Motorcycle News - Church of MO: 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Vs. Triumph Daytona 675
https://ift.tt/2okT0nb And yet I tell you, there is nothing new under the sun. And lately, there’s not even much that’s old under here either. Once we’ve blown through all the 20-year old MO road tests and things followed by the 10-year old ones, well, it is better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than to have a banquet in a house full of trouble. Herein, Commander Duke and the Apostle Pete get to the bottom of two bikes that are still with us. And so it is ridden. 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Vs. Triumph Daytona 675Supersport Face-Off!
By Pete Brissette Jun. 12, 2009
Photography by Alfonse Palaima
You’ve probably heard the phrase, the battle is won but the war isn’t over. That little saying certainly could apply in the case of our 2009 Supersport Shootout. After assembling the current crop of middleweight supersport weaponry from the Big Four earlier this year, Kawasaki’s new-for-09 ZX-6R found itself atop the heap in our annual battle.It wasn’t an easy victory for the Kawasaki, as all the bikes in this class are excellent machines, separated by razor-thin margins in just about every respect. But in the end the ZX had just enough ingredients in the right combination to edge out the CBR600RR, GSX-R600 and R6.
Through the fault of no one, we weren’t able to get our paws on a 2009 Triumph Daytona 675 in time to join the Shootout, but recently we took possession of one; it’s time to rattle the ZX’s cage. The 675 received its first updates since its debut in 2006, so the all-new 600cc Ninja had a serious title-defending fight on its hands. With its class-leading claimed 126hp (up 3hp for ’09) in-line Triple, improved brakes and springy parts, lighter weight and sharpened styling, the Trumpet has no intention of handing over the title on a silver platter.
Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO September 29, 2019 at 10:52AM
F1 News - Russian GP: Lewis Hamilton wins after Sebastian Vettel ignores team orders
https://ift.tt/2oga8dH Lewis Hamilton was handed victory in the Russian Grand Prix after a virtual safety car cost Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the lead. Hamilton's first win in four grands prix inched him closer to a sixth world title and came after Ferrari's chances of victory fell apart following a controversy over Leclerc's team-mate Sebastian Vettel disobeying team orders. Ferrari's pre-race plan was for Leclerc to tow Vettel down into the first corner to remove the risk of Hamilton, starting second, taking the lead. Leclerc played his side of the bargain, but once Vettel was in the lead, he refused a demand to let his team-mate back past him. More to follow #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 29, 2019 at 07:54AM
Motorcycle News - GET LOST, GET FOUND: Lost Motos
https://ift.tt/2oefqq9 It seems fitting on the day over 100,000 gentlefolk take to the streets riding for mental health and prostate cancer on the annual Gentleman’s Ride, we would show our support for this legendary group based in Sydney called the Lost Motos. Lost Motos is all about breaking down the stigma of men’s mental health, the masculinity that comes with riding a motorcycle and the struggles that come with it. With their private support group on Facebook, they have been able to create a community where each person part of it is able to get support, encouragement and be part of a like-minded community. Lost Motos was born out of the need of a listening ear, an empathetic heart and a revving motorcycle to make it through some tough times. What grew from a humble motorcycle trip between a few mates is now an online support group for men. A place to be vulnerable and emotional within a supportive environment surrounded by the love of motorcycles. Motorcycles help us unwind and clear our minds. Something that is so raw and mechanical is quite thankfully therapeutic. As motorcycle enthusiasts, most of us jump on our motorcycle and go out for a ride whenever we need to clear our heads from the current stress and anxieties of life. How many of those emotional, anxious, or stressful thoughts become verbal? Understandably not many, because its hard being vulnerable and asking for help. Lost Motos exists to show men that having a chat and sharing when times are tough is okay. Being around people who build you up and push you to becoming a better version of yourself; be it with your mental health, a hard decision you are dealing with, or to point out and help you with your f#ck ups. That’s what Lost Motos is and that’s what it’s about – a group that’s ready and willing to help and support each other with complete kindness and without question or judgement, because we are all walking on similar paths. Throughout the month of October, Lost Motos will be creating a short film showcasing riding motorcycles, hanging out and being vulnerably sharing stories. They hope the journey and short film encourages men to speak out when times are stressful, anxiety is high and hope seems so far away. Support is out there but sometimes it takes a few twists of the throttle to find it. This Sydney based private support group actively changes the way men relate to their mental illnesses and how they show support to those around them. It has shown Lost Motos the importance and need of a space like this within the motorcycling community. Stay tuned on the Lost Motos and Pipeburn Instagram accounts to see what the guys get up to through the making of their film. To learn more about Lost Motos jump onto their website. If you are not feeling yourself, going through a tough time or notice someone in your life with similar signs, reach out to someone you trust or ask that person in your life that you notice something different and that you are there to listen and support them. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services in your region. Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com https://ift.tt/2LY9tnG September 28, 2019 at 10:48PM 9/28/2019 Mercedes F1: Four staff sacked over discrimination of racist or religious nature. - F1 News
F1 News - Mercedes F1: Four staff sacked over discrimination of racist or religious nature.
