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Aston Martin teamed up with a motorcycle maker to create one of the only turbo bikes in the world

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by klee@businessinsider.com (Kristen Lee) from https://news.yahoo.com Aston Martin The AMB 001 is an upcoming bike created by Aston Martin and Brough Superior. It has a turbocharged motor, which is very unusual for a production motorcycle. Only 100 will be made and the starting MSRP is 108,000 Euros, or approximately $121,000. The words “cheap” and “Aston Martin” don’t typically go together, so it’s of no surprise that the upcoming Aston Martin motorcycle is ludicrously expensive. Aston Martin teamed up with the motorcycle company Brough Superior to create the upcoming AMB 001. It’s a sleek, futuristic-looking thing that seems way more appropriate for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 video game than our lowly reality. The two companies are currently in the testing stages for their new bike. The specifications aren’t yet final, but a Wednesday press release says that the bike will produce a claimed 180 horsepower from a turbocharged, 88-degree V-twin engine. The turbocharged aspect of the AMB001 is especially interesting, as the majority of production motorcycles — save for a few attempts by Japanese companies in the 1980s — are not turbocharged. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, as The Drive reports, packaging a turbocharger into a motorcycle is a difficult job. They add extra power and weight the bikes weren’t originally designed for. Turbos and all their related parts are bulky things and it’s not easy to fit them nicely on a bike. Second, a turbocharged engine tends to produce very sudden torque. Cars, with four wide tires, are more suited to handle this. Bikes are not, so a sudden burst of power is more likely to spook the back tire and cause it to break loose uncontrollably, explains Cycle World. Aston Martin, in response, says that the “modern turbine with low inertia is avoiding the turbo […]

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Review: 2020 Kawasaki W800

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by Sabrina Giacomini from https://www.rideapart.com A legend brought back to life. The 2019 show season was a good one for Kawasaki. Not only did Team Green unveil the Z H2 as well as the updated Ninja 1000 SE SX+ and 650, but it also teamed up with Bimota to create the polarizing Tesi H2 prototype. As though that wasn’t enough, the manufacturer also introduced the W800, a stripped down, entry-level version of the W800 Cafe. I remember vividly the collective gasp we had when the model was first unveiled. The clean and simple lines were a hit among the RideApart team. I even remember being just a little upset about the U.S. and Canada getting the bike in red rather than in the gorgeous shade of green we saw in Tokyo. My disappointment didn’t last long, however, and by the time I picked one up from the Kawasaki HQ, it was completely crushed by how charming the bike actually looked. More on that later, let’s start from the beginning, shall we? The year was 1965. While Americans and Russians were continuously outshining one another on the aerospace innovation front, Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers had an ongoing Space Race of their own. Instead of reaching for the stars, however, the Big Four were competing for the title as the maker of the most powerful motorcycle on the market. The early- to mid-60s were also formative years for newly-formed Kawasaki Motorcycle Co—a new competitor on the motorcycle scene born from the fusion of Kawasaki Aircraft Industry and Meguro Manufacturing Company in 1964. Thanks to the solid foundations provided by Meguro’s 30-year experience with motorcycles, it wasn’t long before Kawasaki introduced its first big displacement bike, the W1, in 1965. The 624cc parallel-twin is credited for putting Kawasaki on the map as

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MotoGP-Fast Ducati Superleggera V4 Enters Production, Soon on the Streets

