Uno, of course, a segway/motorcycle mashup shown publicly for the first time at the recent Toronto National Motorbike show. Technically it has two wheels, but they're right next to each other and it does balance on them under its own power.
Built by Ben J. Poss Gulak, it's an electric vehicle that uses a similar sort of microgyro-motor system as the Segway, but with two gyros: one for forward and back, and one for turning. Its got just one control —a power switch— and everything else is done by leaning, which must make for one hell of an adrenaline-packed ride. It's the culmination of a number of vehicle projects by Ben, and uses electric propulsion for eco-friendliness, since Ben visited China where he found that "the smog was so thick, we never saw the sun."
Ben designed the 120-lb vehicle himself, using Google SketchUp to help with the plans as he couldn't afford professional software. How does it perform? We don't know, but we suspect it's a lot of fun. And though Ben got some advice from expert motorbike modders, and a robotics expert for the gyro programming, he deserves a round of applause— he's only 18 years old. And that's just amazing. [Motorcycle Mojo via Make —Thanks Daniel]
Volkswagen Motorcycles: Volks-Cycle
Volkswagen Motorcycles: Volks-Cycle
Motoring Channel Staff - 16/May/2008
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Wolfsburg, Germany — There are number of car makers who also produce motorcycles, namely Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki and Honda. There are also German car makers who are becoming more proficient in the art of the motorcycle, BMW a perfect example.
But what about a Volkswagen motorcycle: could it work? Would people buy them?
New reports from Europe confirm that Volkswagen will join forces with KTM - an Austrian motorcycle maker - to create the first VW motorbike.
It's still early days so we don't know whether the motorbike will be a sports bike, a super motard, a dirt bike or a naked street bike. But the prospect of a 2-wheeled Volkswagen has made many in the Web Wombat offices very excited.
Volkswagen and KTM have worked together in the past, creating the minimalist KTM X-Bow sports car. It uses a VW Group 2.0-litre turbo engine.
With ties already there, it makes sense for KTM to return the favour for Volkswagen.
Volkswagen also showed interest in a quasi motorcycle design in 2006, when it released the GX-3 concept. This 3-wheeled vehicle used a car-like front end with a motorcycle inspired rear-end, complete with a swing-arm.
The lightweight GX-3 concept was powered by a 1.6-litre engine outputting 138kW (185hp) that sped from zero to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and had excellent fuel consumption (5.2L/100km).
Could this concept be back on the drawing board? Volkswagen's first motorcycle is most likely to be a traditional 2-wheeled vehicle, but a 3-wheeler isn't out of the question as the concept was fully operational.
Like BMW, Volkswagen will most likely try to differentiate itself from the Japanese motorcycles by incorporating technology into its bikes, and we could see the emergence of a 2-wheeler with a dual clutch transmission in the new decade.
Concept Cars: Yamaha Maxam 3000
| Make | Yamaha |
| Model | Maxam 3000 |
| Concept year | 2005 |
| Production year | - |
| Engine | - |
Developing on the base of the popular urban tandem cruiser "MAXAM," this is Yamaha's proposal for a new type of big cruiser with the design concept of a "weekend leisure cruiser." Building on the MAXAM's low & long body design, this model boasts a completely new pick-up styling that includes focus on important things like storage space in its under-seat compartment. In addition to the big added stretch of overhang front and rear, touches like abundant use of chrome parts and a genuine leather seat bring a sense of true quality such as never seen before in a big scooter. (The 3000 in the model name is for its 3,000mm length)
| Make | Yamaha |
| Model | Gen-Ryu |
| Concept year | 2005 |
| Production year | - |
| Engine | hybrid |
This Gen-Ryu is a proposal for a "High-performance Hybrid Motorcycle." Based on Yamaha's "Genesis" design ideal and the new "G.E.N.I.C.H." ideal reflecting the latest electronic control technologies, this model combines the lightweight, compact YZF-R6 600cc engine and a high output, high efficiency electric motor. It is designed to offer both the joy of handling of a motorcycle and the comfort and carrying capacity of a scooter. Features like the lightweight aluminum CF die-cast body with optimized rigidity balance, large diameter wheels and long wheelbase give this model running performance and handling similar to a 1,000cc class machine.
