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.

Testastretta 11° Motor Gets 15,000 Service Intervals

Friday, Feb 5th, 2010 @ 1:59 pm, by Jenny Gun1 COMMENT

Testastretta 11° Motor Gets 15,000 Service Intervals 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 11 degree.jpg 560x419

We still have several months before the Ducati Multistrada 1200 is released here in the United States, but Ducati North America has revealed that the cost of owning the $14,995 Multistrada will be even cheaper with the now announced 15,000 mile valve service interval. With the longer mileage between major services, the Multistrada 1200 better positions itself as a touring/adventure option and to compete against the BMW R1200GS.

Ducati Multistrada 1200 at EICMA: Birds of a Feather, Flock Together 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 7 560x374

If you’ve ever been to San Marco Square in Venice, Italy, then you’ve surely been bombarded by the flying-rats we call pigeons that lay reign over the city’s square. Milan, located only about a couple of hours away from Venice, had an avis rex of its own during the EICMA motorcycle show: the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200.

Taking the show’s honors as the top bike on display, and surely one of the most hyped motorcycles of the year, the Multistrada 1200 won over crowds, despite its face…literally. Love it or hate it, but the bird-beaked bike is here to stay, and we’ve got all sorts of delicious pictures of it after the jump.

Ducati Releases Delivery Dates for 2010 Models

Sunday, Nov 29th, 2009 @ 10:07 pm, by Jenny GunADD COMMENTS

Ducati Releases Delivery Dates for 2010 Models 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 head on 560x370

Ducati North America has announced the delivery dates of its 2010 model line-up to the US dealerships, with the bulk of the new Ducati’s arriving in February, while the Multistrada 1200 comes to us in April & May. Click past the jump for a full price and arrival schedule.

Render: Ducati Multistrada 1200 Gets a Nose Job

Monday, Nov 23rd, 2009 @ 7:54 am, by Jenny Gun5 COMMENTS

Render: Ducati Multistrada 1200 Gets a Nose Job Ducati Multistrada 1200 nose job render 1 560x419

By now you’ve surely seen the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200, which was launched at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Replacing the collectively agreed upon ugly Multistrada, the MS 1200 also has questionable taste in its design. Love it or hate it, the new Multistrada 1200 competes with the BMW GS at every turn, even in the ugliest bike category.

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Pricing Broken Down

Saturday, Nov 21st, 2009 @ 1:16 pm, by Jenny GunADD COMMENTS

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Pricing Broken Down 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 price msrp 560x374

After unveiling the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 in Milan this past week, Ducati has now also released pricing information on the new model in its various forms. The new Multistrada 1200 will range in prices which begin at $14,995 and go all the way up to $19,995. Click past the jump for a full price breakdown.

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2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Unveiled at EICMA

Monday, Nov 9th, 2009 @ 4:40 pm, by Jenny Gun4 COMMENTS

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Unveiled at EICMA 2010 ducati multistrada 1200 leak 3 560x419

Ducati held their press meeting today, just before tomorrow’s opening of the EICMA motorcycle show. The biggest announcement of course was the new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200, which will come in three variants, the: 1200 (base), 1200S, and 1200S Touring. All three variants will feature Ducati’s first ABS setup, and the “S” models will have Ducati’s new electronic suspension (DES). More after the jump.

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Photos Leaked

Sunday, Nov 8th, 2009 @ 12:23 am, by Jenny Gun7 COMMENTS

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Photos Leaked 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 leak 6 560x419

UPDATE: Click here for Ducati’s official unveiling of the Multistrada 1200 at EICMA.

EICMA must be leaking like a sieve, as this is the third leak we’ve gotten ahead of next week’s show (check for a view of the 2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 & 2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory). This time, we’ve gotten pictures of highly anticipated (or is it hyped?) 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200.

These photos appear to be the first official shots of the new Multistrada 1200, and they show off not only the “S” version with its Öhlins suspension, but also give a good look at the bike with its OEM saddle bags (could this be the “T” touring model that was rumored?). Click after the jump to see what the fuss is all about.

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Officially Teased

Friday, Oct 30th, 2009 @ 1:27 pm, by Jenny Gun1 COMMENT

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Officially Teased Ducati Multistrada 1200 teaser 1 560x347

Ducati has officially acknowledged the existence of the upcoming Multistrada 1200, making a dedicated mini site for the adventure tourer. There’s not a lot there now in regards to information (there’s only a countdown timer to EICMA and a teaser video), but it does at least confirm the rumor of the bike’s name not being Stradaperta (we still like that name better). We’ll be in Milan in 10 days, bringing you as much information about the most hyped Ducati to date. Video and pictures after the jump

 
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