Shipped up and on its way to the Isle of Man, we can finally now see more than test shots of the Mugen Shinden Ni and get its basic racing specifications. The electric superbike that John McGuinness will ride in the 2013 TT Zero race at the Isle of Man TT, the Mugen Shinden Ni represents that evolution of the Japanese firm’s design, having now a TT race under its belt. Like its main competitor MotoCzysz, Team Mugen is eyeing a 110 mph lap around the Mountain Course, which would be a pretty remarkable one-year advancement for either team. With Mr. McPint at the helm, and seemingly brimming with on-board energy, Mugen is a serious contender.
Ducatisti: do you want the good news or the bad news first? The bad news is that the market for motorcycles 500cc and up is down 17% worldwide for the first quarter of this year, which means the “good” news is that Ducati is only down 5% for Q1 2013. Not exactly the start out of the gate that Audi was hoping for its newly acquired two-wheeled brand, but what are you going to do? Western Europe is a mess, with Spain and Italy continuing to go down like a…well, you know. While we don’t enjoy the misery of motorcycle brands, the fact that Ducati Motor Holding is now under the Audi AG umbrella means that we get far more detailed quarterly and yearly reports from the two-wheeled marque, and we’ve got the digits after the jump.
Mission Motors tweeted out something interesting just a moment ago, a link to a new website for Mission Motorcycles. Teasing there a photo of the Mission R, it would seem that the electric superbike that does competitive AMA Supersport lap times at Laguna Seca, is finally set to come to production. It seems we won’t know everything about the new Mission Motorcycles project until June 3rd, though we can speculate pretty accurately on what the A&R Bothan spy network has been telling us. Expect to see the Mission R electric superbike in street legal trim, honed even further than when we rode the machine back in August last year.
Stefan Pierer’s acquisition of Husqvarna continues to baffle me. You will note I say Pierer, and not KTM, bought Husqvarna, since the Austrian CEO used Pierer Industrie AG in the transaction as a means to help side-step European antitrust issues. After all, we can’t have Europe’s largest dirt bike manufacturer, nay largest total motorcycle manufacturer, gobbling up even more brands in the two-wheeled world. But, I digress. Developing three road bikes (Husqvarna Nuda 900, Husqvarna Strada 650, & Husqvarna Terra 650), with three more concepts waiting in the wings (Husqvarna Moab, Husqvarna Baja, & Husqvarna E-G0), it is with even more confusion that we learn that Pierer & Co. intend to kill the Husqvarna Nuda project and its other street siblings.
In case you missed the story last week, Kevin Schwantz is preparing to race in this year’s Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race. For the race, Schwantz will be riding on a team formed by Yukio Kagayama, who in addition to having raced in the MotoGP, World Superbike, and British Superbike Championships, is also a previous Suzuka 8-Hour winner with the Suzuki Endurance Race Team (also joining the three-rider team Noriyuki “Nitro” Haga). Releasing a Q&A about his team’s Suzuka 8-Hour entry, Kagayama-san walks us through how the team came together, what equipment the riders will use, and his outlook on the team’s competitiveness.
A single-cylinder hooligan-maker, the KTM 690 Duke is 330 lbs (curbside without fuel) and 67hp of two-wheeled fun, and we hope that the Austrians bring the KTM 690 Duke R our way as well. While we are on the topic of things missing from KTM’s American line-up, a decent supersport is painfully obvious, yet we can’t see the folks at KTM following the paths of other brands. That’s where our friend Luca Bar comes to mind with his latest concept: the KTM RC4. Using the KTM 690 Duke platform and its LC4 engine, Bar has designed a super-single full-fairing sport bike that takes the Austrian company’s “Ready to Race” DNA and applies it to an idea that is not all that disimilar to the Ducati Supermono.
When I sat down with Claudio Domenicali at the Ducati 1199 Panigale R launch, the now-CEO of Ducati Motor Holding was still just the General Manager of the Italian motorcycle company. Four weeks after our interview though, Gabriele del Torchio would leave Ducati for Alitalia; and Domenicali, a 21-year veteran of both the racing and production departments of Ducati, would take his place at the top of Italy’s most prestigious motorcycle brand. After reading our interview from Austin, Texas after the jump, I think you will agree too.
That Yamaha is working on a seamless gearbox is no secret, with Yamaha’s test riders currently racking up the kilometers around tracks in Japan. Recently, however, Spanish magazine SoloMoto published an article suggesting that Yamaha has already been using its new seamless gearbox since the beginning of the season. My own enquiries to check whether Yamaha was using a seamless gearbox or not always received the same answer: no, Yamaha is not using the seamless gearbox. To test this denial, I went out to the side of the track on Friday morning at Jerez to record the bikes as they went by.
After a very public father/son break-up between Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr., a steroid-ring scandal involving Paul Sr., and finally a bankruptcy proceeding, it appears that Orange County Choppers is the impossible to kill multi-headed hydra of doom that we all knew it was, as the custom chopper shop is once again headed to the small screen and recruiting some talent, on and off the show. Looking for “someone who will work alongside Paul Senior, running the shop and helping build some of the best custom motorcycles in the world,” OCC says it will be back on television with a new show later this month. Please for the love of god, will someone give this man the attention he craves so dearly??! Or, just shoot us in the face.
