Monday, January 31, 2011

A Cannibalistic Canadian House of Horrors . . . . Or Not.

*** continued from previous post ***


Finally, through the haze I spotted a sign for a 'Tourist Centre'. My hackles were up immediately. Which, with the cold, was quite painful. What abomination was this? What diabolical mind changed the spelling of 'Center' to 'Centre'? Eff'n French Canadians, that's who.

Protip: Never trust a person that lives in one country, but believes they are in another. Aw screw that, I'm just trying to be politically correct here. Protip: Never trust the French. Canadian or otherwise.

In my defense, I may have been slightly paranoid after all the excitement of the day. As we fish-tailed down the road I explained to your mother that this place was most certainly a trap where tourists went in - but they never came out. Much like a Roach Motel. A horrible place of death and exported Canadian pot-pies, (New and improved flavor from THE STATES!"), to which your Mom argued - quite successfully - that it was NOT some cannibalistic house of horrors, merely a bathroom and some brochures. Possibly a Mountie. Certainly a stuffed Beaver or two.

I resisted stopping, but in the end I capitulated to ensure domestic harmony. Oh, it took some convincing on her part, but the phrase that sealed the deal, and made me pull into the 'Tourist Centre Du Death' was, "I want you to stop now. You should know I've fashioned a 'prison shank', and I will stick it hard and quick between your fourth and fifth rib. . . straight into your liver."

I have no idea how, or when, she had the time to fashion a 'prison shank', but that's not really the point. I thought it over for a minute and was going to call her bluff but two things prevented me from taking that action: 1. You're Mom had A LOT of time to sit on the back of the bike and think while enduring the rain. 2. I felt a sharp object, pressing hard against my Frogg-Toggs in the region of my kidneys. I calculated the risk. She may, or may not know exactly where my liver was located, but the point was moot. She was prepared to do damage, and in the end quibbling about whether I was hemorrhaging out of a liver or a kidney didn't seem all that important.

*** the journey continues tomorrow ***

Victory Kingpin, 2009

Victory Kingpin, 2009


USA Specifications
MSRP $16,399.00

ENGINE
Engine 4-stroke, 50° V-twin, single overhead camshafts with 4-valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
Displacement 100 ci (1,634 cc)
Bore x Stroke 101 x 102 mm
Compression Ratio 8.7:1
Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45 mm throttle bodies
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Cooling Air / oil
Exhaust Staggered slash-cut dual exhaust with crossover

DIMENSIONS
Length 99.5 in. (2,537 mm)
Weight Dry: 663 lbs. (301 kg)
GVWR: 1,234 lbs. (560 kg)
Ground Clearance 5.8 in. (148 mm)
Wheelbase 65.6 in. (1,666 mm)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. (17 l)
Oil Capacity 5 qt. (4.75 l)
Seat Height 26.5 in. (673 mm)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed overdrive constant mesh
Primary Drive Gear drive with torque compensator
Final Drive Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Suspension Front: Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 43 mm fork tube; 5.1 in. (130 mm) travel
Rear: Single, mono-tube gas shock, cast aluminum with rising rate linkage swingarm, preload adjustable spring; 3.9 in. (100 mm) travel

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston caliper
Rear: 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
Tires Front: 130/70 B18 Dunlop 491 Elite II
Rear: 180 55-B18 Dunlop D417
Rake 32.8°
Trail 5.4 in. (138 mm)

Victory Hammer S, 2009

Victory Hammer S, 2009
 

 
USA Specifications
MSRP $18,499.00

ENGINE
Engine 4-stroke, 50° V-twin, single overhead camshafts with 4-valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
Gross Horsepower 97 hp
Displacement 106 ci (1,731 cc)
Bore x Stroke 101 x 108 mm
Compression Ratio 9.4:1
Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45 mm throttle bodies
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Cooling Air / oil
Exhaust Staggered slash-cut dual exhaust with crossover

DIMENSIONS
Length 93.1 in. (2,366 mm)
Weight Dry: 669 lbs. (303 kg)
GVWR: 1,173 lbs. (532 kg)
Ground Clearance 5.8 in. (148 mm)
Wheelbase 65.7 in. (1,669 mm)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. (17 l)
Oil Capacity 5 qt. (4.75 l)
Seat Height 26.5 in. (673 mm)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed overdrive constant mesh
Primary Drive Gear drive with torque compensator
Final Drive Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Suspension Front: Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 43 mm fork tube; 5.1 in. (130 mm) travel
Rear: Single, mono-tube gas shock, cast aluminum with rising rate linkage swingarm, preload adjustable spring; 3.9 in. (100 mm) travel

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: Dual 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers
Rear: 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
Tires Front: 130/70R18 Dunlop Elite 3
Rear: 250/40R18 Dunlop Elite 3
Rake 32.7°
Trail 5.5 in. (140 mm)

Victory Hammer, 2009

Victory Hammer, 2009




USA Specifications
MSRP $17,499.00

ENGINE
Engine 4-stroke, 50° V-twin, single overhead camshafts with 4-valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters
Gross Horsepower 97 hp
Displacement 106 ci (1,731 cc)
Bore x Stroke 101 x 108 mm
Compression Ratio 9.4:1
Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45 mm throttle bodies
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Cooling Air / oil
Exhaust Staggered slash-cut dual exhaust with crossover

DIMENSIONS
Length 93.1 in. (2,366 mm)
Weight Dry: 669 lbs. (303 kg)
GVWR: 1,173 lbs. (532 kg)
Ground Clearance 5.8 in. (148 mm)
Wheelbase 65.7 in. (1,669 mm)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. (17 l)
Oil Capacity 5 qt. (4.75 l)
Seat Height 26.5 in. (673 mm)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed overdrive constant mesh
Primary Drive Gear drive with torque compensator
Final Drive Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Suspension Front: Inverted cartridge telescopic fork, 43 mm fork tube; 5.1 in. (130 mm) travel
Rear: Single, mono-tube gas shock, cast aluminum with rising rate linkage swingarm, preload adjustable spring; 3.9 in. (100 mm) travel

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: Dual 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston calipers
Rear: 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
Tires Front: 130/70R18 Dunlop Elite 3
Rear: 250/40R18 Dunlop Elite 3
Rake 32.7°
Trail 5.5 in. (140 mm)

Victory Cory Ness Jackpot, 2009

Victory Cory Ness Jackpot, 2009



USA Specifications
$24,499.00

ENGINE
Engine 4-stroke, 50° V-twin, single overhead camshafts with 4-valves per cylinder, self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters

Displacement 106 ci (1,731 cc)
Bore x Stroke 101 x 108 mm
Compression Ratio 9.4:1
Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection with dual 45 mm throttle bodies
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Cooling Air / oil
Exhaust Staggered slash-cut dual exhaust with crossover

DIMENSIONS
Length 95.9 in. (2,435 mm)
Weight Dry: 649 lbs. (294 kg)
GVWR: 1,171 lbs. (531 kg)
Ground Clearance 5.3 in. (135 mm)
Wheelbase 66.3 in. (1,684 mm)
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gal. (17 l)
Oil Capacity 5 qt. (4.75 l)
Seat Height 25.7 in. (653 mm)

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed overdrive constant mesh
Primary Drive Gear drive with torque compensator
Final Drive Carbon fiber reinforced belt
Suspension Front: Conventional telescopic fork, 43 mm fork tube; 5.1 in. (130 mm) travel
Rear: Single, mono-tube gas shock, cast aluminum with rising rate linkage swingarm, preload adjustable spring; 3 in. (75 mm) travel

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES
Brakes Front: 300 mm floating rotor with 4-piston caliper
Rear: 300 mm floating rotor with 2-piston caliper
Tires Front: 90/90 21 Dunlop Elite 3
Rear: 250/40R18 Dunlop Elite 3
Rake 32.9°
Trail 4.9 in. (125 mm)

Yamaha R15 - awesome little sport bikes

Yamaha R15 come with full sporty design, powered with only 150cc of engine capacity, Yamaha R15 is one of the best choice for little sport bikes class. Awesome !! that's is the perfect words from Me, if you're the real beginner rider and want to try the real sport bikes "design", Yamaha R15 come for you, best prices and it's value-performance motorcycles from Yamaha. Today, 250cc motorcycles is

Victory Core, 2009

Victory Core, 2009

 
 

The Fresh Concept. Inspried. Beyond custom. Future performance. The bare essentials. Stripped to the core.

