Electric Motorcycles Cruise The Open Road

Cruising down the road, hair blowing in the wind, living wild and free. That’s the American dream of riding a motorcycle on the open roads as one sees the landscape while being part of it, not driving through it with windows up, AC blowing and video playing to entertain the kids. Most motorcycles tend to be gas guzzlers, however, so it isn’t always the best for the environment.

As you can see from the photo gallery we’ve gathered below (each photo, if clicked on, enlarges the image and also offers a link to more information), there are a variety of electric motorcycle types to choose from. Some have classic motorcycle design, while others go for a sportier feel. All tend to go pretty fast, have a decent range and only require a short charging time before you are back on the highway.

SD engineers look to reduce traffic congestion during annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

STURGIS, S.D. — South Dakota Transportation officials are considering several ideas to reduce traffic congestion during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The rally in the western South Dakota town draws hundreds of thousands of people each year, along with hundreds of vendors.

The Rapid City Journal reports that the effort centers on reducing congestion on state Highway 34. Ideas include various lane changes and traffic signal changes on area streets and avenues. Department of Transportation engineer Todd Seaman says officials are focusing on the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.

The department held a public meeting in Sturgis on Monday and is taking public comments through the end of the month. Project engineer Monica Heller says some of the ideas likely will be tried out during this year's rally.

Candlelight vigil, motorcycle ride to remember child abuse victims

A memory ride and candlelight vigil on April 3 will remember the 242 Texas children who died of child abuse and neglect in 2010.
People who would like to participate with show cars and motorcycles will gather at 3:30 p.m. at Mackenzie Park, 600 E. Broadway, for a police-escorted ride to the candlelight vigil.
The candlelight vigil will start at 5:30 p.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 6110 Chicago Ave. It will include free dinner.
The event is hosted by Family Guidance and Outreach Center, a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect

F1 : British press – Lewis Hamilton must consider McLaren Formula 1 move

Lewis Hamilton might have to leave McLaren if he is to achieve his ambitions in Formula One, according to British press reports on Sunday.

A report in the Sunday Observer newspaper said the 2008 World Champion "won't achieve" his target of becoming a multiple World Champion with the Woking based team.

The outfit's MP4-26 car has been unreliable and uncompetitive in pre-season testing and McLaren now faces "a desperate struggle" to keep 26 year old Hamilton on board, the report said.

"I am not here to race 10 years and only win one or two World Championships," Hamilton is quoted as saying, amid reports pacesetting Red Bull could be the ideal alternative team.

"I can't say right now that people can say 'He was clearly the best in the world'. I have only been here for four years so I have got a lot more to do," he added.

The 2008 World Champion, however, defended his current team, even though the Daily Mail also interpreted the comments as Hamilton "spelling it out to McLaren".

"I want to be one of the most successful Formula One drivers of this generation, so I think you have to continue winning and prove yourself time after time for people to know you are the best," added Hamilton.

The Daily Mail said: "The reality is that he will not abandon the team unless this season is a total disaster and there is a vacancy in a rival competitive team."

The newspaper also said Red Bull is a viable option for Hamilton in 2012, even though that team might risk destabilisation by ousting Mark Webber.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "Seb (Vettel) has never made any request, or claim, as to who he partners. He has a complete inner confidence in himself."

Motus MST Series

The Motus MST Series was presented at the Daytona Bike Week on March 13, 2011. The bike will go into production in late 2011 in two different versions: a standard MST and a more powerful MST-R.

Motus MST is powered by a liquid cooled, 1650cc V4 engine light weight nimble chassis and massive brakes. Before the bike actually makes it to production, Motus will send two MST prototypes on an "American Sport Tour" to ensure the pre-production machines are durable: "There is just no better way to make sure the MST’s meet our standards of durability, comfort, and performance than to personally ride the machines and iterate them as we identify issues. Along the way, we are meeting with friends, supporters and high quality dealers that have inquired about carrying Motus in their area."