We love us some concept bikes here at Asphalt & Rubber, and we have featured more than a few pieces of stunning design and imagination on our pages. Though, we can’t remember the last time one of these works of art were brought to us by a legitimate racing team, but that is what we have here with the Team Alstare Superbike Concept. A nod to the former Suzuki team’s return to the World Superbike Championship as the Ducati factory squad with Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini, Alstare has enlisted the help of designer Serge Rusak of Rusak Kreaktive Designworks to ink the shape of its futuristic Superbike concept, while Tryptik Studios handled the 3D modeling prowess.
Erik Buell Racing 1190RR Race Bike Announced – Future World …: First up is the news that EBR will offer three.. http://bit.ly/6e66jq
Erik Buell Racing 1190RR Race Bike Announced – Future World … http://bit.ly/8PczVt
THIS IS COMICAL!!!!! Sure he can go World Superbike Racing with the machine, all he needs to do is sell 2000 street legal and certified units to be eligible. You will find THAT at notgoingtohappen.com
+1
Erik Buell Racing 1190RR Race Bike Announced – Future World … http://bit.ly/8xiZBN
Eric, he doesn’t have to SELL 2000 units, he only has to make them available to the public. If he can somehow convince the powers that be that the 1190 is a kit for the already made 1125R, he’s in. Stranger things have happened–remember the Petronas?
The rules that were put in place for 2009 and going forward prohibit just such the thing as the Petronas.
2.9.2 MINIMUM PRODUCTION QUANTITIES AND MARKET AVAILABILITY
The minimum required production quantities consist of units with identical equipment intended for sale to customers. Evidence of production quantities must be certified by the manufacturer’s auditing firm and/or any other institution which may provide reliable documentation. This certificate must be written in English or French and the model/type must be specified.
Market Availability and sale to the public may be demonstrated by waybills, bills of lading and/or any other import, export or customs documents duly certified by the relevant authority.
2.9.2.1 FIRST TIME APPLICATION FOR HOMOLOGATION
A manufacturer requesting a homologation for the very first time in its existence must follow the procedure below.
• The manufacturer must have produced at least a quantity of 125 motorcycles prior to the homologation inspection. The motorcycle must be on sale to the public at that time.
• The minimum quantity of 500 units must be reached by the end of September of the current year.
• The minimum quantity of 1000 units must be reached by the end of December of the current year.
• From 2010 onwards the minimum quantity will be 3000 units. • All motorcycles must be identical to the model to be homologated with the
same specifications. • Proof of production quantities must be provided by certified documentation
as stated in Article 2.9.2. • The FIM will withdraw the homologation if these rules are not respected.
2.9.2.2 SUBSEQUENT HOMOLOGATIONS
A manufacturer who has previously homologated a motorcycle and is requesting a homologation must follow the procedure below:
• The manufacturer must have produced at least a quantity of 250 motorcycles prior to the homologation inspection. The motorcycle must be on sale to the public at that time.
• The minimum quantity of 1000 units must be reached by the end of June of the current year.
• From 2010 onwards the minimum quantity will be 3000 units. • All motorcycles must be identical to the model to be homologated with the
same specifications.
168
• Proof of production quantities must be provided by certified documentation as stated in Article 2.9.2.
• The FIM will withdraw the homologation if these rules are not respected.
Quit wining. Why are you so set against EBR entering? The man has prived he can squezze power from a grape. Just look at how much he got out of a pathetic outdated sporster engine. HD screwed up by the numbers closing down the Beul line and he is going to prove it to them.
John you are EPIC!!! Next you will tell me that Erik heals lepers and cured cancer.
Wait…he doesn’t cure lepers and cure cancer??!
HA!!!!!!!!! Perfect Jenny, PERFECT!!!!
Eric, why is it so hard to believe that an American company can succeed? Have you any idea about Buell motorcycles? If Erik Buell can compete then by all means I am here to support him. Harley Davidson dropped the ball on an EPIC venture. Just my two cents.
I have no problem with an American company trying to succeed in WSBK, it’s just that Erik Buell is not the man to do it. Every step of the way he ALWAYS has an excuse of why he has not been as successful as he promised. He has a track record going well back in to the 80′s and the result is always the same.
The are his true believers that will disagree and you will not be able to get them to put down the mixture of his Kool-Aide and Snake Oil, and for them there is nothing I can do. A 25+ year track record can not be ignored. The only thing more ridiculous than Erik producing a bike that would be competitive in WSBK is Michael Czsyz going into production with ANYTHING after bilking investors out of over $50 million.
Buellの水冷レーサー1190RR、後輪出力で185HP出てるのか。クランクだとどんぐらいでてんだろ。 http://bit.ly/6MpH9v
I’m sure they’ll do great if they get to race WSS against stock 600 cc production bikes;-) Maybe Edmonson can get the FIM to fudge the rule book.
