Norton have teamed up with electric trials bike manufacturer OSET to
hold a kids fun day at Norton's Donington Hall HQ this weekend. It's
aimed at kids from 4 to 12, and will run from 12pm at Donington on
Saturday 16th November.
Norton are also offering tours of their state-of-the-art production
facilities at the Derbyshire base as part of the day's activities.
Dave Horne from OSET Bikes, said: “This event is a real opportunity
to cement the relationship between the two companies which started with a
conversation at the Isle of Man TT.
We are over the moon to have the
opportunity to work with Norton and hold this fun event at such a
prestigious location.”
Stuart Garner, CEO and Owner of Norton is passionate about
encouraging youngsters into motorcycling. He said: “Encouraging the
next generation of riders by putting together a fun event and working
with OSET Bikes is something we’re really excited about.”
Riders can sign up on the day from 11am, but are asked to contact Daveh@osetbikes.com or call 07913 576 425 to give an indication of numbers expected.
Shopping for a new bike? You’re in luck. You can now get a better
bike than ever, cheaper than ever, with better performance. Here’s
2014′s best motorcycle bargains.
Aprilia RSV4 R
1. 2014 Aprilia RSV4 APRC — $13,999
A 180 bhp, exotic Italian literbike for $14,000? The RSV4 R is one of
the smoothest, fastest, best handling bikes out there and you can get it
for cheaper than a Yamaha R1. Compared to that bike, it has smoother
fueling, higher quality suspension, a more powerful motor and a real V4,
as well as a superior electronic rider aid system. ABS is a grand more,
but only really worth the upgrade if you plan on commuting.
Yamaha FZ-09
2. Yamaha FZ-09 — $7,990
Things aren’t perfect in the FZ-09′s suspension or fueling departments
(a common Yamaha niggle), but you are getting a 113 bhp, 63 lb.-ft.
triple for $1,400 cheaper than a Triumph Street Triple. A killer naked
all-rounder, you could commute on the FZ-09 on weekdays, then scratch on
it at weekends. Or on the way home… The choice is yours.
Star Bolt
3. Star Bolt — $7,990
Or, if style is more you thing, the Star Bolt is superior to the Harley-Davidson Sportster 883
in every conceivable way, while retailing for over $400 cheaper. As a
bonus, it also features massively superior build quality to the new 2014 Harley-Davidson Street 750, while only costing $490 more.
Honda CB500X
4. Honda CB500X ABS — $6,499
If you’re like most people in the US and live in an urban area, you’ll
find this little Honda to be a superior, more practical ride than either
the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or Honda NC700X.
Combining little bike accessibility and flickability with big bike
comfort and practicality, the CB500X has found a just-right formula
that’s equally brilliant in town, on a mountain road or slogging down
the highway. We think it’s worth the $500 premium over the CB500F for
its more spacious riding position and surprisingly effective fairing,
too.
2014 Kawasaki NInja 1000
5. Kawasaki Ninja 1000 — $11,999
Want a fast bike that can do it all? Commute, tour, luggage, passenger,
maybe even a track day? The Ninja 1000 is probably the most versatile
sport motorcycle on sale today, making pretty much any sport tourer look
overpriced, overcomplicated and, now that it makes 140 bhp, making most
of them look slow, too.
Ducati 899 Panigale
6. Ducati 899 Panigale — $14,995
Sure, the 899 is more expensive than the faster RSV4 R, but it is also
$3,000 cheaper than the base 1199 and is actually the better bike. If
you want a Panigale, the 899 will not only save you money, but deliver
sweeter handling, greater agility and a smoother, more exploitable
engine. Making 148 bhp, it’s not exactly slow, either.
2013 Triumph Street Triple R
7. Triumph Street Triple R — $9,999
Not only is the Street Triple R our absolute pick of the entire Triumph
range (it’s more fun on the road than even the Daytona 675R or Speed
Triple), but it’s probably the best buy out there if you want a fun,
practical sport motorcycle for street riding. It also has superior
suspension and fueling to the admittedly more powerful FZ-09. The
Striple R really is just that much sweeter, making it an absolute blast
to rider in town, in the mountains or even on track.
2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
8. 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 — $12,699
With a TL-based V-twin, the new V-Strom 1000 can run with any of the big
ADV bikes, while coming in at thousands and thousands of dollars
cheaper. Suzuki has maximized practicality and comfort with this new
model, meaning it should hit a sweet spot for distance riders. If I was
buying a new bike in 2014, it’d be this one.
EBR 1190RX
9. EBR 1190RX — $18,995
Want a motorcycle that can stop anyone in their tracks? Want to be the
fastest guy at a track day? Well, Erik Buell’s newest bike will be both
rare and, making 102 lb.-ft. of torque, incredibly fast. A rare,
handmade, American superbike for under $20,000? Yes please.
