If you want to stay warm on your bike this winter, you’re going to
need to invest in some quality base layers. Heated gear is a great
option, but if your bike doesn’t support it or you want to buy some gear
that will keep you warm while off the bike as well, you’ll want to pick
up something off of this list.
Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Long Sleeve Top ($37) and Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Leggings / Tights ($36)
Camping and cycling base layers are a wonderful place to look if you
don’t want to spend the big bucks on motorcycle branded gear. While the
gear from these segments aren’t necessarily designed with keeping your
body warm while exposed to the elements at freeway speeds, sometimes you
can pay 50% of the price while getting something 80% as good as
dedicated gear. These layers from Sub Sports were designed for playing
cold weather sports and to keep your body warm while moving. They are
moisture wicking, and the extra compression fit helps keeps blood and
oxygen circulating throughout your body, which also helps improve
warmth.
WarmSkin Thermal Wind Break Shirt w/Zipper ($89.99) and WarmSkin Skinny Pants ($49.99)
We’ve worn these under full adventure gear while riding through
snow-covered mountains and under a simple leather jacket for a chilly
night out. The chest panel is made from a material they call Stormgear,
which is both windproof and waterproof, while the rest of its
construction is a thick microfiber. The off-center zip helps keep the
zipper (usually the easiest entry point for cold air) protected, while
also making the Wind Break Shirt look really cool when worn solo. The
sleeves are extra long and have those nifty little thumb holes, ensuring
no cold air ever gets in under your cuff. After a year or so, our only
complaint is that ours is starting to pill and we’re going to need
another one soon.
Forcefield Tornado+ Shirt ($119) and Forcefield Tornado+ Pants ($89)
Forcefield makes some of the highest quality armor available, so we were
very interested when we saw the Tornado+ shirt and pant. They’ve come
up with their own windstopper material for the outside and paired it
with Thermolite, which they say will keep you warm even if it get’s wet.
It’s also anti-bacterial and utilizes flat seams and a soft lining to
ensure the most comfortable fit possible. Look for more in-depth reviews
in the future.
Dainese Map Windstoper Shirt ($139.95) and Dainese Map Windstopper Pants ($119.95)
Looks like Dainse has been paying attention to the praise we’ve given
Schampa, releasing their own line of windstopper base layers. The Map
Windstopper shirt and pant utilize a windstopper front with the same
Thermolite as the Forcefield base layers. The one big thing we noticed
about these layers from Dainese is that they seem to have paid extra
attention to the cuffs, ensuring all the tech of the product won’t be
wasted by cold air getting underneath.
Aether Space Hoodie 60 – $265
Our good buddy Steve, creator of Wilderness Collective,
spent a solid half hour the other night singing the praise of this
seemingly simple hoodie. After the adventures that guy has had, and as a
former “guy who puts together those lists of cool gear for men’s
sites,” we trust his judgment. The Space Hoodie has a microfiber ripstop
and shell and is filled with 60 grams of Primaloft insulation. The
Space Hoodie looks beautiful and packs down incredibly small, so small
that Steve says he leaves it folded into its own pocket and then just
tosses the tiny roll in his day bag so it’s always available should the
weather change. This will definitely find its way onto our Christmas
list.
First published on rideapart.com
Showing posts with label motorbike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorbike. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Recall News
Canada MotoGuide just updated a lost with the last recalls.
Models Involved: 2006-2009 BMW F800S, BMW F800ST
Number of Vehicles: 2,431
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel bearing could wear abnormally, which would cause play in the rear wheel assembly. This could be noticed though an abnormal noise or harshness during riding. In some cases, rear wheel speed could be reduced at low speeds while coasting (when clutch is depressed), potentially causing a crash.
Correction: Dealers will inspect rear wheel bearings and replace with an updated design if necessary.
Recall #: 2013369
Models Involved: 2011-2012 BMW K1600GT, K1600 GTL
Number of Vehicles: 283
Problem: On certain motorcycles, a problem with the engine throttle valve control software could cause engine stalling.
Correction: Dealers will update software.
Recall #: 2013360
Models Involved: 2004-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 600, GSX-R 750, 2005-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Number of Vehicles: 13,112
Problem: On certain motorcycles, corrosion could form inside the front brake master cylinder, which could cause a spongy brake feel.
Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned front brake master cylinder.