More details will be revealed on March 13, 2011.

Hit the jump to see the Motus MST V4 in action.

Harley-Davidson-Bell & Ross ’Nascafe Racer’

If at any point in your life you doubted the co-existence of a watchmaker/motorcycle brand partnership, there will be no shortage in ways Harley-Davidson and Bell & Ross will show you just how ridiculous you are in your skepticism.

The iconic American motorcycle brand and the American watchmaker have collaborated in turning a Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Nightrain into a creative mash-up that features a Bell & Ross BR 01 Carbon watch installed in the handcrafted center console using a machined section of aluminum.

The special edition bike, which was overseen by Harley tuner extraordinaire, Shaw, is a one-off edition that has been christened as the “Nascafe Racer”. In building the bike, Shaw stripped the Harley back to its bare ‘n bones state before implanting the B&R watch into the center console. After doing so, the tuner custom painted the bike by using a combination of anodized blue, carbon, and a matte black custom paint finish to complete the stylish and expensive makeover.

While we never would have thought that Bell & Ross and Harley-Davidson would go hand-in-hand, given the segments to which their clientele belongs, we do applaud both American brands for the collaboration, if only to show that a hardcore-performance bike like Harley-Davidson and a luxury American timepiece like Bell & Ross can strike a partnership and create a one-of-a-kind ride.

Motocross kicks off in Young

MOTOCROSS racing is back on again this Sunday, March 20 for the season opener.
Young Motorcycle Club is hosting their club race day and a large contingent of spectators and riders are expected to attend the track, with a large number of riders from the Canberra, Wagga, Goulburn, Leeton and Griffith areas, as well as Young district, expected to compete.

The day will start at 7.30am when all riders have to have their bikes scrutinized by officials before the 8.30am two-lap practice session. After this session it will be into the racing.

There will be a break for lunch around 12.30pm and racing normally finishes around 4pm.

All riders compete in three heats and riding ages range from five and six-year-olds in the Pee Wee juniors through to Open Men’s Class.

The club provides for great facilities with full canteen services serving hot food, coffee, cold food and drinks. There are also excellent toilet facilities and plenty of parking.

This provides for a great day for all participants, spectators and families.

If you haven’t been to a motor cross race day before it is worthwhile going down to ‘Bunyarra’, it is along the Grenfell Road, and all the fun and excitement of motor cross racing is guaranteed on the day.

The Club is always seeking new members so interested riders and parents who would like to see if motor cross is for them will be welcome to attend on the day to watch the racing and talk to the committee members, who are more than willing to answer any questions interested parents may have.

FLYING HIGH: Men’s Open 2010 competitors gave the Bunyarra track a good workout during competition heats. The track is expected to be every bit as good again this year, and high flying action like this is expected to be seen again this season.


Young Motorcycle Club caters for all ages both male and female from the junior Pee Wee kids, to novice, intermediate and open male and female riders, so has something to offer all ages.

Meetings are all about fun but safety is foremost on the club’s agenda. Motorcross racing is an exciting participant and spectator sport, and Young’s track is one of the safest on the country circuit.

Entry to the ground is a gold coin donation to help the club meet costs.

The club is still looking for, and will welcome any new sponsors who would like to get involved with the sport.

For those who may be interested www.youngmotorcycleclub.com is the place to go, or contact any of the club’s officials.

For those who like spectacle, the track is the place to be this weekend.

2012 Honda Gold Wing

Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Honda feels riders are going to hear the call of the long, open road and have updated their famous Gold Wing model accordingly.

Being released under the model year of 2012, the latest version of the touring motorcycle seen on American roads since 1974 will be available as of May.

“The Gold Wing now expands its reputation as the premier touring motorcycle in the world, while the Foreman is the newest iteration in a full line of machines built to work—but are also ready to lead the way to good times when a day off comes around,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino.

Honda will bring the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities to the latest Gold Wing, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer.

