Motorcycle News - Custom Bikes Of The Week: 26 April, 2020
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The 1198S Corse was a special edition with a unique livery, and some trick running gear too. Radical Ducati kept the mechanicals, but have stripped off most of the bodywork. The Corse’s fuel tank originally came in a brushed aluminum finish—so that stayed, sans decals. Out back is a custom built subframe, with a hand-shaped aluminum tail section.
With the fairing gone, the front-end and engine bay needed a little tidying up. So there’s a new LED headlight out front, with transparent Radical Ducati belt covers and red hoses lower down. Finishing kit includes a see-through clutch cover, leather seat, upgraded brake discs and a side-mounted plate bracket to keep things street legal. [More]
The client had originally taken the 1982-model Virago to another custom shop to work on, but in six months all they had done was strip it down. So he took it home in boxes, and got Nick onto the job. Starting with a Virago engine and frame (with some bad welds on it), a Ducati 1098 front and rear end, and a Benelli tank, Nick got cracking in his Toronto workshop.
Nick added custom triple trees, with higher bars for maximum comfort and control.
This 1974 Commando 850 belongs to Naoki Sugibayashi, all the way over in Tokyo, Japan. Naoki-san decided to overhaul his beloved Norton after more than two decades of ownership, so he sketched out a bunch of ideas, and headed over to Katsunao Suzuki at the Japanese workshop British Beat. Naoki-san wanted a “Rock ‘n Roll Commando. Built to ride at high speed in the city of Tokyo.”
The new bodywork consists of a fiberglass tank and tail, capped off with a studded leather perch by Backdrop Leathers. The finishing kit is as classic as you can get: clip-ons, a Monza-style gas cap, a Lucas-style taillight, and Smiths dials. But the cherry on the cake has got to be that deep black metalflake paint job. [More]
For the bodywork, the team built a custom tailpiece, and radically modified the Sportster’s original fuel tank. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the sides of the tank are actually transparent. An aftermarket belly pan rounds out the lines nicely.
H-D Barcelona kept the stock 19F/18R wheels, but re-painted them. There’s a set of Öhlins shocks out back, and a custom two-into-one exhaust. The paint job might be a little loud for some, but it suits the performance vibe that the crew’s gone for here. [More] Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c April 26, 2020 at 12:18PM
Motorcycle News - Church of MO: Y2K 250 Motocross Shootout!
https://ift.tt/2SaWvsr Since whenneth does MO do dirtbike shootouts? Heck, we barely review dirtbikes at all. Not sure who the “Staff” is that wrote this, but whoever it was must have been involved in some kind of ploy to borrow a bunch of new 250s for as long as possible, in the name of science; that the great photographer and Dirt Rider alumnus Mark Kariya shot the photos offers a clue. Those were the days my friend, when you mixed the oil in your gas, had no valves to adjust, and rode like the wind. Y2K 250 Motocross ShootoutThe Main Event!
By Staff Feb. 04, 2000
Photography by Mark Kariya
LOS ANGELES, February 4, 2000 — We’re not your girlfriend, so we’ll stop teasing you. By now you’ve read our 250 Motocross Teazer, got yourself a Wu-Name and decided that the dirtier side of life is a side you’d like to explore further. And why not?The MX 250s are among the best-selling bikes that each manufacturer offers and, while bred for moto-domination, they also make good play bikes and race-bikes in dirt events other than motocross. Ever heard of Enduros, GNCCs or Hare-Scrambles? At these events 250s are right at home with nothing more than a few aftermarket bolt-ons from your favorite supplier. Very few bikes offer this range of fun.
Here it is, then: Motorcycle Online’s 250 Motocross Shootout. We gathered the Honda CR250, Yamaha YZ250, Kawasaki KX250 and Suzuki RM250 together with five test riders ranging in skill from local pros right down to a 125-class intermediate rider who had never spent any significant time on a 250 before this test. We visited a number of tracks in Southern California and even managed to race a few times; results notwithstanding, everything came up roses.
Only one bike will lead the pack into the first turn — and the new millennium.
As one tester put it, “picking a winner is easy, the rest is @*!# hard!” It’s rare that a multi-bike comparison comes out with a unanimous winner. The rest of the bikes are all so close they could tie for second-place honors, but that wouldn’t be any fun, so we assigned points for each category of handling and motor qualities and, in the end, came up with a place for every bike.
This looks like fun, doesn’t it? It is fun…and then some.
We averaged each evaluator’s score for each bike in each category. All categories were weighted evenly with the winner receiving a bonus point.Thus, the winner in each category received five points, with three points to second place, two for third and one for fourth place. The overall winner is the bike with the most points. Simple? You bet, so let’s get on with it.
Fit and Finish
Every part of the Honda said ‘quality’.
