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Saturday, April 16, 2016
THE PRAËM SP3 IS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE HONDA RC51 IN THE WORLD
THE PRAËM SP3 IS THE MOST EXCLUSIVE HONDA RC51 IN THE WORLD: “The goal is not to make a pure race bike or a comfortable touring bike, but a vehicle that can live in between these two worlds” French customizers PRAËM are proud to present their first ever custom, the PRAËM SP3. The PRAËM SP3 is a one-of-a-kind Honda VTR 1000 RC51 SP2. This particular machine won the SBK championship in 2000 and finished second in the points in 2001, both times with legendary motorcycle racer Collin Edwards.The high-powered SP3 features a magnesium and aluminum engine that cranks out 165 horsepower, Öhlins suspension, Brembo breaks and lightweight Rotobox carbon fiber wheels. The rear cylinder has been built to prevent overheating thanks to the large fuel tank cutout, while the frame notes construction from stainless steel and brushed aluminum.The coolest feature of the bike, though, has to be the integrated Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 watch on the tank. The designers deliberately chose to integrate the complete watch (with strap) in its support to keep it wearable when the rider is not on the machine.For more on PRAËM and their new and impressive SP3, visit their website. BUILD SHEETNUMBERS:SP3 project started in January 2015. Complete design and building process done in-house and required approximately 4000 hours of labor. The new tank has a 12L capacity and the dry weight is 180Kgs.POWER TRAIN:Tires: PIRELLI Superbike SC2Wheels: ROTOBOX carbon fiber wheels (6.8kg a pair)Discs: SICOM carbon ceramic brakes (optimal operating temperature: 450°C)Brakes: BREMBO CNC 484/108 and CNC 84 (all on ceramic pads)Suspension: ÖLHINS FGR300 and TTX36, finished in full blackAll non-suspended parts use titanium bolts.ENGINE:1000cc 90° V-twin / DOHC / 4 valves per cylinderLightened crank shaftJE high-compression pistonsTitanium valvesTuned cylinder headsPower CommanderRacing air filters and ram airTitanium exhaustONE-OFF PARTS:Front wheel axle / CNC Steel3 disc holders / CNC AluminumTriple clamps / CNC AluminumRam air / AluminumGas tank / AluminumWired fairings / Stainless steel / 1150 wires / 7.8kgFront fairing edges / AluminumWindshield / Plexiglas (PMMA)Windshield carrier / AluminumSub frame / AluminumNumber plate holder / AluminumModified Frame / AluminumBattery carrier / AluminumEngine spoiler carrier / AluminumEngine spoiler / Antique brassModified engine covers / MagnesiumSeat / Aluminum & AlcantaraFairing brackets / AluminumExhaust silencers / Stainless steelSilencers holders / Stainless steelRear mudguard / Carbon fiberRear caliper carrier / CNC AluminumExpansion tank / AluminumWatch carrier / CNC Aluminum
Saturday, June 14, 2014
2014 BMW Roadster Revolution Concept Bike
2014 BMW ROADSTER REVOLUTION CONCEPT BIKE
Posted by vipcycle.com on June 14, 2014
"This concept bike is a symbol of how modern and emotional a boxer-powered BMW roadster can be," -Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design.
Every year I look forward to seeing the new concept bikes that come out. Sometimes the designs look a bit weird or impractical, but when I first laid my eyes on BMW's Roadster Revolution, I thought, "Wow this is one cool looking piece of machinery."
The BMW Roadster Revolution was designed to balance style and innovation. It's rear section is made of gloss milled aluminum and fashioned from a single piece, making the rear section sleek and nimble. Milling marks were deliberately left to create a rough hand crafted look, which contrasts beautifully against its painted surfaces. Borrowed from motor racing, it's integrated single seat expresses its ambition for speed.
It's short, steep tail pipe stands defiantly almost as if rebelling against the status quo of the day. Looking at this bike, I see a modern design with a tail pipe reminding me of its roots. It does a great job of balancing the two together. It's engine spoiler has been innovatively designed incorporating its entire front exhaust silencer to meet future noise prevention requirements.
