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Motorcycle News - MAGNIFICENT MAGGOT: Honda CX500 ‘Mustang’ by Underground Custom Cycles
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Written by Martin Hodgson When you’re a Ford Mustang owner but all you want to do is ride around, what better way to do it than to have a matching motorcycle parked in the garage. Living in the beautiful seaside city of Limassol, Cyprus, there is no shortage of spectacular roads to enjoy and vistas to appreciate when parked up. So to make the dream a reality the original importer of the bike, Petros Louca of Underground Custom Cycles was tracked down to carry out the build. With the Mustang as his muse he emerged from his workshop with the perfect CX500 cafe racer, a Cypriot chariot to carve up the coastline.
With limited diversity across the automobile sector on the island, Petros first imported the 1978 model Honda in 2013 with the intention of turning it into a custom. After a year he sold it off and used the money to fund the tools and equipment he needed to set up his workshop. After changing hands a few times the CX500 found its way into the collection of the current owner who came to Petros with a desire to have a custom bike to match his Mustang.
While the bike had previously been modified, it was nothing like the beast that sits before you; but all that was stripped down to start afresh. With a bare chassis to work with Petros fired up the grinder and cut off the ungainly CX500 subframe. Next on the list was to fabricate a new item to go in its place, with plenty of bracing around the centre post to allow the new piece to float over the back wheel. New brackets were welded in to support a conversion to a single shock and the swingarm was notched for extra clearance and given more structural support.
With the last of the unrequired factory brackets and everything ground smooth, old and new were merged together once more. To ensure an excellent finish the frame, new subframe and swingarm were all sandblasted before being powder coated in a flat black finish. To piece things back together Petros ordered a single shock for the rear end from Hagon in the UK. While the front end is taken from a 2004 Yamaha R1, with a Cognito Moto top yoke making the conversion possible.
The four-piston calipers have been rebuilt and retained while the big discs are now wave style rotors, a huge upgrade over factory. At the rear, the braking is just as spectacular, a custom bracket used to mount the Yamaha caliper and a small wave disc. While a set of new rearsets and linkages assist in helping the Brembo master cylinder to work perfectly. The final party piece to get the bike rolling is the conversion to spoked wheels using a CRK flange kit, EXCEL aluminium rims, and the stock hubs.
With the new USD forks in place Petros new the clip-ons would foul the factory tank, so with new mounts its been shifted back 5cm and mounted 3cm higher for a more aggressive look. “The seat took us 3 months to finish as it was the hardest part of the build, because we decided to put similar air vents like the Mustang,” Petros explains. But the effort was worth it and topped with the brilliantly stitched leather it adds to the muscle car feel. The red and black paint scheme is matched perfectly to the ‘Stang and even extends to the forks, shock and parts of the v-twin engine.
Which is just as impressive as the rest of the build, having been stripped down and sandblasted before being painted black and the fins filed for a contrast effect. A full rebuild ensures there will be plenty of years of trouble-free motoring and it’s all pieced back together with new stainless bolts. The stock CV carbs have been ditched in favour of the popular upgrade to Mikuni TM34 flat slides. While the exhaust adds extra grunt and a ripping roar with a hand made stainless system finishing out in twin slash-cut EvoGP mufflers.
To get everything fired into life and maintain a clean look the entire wiring harness has been rebuilt with a Motogadget m-unit at its core. LED lighting extends from the front round headlight to the integrated tail light, flush-mounted in the new bodywork. While instrumentation is kept to a minimum with a Motogadget mini sitting in the top triple tree that was machined on arrival in Cyprus.
To literally wrap things up the new rolling stock has been treated to Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber, a chunky 160 section in the rear, that Petros reports dramatically improves handling. And with the finished cafe racer emerging from Underground Custom Cycles the only decision the owner is left to make is Mustang or killer custom motorcycle… an easy choice to make.