Furthermore, as Yamaha H.M.I. (Human Machine Interface) systems, this model adopts ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) features aimed at preventative safety functions and smart functions for increasing rider comfort. The ASV functions include (1) a vehicle-vehicle distance warning system using the latest communications technologies, (2) a cornering light system that improves nighttime vision when turning at intersections and curves, The smart functions include (1) a noise canceling system that greatly reduces wind noise, (2) a short wave tandem intercom system, (3) voice navigation function, (4) music player and hand-free cell phone function and (5) rear view monitoring system using a CCD camera and LCD display.
Concept Cars: Yamaha Deinonychus
| Make | Yamaha |
| Model | Deinonychus |
| Concept year | 2005 |
| Production year | - |
| Engine | Electric |
First seen in 2005 the Yamaha Deinonychus is a BMX style electric bike concept that uses two electric motors, one in each wheel.
This feature means there is no mechanical link between the chassis and wheels, this allows for a fully adjustable chassis where the geometry and dimensions can be quickly and easily altered to suit the rider or the terrain.
The two electric motors provide 100% of their thrust from 0 rpm giving the Deinonychus great off road potential.
Concept Cars: Robrady rMoto
| Make | Robrady |
| Model | rMoto |
| Concept year | 2005 |
| Production year | - |
| Engine | Electric |
The rMOTO electric superbike concept was developed by Robrady design in Florida, the rMOTO uses technology and expertise derived from several of Robrady's clients. When the first design sketches of the rMOTO were released on the company web site in April, interest in the concept was so great that the project was approved for construction and a prototype is to be constructed for unveiling in January 2006.
Rob Brady talks about the ground breaking concept, and expected performance.
It's kind of a balance we need to resolve. We can get a 100 miles an hour, 120 miles an hour bike but then the range of the bike suffers so it's a matter of starting and knowing that the technologies and different battery chemistries will evolve in time, and probably not very much time at that."
The rMOTO uses regenerative charging to recharge the batteries during braking and deceleration. The rMOTO is also suited for fuel cell technology and there's every chance the rMOTO could have a fuel cell on board so that power can be topped up without needing to get to an electrical outlet.
Talking about the riding characteristics of the rMOTO Rob Brady explains the difference in power delivery between conventional internal combustion engines and electric motors, a feature also common to the electric sports car the Venturi Fetish.
"It's not going to be like having a big gas motor that you need to get it into maximum torquezone before you pop the clutch and then fight to keep it there so you can get maximum acceleration. This baby will have maximum torque at zero sitting right there inside the rear wheel ready to go - I can't emphasise how fast this bike will accelerate.
The rMOTO is just the start for high performance electric vehicles, and many experts suspect an exponential increase in the development of related technology in the next few years.
The rMOTO uses regenerative charging to recharge the batteries during braking and deceleration. The rMOTO is also suited for fuel cell technology and there's every chance the rMOTO could have a fuel cell on board so that power can be topped up without needing to get to an electrical outlet.
Talking about the riding characteristics of the rMOTO Rob Brady explains the difference in power delivery between conventional internal combustion engines and electric motors, a feature also common to the electric sports car the Venturi Fetish.
"It's not going to be like having a big gas motor that you need to get it into maximum torquezone before you pop the clutch and then fight to keep it there so you can get maximum acceleration. This baby will have maximum torque at zero sitting right there inside the rear wheel ready to go - I can't emphasise how fast this bike will accelerate.
The rMOTO is just the start for high performance electric vehicles, and many experts suspect an exponential increase in the development of related technology in the next few years.
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