Recall #: 2013364
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), 2014 CVO Softtail Deluxe (FLSTNSE), 2014 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG)
Number of Vehicles: 145
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Recall #: 2013365
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Ultra Limited (FLHTK)
Number of Vehicles: 1,583
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Thanks to CanadaMotoGuide magazine
Recall #: 2013380
Models Involved: 2006-2009 BMW F800S, BMW F800ST
Number of Vehicles: 2,431
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel bearing could wear abnormally, which would cause play in the rear wheel assembly. This could be noticed though an abnormal noise or harshness during riding. In some cases, rear wheel speed could be reduced at low speeds while coasting (when clutch is depressed), potentially causing a crash.
Correction: Dealers will inspect rear wheel bearings and replace with an updated design if necessary.
Recall #: 2013369
Models Involved: 2011-2012 BMW K1600GT, K1600 GTL
Number of Vehicles: 283
Problem: On certain motorcycles, a problem with the engine throttle valve control software could cause engine stalling.
Correction: Dealers will update software.
Recall #: 2013360
Models Involved: 2004-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 600, GSX-R 750, 2005-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Number of Vehicles: 13,112
Problem: On certain motorcycles, corrosion could form inside the front brake master cylinder, which could cause a spongy brake feel.
Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned front brake master cylinder.
Recall #: 2013364
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), 2014 CVO Softtail Deluxe (FLSTNSE), 2014 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG)
Number of Vehicles: 145
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Recall #: 2013365
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Ultra Limited (FLHTK)
Number of Vehicles: 1,583
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Thanks to CanadaMotoGuide magazine
How To Keep Your Motorcycle Intact In A Crash- from RideApart.com
Laying down a bike is not the wisest of ideas to avoid collision- photo from www.autoevolution.com |
Now, all motorcycles are a little different. While a big ADV bike is going to benefit from huge engine bars and aluminum panniers, those parts wouldn’t fit on a Panigale and, even if they did, they’d look pretty stupid. Let’s go through some of the most common add-on protection parts for road-going motorcycles and examine how they safeguard your bike.
Frame Sliders
The most common protection part for street bikes, frame sliders attach to a motorcycle’s frame, engine block or both with sturdy bolts. Typically made from nylon, the sliders do what the name suggests — they protrude enough that they’re the first part to touch down in a fall, then they’re designed to slide freely along the road surface. Bikes experience more extreme damage when they grip the road and flip over. Your protection plan should start here if you ride a sportbike, naked, sport tourer, tourer or similar road bike.
“Barkbusters”
Like “Kleenex” is used to describe all brands of facial tissue, “Barkbusters” is a specific brand of lever/hand protection products that ends up denoting all such items. Basically, a sturdy aluminum bar bolts to a new bar end weight on the outside, then clamps to the bar on the inside. This may be supplemented by a plastic plate designed to expand the area of coverage (these are killer wind deflectors for winter riding). The idea is to keep your levers from being broken in a crash. Broken levers equal an unrideable bike, so that’s a good idea. Because they is some give in the bar where it clamps onto the handlebars on the inside, it can absorb energy in a crash, possibly saving your bars from being bent or broken too. These typically fit any motorcycle with flat handlebars, but check the specs of the product against your bike to make sure. As good an idea on the road as they are off.
Rearsets
Aftermarket rearsets allow you to alter the position of your motorcycle’s footpegs. Any stock motorcycle should only be considered an ergonomic starting point, so these help there, but many rearsets also come with strong pegs that don’t fold up. Those work as auxiliary frame sliders, helping to keep the swingarm and bellypan off the ground.
Front Axle Sliders
These pass through the front axle, providing sliders for the front forks and brakes. The added protection isn’t as significant as frame sliders or rearsets or Bark Busters, so start with those first and add these after.
Swingarm Spools/Sliders
Same goes for these, but they double as mounting points for a paddock stand, making it easy to lift your rear wheel to change it or adjust the chain. Added protection is fairly minimal compared to other items on this list.
Engine Covers
Aftermarket generator/clutch/crank covers made from billet aluminum or even composite nylon are tougher than stock cast aluminum items, resisting wear. You won’t put a hole through one of these but they’ll do little to protect the rest of your bike.
Track Fairings
Not only do these cost less than stock fairings, but they’re often made of tougher materials too. Avoid trashing your expensive stock equipment while providing all-over protection for your bike with these.
