|  |  |  | | | | | Motorcycle News - Reviews | Photos | MotoGP | Superbike | Motocross | Supercross | Motorcycles | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 Silverstone World Superbike Qualifying 1 Results Kawasaki Racing's Tom Sykes, the man who has taking pole in seven out of nine World Superbike rounds so far this season, was was quickest during the first day of qualifying at Silverstone in the UK Friday. Competing at his home race, Sykes took the provisional pole after posting a 2:06.115 during the 45-minute qualifying (Q1) session. But only 0.035 of a second behind was the man who doubled at Silverstone last year - Althea Ducati's Carlos Checa. Checa, who led Friday morning's practice session, was followed by newly-signed Pata Racing Ducati rider Sylvain Guintoli, who competed on the Liberty Racing Team Effenbert Ducati up until Silverstone, round 10 of 14 in the 2012 World Superbike Championship. But although third, Guintoli couldn't quit match the pace of Sykes' ZX-10R or the reigning World SBK champ's 1198R; Guintoli trailed Sykes by 0.461 of a second. Taking the final provisional front-row position was local favorite Leon Camier on the FIXI Crescent Suzuki GSX-R 1000; the Brit was just over a half-second slower than Sykes. Heading up the provisional second row will be yet another British rider, ParkingGO MTC Racing Aprilia's Chaz Davies. He will be joined by Libery Racing Team Effenbert Ducati's Jakub Smrz, Aprilia Racing Team's Eugene Laverty and PATA Racing Team Ducati's Lorenzo Zanetti. The top 11 riders during Q1 at Silverstone were within a second of each other, with BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet's Ayrton Badovini being the final rider to post within a second of Sykes. And besides Checa and Sykes, the other top riders on top in points didn't perform so well on Friday; BMW Motorrad's Marco Melandri, currently second in points, ended up 12th quickest. As for the series' leader, Aprilia Team's Max Biaggi, the 2010 WSBK Champ finished 17th quickest Friday, though that's usually part of Biaggi's strategy as he works bike setup over lap time. For a preview of Silverstone World Superbike, click here. 2012 Silverstone World Superbike: Qualifying 1 Results: 1. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 2'06.115
2. Carlos Checa (Althea Racing) Ducati 1098R 2'06.148
3. Sylvain Guintoli (PATA Racing Team) Ducati 1098R 2'06.576
4. Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 2'06.617
5. Chaz Davies (ParkinGO MTC Racing) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2'06.684
6. Jakub Smrz (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 2'06.795
7. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2'06.851
8. Lorenzo Zanetti (PATA Racing Team) Ducati 1098R 2'06.869
9. Maxime Berger (Team Effenbert Liberty Racing) Ducati 1098R 2'06.967
10. John Hopkins (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) Suzuki GSX-R1000 2'07.007
11. Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 2'07.089
12. Marco Melandri (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 2'07.244
13. Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) BMW S1000 RR 2'07.401
14. Niccolò Canepa (Red Devils Roma) Ducati 1098R 2'07.404
15. Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) Kawasaki ZX-10R 2'07.499
16. Michel Fabrizio (BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet) BMW S1000 RR 2'07.658
17. Max Biaggi (Aprilia Racing Team) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 2'07.723
18. Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) Honda CBR1000RR 2'07.740
19. Davide Giugliano (Althea Racing) Ducati 1098R 2'07.810
20. Hiroshi Aoyama (Honda World Superbike Team) Honda CBR1000RR 2'07.996
21. David Salom (Team Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 2'09.438
22. David Johnson (Team Pedercini) Kawasaki ZX-10R 2'10.043
23. Norino Brignola (Grillini Progea Superbike Team) BMW S1000 RR 2'11.645
24. Brett McCormick (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert) Ducati 1098R 2'13.730  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: AXO Leather Motorcycle Jacket AXO is long known for its quality off-road apparel, but the Italy-based company has been recently surfacing in street wear. And for not having much experience in street apparel, its first leather sportbike jacket, the Byway, is an absolute hit. Except for a few minor gripes, the Byway became my go-to jacket for all sportbike duties, though I have to mix it with other manufacturer's bottoms when the spirited riding takes place. Why? AXO doesn't make leather track-style pants...yet, anyway. First thing noticed is the soft and limber leather, which requires no break-in whatsoever. The jacket is entirely constructed of this soft, 100-percent Brazilian cowhide leather, except for the stretch Kennyspan fabric under the arms. These stretch panels allow for exceptional movement, both on and off the bike. Inside, the jacket features anti-bacterial, anti-sweat, perforated polyester liner that is comfortable on the skin, as is the neoprene collar. When the temps are hot, the jacket features ample cooling due to perforation on the sides, front, and a well-placed ban on the upper sleeves. Additional cooling is provided due to the Velcro-closure designs on the neck and sleeves; the Byway can be unzipped a quarter of the way