The Swiss Peraves MonoTracer promises low fuel consumption with protection from the elements.

The MonoTracer is a fully enclosed two-wheeler boasting a sporty, aerodynamic look and very low consumption. As a new version of the ECOMOBILE, a vehicle purely functional in design, the MonoTracer rounds off this unique class of machines by incorporating state-of-the-art design features. Peraves have built 90 MonoTracer prototypes called ECOMOBILEs and these have notched up, cumulatively over 12 million kilometres over the past 20 years. In 1996 10 ECOMOBILEs travelled from Atlanta to Montana and back, 11,000 kilometres in 3 weeks. The desert heat in Arizona and icy Rocky Mountain weather resulted in no technical problems for the ECOMOBILEs.

According to Peraves, the best motorcycle tires for highway use on the market today allow a lean angle of about 55 degrees. Apparently out of every 100 superbike owners in the GSX-R, Fireblade, Ninja, K1200S, R1 and 999R league maybe 20 have ever leaned their machines beyond 40 degrees. A maximum of 5 will regularly tip more than 45 degrees. Most of those sporty riders will limit their angle of lean by excessive “hanging off”, thus also limiting their speed in the curve. The MonoTracer with its “knee” (the retracted stabilizer tire) skimming the road, can lean to about 52 degrees and it has a turning circle and corner speed otherwise only achievable on a top-of-the-range sports bike. Of course, dry, clean and safe roads are an essential requirement for such antics.

Just when you think this might be the answer to skyrocketing fuel prices, comes the whopper price: 52,500 Euros (basic price) without VAT. I wonder how it will perform in traffic jams. Can it U-turn?

YOUTUBE VIDEO

TECHNICAL DATA
VEHICLE & BODY STRUCTURE
Self-supporting composite-monocoque made from glass-, kevlar- and carbon
tissues bonded by epoxy-resin reinforced with crash and roll bars. Engine frame,
steering head and stabilizer axles made from aircraft grade alloy steel.
Front suspension Marzocchi 50mm USD-fork, rear Monolever shaft swingarm.
Gull-wing-door with integrated sunroof, opening to the left.
Glazing made from tinted PMMA in aviation quality.
Baggage compartment of 200 Litres in the rear.

MECHANICS
4 cylinder-in-line-BMW-K-engine 1171 ccm, 16 valves, liquid cooling.
Dry reinforced monodisc clutch. Sequential PG-gearbox with 4 forward speeds and
electrically unlockable reverse, shifted by push-button-selector on left handlebar.
Automatic clutch optional.
Reinforced BMW-shaft drive.
3 brake discs 320 mm Ø with 4-piston-hydraulic callipers, fully integrated
electronic ABS. Ceramic brake discs and brake pads, ASP anti spin control optional.
Electrical stabilizer servo system, computer-supervised with cycle-time < 0,5 sec.
Semi-automatic, hydraulically operated softmode system optional.

EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES
RECARO-contour-seats with 3-point-automatic-safety belts.
Interior covers in high-tech-tissues and sound proofing padding.
Airconditioned + heated ventilation system of ample flow with intake air filter.
GPS-RDS-4LSP-audio-system.
Tempomat cruise control, frontal airbag, Bi-Xenon-lights, CD-players optional.

OPERATION
Motorcycle-type handlebars with extended functions. Clutch pedal left, gear- and
stabilizer-ops-switches left, integrated brake ops by pedal, aux-brake-lever and
twist-throttle right.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Empty weight: 460-485 kgs. depending on options
Max. weight: 685 kgs.
Tank capacity: 50 ltrs. / 14 USG
Dimensions: L = 3,65 m B = 1,25 m
(Stabilizers up) 1,40 m (down) H = 1,52 m
Service: 25.000 km / 15‘000 miles or annually – whichever is first
Engine: 96 kW / 130 HP at 8750/min, max. torque 117 Nm at 6750/min
Motronic-controlled injection
3-way-catalytic converter.
Acceleration: 0-100 kph = 5,7 sec.
Top speed: > 250 kph.
Brake distance: 100-0 = 43 m
Turning circle between walls: 8.5 m
Consumption(ISO 7118): 4,15 l/100km at constant 90 kph
5,05 l/100km at constant 120 kph

Basic price ex factory € 52‘500.- (+ local VAT)

2 years warranty / 25 years use guaranteed for composite + metal structures

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Aprilia USA will signify this year’s Moto GP in Monterey with the U.S. debuts of the versatile Mana 850 and the RS 125 Race Replica. As you will see below, these announcements will be made at Aprilia’s annual Beach Party, to be held on Saturday, July 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at “Adventures by the Sea” off Monterey ‘s Wharf #2.