Tank Covers
Natty little press-on carbon fiber or similar tank covers provide some limited abrasion protection for the exposed sides of your fuel tank, but are more gimmick than function. Invest in a good pair of large, sturdy frame sliders instead.
Engine Guards
These large, sturdy protection bars fit ADV and dirt bikes and provide massive amounts of protection in a topple. But, because they’re designed mostly for dirt crashes, they may grab pavement and topple your bike, actually exacerbating damage. A necessity while riding big, heavy ADV bikes off-road.
Sump Guards/Bash Plates
These cover a motorcycle’s exposed oil filter, downpipes and sump, protecting both against rocks thrown by the front wheel and impacts with obstacles. A very, very, very good idea while riding off-road; a holed sump is no fun.
Luggage
It’s not built to do so, but you’d be amazed how effective both hard and soft luggage can be at protecting a motorcycle in a crash. Particularly the hard plastic and metal panniers that have been popularized by the ADV scene. Because they protrude so far, they provide excellent protection from drops, often keeping the entire motorcycle off the ground. Just be cognizant of how said luggage mounts to your bike, ideally you’ll have failure or stress relief points (ie joints or connections) between the luggage and the subframe, giving energy a place to go other than into your motorcycle.
Exhaust
In addition to making it clear to each and every person around you just how much you have to compensate for, aftermarket exhausts are often cheaper than their stock counterparts. Because of that, replacing one after a crash costs less money. Please don’t use this to justify running a 120dB system on the street.
Those are some things that can help your bike stay intact during a crash or a topple. What aftermarket parts do you swear by?
Originally appeared in Rideapart.com
Norton team up with OSET for family fun day-
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.
La Corona xs650
Barcelona based La
Corona’s first build was an instant hit with the cafe/brat/custom
aficionado scene for good reason; it’s just a very well put together
package with a classy paint job. In fact there’s nothing out of place,
from the cross-hatched stitched flat seat to the black painted engine,
beige wrapped headers, swept-back 70′s style dirtbike bars, flat Bates
headlamp and black rims on trendy Firestones.
The bike is a 1976
Yamaha XS650, built just as the Sex Pistols were tearing-up the rules
in the music business. The Chassis and forks have been left as standard,
although braking has been delegated to top-notch Brembo 4 Pot Goldlines
activated by Radial pump and biting onto a pair of twin 320mm discs,
which should all work together to stop the bike almost as quickly as an
unlit skip on a dark night.
As with La
Corona’s other bikes, the front end is lean and light, with a tiny 60mm
speedo to complement that flat, fork-hugging Bates headlamp. Switches
are by Posh with all the wiring is tucked away inside the bars, while
Domino grips help the rider keep on top of the handling.
Rims are double
wall aluminum reinforced Akront wearing Champion DeLuxe Firestones.
While the seat and frame work are all bespoke to the build and made
in-house, as are the wrapped exhausts, battery box, fender, etc. And
it’s all topped off with very tasteful and timeless paint in white with
metallic bronze flash with black pinstripe and the understated La Corona
tank logo. The bike strikes a perfect balance between being pretty and
rugged, and just begs for a short summer ride to the beach with the
girlfriend on the back.
More on their website lacoronamotorcycles.comand blog Corona motorcycle blog
John XS 650 Cafe Conversion
John Fitzpatrick – 1979 XS650 Special – was bought it with the intention of doing a very nice show bike quality bobber. Something like many of your best builds on here, but the bike was in such incredible original condition I could not stand the thought of cutting it up. The original “Special” look was not my cup of tea so the only logical choice to me was to do a café conversion (which I had been planning to at some point anyway). This is not a show bike, but it is a really decent on frame restoration. I design products and source production for a living, but I also build frame up Off-Road Motorcycles; mostly bored and stroked Honda CRF250’s that I ship to customers looking for a really trick off-road bike to race that looks as nice as the factory bikes, but are more ride-able and built to the customer’s specific skill and needs.
I only put a little over 400 miles on the bike after I bought it (with under 10K miles) and at that point over $1,000 was spent replacing tires, tune-up and little things here and there from that owner. I then took the bike down/apart and started looking for anything else that should be replaced. Mostly it was just rubber parts that got hard. The bike was just in incredible original condition so it was a really easy and nice starting point to get the bike to this point.