[ Underground Custom Cycles | Instagram | Facebook | Photography by Antonis Engrafou ] Motorcycles via Pipeburn.com https://ift.tt/2LY9tnG October 31, 2019 at 06:07PM
F1 News - I can still get better - Hamilton before bid to seal 'unreal' sixth title
https://ift.tt/33aXCMs  Lewis Hamilton says he can still get better as he embarks on the weekend when he should clinch a sixth Formula 1 drivers' championship. Hamilton is almost certain to seal the title at Sunday's US Grand Prix, needing only to ensure he does not lose 22 points to Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. "I never thought I would have five titles. If I am able to get a sixth one, it will be pretty unreal," Hamilton said. "I don't think I've hit peak yet and I plan to continue to get stronger." Hamilton emphasised that "nothing is a given" and that he is "approaching it exactly as I have all year, one race at a time". The only way Bottas can keep the championship alive is to win the race - and even then Hamilton only has to finish eighth to secure the title. The 34-year-old Briton has won the race at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas five times in the seven years it has been on the calendar. "Austin has been a good race for us in the past," Hamilton said. "It was not so good last year, but it is a good hunting ground in general and I am going to be pushing very had this weekend to finish where I plan to finish. "But it's going to be a challenge again with the temperatures and the wind. I can't tell you how it would feel but I approach every year as if it's the first and it'll be the same next year." Austin is experiencing unusually cool temperatures. Thursday was said to be the coldest Halloween for nearly 30 years. Overnight lows are close to freezing. That is expected to create difficulties for the drivers to get the Pirelli tyres up to the right operating temperature. Hamilton said he believed 2019 had been one of his strongest seasons, and pointed to his race performances as a highlight. "I've only had four poles but I've had 10 wins," Hamilton said. "Within the team, we often forget how many wins we've had because we are so focused on each race and we forget how well the season has gone because it has felt so hard. "But definitely when you look at the numbers, it is a good feeling. Hard work pays off and the guys have collectively worked harder than ever. "Every year we try to get better, we try to apply ourselves better and balance our energy levels better, communicate better, so we deliver consistent results collectively. It's great to look at the results because it reflects the improvement we've made. "I would say Sunday [race day] has been the thing I have been most proud of, it's been stronger than last year and that's good to see. "The goal has been to try to keep the consistency from last year and build on other areas and the race was one of those and we have been stronger all year throughout the races. There are areas we can still improve on." Hamilton gave the strongest hint that he will be still be in F1 in 2021, when the new regulations announced by the sport on Thursday come into force, and that he will likely stay with Mercedes. "Nothing is set in stone for the future but I am definitely enjoying what I am doing and I don't see any reason to stop because I love what I do," he said. "I don't see myself going anywhere else. I love being here at Mercedes. I love being a part of the brand, of the history, and the idea of staying with Mercedes, I have been with them since I was 13. "The idea of continuing on with them even beyond F1, probably heavily involved within Daimler, is quite attractive." Hamilton comments 'a bit disrespectful' - VerstappenMeanwhile, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen criticised Hamilton and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel for their remarks after last weekend's race in Mexico. Hamilton, who collided with Verstappen at the first corner, said he had expected he would be "torpedoed by Max" at some point and he always gave him extra room compared to other drivers. Verstappen responded on Thursday in Austin, by saying: "Looking at Turns One and Two in Mexico, I don't think that happened. It was a bit of a silly comment to make. I think I'm always a hard racer but fair. "It's just not correct - but of course it's easy to have a dig at someone. From my side, it's fine. It's always positive when the talk is about you. That means you're in their head." He added that it was "a bit disrespectful and I prefer to fight on track and of course I like to fight hard but on the edge. If they want me to stay behind, it's better to stay at home. I really want to take the fight to them because that's what we are here for. We fight for victories because that's what we live for." Hamilton said in response: "I was explaining the scenario. I don't think it was disrespectful in any way. There wasn't any fall-out. It was a great race and a great weekend." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 31, 2019 at 06:06PM 10/31/2019 Alpinestars Ride Day- Motorcycle News
Motorcycle News - Alpinestars Ride Day
https://ift.tt/2Pw5JPA Recently, Alpinestars threw open the doors at Willow Springs Raceway for a day of motorcycle-focused fun. With the famed Big Track open to all comers – many who were experiencing a closed course environment for the first time – it was hard for the attendees not to have a good time. All of this, however, begs the question: What’s in it for Alpinestars? Yes, we were all wearing gear made by the apparel company (and if we didn’t have any, it was loaned to us), but this wasn’t an introduction where we were to experience a new piece of protective riding gear. The point was, it seems, to simply have fun riding motorcycles with friends. Oh, and hopefully create some new fans of track riding. You see, some of the first time track riders were name-brand Alpinestars-sponsored athletes in other disciplines. You know, influencers who have the means to preach the racetrack riding gospel and hopefully get more people interested in riding motorcycles. 
Yeah, this really happened. So, who attended the event? There were these two guys you may have heard about a few years ago: two-time MotoGP Champion Casey Stoner (who celebrated his 34th birthday at the event) and World Superbike Champion Ben Spies. Current MotoAmerica racers Josh Herrin and Toni Elias showed up to ride. Popular former American roadracers Eric Bostrom and Jake Zemke were also on hand. Or perhaps you follow IndyCars, and getting the chance to take a hot lap with J. R. Hildebrand in a McLaren will get your blood pumping. Then there was Aaron Colton’s stunt exhibition at lunch to impress you with superhuman bike handling skills. Or stunt pilot Anthony Oshinuga flying down the front straight to join Colton in his show. Then there was freestyle dirt rider Nate Adams finding out how cool – and grippy – pavement can be. Other dirt riders included Justin Barcia, Robbie Madison, Jarryd McNeil, Jolene Van Vugt, among others. Then there were dealers and lucky customers who were also in attendance. Oh, Trizzle, Sean Matic, and I carried the MO flag. 
You know this guy’s family is already tired of hearing about that time he charged down the hill into Willow’s Turn 5 between Casey Stoner (front) and Ben Spies (rear). A great event isn’t possible without tons of help. While Alpinestars did most of the heavy lifting – the team even swept out the pit area – other motorcycle brands and organizations also did their part. Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Indian (with people turning laps on FTR1200s), Suzuki, and Yamaha had bikes on hand for test rides. Kramer had a sample of its Kramer HKR EVO2 S race bike for a few folks to ride. To help all of the riders who’d never attended a track day negotiate their first time on a closed course, Nick Ienatsch and the Yamaha Champions Riding School were on hand to offer complimentary instruction to participants. And the machinery seen on the fast 2.5-mile course ranged from supermotos, battling the wind blast, to stock street bikes to one-off Pikes Peak race bikes – and everything in between. At the end of the day, I caught up with Heath Cofran, the Communications Specialist at Alpinestars. Still in his leathers after he and his staff and all the other folks from the manufacturers that had supported the event had spent the final hour of the day riding the track, he was brimming with enthusiasm over the success of this event. When I asked him what he thought about the day, he effervesced: We had IndyCar drivers, rally car drivers, a two-time MotoGP champion, a World Superbike champion, freestyle, incredible world record athletes, supercross stars and champions, all having a fun day of riding together. Today wasn’t about “look at this suit with this stretch-paneling and ergonomic fit.” Today wasn’t about that. Today was about: Let’s have fun together. Let’s enjoy what this world of motorsports is all about. It’s about family. It’s about spending time together. It’s about laughing and enjoying new experiences. So, it’s having those experiences, and at the same time, why not wear the best gear possible? It’s something that we really wanted to do and have it be a special day. This is what we do. This is who we are as a brand. We’re here to protect, and we’re here to spend time with our family. I’d love to replicate this all over the world. 
In case you don’t think Alpinestars’ Heath Cofran is serious about riding. Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Alpinestars put together this video to outline why it, as a company, feels that getting together to participate in the motorsports that we love is so important – for us to enjoy and to grow the sport.
                
The post Alpinestars Ride Day appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO October 31, 2019 at 01:54PM
Motorcycle News - Knockout Krauser: A four-valve R100 from Ironwood
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The bike in question was a 1982 BMW R100—but with a very special motor. It was packing a full Krauser upgrade, complete with four-valve heads, Nikasil barrels and an electronic ignition.
Arjan and co. answered with a sharp, low-slung bobber that follows the typical Ironwood aesthetic, but with a slew of trick upgrades.
Out back, the crew ditched the subframe and fabricated a new seat support and shock mounts. The BMW now sits on a pair of new rear shocks from TFX.
The highly tuned motor didn’t need any internal work, but on the outside it was cleaned up and re-done in black, with gold for the valve covers.
The exhaust system’s a pretty special touch too. Marcel van der Stelt from The Custom Factory was pulled in to build a stainless steel two-into-one system, which terminates in an aggressive-looking Ixil muffler (originally designed for the Yamaha XSR700).
There’s a whole lot of Motogadget stuff in the cockpit too—including the speedo, switches, grips, bar-end turn signals and mirrors. The grips have been wrapped in the same leather as the seat, and sit on a set of CNC-machined clip-ons. And the speedo’s integrated into a custom-machined top yoke.
Ironwood opted for a simple an elegant paint job: a coat of Porsche Pasha Red, laid down by Jacco from Royal Kustom Works. If you’re a Porsche enthusiast, you’ll know that this particular hue was introduced in the 1950s and often paired with tan leather back in the day.
Equal parts aggressive and elegant, this Beemer is a solid entry into Ironwood’s ever-growing portfolio. Ironwood Custom Motorcycles | Facebook | Arjan van den Boom Instagram | Images by Paul van Mondfrans Lindén
Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c October 31, 2019 at 12:21PM
F1 News - Formula 1: New technical, sporting & financial rules for 2021 revealed
https://ift.tt/2oErlhK  Plans to revolutionise Formula 1 in 2021 have been revealed by the sport's bosses on the eve of the US Grand Prix. New technical, sporting and financial rules will be introduced to try to make racing closer and more dramatic. Jean Todt, president of governing body the FIA, said the rules had been unanimously approved by the World Council, F1's legislative body, on Thursday. Key changes are a new aerodynamic concept and a $175m (£135m) budget cap. The three leading teams - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull - have opposed the new rules and believe they are fundamentally flawed. But Todt described it as "a very special day for our sport", adding: "The goal is to have a closer championship and more unpredictable [racing] on track." More to follow. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 31, 2019 at 11:54AM
MotoGP News - Lorenzo admits form has been "unrecognisable" after Honda MotoGP switch
https://ift.tt/2PzRc5x Three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo admits his form has been "unrecognisable" for most of the period since he joined Honda from Ducati Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei October 31, 2019 at 09:25AM
MotoGP News - Yamaha's Rossi: MotoGP 2019 still a little better than Ducati nadir
https://ift.tt/2BWCehF Valentino Rossi says his current worst season as a Yamaha MotoGP rider is still "a little bit better" than his two difficult seasons with Ducati Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei October 31, 2019 at 08:54AM
MotoGP News - Zarco needs Malaysia MotoGP top seven to show he is still frontrunner
https://ift.tt/333Do7d LCR Honda's Johann Zarco says his target of a top-seven finish in this weekend's MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix is a must to show "I can be with the top guys" Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei October 31, 2019 at 05:23AM
Motorcycle News - Riding Gear – Spidi X Village Boots
https://ift.tt/3253Eg2 If you’re a fan of Moc toe boots but want footwear that’ll keep your paws properly protected then consider these XPD X-Village motorcycle boots. The XPD brand was developed in 2000 by riding gear experts Spidi and their footwear can be seen on riders in the Moto GP and World Superbike series. These urban-focused X-Village boots benefit from Spidi’s learnings at the race track and will perform right both on and off the bike. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb October 31, 2019 at 05:10AM 10/31/2019 United States Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton aims to become world champion for sixth time - F1 News
F1 News - United States Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton aims to become world champion for sixth time
https://ift.tt/2JyszlK  Lewis Hamilton is very likely to be celebrating his sixth World Championship at the end of the United States Grand Prix on Sunday. The Briton, who has won the title in each of the past two years, holds a 74-point lead over Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas with a maximum of 78 available over the remaining three races of 2019. Therefore, if Bottas wins this weekend then a finish of eighth or better will do for Hamilton, something he has achieved in 17 of the 18 races this year. The only time he has not achieved that was at the rain-hit race in Germany, when he crashed behind the safety car and was delayed during a pit stop. Even then he still came ninth. If Bottas does not win then Hamilton, who has an excellent record at the Circuit of the Americas, will be the world champion no matter what he does. So, it looks like it will be a 56-lap victory parade for Hamilton, but that does not mean the weekend will be dull. Overtaking is very much possible at the 5.513km circuit in Austin, as was shown last year, with Max Verstappen starting 18th and finishing second, while Sebastian Vettel recovered from an opening-lap spin to move from 15th to fourth. Eventually, Kimi Raikkonen - then of Ferrari - won a thrilling race for what will surely be his final grand prix win as he is now in an uncompetitive Alfa Romeo. Ferrari have had one of their drivers on pole at each of the last six races this season, winning three of them, but it has all been too little too late after Hamilton won eight of the opening dozen races to dominate the drivers' championship. If, as expected, he clinches the world title on Sunday it will follow successes in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 and leave him one championship behind Michael Schumacher's record of seven. The US Grand Prix is always one of the best attended races of the year, with more than 110,000 people there on race day in 2018. Organisers say that figure will be eclipsed on Sunday. The action is not just limited to the track, as a number of music stars, including Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Bruno Mars have all performed during grand prix weekends there in the past. This year, Imagine Dragons will be taking to the stage on Friday, with Pink entertaining the crowd on Saturday. The championship scenarioSocial mediaToro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat said the US GP was one all the drivers looked forward to... Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton had some business to attend to in New York... While the Toro Rosso duo headed to the International Space Station... The trackHow to follow the United States Grand Prix on the BBCBBC Sport has live coverage of practice, qualifying and the race across the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live, plus live digital coverage on the BBC Sport website and app - including audience interaction, expert analysis, debate, voting, features, interviews and audio content. You can follow all the action and the latest news on the BBC Sport F1 page and via the BBC Sport app, and catch up with analysis and interviews with the BBC Radio 5 Live Chequered Flag podcast. All times are GMT. Broadcast times are subject to change at short notice.
#F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 31, 2019 at 03:24AM |
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