down, and the Velcro closure on the chest allows just enough closure, to prevent the top of the jacket from flapping. The same can be said for the sleeves, though you can fully unzip them, allowing gobs of air into the jacket if not donning gauntlet-style gloves. And due to featuring a full-sleeve, zip-out quilted liner, something hard to find on a sportbike jacket, the Byway can be worn in colder temps, easily making for a three-season sportbike jacket. The full-sleeve liner, which also features an inside pocket, provided warmth in the lower 50s with just a t-shirt, so additional warmth is there if you layer. Regarding size, I went with a large considering I usually don a size 42 for extreme sportbike riding, and a 44 for a roomier fit during longer trips and fall riding (layering). The large fit was perfect for my 5'11 height, weighing around 170 lbs. with an athletic build. The jacket also features two simple waist-adjustment Velcro straps, providing for a tighter fit if needed. The only issue I had - though minor - was the bulkiness of CE approved and removable "Powertector" shoulder and elbow cups, especially the elbow cups. The protection could have been designed a bit less intrusive, though that would likely hike the price further. The Byway doesn't arrive with a backpad, but there's pocket to insert one if needed. Other features of the jacket are two hip pockets, an inside pocket, stretch panels above the shoulders and elbows, and reflective material for increased nighttime visibility. For the past 2,000 miles or so, the AXO Byway became my go-to jacket due to the comfort, cooling factor and the simple styling. Now I'm hoping AXO develops a set of leather, track-style pants...it's a shame not to have a match for such a good-looking piece of motorcycle apparel. The AXO Byway jacket is available in three color schemes - black/gray, black/blue, and black/red - and carries an MSRP of $450. For additional information, log onto AXO.com. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 For 2013, BMW will introduce its first-ever four-cylinder machine into the HP (High Performance) family - the HP4. The factory-modded HP4 uses the S1000RR as a platform, the bike offering 193 horsepower. The big advancement on the HP4 is the use of Dynamic Damping Control, the HP4 the first motorcycle to utilize such technology. Speaking of the Dynamic Damping Control, BMW says "the new HP4 reflects its status as a high-performance motorcycle in terms of its suspension system with a world first for serial production motorcycles: it is fitted as standard with Dynamic Damping Control DDC. This system allows dynamic damping adaptation of the upside-down fork and spring strut to the specific situation on the road. The damping is adapted to the current maneuvering or road surface by means of sensor-supplied parameters via electrically controlled regulation valves. In this way, the HP4 offers optimum damping in every situation, handling long and short shocks virtually perfectly so as to provide maximum traction and safety." The HP4 also arrives with Race ABS that features with IDM setting for maximum brake performance, a 200/55 ZR 17 tire on the rear wheel, finely adjustable Dynamic Traction Control in "Slick" mode, launch control and shift assistance for optimal gearshifts, among others. The HP4 will also be available with a competitive package upgrade, the package featuring refined HP carbon parts including a long, closed HP engine spoiler in carbon, an adjustable HP rider footrest system, folding HP brake and clutch levers, wheels finished in
Racing blue metallic and a sponsor sticker kit provide additional enhancement of the new HP4. Attached above is wallpaper highlighting the BMW HP4; for a preview, click here. Click motorcycle thumbnail to expand. Right click motorcycle wallpaper to download. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Saddlemen Pet Voyager Motorcycle Cargo Bag Saddlemen has released a pet carrier to its extensive motorcycle luggage line. The Saddlemen Pet Voyager is a convertible pet carrier and cargo bag that transports your pet comfortably and safely on your Harley-Davidson, Metric cruiser or touring bike. The Saddlemen Pet Voyager allows you and your pet to ride together safely with this removable pet carrier. Multiple vents, a padded interior plus food and water trays will get you and your pet to any destination in true Saddlemen style. The Pet Voyager also doubles as a versatile cargo bag with a quick disconnect setup, backpack straps and separated compartments. Saddlemen Pet Voyager Features: - Mesh vents and access flaps for controlled air flow
- Comfortable padded interior for comfort, with removable bottom tray for easy cleaning
- Stow food and water trays in their own storage compartment
- A sliding leash mount to keep pets secure and a walking leash for pit stops
- Two mounting systems for universal applications - Saddlemen Versa-mount seat harness or adjustable sissy bar strap system
- Quick disconnect straps, carrying handles and backpack straps for practicality and versatility
- Ability to double as an effective cargo bag and plush backrest
Come see the Saddlemen Pet Voyager in person August 2-12 at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, SD and at J&P Cycles in Sturgis, SD for the 2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Learn more about the Saddlemen Pet Voyager by clicking here. The Saddlemen Pet Voyager is available through Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties dealers. Model Number: 3515-0131