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com In the second month of 2020, Italian bike maker Ducati announced the launch of the Superleggera V4, a bike for street use so fast it is borderline a MotoGP two-wheeler. Production of the motorcycle began this week, meaning there isn’t that long until we get to see it on the tarmac, where it belongs. The first Superleggera V4 already rolled off assembly line, and work is ongoing on the other 499 that will make up the limited production run. Once ready, the world would have 500 examples of the only motorcycle “approved for road use with a carbon fiber frame, swingarm and rims.” So, what’s so special about it? First, the engine. Packing a 998 cm3 Desmosedici Stradale R powerplant that is usually good for 224 hp, the bike produces even more than that, 234 hp, thanks to the racing kit all will be offered with. That’s enough power to make it nearly as fast as the Panigale V4 R SBK, a race bike that won the 2019 Italian Motorspeed Championship – the V4 went around the Mugello circuit in 1:52:45 minutes, just a couple a seconds slower than the racer. Then, the extensive use of carbon. The material is at the core of important hardware fitted on the motorcycle, including the frame, swingarm and rims. And it has also been incorporated in other related parts, like the helmet specifically created for this model. Last, but not least, the many kits available. They comprise an Akrapovi exhaust system, headlamp and light replacement, license plate holder removal, side stand removal, mirror replacement aluminum caps from billet, Data Analyzer and GPS, racing fuel cap, brake lever protection, motorcycle cover, and front and rear stand and battery charger. Prices for the Ducati Superleggera V4 are available upon request.

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Confederate Motorcycles is now Combat Motors

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from https://motorcycles.einnews.com BIRMINGHAM, AL, USA, June 18, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ — Confederate Motorcycles LLC announces a change of its name to Combat Motors LLC to better reflect the spirit and the values of our team, manufacturing partners and clients. We stand with those fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change. Confederate Motorcycles was established in 1991 as an international brand. “Our motorcycles are realized through a partnership with our various members of our team who design, build and distribute these one of a kind masterpieces. We feel that the new name better exemplifies the spirit and values of that team.” “We stand with those peaceably fighting for change in the United States and are very happy to contribute an overdue but small part of that change.” The F-117 Combat Fighter, P-51 Combat Fighter, FA-13 Combat Bomber and the Combat Wraith are each built upon the CX-4 frame, feature an S&S X-Wedge 117 or 132 cubic inch engine, BST wheels, RaceTech suspension, Beringer Brakes, Motogadget electronics, a Bandit clutch and have a frame carved entirely from solid billet blocks of aircraft-grade 6061 and 7075 aluminum built by 3D Systems, resulting in the most robust, fatigue-resistant motorcycle possible. “Each of our manufacturing partners makes doing what we do possible.” The Combat Hellcat and Speedster are based on Harley Davidson Frames with CNC Aluminum tanks and other body parts, an upgraded Screaming Eagle 117 cubic inch engine which is homologated for worldwide delivery. True to his passion as “curator of the brand”, Ernest Lee, owner of Combat Motors, has hired many of the design, assembly, sales, service and support team from the company’s past, Jay Etheridge, Jason Reddick, Landers Sevier, Andrew Reuther, and Dave Hargreaves to name a few. “Our

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Benelli BJ 1200 GT touring motorcycle images leaked – Weighs 338kg

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by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com/ The upcoming Benelli BJ 1200 GT employs an upgraded version of the TNT 1130’s inline-three motor Italian-origin motorcycle manufacturer Benelli, under China’s Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, is following an aggressive product strategy for the months to come. The company has unveiled or launched several interesting products in recent times while a few other models were leaked as spy shots or patent images. The popular Benelli TNT 600i sold in our market has received a successor abroad, dubbed the Benelli 600N or QJ SRK 600. QJ Motor is a sister brand to Benelli of China. Benelli is also working on a higher Imperiale 530 cruiser, which could make its way to the Indian market in the near future as a strong rival to Royal Enfield’s single-cylinder BS6 range. Now, leaked images of the upcoming Benelli BJ 1200 GT touring motorcycle have popped up on the internet. It is apparently the largest motorcycle to come out of Benelli’s Chinese parenthood. While it is too early to comment on its capabilities and overall quality, we expect it to be a substantially affordable alternative to full-on tourers such as the Honda Goldwing, Harley-Davidson Glide series, BMW K 1600 GTL, Indian Roadmaster, etc., that come at eye-watering price tags. Benelli plans to launch the tourer sometime in the second quarter of 2021 if the ongoing COVID-19 crisis does not delay its plans further. Meanwhile, QJ Motor has already introduced its own version of the BJ 1200 GT for the Chinese police force. It wears a ‘QJ 1200’ decal. Either motorcycle locks horns with the CFMoto CF1250J — the biggest and most powerful made-in-China motorcycle yet. The new Benelli BJ 1200 GT could be sold in potential European markets. Notable features or equipment highlights include keyless ignition, large semi-digital instrument console,

