hot bikes
hot bikes
hot bikes
hot bikes
hot bikes
hot bikes
SPORTY RIDING EXPERIENCE
SPORTY RIDING EXPERIENCE: S. Ram Mohan (seated on the bike), GM sales-North, with Arun Sidharth, AGM, Marketing, TVS Motor Company, at the launch of TVS Jive in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: Rajeev Bhatt
Riding on new product launches, TVS Motor Company on Monday said it was eyeing good jump in sales in the next fiscal. “We hope to sell 20-lakh motorcycles in 2010-11, which would be 38 per cent more over the current financial year. We are expecting good response from our new products, including auto-clutch bike Jive which we launched recently,” said TVS Motor Company Head (Motorcycle) Arun Siddharth.
The Chennai-based company is hoping to sell over 14.5-lakh units of two-wheelers in 2009-10 and announced availability of Jive in North India.
“We see our sales picking up with the introduction of new Jive in northern states. In southern states, where we launched this bike a few months ago, the response has been excellent. We hope to sell over 2.4-lakh units of Jive in 2010-11,” Mr. Siddharth said. TVS Motor is also planning to offer new products in the next fiscal, besides upgrading some popular existing models. Priced at Rs. 42,235, Jive is India's first auto-clutch motorcycle that would transform the definition of city commuter biking with ride convenience being the focal point. With 110-cc engine innovative and T-Matic technology with rotary gear coupled with an automatic clutch, the new bike would provide a sporty riding experience with an unparalleled combination of comfort, performance, ease of operation and fuel efficiency in its category
Sano Trike Orgins
I've been meaning to post this cool ad for Himsl Trike Bodies for some time. I didn't just want to post it and leave it at that, but rather to show how it relates to other Heros of Chopper History.
The design of the body brings up the question, who first designed this style of trike body?
An Ad for Himsl trike bodies. Love the illustration. The art is not signed, but I have a strong suspicion it was done by Ed Newton. From the July '71 issue of Choppers Magazine.
Art Himsl's Preying Mantis as featured in the larger Nov. '70 Choppers magazine. It had been previously featured in Roth's July '69 digest sized Choppers magazine. Both articles mention the sale of the semi mass produced bodies. The first article calls it the Himsl Brother's Mantis and mentions Art's brother Mike. Art is still going strong but, what happened to Mike?
Because of the dates mention above, I'm sure Art's design was influenced by Roth's first trike, The Candy Wagon.
The trike won Custom Bike of the Year at the '69 Oakland Roadster Show. Art's Alien show car can be seen in the garage in the background.
Roth's Candy Wagon on the Dec.68 cover. One might assume that Ed Newton designed it, but it may not be wholly true.
The article inside shows Newton's early more ominous designs featuring booze related items plus a machine gun. Roth wanted something more kid friendly. Note that the high back seat body is absent in the drawings and nothing is mentioned in the article of the seat body's design orgin.
Was another Roth artist, namely David Mann, the one really responsible for the Candy Wagon's seat/body? Notice the pipes too, and compare to the Candy Wagon cover above. Did Roth decide on the style after seeing this? Did Dave do it after seeing the CW or see another sketch of Newt's, or visa versa? Based on this art and the date, I think Dave had the idea first. Roth published this poster in '68.
The design of the body brings up the question, who first designed this style of trike body?
An Ad for Himsl trike bodies. Love the illustration. The art is not signed, but I have a strong suspicion it was done by Ed Newton. From the July '71 issue of Choppers Magazine.
Art Himsl's Preying Mantis as featured in the larger Nov. '70 Choppers magazine. It had been previously featured in Roth's July '69 digest sized Choppers magazine. Both articles mention the sale of the semi mass produced bodies. The first article calls it the Himsl Brother's Mantis and mentions Art's brother Mike. Art is still going strong but, what happened to Mike?
Because of the dates mention above, I'm sure Art's design was influenced by Roth's first trike, The Candy Wagon.
The trike won Custom Bike of the Year at the '69 Oakland Roadster Show. Art's Alien show car can be seen in the garage in the background.
Roth's Candy Wagon on the Dec.68 cover. One might assume that Ed Newton designed it, but it may not be wholly true.
The article inside shows Newton's early more ominous designs featuring booze related items plus a machine gun. Roth wanted something more kid friendly. Note that the high back seat body is absent in the drawings and nothing is mentioned in the article of the seat body's design orgin.
