Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards continued his impressive pre-season form today by setting the fastest time at the start of a three-day test session at the Phillip Island circuit.

continue reading "COLIN EDWARDS & JAMES TOSELAND OF TECH 3 YAMAHA TEST IN AUSTRALIA"

The world’s first ever production Ducati Desmosedici RR will be delivered to US actor Tom Cruise. Cruise is first on the list to get Ducati‘s latest US$72,500 sportbike, which is basically a street-legal MotoGP bike, packed with titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre components and can run up to 200 mph!

Only 1,500 units of the Ducati Desmosedici RR will be produced. Cruise will take delivery of his Desmosedici RR at Beverly Hills Ducati this week.

Ducati North America‘s chief Michael Lock, said that the Desmosedici RR is an impossible dream — made possible. “We are delighted to be able to deliver the world’s first production unit here in the USA to Tom Cruise, who is a well-known Ducati enthusiast,” Lock said in a statement.

For years, enthusiasts have dreamt of a true GP replica and the dream has finally come true thanks to Ducati and the Desmosedici RR, which is the first-ever road-going motorcycle to offer performance and technology that comes directly from Ducati‘s experience in MotoGP. The RR derives from the Ducati Corse Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6, the same bike with which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau competed with in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship.

The body design and the aerodynamics faithfully reflect the Desmosedici GP6 MotoGP bike. The color scheme, the fittings, the materials used in its construction as well as the technical features of the powerful four-cylinder desmodromic engine built by the Borgo Panigale factory engineers are as close as possible to being the ultimate expression of the most extreme street legal MotoGP racing machine today. Components were beefed up and tested for road use, which is far tougher and of a longer duration than what a MotoGP bike has to tolerate. In addition servicing and warranty concerns had to be looked into as well.

With a power output of 200 HP (203 PS) at 13,800 rpm and 85.55 lb-ft (116 Nm) of torque at 10,500 rpm, the new D16RR engine follows the guidelines laid down by the Ducati Corse GP engine, a masterpiece of engineering and precision.

Ducati North America‘s website explains that reservations for the Desmosedici RR have been accepted via the official Ducati dealer network since June 2, 2006. Production of the 1,500 limited edition motorcycles began in October, 2007 and first deliveries will be made to Ducati 999R owners who placed their Desmosedici RR order before September 30, 2006. Production of all remaining orders will be completed by December 2008.

SOURCE

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2008 will see Yamaha’s principal factory racing teams hit the circuits of the world with Yamalube as an important part of the technical set-up; drawing the bridge between works machinery and production motorcycles even closer.

The Fiat Yamaha MotoGP squad, Yamaha World Supersport Team and the Yamaha Motocross Team have all reached multi-year agreements to embrace the use of Yamalube for their 2008 competitive campaigns.

The Yamalube range has already been used by Yamaha and their factory motocross effort since 2005 and in that time two world championships have been won by the team. Yamalube already has a long-standing racing tradition in non European countries such as North America and Australia.

With a legendary reputation built on countless victories, Yamaha is the name trusted to deliver ‘Quality before anything’; and the company’s oils are no different.

Yamalube was born to provide the finest quality oil for Yamaha engines; from the very same team who engineered and created the technology. The marine world has already benefited since the mid-1990s and enjoys wide European distribution. The motorcycle market was targeted in 2005 and Yamalube can be found in fifteen European countries with more to follow in 2008.

Yamalube is the only line of oils that lives up to Yamaha’s stringent standards for excellence and performance with formulations that are engine and application specific. This bold and pro-active link with the firm’s premier racing teams now welcomes the long awaited pan-European introduction of these high-tech lubricants.

The Yamalube line-up consists of two-stroke semi-synthetic oils to four-stroke mineral, semi and full synthetic. The choice of lubricants is also augmented by a spectrum of other cleansing and care products such as helmet and visor Ph neutral liquid, paint and plastic polish, shield and silicon spray and platinum chain sprays and gels.

The name “Yamalube” may not be too polite here in Malaysia though. But then again, who knows .. the novelty of buying YAMALUBE might just push up sales!