MSRP: $174.95 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: MV Agusta Brutale R California The "Brutale R California" will be displayed at the St. Moritz Art Masters, a unique piece of art, technology and power, interpreted by the Italian art designer Simone D'Auria, protagonist of an event having international importance together with highly regarded names of contemporary art. This single production piece, based on the MV Agusta Brutale R 1090 (stock photo above), will be visible at the Kempinski Grand Hotal Des Bains St. Moritz, together with other models of the Italian manufacturer, some of which are available for demo rides. The "Brutale R California" combines characteristics which have always distinguished the brand, such as master craftsmanship, innovation and technology, with an aerodynamic and emotional design, leitmotiv of masterpieces by Simone D'Auria. A mixture of technological material, carbon fibre and titanium, associated with wood. In the "Brutale R California" both of the artist's vocations are celebrated: the fascination for force, expressed in his famous work "Charging Bull" (already displayed in Triennale Milano and also present at St. Moritz) and the passion for surfing, symbol of speed, lightness, freedom.
With its considerable creative value and the extraordinary quality of craftsmanship, the unique piece MV Agusta - Simone D'Auria makes its debut in one of the most anticipated cultural events in the international artistic panorama. At its fifth edition, the St. Moritz Art Masters poses itself also this year as a crossroads of intellectuals, artists, collectors and illustrious guests: from Paulo Coelho to Claude Nobs, from Yoyo Maeght to Steve Mc Curry. Ten days, from 24th August to 2nd September, in which the most glamorous alpine mountain resort becomes theatre to sculptures-installations-video-paintings-photography created by Ron Arad, Paulo Sergio Niemeyer, Hamisch Fulton, Amedeo Turello, Lutz & Guggisberg. For information, log onto stmoritzartmasters.com. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 Casey Stoner MotoGP Wallpaper Though clearly fed up with the single-tire rule and the CRT field, Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner continued to show why he is the reigning MotoGP Champion last weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Australian was coming off two rounds of bad results - a DNF at Sachsenring and an eighth at Mugello - but returned to the top at Laguna Seca, taking the win by over three seconds ahead of Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo and the other Repsol Honda rider, Dani Pedrosa. Stoner qualified third on the grid behind Lorenzo, but was able to take the lead over on lap 11 of 32. He went on to lead the rest of the race. Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC213V MotoGP) says: "It's been a difficult weekend for us in general especially trying to make the hard tire work. So for the race I decided to go with the soft option and be a little more careful with the tire, keep a little more traction and not spin so much. At the beginning of the race I tried to move to the front but Dani and Jorge were riding very good lines and it was impossible to get past. I decided to slow the lap times a little and try to save the tires until the end and then we could start to come back. "I was confident for the entire race that I had enough pace for the win, we just needed to make sure the tire would last until the end. When we got to the front we put in some good laps and pulled some small advantage and just continued from there. I'm very, very happy and a big thanks to all the team." Stoner's victory at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix was his fourth this season after 10 of 18 rounds. He now is in third in the championship, 32 points behind Lorenzo. Pedrosa is in second, 23 behind Lorenzo. Attached above is wallpaper highlighting Stoner's performance at Laguna Seca. Photos by Ara Ashjian Click motorcycle thumbnail to expand. Right click motorcycle wallpaper to download. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: 2012 AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series The 2012 AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series presented by FMF continues into August with five events in five different states. From the technical forest single-track of Washington to the historic trails of the Buffalo 500 in Indiana, the August calendar has something for everyone. The Front Range Riders get things underway in Colorado with the Moose Run Dual Sport Rally this coming weekend. Two days of trails featuring A-, B- and C-level options will give riders the chance to experience the North Park riding area of Colorado. Back east, the Bear Creek Sportsmen will take to the Catskills in the Hancock National Dual Sport in New York. Finishing off the month's events, the Great Lakes Dual Sporters give riders a chance to experience Michigan's best motorcycle-only single-track with Ted's Chandler Hill Challenge. The AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport events each feature between 100-200 miles of the best riding in the