Best of Both Worlds: Canyon Carving and Freeway Competent

Last week, the Rides apart team had an awesome discussion about the best performance motorcycle for the street. We heard a ton of different opinions, but one major theme we noticed was people making sacrifices in outright performance for a bike that could do a little distance. Here are the bikes we’d choose to get you from a ride on the highway to the canyons you need to carve.
What’s the difference between these bikes and the absolute best bikes for street performance you ask? These bikes add a little power and a little weight, making them geared better for sitting on the freeway and they are also slightly more stable too. A KTM Duke 690 is one of the best thing’s I’ve ridden on a twisty road (though our reader Bammerburn’s 636 looks pretty awesome too) but the vibes of the KTM’s single cylinder, or high pegs of the 636 make them uncomfortable for long stints on the freeway or after sitting on them for a few hours. The bikes recommended here split the difference. They offer more comfort for freeway rides, but still carry the power to perform like you want them to on the twisties.

2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS – $11,999
Kawasaki’s 1000cc upright sport bike makes 140 horsepower, 82 pound-feet of torque, and comes with ABS and traction control. It should stop there, but if you need more convincing, it gets higher spec brakes than Suzuki’s Hayabusa or GSX-R1000. This bike is incredibly easy to ride around town, touring, or riding fast on a fun road. RA readers Jeremyobryan and Bob both felt like it did double-duty better than anything else, and we tend to agree with them.

2013 Triumph Speed Triple R – $15,999
The Speed Triple (and Street Triple) R was the choice of many for best street performance bike. We went with other options as we’d rather be on something like the Ducati Hypermotard SP or KTM Duke for pure twisty riding as long as it was close, but both those bikes require aftermarket additions to make them capable of anything more than brief stints on the freeway. The Speed Triple R, with its upgraded brakes and suspension, and that incredible smooth and 133 hp and 82 lb.-ft. of torque makes sitting on the freeway a breeze and wringing it out on tough roads incredibly rewarding.

2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Touring – $19,995
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, there really isn’t anything that is all-around as good as the Ducati Multistrada. Semi-active suspension, multiple throttle configurations, ABS, and traction control, paired with a 155 hp engine delivering 92 lbs.-ft. of well spread out torque make this Multistrada very tailor-able to you needs. It’s one of those bikes that out performs your expectations and we have a hard time seeing a reason to take anything else. Watch Jamie Robinson ride it around Spain here.

2013 KTM 990 SMT – $13,999
We’ve covered our love for supermoto’s time and time again, here at RideApart, so a bike called a “Supermoto Touring,” or “Supermoto Travel” depending on who you listen to, seems like it would fit the bill pretty perfectly. If we’re being honest, we actually haven’t had a chance to ride the 990 SMT yet, but it sits shoulder to shoulder on a very short list of bikes we’d want to own personally. Reports put the gas mileage in the low 30 mpg’s which, while we don’t love to see, is probably something that we would put up with for that beautiful motor and KTM quality component setup. Anyone want to bring their SMT by for a spin?


2014 Yamaha FZ-09 – $7,990
The FZ-09 is on the sportier side of our list, but we were impressed with its ergonomics and great gas mileage and felt it deserved a spot on the list. The 847 cc triple makes a modest 115 hp and 65 lbs.-ft. in one of the flattest torque curves we’ve seen. Despite having such a fun engine, the FZ-09 gets 40-45 mpg and, if that wasn’t enough of a savings, the bike itself retails for only $7,990. The seating position is upright to a degree that its comfortable, while just forward enough that I wasn’t turned into a sail. I even found it to be the perfect angle to use the wind to hold my 6-ft. frame up without much work. While the engine of the Yamaha is beautiful, the fueling needs a re-map to deal with being a tad jerky, and the suspension needs an upgrade if you’re really going to put it through the paces. Still, if you’re looking to ride a few hours to have fun on a nice road for cheap, this is your jam.

