Random International News thread

[Samarth 619]

USA's first slick tyres' set, by Dunlop.

USA's first club racing tyre by Dunlop.Dunlop Racing for the most current information about Dunlop racing tires.


Source: Dunlop Releases New Racing Slicks - Motorcycle USA
Dunlop Racing Dunlop Announces Release of USA-Made Racing Slicks

--
It's a surprise that it took so long for America to get proper racing slick tyres of its own, despite many bikers and enthusiasts over the country importing the same from UK. With more and more people getting access to racetracks and Sportsbikes, it is a good move, although its difficult to say how right this was commercially.

However, users should be aware that such tyres have their limitations in the real world/ road environment, where ordinary grooved tyres might prove much better. If the customer knows what he's purchasing, its ok. Otherwise, the company should make full attempts to raise awareness about this.

[M.vinay]

Batpod in action

Batpod in action

Or is it Catpod in the new movie?




Video link: Catwoman Close-Up!! (The Dark Knight Rises) - YouTube


SPIED in action complete with Anne Hathaway lookalike stunt double on board, here's the new Batpod (or maybe it's the Catpod, now it's got Catwoman riding rather than Batman).

Presumably corners are something that superheroes just avoid. If you need evidence why real bikes aren't built to look like the Batpod, just check out the video.

The bike from the last Batman movie was powered by a 250cc single. This one looks similar but sounds like it might have something a bit spicier inside (you can hear it start and rev from the 2.40 mark).


Source: Batpod in action - Motorcycle news: Videos - Visordown

[M.vinay]

the image pic or video is not visible

Here's the link: Risky Business - YouTube

[princesirohi]

the image pic or video is not visible

[M.vinay]

Bikers torch Porsche 928 in Icon’s latest video


Icon Motorsports’ latest video has arrived. The video starts with commentary stating “All around the world, motorcycles and cars share the same roads. This video demonstrates some of the situations motorcyclists face every day.” It also involves V-Twin stunt riders Chris Rayburn and Rob Carpenter and a Porsche 928. Icon wanted to remind riders and drivers that they all share the same roads, but the way they did that, is pretty interesting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T_-cxt6ETc&feature=player_embedded

[Samarth 619]

Claudio Castiglioni dies at 64: loss of the father of 916, Monster, MV F4.

The president of MV Agusta Claudio Castiglioni died in Varese this morning at the age of 64. The motorcycling magnate and sire of iconic Italian bikes including the Ducati 916 and Monster, MV Agusta F4 and imminent F3, whose taste shaped the desires of millions of motorcyclists passed away in a clinic in Varese early this morning.

British designer Adrian Morton, who worked closely with Castiglioni on the new F3 told MCN: "There are so many bikes that wouldn't exist if it weren't for Claudio. His passion for making beautiful bikes is what shaped everything we did, and his presence is always felt here. It's shocking to think we won't see him any more. He was heavily involved in all future product development right to the end in his characteristic 'insistent' manner. His passion for the bikes kept him going. It was a nightmare trying to keep him happy with the F3, but that's what made it the bike it is. In an era when most people who run businesses wouldn't care if it was motorcycles or washing machines their factories turned out, Claudio was the last of a breed. Hopefully the bikes we do in future reflect his insistence on special machines."

Source: Claudio Castiglioni dies at 64: loss of father of 916, Monster, MV F4 "Shocking" says F3 designer - | Motorcycle News | Bike News | Motorbike Videos | MCN

MV Agusta's Emotional Statement And Funeral Details: Claudio Castiglioni's death - MV Press release

--
RIP Claudio, I can't believe he's no more...

[M.vinay]

Rioters attack scooter rider


Rioters have been caught on film dragging a rider off his scooter and stealing it.

The learner rider is seen being chased and grabbed around the neck as he tries to negotiate his way through rioting in Croydon, South London.

One thug then drags him away while another picks up the scooter and rides off. Seconds later the thief falls off and the owner runs towards him, only to be kicked in the back before he can reclaim his vehicle.

[j4zb4]

--
Lol, what a strange world. So, who's digging their backyard in hope of finding something?

In Bombay we don't have backyards... Stupid metro city...

[Samarth 619]

Man swaps meteorite for a Harley


A MAN who found a meteorite in his back garden has swapped it for a Harley-Davidson. Jim Griffey, 63 from Cabot, Arkansas, was using a hole-boring tool in preparation to plant trees in his back garden when he hit a rock. He dug the rock out and tossed it aside.

Later on he went back to inspect the rock: "I've got a few interesting rocks in my shed. One has some fossils in it another is some fool's gold," said Griffey.

After looking at the strange rock, he grabbed a magnet to see if was metal: "The dang magnet shot right to it. I'm pretty sure it charged the magnet," Griffey said. Because of his love of motorcycles, Griffey called his local Harley-Davidson dealer, Landers Harley Davidson, to see if they would trade the rock for a motorcycle.