SOURCE: YAMAHA RACING

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The official Fiat Yamaha Team launch took place in front of a media-packed audience in Turin, Italy recently.

The unveiling of the two new riders for the 2008 MotoGP World Championship was the ideal setting to interview the four key members of the squad; Valentino Rossi and his Team Manager Davide Brivio alongside newcomer and double 250cc world champ Jorge Lorenzo with his principal Daniele Romagnoli.

All four interviews are available in the MotoGP Rider Lounge section on www.yamaha-racing.com as well as updated rider profiles, team information and new imagery of the 2008 Yamaha YZR-M1.

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For 2008 Triumph Motorcycles is delighted to announce the release of an updated version of its acclaimed touring champion, the Sprint ST. The bike, which was originally launched in 1999 and last updated in 2005, has been a consistently popular member of Triumph’s UK line-up.

A direct response to customer feedback, the changes for 2008 are subtle but serve to enhance the outstanding performance of this superbly versatile motorcycle. The new model features a steel fuel tank, enabling the use of a magnetic tank bag, whilst the footrests have been modified and now employ a more durable rubber for prolonged wear. The headlight performance has also been markedly improved.

Renowned for its superb handling, powerful engine and unrivalled reliability, the Sprint ST has won a host of accolades since its launch and has come to represent the very pinnacle of sports touring refinement. Just last year, it beat off competition from 12 other bikes to win German motorcycle publication, Motorrad’s, 50,000km endurance test.

Available from January, the 2008 Triumph Sprint ST costs £7,999 OTR in the UK. An ABS version is also available at £8,599 OTR. Colour options are Pacific Blue, Graphite and Tornado Red.

For those keen to experience this sublime machine for themselves, a free test ride awaits at most Triumph dealers in the United Kingdom.

SOURCE: TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

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The Times of India has reported that British motorcycle company, Triumph Motorcycles will soon be making inroads into India. “We plan to get in a series of models from our line-up. We are here to formulate a strategy for getting into India and are confident to find a partner by the middle of this year.” said Nick Bloor, Triumph export manager whose family owns the Triumph brand.

Triumph Motorcycles is currently in talks with up to 8 potential partners in India including Bajaj and a lifestyle product firm. The government of India has recently relaxed regulations to facilitate the importation of bikes over 800cc, by accepting testing and approval by any certified agency from the EU. It is believed that previously all incoming imports may have had to undergo stringent testing at ARAI (Automotive Research Institute of India).

With duties of up to 110% and up, the 2.3-litre Triumph Rocket III could end up retailing at over Rs 18 Lakh in India, where recently Tata Motors launched the world’s cheapest automobile, the Tata Nano at little over Rs 1 Lakh (US$2,500).

“These products cater to a different and niche segment and we come here with an eye on the future. We feel it is an exciting market with fantastic growth potential,” added Bloor. In reference to the Triumph Bonneville and its derivatives, Bloor said, “Powered by air-cooled parallel twins, their performance, brakes and fuel injection are tuned to current times, even though they are classic.”

Capitalising on the Triumph brand name’s strength, Bloor revealed that Triumph Motorcycles would also be looking into launching its clothing and accessories line in India. This would increase awareness of the brand and also serve to give a good revenue stream to Triumph dealers.

Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle marque, is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Triumph has always set the pace for category winning machines. From the iconic Bonneville to the class leading Daytona Triple supersports bike, Triumph offers a blend of design, character, sex appeal and performance that combines to create truly distinctive motorcycles.

The rebel choice of ‘60s stars such as Steve McQueen, James Dean and Bob Dylan, today Triumph continues to attract a diverse range of screen heroes, music idols and sports stars such as Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage and Joseph Fiennes to name but a few.

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2008 Yamaha MotoGP riders Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland took time off their pre-season testing schedule to make a special appearance at the Yamaha Choice of Champions event which was organized in conjunction with the recent launch of Yamaha’s latest offering, the new Yamaha FZ150i.

The four MotoGP superstars, who were in Sepang for the annual pre-season testing, were greeted by hundreds of fans who had gathered at the Yamaha Choice of Champions event not only to catch a glimpse of their motor racing idols but at the same time, find out more information about the new Yamaha FZ150i.