https://ift.tt/2o7pMbf Four staff members have been sacked by the Mercedes Formula 1 team after an investigation into discrimination. The team have confirmed the individuals were dismissed on 2 August this year over "breaches of our diversity and equality policy". No details have been released about the incidents, but they are understood to be of a racist or religious nature. "We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and acted immediately," a Mercedes team statement added. "We value the diversity of our employees and it is a source of strength for our team. "Our working environment is based on appreciation and mutual respect." The members of staff had been working at the Mercedes team headquarters in Northamptonshire. Mercedes' five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton currently leads the F1 drivers' standings by 65 points. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 28, 2019 at 02:48PM
F1 News - Russian GP all you need to know: 'We have to try something'
https://ift.tt/2nuJ8XB The more Charles Leclerc does in Formula 1, the better he looks. His pole position at the Russian Grand Prix was another outstanding lap from a driver who is coming to specialise in them. That's four poles in a row for the 21-year-old. The last person to achieve that was Lewis Hamilton at the end of the 2016 season. The last Ferrari driver to do so was a certain Michael Schumacher. That's quite exalted company for a man who, it is easy to forget, so accomplished is his driving, is not even two seasons into his F1 career. It was also the ninth time in a row that Leclerc has out-qualified Sebastian Vettel, the four-time champion who started this season as Ferrari's lead driver, but does not look very much like it any more. Leclerc had a shaky start to this season in qualifying, until he turned a corner with some changes to his approach at the French Grand Prix in late June, so he is 'only' 10-6 up on Vettel in their qualifying battle this season. But his average advantage over the German for the season is 0.159 seconds. And since he started his current run in France, it is a massive 0.414secs. In Sochi on Sunday, Leclerc beat Vettel by 0.425secs, and it could easily have been more - he ended his pole lap cursing into the radio, saying he had messed up the last sector, the one with the most corners, and where his advantage over his team-mate has been biggest all weekend. Had he not, his advantage could easily have been more like 0.6secs. These are numbers that speak of domination, and to be performing at this level against a man in the same equipment who is third in F1's all-time winners' list speaks volumes for the quality of Leclerc's performance right now. And he's doing it with a charming modesty, too. He looks almost embarrassed when people bring up the legends of the sport with whom his statistics are beginning to be compared - "I don't want to think about those stats for now," he said, when Schumacher was mentioned. "I just want to focus on the job" - but if he carries on like this he's going to have to get used to it. A difficult race to callAfter taking four pole positions in a row, can Ferrari make it four wins in a row as well, following Leclerc's victories in Belgium and Italy and Vettel's last weekend in Singapore? On paper, they should. The car has been demonstrably the fastest all weekend, and its trump card is its formidable straight-line speed. Not only should this protect Leclerc on the run to the first corner - at least from Lewis Hamilton in second; although Vettel in third with a slipstream might be problematic - but it will make it very difficult for any other car to pass a red one once the race has settled down. Recognising these two facts, Mercedes have thrown the strategic dice, and their cars will start on the more durable 'medium' tyre while Ferrari have gone for the conventional route of the soft. Hamilton likened Ferrari's advantage on the straights to a "jet mode" after his own superlative qualifying performance split the Ferraris with a lap 0.6secs quicker than team-mate Valtteri Bottas. "They are on a lower drag level plus they have that power so we had to try something," the world champion said. The first question about the race is how the start develops. This is the longest run to the first corner from the start of the season, and two years ago Bottas used the slipstream created by the cars in front to leapfrog past the front-row starting Ferraris into a lead at the first corner that he never lost. The slipstream off the start line is a major concern for all the front-runners going into Sunday's race. "It is a difficult one," Hamilton said. "It is such a long straight. I am second. It is usually a bit dirtier on the right. Will he (Leclerc) cover and give me the tow? If he does, great. "Will he stay in position and give Seb a tow and they both keep pulling past and we fall back to third? Will I be able to get a better start and then he'll pull away at some point? I don't know. "There are so many scenarios. That's why starts are so great. It is about being on your toes. It is about picking up whatever ball drops and being the quickest