2013 Honda CB1000R – $11,760
This de-tuned version of Honda’s CB1000RR makes for a brilliant all-rounder, though is slightly less sophisticated compared to Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000 and its fancy traction control. We spent some time on the CB1000R and were impressed with both its comfort over long periods of time and how much it made us want to misbehave. We’d be hard pressed to choose the Honda over the Kawasaki in this category, but have no problems should you choose to do so.

2013 Suzuki Hayabusa – $14,399
Yes, I’m aware the purpose of this list was to discuss things that were fast and yet still comfortable, thus ruling out sport bikes. The thing is, the Hayabua is actually really comfortable (and this is coming from a guy who’s very rarely comfortable). We did a 190-mile loop for the launch of the 2013 Suzuki Hayabusa, something that normally would have me wincing with wrist, knee, and back pain but, after a full day of riding, I was ready to go back out and do it again. Obviously, the Busa is big as far as sport bikes go and, if you read my review, you’ll see we also found the brakes to be a little too squishy; both making the Hayabusa not as canyon capable as its 600 cc or 1000 cc counterparts. Regardless, it’s still a whole lot faster and more fun to ride on twisty roads than most bikes, while surprisingly capable on the long haul.


First published in rideapart.com

Red Max Speed Shop Ducati Monster

Ducati used to build simple air-cooled V-twins in pretty trellis frames that people wanted to customize. In the 1970s, the Bologna marque established an almost definitive look: Long, contoured tanks and deeply sculpted race seats.
But then Ducati changed tack. The visual flat line running parallel to the road disappeared, replaced by sloping tanks and seats meeting in a V-shape between the wheels. It’s sound engineering, but less easy on the eye. And it makes it hard to give a modern Ducati to retro looks.

Thanks to designer Pierre Terblanche, we had a brief five-year respite, when Ducati launched the SportClassic—a bike with bevel-head looks, reliable twin-spark power and an up-to-date chassis. It was all over by 2010, but Steve Hillary of the UK’s Red Max Speed Shop wasn’t taking that lying down.
Being the owner of a Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE, Steve knew he’d be onto a winner if he could create a SportClassic/Imola-style tank that would fit the Ducati Monster. There were a few similar things going on in Italy, but nothing in the UK.

Steve’s plan to build a run of tanks quickly turned into a complete bike commission for a customer called Buck—and the stunning orange “Ducafe” we’re looking at here was born.
The donor bike is a 900cc Monster with the rear subframe modified to fit a Red Max Café Racer seat. It complements the Red Max Sport Classic tank perfectly, but it’s the addition of the blunt-nosed fairing that really makes this bike stand out. The frenched-in stacked headlamps were donated from a Ducati 999, and the style is matched at the rear with lighting neatly embedded into the seat unit.

Another standout addition is the single-sided trellis swingarm, which comes from an S2R. Lightweight five spoke wheels are attached via Öhlins forks and a 916SP rear shock. Pure quality, courtesy of eBay.
The engine has been treated to a top-end rebuild, with fuelling now handled by a set of bell-mouthed FCR Keihins. And then there’s that exhaust … stainless steel robot-welded pipes snake under the engine and swingarm, finishing with two GP-style shortie exit pipes. Apparently it sounds as good as it looks.

Neat touches are everywhere you look, but you can’t escape the metallic orange paint scheme. The color is from the Lamborghini color chart: It’s a three-stage paint designed for the Diablo, and it stands out even more against the pale grey of the trellis frame and swinger.
But for Steve, it’s not just about the build—it’s about the ride. “She doesn’t disappoint,” he says. “Hard, fast and loud, as a Duc should be.”
Just what we wanted to hear.
Images by Greg Moss. Red Max thanks Pitlane in Winchester for the paint, and Stuey at Accutek for the wiring and “intelligent relay technology.”


first published on Bike EXIF 2013 custom motorcycles.
 Red Max Speed Shop Ducati Monster

Bimota DB3 by Analog Motorcycles- BikeExif

 

Amidst the beauty parade of BMWs, Hondas and Triumphs, it’s good to see a more obscure marque getting a custom makeover. And before you recoil in horror at the thought of a Bimota going under the knife, rest assured that the donor bike was probably the ugliest machine to come out of Bimota’s Rimini factory—the mid-90s DB3 Mantra.
‘DB3.5’ is the work of Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles, with help from co-conspirator Mike Ardito. And mighty fine it is too. The oddball bodywork is gone, and the mechanicals have been upgraded with high-spec components to make it even more exhilarating to ride.