Was another Roth artist, namely David Mann, the one really responsible for the Candy Wagon's seat/body? Notice the pipes too, and compare to the Candy Wagon cover above. Did Roth decide on the style after seeing this? Did Dave do it after seeing the CW or see another sketch of Newt's, or visa versa? Based on this art and the date, I think Dave had the idea first. Roth published this poster in '68.
Cat 1 Uber-bike pics
Cat 1 Uber-bike
Cat 1 Uber-bike
Avec ces 1200cc c'est moto chat est realisé autour d'un moteur Buell 97 S3 Thunderbolt
Le prix est de £320,000 (soit $567,000)."
• Length: 2.3 meters
• Wheel center to center: 1.7 meters
• 1200cc Buell 97 S3 Thunderbolt engine
• Body made from high-grade stainless steel
• Air intakes and exhaust system custom-engineered to suit cat profile
• Cat fairing: Fiberglass finished in ultra-high-gloss ebony polyurethane lacquer
• Handlebar width: 1 meter
• Weight: 360 kg
• Seat: Stingray
Honda motorcycles pics
Honda motorcycle
Honda motorcycle
Honda motorcycle
Honda motorcycle
Honda motorcycle
Top speed, 0-100km/h of Bajaj Kawasaki Ninja 250R
We all know this little 250cc bike is a rocket. However, we also know the fuel quality in India is below par as compared to international levels.
Here is what the Kawasaki Ninja 250R does in performance stakes in India, where it is sold by Bajaj
0-60km/h : 2.98seconds
0-100km/h : 7.9seconds
Top speed (5th gear) : 152km/h (genuine)
Kawasaki Ninja 250R road test review
Bajaj Kawasaki Ninja 250R road test done by BIKE India magazine.
First thing first - a sticker price of Rs 2.69 (ex-showroom) or approximately USD5800 for a 250cc motorcycle might seem very expensive in India. But when the motorcycle in question is a legend in itself with dozens of accomplishments to its credit including being the world’s best selling 250cc bike, you ought to rethink the value it offers. Add to it a high revving 33PS fuel injection liquid-cooled engine that will allow even an amateur rider to fly past the 150km/h mark with ease and a good rider to kiss the 170km/h mark on the speedometer, and you suddenly feel the so called ‘steep’ sticker price is well justified.
Read the complete road test review of the Bajaj Kawasaki Ninja 250R HERE
The BMW S1000RR is the most powerful superbike
You know it's a different year in motorcycling when the most dramatic new models are from BMW. While other manufacturers are cutting back development on new sportbikes, the German manufacturer, previously known for fast cars and sleepy motorcycles, has unveiled what is possibly the fastest superbike on the planet.
BMW: At 193 horsepower, BMW's new S1000RR is the most powerful production 1,000-cubic-centimetre superbike. It may also be the easiest to ride thanks to its sophisticated Dynamic Traction Control system that prevents wheelspin while cornering. It's a complex compilation of sensors and actuators that measures, among other things, lean angle and the speed of both wheels. Three of the four available modes -- sport, race andslick-- offer the full 193-hp experience with differing levels of electronic reticence through the electronic throttle. BMW Canada also includes its race ABS in the S1000RR's $17,300 asking price.
BMW says the first new production in-line six since the CBX, the Concept 6 1,600-cc powerhouse, will be produced in the near future, first as a sport tourer. Using canted cylinders similar to the K1300 fours, incorporating a narrow bore/long-stroke configuration and having its alternator mounted behind the crankshaft, the 6's engine is narrower than previous across-the-beam sixes. Imagine how wicked it will sound in a full-blown sportbike.
BMW's R1200RT and GS will get variants of the DOHC boxer twin first debuted in the ultra-sporty HP2. In RT guise, maximum torque improves to 88 pound-feet, while maximum power stays at 110 hp. The same numbers for the GS represent an increase in both horsepower and torque.
HONDA: Honda's VFR1200 sport tourer has an all-new 1,237-cc, 76-degree V4 boasting 173 hp. Unlike previous VFRs, the 1200 is shaft driven with a novel offset pivot arrangement that is claimed to reduce the torque effect common to shaft-driven motorcycles. The VFR is also the first motorcycle to sport one of the new dual-clutch, automatic-shifting, six-speed manual transmissions popular in sports cars. ABS is standard.