The four MotoGP riders also delivered a few comments about their recent 3-day test in Sepang. First to speak was Yamaha Tech 3 Team’s British rider James Toseland who is looking forward to his MotoGP debut after winning the World Superbike title in 2004 and 2007. “Sepang is a great track. Very difficult and my personal feeling is that if Asian riders can master this track, they can master any track in the world. This year, there are 19 riders in the MotoGP who are expected to win races. The bikes, tyres and rider skills are getting closer and closer. I hope to be in amongst this elite group,” said the 28-year-old Toseland.

Meanwhile, Toseland’s senior team mate, the American rider Colin Edwards nicknamed the Texas Tornado, touched on the development of the Yamaha M1 in his statement. “In truth, most of the development was done by Rossi but for me, it feels good to be a part of the team that is doing such exciting work in the field of motor racing.”

The questions and answer session then moved on to 2-times 250 GP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo who is also debuting in the premiere class this season. “I have always had good feelings for the Sepang track because it was in this track that I really did well during my first year of racing. For me, 2008 will be spent learning to go faster every time, and my priority would be to finish my races.”

Finally, 5-times MotoGP Champion Valentino Rossi took a turn at the microphone. “We spend a lot of time in Malaysia because we do a lot of testing here. For me, Sepang is one my favourites and brings back sweet memories. I won two Championships here and even though it is a very technical track, it is always a good place for me.”

“2008 will be another great battle but Yamaha is in good shape and we are ready to retake the title,” Rossi concluded.

The riders spent more than an hour with their fans at the Yamaha Choice of Champions event. 50 lucky fans were selected to meet the riders in person for autographs and photography sessions. Not missing out on the excitement of the newly launched motorcycle, Rossi and his team mates also took the opportunity to pose for photographs with the new Yamaha FZ150i, the star of the event.

Rossi had one final word to say before the proceedings ended. “I want one of these,” he said, pointing at the Yamaha FZ150i. “I would like to ask all Malaysians to go slow when they are on the road. Usually when we drive around Kuala Lumpur, we see bikes being ridden to the maximum limit and that’s very unsafe. Ride slowly. Leave the racing to the professionals on the track.”

“This was a very special event for us,” added KC Leong, General Manager of Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd. “The timing of the Yamaha Choice of Champions event coincided with the MotoGP pre-season testing. We feel very honoured that our MotoGP riders had agreed to make a special appearance to celebrate the launch of the new Yamaha FZ150i with us.”

SOURCE: HONG LEONG YAMAHA MOTOR SDN. BHD.

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Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. has recently introduced their Yamaha V-Ixion (the name used in Indonesia) here in Malaysia as the Yamaha FZ150i streetbike. Coming onto the scene just months after Boon Siew introduced their Honda CBR150R (albeit very late!), the CKD Yamaha FZ150i is a ‘naked’ commuter bike compared to the full fairing equipped Honda CBR150R sport bike. However, where the CBR150R is equipped with a carburettor, the FZ150i is fuel-injected! Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) means easier starts, a smoother torque curve and less hassle for maintenance.

The FZ150i is powered by a 150cc, liquid-cooled single cylinder engine, with an output of 15 PS at 8,500 rpm. This falls just a little short of the CBR150R‘s 19PS at 10,500 rpm. Torque however, is nearly identical with the FZ150i producing 13.1 Newton-Metres at 7,500 rpm whereas the CBR150R pumps out 13.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm. We’ll have to test both bikes back-to-back to see which one is more rideable.

The FX150i‘s powerplant seems very similar to the Yamaha 135LC, but the larger 149.7 cc displacement appears to come from a bore up. The FX150i has a 57 x 58.7 mm bore x stroke.

Being the first and only EFI bike in town (Honda sadly didn’t introduce the Wave 125i or CBR150R with EFI!), the FX150i is sure to attract a lot of attention. EFI duties are taken care of by an EFI system equipped with Mikuni SE AC28-I throttle body, which has a venturi diameter of 28mm. The compression ratio of the engine stands at 10.4 to 1.