The CORE is a concept motorcycle designed and built by the Victory Motorcyles Industrial Design team to show what a performance cruiser of the future could look like. It consists of only the essentials: engine, frame, wheels and front suspension - no rear suspension. Its unique cast aluminum frame was made by pouring molten aluminum over a sand core, which was removed whent he casting was complete.

The FEATURES:
• 106/6 Victory Freedom V-Twin
• Aluminum alloy - AL 356-T6 - Tempered 5-piece frame
• Victory X-Factor Wheels
• 304 Stainless Steel left-side Scrambler High pipes
• Carbon fiber rear fender and fork covers

The SPECIFICATIONS:
Victory Freedom 106/6: 106 cu (1731cc) V-Twin with 6-speed overdrive
Aluminum alloy 356-T6 tempered 5-piece frame
304 Stainless Steel left-side Scrambler High pipes
Carbon fiber rear fender and fork covers
Victory X-Factor Wheels
Tires: Avon 130/70-18 front; Avon 150/70-18 rear
Front Brakes: 320mm dual 4-piston discs
Rear Brake: 240mm single disc
Suspension: WP 48mm-diameter inverted forks with 135/160mm travel
African Mahogany seat with integrated LED tail/turn/brake lights
Dry weight: 469lb/212.7 kg
Seat height: 28"/71.1cm
Wheelbase: 64"/162.56 cm
3.25 gal./12.3L fuel tank

Suzuki GSX-R600 arriving

2011 Suzuki GSX-R600


The all new Suzuki GSX-R600 will be in UK Suzuki dealers from the 5th February.
The new GSX-R600 is 9kg lighter than the 2010 model and has Showa Big Piston Forks, Brembo Monoblock brake callipers, a 15mm shorter wheelbase and a completely revised engine.

2011 Suzuki GSX-R600

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Specs

Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Specs : Here is another 1000cc motorcycles from Aprilia, that's all right it's Aprilia Tuono 1000 R. This bikes is one of the best "street bike" from Aprilia, come with 1000cc of engine displacement, the max power of Aprilia Tuono 1000 R around 139 HP !! this is the new information for me as Ninja Bikes lover, Aprilia Tuono 1000 R isn't full sport bikes fairing series, (such

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Snow Bound and Written Out

Just to make it clear, I've not been "written off", I'm simply, "written out" and snow bound (gotta get me a snow machine or move to a more motorcycle friendly climate.)

My 'friends' have complained that I'm not writing as much these days and to tell the truth, they're right. I have to say this blog was meant to be one part motorcycle experience, one part travel and one part this gal's take on the world. And right now, the motorcycle is deep in storage, this gal isn't goin' far and there isn't much left of my thoughts to 'take on' the world. It's report card season for teachers in Ontario and all thoughts are reserved for how our "Little Iodines" are progressing toward meeting provincial expectations! I've spent two solid days writing but not for fun. (Excuses, excuses!)

Now, that job's out of the way I can focus on the fun stuff coming up. Next trip - NYC. Yahoo! It's another girls mid week weekend to the Big Apple and I can't wait. Barbara and I are heading back to New York come March and no, it's not going to be by motorcycle! Hell! it hasn't stopped snowing this month, but we're looking forward to it just the same. Barbara is a foodie and is looking for memorable (in a good way) places to eat - has anyone got a suggestion?

After the NYC trip I will be doing some serious trip planning for July and August when I hope to hit the Lincoln Highway once again - heading to the Pacific Coast. A woman on a mission - Touring for Tummies.

By the way, I've thought about archiving my summer 2010 photos, but I just can't. Really, I'm not a hoarder, it's just that they are my inspiration for summer 2011.

'Lead law' reprieve up for a vote

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States is poised to vote on a staff recommendation to delay enforcement of parts of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, or "lead law," the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Specifically, the staff suggests that CPSC commissioners delay enforcing the testing and certification requirements for kids' dirtbikes and certain other products until Sept. 14. Currently there is a stay of enforcement that expires Feb. 10.

At the same time, the staff recommends that commissioners delay enforcement of the lead-content limit part of the CPSIA for kids' dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) until Sept. 14. Commissioners approved a stay of enforcement of that part of the law earlier, but the stay expires May 1. Once it expires, the sale of kids' dirtbikes and ATVs will effectively be banned because it's unknown whether the requirements of the law can be met.

The commission is expected to vote on the staff recommendation by Jan. 31.

"We are urging the commissioners to approve the recommendation of its staff," said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations. "Not only is the delay important for the reasons cited by the staff, but it also would give federal lawmakers more time to explore legislative solutions to the problems with the law."

On Jan. 25, U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids' off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the CPSIA.

The CPSIA bans the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contains more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. When the law was passed in 2008, that amount was 600 parts per million.

The lead-content threshold then dropped to 300 parts per million after Aug. 14, 2010, and is set to drop to 100 parts per million, or the lowest level that is technologically feasible, after Aug. 14, 2011.

Aimed at children's toys, the CPSIA also ensnared kids' dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers. Other children's products are also affected, such as books, clothes and microscopes.

The law also requires all children's products to undergo expensive periodic testing by independent laboratories approved by the CPSC and those products must be certified that they comply with the CPSIA.

In other action, the commissioners voted on Jan. 25 to extend its stay of enforcement on the testing and certification of kid-sized ATVs that was to expire on that day until Nov. 27. The CPSC noted "there are still no accredited third-party testing bodies for youth ATVs at this time" but CPSC staff would do compliance testing.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

BMW Motorcycle R27 - it's Classics bikes !

BMW Motorcycle R27 is unique with classics bikes style. Did you know about it? Guys.. BMW motorcycle R27 series is old bikes from BMW, this bikes powered with almost 250cc of engine displacement (actually 247cc), and the power of BMW R27 is around 18 Hp (13kW) @7400 rpm. Single cylinder with driveshaft of engine design and it's has 4-strokes bike with four speed transmission type. BMW Motorcycle

Harley Davidson (HD) - XL 883L Sportster 883 Low

Here is the cheap Harley Davidson (HD) motorcycles series. Yeah it's XL 883L Sportster 883 Low. The cheap HD bikes come with 883cc of engine capacity, well, it's enough for Me, the V2 Engine series with 4-strokes type, 5 speed transmission and also injection fuel-system, there is no liquid cooling, yeah this bike used Air system. Harley Davidson XL 883L still have a great features for entry

Rossi, Pedrosa to test repairs at Sepang

From motogp.com

The sound of 800cc MotoGP engines will roar into action again on Tuesday after the winter period, but while there may have been a lack of the type of on-track action plenty of unseen hard work has been going on in the factory workshops of the premier class manufacturers.

Last spotted on their MotoGP bikes at the post-season test at Valencia in November the 17 riders who will line up on the grid this season will also be eager to see just what has been modified and improved on their machines, having undertaken their own individual training programmes in a bid to be as best prepared as possible for the Sepang outing.

World Champion Jorge Lorenzo will arrive in Malaysia in full fitness as he continues his preparations for the defence of his title on the M1, but for two of the Yamaha Factory Racing man’s prospective rivals in 2011 the Sepang test could prove anything but comfortable.

Ducati rider Valentino Rossi is still nursing his shoulder which he described as “painful” and “not very strong” following a private ride on a 1198 machine at Misano last Wednesday, and the Italian will focus on his riding position as he attempts to make the best out of the days.