to react." Once the positions are set at the first corner, the question then is which strategy is the best one? Mercedes' plan by going for the medium is to out-strategise Ferrari, presumably by running longer and going for the so-called 'over-cut', which is theoretically feasible in Russia because tyre degradation tends to be low on a very low-abrasion circuit. But that depends on two things - the Mercedes actually being a faster race car; and the tyres still being in good enough condition if they run long to lap quickly on them. In recent races, Mercedes have generally had better race pace than Ferrari even when the Italian cars have qualified ahead. Leclerc's wins in Spa and Monza came after races spent under pressure from Mercedes behind him. The relative race pace of the two cars in Singapore - where Ferrari introduced the upgrade that appears to have turned their car into the plain fastest everywhere, rather than just on circuits dominated by long straights - was never seen because the race was effectively decided by Ferrari's strategy and one lap in clear air by Vettel after his stop, which no other driver had the benefit of. How will it play out in Russia? Leclerc says he is confident because, unusually, Ferrari's race runs looked pretty strong in Friday practice. "There is a long way to go and it is a good start," he said. "We have been competitive all weekend and the race simulation seems good too. "It is going to be difficult to keep everyone behind, especially at the start, as it is a very long way to Turn Two but it was a very positive race run in P2 so that is a positive sign already." Hamilton added: "I've got to figure a way to get by that Ferrari. I can't do it on the straights. They have too many horses. It is going to have to be like a chess game and every move has to be perfect to have any window of opportunity to swing past. That's what we're going to work on tonight." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 28, 2019 at 12:30PM
F1 News - Russian GP: Leclerc takes fourth pole in a row
https://ift.tt/2nq4ci4 Charles Leclerc produced another spectacular performance to take pole position for the Russian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old took his fourth pole in a row for Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton pipped Leclerc's team-mate Sebastian Vettel to second, 0.402secs adrift of Leclerc. Hamilton beat Vettel by just 0.023secs with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth ahead of Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas. Verstappen has a five-place grid penalty and will drop down to ninth on the grid as McLaren's Carlos Sainz was sixth. More to follow #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 28, 2019 at 08:18AM
Motorcycle News - Gear Review – Saint Unbreakable Stretch Slim Jeans
https://ift.tt/2nr4pRS Denim Jeans would have to be one of the world’s most popular items of clothing. I practically live in them. Unfortunately, my journey to find the perfect pair of motorcycle jeans has been a rocky one. Whether it’s due to the materials used or their design, I’ve been unable to find a pair that I consider on par with my favourite streetwear jeans; at least until now. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb September 28, 2019 at 01:24AM 9/27/2019 WHEN SOMEDAY IS TODAY: Ducati Multistrada 1000S DS by Nico Dragoni Motociclette- Motorcycle News
Motorcycle News - WHEN SOMEDAY IS TODAY: Ducati Multistrada 1000S DS by Nico Dragoni Motociclette
https://ift.tt/2mtwWWX Written by Tim Huber. Unlike the Hypermotard, MH900e, Supermono, and Sport Classic, Pierre Terblanche’s design for the original Ducati Multistrada received a less-than-positive reception from the motorcycling public upon its release. Routinely included (and ranking high) on lists of the ugliest motorcycles in modern history, the first-gen Multistrada was all kinds of awkward. Between the cyclops headlight, a windscreen and fairing top that turned with the forks, and a sporty 999-esque tail that just didn’t mesh well with the trailie-vibe, the Multistrada was largely regarded as a visual mess. Underneath the ill-favored bodywork however, the Multistrada boasted a solid engine backed by a well-engineered frame and quality components — the up-specced S model even more so. With top-shelf Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension fore and aft, and a healthy 92hp on tap, the Multistrada 1000S DS is a competent performer that lends itself particularly well to customization. So when a customer approached Northern Italy’s Nico Dragoni Motociclette with the idea for a modern Ducati build, Giada and Nico, who run the operation, suggested starting with a 1000S. “The client requested something that would perform well and not have too extreme of a riding position, but beyond that, he gave us carte blanche on the project,” Giada tells us. The duo started by completely stripping down the 2005 S DS donor to a rolling chassis. The stock subframe was lopped off and a new, shorter hooped unit was added, jetting up at a steeper angle and following the existing diagonal line of one of the steel trellis