Mana 850

RS125

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This funny little mini-chopper was built by (I believe) TH Bikers of Kampung Baru, Malaysia. It’s based on a Modenas Kriss 110 (licence-built Kawasaki moped). No prizes for guessing which Harley-Davidson inspired it. The V-Rod of course.

An interesting concept, it combines the modern chopper-style look of the V-Rod with the frugal 110cc powertrain of a Kriss 110. IMHO if you take off the tacky looking stickers I think it would look much nicer. Since it’s so small, let’s call it the “Hardly-Davidson”!

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Leaked info (warning: spoilers!) from the upcoming sequel to the first live-action Transformers movie has revealed, via Autoblog, that a female transformer, named Arcee will be featured, whose earthly disguise is that of a 2006 Buell Firebolt. The Firebolt’s odd pink-purple colour scheme gives away the gender of Arcee, a first for the Transformers genre as all the robotic characters in the first live-action movie appeared to be male.

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Following a very buoyant April when registrations increased by over 10 per cent, the powered two wheeler (PTW) market dipped last month (May) by 13.2 per cent according to figures released by the UK Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).

A total of 13,907 PTWs were registered in May compared with just over 16,000 in the same month last year. In the first five months of the year 58,348 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds have been registered – just 2.6 per cent down on the same period in 2007.

“After a bumper April, and with rising costs of living, the industry was expecting a slow down in the market,” said the MCIA’s Craig Carey-Clinch. “This is in line with a general fall in high street spending, with consumers being very careful about how they spend their money. We are all feeling the pinch with high taxation, increasing household bills and the credit squeeze.”

“Despite this, there are signs that people are looking at bikes as a real, low cost alternative to using increasingly expensive cars and public transport. A bike will easily beat congestion, is easy to park and will save time and money. By emphasising the advantages of PTWs, economic uncertainty should give the motorcycle industry an opportunity to get more people onto two wheels.”

The adventure sport category continued its upward trend in May with a 16.2 per cent increase, with buyers opting for bikes that are well-suited to practical everyday and leisure use. The BMW R1200GS was the best seller in this category.

Moped sales increased by over 47 per cent in May and are almost 21 per cent up over the first five months. Mopeds are an attractive choice for relatively short distance commuters.

The best-selling brand last month was Honda with 2,074 registrations, followed by Suzuki and Yamaha with 1,739 and 1,720 registrations respectively. The best-selling bike overall was the Yamaha YZF R125, which also indicates greater interest in smaller capacity bikes for everyday use.

The industry’s campaign, Now’s the Time, draws attention to changes in bike test legislation and highlights the advantages of motorcycling. The changes take effect in October and the MCIA provides helpful guidance at www.takeyourtestnow.com. National Motorcycle Week from July 14 – 20 this year, with Ride to Work Day on July 16 will be focal points for the campaign.

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BikerVoodoo reader Al sent this in. Kicked in the butt by economic reality, he chose to buy a used Modenas Elit 150 (rebadged PGO T-Rex 150) scooter for daily commuting. Read and enjoy!

PRACTICALITY
I picked up my scooter 1 day before the Malaysian fuel/electricity price hike, so it’s pretty good timing. Evaluating my needs for transportation, I realised, after many months of riding around on my buddy’s 115cc Yamaha Ego, that I didn’t really need a car to get to work. I live 3km away from my office, in a straight line, so obviously fuel consumption isn’t the biggest of my concerns, and neither is toll. Most of the major savings come from not paying for parking, at RM5 per day, and having to wake up early to get a parking spot, otherwise I’d be paying RM7, per day. (There’s only one parking area that charges RM5. The rest charge RM7-10 a day).

