Motegi MotoGP: Pedrosa Tops Record Lap
As the 2011 MotoGP Championship began its first day of practices at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan Friday, the Repsol Honda RC212V continued its domination. After both free practices wrapped Friday, the Repsol Honda riders took the top three times. But it wasn’t the usual Casey Stoner who had the quickest time; the Australian, who won eight races in 14 rounds, was beat by his MotoGP teammate Dani Pedrosa.The Spaniard Pedrosa posted a best lap of 1:46.790, which became the new fastest lap at Motegi, and also three-tenths of a second quicker than Stoner’s lap record set in 2008 while competing on the Ducati. But Stoner wasn’t far behind Pedrosa, the current points leader trailing…
2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale
We’re still a few months away from 2012, but Ducati looks to be taking hold of the title for most anticipated new bike of the year with the successor to the 1198, the company’s flagship superbike.Rumors had been running rampant as to what the official name of this new machine will be. Everything from Xtreme, Superquadrata (super-square, in reference to the engine’s highly oversquare bore and stroke measurements), to, simply, 1199 have all been thrown on the table. Ducati finally put the rumors to rest after recently unveiling its official name: 1199 Panigale. For the first time, Ducati’s superbike range will depart from its traditional numerical nomenclature. As in past superbikes, “1199” is in reference…
Is Aprilia’s RS4 king of sports 125s?
How quick things change. Just a few years ago if you wanted a performance 125 it had to be a two-stroke. Now the ‘ring-dingers’ have virtually disappeared, made obsolete by emissions regulations and replaced by four-strokes. Encouragingly, though, this hasn’t led to the demise of the sports 125 – in fact far from it. The 125 learner market continues to be healthy, with sports bikes among the most popular. Yamaha’s YZF-R125 was the third best-selling bike in the UK up to July with Honda’s updated-for-2011 CBR125R 13th, selling close to 500 units already this year. But just as it seemed the mighty Japanese were having things all their own way in this category, Europe is…
Rider Motorcycle Insurance Review
Founded by well-known motorcycle enthusiast Henry Bleiwise in 1971, Rider Insurance is a specialized insurance provider that focuses purely on offering motorcycle insurance packages that meets the specific needs of the biker community. Rider currently offers affordable insurance packages only in the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland and New Jersey, with more states to follow. Low-cost insurance packages are offered for a wide range of motorcycle types, including all terrain vehicles, mopeds, scooters, dirt bikes, high performance, custom, touring, cross-country and reconstructed motorcycles. The major features of Rider motorcycle insurance policies include Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage that protects you in case your motorcycle is damaged in an accident by a motorist who is…
2012 Star Road Star S
For some riders, the classic hardtail flaunts the most styling. But there are problems with true classic hardtails, including realiabilty and power.Enter the 2012 Star Road Star S. The cruiser has that low-slung, long classic hardtail look, but is powered by a 102 ci (1670cc) modern V-Twin with electronic fuel injection that provides “easy cold starting and flawless fuel delivery at nearly all altitudes and in nearly any conditions.” With this modern engine arrives much modern technology, including ceramic-composite cylinder liners for optimal heat dissipation. Also arriving with this tech-savvy motor is an average of 36 mpg. Regarding the chassis, the 2012 Star Road Star S has a long 66.5-inch wheelbase, providing to the overall…
SUZUKI BIKE OF THE MONTH
Suzuki GB has opened its popular ‘Bike of the Month’ promotion to online customers from this month onwards too, offering the same great savings on genuine parts but with the opportunity to buy online immediately.Launched just over 12 months ago and initially available viain-store purchase at all authorised dealers, Bike of the Month alternates between popular Suzuki models each month, offering discounts of as much as 60% on many service able items. Suzuki GB aftersales marketing manager,Michael Le Flay commented, ”The Bike of the Month promotion has proven tobe extremely popular since its introduction just over 12 months ago. With the recent launch of our online store in association with Shopatron, it made perfectsense to…
BMW R1200R 2011 Test
In a bid to keep its more traditional punters happy, BMW has updated the R1200R naked roadster. To go with it, it’s also launched a new variation on the theme – the glitzier R1200R Classic.With the S1000RR sportsbike and K1600GT/GTL tourers grabbing all the limelight these days, no doubt a few ardent Bee-Em fans have worried the German firm is getting it bit too high-tech and contemporary for its own good. These two new more basic boxer-twin engined models will calm those concerns, and restore some old-school faith in the brand. The naked R has long been a big hit in Europe, and has become one of the best sellers in the more basic-spec naked…
Zero Enters South American Market
Zero Motorcycles has signed a distribution deal with the Brazilian dealer network Grupo Izzo, bringing its electric motorcycles to first Brazil, and soon across South America. Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing markets for motorcycles, a market Zero hopes to tap with its new distribution deal. Grupo Izzo is based mainly in Brazil with 11 locations, but has plans to expand into other South American countries. Zero Motorcycles has experienced exceptional growth throughout Europe, and now we are pleased to be expanding our sales and distribution channels to Brazil to continue the enhancement of Zero’s international reach,” says John Lloyd, vice president of world wide sales for Zero Motorcycles. “Our partnership with Grupo…
Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition 2012
The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition is the first concrete example of collaboration between Ducati and AMG sports brand of Casa Mercedes.The first public appearance of the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition is expected in Germany, the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, scheduled for September 15 to 25. In this version, without a doubt is the flagship model of the family Diavel 2012, a real tribute to the prestigious AMG. A motorcycle designed for an audience of enthusiastic admirers of the most advanced technology, detailed engineering and unique and original style that only a partnership of this kind can provide AMG sponsors Ducati MotoGP The unique and constructive cooperation between Ducati and Mercedes-AMG was…
2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 and 1050SE
Triumph announced some updates to its Tiger 1050 and Tiger 1050SE for 2012, though at the moment it appears only the SE version will be offered in the United States. The 2012 Triumph Tiger 1050 and the special edition version receive updated suspension with new damping settings for both the front and the rear as well as a stiffer rear shock. Triumph says the updates will provide a more controlled ride for both riding solo or with a passenger while brake diving is also reduced. New black anodized tapered aluminum handlebars are 20mm lower than the 2011 model’s handlebars for a more aggressive riding position. Other updates include fewer chromed parts and more blacked-out components.The…