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Harley-Davidson’s gyroscope patent app would help new riders not drop their bikes

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by Kyle Hyatt from https://www.cnet.com The system would fit inside a top case and be easily removable from the motorcycle. So, the thing is about motorcycles is that even the light ones are real damned heavy and that means that keeping one upright — particularly as a new rider — can not only be tough, it’s also intimidating. Harley-Davidson — makers of definitely-not-lightweight motorcycles — believes that it has a solution to this and it’s kind of ingenious. According to Cycle World, Harley filed a patent application for a type of gyroscope that would work at very low speeds to keep the bike upright and make the bike a little easier to sling up when dropped. The best part is that this whole gyroscope deal is designed to fit inside Harley’s already-existing top case, so you don’t need to build it into the motorcycle — something that would drive up cost and complexity — and which also means you can remove it once you feel more comfortable with your motorcycle. Like all gyroscopes, this one works by using an electric motor to spin a heavy weight around really fast (like between 10,000 and 20,000 rpm), and that motion imparts a stabilizing effect on the motorcycle at low speeds. The gyro would shut off at speeds over three miles per hour because as you begin moving faster, the motorcycle’s wheels start to offer their own gyroscopic stabilizing effect. Also cool is that this wouldn’t necessarily be limited to one bike. As long as you had a power source and a way for the unit to detect vehicle speed, it would work. Now, precisely what something like this would retail for is hard to say, but if it’s coming from Harley, we expect that it wouldn’t be especially cheap, if it ever

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After The Ninja And The Z, Is The Kawasaki Vulcan H2 Next?

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by Sabrina Giacomini from https://www.rideapart.com The God of Fire is getting a boost. In 2015, Kawasaki introduced its first modern-day supercharged motorcycle, the Ninja-based H2. Four years later, the Z H2 hypernaked followed. What will happen next? After all, developing a new engine takes time, R&D, and funds, so when a new block is created, it makes sense for manufacturers to take full advantage of its potential. So, will Kawasaki simply stop there or will find other applications for its forced induction mill? The answer to that could be the latter. Rumors from Japan suggest that Kawasaki could be about to shake things up in the power cruiser segment, supercharger style. According to Japanese site Young Machine, there is apparently a Vulcan H2 in the works at Kawasaki. The model would, of course, use the same 998cc supercharged inline-four as its Ninja and Z siblings. The speculations about a Vulcan H2 are connected to the rumor that Kawasaki is planning to overhaul its Vulcan lineup altogether. Considering the manufacturer would likely have to rethink the chassis to accommodate the supercharged engine, timing the new H2’s development with a lineup upgrade all makes sense. Thai site MotoRival produced a render of what they imagine the Vulcan H2 would look like. Silhouette wise, the design seems inspired by the Vulcan S with the single-rider saddle, tear-drop tank, and elongated handlebar but the headlamp cluster is clearly borrowed from the Z H2 which creates a weird blend of modern and more classic lines. This is only speculation as Kawasaki has neither confirmed or denied the rumor. According to Indian Autos Blog, if the manufacturer really is working on a (super)powercruiser, chances are we won’t see it for another couple of years. Whether you like powercruisers or not, the notion of a supercharged model

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Harley-Davidson to offer US dealers smaller selection of motorcycles