area. Bikes must be street legal in order to qualify, and every Husqvarna rider who submits a photo of themselves on their TE at the event is eligible to receive a free T-shirt from Husqvarna Motorcycles North America. AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport August Events: The AMA/Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series presented by FMF encompasses 25 rounds of the best street-legal dirt bike riding events in America. Featuring rides in 16 different states, there is sure to be a round close to you. Check the Husqvarna Motorcycles Facebook fan page for up to date info on each of the 25 events. For more information on this month's events visit americanmotorcyclist.com or the Facebook fan page. Steps to claiming your Free Husqvarna T-shirt: Tell us the event you participated in (event name and date) and send a photo of you on your Husky at the event to HusqvarnaMotorcyclesNA@gmail.com Be sure to include: First name, last name, email address, phone number, street address, city, state, zip. Include a synopsis of your adventure as part of the Husqvarna AMA National Dual-Sport Series. For more information on the entire 2012 Husqvarna line-up, please go to husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com. Head to your nearest dealership to pick up a copy of the 2012 RiDE MORE Catalog, available now! Be sure to follow Team Husqvarna on Facebook or via Twitter @HusqvarnaNA. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Virtual Sturgis Hall of Fame Just in time for the 2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum is pleased to launch its brand new electronic Hall of Fame that will be available via touch screen kiosks in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and also available online at sturgishof.com. The electronic Sturgis Hall of Fame has been made possible through a grant from the City of Sturgis and through a partnership with the International Master Bike Builders Association and its President Jeff Starke. Christine Paige Diers (Executive Director, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame) says: "We're very excited to be launching this new addition to our museum just in time to have our rally visitors see it. "IMBBA has been a great partner in getting this project accomplished, and we appreciate all the work that Jeff has put into it - he's done extensive research to enhance the information we already had on our Hall of Fame inductees." The partnership between the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and the International Master Bike Builders Association has been in the works since last year's rally. Both organizations are confident that the partnership that began then will live far into the future as the organizations continue to grow. Jeff Starke (Site creator, IMBBA President) says: "It gives International Master Bike Builders Association (IMBBA) and its global community of builders and members great pleasure to see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame website come to life. It is with great honor that IMBBA was selected to undertake this responsibility. I feel these efforts to create the cornerstone of our industry for all future generations to visit and learn of the lives and times of our wonderful motorcycle industry people are truly priceless. I want to thank Christine Paige Diers and Joe Distefano for their unselfish time and efforts that helped us to create this historic virtual reality for all to enjoy." | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Click the images below for bigger versions: Moto Americana: Deserts Four Californian deserts, six riders and 1200 miles - that's what the folks at Curbsyde Productions covered in its latest Adventure-riding series titled "Moto Americana: Deserts." And now, Touratech-USA will launch the series on its YouTube channel. Each week, beginning on Aug. 16., Touratech-USA will feature a new three-minute episode. Joe Lloyd (Producer, Curbsyde Productions) says: "Touratech's leadership in the adventure riding industry goes way beyond their product range. Their support of world travelers, motorcycle events, and film projects really sets the bar for aftermarket companies. With the support of Touratech, we can now share 18 episodes of Moto Americana: 'Deserts' with the riding community for free." About Moto Americana: Deserts Motorcyclists and documentary filmmakers Joe Lloyd, Flora Lloyd, and Andre Corpuz venture out to explore the unpaved roads of the United States. Joined by a team of adventure riders including Bob Berglund, Rob Watt and Whitney Koeberle, this 1,200-mile journey takes them through the four deserts of Southern California: Death Valley, Mojave, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego. Along the way, the team discovers the uniqueness of California's southern landscapes, from dusty desert floors to wind-swept rocky mountain passes. As the team travels around the country, they encounter fellow adventurers who help them explore new areas, learn about the local history and culture and reveal some true "Americana." Attached above is a trailer of the series. | | | | | | | | | |  | |  | |  |
.jpg)
.jpg "MVA Brutale to St. Moritz Art Masters")
.jpg "AMA/Husqvarna Dual-Sport Series: August Events")
.jpg "Touratech-USA to Launch 'Moto Americana' Web Series")
No comments:
Post a Comment