frame’s cross-sections. They also crafted U-shaped sections underneath that support the above framework and help to mask the profile of the build’s new sub-seat battery and electronics box. “Sadly there wasn’t enough space under the tank for the battery, so we made a custom box under the seat,” reveals Giada. The original Magneti Marelli instrumentation was a little too bulky (not to mention mounted way too high) so the two-man team opted for a multifunction digital Koso display. Because the Ducati’s immobilizer is built into the original instrumentation, the shop had to turn it off and fashion a new wiring loom for the Koso unit. “We tried to simplify the wiring as much as possible and remove anything that wasn’t essential, but it was really tricky making the new display work with every single function of the bike. We pulled it off though,” explains Giada. The bodywork is where the bike starts to really come together. The first piece they made was the tank. Folded and shaped by hand, the new cell is made of 4mm aluminum sheeting reinforced via a ribbed bottom that extends back and serves as the build’s seat pan. The new tank also houses the fuel pump, and the shop has replaced the first-generation Multistrada’s notoriously finicky fuel-level sensor with a floater borrowed from a boat of all things. Behind the front-wheel is a sharp, angular aluminum belly-pan with a meshed front insert and a notched out area for the exhaust. A custom leather seat now rests in the contours of the one-off frame and rear bodywork, capped off with an aluminum tail cowl that can be removed for two-up riding (once the passenger pegs are put back on). Rounding out the bodywork is a headlight shroud covering the top of the shallow modern LED unit and lining up neatly with the top of the new display. The “Dual Spark” L-Twin’s been given a pair of DNA pod filters and a stainless steel Exan X-Black EVO exhaust with carbon fiber end cap. The ECU was also remapped accordingly, and the desmo engine now puts down a few more horsepower. ND Moto also added a trick slipper clutch from fellow Italian outfit, STM. To “underline the racing soul of Ducati” the shop installed a carbon fiber front fender and timing-belt covers, as well as an open RCM clutch cover. For the turn signals, ND Moto went with pairs of vintage-style Highsider LED units front and back. The rear indicators actually double as the build’s taillight too. The 1000S DS’s Ohlins and Brembo bits were deemed plenty capable and thus remains on the bike. The stock foot controls are also still in play, but the high and wide factory handlebars have been swapped out for a more appropriate set of CNC’d clip-ons. Other minor odds and ends include a quick-release fuel-cap, a pair of Rizoma-style billet reservoirs, and a custom swing-arm-mounted license plate hanger. To highlight the new bodywork, the aluminum was left largely bare. “We decided not to paint the bodywork and instead decorate the aluminum in polished stripes over a satin finish in order to obtain a vintage racing style on a modern surface. The frame and wheels received a fresh coat of the Multistrada’s original dark grey, and the stock gold-anodized fork adds a splash of color to the mix,” says Giada. Giada and Nico have seriously unlocked the Multistrada’s potential with this one, turning a widely loathed model into cafe’d perfection. It’s a beautiful machine and a far cry from the awkward adventure model it started out as. If only all first-generation Multistrada’s could look this good. [ Nico Dragoni Motociclette | Instagram | Facebook ] Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com https://ift.tt/2LY9tnG September 27, 2019 at 10:31PM
Motorcycle News - Best Motorcycle Oil Filters
https://ift.tt/2nUFfLL Oil filters. Not the most glamorous component of a motorcycle, but many would argue it’s one of the most important. As we all know, oil plays a critical role in keeping our motorcycles running optimally, and the filter’s role in keeping the oil clean is vital. While fundamentally one oil filter is similar to the next, there are several different companies making them. Here, we’ve gathered a few different kinds together for a broad overview of the best oil filters you can get for your motorcycle. This should go without saying, but many oil filters are model specific. So, not every filter you see below will have an application for you. K&N Oil Filters – $6-$19K&N Oil Filters feature synthetic media that trap 99% of harmful contaminants without compromising oil flow rates. The K&N ‘wrench off’ oil filters feature a 17mm nut affixed onto the end that allows for easy installation and removal. The 17mm nut is cross-drilled making it super easy to throw on a safety wire. Its heavy-duty canister and base plate protect against punctures while the double-rolled seal and pre-lube gasket ensure a secure seal. S&S Oil Filter For Harley – $12-$16The S&S oil filter for Harley-Davidsons features a sturdy steel canister that’s slightly smaller in diameter than stock filters to make them easier to remove and install. It’s designed with a direct bypass valve that routes bypass oil directly to the filter