Honda came out on top due to what was generally regarded as the best designed bike. The CR looked great and the fit and finish of every piece worked without flaw. There were very few complaints about a protrusion or nuisance anywhere. The engineers spent a lot of time on this bike and it shows. Yamaha and Suzuki delivered packages that aren’t far behind the Honda, though not quite as polished overall. On the Kawasaki, some riders complained about the side-panels and shrouds that grabbed boots, and that hurt its overall ratings in this category. Finishing Order:Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki
Motor
Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO April 26, 2020 at 10:17AM 4/26/2020 MotoGP News: Dorna "optimistic" of July start for coronavirus-delayed season - MotoGP News
MotoGP News - MotoGP News: Dorna "optimistic" of July start for coronavirus-delayed season
https://ift.tt/2S9YKfz MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports says it is "optimistic" the delayed 2020 season can begin in July, with races without spectators the most likely course of action this year. "We have been in close contact with FIM, with IRTA (International Race Teams Association), especially with the manufacturers. "And then we see different scenarios. The most optimistic is to try to start in the end of July.
Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei April 26, 2020 at 09:46AM
MotoGP News - MotoGP News: Dovizioso expected Marquez to leave Honda
https://ift.tt/3bF5SIJ Andrea Dovizioso admits he didn't expect reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez to commit to Honda for four more years, and thought he would have switched manufacturer. Honda shocked the paddock when it announced in February that it had locked down Marquez for four more seasons, in a deal that is rumoured to be worth somewhere in the region of €100million. Dovizioso, who is out of contract with Ducati at the end of this year, conceded his surprise at the announcement in a Q&A with Sky Sports Italia. "I am very surprised by Marquez's four-year [contract] period with Honda," he replied when asked for his thoughts on the matter. "I thought the opposite would happen. "But behind these important decisions there are is some background that we don't know. "I thought he would have changed bikes, but he will have had his motivations and many thoughts for what he has managed to do so far." The sudden moves in the 2021 rider market at the start of the year have left Ducati with limited options, after its preferred signings in Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo were snapped up by Yamaha, while Suzuki has re-signed Alex Rins and is expected to hold onto Joan Mir. Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti told Autosport in a recent interview that it is considering any of its five-contracted riders, with Dovizioso, Danilo Petrucci, Johann Zarco, Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia all in the frame. The 2020 MotoGP season is currently on indefinite hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the opening 11 races either cancelled or postponed as a result so far. Dovizioso has won the previous two Qatar Grand Prix season-openers, and expected to be able to fight for a third had this year's race gone ahead - though admits there could have been "six or seven winners". "In Qatar, in my opinion, we would have been able to fight for the victory," he added. "But if we listen to the interviews of the other riders, we could have had six or seven winners. "Many felt right, but in the end - as we all know - the [only] race counts and how you work for the race. "We would have been competitive. I don't know how much. It's the small details that make the difference. "We had worked well, but with only two pre-season tests, you don't do a lot of work. "You arrive after two months off and the first test arrives in Malaysia in tough conditions. "It's very hot, it can rain, you do not have the energy to take full advantage of the three days. "There are many things to try at the right time, to understand which direction to go. "Qatar is also not an excellent track on which to make decisions about new material." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei April 26, 2020 at 05:58AM
Motorcycle News - Sunday Screening – Moto Content Lockdown Relief
https://ift.tt/2W3d0YC During this week’s edition of Sunday Screening, we feature new motorcycle videos from the US, Japan and France. First up is a custom Honda CB750 by first time builder Brent Bekker with the guidance of the crew at Flying Tiger Motorcycles. We then join Koichi Fujita of An-Bu Custom Motors in Nagoya, Japan on a ride out with some of his customers. And finally, we take a short but sweet look at the BMW KDRAG K100 created by Joël Alba of Les Ateliers Du Dr Joe. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb April 26, 2020 at 01:53AM
F1 News - Formula E: 'We go green, at home!' Gunther wins first Race At Home Challenge
https://ift.tt/2W1yqFy Watch highlights as pole sitter Stoffel Vandoorne loses five places in one lap to gift victory in the inaugural Formula E Race At Home Challenge to Maximillian Gunther. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 April 25, 2020 at 01:27PM
MotoGP News - MotoGP news: Rossi, Vinales praise "hero" coronavirus health workers
https://ift.tt/3byo3zH Yamaha MotoGP riders Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales have praised frontline healthcare workers battling coronavirus worldwide, branding them "heroes". The COVID-19 pandemic has infected more than 2.5million people worldwide and killed over 170,000, with much of the world locked-down as governments impose strict measures to help quell the spread of the deadly disease. The lockdowns have greatly impacted world sport, with the 2020 MotoGP season losing its first 11 rounds as a result and is not likely to begin until August at the earliest. The disease has pushed healthcare systems across the world to breaking point, while many frontline hospital and care staff are being forced to isolate away from their families. In a Yamaha-organised social media interview on Saturday, both Rossi and Vinales offered touching tributes to those workers across the globe. "The situation is difficult for everybody in all the world, but for sure for some people it's