Honda CRF250L
10. Honda CRF250L — $4,699
On a budget and just want a practical, fun, cool-looking bike to ride
around town? The CRF250L is near perfect within the confines of a city
or, if you want to get dirty, you can bomb trails on it over the
weekend. It’s not the fastest bike out there, but it’s so light, slim
and easy to ride that you’ll find yourself hustling this thing at a good
clip.
Ninety years after the debut of the first SS100, the brand is returning with an all-new motorcycle modeled after it. The 2014 Brough Superior SS100
isn’t just retro styling though, its performance is thoroughly modern.
And it should be, because the company hopes to get close to $100,000 for
each one it sells.
The 1925 Brough Superior SS100
Advertised as, “The Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” the original SS100
was famous for its performance guarantee. Each model left the factory
having been ridden at over 100 mph by George Brough himself, hence the
name. T.E. Lawrence famously rode an SS100. In fact, that’s what he was
riding during his fatal crash in 1935.
The most obvious styling cue adapted from old to new is the
cylindrical fuel tank. But obvious inspiration is also seen in the
V-twin motor and its exhaust layout, as well as in the girder front
suspension.
2014 Brough Superior SS100
That’s not to say that the SS100 is a throwback. The 88-degree,
liquid-cooled, 997cc V-twin serves as a stressed member in the steel and
titanium trellis backbone frame and uses a horizontal-seal, semi-dry
crankcase. It can be tuned to deliver anywhere between 100 and 140 bhp
depending on customer specification, with the former presumably
sacrificing outright power for greater flexibility. Making 92 lb.-ft. of
torque, that flexibility should be generous.
Brough says that stressing the engine has helped keep weight down to a relatively light 395 lbs (dry).
Front and rear suspension is Ohlins monoshocks. The front girder is
designed to separate braking and steering forces and is constructed from
titanium triangles with aluminum-magnesium alloy legs. The swingarm is
made from the same alloy.
2014 Brough Superior SS100 stripped naked.
The brakes were spec’d because they somewhat resemble old timey
drums, but are in fact dual-discs clamped by radial calipers. The
Beringer system uses a static central brake pad, with calipers pushing
in from the outside. In addition to looking fancy, the arrangement is
said to help reduce unsprung weight.
That’s good, because Brough has curiously chosen to use 18-inch rims.
Doing so not only carries a weight penalty, but reduces tire choice.
2014 Brough Superior SS100
Brough Superior hopes to make 20 motorcycles a year, with deliveries
starting in 2014. Considerably fewer than the 69 bikes George Brough
rode to 100 mph in 1925.
2014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS1002014 Brough Superior SS100Originally posted in Rideapart.com
The night before the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan officially opened its doors to the press, Harley-Davidson
took the wraps off its first all-new model in 13 years: the 2014
Street, which will be available as a 500 and a 750 when it goes on sale
in the U.S. this spring, priced at $6,700 and $7,500 respectively. In
short, the new Street is a liquid-cooled bike aimed at young urban
buyers around the world, a model that Mark-Hans Richer, Harley’s senior
vice president and chief marketing officer, called “our path to the
future.” Given that heady responsibility, the attractively priced
Street—which will be built at Harley plants in Kansas City (for the
U.S., Canada and Mexico) and India (the rest of the world)—deserves a
close look.
Let’s start with the engine, a liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin whose
chain-driven single overhead camshafts operate four valves per cylinder
via roller rockers with screw adjusters. Called the Revolution X, this
all-new powerplant, with a vertically split crankcase and plain
bearings, is a modern design that traces its lineage back to the V-Rod
of 2001. Jeff Coughlin, Harley’s chief powertrain engineer, says a
60-degree design was chosen to help reduce the height of the wet-sump
engine, which helps keep seat height and center of gravity low,
important considerations given that the Street is seen as a first bike
for many potential customers. Where I Live – Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 Motorcycles
Separate aluminum cylinders are fitted with pressed-in iron liners,
and the only difference between the 500 and 750 versions, which share a
66.0mm stroke, is the bore. The 500’s is 69.0mm, which makes for an
actual displacement of 494cc. The 750’s bore, at 85.0mm, makes for a
displacement of 749cc. Redline for both engines is 8,000 rpm, and peak
power for the 750, though not officially announced, was said by one
Harley rep to be 54 hp at 7,500 rpm, with 44 pound-feet of peak torque
arriving at an unspecified rpm. A single balance shaft keeps the V-twin
from shaking too much, and a six-speed transmission works with Harley’s
familiar belt final drive.
