Posted on 09.25.2008 22:19
by
Iad Egap Filed under:
BMW
BMW introduces its first real off-road production dirtbike. The BMW G450X is a breakaway from the usual offroad enduro family like the much honored R 1200 GS. This will be BMW first attempt to compete against the likes of Honda’s CRF450X and the KTM 450. The big plus that this nice looking bike will also be street legal, barely. Notice the very little turn signals upfront.
Pushing this new from the ground up dirtbike will be a single cylinder 449cc engine. Claimed horsepower is at 50 bhp with 35 lb.-ft of torgue. The claimed dry wieght of this BMW will be 251 lbs. Fuel capacity is 2.1 gallons. The front brakes will sport single Brembo 260 mm disc. and the rear 220 mm disc. Suspension will be 45mm Marzocchi inverted forks and the rear will have Ohlins with adjustable spring preload.
From the looks of it BMW went all out. Price tag will be at $8,699. Compared to Honda’s
CRF 450X price tag of $7,399 its over a grand more. It is a BMW however. You will be the classiest guy in the dirt. Plus you can ride it home via freeway. Do you think that it will hold its own against Honda, KTM and Yamaha?
While we were plying through the 1000’s of motorcycle patents filed recently (that’s right, it’s part of our job description), we stumbled upon this patent. It’s a patent for a board trivia game, based on the successful motorcycle poker runs.
The game is a bit of a combination of trivial pursuit, Poker and roll-and-move games. You start your game at the START location and travel to the hosting cities (like Sturgis, Laughlin, Daytona, etc), ending at the FINISH location (eventually).
Like in other roll-and-move games, you can end up on a trivia question; Trivia questions are all motorcycle related. There are also visual recognition cards, which again are motorcycle related photos or illustrations (called ’WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?’). Apart from the trivia and recognition cards, there’s also a normal set of playing cards (used for the Poker game).
The objective is twofold; 1) finish first going through the USA, and 2) have the winning Poker hand.
There’s also real money and drinking involved, so a real biker game.
Looks like an interesting game to play when the snow has blocked us from riding our roads. Round up a couple of riding buddies, and play the game.
The patent has only recently been registered, so I do not know when the board game will be available, but I don’t think you’ll find it in this year’s Christmas stocking.
Today, in Paris, Suzuki has unveiled its latest entry-level creation, the Gladius 650. Although the bike is all-new it gets the 650cc V-Twin engine from the SV and tries a cheaper approach on the European public.
Probably the most interesting aspect is that it combines Japanese technology and reliability with European styling, something that can never lead to failure even on such a competitive market. It features a low seat height and a fuel injected, twin plug head engine which is tuned for low-to-mid range torque, making it perfect commuter for female riders and for beginners in generally.
Handling is easy and the design modern and attractive although Suzuki implemented less expensive elements in order to keep production costs down. For example, the frame is made out of both aluminum and steel.
Stay tuned to find out more about the 2009 Suzuki Gladius as soon as we have more information.
Ducati has at last launched the new Monster 1100 and the 1100S version, a smart move that increases the Monster lineup to three members (if you count the Monster 696), each one offering a new kind of excitement. This is the first out of ten new models that Ducati announced to launch until 2010.
Weighing only 169 kg, only 6 kilos less than the 696 and developing 95cp at 7500rpm and 10.5kgm at 6000rpm, the Monster 1100 has the power to weight ratio on its side and it could easily be declared king of its category without temporizing things. The engine behind it is the already consecrated 1100 DS, an 1100cc two-valved V-Twin present on the Ducati Hypermotard and Ducati Multistrada 1100.
Exclusive features such as the Y-spoke wheels and the single-sided swingarm highlight the rear wheel. Further more, on the “S” version, the Öhlins suspensions, carbon fiber insertions together with the golden wheels show us the future look of the naked starting with the details.
The much awaited 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 has finally been introduced and we must say that it doesn’t just feature some new color schemes and that’s it. Significantly refined, Suzuki’s liter model comes as a lighter, more compact as well as more powerful package.