The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod interface for a new SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience.

In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather as well as revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger.

The 2012 Gold Wing’s new layered-surface bodywork offers more wind and weather protection around the rider and passenger’s lower legs, so you’ll experience less buffeting and more warmth on cool days.

Other improvements include;

Redesigned bodywork also means increased saddlebag capacity. Non-airbag models also get a new center-mounted lockable glovebox for added convenience, boosting the cockpit-area storage capacity to 2.8 liters. Honda have increased the storage capacity in the saddlebags by seven liters, upping total capacity to over 150 liters including trunk and fairing pockets.

The Gold Wing’s new design features a dynamic flow line linking the front to the rear, and a new, integrated tail light and rear saddlebag treatment. A redesigned front fascia and blacked-out headlights add styling touches.

Revised suspension settings front and rear yield added compliance for a better ride and more comfort.

The new seat cover and urethane seat-cover material is more comfortable, waterproof and features a new, sportier, custom perforated look.

The Gold Wing’s available fully integrated GPS navigation system features a new lane-guidance feature, junction view, a new GPS receiver that captures satellite signals faster, and a new color LCD screen.

A new SRS CS Auto™ surround-sound system is tuned exclusively for the Gold Wing and produces 'a rich, three-dimensional sound brimming with realism'.

The price to get back into a new Gold Wing saddle will run from $23,199 to $28,499 with final prices to still be decided. As mentioned before, the models will ride onto showroom floors in May 2011.

The first opportunities to view these new Honda models will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina, February 25-27 and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-12.

If the latest Gold Wing’s have a familiar ride about them, there may be a good reason. Over one million Gold Wings were made at the Marysville Motorcycle Plant in Marysville, Ohio from 1979 until 2009, when motorcycle production there was halted. Reportedly enough models were built to meet demand until production resumed in the motorcycles new manufacturing home of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The new manufacturing facilities use the tooling transported from the old plant to build the 2012 model year motorcycles.

Many bikers will be happy to hear the new Gold Wing could be just the first new models to ride out from the mind and factories of Honda.

“With [this] especially popular model[s] we’re starting off the 2012 model year in a big way, and we’re equally excited about the additional new releases to follow later this year,” noted Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino.

Harley-Davidson Black LED Headlamps

The new Black LED Headlamps and Auxiliary Lamps from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories offer high-performance lighting and a gloss black background that makes these dramatic head lamp look unlike anything else on the road.

LED lights are brighter and whiter in color and provide a superior light pattern over standard incandescent lamps. Compared to the yellow light of a traditional halogen bulb, the LED lamp produces a "daylight color impression" that appears more natural to the eye. The light is focused with D-shaped lenses so the background of the head lamp does not act as a reflector, and can be coated gloss black.

The solid-state LEDs are designed for long life, and the shock- and vibration-resistant lamp assembly mounts into existing light housings. Installation is quick and easy, using the factory headlamp wiring. No external ballast or complicated wire harness is required.

Harley-Davidson® Black LED Headlamps (7-inch diameter: P/N 67700040, $524.95 and P/N 67700042, $494.95; 5.75-inch diameter: P/N 67700043, $399.95) feature two horizontal D-shaped lenses that focus light into a pool in front of the motorcycle, and separate high beam and low beam projector lenses that provide a focused beam of light in front.

The 4-inch Black LED Auxiliary Lamps (P/N 68000008, $384.95 set of two) feature three D-shaped lenses that focus the light and provide a matching appearance to the LED headlamps.

These lamps replace the original equipment lamps in all models with 4-inch round auxiliary forward lighting. Installation may require separate purchase of Adapter Harness P/N 68355-05.

The Black LED lamps are DOT approved for use in all 50 states and are available to fit many Touring, Trike, Dyna®, Softail®, Sportster® and VRSC™ models. See an authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer for fitment details.