Best of all for customers is that the sales price for the Yamaha FZ150i is at RM7,798 excluding road tax, insurance and number plate. This represents quite a bit of value for money for customers considering a 150cc commuter bike, as the Honda CBR150R retails for about RM10,363.17 OTR! The two areas in which the FZ150i loses out to the CBR150R is that it’s a 5-speed vs. Honda‘s 6-speed, and Yamaha have seen fit to use drum brakes at the rear. However for a commuter bike, these aren’t really huge weaknesses at all, but demanding customers may make a fuss.

Hong Leong Yamaha also displayed a concept bike (previously exhibited as the V-Ixion concept in Indonesia) at their launch to the motoring media and dealers in Genting Highlands.

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine:
Liquid Cooled 4-Stroke, SOHC
Forward – Inclined Single Cylinder
Cubic Capacity: 149.80 cc
Bore x Stroke: 57.0 mm x 58.7 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.40 : 1
Max. Power: 11.10 kW @8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 13.10 Nm @7500 rpm
Oiling: Wet Sump
Engine Oil Capacity: 1.15 litres
Coolant Capacity: 750 ml
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 litres
Throttle body: MIKUNI SE AC28-1
Engine Idling RPM: 1400 ± 100 rpm
Air Filter: Dry Element
Starting System: Electric Starter and Kick Starter
Clutch: Wet, Multiple-Disc
Transmission: Constant Mesh 5-Speed/ Mechanical

Frame:
Type: Delta Box Frame / Pressed Backbone
Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension: Monoshock Swingarm (Link Suspension)
Front Brake: Single Disc Brake 245.0x 4.0 mm
Rear Brake: Drum Brake (Leading, Trailing) 130.0mm
Front Tyre: 2.75 – 17 41P
Rear Tyre: 90/90 – 17M/C 49P
Chain: 428, 120 links

Electrics:
Front Lamp: 12V, 35W / 35.0W x 1
Front Signal Lamps: 12V, 10.0W x 2
Rear Lamp: 12V, 5.0W x 1
Brake Lamp: 12V, 5.0W / 21.0W x 1
Rear Signal Lamps: 12V, 10.0W x 2
Battery: 3.5 Ah
SparkPlug: NGK CR8E or DENSO U 24 ESR-N
Ignition System: DC – CDI [Full Transistor]

Dimensions:
L x W x H 2000 mm x 705 mm x 1035 mm
Seat Height: 790 mm
Wheelbase: 1282 mm
Ground Clearance: 167 mm
Dry Weight: 114.0 kg

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BMW Motorrad produces the R1200RT and R900RT as a specific emergency services variant. These bikes are produced by BMW Motorrad’s official and special duty vehicles division. A great site to look at for more information is the one by Jeff Dean.

You can find more information, download brochures in PDF and check on specifications on the official BMW Motorrad site too.

BMW police motorcycles were used in the CHiPs ’99 ‘movie reunion’ of the 1977-1983 American television series, CHiPs, which revolved around the adventures of two California Highway Patrol officers.

Photo: Jeff Dean

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Relentless Suzuki rider Paul Edmondson faced his toughest test of the year so far at the WOR Events Tough One Extreme Enduro over the weekend. Set in the intimidating Nantmawr Quarry near Oswestry in Shropshire, UK the event has become something of a flocking point for both riders and spectators who like their going tough.

Edmondson’s first outing on the Relentless Suzuki adorned bike was something of a surprise. He entered the Tough One on a bog-standard RM125, the only addition to the bike was a trials tyre at the rear and a bike lamp at the front.

Smart thinking from Edmondson, the Suzuki RM125 is light and manageable across the testing terrain and the trials tyre policy was soon adopted by many of the Pro competitors.

An added twist to the start saw all Pro riders on the start line with a wheel out of their bikes. Most opted for the rear wheel and Edmondson lost a little time at the off as the brake caliper moved slightly, delaying the whole process.