Honda's other major introduction is a new line of VTX1300 cruisers based on the Fury. Using the same 1,312-cc, fuel-injected engine as the Fury, the Sabre, Stateline and Interstate offer more straightforward intentions than the chopper-styled Fury. The resurrected Sabre name reflects the long, low look of a performance cruiser, while the Stateline is more traditional with a 17-inch front mag wheel replacing the Sabre's skinny 90/90-21 item. The Interstate's touring focus sees the addition of floorboards, leather-covered saddlebags and a windscreen for long-distance comfort.
SUZUKI: In yet another twist on the sport touring theme, Suzuki has designed an all-new fairing, saddlebags and top case for its classic Bandit. Still displacing 1,255 cc of fuel-injected torque, the GSX1250SEA packs all that plus anti-lock brakes into a $13,299 package. Think of it as a less expensive but equally sophisticated alternative to Honda's ST1300 and Yamaha's FJR1300. Those with a sportier bent can opt for the $11,799 FA model, which features the same powerful engine and ABS system but eschews the luggage and touring windscreen.
More Fun From Lincoln Park
Here's the other 1948 Lincoln Park photos from Harry Sucher's book. They are some of the coolest racing shots I've seen from that period and the first reason I believe the date was wrong on the Don Fera photo caption in the previous post.
This VL appears to be fitted with WL tanks. I'll bet these guys rode these machines on the street and raced on weekends. This and the Knucklehead in the above photo are good examples of how race bikes influenced the 'California Bobber' look.
This VL appears to be fitted with WL tanks. I'll bet these guys rode these machines on the street and raced on weekends. This and the Knucklehead in the above photo are good examples of how race bikes influenced the 'California Bobber' look.
Daytona 2010 Pictures
Maybe next year I should wear a BLACK T-shirt instear of yellow.. LOL
A 150 MPH speedometer. This was a HUGE deal at the time.
A Lost Opp
The year, 1993. I was at the El Camino Vintage MC Show checking out the bikes when a quiet elderly gentleman near a restored Harley VL For Sale, commented to me, "I didn't know they were so valuable now... I guess I better go home and put a lock on the garage."
The bike he was commenting on. I believe the price was about $10k.
He went on to say that he use to race VL's, still had a few plus a garage full of VL parts. He then said there was a picture of him taking a jump in Harry Sucher's The Milwaukee Marvel book. I told him I had the book and knew the photo he spoke of. We talked briefly and he handed me a card with his contact info.
Of course I knew this photo... It's so cool. The year stated is likely incorrect. There are some other similar jump photos in the book on the same course and by the same photographer, but dated 1948. Also, the rear wheel is a 16" and they weren't available until the '40s.
I should have struck when the iron was hot. As time passed, I felt more uncomfortable about contacting an elderly man that I really didn't know.
I'd guess he has long since passed and I blew a unique opportunity to learn some M/C history first hand. Still, it was nice to have met and chat with one of M/C's old timers.
Anybody out there who knew Don Fera, know what happened to him, or his bikes?
The bike he was commenting on. I believe the price was about $10k.
He went on to say that he use to race VL's, still had a few plus a garage full of VL parts. He then said there was a picture of him taking a jump in Harry Sucher's The Milwaukee Marvel book. I told him I had the book and knew the photo he spoke of. We talked briefly and he handed me a card with his contact info.
Of course I knew this photo... It's so cool. The year stated is likely incorrect. There are some other similar jump photos in the book on the same course and by the same photographer, but dated 1948. Also, the rear wheel is a 16" and they weren't available until the '40s.
I should have struck when the iron was hot. As time passed, I felt more uncomfortable about contacting an elderly man that I really didn't know.
I'd guess he has long since passed and I blew a unique opportunity to learn some M/C history first hand. Still, it was nice to have met and chat with one of M/C's old timers.
Anybody out there who knew Don Fera, know what happened to him, or his bikes?
Honda CB1000R
Honda has recently launched it superbike Honda CB1000R to attract the superbike lovers in India. Honda CB1000R is designed for Indian market and is priced at Rs. 9.5 lacs. Honda CB1000R features a naked beauty with an aggressive look that convey powerful impression of performance.Honda CB1000R is equipped with a 998cc, 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC engine with a 6-speed gearbox, that delivers maximum power of 92kW at 10000rpm and maximum torque of 1000Nm @8000 rpm. The powerful engine of Honda CB1000R delivers breathtaking power and awesome torque that pulls this superbike in the race or to climb an uphill with tremendous ease. Honda CB1000R includes fully-adjustable radial front brakes, forks, single-backbone frame and all digital dashboards that makes riding more convenient.