Korry Vorndran, Harley’s manager of product development, said the
Street has been in development for the last two and a half years, and
the goal was to produce a smaller, nimble bike that had enough
suspension travel to handle rough urban streets. To that end, the
blacked-out Street, which is based on a narrow, steel perimeter frame,
offers two inches more travel front and rear than an Iron 883. “We
wanted it to be light and fun, and have a more neutral riding position,”
explained Vorndran, who added that Harley has been more
weight-conscious with the Street than it has with other models. Both
Street models, for the record, tip the scales at a claimed 480 lb. wet,
which is roughly 80 lb. lighter than, say, an Iron 883. The Street’s
fuel tank and fenders are steel.
Other Street hardware includes seven-spoke wheels and a simple
fairing inspired by Harley’s XLCR café racer from the 1970s, plus a
slightly pulled back handlebar and a an attractive 2-into-1 exhaust.
Single-caliper brakes are found front and rear, and components such as
the headlight and turnsignals are designed for worldwide use, so they
won’t need to be changed for the bike’s numerous markets.
It’s no secret that the new Street, by also being built in India,
avoids steep tariffs and will help Harley strengthen its foothold in the
world’s second most populous nation. But at the press conference in
Milan, the clear and more frequently mentioned focus was young buyers
the world over. Harley, in fact, spent thousands of hours interviewing
these folks, learning just what they wanted in a bike. And what was it
they wanted? Personal style and individualization, as proven by the
slick, Milwaukee-built Street customs that Harley also had on display at
the global unveiling in Milan. “Personal freedom in not just an
American ideal,” explained Richer, Harley’s marketing boss. “It’s
spreading around the world. People want to be who they want to be right
now. We live in a world of personalized expression, right down to the
ink on their skin.” Street Custom Concepts – Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 Motorcycles
Even the event was finalised I will try to cover most of the main aspects of the EICMA-2013 the International Motorcycle Show, due to run from 5 to 10 November 2012 at the Milan Rho trade fair pole. Most articles are originally posted in other sites and this will be mentioned at the end of each article.
Today with the best motorcycles at EICMA 2013
Style and substance are two qualities that rarely come together. But surely, that’s the whole point of having a motorcycle show in Milan, right? Here are the bikes that manage to do both and more. These are the five best motorcycles of 2013 EICMA. Five:
2014 Kawasaki Z1000Bike Name: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 Why We Are Excited About It: The Z1000′s always been a looker, but this thing takes that to a whole new level with a pretty daring design from a traditionally conservative Japanese bike manufacturer. Plus, it has more power and electronic rider aids too. What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We’re looking forward to seeing it in person, out on the street. Should turn a few heads! Why You Should Be Excited About It: A lot of power and practicality in a very affordable package. Buy one of these, not a Diavel. Four:
2014 Honda CTX1300Bike Name: 2014 Honda CTX1300 Why We Are Excited About It: The Pan European’s 1,261cc V4 has always been a great engine, it just hasn’t yet had a great home. We’re hoping this bike fixes that. And, just look at those headers. What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Honda swears to us that this thing handles. Judging by the general epic-ness of its F6B big brother, we’re cautiously optimistic. Why You Should Be Excited About It: The cruiser world is finally evolving beyond bad tattoos and awful, ill-handling bikes. Three:
2014 Honda VFR800Bike Name: 2014 Honda VFR800F Why We Are Excited About It: How can we put this nicely? The VFR1200 is a dud. It’s much heavier than the old 800 and not a pinch faster. It also costs a ton more. So, take the old VFR800, lighten it up, give it new styling and, voila, a practical, affordable, sport tourer. What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We’re really hoping the VFR800 comes to the U.S. Why You Should Be Excited About It: You like bikes that are both fun to ride and all-day comfortable that don’t cost more than a mid-size car, right?
Two:
2014 Ducati Monster 1200 SBike Name: 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S Why We Are Excited About It: Big power, reasonable price, high-quality components. All that’s nice, but factor in humane ergonomics and you’ve got a real winner. What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We just want to ride it right away. Why You Should Be Excited About It: Ducati’s finally packaging its legendary performance into bikes you can live with day to day and ride for more than 15 minutes at a time without getting back spasms. Italian exotica for the masses. One:
2014 KTM RC390Bike Name: 2014 KTM RC390 Why We Are Excited About It: Low weight, reasonable power, high quality and what should be a low price tag. What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Price and availability in the U.S. Why You Should Be Excited About It: For living memory, American motorcyclists have had to choose between bikes they can’t handle (liter bikes and 600s) or crummy little learner bikes that look terrible and perform worse. No longer. This thing is the Mazda Miata of motorcycles and should initiate a whole new generation of rider into the sport of motorcycling.