Looks aside, the BMW Roadster Revolution rocks a powerful 2 cylinder flat twin engine, single sided swing arm with shaft drive and features a light tubular frame. It's boxter engine generates 125 bhp at 7,750 rpm with a maximum torque of 125 Nm at 6,500 rpm. It's crouching posture with a focus on the front wheel and a very short rear promise agile, tight handling.
Rumors say that the Roadster Revolution will make it to production and be available soon. Although most of the time rumors are usually not true, I'm crossing my fingers.
Want to grab some great deals on cool motorcycle parts and accessories for your BMW? Get 'em here.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Check it out! 10 of the Coolest Vintage Motorcycles Ever Made
10 of the Coolest Vintage Motorcycles Ever Made
Over the years, there have been many motorcycle manufacturers that have came and gone as well as many motorcycle models as well. The list below features 10 unique vintage motorcycle models that have left their mark on the world of motorcycling.
(in no particular order)
Featured below is a 1922 Ace Motorcycle manufactured by the Ace Motor Corporation, started by William G. Henderson in 1919. In 1923, Red Wolverton rode a specially prepared Ace XP-4 and broke a new record by reaching a speed of 129 mph (208 km/h), which was an incredible speed for back then. Production ran until 1924 and ceased operations after filing for bankruptcy and eventually Indian bought the rights and tooling to the Ace Motor Corporation. Because production only lasted for four years, this is an extremely rare, vintage motorcycle.
2. Indian Scout
The Indian Motorcycle Scout was manufactured by Indian, from 1920 to 1949 and is considered Indian's best motorcycle model ever made. It was even produced for and used by the US army and allied forces during World War 2. The scout featured an engine size of 745cc in 1927 and was successful in winning several Daytona races. It has been featured in several Hollywood movies including the film "The World's Fastest Indian" , which is about Burt Munro and his attempts at beating land speed records with his 1920's Indian Scout motorcycle.
3. BSA Lightning
Designed as an "all round sportbike" the BSA Lightning was planned largely for export to the US market in the 1960's to complement the Thunderbolt and Spitfire models. It had a top speed of 110mph and is considered one of the most successful models not just of BSA, but of all British motorcycles. It has also been featured in the James Bond movie "Thunderball".
4. Harley Davidson WLA
The Harley Davidson WLA was produced for the US Army during World War 2. It's design was based on the existing civilian model, the Harley Davidson WL. Productions started in 1940 and ended after the war in 1945, but was revived again as it was needed for use in the Korean War. Production ran from 1949-1952. What differentiates it from the civilian models is that it is does not have any chrome mirrors or other chrome parts. The fenders were modified to reduce mud build up and leg windshield guards were installed as well. Blackout lights as well as many accessories were added including leather scabbards to hold Thompson sub machine guns, cargo racks for radio equipment, and skid plates. In total 90,000 WLA's were produced, 30,000 of which were sent to aid the Russian Army fighting against Germany during World War 2.
The original Triumph Bonneville was produced from 1959 to 1983 and 1985 to 1988. It was quite popular in its early years and originally featured a 650cc engine which was later enlarged to a 750cc engine. It's named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where Triumph made attempts on beating motorcycle land speed records. In 2001, Triumph started and continues production of the Bonneville again, this time with a 790cc parallel twin engine.
Designed to be used as a long distance touring vehicle, this model was unique in that it featured a side car which allowed for two passengers to ride together side by side. It was designed by BMW and manufactured in Munich. It featured an engine size of 600cc and offered 30hp. Over the course of several years, BMW manufactured 20,133 of these models.
The Norton Manx is a British racing motorcycle that was produced from 1947 to 1962 by Norton Motors Ltd. Norton was one of the first motorcycle manufacturers along with BMW and Harley. Norton took part in every Isle of Man TT race from the very first one starting in 1907 up until the 1970s without missing a beat-a record no other motorcycle manufacturer holds. The top speed of the Norton Manx was about 150mph making it quite unique and formidable contender for its time.
The BMW R32 was BMW's first motorcycle ever produced. It was manufactured in 1919 and featured a M2B33 engine which had a displacement of 494 cc. The engine produced 8.5 hp (6.3 kW), giving the R32 a top speed of 59mph (95 km/h). Nearing 100 years old, it is an extremely rare motorcycle and has fetched upwards of $168,000 at a recent auction.