Based on my calculations, return on investment for my used bike, valued at RM2500 for a 2004 model, I would have fully amortized it within 10-11 months just on fuel and parking savings alone. This doesn’t even include the weekend excursions.

What if it rains? You get wet. That’s the only real downside… that and it hurts if you fall.

USAGE
It’s pretty quick on its feet. Acceleration is sufficient to stay ahead of traffic in town, and cruise at highway speed of 110km/h without straining mechanicals or rider too much. The fat tyres are sticky enough for their purpose, and being 120/70R12 fronts and 130/70R12 rear, you have a pick of the best scooter tyres available, namely Pirelli, Michelin or Bridgestone. Of course for the budget conscious, I’ve been told that brands like Duro and FKR make reasonably good tyres for these sizes at between RM70-80 a piece.

The top end could be slightly better and less stressed, but that’s compared to being on a 2-stroke repliracer or underbone. It’s reasonable for a town hack. Don’t do long distances and you’re fine.

Vibrations are still quite annoying, although it might just be my particular specimen. Despite having a rock-steady idle, vibes are transferred from the engine to the handlebars pretty well. I’ll figure something out soon.

T-Rex/Elit dash is informative – tachometer, speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. There’s even a digital clock but it wasn’t working as for some reason it is powered by a separate button type battery!

BUYING ONE
Why a Modenas Elit 150? Low resale values makes them good buys used, and they’re not the hottest thing in the market right now so it won’t get stolen. Parts are cheap, plentiful and well made. Why a 150? Cos the 125 just not fast enough! Finally, the Elit 150 / T-Rex 150 is small enough to lane split (as opposed to a larger scooter).

Make sure they have had regular oil, pulley component and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt changes or you’re in for a painful introduction to the pavement. If in doubt, just change them when you get the bike. Oil changes are inexpensive, so change often, at every 1000 km or so. and don’t forget a tube of gear lube while you’re at it. Belts and pulleys should last 18000 to 20000km depending on usage. Get the original part. I must stress on original. Any substitute belts have been known to fray and snap in a matter of 2000 – 12000km. It’s just not worth the lost skin.

REFERENCES:
a) MODENAS
b) PGO

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Harley-Davidson® started producing the amazing XR1200™ on the 29th April, 2008. This has got to be one of the most eagerly anticipated new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in recent times and will be released only in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this year.

The XR1200™ was first launched as a prototype at the Intermot international motorcycle exhibition in Cologne, Germany in October 2006 to gauge customer and media reaction to a new kind of performance-oriented Harley-Davidson® motorcycle with great style and character. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, development work continued to convert the appealing prototype concept into a great handling, high performance streetbike designed to satisfy the needs of European customers on European roads.

Harley-Davidson’s European Product Planning Team was involved from the beginning of the XR1200™ project, working in partnership with the Styling and Engineering team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The result is a great looking motorcycle that is built for the twists and turns of European roads, and one that represents the company’s commitment to the needs and desires of customers in the European market.

“XR1200™ is a new breed of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle that was born out a fruitful collaboration between Harley-Davidson’s European product planning team and our Product Development colleagues in Milwaukee,” said John Lewis, Marketing & Product Planning Director of Harley-Davidson Europe. “We’re all very proud of the result – a great looking, fine-handling Harley-Davidson® performance streetbike designed specifically to meet the needs of many European riders. Above all, it’s tremendous fun to ride!”

Michael van der Sande, Vice President and Managing Director of Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd, said: “The XR1200™ clearly demonstrates the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s commitment to the European market and our intent to attract new customers. We believe that XR1200™ will appeal to performance-oriented customers who like the idea of owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and are seeking a Roadster with great performance and tremendous character. XR1200™ is unmistakably a true Harley-Davidson® but one that draws on Harley-Davidson’s exciting Dirt Track racing heritage.”

We can only wonder for now if the XR1200 will ever make it to here. Naza Group now holds the Harley-Davidson franchise for Malaysia. Click here for a high resolution image of the XR1200.