Dani Pedrosa is another rider still recovering from injury, but the Repsol Honda rider’s collarbone appears to be at a more advanced stage of healing and he will hope to be more able when pushing himself in this test.

Team-mate to the Spanish rider Casey Stoner has no such concerns and the Australian was extremely satisfied with his first taste of the RC212V last November in Valencia. Stoner will aim to continue the immediate affinity he showed with the Honda then, as he assesses electronics changes which were amongst some of the aspects underlined for work throughout the winter.

The third man in the Repsol Honda garage, Andrea Dovizioso, will likewise be intent on getting a good first run of 2011 under his belt.

Ben Spies continues his integration into the factory Yamaha set-up alongside Lorenzo, while fellow American Nicky Hayden will be eager to see what the Desmosedici GP11 brings and Colin Edwards the M1 of the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.

HRC supported Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini) gets set for a second season in the premier class having impressed last year.

Other riders entering their sophomore year in MotoGP are Héctor Barberá (Aspar Team) and sole Suzuki rider in 2011 Álvaro Bautista, while Hiroshi Aoyama does so with his new team San Carlo Honda Gresini.

More experienced but with continued adaptations to make to the Desmosedici nevertheless, Pramac pair Loris Capirossi and Randy de Puniet will also approach the test in a determined manner.

Moto2 World Champion Toni Elías continues his reintegration into the elite category as he and the LCR Honda team work further on the RC212V, while two rookies in Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) will use the valuable time as diligently as possible. The Brit will be riding for the first time since shoulder surgery in December.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Polar Bear Grand Tour - Sir John's on 1/23/2011

Check out pictures and videos of the 11th motorcycle run of the Polar Bear Grand Tour season to Sir John's on January 23, 2011.

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - MAC

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. This feature has been expanded to include Bikes Only and Trikes Only. These pictures are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See MAC's 1998 Honda VT750 Shadow under Bikes Only. There are no Trikes Only, Women on Motorcycles, or Men on Motorcycles this week. We need more pictures of men and women with their motorcycles. Get your picture in. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.

Smrz tops World Superbike testing

From worldsbk.com

Jakub Smrz proved to be the fastest rider in official Infront Motor Sports pre-season testing at Portimao. After three days of changeable weather conditions between Wednesday and Friday, the Effenbert-Liberty man's time of 1:43.503 remained unbeaten throughout, giving the Czech-based Ducati team a great start to life in WSBK racing.

"We brought two bikes here, one with almost the set-up as the one I used for a while last year and one set up like the factory team of last year," Smrz explained. "That had some different things with geometry, gearing, swingarm and so on and I was fastest on that one on the first day.

"The other two days there was not so much do, because the conditions were not fully dry, not fully wet, most of the time. The team worked perfectly and it is great for them to start the season being fastest in this test."

In the overall three-day rankings, Jonathan Rea (Castrol Honda) was second, and WSBK rookie Eugene Laverty (Yamaha World Superbike Team) third, with Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team Superbike) a confident fourth.

Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) filled the top five places, with World Champion Max Biaggi (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) sixth, despite only taking to the track on the dry first day.

Michel Fabrizio (Team Suzuki Alstare) headed off Smrz's team-mate Sylvain Guintoli for seventh, despite crashing twice in the middle day.

Leon Camier (Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team) was ninth and new WSBK rider Joan Lascorz (Kawasaki Racing Team) beat some established names to go 10th quickest.

Broc Parkes (Kawasaki Motocard.com) was the fastest World Supersport rider in the final session on Friday with a 1:48.893, riding on a track that was still affected by earlier rainfall.

The overall fastest rider, therefore, was Sam Lowes (Parkalgar Honda). Lowes set a 1:45.845 on Wednesday, when track conditions were at their best. He fell earlier Friday, hurting his foot and hand, but continuing to ride in the afternoon session.

James Ellison (Bogdanka PTR Honda) was second fastest on track in the final WSS session, while Alexander Lundh (Cresto Guide Racing Team) was third quickest.

Superbike Combined Times
1. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1:43.503
2. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1:43.676
3. Laverty E. (IRL) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:43.707
4. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:43.770
5. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1:43.789
6. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:43.840
7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1:43.879
8. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.369
9. Camier L. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:44.446
10. Lascorz J. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1:44.752
11. Toseland J. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 1:44.764
12. Haga N. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1:44.857
13. Xaus R. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1:44.885
14. Berger M. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1:44.886
15. Melandri M. (ITA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:45.461
16. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1:45.678

Chapter 5 - THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH CANADIANS

*** continued from previous post ***

September 27, 2008

Dear Amber,

I’m really having a hard time letting go of you being a Pirate.
Is it too late to change your course of study?

Love,
Daddio

PS. You may want to ignore any notes posted to you by your friends on Facebook or in email. I couldn’t sleep last night and I found your password and login, so I posed as you for a bit. Ever notice how sometimes things that seem hilarious at 3 AM, seem a little crude the next day? Ah well.

PPS. Um . . . I may have taken a bit out of your bank account as well. It’s ok. You owe me.




Chapter 5


The Road to Hell is Paved with Canadians



Did I mention it was raining?

As I said before, most of the trip was a blur. Literally. Riding in the dense mist of a rain-soaked road with spray kicked up by thousands of tires - did you ever see the freeway during rush hour with a good rain pounding the pavement? If you're not driving through the thick of the storm it really is an amazing sight. A gray tunnel of dirty spray. But we WERE driving through it, and it took A LOT of concentration just to keep the bike going down the road. We were wet, tired, cold, and, as Mom pointed out, for some reason when she gets tired I get cranky. Luckily our communication was kept to a minimum, for each time I raised the shield to try to say something - surprise! A mouth full of oily Canadian road juice. Yum.

So we droned on and on and on. Through mountain passes. Through small towns. Through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. I don't remember much other than the recurring thought of 'Hey! We’re going to die!', yet there were a couple of interesting moments worth mentioning.

At some point in the trip, I can't tell you exactly when, or exactly where, because I may have had an out of body experience wherein I was having warm tea and crumpets with the Queen, or Bob Dylan - it doesn't matter really except if it was Bob Dylan I should probably get some therapy because roving hands from the Queen is one thing, but from Bob? . . . but I digress. The fact is at some point mom had to pee.

Fine. I'll just whip this baby across three lanes of certain death and find her a bathroom because that's just the kind of guy I am. Far be it from me to point out that she has a bladder the size of a grain of rice. Did I mention I may have been a tad cranky by this point? Did I mention how hard it was raining? Take that and double it. Visibility was only a few hundred feet at best and often much less.

*** the journey continues ***

Lead ban legislation introduced

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- With the deadline fast approaching that would effectively ban the sale of kids' dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) has introduced legislation to end the ban, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Tuesday, Rehberg introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, which would exempt kids' off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 that effectively bans their sale beginning May 1.

"Here again, a law meant to improve children's safety is actually being enforced in a way that puts kids in more danger than ever, while destroying jobs to boot," Rehberg said. "It's critical that we put to rest any confusion once and for all so kids can just get outside and ride. There's no excuse for continued bungling that only stops kids from using the very youth-sized off-road vehicles that are intended to keep them safe."

Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, thanked Rehberg on behalf of the AMA and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), which is the AMA's sister organization.

"This is the most promising and viable legislative remedy available to permanently exclude kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the deleterious and unintended consequences of the CPSIA," Moreland said. "We also want to thank the many thousands of AMA and ATVA members who have answered the call from the beginning to urge their lawmakers to exempt kids' OHVs from the lead law. Now, we need a renewed push because time is running out."

The CPSIA bans the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contains more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. Aimed at children's toys, the law also ensnared kids' dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers.

The law also requires all children's products to undergo periodic testing by independent laboratories approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is responsible for implementing out the CPSIA.