 

The Ducati M900 motor has been rebuilt by Ducati Milwaukee, and fitted with a later-model oil cooler to keep temperatures down. It’s now fed by Keihin FCR carbs with velocity stacks to boost power, with gases exiting via a very discreet custom exhaust—complete with a classy ceramic coating from Hytek Coatings.

 

Swedish brake specialists ISR were called in to help haul this projectile to a stop, with custom-made 320mm rotors up front and adjustable radial master cylinders. The wheels are 17” Alpinas front and back, with custom spacers, and shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires. The finishing touches include custom HEL brake lines, newly-fabricated Analog belt guards, and an EVR slipper clutch and slave cylinder.

 

To ensure the Show matches the Go, Tony and Mark created all-new bodywork, with a new rear subframe to keep things tidy. The new aluminum tank is the highlight, and everything is finished in a subtle shade of gray applied by Crown Autobody.

It’s the bike that Bimota themselves should have built 17 years ago: a high-performance naked with a stripped-back style and timeless appeal. It’s also just been showcased in the latest episode of Cafe Racer TV; if you didn’t catch it, head over to the Analog Motorcycles website for more details and the lowdown on Tony Prust’s other wonderful builds. 

First published on www.bikeexif.com

Silverman Museum Ducati Collection To Hit Auction Block

Bonhams Press Release:
Following the recent news of the Pierce Museum collection of Harley-Davidson’s headlining January’s Las Vegas motorcycle auction, Bonhams is very pleased to announce the addition of another truly impressive collection, that of Silverman Museum Racing.
Comprised of Italian thoroughbreds, the Silverman collection is renowned for having the best of the best. Like the world-famous Silverman collection of Native American artifacts, universally regarded as one of the best in existence, the collection of Ducati motorcycles is likewise second to none.
Following the owner’s passion for racing and, indeed, the DNA of the marque itself, most of the collection is built around competition models. For instance, featured is a 1973 750SS Imola Short Stroke.
Based on the motorcycle that roared to victory in the 1972 Imola GP capturing both first and second places with factory riders Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, this is the model that launched the Ducati legend. As Classic Driver wrote, with “an engine note as moving as an opera by Verdi and curves as beguiling as Sophia Loren’s” it is the all-time favorite model from the Bologna manufacturer.
Then there is a rare 1974 750SS Green Frame Round Case – never sold new in the US – with its boisterous symphony, powerful motor and low production numbers that represents one of the finest and most desirable of all Ducati’s.
And a brand new 1978 Ducati 900 NCR, the same model that propelled legendary racer Mike Hailwood to a victorious comeback (after an 11 year hiatus!) at the Isle of Man and Mallory Park.
Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is the original condition 1984 750SS TT1 campaigned by Pablo Real. In addition to being the progenitor of the extremely successful four-valve Ducati racers that paved the way for world Superbike domination, TT1 models are nearly as rare as hen’s teeth and never come up for sale, let alone one with documented race history. Better still, not one but two TT1s are being offered!
Other multiple same-model machines from this astounding collection include two or more TT2s, F1 Desmos and F1 Montjuics, something that is practically unheard of, in addition to the many other fine examples from the group.
Truly one of the greatest collections of Ducati’s assembled, the Silverman Museum Racing collection will share center stage with the Pierce Museum collection in January, each representing Bologna and Milwaukee with machines that are diametrically opposed in style and purpose yet symbolize the epitome and benchmark of their respective genres.
The Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will take place at Bally’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday 9 January 2014.
For more information: www.bonhams.com

EICMA 2013- Best 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 Z1000

Bike 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 CTX1300

Bike 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 VFR800

Bike 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 S

Bike 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 RC390

Bike 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.


The original article appeared in RIDE APART Best-motorcycles-2013-eicma