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BMW Motorrad recently unveiled the 2013 HP4, essentially a race-homologation version of the S1000RR superbike.

The BMW HP4 is a part of the HP series that was launched in 2005. After the boxer models HP2 Enduro, HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport twin-engine models, the HP4 marks the debut of the first four-cylinder bike in the series. Each bike comes with its individual HP4 serial number engraved on the upper fork bridge.

The bike debuted on the race track at the 46^th Macau Grand Prix held on the 6.2-kilometre Guia street circuit. BMW claims that the bike is the lightest four-cylinder supersports bike in its class till date. It offers a maximum power output of 195.6 PS and weighs a little under 200 kg when carrying a 90% full fuel tank and equipped with Race ABS (dry weight with Race ABS: 169 kg).

Externally, the bike now has an extended lower fairing that goes closer to the rear tire. There are integrated LED turn signals and a tinted windshield along with a HP Racing Blue Metallic / Light color scheme. The optional Competition Package includes body components in carbon fiber, racing blue metallic anodised rims and a sticker kit reminiscent of factory World Superbikes. The bike is also fitted with racing-style adjustable rider foot controls and hinged brake and clutch levers, which are less susceptible to crash damage.

The bike incorporates various innovations in line with its race-focused mindset. The standard passenger seat cover maintains the ‘monoposto’ (single seater) look typical of race bikes. For bikers who prefer to take some company along, there is an optional passenger package that includes a passenger seat and footrest system.

Technologically, the bike features more ‘firsts’. For the first time, a serial production bike comes with Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) as standard fitment. This system allows the upside-down fork and spring strut to dynamically adjust to the condition of the particular road from parameters supplied by sensors via electrically controlled regulation valves. The bike is thus claimed to offer optimum damping and near-perfect handling of short and long shocks for enhanced traction and safety.

For braking, there are Brembo monoblock calipers and 9x floating front discs. The new refined Race ABS has “Rain”, “Sport”, “Race” and “Slick” modes for different surfaces and racing conditions. There is a new-format 200/55 ZR 17 rear tire, and the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) has been optimised for supersports.

In another first, the HP4 is the first BMW bike to use a Launch Control function to allow maximum support from a standing start for a rider in “Slick” mode. The system prevents unwanted wheelies by reducing engine torque if front wheel lift is detected. In addition, the shift assistant (fitted as standard) allows virtually continuous traction force and instant gearshifts.

The HP4 makes a strong claim for the moniker of the best production sportsbike with its technology and high performance, and at a price of INR 10.9 lakhs for the base model, INR 11.2 lakhs for the standard package, and INR 13.6 lakhs for the premium package, the bike could become very successful very soon. “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday” has become a lot more real!

Austrian motorcycle heavyweights KTM are in plans to introduce two new variants of their much hyped 390 Duke motorcycle in India.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer recently stated, “KTM will debut a ‘faired’ model (KTM Moto3 350) and a ‘travel / touring’ model (KTM Enduro 350), which will be based on the KTM 390 Duke platform, and will share the bike’s 375cc single-cylinder engine.” He further added, “KTM will continue to rollout models every six months, with the faired sport bike and enduro model included in that plan.”

The Austrian firms market strategy is quite evident here as they are focusing more and more on the upcoming economies like India, south-east Asia, and Japan etc. Pierer also stated that KTM is developing a sub 200cc motorcycle for India and the Asian markets, which will, in all probability, be powered by a 180cc engine. With Bajaj-KTM’s expansion blue print going in the right direction it is evident from the fact that India is being touted as the next big market for the ‘Orange army’.

 

Source: CNBC-TV18

Japanese exhaust specialists Yoshimura have always been associated with Suzuki since the early days.

Now, Suzuki have unveiled a special edition Yoshimura GSX-R in honour of the Japanese tuning brand’s association with the motorcycle giant. To start things off, this special edition has been decked up with a unique paint-job, quite literally shouting out the ‘Yoshimura’ brand name. The superbike showcases all about performance even from a stand-still, sporting custom seats, OZ wheels, mirror block-off plates, wave brake discs, and a rear shock linkage kit have all been decked up to this special edition GSX-R.

Although not many off the technical details have been disclosed of this special edition 2013 GSX-R1000, we reckon Suzuki is going to market this stunner in very limited numbers to wealthy connoisseurs in Europe and the US of A. And, as with most limited edition works of art, the price tag has been kept very hush-hush for now.

 

In our country we all are in awe of our movie stars; we adore them and look up to them and these movie stars are trend setters.

Recently, Delhi traffic police roped in actress Sonam Kapoor to encourage woman riders to wear helmets.

On Saturday morning, Sonam Kapoor surprised many Delhiites by sporting a helmet while posing with a two-wheeler near India Gate. During the photo-shoot the actress was seen advising motorists, particularly women, to always wear a helmet even if they are riding pillion. Satyendra Garg, Joint Comissioner of Police (traffic) was also present during the event. The actress joined the traffic police’s drive due to the sad demise of two sisters – Santosh (35) and Neeta (24) – who got killed in a road accident while riding a two-wheeler in the Ashok Vihar area. Both sisters were not wearing helmets.

Speaking to the media, Satyendra Garg said,”While the exact cause of the accident and who was at fault is still being investigated, the fact remains that the man riding the motorcycle was wearing a helmet and hence escaped unhurt. Should we not learn from this?”.

According to the data available with the Delhi traffic police, 64 women have died in road accidents while commuting on two-wheelers without helmets in 2010. In 2011, 52 women died in similar accidents. So far in 2012, 35 women have died while riding a two-wheeler without a helmet. With Ms. Kapoor being roped in the campaign, Delhi police are sure it will encourage many women to put on a helmet for riding.

Bell & Ross, manufacturers of luxury watches, teamed up with UK-based Harley-Davidson customiser Shaw Harley-Davidson to create the Nascafe Racer motorbike, based on the Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Nightrain.

The bike is said to combine Bell & Ross’ precision, engineering and performance prowess with the work of Shaw Harley-Davidson’s master technicians. The bike was first completely stripped down, after which the Speed and Custom team at Shaw mounted a Bell & Ross BR01 custom timepiece in a machined aluminum based handcrafted center console. The bike was then painted with custom paint using a combination of carbon, anodized blue, and stealth-like matte black to reflect the design of the watch along with detailing of the Bell & Ross logo. The end result, as you can see here, is one hell of a stunner.