On May 1, 2009, the CPSC delayed enforcement of the lead-limit portion of the law until May 1, 2011 to, among other things, give vehicle makers time to figure out ways to ensure their products comply with the law.

Even though the lead-limit portion of the law isn't being enforced, many dealers are no longer selling kid-sized OHVs and half of the major ATV manufacturers are no longer selling machines for kids because of uncertainty surrounding the CPSIA.

Old School Flames


Headin to the Wallmart


I love the cow bell in place of a spirit bell.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kawasaki W800 - Classic motorcycles features

Kawasaki 800 is The stylish classic style motorcycles from Kawasaki, that's all right, The new Kawasaki W800 series powered with new air-cooled vertical twin, it's simple engine with good design and also appearance. This bikes used injection system, good features for classic style bike. With 773 of engine capacity, SOHC, 8 valves, Max Power 35 KW (48PS)/6500 rpm and also 60 Nm (6.1kgf-m/2500 rpm,

Unique European event in August

From Chennai Event Management Services

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY -- Amateur motor sports enthusiasts and first timers get the chance to explore overlooked but culturally rich regions with the Caucasian Challenge. The itinerary takes participants through an incredible 11 countries in 17 days. Traveling through the Balkans and beyond, organizers have planned their route to include scenic off-the-beaten-path roads and geo-caching challenges.

The Caucasian Challenge is an amateur, drive-anything, minimal assistance, low budget rally, a competition and adventure tour organized by experienced explorers and travel professionals as a way to see areas rarely visited. Anyone can enter the event with all sorts of vehicles regardless their age or condition.

Leaving the capital of Hungary on Aug. 15, participants head South into Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the world’s two youngest republics: Montenegro and Kosovo, Albania, before leaving the Balkans and continue their journey in Greece and Turkey. Crossing the Bosporus Channel they will then navigate the full length of Turkey. Entering Georgia they drive around the highest peaks of Europe in the Caucasus Mountains then lead South to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh before reaching the finish line in Yerevan, Armenia on Aug. 31.

The roads range from eight-lane highways to rough and rocky trails and nights might be spent camping besides a mountain lake, in a romantic mountain guesthouse or a fancy modern city hotel. Participants must rely on their own endurance, ingenuity, teamwork and luck to find their way to the finish line, but history shows there are far more good stories than bad.

The emphasis is on discovery and having a great time instead of setting any land speed records. While parties are not planned for every night en route, spontaneous celebrations are an encouraged way to meet locals interested in checking out what is sure to be a memorable spectacle.

Charity is an important goal of the Caucasian Challenge. Organizers choose a school or orphanage each year in Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh and participants are urged to collect various in-kind donations to hand over themselves while visiting the institution. Tons of toys, clothes, computers, sport equipments and other goods were delivered in the past years brightening up the daily life of the kids in need.

International teams from various countries have already registered - enjoying the liberal rules - with everything from rusty old station wagons to fancy 4WD cars or motorbikes.

Rain. Mountains. Maniacs. Oh My!

*** continued from previous post ***


By now the traffic from the boat is long gone, blasting at a break-neck speed to God knows where. I couldn't worry about them. We had our own place to go, and we were WAY behind schedule.

Nothing to do but get back on the road.

For the next two hundred miles, (or 8 thousand km in Canadianeese), we wind our way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Nothing compares to the Canadian Rockies. They are unimaginably beautiful. The size, the sheer granite cliffs, the peaks reaching into the clouds lend an aura of antiquity that is rarely experienced elsewhere.

I would have probably enjoyed the scenic grandeur much more had the deluge from the Sky God not returned with a vengeance. But it gets better because what party would be complete without rain's other two friends? Fog and mist. Certainly not this one. Rain, fog, mist, and horribly, horribly wet roads. Oh! Did I mention through all of this splendor of nature that we were on the Trans Canadian highway which evidently is THE ONLY FRICKING ROAD IN CANADA???

So, if by enjoying the scenery you mean traveling at 80 miles an hour through mountain passes with heavy traffic tail-gating you at every turn while riding through a lake, then yeah - this was a stroll in the park.

You have to understand that I was concentrating so hard on keeping the bike upright and on the road that much of this portion of the trip is a blur. So, if I'm a tad scant on details you'll have to forgive me. At some point in the future I may be able to access the memories through hypnosis, but I seriously doubt it.

To give you the flavor of this leg of the journey you only need three words, a mantra so to speak. Learn them and repeat them for the next 4 hours.

Rain. Mountain. Maniacs.

Yet, as I've come to learn, every dark cloud may have a silver lining, but it also has a much darker - and definitely evil - core. In fact, I've come to understand that the 'silver lining' much ballyhooed in lyrics and prose is actually a tin-foil hat for the cumuli-nimbus bunch. Dark clouds are, straight off their rocker, toys in the attic, monkeys in the fridge, bees in the glove box, fundamentalist Christian women with eyes open WAY to wide banging on your front door because you just happened to leave your 8 foot 'Christ on a Stick' neon "WWJD? He'd pick up some harlots and PARTY LIKE HELL" sign turned on and it's causing a row at Easter Services - bat-shit crazy.

These Canadian clouds would just not stop hammering home their point. Whatever that was. Oh yeah. . .it was "LET'S KILL THE GUYS FROM THE STATES. LOL". Frickin' clouds typing in all caps and using leet. I hates 'em.

I thought of home. It was nothing but a distant memory.

Right then I knew one thing for certain: if we survived this vacation Mom was going to kill me.

And honestly, I couldn't blame her.





----------------------------------------------------------------------------

And so ends chapter 4 of this tale. Hope you're enjoying it so far. :)

David



*** the journey continues tomorrow with Chapter 5 - 'The Road To Hell Is Paved With Canadians ***

Lean Angle outfits Turn 2 students

From Lean Angle Canada

OTTAWA, ON – Steve Reed, President of Lean Angle Canada, has announced that it has recently concluded a multi-line deal with Turn 2 Sportbike School that will see its made to measure RaceLine racing leathers being used in the school’s fleet of rental suits and being offered for sale in all of the Turn 2 retail outlets.

The good news does not end there. For 2011, Turn 2 will continue to equip all of its Kawasaki sport bikes with the TechSpec Gripster tank pads and offer the pads for sale in the Turn 2 stores. Students will now be able to experience the grip and control that the Gripsters provide and buy a set of the pads for their own motorcycle right at the Calabogie track. 

Rounding out the agreement is the news that Turn 2 will be making mandatory the use of the Medical Information Carrier System (MICS) on all students' and participants' helmets.

“This is very sound planning”, stated Reed. “Series such as RACE have already made the solution a must have on all of their racer’s helmets. By choosing to adopt MICS into their safety platform it speaks to the leadership role that Mike Whitter is taking towards safety preparedness and to the continued emphasis that Turn 2 places on their riders’ well being.” 

The Medical Information Carrier System (MICS) warns non-medical bystanders not to remove a rider’s helmet, to leave that critical task to trained medical responders and provides paramedics and other trained emergency personnel with life-saving information about the rider's identity and medical history.

"Turn 2 is pleased to have Lean Angle and its great line of products on-board with us for the 2011 season. Not only does this relationship bring added value for our members and students, it also brings top shelf products for us to integrate in our school program with the RaceLine made to measure leathers, the MICS and of course the tank pads," stated Whitter, managing director of Turn 2. “Turn 2 is committed to providing best of breed solutions to our clients, both on and off the track.”

All three products will be available at Turn 2’s booth at the Ottawa Motorcycle show taking place this weekend (Jan. 28-30) at Lansdowne Park.

Rossi tests repaired shoulder

From Ducati Press

Seventy-three days after an operation to his right shoulder, Valentino Rossi returned to the track at Misano Adriatico aboard a Ducati 1198 Superbike on Wednesday. On Nov. 14 at Cattolica’s Cervesi hospital, the Italian had undergone surgery on the supraspinatus tendon and the long head of biceps tendon, as well as cartilage in the Glenoid Labrum.