The stock motor was running great, but the stock vacuum carbs were the typical XS650 carbs that would not hold an idle and were poor on acceleration with a bog mid-range so I bought some brand new Mikuni 34mm VM Round Slide Carburetors and that took care of that issue. They are smoother and deliver more consistent power everywhere.
The pipes are used but in great shape. The stock tank, front and rear fender, seat, brake and tail lights have all been replaced with new parts to give it the café bike look. The stock wheels have been painted black lacquer with a clear coat finish on them. The new parts are all painted black lacquer with at least five coats of clear lacquer over them.
Here is what is new:
The tank is from 77′ xs650. This year tank in my opinion is the best start for this kind of particular look but it was not enough to leave it stock, so I hand pounded out the knee wells to give it the more traditional café look and feel. The tank has been pushed back 1.5″ and lowered .5”. The gold pin striping is laid out to accentuate the nice curves of the tank and the new knee wells. I tried a few configurations and decided on this look. I think it has a more nostalgic look
The side covers are also from a 77 XS650. Again this tin IMO is a much better choice to give the look and feel of the old Norton’s and Triumphs of the 70’s.
The Café seat and fender combo are new and have a Cateye Tail/Brake lite frenched into it. They are new as well as the license plate holder mounted low and to the side of the bike out of the way.
The handlebar is a really simple clubman bar. Nothing to fancy but works well with the overall look.
I sadly will probably have to sell it as I need to make three long trips to Asia over the next few months and need to either sell some MX motors, MX bikes or this bike. I hope to be able to find another clean low miles XS soon so I can onto my original plan of building a show quality Bobber or Board Track Racer. Thanks for hosting such a great site. I love seeing the really nice bikes, they are inspirational and give me ideas on what works for my future builds.
First appeared in xs650chopper.com
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
More motorcycles could mean fewer casualties By Steve Hunt - MCN
According to a recent poll from the AA, 85% of drivers say that motorcyclists are 'hard to see'.
The stats were presented by the current president of the AA, Edmund King, whilst addressing a motorcycling conference on 'Sharing The Roads' in London this week.
Worringly the poll also found that 57% of all car drivers are 'often surprised' by a motorcycle appearing from nowhere.
However, Mr King believes that a clearer and more pronounced approach from those in charge of transport policy could greatly increase motorcycle awareness.
“We have heard much lately about improving the safety of cyclists from the Prime Minister downwards yet motorcyclists appear to be the forgotten cousins. Yet motorbikes and scooters can play a vital role in helping to reduce congestion and enhance mobility in our towns and cities."
“We need a step change in attitudes to provide a positive role for powered two-wheelers in our transport strategy. Safer, more fuel-efficient bikes coupled with serious inclusion of motorcycling within transport policy could bring benefits for all road users. All too often motorcycling is written off as deemed to be unsafe.”
In the same AA poll, it was found that an increase of motorcycles on the roads would greatly aid in the overall visibility of bikes and motorcyclists, with 54% of people surveyed saying that they would be more aware of motorcycles if there where more bikes on the road. Encouragingly, 13% would also consider using a motorcycle themselves for their daily commute.
First published in www.motorcyclenews.com
The stats were presented by the current president of the AA, Edmund King, whilst addressing a motorcycling conference on 'Sharing The Roads' in London this week.
Worringly the poll also found that 57% of all car drivers are 'often surprised' by a motorcycle appearing from nowhere.
However, Mr King believes that a clearer and more pronounced approach from those in charge of transport policy could greatly increase motorcycle awareness.
“We have heard much lately about improving the safety of cyclists from the Prime Minister downwards yet motorcyclists appear to be the forgotten cousins. Yet motorbikes and scooters can play a vital role in helping to reduce congestion and enhance mobility in our towns and cities."
“We need a step change in attitudes to provide a positive role for powered two-wheelers in our transport strategy. Safer, more fuel-efficient bikes coupled with serious inclusion of motorcycling within transport policy could bring benefits for all road users. All too often motorcycling is written off as deemed to be unsafe.”
In the same AA poll, it was found that an increase of motorcycles on the roads would greatly aid in the overall visibility of bikes and motorcyclists, with 54% of people surveyed saying that they would be more aware of motorcycles if there where more bikes on the road. Encouragingly, 13% would also consider using a motorcycle themselves for their daily commute.
First published in www.motorcyclenews.com
2014′s Best Motorcycle Bargains- Raid Apart
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Published first on rideapart.com
2013 EICMA: 2014 Brough Superior SS100
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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