Although way down the field at the start, the Expert class already had a head start on the Pro’s, Edmondson battled his way up to fourth by the end of the first lap, then moved to third and held position for virtually the whole of the 2 hour race, just dropping down to fourth on the final lap. Lack of adequate lighting played a part as darkness fell but Edmondson still maintained a terrific pace to take a well deserved fourth in the Pro class.

Words and pictures courtesy of Tim Tighe & Suzuki GB.

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Tech 3 Yamaha rider Colin Edwards continued his impressive pre-season form today by setting the fastest time at the start of a three-day test session at the Phillip Island circuit.

read full story of "COLIN EDWARDS & JAMES TOSELAND OF TECH 3 YAMAHA TEST IN AUSTRALIA"

The world’s first ever production Ducati Desmosedici RR will be delivered to US actor Tom Cruise. Cruise is first on the list to get Ducati‘s latest US$72,500 sportbike, which is basically a street-legal MotoGP bike, packed with titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre components and can run up to 200 mph! Only 1,500 units of the [...]

read full story of "WORLD’S FIRST PRODUCTION DESMOSEDICI RR GOES TO TOM CRUISE"

2008 will see Yamaha’s principal factory racing teams hit the circuits of the world with Yamalube as an important part of the technical set-up; drawing the bridge between works machinery and production motorcycles even closer. The Fiat Yamaha MotoGP squad, Yamaha World Supersport Team and the Yamaha Motocross Team have all reached multi-year agreements to [...]

read full story of "YAMALUBE TAKES PERFORMANCE FROM THE PADDOCK TO THE STREET"

The official Fiat Yamaha Team launch took place in front of a media-packed audience in Turin, Italy recently. The unveiling of the two new riders for the 2008 MotoGP World Championship was the ideal setting to interview the four key members of the squad; Valentino Rossi and his Team Manager Davide Brivio alongside newcomer and [...]

read full story of "FIAT YAMAHA TEAM INTERVIEWS ONLINE"

For 2008 Triumph Motorcycles is delighted to announce the release of an updated version of its acclaimed touring champion, the Sprint ST. The bike, which was originally launched in 1999 and last updated in 2005, has been a consistently popular member of Triumph’s UK line-up. A direct response to customer feedback, the changes for 2008 [...]

read full story of "TRIUMPH LAUNCHES 2008 SPRINT ST"

The Times of India has reported that British motorcycle company, Triumph Motorcycles will soon be making inroads into India. “We plan to get in a series of models from our line-up. We are here to formulate a strategy for getting into India and are confident to find a partner by the middle of this year.” [...]

read full story of "TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE & ROCKET III IN INDIA SOON?"

2008 Yamaha MotoGP riders Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland took time off their pre-season testing schedule to make a special appearance at the Yamaha Choice of Champions event which was organized in conjunction with the recent launch of Yamaha’s latest offering, the new Yamaha FZ150i. The four MotoGP superstars, who were [...]

read full story of "YAMAHA MOTOGP RIDERS JOIN CELEBRATION OF YAMAHA FZ150i LAUNCH"

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd. has recently introduced their Yamaha V-Ixion (the name used in Indonesia) here in Malaysia as the Yamaha FZ150i streetbike. Coming onto the scene just months after Boon Siew introduced their Honda CBR150R (albeit very late!), the CKD Yamaha FZ150i is a ‘naked’ commuter bike compared to the full fairing [...]

read full story of "YAMAHA FZ150i – FIRST FUEL INJECTED MOTORCYCLE TO BE LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA"

BMW Motorrad produces the R1200RT and R900RT as a specific emergency services variant. These bikes are produced by BMW Motorrad’s official and special duty vehicles division. A great site to look at for more information is the one by Jeff Dean. You can find more information, download brochures in PDF and check on specifications on [...]

read full story of "BMW MOTORRAD POLICE MOTORCYCLES"

Relentless Suzuki rider Paul Edmondson faced his toughest test of the year so far at the WOR Events Tough One Extreme Enduro over the weekend. Set in the intimidating Nantmawr Quarry near Oswestry in Shropshire, UK the event has become something of a flocking point for both riders and spectators who like their going tough. [...]

read full story of "SUZUKI’S PAUL EDMONDSON RELENTLESS AT THE “TOUGH ONE”"