The day was sunny but chilly. Rossi arrived at the circuit at around 1:20 and met a team of Ducati technicians that included his own crew’s two engineers, Matteo Flamigni and Gabriele Conti, as well as Ducati Marlboro Team Manager Vittoriano Guareschi. A half-hour later, he turned the first laps aboard the 1198 to test the status of his shoulder which, though recovering nicely, is still quite painful, just a few days ahead of the first test in Malaysia with the Desmosedici GP11.

“First of all, thanks to Filippo (Preziosi) and to Ducati, who organized this test,” said Rossi. “Misano Circuit let us use the track on a day when Mattia (Pasini) was planning to ride in order to confirm his own condition.

"The track more or less confirmed what we expected: the shoulder is painful — especially under braking, when the front area hurts, where they stitched the tendon. Movement is stable enough, and we’re also doing not so bad with endurance, but apart from that, it hurts a lot and isn’t very strong. Let’s hope it gets a little better in these next few days before the test in Malaysia. Once we’re there, we’ll work with the riding position in an effort to make the most of the situation and collect important information with the Desmosedici, even though I’m not in top form.”

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

BMW K 1300 S Specs - BMW motorcycles

BMW K 1300 S come with elegant design, very futuristic, here is the BMW K 1300 S Specs, I found it in BMW official website. "BMW K 1300 S" is one of the best 1300cc motorcycles from BMW motorcycles, this is can be in your list if you want to try the real super-bike series.
BMW K 1300 S Specs
Engine
Type Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line four-cylinder engine, two overhead camshafts, four valves

BMW K 1300 S Motorcycles series

Here is the beautiful bikes from BMW Motorcycles, yeah it is BMW K 1300 S series. Today, I want to show you a BMW K 1300 S colors variant, they are Lupin blue metallic / Alpine white / Sapphire black, Magma red metallic / Sapphire black metallic, and also Light Grey Metallic. For your info, BMW K1300S powered with 1,293cc of engine displacement, Max speed over 200kmh and Max power 129 kW at 9,250

Honda CB500 S Specs - 1999 Honda Motorcycles

Honda CB500S is one of Honda 500 cc series, With DOCH engine and also almost 500cc, Honda CB 500 S specs is almost completed for daily activity. The features and also specification detail from Honda CB 500 S is not so special, yeah in my opinion of course, the max power of CB 500 S = 58HP @9500rpm, it's okay, I thing the 500cc motorcycles can beat more than 60HP or around 70HP.
1999 Honda CB500 S

Factory-backed R1 for Isle of Man

From the Isle of Man TT

Japanese manufacturer Yamaha has confirmed that it will be running a factory supported race team at the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.

Shaun Muir Racing, with support from Yamaha, has signed history making Ian Hutchinson, who became the first man to win five TT races in a single week, beating the record of Phil McCallen, who recorded four victories in 1996. He first competed at the TT in 2004 and has won eight races in total including last years clean sweep of five victories.

Hutchinson, who suffered a career threatening injury in the British Supersport Championship at Silverstone following his momentous five wins at the 2010 TT Races, this week confirmed that he is beginning his recuperation programme and is determined to take up his position on the 2011 TT grid.

“I’ve been cycling on a turbo-trainer since mid-December," he said at the signing of his two-year deal. "Initially I struggled to do five minutes, now I can do 40 and get my heart-rate up to 192, with an average of 184. That was all I could do before the accident.”

Shaun Muir will run and manage the Yamaha team that will benefit from a full works spec R1 Superbike as well as the Superstock and R6 Supersport bike that has performed so well in the British Supersport Championship.

The team is planning to compete in all of the International Road Races - the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix, Macau and the Isle of Man TT and will also look to participate in the British Supersport Championship as well.

AMA SuperSport format finalized

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro officials have announced more details on the reconfigured SuperSport class for 2011 including the divisional breakdowns and event configuration.

It was earlier released that the class will undergo some subtle changes for the 2011 season including the elimination of the segregated Top Gun and Young Gun classes within the overall class structure. The class will continue to feature two divisions, East and West, but the overall champion will be the highest scoring divisional champion.

The actual number of divisional races has now been established with an equal number of points scoring opportunities in each division. There will be combination events with East and West Divisions competing together, beginning with Daytona International Speedway (March 10-12).

Each Division will comprise six events with the East Division visiting Daytona, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Virginia International Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park and two additional events TBD.

The West Division will also include six events that will include Daytona, Infineon Raceway, Miller Motorsports Park, Road America, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the season finale at a location to be named.

Each weekend will feature the standard two race format, except two West Division races that are designated single events. Divisional points will be awarded for qualifying, in addition to the points available in the actual race, thereby providing competitors the ability to score points on two separate occasions as in a standard two race weekend. Points will be awarded in the normal manner with points scored from 1st down to 20th position. The bonus point for pole position will also be awarded.

With this allowance in place, each division will have 12 points scoring opportunities during the 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport season.

Upon confirmation of the final 2011 AMA Pro Road Racing schedule, the exact event breakdown will be provided, but this basic template of six scoring opportunities for each division is now in place.

A special award highlighting the younger SuperSport riders will also be awarded to the highest scoring 16-21 year old rider.

It Looked Easy Enough On Paper

*** continued from previous post ***


Doing as I am told I get the gear out of the saddlebags and begin to put on the Frogg-Toggs.

These are great. Best investment in rain gear we've ever made. Light weight, breathable, and completely dry. It is a simple two-piece suit, with an extra long coat that fits over the high-rise pants so nothing gets where it shouldn't. The jacket even has a built in hoodie to go under your helmet should you so desire. They are fantastic. Except for one small, tiny little problem: I'm soaked to the bone already. I believe that may defeat their purpose. Like counting the calories in a Triple Burger with Cheese and an Insanely Large Fries after you've scarfed it in your car ducked behind, and slightly below, the steering wheel so no one will see what a horker your are.

When your Mom gets back from the bathroom I have managed to put on my rain gear.

Now, usually, this wouldn't be a huge accomplishment. In my defense it was the first time I had actually put on the Frogg-Toggs. And it had been raining. And I was cold. And we were in a foreign land, with foreign customs, and everything was all "kilometer this", and "liter that", and "no it's not play money just because it's a different color and no that's not Bob Dylan's head it's the Queen for Christ's sake so stop giggling and fork it over." So when I tell you that I struggled for a bit, and through sheer determination and perseverance, managed to put the jacket on my legs, over my boots, and had a hoodie hanging from my crotch, (I thought it was just to make it easier to pee with the chaps), you'll understand and not think less of me as a rider.

To my credit I discovered my blunder rather quickly. It may have been the howls of laughter coming from the cars passing me on the road. It may have been that when I tried to put the pants on my upper torso, I looked like a giant "V" and lunged hither-and-yon for a few minutes until I hit a light pole and realized something was amiss. But what it came down to was I just didn't feel comfortable with no hole for my head or slot to peek out through and the whole hoodie-in-the-crotch thing, the more I thought, was a dead giveaway. Typical 'Merican technology. You'd think something as complicated as this would have come with instructions.

It took your Mom like 2 seconds to get the things on. She is such a show off.

*** the journey continues tomorrow ***

Spies aiming for wins in 2011

From motogp.com

After an outstanding debut season in MotoGP in 2010 Ben Spies returns for a second year in the World Championship as a factory Yamaha rider, with expectations surrounding the 26-year-old even greater in 2011.

As the American rider prepares for the first official test at Sepang next week (Feb. 1-3) motogp.com caught up with him to discuss his aims for the three days in Malaysia, as well as his expectations for the forthcoming season. Firstly though Spies talked about his off-season so far, which has included setting up his own cycling team and with whom he spent last week at a South Texas training camp.