Honda CB1000R is equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) which functions on slippery and uneven road surfaces. This system works when sudden brakes applied on 2 wheelsand it applies brake pressure for smooth and steady deceleration of the bike. Other features of the Honda CB1000R includes dual piston caliper
, mono shock rear shock absorbers coupled with adjustable HMAS damper in addition to 310mm floating front-disc brakes.
The compact bikini cowl of the Honda CB1000R with its close to triangle-shaped multi-reflector headlight and distinctive LED position lamp gives this bike a killing looks. Honda CB1000R looks big but it doesn’t look unmanageable unlike some super bikes.
Long Beach Twofer
I haven't posted any in awhile, so here's a few pics from the last two swap meets. It was raining the days before each meet and both times cleared just in time with some perfect swap meet weather.
January 24th
I followed this chopped Sporty in and had to get a better look. You might say, today's take on a '70's bike.
A slight mix of parts from different years makes it a bit hard to tell it's a '68. It was pretty cold (by So Cal standards), before the the sun got high, hence the frosty windshield.
From Reseda to LB. Flathead Fern's son braved the early morning cold aboard his recently acquired Shovel.
No, the Knuckle wasn't for sale, but rather a rebuild for customer pick up.
There's always a interesting bike or trike or two for sale.
A rather strange mixture of parts and colors makes up one man's idea of the perfect bike.
'48 basket anyone? If only I had the bucks.
The box was from an old bakery.
Flathead Fern and son. One of the regulars that has pre-Evo stuff. You can pretty much see how nice the day turned out.
February 28th
The rain stopped again.
As soon as I walked in, I came face to face with this very original '78 75th Anniversary Sportster. 75 for H-D not XL's. It's a little hard to tell here, but the wheels are gold. It sort of set the theme (Sportsters), for the day.
Didn't know they made a Twin-Cam in '38.
Since my first bike was a '71, I have a soft spot for them. I like how simple, skinny, and small this one looks.
Spotted just seconds after Kirk of Sporty Specialties mentioned how often early Sportsters seem to turn up even though their numbers were very few.
A bona fide '57. Engine numbers don't lie.... well at least, most of the time.
I was caught off guard coming across The Baker Shaker from the Kemosabe blog. It's kind of weird seeing a bike in person after online. Sometimes it seems, if you wait long enough, everything eventually shows up at Long Beach.
Mike "Born Loser" D. holds court and promoting the Born-Free show at his usual spot. Hold the date, June 12th.
January 24th
I followed this chopped Sporty in and had to get a better look. You might say, today's take on a '70's bike.
A slight mix of parts from different years makes it a bit hard to tell it's a '68. It was pretty cold (by So Cal standards), before the the sun got high, hence the frosty windshield.
From Reseda to LB. Flathead Fern's son braved the early morning cold aboard his recently acquired Shovel.
No, the Knuckle wasn't for sale, but rather a rebuild for customer pick up.
There's always a interesting bike or trike or two for sale.
A rather strange mixture of parts and colors makes up one man's idea of the perfect bike.
'48 basket anyone? If only I had the bucks.
The box was from an old bakery.
Flathead Fern and son. One of the regulars that has pre-Evo stuff. You can pretty much see how nice the day turned out.
February 28th
The rain stopped again.
As soon as I walked in, I came face to face with this very original '78 75th Anniversary Sportster. 75 for H-D not XL's. It's a little hard to tell here, but the wheels are gold. It sort of set the theme (Sportsters), for the day.
Didn't know they made a Twin-Cam in '38.
Since my first bike was a '71, I have a soft spot for them. I like how simple, skinny, and small this one looks.
Spotted just seconds after Kirk of Sporty Specialties mentioned how often early Sportsters seem to turn up even though their numbers were very few.
A bona fide '57. Engine numbers don't lie.... well at least, most of the time.
I was caught off guard coming across The Baker Shaker from the Kemosabe blog. It's kind of weird seeing a bike in person after online. Sometimes it seems, if you wait long enough, everything eventually shows up at Long Beach.
Mike "Born Loser" D. holds court and promoting the Born-Free show at his usual spot. Hold the date, June 12th.
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