Latest Bike News

There it stood the masterpiece in blood red, I couldn’t take my eyes on it! Like some Picaso masterpiece I was just spellbound with its aura.

Well my fellow bikers, I ain’t diverting from motorcycles to sculptures, but my introduction to this story is truly about a new masterpiece by another Italian art lover like Pablo Picaso, the MV Agusta motorcycle company have officially unveiled the Rivale at the ongoing EICMA show.

MV have unveiled this ‘hypermotard-styled’ motorcycle in Milan – this will be the Italian marquess third addition to its three-cylinder range and boy it sure looks a stunner. It is the new eye candy from MV, engineers from MV have carried over their iconic three-exhaust pipe system. But when it comes to the rear end of the bike specially with the turn indicators, the bike has a lot in common with the Ducati Diavel which might be a big turn-off to MV Agusta loyalist.

However, the overall package looks quite stunning so far, and if the Varese brand ends up delivering a motorcycle close to what is represented here, it should have another clear winner on its hands. Sources have said to expect the MV Agusta Rivale to feature a stroked-out 800cc three-cylinder mill on similar lines like the Agusta Brutale 800, while availability date and price have not been revealed as of yet.

The K-series has always been the sort of under rated star performer in a German football squad, the sort of vital cog in the BMW wheel.

Even though the super sleek and ultra sexy S1000RR has been making all the news for BMW Motorrad, the Bavarian giants stint with liquid-cooled four-cylinders dates back quite a few decades. In fact this love affair started almost 30 years back and thus BMW have unveild a special edition K1300S to commemorate three glorious decades of German engineering at it’s best. Aptly named as the “30 Jahre K-Modelle” version of the K1300S is draped in a special white, red and black paint scheme sporting tinted screen. This special edition is laced up with Electronic Suspension Adjustment, tyre pressure monitor (RDC stands for Reifendruckkontrolle) and Automatic Stability Control a.k.a ABS as standard. And the bucket list doesn’t end there this K1300S is souped up with HP shift assistant and HP footrests for both rider and passengers. There’s an Akrapovic silencer, heated grips and an on-board computer, too!

Well, all we can say is that Germans are really good when it comes to spoiling enthusiasts with choices.

Take a look at this exciting and insightful behind-the-scenes footage from the latest 007 adventure, Skyfall, exclusive to Honda as a partner of this 23rd James Bond film and in the celebratory 50th year of the film’s franchise.

The footage gives an exclusive snapshot of the film’s action vehicle and stunt crew’s preparations for Skyfall with the modified and ‘dressed’ Honda CRF250R motorcycles. The insider commentary about the thrilling opening chase sequence action from Gary Powell, chief stunt co-ordinator, reveals the secrets of some of the chase scene stunts that were filmed on the rooftops of Istanbul. The Turkish guise ‘Police’ and ‘Street Merchant’s’ bikes were created from the class-leading Honda CRF250R motorcycle, courtesy of Chris Corbould’s award-winning Special Effects team, and in this footage shows 007 (Daniel Craig) riding his motorbike though a Turkish street market as he pursues henchman, Patrice (Ola Rapace).

Source: YouTube

The Screaming Eagle is in a generous mood now days, which is quite evident with their increase in sales worldwide.

Well there is piece of good news as Harley USA are all set to manufacture and offer a state-of-the-art digital air pump for touring bikes. The new Digital Touring Suspension Air Pump (P/N 54000033) will be available at all Harley-Davidson franchise across USA.

This custom Harley air pump is an accurate and convenient piece of equipment used to check and alter pressure in the rear air shocks on all H-D Touring motorcycles. Being the only digital suspension air pump in the market, it has a bleed valve that allows precise adjustment of air pressure, along with a ‘no loss’ connector which maintains shock pressure when the fitting is removed.

The pump also features a pivoting pump handle, which provides improved grip while adding air to shocks. This compact pump fits in a travel bag and can also be used to measure tire air pressure. Display units can be changed between PSI and KPa. The LCD readout operates on a long-lasting, replaceable lithium coin-type battery. The pump is going to cost you about $69.95 (in the US) and we are fervently hoping that H-D India introduces this life-saving accessory in our country too. For more information, visit www.harley-davidson.com

Picture courtesy: Harley-Davidson USA

An extremely rare motorcycle from the 1920s that once lapped up the famed Brooklands race circuit was one of the top auctions at the Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale.

This one-of-a-kind master piece, which raced at more than 160kmph during its hey days in 1920, was sold of for a whooping £67,580 at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.

One of only two of its kind known to survive, this 1929 Grindlay-Peerless-JAP 500cc Hundred Model won the prestigious ‘Brooklands Gold Star’ award in 1937 by the hands of prominent VMCC member, the late Edmond “Boy” Tubb, making this motorcycle even more desirable for the auctioneers.

Other notable sales at the event included a one-owner collection of almost 50 modern-day classics, fetching a whooping £215,000, and two Brough Superior SS-80 motorcycles, which also were auctioned off for a combined amount of £130,000. While the entire sale which was raised was at a staggering amount of more than £1.3m.

Honda is set to debut a number of 500cc machines at EICMA next month, two of which we have already glimpsed: the Honda CBR500 & Honda CB500R.

Joining the smaller sport bike and street-naked is is theHonda CB500X, a 500cc version of the Honda NC700X. Spotted all together at an Italian commercial shoot, all three models are said to share a 500cc parallel-twin motor that makes 45PS, as well as the same basic chassis. Fitted with ‘traditional’ telescopic forks, single brake discs up front, and all three models sharing a bevy of major parts, Honda should be able to be very aggressive with its pricing structure on the new 500cc model line.

Looking at the components as well, it is clear that Honda intends its new CBR500, CB500R, and CB500X motorcycles to be priced at the lower end of the pricing spectrum, making them attractive to newer and price-sensitive motorcyclists — especially our friends across the pond who are riding with an A2 license.

Source: Asphalt & Rubber