“I have been getting the cycling team going and we had our first race a couple of days ago, it’s been great fun” Spies explained. “I’ve been doing my own training too, and getting ready for the first test. It’s come round quick and I’m excited about getting back on the bike and starting with the new team.

"I haven’t ridden a motorcycle since Valencia so it’s going to take me a little while to get back into the rhythm, but now I’m ready to get back into it.”

Continuity will be a key factor for Spies in 2011 and as he steps up to the factory Yamaha team he will carry on working alongside crew chief Tom Houseworth and mechanic Gregory Wood, who were both with him in the Tech 3 set-up last year.

A notable addition for this year is Massimo ‘Maio’ Meregalli, who will act as team manager for Spies’ crew and with whom the American won the 2009 Superbike title.

“I have a great team and everyone around me is the best I feel I could put together, now it’s up to me. I feel like a lot of the pressure is off as we have made the step to the factory team, now I’ll just do the best I can,” said Spies.

“Me and ‘Maio’ talk a lot to one another but we don’t talk much about ambitions. As personalities we have big goals and ambitions and we get along really well, we have done from day one. He just knows how I think and knows that I don’t like to talk a lot about the little things. When I’m in the garage he’s very good at being able to read what I’m thinking and what I need. We have a very good bond.”

Shifting focus to the upcoming test, Spies said: “We will obviously have to look at some stuff Yamaha will have for the bike, and for me it’s more about going there to ride, getting the bike moving in the right direction, working as a team, and then going back for the second test and really treating it very methodically. We always want to go fast and make improvements, but what position we’re in or how fast we go is not the goal. I just need to get comfortable on the bike again and we need to understand how the team works together.”

Team-mate Jorge Lorenzo tested a new M1 engine at Valencia last November, and when asked what more he feels he requires from the bike Spies responded: “We could see last year we needed a little more straight line speed, that was obvious during the season, but the overall M1 package is fantastic. It’s a great balance of a motorcycle that does everything very well, and I think we just need to work on the engine a little bit.”

Well known for his cautious approach to stating what he expects to achieve ahead of a season, Spies discussed his aims for the 2011 campaign both in terms of results and personal development.

“It’s very simple for me. Every year I want to do better than the year before. In 2010 we finished second, third, fourth and fifth, had a pole position (at Indianapolis) and led the race for a little bit. We didn’t do anything crazy but we were very solid, and we didn’t win a race. I wasn’t expecting that out of myself, I think maybe some other people were,” he commented. “So next year it’s to fight at the front consistently, and to win a race. That is the goal. We finished sixth in the Championship so we want to do better and finish in the top five. You can’t always make huge, huge gains, but if I do better than I did last year there will be a win and we’re going to see the front more often."

Ducati Recalls MTS 620, 1000, and 1100 for Fuel Leakage Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2006 Multistrada 620, model year 2003-2006 Multistrada 1000, and model year 2007-2009 Multistrada 1100 motorcycles.

Fuel leakage can occur at the fuel tank pump flange seal. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

The number of units affected is 3911.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Australia Day ride

Edited 27.01.2011 Since the weekend looks like rain I went for a small ride today, Australia day public holiday. Clear Mountain road. I rode out via Bunya Road and Clear Mountain Road, both of which are terrific. Then I skirted North Pine dam and wanted to go north but not via Mt Mee. Without any map or GPS I simply ended up back on the road to Dayboro so figured ok I will try another day.

Competition White Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré launched

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré in Competition White
Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré in Competition White


Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd have announced the launch of a Competition White version of their Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré which is due in  dealers in early spring It is designed to celebrate Yamaha's 50 years racing heritage, mindful of  Helder Rodregez, who secured 3rd position in the 2011 Dakar rally on his Yamaha WR450F.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Suzuki Marauder - Cruiser bikes for beginner rider

Cruiser bikes for beginner is not so popular, but I want to show you about Suzuki Marauder series. Today, a lot of people like a modern bikes as like sport motorcycles series, you can see that Kawasaki ninja series as like Ninja ZX250, Honda CBR series, Yamaha R1 and Suzuki GSX-series is very popular, why? because the motorcycles design is beauty and sporty, but truly, The cruiser bikes is

Police have arrested my motorbike!

A few month ago, when I was riding a motorcycle, police suddenly stop my motorbike, what's my mistake? it turns out the cause is my racing exhaust on my motorbike. Oh no.. Guys, actually, my racing exhaust is not too noisy, the sound produced from my racing exhaust is still relatively quiet, not so noisy, but maybe I'm unlucky, the police have arrested my motorbike .. an unlucky day for me.(Pic:

Suzuki Raider 150 is too small bikes?

I always confuse to choice a right bike for me and also for my family, for example about Suzuki Raider 150, my family thing that raider 150 is too small for us, really? Actually, Suzuki raider 150 now come with great design, with new headlamp design, I thing Raider 150 is perfect for daily activity, compact fast under-bone bike with 150cc of engine displacement and of course it's DOCH engine

Zero expands U.S. manufacturing

From Zero Motorcycles

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, has announced plans to open a new manufacturing facility that will more than double the company’s current production capacity.

Being built alongside Zero Motorcycles’ corporate headquarters in Santa Cruz County, it will keep manufacturing and R&D working shoulder to shoulder. Following on the heels of Zero’s recently announced $1.84 million ‘next generation’ powertrain project, the new factory is another sign of the company’s continued growth and momentum.

"With this exciting new expansion, we reconfirm our commitment to building the best electric motorcycles in the world as well as creating U.S. based manufacturing jobs," said Steve Salyer, Vice President of Operations for Zero Motorcycles. "Quality Control at the highest levels means personally inspecting each bike as it comes off the assembly line. Moreover, in the spirit of continual improvement and innovation, we believe that having our manufacturing and engineering teams collaborating within the same space gives us both an operational and developmental competitive advantage."

The new facility will bring Zero’s total production space to 34,000 square feet and is supported by a redevelopment grant from the city of Scotts Valley. Rewarded for its innovative technology, Zero will utilize the space to meet an increase in consumer demand and to continue to develop its advanced powertrain technology.

"Since the inception of Zero Motorcycles, Santa Cruz County has been our home. With many companies looking outside of the U.S. to develop and build their products, we are proud to say we are continuing our support of our local community," said Gene Banman, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. "At the same time, we are responding quickly to an increasing global demand for our motorcycles. This investment positions us ideally for further growth, innovation and development as we move into 2012 and beyond."

Renovations begin in early 2011 with the first production motorcycle expected to roll out by late February, 2011. The company plans to add 25 employees by mid-2011.

Harley expands Rethink campaign

From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada

CONCORD, ON – True to the spirit of the Harley-Davidson motorcycling culture, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have demonstrated strong support to Rethink Breast Cancer’s cause through the purchase of Pink Label Collection garments which the Harley-Davidson Brand introduced in Canada in January, 2010.

Since the launch of its partnership with Rethink in March, 2009, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has been able to contribute over $53,000 to the charity to aid in the continued operation and expansion of its vital education, research, and supportive care programs across Canada.

There are approximately 5,000 women under the age of 50 diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada every year. Spread across our vast country, they often feel isolated and struggle to find support that is relevant to them. Thanks to the generous contribution of a number of companies, Rethink will be able to continue to fill support gaps for young women in Canada.

“We are delighted with our partnership with Deeley Harley-Davidson [Canada], a company passionate about the cause and committed to empowering Canadian women through awareness and education about the disease,” says MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director of Rethink Breast Cancer. “The dollars raised have made a tremendous impact on our organization and have helped Rethink get closer to its goal of reaching every newly diagnosed young woman in the country and making all young women (and men) aware of the risk factors of the disease."

Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has announced that it will be growing its partnership with Rethink Breast Cancer and continuing to help the charity achieve its mission by offering an even more extensive clothing line consisting of 25 items. A portion of the sales proceeds from each item will go towards Rethink.