2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Starting with the mechanics, the engine is now 60mm shorter from front to rear. It features a bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm, resulting in 12.8:1 compression ratio (previously 12.5:1). Also, the retuned engine now features larger titanium valves and forget pistons for greater durability. Fitted with a Drive Mode selector which was relocated on the left handlebar, the Gixxer offers three power delivery maps.
Check out the new exhaust system! The titanium cans have nice curves and apparently blend perfectly in with the bike’s 2009 design, but you shouldn’t be surprised when reading the critic’s opinion. At least they stand for a potent engine.
2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
In what concerns the chassis, it is a must mentioning the Showa Big Piston Front Forks, which are a Kawasaki first and further accrue the handling capabilities of any super sports bike on which they are being introduced. To keep the pace with the advanced forks, the rear shock features rebound damping, a collar preload adjuster and high-speed, low-speed compression damping adjustment.
Although it doesn’t radically stand apart from the 2008 model year, the new Suzuki GSX-R 1000 features now an even more aerodynamic shape of the fairing.
2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
All these changes make it more than suitable for competitors such as the 2009 models Honda CBR 1000RR ABS and Yamaha YZF-R1. The Kawasaki ZX-10R doesn’t feature performance upgrades for 2009, but it is still worth mentioning as a decent alternative to the Gixxer though I don’t know why Kawi didn’t fitted this also with the BPF Forks.
Kawasaki launches the 2009 Concours 14, but keeps the engine and chassis unchanged as this sports tourer made one hell of an impression in 2008 and we reckon that the 155bhp and 155mph top speed had a lot to do with that.
In order to enhance the model’s success Kawasaki ads two new colors, black and red, which are indeed more appropriate for the Concours. The bike now looks classier and hides incredible well its $13,499 MSRP.
Yamaha does a promotional ad for the new MT-03 and teaches Aprilia a lesson about these things. The high quality video features not only the new motorcycle, but also a Yamaha Jetski and, last but not least, a nice girl that spices things up a little bit. Have everything accompanied by a nice soundtrack and there you go, an inspired ad without too much brain squeeze.
Kawasaki designers seem to try their best in dissolving any form of visual attraction that the sport bike lineup still may have exerted and the 2009 ZX-14 is probably the most conclusive proof of this fact.
Being a massive motorcycle, the Kawasaki ZX-14 should have at least featured less eccentric colors in an attempt to make it look sinuous. But, despite its size, it is being painted Candy Lime Green, Flat Super Black and Kawasaki even introduces two special edition colors, Candy Burnt Orange and Metallic Diablo Black. Add a pair of claws marks on the last color scheme and you’ll come up with the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-14 Monster Energy.
Here are the official photos for you to enjoy if you can.
Experienced Dakar racer Simon Pavey, who trained Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor for their adventures around the world, puts Fifth Gear stars Tiff and Vicky through an offroad series of motorcycle challenges.
The bike of choice was the GX650 model from BMW in the case it even matters considering the muddy conditions. But despite the harsh treatment that the weather prepared for them, the two made it proudly with nothing but dirty equipment.
Looks like Disney Paris is going through their stunt men and women like little croissants. The Disney park in Paris is looking for a motorcycle stunt man or woman to play in the Action show "Moteurs... Action ! Stunt Show Spectacular" in their Movies Theme park.
Having seen the show a couple of times, it’s impressive, and you’re going to have to really be able to really control your motorcycle if you plan to play with The Mouse. It’s not a couple of wheelies and stoppies. Have a look at the video below, and you can see why.
They’re looking for someone who has real experience with motorcycles, but also with cars. The role is very physical, so you need to be in shape, and need to be able to respect the strict security rules. They are also looking for that someone to have an artist sole and team spirit. Remember, it’s entertainment!
If you’re interested, and you’re between 18 and 35 years old, you can apply on-line. Disney can provide you with accommodation. It will help if you speak French, but it’s not a must.
Follow the link, and click on the "POSTULER" button.
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