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There’s been talk on the street for some while, bikers chatting in hushed tones about the rumoured return of The Legend. Now it’s official, Yamaha has proudly announced that one of the most talked about bikes of the last quarter of a century is back, except this time it’s bigger and better than ever before.

The all-new V-max was launched outside Madrid on the evening of June 4, where the world’s media (not including yours truly though) were entertained by drag-car races and jetfighter flybys before they got to see the real thing – enormous horsepower (200 PS) of metal muscle, a tower of power that unleashes mind-boggling acceleration, created for riders who know that might is right.

The new V-Max stays true to the original V-Max concept, it’s a muscular drag bike for the street, powered by the philosophy of Mad Max style, hot-rod performance and design, built for the adrenaline rush, pure and simple. So what’s different about the new V-Max? We’ve already told you that it’s got heaps more horsepower than the original. But that’s only half the story. The new V-Max is way beyond anything you’ve seen out on the street.

That 1,679 cc V4 engine is the centrepiece of a radical automotive sculpture that will bring whole neighbourhoods to a halt. And it’s not just got horsepower, it’s got radical high-tech horsepower, aided by cutting-edge Yamaha electronics technology from our race programme: Yamaha Chipped Controlled Intake (Y.C.C.I) and Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (Y.C.C.T).

The rest of the new V-Max is just as pumped-up and tricked-out: cast aluminium frame, underseat fuel tank, six-piston brakes with ABS, magnesium engine cases, electroluminescent dash panel, LED tail light and mega-wide 200/50-R18 rear tyre.

For more information check out the New V-Max website.

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Dave Molyneux and passenger Dan Sayle took an impressive runner-up finish in today’s Sure Mobile Sidecar race two at the 2008 Isle of Man TT races. Following the disappointment of a ‘DNF’ earlier in the week, Team Molyneux Suzuki were back at the sharp end once more, battling with rivals Nick Crowe and Mark Cox for the three lap race this afternoon.

Despite not being able to take the win, Molyneux and Sayle fought hard from the start on their GSX-R600 powered outfit, leading the race early-on before being passed on lap two. However, Molyneux wasn’t ready to give up, and stalked Crowe and Cox right to the flag, finishing just ten seconds behind to give Dave his first ever Suzuki powered podium in second place.

Thirteen-times TT winner Molyneux commented, “Second was the best I could do today but I had to make it a bit interesting and so stayed with Nick to the flag. Obviously the first race didn’t go to plan this week, but having a completely new package was likely to cause a few gremlins. Overall though, I’m happy with what we’ve achieved today.”

RESULTS
1st: Nick Crowe / Mark Cox – 59.34.76 – 113.989 MPH
2nd: Dave Molyneux / Dan Sayle – 59.45.31 – 113.654 MPH (SUZUKI)
3rd: John Holden / Andrew Winkle – 1.00.19.33 – 112.585 (SUZUKI)

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Jimmie Johnson and the JJF tribute motorcycle, with the crew of 2Xtreem TV

The new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum opens June 28, 2008, spotlighting over 100 of the country’s most passionate celebrity moto enthusiasts, their motorcycles and personal memorabilia. Among them is Jimmie Johnson, the two-time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, whose Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) has green flagged the inclusion of a special 2008 Star Motorcycles Warrior, customized by 2Xtreem Motorcycle TV and sponsored by Sunoco (www.racegas.com). The motorcycle, which was built as a tribute to the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, will be showcased in the exhibit until August 15, 2008.

Following its pit stop at the Museum, the motorcycle will be auctioned off at the Jimmie Johnson Foundation Annual Golf Tournament in San Diego on August 26, 2008. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org to learn more about the JJF and the organization’s events.

Two and four-wheeled devotees can tune in to 2Xtreem Motorcycle TV during May to watch the show’s crew build the custom JJF tribute motorcycle. Johnson even stops by 2Xtreem to take the machine for a test ride. Airdates and show times can be found at www.2Xtreem.com. Enthusiasts should also plan a visit to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, for a chance to admire the JJF tribute motorcycle in person, as well as motorcycles and memorabilia from other well-known athletes, musician, actors, artists, builders and industry leaders. The ribbon-cutting for “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is Saturday, June 28. Visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more information and information on how to join in on opening weekend festivities.