Six trendy new items have been added to the Pink Label Collection to include a stylish rhinestone-refined Pink Label Embellished Hoodie (part number 99195-11VW), a Pink Label Embellished Hooded Pullover (part number 99196-11VW), a revamped Pink Label Activewear Hoodie (part number 99197-11VW), a new Pink Label Headwrap (part number 99426-11VW), a practical Pink Label Travel Mug (part number 99401-11V), as well as a symbolic, yet essential, Pink Label Water Bottle (part number 99402-11V).

Tagged with the motto “Purchase with a Purpose”, the Canadian Pink Label Collection features a tasteful touch of pink on stylish MotorClothes silhouettes and also makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your loved ones. The collection will be available in-Store at authorized participating Harley-Davidson Retail Stores as of February.

To find out more about the Pink Label Collection in Canada, or to purchase items from the collection, visit your local Harley-Davidson Retail Store, or visit www.harleycanada.com. To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit www.rethinkbreastcancer.com.

They Eyes of a Fish

*** continued from previous post ***


It's now apparent that the skipper is winding the engines out to ramming speed. We may skip the dock altogether and just run this baby right up on shore, Omaha-Beach style. To no one's surprise but ours he throws the engines in reverse at the last minute and we cruise at a civilized speed to the dock.

Now, I don't know if you've ever had this experience, but once in a while in life you will stumble across a situation where, earlier in the day you admired someone, then, through no fault of their own the situation changes and you pity them. That was us in a nutshell. As we disembarked none of our previous friends would look at us. If they did, it was to sneak a quick glance in our direction. But I knew what they were thinking. It was the same thing I would have been thinking had the situation been reversed. "Sucks to be you Chester!"

Yes. Yes it does. Thank you for noticing.

We wait our turn and I roll on the throttle and pull up the now rain-soaked steel ramp. I don't know if you have experienced the delight of a half-blind, (my glasses and visor were still fogged up), fish-tailing ride on a motorcycle up a steel ramp in the rain with maniac Canadians inches from the back of your bike, but it's not as much fun as it sounds. Then, just as our tires kiss the tarmac, it quits raining! Oh benevolent God in heaven, why must your sense of humor be so cruel?

At the top of the hill leading to the Ferry is a small parking lot and a squat building that may be a smoke-house or a rest-room. I slow the bike, take a sharp curve and cruise into the lot. This looks like a good place to re-group, catch our breath, put on our rain gear, and attempt to think through the rest of our day.

"Well," I say, as I pull off my helmet with a definitive sucking sound, (Think of pulling a suction cup off of a sheet of glass, or Robert Downey Jr. circa 1995 from a post Oscar party with an open bar and a group of Colombian "fans".), "that was something, eh?"

Mom cocks her head slightly. "Did you just say 'eh?'

The woman I love looks at me with the eyes of a fish. Dead, terrible eyes. "If you start talking like a Canadian I will be forced to kill you. Kill you dead. Right here. Right now. Do you understand? Get your rain gear on while I visit the rest-room and try to dry out a bit."

I think that this deserves a calculated reply but then my brain starts working and I decide to smile and pursue the path that has kept our marriage on the right track for almost 30 years - I keep my mouth shut.


*** the journey continues ***

Monday, January 24, 2011

2011 Kawasaki KX 250 F Prices and Specs

With only prices $7,299, You can ride 2011 Kawasaki KX250F edition, this is the Kawasaki KX 250 family. 2011 Kawasaki KX250F powered with 250cc of engine capacity and it's DOCH 4-valves. For cooling system, 2011 Kawasaki KX 250 used a liquid-cooled. New Kawasaki KX 250 series have a lot of new features and also advantages, there is digital fuel-injecntion, higher performance, new exhaust features

Kymco Super 9 - Kymco Scooters

Kymco Super 9 is one of another Kymco scooters line-up. this is 50cc scooter. Super 9 come with brilliant design, good job Kymco, I like it so much, Kymco Super 9 powered with only 50cc of engine displacement, but the bikes design is 100% sporty style!! 
Basic of Key features of Kymco Super 9 :
- 49cc, Air-Cooled, 2-Stroke Engine
- CVT Transmission
- Oil Injection
- Aggressive Superbike Styling

Aprilia Scarabeo 200 Specs - 2009 Aprilia Scooter

Aprilia Scarabeo is one of the popular Scooter from Aprilia motorcycles. here, you can see Aprilia Scarabeo 200 specs, it's 2009 Scarabeo 200 edition. Scarabeo 200 powered with almost all features that can make this 2009 Scarabeo 200 more than another scooter bikes as like liquid-cooled, DOCH engine, 4-valve and it's awesome design. Aprilia Scarabeo 200 is great bikes !!Aprilia Scarabeo 200 Specs

Ducati 600 SS Specs and Features - Ducati Motorcycles

Ducati 600 or it's Ducati 600 SS, powered with almost 600 cc of engine capacity (583cc), Ducati 600 isn't DOCH series, it's only SOCH, no liquid-cooled but it's air cooled only. So.. the max power of Ducati 600 SS is not so great, but it's enough for Me, yeah it's around 53HP @8250rpm, but you must to know that Ducati 600 SS series can run and get max top speed for 220 km/h!! it's nice right?.

Yamaha returns to World Supersport

From Yamaha Racing

The 2011 World Supersport Championship will witness the return of the Yamaha YZF-R6 to the grid with the Yamaha ParkinGO Team.

In 2009 the Yamaha YZF-R6 was the track weapon of choice, dominating the World Supersport Championship in the hands of 2011 rookie MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow. The pairing proved unbeatable with Crutchlow using the full potential of the Yamaha Supersport machine to score 10 pole position starts and 10 podiums, including five race wins, on his way to the title.

The Yamaha World Supersport Team was withdrawn by its owner Yamaha Motor Europe from the championship during 2010.

For the 2011 season Yamaha Motor Europe will provide the 2009 championship winning Yamaha R6 race bikes along with Yamaha genuine racing parts to the privately owned ParkinGO Team, for 2011 to be named Yamaha ParkinGO Team. The race bikes will be refreshed and bought up to 2011 level at Yamaha’s racing workshop in Germany before being delivered. Yamaha technical staff will provide behind the scenes support on an ongoing basis throughout the season while the team itself will take responsibility for organization, rider selection and race entry.

The Yamaha ParkinGO Team will continue partnerships with some of its own technical partners, although Yamaha Motor Europe will also support negotiations with it’s former technical partners and the team for the season ahead.

The ParkinGO Team entered the last three seasons of the World Supersport Championship with a different manufacturer, performing strongly in 2010 with four podiums by rider Chaz Davies and a victory at Imola snatched away by technical problems. The season end saw a top five finish for the team with Davies fourth in the standings and teammate David Salom just behind in fifth.

The 2011 line up sees British rider Davies remain with the team, joined by new Italian teammate Luca Scassa, who impressed in 2010 as one of the top privateer World Superbike riders.

"This is a great opportunity for officially supported R6 machinery to return to the World Supersport Championship,” said Yamaha Motor Europe Racing Manager Laurens Klein Koerkamp. “The R6 is a winning machine which, after taking the World Supersport Championship in 2009, has continued in 2010 with many national titles alongside the European Superstock 600 Championship title, despite not competing at world level. It is our belief and our vision that in today’s circumstances supporting a private team with the materials needed to compete is the appropriate involvement in World Supersport for a manufacturer."

“We managed to reach a mutually satisfying agreement with Yamaha Motor Europe in just 10 days time,” said Giuliano Rovelli, Yamaha ParkinGO Team owner. “Having the opportunity to work with a manufacturer that has racing in its philosophy makes a big difference. I shared this important decision with the whole team. Chaz Davies and Luca Scassa are professional riders and are looking forward to having the chance to win the World Supersport Championship with a very competitive Yamaha R6.”

