Ferrari V4 Superbike Concept
September 25, 2008
This Ferrari superbike concept is designed around Enzo engine that has been modified down to 4 cylinders. It features fly-by-wire technology with hand controls which were adapted from an “F-16 fighter jet, and buttons based on those found on the steering wheel of Ferrari’s Formula 1 race cars.” My favorite part is the weatherproof touchscreen display which allows you to access the sound system and trip computer… Imagine the possibilities, not the cost. See an image gallery.
2009 Yamaha R1
September 8, 2008
Today Yamaha unveiled their long awaited 2009 YZF-R1. I must say I am happy to see the under-tail exhaust and the turn signals not mounted to the mirrors (like so many manufacturers are doing nowadays). The new R1 features a ton of new technologies originally pioneered in MotoGP. New for 2009 is the D-MODE variable throttle control function, which manages the power and throttle response. The YZF-R1 will be available January 2009 in 4 different color options starting at $12,390.
*UPDATE: The 2009 YZF-R1 puts out 180bhp at 12,500rpm and 85lb/ft of torque at 10,000rpm.* Read the press release and see more pictures.
Derbi DH 2.0
August 16, 2008
Derbi has a sweet little bike in the works. The DH 2.0 could be described as a motorized mountain bike. Its name Derbi means DERived from BIcycles, and the DH suggests the design is derived from Down Hill bike racing. The frame is completely minimalistic which keeps the weight down to only 88lbs! The DH 2.0 is powered by a 100cc air cooled 4 stroke engine. It features; underseat exhaust, inverted fork, and an air monoshock rear suspension. There is no word on pricing or availabiltiy yet. You can go to Derbi and take a survey about this bike. See full specs and more photos.
SkyBike
July 31, 2008
Ever since I saw the Icon A5 I have been advocating the need for a flying motorcycle. Apparently Samson Motorworks has something like that in the works. Their SkyBike is a three-wheel enclosed vehicle. Samson claims “you can drive in air conditioned comfort to a local airport where the wings are extended, fly to another airport to land, retract the wings and then continue to drive wherever you want to go.” The use of a motorcycle engine enables the plane to use regular gas. They expect the SkyBike to; get 55mpg economy on land, 25mpg in the air, have a 95mph maximum road velocity / 140mph+ while flying, do 0-60mph in six seconds and it should only need a 500′ runway to take off. Right not it is only a concept but Samson Motorworks says they are close to production. See more pictures.
Norton M28
July 4, 2008
The Norton M28 uses its 499cc single-cylinder engine as a stress point for its carbon fiber chassis. The designer, Aaron Rogers aimed at taking a minimalistic approach to performance. Much of the engine is used as the body. The M28 engine uses a desmodromic valve drive — a technology originally patented by Norton in 1924. When all is said and done this bike should pump out about 70 bhp. Another photo from the back.
Suzuki Crosscage
May 26, 2008
One of Suzuki’s latest concepts is beginning to materialize. The Suzuki Crosscage Hydrogen Fuel Cell Motorcycle has no gears, no noise, no clutch, and no emissions. It is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell / electric hybrid engine. There is no information on weather Suzuki will continue on with production of this skinny motorcycle. See more pictures.
Chatterbox XBi
April 22, 2008
The XBi with Bluetooth from Chatterbox ($179) is an excellent motorcycle communication system. It features stereo sound from up to 2 devices at the same time (ex. iPod, Mp3, satellite radio, GPS, cell phone, radar detector). SMART technology in the headset automatically prioritizes the transmissions of paired devices. The XBi can even stream music from one module to the other. Chatterbox XBi also includes: a Li-Pol battery rechargeable battery with 6-8 TRUE hours of power, 1 hour express charge, noise suppression, Hi-Fi headset, and a compact aerodynamic module design.
d3o Body Armor
March 27, 2008
d3o is the latest in action sports protective body armor. Their unique material is specially engineered with intelligent molecules. They flow with you as you move but on shock they lock together to absorb impact energy. The material is used by several different companies in tons of different products. I am keeping an eye out for Gore-Tex Pro Shell Leather (the first leather moto jacket using d3o). Another brand using d3o for motorcyclists is Racer gloves. Most products with d3o are for sports (soccer, ski, etc) but more and more motorcycle companies are adopting the material. See more pictures and videos.
Hadar Metal Design Bikes
March 20, 2008
Josh Hadar makes these crazy bicycles by hand. The bikes can be powered by traditional pedaling, or by a gasoline engine. The fuel is stored in a hand-blown glass tank protected by a type of rib cage. They bikes cost anywhere from $12,000 and $35,000 and only take 3 months to build. See more pictures.
Ogio No Drag Moto Backpack
March 3, 2008
Ogio has built the perfect backpack for anyone going fast. The low profile No Drag Backpack features; multiple interior pockets, a drop-in back panel laptop sleeve, organizer panel, drop-in audio pocket, and is hydration ready. They are available now for $150. See another picture.