Griffey said: "You know I don't mind taking an old Harley that will smoke cause I'm 63 and I smoke a little bit too." Quite bizarrely, the local dealer said yes and Griffey will pick up his new motorcycle in exchange for the meteorite. Not bad for a morning's work.


Read more: Man swaps meteorite for a Harley - Motorcycle news: Bizarre - Visordown

--
Lol, what a strange world. So, who's digging their backyard in hope of finding something?

[M.vinay]

Classics lost at sea

Classics lost at sea.Diving the SS Thistlegorm | SS Thistlegorm

[M.vinay]

World's First Replacement Electronic Suspension Package Comes from Ohlins.

World's First Replacement Electronic Suspension Package Comes from Ohlins.


Ohlins BMW R1200GS ESA launched stated Ola Lennstrom, Marketing Communications Manager at Ohlins Racing.

[surya220]

My answers in bold..

You answered "YES" to the "whether ZZR's outdated?" question, but your reasons go in favor of "NO". Anyways.

I answered YES to the part where you asked whether is there a need for such hyper tourers in face of 200bhp Litre Class SBKs..

For touring, luggage, panniers, etc. we have dedicated machines from BMW, etc. which also include a 1600cc inline-6 motorcycle now. And these ZZR and Busa's aren't that comfortable too, they're still on sportier side and focus.

Even Kawi has the Concours.. And, those BMWs you mentioned are less efficient than the ZZR and 'Busa..

Although yes, I totally agree with the roll ons, and 6th gear speeds. No replacement for displacement it seems.

Always..

About 240+ bhp, it might not happen as:
* the Japanese have a 300 kmph top speed agreement,
* Hayabusa seems to be the leader in terms of low and mid range torque, and ZZR will further lose an edge if it attempts to reach 240 bhp, not to mention it will be even more of a fuel guzzler.

Not quite.. The top speeds can be restricted, but it doesn't mean there should be very less power output.. Think of the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG.. Its got more power than the 2009 Nissan GTR, but is still limited to 155MPH (250kmph).. As for the fuel efficiency part, please read about the Lexus LF-A's engine to understand what's possible today.. In a nutshell, its a V10 engine, built with the dimensions of a V8 and the weight of a V6 engine.. And, its about 30% more fuel efficient than similar sized engines from other manufacturers.. So, the technology exists.. Whether or not Kawi and Suzuki will make an investment for these technologies is their decision..

[Samarth 619]

In a word, YES.. The reasons are quite simple.. The ZZR and 'Busa can be used with touring panniers or saddlebags, they won't leave you with a back ache after a two hour ride and they'll travel a whole lot more on a tank of fuel before requiring a refill compared to the hourly drinking habits of most Litre Class SBKs.. And, the way they Roll On between 80-200 kmph quite simply beggars belief even today amidst the latest high strung Litre Class machines like the BMW S1000RR and the Aprilia RSV4 APRC.. In my opinion, Kawasaki should try to inject some fresh blood into the ZZR and make it even better rather than cosmetic or visual upgrades.. Something along the lines of 240+ BHP..

You answered "YES" to the "whether ZZR's outdated?" question, but your reasons go in favor of "NO". Anyways.

For touring, luggage, panniers, etc. we have dedicated machines from BMW, etc. which also include a 1600cc inline-6 motorcycle now. And these ZZR and Busa's aren't that comfortable too, they're still on sportier side and focus.
Although yes, I totally agree with the roll ons, and 6th gear speeds. No replacement for displacement it seems.

About 240+ bhp, it might not happen as:
* the Japanese have a 300 kmph top speed agreement,
* Hayabusa seems to be the leader in terms of low and mid range torque, and ZZR will further lose an edge if it attempts to reach 240 bhp, not to mention it will be even more of a fuel guzzler.

Let's see what happens...

[MJ1984]

Guys, check out this video on Ducati escapism:

Escapism on Vimeo

Nothing flashy, nothing like pulsar mania ad.. but it still feels like it captured the essence of biking. Just makes you think that it's so darn good to start the bike before sun rise, wish our bike makers focus on this aspect of biking in their ads.

Not sure if this belongs to this thread.. mods please move it, if it doesn't belong here.

Simple and Amazing!

[surya220]

A new ZZR1400 due next month



are high-powered straight-line missiles like the ZZR and 'Busa outdated now that sharp-steering superbikes can match them in terms of power?

In a word, YES.. The reasons are quite simple.. The ZZR and 'Busa can be used with touring panniers or saddlebags, they won't leave you with a back ache after a two hour ride and they'll travel a whole lot more on a tank of fuel before requiring a refill compared to the hourly drinking habits of most Litre Class SBKs.. And, the way they Roll On between 80-200 kmph quite simply beggars belief even today amidst the latest high strung Litre Class machines like the BMW S1000RR and the Aprilia RSV4 APRC.. In my opinion, Kawasaki should try to inject some fresh blood into the ZZR and make it even better rather than cosmetic or visual upgrades.. Something along the lines of 240+ BHP..