The Brough Superior SS 100 was designed and built by George Brough in Nottingham England in 1924. Sixty nine SS100s were produced in 1925 making this model extremely rare and valuable. Considered the Rolls Royce of motorcycles, all bikes came with a guarantee that they were capable of doing 100 mph (160 km/h). It is unique to note that Brough's workmanship helped developed the features of the early Harley Davidson forks on their motorcycles. The most valuable of the Brough models is the1934 Brough Superior 8/75hp. T.E. Lawrence, aka "Lawrence of Arabia", was particularly fond of them and had owned 4 of them in during his lifetime.
Released in 1976, the Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans was styled as a cafe racer but built with a V-Twin engine with a longitudinal crank. The engine pushed out a total of 71 hp, throttling the Le Mans to a max speed of 130mph. It was named after the 24 hours of Le Mans endurance race track in France.
If you have any comments about the motorcycles featured in this list or would like to add to this list, please feel free to comment in the comment section. Also, don't forget to check out our huge inventory of motorcycle parts and accessories for vintage makes we have including BSA, Norton, and Triumph motorcycle models.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Electric Motorcycles vs Gas Powered- Whats better?
Electric Motorcycles vs Gas Powered- Whats better?
THE QUESTION STANDS:
ELECTRIC VS GASOLINE POWERED MOTORCYCLES-WHAT DO YOU THINK?
As electric motorcycles are slowly starting to become more popular throughout the industry, many riders have begun to debate as to what's better to own? Traditional motorcycles using gas or electric motorcycles using battery power? There certainly are a lot of pros and cons to having a traditional bike as there are pros and cons to having an electric motorbike. More than anything though, I think it all boils down to peoples individual values and wants.
If you're all about limiting pollution and promoting "green" energy and also interested in saving some "green" in your wallet, then electric is the way to go. Traditional bikes however offer more speed and more options in terms of motorcycle makes and model availability. If you're going to spend some serious cash on a bike, you want it to have some umph and in that category compared to traditional motorcycles, electric bikes are lacking.
Riding a motorcycle, at least in the USA, is done more for fun than for utility compared to other countries where gas prices are astronomical and riders use their motorcycle as their main vehicle. If you're only riding seasonal or just a few times a week it doesn't make much of a difference in terms of money you're saving on gas, however if you live in Europe where gas prices are at least double of what they are in the USA, then having an electric bike would make sense in terms of saving money on gas.
In terms of the "coolness" factor, new tech is always cool, but there are a ton of cool looking traditional bikes out there like the 2014 Suzuki Hayabusa, Yamaha V Max, Suzuki Boulevard, and Harley Sportster. But again, it all depends on what you define as being "cool". As electric motorcycles become more popular however, and more companies start designing and manufacturing them, that will definitely gain them points in the "coolness" category.
The infographic below gives a short comparison of electric motorcycles vs traditional motorcycles in terms of fuel economy, specs and how the electric motor works. If you're still stuck deciding though, why not just have one of each?
Friday, May 23, 2014
Cool! I never knew that about Harley Davidson motorcycles!
The History Behind the Brand:
Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Harley Davidson is one of the most well known and recognized motorcycle brands on the market today. Whether you're a fan of their motorcycles or not, one thing is certain-they have have managed to greatly impact the motorcycle industry and continue to do so to this day.Having started as a manufacturer of small engines in 1903, Harley Davidson has grown from a small startup business between two friends to becoming an industry leader. Their designs and innovations have created the classic models we have today which include, the Sportster models-originally conceived for racing, the Softail models, which feature Harley's Big-Twin engine, and their Touring models which include the Harley Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide, and Electra Glide.
A close look at Harley's success, reveals an interesting history behind it. Like many companies, Harley has seen its share of ups and downs. For a time, Harley was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the 1920's. During both world wars, they helped the war effort by supplying the US army with motorcycles, and from their big twin motorcycles, came the creation of the chopper and a whole subculture of chopper enthusiasts and riders.
The infographic below takes us back through time starting from Harley's inception in 1903 to the present day.
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