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The Swiss Peraves MonoTracer promises low fuel consumption with protection from the elements. The MonoTracer is a fully enclosed two-wheeler boasting a sporty, aerodynamic look and very low consumption. As a new version of the ECOMOBILE, a vehicle purely functional in design, the MonoTracer rounds off this unique class of machines by incorporating state-of-the-art design [...]

read full story of "PERAVES MONOTRACER"

Aprilia USA will signify this year’s Moto GP in Monterey with the U.S. debuts of the versatile Mana 850 and the RS 125 Race Replica. As you will see below, these announcements will be made at Aprilia’s annual Beach Party, to be held on Saturday, July 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at “Adventures by [...]

read full story of "APRILIA USA TO UNVEIL TWO MODELS AT MOTO GP"

This funny little mini-chopper was built by (I believe) TH Bikers of Kampung Baru, Malaysia. It’s based on a Modenas Kriss 110 (licence-built Kawasaki moped). No prizes for guessing which Harley-Davidson inspired it. The V-Rod of course. An interesting concept, it combines the modern chopper-style look of the V-Rod with the frugal 110cc powertrain of [...]

read full story of "HARDLY-DAVIDSON MOPED"

Leaked info (warning: spoilers!) from the upcoming sequel to the first live-action Transformers movie has revealed, via Autoblog, that a female transformer, named Arcee will be featured, whose earthly disguise is that of a 2006 Buell Firebolt. The Firebolt’s odd pink-purple colour scheme gives away the gender of Arcee, a first for the Transformers genre [...]

read full story of "BUELL FIREBOLT TO FEATURE IN UPCOMING “TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN” MOVIE"

Following a very buoyant April when registrations increased by over 10 per cent, the powered two wheeler (PTW) market dipped last month (May) by 13.2 per cent according to figures released by the UK Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA). A total of 13,907 PTWs were registered in May compared with just over 16,000 in the [...]

read full story of "NEW BIKE SALES IN THE UK FALL IN MAY"

BikerVoodoo reader Al sent this in. Kicked in the butt by economic reality, he chose to buy a used Modenas Elit 150 (rebadged PGO T-Rex 150) scooter for daily commuting. Read and enjoy! PRACTICALITY I picked up my scooter 1 day before the Malaysian fuel/electricity price hike, so it’s pretty good timing. Evaluating my needs [...]

read full story of "BUYING A USED PGO T-REX / MODENAS ELIT 150"

Harley-Davidson® started producing the amazing XR1200™ on the 29th April, 2008. This has got to be one of the most eagerly anticipated new Harley-Davidson motorcycles in recent times and will be released only in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this year. The XR1200™ was first launched as a prototype at the Intermot international [...]

read full story of "NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200"

There’s been talk on the street for some while, bikers chatting in hushed tones about the rumoured return of The Legend. Now it’s official, Yamaha has proudly announced that one of the most talked about bikes of the last quarter of a century is back, except this time it’s bigger and better than ever before. [...]

read full story of "YAMAHA’S V-MAX IS BACK!"

Dave Molyneux and passenger Dan Sayle took an impressive runner-up finish in today’s Sure Mobile Sidecar race two at the 2008 Isle of Man TT races. Following the disappointment of a ‘DNF’ earlier in the week, Team Molyneux Suzuki were back at the sharp end once more, battling with rivals Nick Crowe and Mark Cox [...]

read full story of "TEAM MOLYNEUX SUZUKI TAKE TT PODIUM"

Jimmie Johnson and the JJF tribute motorcycle, with the crew of 2Xtreem TV The new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum opens June 28, 2008, spotlighting over 100 of the country’s most passionate celebrity moto enthusiasts, their motorcycles and personal memorabilia. Among them is Jimmie Johnson, the two-time reigning [...]

read full story of "THE STARS KEEP COMING: JIMMIE JOHNSON FOUNDATION TRIBUTE MOTORCYCLE MAKES A PIT STOP AT THE MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM"