Asphalt & Rubber

BMW S1000RR Stunting: Warning The Video You Are About to See Might Offend You

When BMW set out to make the S1000RR superbike, they put the Japanese 4 squarely in their sights. There can be little doubt that zie Germans succeed in making a bike that can compete with the liter bike incumbents. While we’re not sure if the S1000RR is completely up to the hype with its alleged 183hp dyno figures, one thing is for certain: The BMW S1000RR has plenty of power on tap. While we hear at A&R prefer to think of that power going towards canyon carving adventures or helping us become Sunday morning track day heroes, for some that power is better suited for lofting a front (or rear) wheel, and practicing cursive calligraphy on a tarmac surface.

Tamburini Corse T1 Rethinks the MV Agusta Brutale

Tamburini Corse has done their magic on the MV Agusta Brutale in what they call the Tamburini Corse T1, which sounds like something out of The Terminator, but looks more like pure carbon sex to us. Massimo Tamburini’s son Andrea has the reigns at Tamburini Corse, and he builds off his father’s designs, appealing to a new generation of MV riders with the Tamburini Corse T1. Photos and more after the jump.

Official Pictures of the Vyrus 987 C3 4V

Vyrus has finally gotten their 987 C3 4V off the beach, and into the studio for some standard mug shots. With proper lighting we can now see all the details lurking on the body of the Vyrus 987 C3 4V, and the bike looks stunning. Take a look after the jump for all the hub-center steering, 184hp, carbon goodness. Want to know how it all goes together, check this time-lapse build video out too.

2010 Yamaha FZ8 Officially Revealed

After photos of the new Yamaha FZ8 were leaked out on the internet, Yamaha seems to think it’s best to release an official picture of the entire FZ8 in it’s full colorful form. As seen from the earlier black and white photos, the Yamaha FZ8 is based heavily off of the FZ1, which may suggest where its performance features will lie when the final release to the public is made this spring.

Rumors has it that the FZ8 will feature the same stroke as the FZ1, which should provide for impressive torque figures, while power is expected to be closer to the FZ6. No word yet if the FZ8 is making it stateside.

Harley-Davidson Reports Devastating 89.7% Annual Income Loss for 2009 – Made $70 Million Last Year

For the Buell and MV loyal, Harley-Davidson’s latest earnings report should provide all the information as to why the Milwaukee manufacturer had to close and sell those brands respectively. Reporting a nearly 90% loss in annual income, Harley-Davidson earned only $70.6 million in 2009, compared to the $684.2 million Harley earned in 2008, which results in a staggering loss of income for the iconic motorcycle company.

Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact Tires: Now with Pi Sign

All new for 2010, the Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact tire is set to redefine the motorcycle industry with its proprietary Chicken Strip Assessment Technology. Do your buddies brag about how far over they can lean their bike? How they’re the next Golden God of Canyon Carving? With Metzler’s Chicken Strip Assessment Technology system, there’s little doubt about how much you’re compensating for something else; and now you can rate your manhood on a scale from 1 to 5. Now go chase that crazy elephant! Chase him!

2010 Yamaha FZ8 Caught Naked in Photos

In addition to getting leaked photos of what the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R or Fazzer 8 will look like, Motociclismo.it has also gotten shots of what they believe to be the FZ8 in its final form, i.e. in the nude. The fairing-less motorcycle will be built of the same chassis as the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R, but will sport a different headlight to accentuate the exposed frame and motor more adequately. Photos after the jump.

Yamaha FZ8R “Fazer” Revealed with Leaked Photos

Two months ago we revealed what the 2010 Yamaha FZ8 looked like from the headlight up. Yamaha is again teasing us with only a headshot, but this time it is the 2010 Yamaha FZ8R or “Fazer 8″ as Yamaha seems to want to call it, the fully-faired FZ8, that is getting unwrapped. While the photo above is an official photo from Yamaha, Motociclisimo.it has what they believe are leaked photos of both the naked an faired bikes in their final form. Check those photos after the jump.

Magpul Ronin: An Alternate Reality of Buell

With the Magpul Ronin, we’re not sure what gun/rifle magazine innovator Magpul is doing making a motorcycle, but we like the outcome of that awkward yet happy merger. Buell owners don’t have much to look forward to right now, but imagine a world where Buell Motorcycles was still in business, and the American sportbike industry is overrun by gun manufacturers making motorcycles. Now add in some wayward samurai warriors, and the end result could be what you see above.

It’s life Jim, but not as we know it…photos and more after the jum

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight: The Gen-X Sportster

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight (or is it 48?), has made its way out of Milwaukee in time for the 2010 model year. Based on the Sportster 1200 platform, the Forty-Eight is the latest addition to Harley’s “custom” offering. It differs from its Nightser et al counterparts with a bobber meets cafe racer appeal, but keeps the ubiquitous orange and black color schemes.

Fatties on the front and rear rims, the black on polish Forty-Eight gets its motivation from the 1200cc Evolution v-twin motor that’s wedged into the Sportster chassis. The bike is certainly an attractive piece from Harley-Davidson, but also fails to really distinguish itself from the rest of the Harley line-up. Mirrors are underslung, the license plate is side mounted (we doubt the DOT saw that), and a 2.1 gallon fuel tank keeps things a strictly “around the town” sort of affair.

2010 MV Agusta F4 Breaks Cover at EICMA

Posted Monday, November 9th, 2009 @ 6:14 pm, by Jenny Gun

Home » Bikes » 2010 MV Agusta F4 Breaks Cover at EICMA

2010 MV Agusta F4 Breaks Cover at EICMA 2010 mv agusta f4 6 560x373

The 2010 MV Agusta F4 has been hyped extensively by MV, but after seeing the Brutale release, we were skeptical about what the new F4 would bring. Expectedly, the 2010 MV Agusta F4 is based of Massimo Tamburini’s iconic design, and is updated to fit more with modern tastes. But MV has also changed the bike underneath the hood. More on that, photos, and technical specifications after the jump.

With a 998cc motor, the new F4 makes 3hp more than the comparably displaced 2009 MV Agusta R 312. The 2010 F4 also weights less, dropping 22lbs for a dry weight of 424lbs.

Like the Brutale, a new engine, chassis, and swingarm have been designed for the 2010 model. These changes make the 2010 MV Agusta F4 4cm narrower, while making the chassis more rigid.

Riders should find the new chassis more comfortable, and will be able to make use of the F4’s new 8-way adjustable traction control unit and twin-map ECU. Helping get the power to the ground is bike’s

Other changes include:

  • Power supply with TSS variable length intake system
  • TC MK II traction control system, adjustable on 8 levels
  • Two injectors per cylinder
  • New electronic injection system with 49-mm throttle bodies
  • New Magneti Marelli 7 SM ECU
  • New 4-1 exhaust system with valve

2010 MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R Technical Specs:

ENGINE

Type Four cylinder, 4 stroke, 16 valve
Timing system “D.O.H.C”, radial valve
Total displacement 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.)
Compression ratio 13.1:1
Starting Electric
Bore x stroke 76 mm x 55 mm (3.0 in. x 2.2 in.)
Max. horse power – r.p.m. (at the crankshaft) Full power version: 137 kW (186 HP) at 12900 – Lim. 13500 r.p.m. / Restricted power version: 73 kW (100 HP) at 9200 – Lim. 10800 r.p.m.
Max. torque – r.p.m. Full power version: 114 Nm (11.4 kgm) at 9500 r.p.m. / Restricted power version: 90 Nm (9.0 kgm) at 5500 r.p.m.
Cooling system Cooling with separated liquid and oil radiators
Engine management system Magneti Marelli IAW 7BM ignition – injection integrated system with Mikuni throttle body; induction discharge electronic ignition;
Sequential timed “Multipoint” electronic injection ; Variable height intake ducts with Torque Shift System (TSS)
Clutch Wet, multi – disc
Gear Box Cassette gearbox; six speed, constant mesh
Primary drive 50/79
Gear ratio
First gear: Speed* 13/38 128,2 km/h (79.6 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Second gear: Speed* 16/34 176,4 km/h (109.5 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Third gear: Speed* 18/32 210,8 km/h (130.9 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Fourth gear: Speed* 20/30 249,8 km/h (155.1 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Fifth gear: Speed* 22/29 284,3 km/h (176.5 mph) a t 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Sixth gear: Speed* 19/23 305,0 km/h (189.4 mph) at 1 3 5 0 0 r. p . m .
Final velocity ratio 15×41

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Voltage 12 V
Alternator 350 W at 5000 r. p . m .
Battery 12 V – 8,6 Ah
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Wheelbase 1430 mm (56.27 in.)
Overall lenght 2100 mm (82.63 in.)
Overall width 750 mm (29.51 in.)
Saddle height 860 mm (33.84 in.)
Min. ground clearance 115 mm (4.52 in.)
Trail 100,4 mm (3.93 in.)
Dry weight 192 Kg (423 lbs.)
Fuel tank capacity 17 l (4.49 U.S. gal.)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed* Full power version: 305,0 km/h (189.4 mph) / Restricted power version: 249,0 km/h (154.6 mph)

FRAME
Type CrMo Steel tubular trellis (TIG welded)
Rear swing arm pivot plates: material Aluminium alloy

FRONT SUSPENSION
Type “UPSIDE – DOWN” telescopic hydraulic fork with rebound-compression damping and spring preload external and separate adjustment
Rod dia. 50 mm (1.97 in.)
Travel on leg axis 120 mm (4.72 in.)

REAR SUSPENSION
Type Progressive, single shock absorber with rebound and compression (High speed / Low speed) damping and spring preload adjustment
Single sided swing arm: material Aluminium alloy
Wheel travel 120 mm (4.72 in.)

BRAKE
Front brake Double floating disc with Ø 320 mm (Ø 12.6 in.) diameter, with steel braking band and aluminium flange
Front brake caliper Radial-type, single-piece with 4 pistons – Ø 34 mm (Ø 1.34 in.)
Rear brake Single steel disc with Ø 210 mm (Ø 8.27 in.) diameter
Rear brake caliper With 4 pistons – Ø 25,4 mm (Ø 1.00 in.)
RIM
Front: Material / size Aluminium alloy 3,50 ” x 17 ”
Rear: Material / size Aluminium alloy 6,00 ” x 17 ”
TYRES
Front 120/70 – ZR 17 M/C (58 W)
Rear 190/55 – ZR 17 M/C (75 W)
FAIRING
Material Thermoplastic

* = Top speed attained on closed course. Rev. 1 – 27/10/09
MV Agusta is committed to the constant improvement of our products. Therefore the information and technical characteristics of the vehicles are subject to change without notice.

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Comment:

  1. Billy B says:

    in terms of mechanics, suppose it sounds good….but a big backwards step with the design. Luck that, now i don’t have to feel so bad i can’t afford it…

  2. snacktastic says:

    I don’t think they took a step in any direction at all, it looks the same as the old bike.

  3. Jake says:

    I’m not really crazy about the changes to front and the square pipe, but I like the rest of the updates and love the return to the 5 star wheel design. Most importantly as I’ve said before they’ve at least tried to do something about the weight. Secondly all those cutouts should help the bike run cooler because they’ve always run hot. Glad they finally got off the more CCs is better thing and went back to 998cc and just looked to make a better over all motor, but have to wait to see the verdict on the fueling.

    If there is a single seater model and the ability to completely turn off or disable the traction control I’d really consider going back to the MV camp instead of getting a 1198

  4. Patron says:

    Pretty bike. Not sure why some bikes even bother having a pillion seat. Chances are if you have the cash for an F4, you could have another bike for two up. A revised tail section would be nice but still a nice bike. Looks best in graphite w the red trellis frame.

  5. draysse says:

    Massimo Tamburini has been the north star of motorcycle design for decades, his designs from the iconic Ducati 916 to the original F4 have pointed the way forward for all of motorcycle design. The new F4 is nice but that’s it, nothing new or innovative to talk about. I can only hope & dream that Massimo brings his immense talents to bare on something new, because frankly everyone in the industry is regurgitating design cues he pioneered years ago. I had high hopes for his new ideas with Harley money behind them, guess I’ll have to continue waiting…..

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