Motus, Newest American motorcycle manufacturer unveil new rides

A picture is coming together about the latest rides from America’s newest two-wheeled manufacturer with Motus motorcycles making headlines over its entry model.

Earlier this week the founders of Motus (which means motion in Latin) introduced the MST-01 and MST-R, two 1,650 cc sport-touring machines scheduled to enter low-volume production later this year. Both Lee Conn and Brian Case are avid riders who came together to develop sport-touring bikes that are designed, engineered and built in the United States but pay no homage to the century-old format of Harley and Indian models.

Although Motus are based in Birmingham Alabama, the event to unveil their motorcycles was held in Detroit at the headquarters of Pratt & Miller, an automotive engineering firm famous for having built General Motors’ factory Corvette racers.

Pratt & Miller was chosen by the Motus founders to lead the bike’s engineering, development, testing and validation work. Indeed, the motorcycle’s powerhouse is an all-new V-4 engine based on the famous Chevrolet Corvette V-8. Mounted longitudinally and sitting forward in the chassis, the V4 engine is tipped slightly toward the fork, positioned for optimum for balance and handling. The engine was designed and is being tested by Katech.

The engine and gearbox will only take 200 pounds of the motorcycle’s total 520 pound weight, and features a 6-speed cassette-type gearbox.

Performance is key as is riding comfort, both targeting the bikers they feel will buy the expected few hundred motorcycles manufactured each year.

“Our first prospective customer is like me, an aging sport-bike rider who loves the performance but can no longer endure the cramped riding position, particularly on long-distance rides,” said Lee Conn, co-founder of Motus, “The second prospective customer has owned American V-twins and appreciates comfort, but is seeking higher performance.”

The design was born from hours of discussions with veteran sport and sport-touring riders, who tend to favor BMWs, Honda STs, Aprilias and Ducatis.

“We designed our motorcycle from the ground up to provide all-day riding comfort with hot-rod performance,” Conn said noting the pair decided against going the route of another air-cooled V-twin.

Considered the base model, the MST-01 features standard 43-millimeter Marzocchi fork and Hayes brakes. The R model features premium running gear, including an Ohlins fork and top-of-the-line Brembo brakes.

Carbon fiber is used in the fairing, fuel tank, seat unit and front fender to help keep the weight down. The trellis frame, a type long favored by Ducati, is fabricated in chrome-moly tubing by Pratt & Miller. The bike’s 17-inch forged aluminum wheels are sourced from the Italian supplier Marchesini and wear Michelin’s new Pilot 3 radial tires.

Both come standard with direct fuel injection, a feature that bolsters performance and fuel efficiency, still relatively new in automobiles and a motorcycle-industry first from Motus.

Everything fits easily within the motorcycle’s 58-inch wheelbase which features a seat height of 31.5 inches.

Specifications

Dimensions

Overall length 2130mm ( 84in)

Wheelbase 1473mm (58in)

Seat height 787mm (31in)

Rake 26º

Trail 108mm (4.25in)

Chassis - Chromoly tubular trellis spaceframe; engine as stressed member

Front suspension - 43mm inverted telescopic forks, fully adjustable; 120mm travel

Rear suspension - Twin spar chromoly swingarm; fully adjustable pushrod monoshock with remote preload adjustment; 120mm travel

Brakes - Dual 320mm floating discs; dual 4-piston monoblock radial calipers; single 2-piston rear caliper

Wheels - 17in x 3.5in front; 17in x 6in rear; aluminum; Michelin Road Pilot 2CT tires

Bodywork - Composite

Dry weight 227kg (500lbs) (est.)

Fuel capacity 22.7L (6gal)

Pricing hasn’t been set yet, pending final specification. Conn says it won’t be cheap, but he hopes to keep it within reach of motivated enthusiasts—presumably, well south of $30,000 for the base model.

And riders will finally have a chance to see the MST-01 and MST-R up close and in-person as the founders of Motus make a stop at Daytona Bike Week before taking a cross-country ride with Pratt & Miller engineers to evaluate the final prototypes, visit prospective dealers and proudly show off their new take on the American motorcycle.

Harley changes gear in Kansas City motorcycle plant

In the ongoing attempt to make its motorcycle production more cost effective, Harley-Davidson is changing the way it builds bikes in Kansas City.

The motorcycle manufacturer has announced it will move forward with the implementation of a new production system at its Kansas City, Mo. vehicle operations following a vote by the plant’s unionized employees ratifying a new seven-year labor agreement.

The Kansas City plant, which was the first brand-new facility built by Harley-Davidson for manufacturing since the historic Juneau Ave, assembles all Dyna, Sportster and VRSC family motorcycles as well as producing powertrains for V-Rod motorcycles.

The new labor agreement with employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 176 and the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 760 takes effect August 1st, 2011 and will be implemented in phases.

Implementation of the Harley-Davidson Operating System, a new, standardized production operating system being introduced across all company production facilities will begin at the onset of the agreement, while the compensation and benefits component generally takes effect starting in August 2012, after the current contract was originally set to expire.

The changes at Kansas City are expected to generate annual operating savings of approximately $15 million in 2013, the first full year in which the agreement is fully implemented. The Company expects to incur approximately $15 million in additional restructuring charges through 2012 related to the changes at Kansas City.

When fully implemented, Harley-Davidson expects previously announced company-wide restructuring activities, together with the implementation of the changes at Kansas City, to result in one-time charges of $510 million to $525 million, and annual ongoing savings of $305 million to $325 million. In 2011 on a combined basis, Harley-Davidson now expects to incur restructuring charges of $95 million to $105 million. The Company continues to expect to realize savings on a combined basis in 2011 of $210 million to $230 million from restructuring activities initiated since early 2009.

"The Company is well on its way to building a world-class, sustainable, lean operating structure and I want to thank our employees at Kansas City for their participation in this journey,” Wandell noted, “the ratification of the new contract will help ensure that we can continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers."

Zero: xu electric motorcycle

the zero 'xu' electric motorcycle with removable battery pack

one of five electric models in the company's 2011 lineup, 'xu' by zero is the world's first street motorcycle
to include a removable power pack that can be swapped in and out and used in conjunction with a stand-alone charger.

quieter and simpler to use than their internal-combustion counterparts, electric motorcycles are an appealing alternative
for a range of city-dwellers. at the same time, urbanites are less likely to have the garage or outdoor space
required for electric charging, a problem solved by the power pack on the 'xu', which can be removed from the device
and brought indoors to charge. the feature also provides easy swapping in and out for fleets of motorcyclists.

front view

built on a dirt bike frame but optimized for urban use, the 'xu' has a maximum speed of 51mph (82km/hr),
with a single-charge driving range of 30 miles (48 km).

whether connected to the power pack or directly to the 218lb (99kg) bike,
the device's charger fits into any standard 110 or 220 volt outlet and provides a charge time of 2 hours to completion
on standard mode, or 1.2 hours on quick-charge mode.

closer view of battery pack

planned to retail for 7,995 USD, the 'zero xu' is already available for order,
and the first models are expected to be available later this month.

the 'zero xu' on the streets

detail on rear lights

detail on ignition panel

Dealers give the Fireblade the thumbs up

Honda's flagship sportsbike is popular with dealers too

BRITISH motorcycle dealers have voted the Honda Fireblade as the 'Used Machine of the Year'.

The survey, conducted by British Dealer News, was voted on by almost 600 motorcycle dealers across the UK. Dealers who voted for the Fireblade reckoned it offers the best overall riding package, is a consistent top seller and rates very highly in reliability and quality and retains its value well.

The Fireblade is currently in its 19th year. It has won four BSB championship titles and countless TT race wins, as well as being and the first machine to break the 200mph barrier at the North West 200 and 130mph lap at the legendary Isle of Man TT.