exit, which minimizes the amount of contaminants carried to the engine in the unfiltered bypass oil. The nominal particle capture size is smaller than that of stock filters while the resistance to oil flow is nearly the same. Available in black or a chrome finish, each filter is made in the USA. Shop for the S&S Oil Filter For Harleys here Maxima ProFilter Maxflow Oil Filter – $6Maxima’s ProFilter oil filters are a direct replacement for your OEM filter and are built to exacting standards that exceed all OEM specifications. Boasting consistent flow rates to keep your engine properly lubricated, the ProFilter can be used with synthetic or petroleum-based oils. Shop for the Maxima ProFilter Maxflow Oil Filter here Moose Racing Oil Filter – $6Moose Racing oil filters are a popular OEM replacement for your dirtbike or dual-sport, as its high-quality paper filter materials can filter down to 10 microns. Manufactured with a sealing ring to ensure a perfect fit, Maxima filters offer maximum protection, long-lasting filter life, and can be used with both conventional and synthetic oils. Shop for the Moose Racing Oil Filter here Arlen Ness Beveled Re-Usable Oil Filter For Harley Twin Cam / Sportster 1984-2017 – $162The Arlen Ness beveled reusable oil filter for Harley’s Big Twins and Sportsters is a cool design piece for your Hog. The cover is constructed using billet aluminum, while the oil filter element is made from laser-cut stainless steel medical grade cloth that catches items down to 35 microns, which is about three times better than traditional premium oil filters. The filter also maintains consistent flow under all conditions including extreme heat, presence of water, and cold starts. It features simple filter cleaning and service. Available in chrome and black anodized finishes. Shop for the Arlen Ness Beveled Re-Usable Oil Filter here OEM Oil Filter – $2-$20When in doubt, it’s hard to go wrong with a genuine OEM oil filter for your ride. You know the fit will be perfect, and it’s built to the correct specs and tolerances your motorcycle needs because it was made by the same folks who built your motorcycle. We used a Suzuki part number as an example, but going with OEM parts – no matter what you ride – will always provide the most peace of mind. And in the case of an oil filter, the odds are good your local dealer will have it in stock. We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works. The post Best Motorcycle Oil Filters appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO September 27, 2019 at 04:12PM
Motorcycle News - KTM is Forming a Joint Venture with GasGas
https://ift.tt/2nkObJY KTM has come to the rescue of GasGas, forming a joint venture with the Spanish off-road brand that will see it continue to produce motorcycles in Girona, Spain. GasGas was having financial issues earlier this summer (it’s somewhat of a recurring motif for the brand, to be honest), taking measures to cut costs and improve cash flow. GasGas’ owner, Black Toro Capital, turned to KTM and worked out a deal that would ensure continued production of GasGas motorcycles as well as Torrot electric vehicles. “(This news) represents a major step forward in our project to consolidate GASGAS as a world leaderof trial, it allows us to develop a new growth phase for GASGAS incorporating new models with cutting-edge technology with the best possible partner for the future of GASGAS,” says Ramón Betolaza, managing partner of Black Toro Capital. Terms of the deal (which is still subject to the approval of antitrust authorities) were not released, though some outlets report KTM is taking on a 60% share of GasGas. In addition to existing models, the deal will see development on future trial and enduro bikes for GasGas. The new products will make use of KTM technology, similar to how Husqvarna shares tech with the Austrian brand. Black Toro Capital says GasGas will be expanding its portfolio to different segments and engine displacements, with a focus on four-stroke engines and electric motorcycles and electric bicycles. GasGas currently produces two-stroke dirt bikes in 200cc, 250cc and 300cc displacements, and two-stroke trials bikes in 125cc, 250cc 280cc and 300cc sizes, plus the electric TXE trial bike (pictured at top) and a range of electric youth models. For KTM, the arrangement achieves a couple of goals. First, it gives KTM a larger presence in Spain, including access to GasGas and Torrot’s production facilities in Girona. The deal could also add a third brand alongside KTM and Husqvarna. KTM will also be able to draw on the electric vehicle technology used by GasGas and its sister brands Torrot and electric scooter brand Muving. KTM is already working on several electric motorcycle projects. In addition to the already in production Husqvarna EE5, KTM SX-E5 and Freeride E electrics, KTM has already confirmed plans for a lightweight Freeride Light for 2020 and an electric Husqvarna scooter for 2020/2021. The post KTM is Forming a Joint Venture with GasGas appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO September 27, 2019 at 03:42PM |
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