Wait…he won’t be racing in WSS?
if give me an oppourninty,i skip all of u.
Just tell me it’s not going to be interesting…
If you’re so sure EBR will get it’s collective ass handed to them in WSB, what’s the harm in letting it happen? I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?
Oh, yeah. He might win…
R
Holy CRAP CarbonBigFoot, that’s FUNNY!! The Chicago Cubs will win the World Series, The Detroit Lions will win the Super Bowl and China will win the World Cup of Soccer before Erik wins a race in WSBK.
So…. what’s the harm?
R
In letting EBR try, that is…
R
I assume the interested parties will figure this all out. Either the governing bodies will let Buells race, or they won’t. I would like to see it. However, I am prejudiced, since I own several air-cooled Buells. Whether ripping through the mountains, or doing track days, I have a blast. I’d hate to see the brand disappear.
I want to see EBR meet the WSBK homologation requirements just like all the other manufacturers – produce 1000 bikes for sale before the end of 2010 and another 1000 in 2011. What’s the harm in all manufacturers playing by the same rules? Then I want to see his bike compete in WSBK to see what he’s got.
I find it Ironic that the people have drank their kool-aide and said America can never succeed. Let’s talk Chevy. Let’s talk Cadillac. Both Marks made their re awakened racing challenge debuts in the overseas markets. They have to some degree learned how to dominiate their classes in Grand-Am Rolex and Lemans series racing.
What makes this endeavor any difference other than the economy right now. Is it because you are afraid that an American company that has parts engineered all over the world may just bust some chops and prove that we Americans have the engineering where with all, and the gumption to not back down from a fight for success? Or, did you buy a bike because of brand naming and recognition in the World Championships. I suspect that may be the case. But, I could very well be wrong.
However, Be nay sayers, or Yeay sayers, He is proceding on in difficult times. Can anyone here say they ever endeavored to own and operate a business or start a business from scratch? I have, just recently started and purchased my own franchise and it is not easy starting from nothing. But, he has endeavored to overcome this. So, I say proceed on EBR. The masses may not know any better but to duck and hide. Stick your head up and breathe. Go win…..
BuellってSBKに出るつもりなんだ http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/erik-buell-racing-1190rr-race-bike/
Well one thing they have for them is that they handle better than the japanese Superbikes and make In the 1190 trim almst as much power . With a good rider they should be in the running at least but cant se them as title contenders yet .
Long Live the BUELL!!!
I am looking forward to any and all classes that Erik Buell can get himself into. With a season of data logging in the AMA last year, they surely have lots of great information to study and use as input to further refine their racing machines.
The obvious source of the negative reaction to Erik Buell Racing’s conquest is, most definitely, FEAR.
If you do not know the real facts of Erik Buell’s last 25 years, please educate yourself. The history of the man and his company are well documented.
Eric, your posts come across as terrified, and considering all the inaccuracies, almost panicked.
—-”SIR” FREAKING CHADLEY
Nobody else will say ,so I will, Eric you sir are a narrow minded DOUCHE BAG! Good day to sir ………..I said good day!
Listen to this guy named ERIC did some black 1125r vtwin woop ur ass on the track or something?
Is This That The 1190rr?
Apple, no…That pic is a 1125RR that ran in a couple AMA Superbike races last season. The 1190RR has not yet had full photos published, as far as I know.
I know the PegasusRaceTeam that bought two 1190RR bikes from Erik Buell Racing has some close-up shots on their website. Those are all I personally have seen…Here’s a link:
http://www.pegasusraceteam.com/html/buell_1190_rr.html
You can find the official shots of the EBR 1190RR here: http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/erik-buell-racing-1190rr-185hp-amawsbk-specd/
You can find pictures of the new Erik Buell Racing 1190RR on the new Erik Buell Racing website at:
http://www.erikbuellracing.com/motorcycles/1190RR/
Enjoy.
It’s an amazing motorcycle.
It’s ERIK not eriC, and you are the douche bag blazin shot. From everyone in East Troy WI a BIG FU…Good day Sir
The 1190 is based on the 1125R which sold more then 2000 bikes.
if WSK does not allow it its prefectly understandable. The europeans are protecting their sport. Buell already spanked the Jappy bikes last year in the AMA. they don’t wan’t an American doing a peral harbour on them either.
botton line is we went to the moon while the europeans and japps were making toaster ovens.
the last thing they want is American competition.
BuellBoy, you have to produce 2000 units of the bike you intend to race, not some derivative of that bike. The rest of your comments are xenophobic, ignorant horsecrap
Me, I’d like to see them race too.
I’m also biased as my Buell is the best handling bike I’ve ever owned and with minor tweaks is fast enough for me. I also appreciate the engineering that’s gone into the Buells.
I’d just like to see something other than the established manafacturers on the track.
Let’s face it the rule makers have fudged for the likes of Ducati in the past so why the hell not?
I really just want to see more bikes racing and to have something American made in the mix is good isn’t it? I’m a Brit by the way so I’m not being nationalistic.