more difficult - especially the people who work on the frontline," Rossi said. "So, for them, [lockdown] is not just boring, it's also dangerous to try to help save a lot of lives. "So, a big support from me, a big virtual hug and you are our heroes in this period. Thanks a lot and don't give up." Vinales added: "As Valentino said, right now the heroes are all the personnel who are trying to fight against the coronavirus. "I can say that always in the darkness we can find a little bit of light. "And that's the target, to find all the good things and find all the positive things, because right now the situation is actually so hard. "I see many families, grandparents that have the COVID, and for sure it's a very difficult situation." Both Rossi and Vinales have been involved in relief efforts in Italy and Spain, with the former donating to hospitals, while Vinales has helped distribute COVID-19 test kits to his local community. "For me it was important because if someone had the chance to do [donate tests], and for example if my grandfather got sick because something went wrong, and I lost him and someone could have done [something] and didn't do it, I would get very angry," said Vinales. "So, there was no way [I couldn't]. I do it for my town, for my people, and also my family because they are from there. "But we also try to help some hospitals in Gerona and Figueres, where I was born, trying to give them material, trying to supply them with everything. "Every little thing is good for everyone, so for sure I try to help them." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei April 25, 2020 at 10:42AM
Motorcycle News - An-Bu Customs BMW K100 RS
https://ift.tt/355eB4l For many years the United States was the biggest source of inspiration for custom motorcycle builders around the world. Then during the first decade of the 21st century, another country’s custom scene began to catch everyone’s attention. Unbeknownst to pretty much everyone outside of Japan, the country had an incredible custom motorcycle scene full of highly skilled builders and a huge aftermarket parts industry. As the internet slowly revealed what was going on in the east the world sat up and took notice. Many were so impressed by what the Japanese were doing they began building bikes influenced by what they saw. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb April 25, 2020 at 08:32AM
F1 News - Formula 1: Who said that? Guess the memorable quotes
https://ift.tt/3cQQZ6l From angry cries over the team radio, to indifferent answers given in a press conference. When it comes to memorable quotes in sport, Formula 1 has heard it all. Below are 10 questions featuring soundbites from drivers, engineers and exasperated team bosses. All you have to do is select the right answer from three options given, then pat yourself on the back if you get them all right. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 April 25, 2020 at 07:03AM 4/25/2020 MotoGP news: Rossi will decide career future before delayed 2020 season starts - MotoGP News
MotoGP News - MotoGP news: Rossi will decide career future before delayed 2020 season starts
https://ift.tt/2Y71xdg Yamaha's Valentino Rossi says he will now have to take a decision on his MotoGP future before completing any races in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic has delayed the season. The seven-time MotoGP world champion is out of contract at the end of the year and has already lost his place at the works Yamaha outfit next year to 2019 rookie sensation Fabio Quartararo. Rossi has been promised full factory support from Yamaha at the Petronas SRT squad should he decide to continue riding into 2021. He had intended to use the opening seven or eight races of 2020 to gauge his competitive level before committing to a new deal, but the COVID-19 outbreak has forced MotoGP to postpone or cancel the first 11 races of the campaign. As the season is not likely to start until August's Czech GP at the earliest, Rossi admits he will now have to make his decision before that point. "I am in a difficult situation, because like I said my first option is to try to continue because I have enough motivation and I want to continue," Rossi said in a Yamaha-organised social media interview. "But it's very important to understand the level of competitiveness, because, especially in the second part of last year, we suffered very much and too many times I was too slow and I [could not fight for the] first five positions. "So, in my mind, I have another year with the factory team and I need time to decide. "And for me, I need like five/six races to understand with the new chief mechanic [David Munoz] and some modifications in the team if I can be stronger. "The problem is [there is] no racing, so with the virus we have no racing. "So, I think I will have to decide before racing because in the most optimistic situation we can race in the second half of the season. "Around August or September, we hope, if everything is good. I have to make my decision before [then]. "But anyway, I want to continue, but I have to do this decision without making any races. "For sure, it's not the best way to stop because the situation is maybe we don't race in 2020 [at all]. "It's more fair to make another championship and maybe stop at the end of the next [year]. So, I hope to continue in 2021." How COVID-19 has thrown MotoGP silly season wide open Should Rossi ultimately decide to retire, he has made no secret of his desire to extend his career in car racing - with a Le Mans 24 Hours appearance high on his list. When asked if the current season suspension has allowed him to further consider his post-MotoGP future, Rossi says a step into car racing will likely be a programme of "seven/eight races every year". "We have a lot of good programmes for the future when I stop MotoGP," he added. "We have our own team in Moto2 and Moto3 which we enjoy very much. So, we want to try to continue, especially for growing young Italian riders. "This is the first programme. The second programme for me is to race with the cars. "I want to race with the cars in some championships, and make a programme of seven/eight races every year. This is the plan for the future." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei April 25, 2020 at 06:55AM |
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