It Was A Dark And Stormy Ferry Ride

*** continued from previous post ***


After the mandatory, "Well, good luck with all that, eh?", I can finally turn my attention to your mother. Her group has scattered like a bag of dropped marbles, and all that is left of her entourage is her and motorcycle girl. The time has not been kind. Mom - how can I put this gently - no matter how you slice it, she's not a pretty sight. Her hair is wet and matted and clumped to the side of her head like day-old oatmeal. Her mascara is running down her face giving the appearance that her eye may be leaking ink. Or dark, dark tears. I vote for the tears. We make eye-contact, and a silent thought passes between us. A shared observation between long-term companions that is understood immediately - there is no need to give it voice.

Although, had we chosen to speak, our communication would have been a simple "FUCKIN' A!!!".

Yes, that sums it up rather nicely.

I feel bad for the poor girl on the bike. With the enthusiasm of youth beaten out of her, she looks like the family dog that's been caught chewing on the baby one too many times.

I approach your Mom cautiously. Tentatively. Careful not to make any sudden movements. "Hey babe, how you doing? Have I told you today how beautiful you look?"

To your mother's credit, she didn't punch me in the throat. I love vacations!

"Little wet, little wet," she says, in a voice that is the einsiest, tiniest, itsy-bittiest four or five octaves too high.

"Yep," I reply. It seems like I should add something else, but, as I said before, I got nuthin'.

The ferry picks this moment to blast its horn. I look around, dumbstruck, forgetting where I am for the moment. Then it comes back to me in a flash. I'm in Hell. And not a regular Hell, but a maple syrup swilling north-of-the-border-down-the-rabbit-hole Canadian Hell. I expect Gordon Lightfoot songs over the ferry's speakers system at any moment.

"Looks like we've made it to the other side," Mom says. "Do you want to dig out our rain gear, or should we wait to get off the boat and then pull over?"

I notice that we are HAULING ASS into the dock. It looks like we are about half-a-mile away, but everyone on board has started their engines. I trust they know what they are doing. But it may be that they just want to turn on their heaters. The temperature has dropped from a pleasant 77 degrees, (that's Fahrenheit - in Celsius it would be like 10 kilometers), to a chilly 60. Sometimes I really regret having a thermometer on the Vision's instrument panel. I KNOW I'm cold, I don't need it quantified. And lucky us, the skies are looking angrier and more foreboding with each passing minute.

"Guess we should put on the rain gear but I don't think we have time. Looks like we will be at shore in a couple of minutes. I'll pull over once we get off, and we can put the Frogg-Toggs on then."

Mom nods approval.

*** the journey continues ***

Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899 (Touring), 2009

Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899 (Touring), 2009

 



ENGINE
TYPE 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled
DOHC(double overhead camshaft)
CYLINDER CAPACITY 899 cc
BORE X STROKE 88 X 49.2
COMPRESSION RATIO 12, 5:1
MAXIMUM POWER 116 hp
MAXIMUM NET TORQUE / RPM 60ftlb
FIRING ORDER 1 > 3 > 2
INTAKE VALVE DIAMETER 33 mm
EXHAUST VALVE DIAMETER 29 mm
INTAKE ENGINE TIMING 21°BTDC42° ATDC
ENGINE TIMING 42°BTDC21° ATDC
MAXIMUM VALVE LIFT Int.8,75 exh.7.5
THROTTLE BODY,DIAMETER 53 mm
LUBRICATION SYSTEM Wet sump
Injection EURO 3
CLUTCH Wet clucth 10 discs
IGNITION Digital - inductive type via electronic engine management
STARTING Electric
GEARBOX 6 - speed
TRANSMISSION 525 chain type
PRIMARY RATIO 44 / 79
FINAL RATIO 16 / 41

GEAR RATIOS (SECONDARY) 1°14 / 39
2°18 / 35
3°21 / 32
4°23 / 30
5°24 / 28
6°25 / 27

CYCLE PARTS
FRAME ASD steel tube trellis, with boxed section
FRONT SUSPENSION "Upside down" fork Ø43 mm totally adjustable
FRONT TRAVEL 120 mm
REAR SUSPENSION ASD steel tube trellis swingarm
REAR TRAVEL 120 mm
RAKE 24°
TRAIL 95 mm
OFFSET 33 mm
FRONT BRAKE DIAMETER Ø320 mm with radial caliper
REAR BRAKE DIAMETER Ø240 mm
FRONT TYRE 120-70-/17; 120-65/17
REAR TYRE 180-55/17; 190-55/17; 200-50/17

SIZES
LENGHT 2100 mm
WIDTH 790 mm
HEIGHT 1050 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 780 mm
WHEELBASE 1443 mm
DRY WEIGHT 199 kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 17l
FUEL RESERVE 4l 

Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899s (Sport), 2009

Benelli Tornado Naked Tre 899s (Sport), 2009

 


ENGINE
TYPE 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled.
DOHC(double overhead camshaft)
CYLINDER CAPACITY 899 cc
BORE X STROKE 88 X 49.2
COMPRESSION RATIO 12, 5:1
MAXIMUM POWER 116 hp
MAXIMUM NET TORQUE / RPM 60ftlb
FIRING ORDER 1 > 3 > 2
INTAKE VALVE DIAMETER 33 mm
EXHAUST VALVE DIAMETER 29 mm
INTAKE ENGINE TIMING 21°BTDC42° ATDC
ENGINE TIMING 42°BTDC21° ATDC
MAXIMUM VALVE LIFT Int.8,75 exh.7.5
THROTTLE BODY,DIAMETER 53 mm
LUBRICATION SYSTEM Wet sump
Injection EURO 3
CLUTCH Wet clucth 10 discs
IGNITION Digital - inductive type via electronic engine management
STARTING Electric
GEARBOX 6 - speed
TRANSMISSION 525 chain type
PRIMARY RATIO 44 / 79
FINAL RATIO 16 / 41
GEAR RATIOS (SECONDARY) 1°14 / 39
2°18 / 35
3°21 / 32
4°23 / 30
5°24 / 28
6°25 / 27

CYCLE PARTS
FRAME ASD steel tube trellis, with boxed section
FRONT SUSPENSION "Upside down" fork Ø43 mm totally adjustable
FRONT TRAVEL 120 mm
REAR SUSPENSION ASD steel tube trellis swingarm
REAR TRAVEL 120 mm
RAKE 24°
TRAIL 95 mm
OFFSET 33 mm
FRONT BRAKE DIAMETER Ø320 mm with radial caliper
REAR BRAKE DIAMETER Ø240 mm
FRONT TYRE 120-70-/17; 120-65/17
REAR TYRE 180-55/17; 190-55/17; 200-50/17

SIZES
LENGHT 2100 mm
WIDTH 790 mm
HEIGHT 1050 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 780 mm
WHEELBASE 1443 mm
DRY WEIGHT 199 kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 17l
FUEL RESERVE 4l 

Honda VTX Performance Cruiser Concept, 2005

 Honda VTX Performance Cruiser Concept, 2005




Concept vehicle: design study of a Performance Cruiser
Designed by HRA (Honda Research Americas) in Torrance Ca.
Satellite office of Honda R & D
Purpose: to create a study model to explore future directions and styling trends

Vehicle characteristics
Based on a VTX1800 motor
Custom billet engine cases
Chain drive
2 into 2 exhaust with upswept carbon fiber mufflers One on each side
Dual curved "road race" style radiators
Trailing link front suspension Milled from billet aluminum
Dual shocks mounted behind the integrated headlight
Billet swing arm w/ inboard rear shock
Split hub rear wheel with custom offset spoke design
Front & rear wheels are machined from billet aluminum
240/40-18 rear tire
Solo seat with separate back support pad
Angular shaped tank is sculpted for leg clearance
Carbon fiber tank cover houses the digital speedometer
Analog tachometer is fared into the headlight
Upswept angular rear cowl houses the LED tail light 

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