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by Reuters from https://nypost.com/ Harley-Davidson is reopening its factories this week at lower production rates and sending dealers a narrower range of motorcycles, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The US motorcycle maker, which closed its US plants in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, may not ship any additional new motorcycles this year to about 70 percent of its 698 dealers in the country, the report said. The company did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. Harley would reopen its plants in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and accelerate production in phases that would be limited to bestselling models and palette of colors and without customizable features for the rest of the year, the report said. The company has failed for years to increase sales in the US, its top market, which accounts for more than half its motorcycles sold. As its tattooed, baby-boomer consumer base ages, the Milwaukee-based company has found it tough to attract new customers. To make matters worse, the pandemic has further dented demand as Americans stay at home. In April, then-acting Chief Executive Jochen Zeitz, who has since taken a permanent role at Harley, told investors about plans to cut costs and “de-emphasize” some of its unprofitable international regions. Jochen and team have been working on a new five-year strategic plan here to revive sales, which the company plans to reveal in the second-quarter earnings update. Harley has also moved the launch timing of new models to the early part of the first quarter from August to better align with the start of the riding season. That provided some boost to its US retail sales in the first quarter. Harley’s annual dealer meet, usually held in August, will now take place early next year. Harley to sell fewer models, simplify factories by Bob

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Benelli SRK 600 street fighter spied undisguised

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by Nithyanandh Karuppaswamy from https://www.rushlane.com Chinese-owned Italian motorcycle brand Benelli is in the process of strengthening its middle-weight sportsbike portfolio Several months ago, a sharp looking street fighter with 600 badge was spied in China, sparking speculations that it was the next generation TNT 600i. However, in November 2019, Benelli unveiled the new gen TNT 600i which looked more like a facelift of the current version and had nothing in common with the previously spotted prototype. The sportier version of the 600 has now emerged online again, this time with SRK 600 moniker. It looks like Benelli SRK 600 is a premium alternative to the TNT 600i with additional features. Visually, the Benelli SRK 600 is up there with contemporary street fighters with a sporty headlamp, complete with aerodynamic cowl. The new motorcycle also features edgy fuel tank with sharp extensions and a stubby cantilevered tailpiece with contoured seat and a minimal taillight. As far as the hardware is concerned, the Benelli SRK 600 appears to inherit its TNT sibling’s components. The new street fighter is underpinned by a trellis frame which is supported by a sturdy inverted telescopic front fork and an eccentrically mounted rear monoshock. The alloy swingarm also looks pretty similar to the unit seen on the new TNT 600i. The 17-inch alloy wheels, thick rubber, twin front discs and a single rear disc are also identical to those of the TNT. The four down-tubes confirm that the 600 cc inline-four cylinder engine has been carried forward as well. On board the 2020 Benelli TNT 600i, the sweet sounding motor produces 81.6 hp and 51 Nm of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed unit. Considering that the SRK 600 will be positioned above the TNT 600i, we expect the motor to dish out a slightly higher power output.

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Harley-Davidson appoints Jochen Zeitz as President & CEO: New plan to redefine brand

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by Rahul Kapoor from https://www.financialexpress.com With Matt Levatich stepping down, Harley Davidson had appointed Jochen Zeitz to lead the brand in the interim. But Zeitz has now been appointed as the president and CEO for the Milwaukee based motorcycle manufacturer. Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand has elevated interim President and CEO Jochen Zeitz as the new President and CEO of the company. Zeitz was appointed into the interim position after the former head of the brand Matt Levatich stepped down after a dismal sales performance of the brand that it witnessed in recent years. Zeitz who is currently the chairman of the board of Harley-Davidson brings his experience as the CEO of the sports apparel and goods brand Puma to the role. He also has plans to restructure the company and also redefine Harley Davidson. In a press statement, Zeitz said “Over the next few months, we will re-wire the business and redefine a new 5-year strategic plan later this year. I will then oversee the implementation of these changes and re-ignite Harley-Davidson as one of the most revered and iconic brands in the world,” Zeitz is working towards an all-new brand strategy called “The Rewire” that would allow Harley-Davidson to enter new markets and segments as well. The plan is said to develop further in the coming months which will incorporate key products, and initiatives from the current ongoing strategy for the brand, but with a key focus on markets and products that can help drive profits and growth. Harley-Davidson has found the last few years to be difficult in terms of unit sales. This has been more prominent in its home market – the USA as the modern consumers have moved away from heavyweight cruisers to adventure touring models or ADVs. Zeitz has been on the board

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