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Suzuki Hayabusa The Third Is a New Breed of Hypersport

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Ever since 1999, the world’s roads have been a playing field for a Suzuki motorcycle that was very quick to become the fastest production two-wheeler in the world: the Hayabusa. As we are still getting our bearings in the new year, the Japanese upped the ante even more by launching the model’s third generation. Playing in a category it pretty much defined, hypersport, the new Hayabusa brings to the table an incredible amount of changes, with over 550 new parts being fitted on it according to the Japanese compnay. You can get a sense of what that really means. But let’s take it slow, starting with the looks of the thing. Historically, the Hayabusa distinguished itself by being low, long, and wide, in many instances much more so than anything before it. Those three attributes have been retained for the new generation but modernized with the help of nip and tucks performed here and there. At the front, there are new vertically stacked LED headlights, new angular air intakes, and equally-as-new position lights, while at the rear, the bike ends in straight-edged exhaust and mufflers. In between the handlebars, there are redesigned gauges, which are now located left and right of a new TFT display. Engine-wise, the bike retains the powerplant deployed on the second generation but improves it to such a degree that it makes the third Hayabusa the fastest-launching one yet. Sadly, Suzuki does not back that claim up with numbers, at least for now. We have no reason to doubt it, though, given how it would appear a good chunk of the 550 new parts have gone into remaking the 1,340cc powerplant and the chassis that supports it. It’s got new pistons, camshaft, cam chain tensioner, crankshaft, crankcases, and even new gears […]

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Harley-Davidson Sport Rod Is Forty-Eight Gone Bad

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Good or bad, expensive or less so, Harleys are meant to be customized. Even the bike maker knows this and not only allows it, but also encourages such endeavors, including within its own ranks. In April, a Harley custom motorcycle building competition ended, with a bike called Apex Predator taking the win. The competition, called King of Kings, was Harley’s way of rewarding its international dealers that build incredible bikes at times. The Predator had to battle 14 other motorcycles from around the world to get the popular vote. The one here, called Sport Rod, is one of those 14. The motorcycle started life as a standard Forty-Eight, but was turned into something else by a Benelux dealer called Motor Saloon. The shop went for an “impressive, dark and sleek hot rod” look, and the first step to achieve that was to lower the ride height and replace the standard tires with flatter ones. To fit better with the new stance, the mudguards too were modified and lowered. The custom hardware that has been added includes the tank, taken from a Sportster Custom, the headlight visor, a chin spoiler and, of course, the dedicated saddle. The crew also fitted LED turn signals for maximum effect, but most importantly, the color scheme chosen for the bike – a combination of Vivid Black and Silver Denim – leaves no room for interpretation when it comes to what these guys were going for. The engine of the motorcycle was left pretty much untouched, but some of the hardware it needs to breath properly has been improved: there’s now a new air filter and straight exhaust pipes. The Sport Rod seen in the gallery above is street legal and it cost no more than €6,000 ($6,500) to make. Although

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BMW’s new S 1000 XR all-season bike unveiled

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by Denis Droppa from https://www.businesslive.co.za/ Improved agility, tech and midrange torque for BMW’s powerful adventure sport motorcycle. With a superbike engine mounted in an adventure bike frame, the BMW S 1000 XR was an unusual concoction when it was first launched in 2015. This powerful bike was never intended as a hardcore offroad machine, but had the raised ground clearance and suspension travel to be capable of mild dirt riding, meaning the journey needn’t end when tar gives way to gravel. Its upright seating position was also suited to long-distance riding comfort. This adventure sport bike has gone on to become a popular model for the German brand, and the second-generation version has been unveiled as a lighter and more agile bike with an improved suite of safety- and convenience-enhancing electronics. Making its world debut at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, the new S 1000 XR has shed 10kg and features a newly developed engine and suspension. The suspension has been slimmed down, the frame and swing arm are now 1.8kg lighter, and the new double-sided swing arm reduces unsprung masses — all contributing to improved agility. The updated engine is 5kg lighter and is based on the mighty four-cylinder 1,000cc unit used in BMW’s S 1000 RR superbike. While the 123kW and 113Nm outputs are unchanged, it has increased midrange power for enhanced rideability while fourth, fifth and sixth gears now have longer ratios to reduce noise and fuel consumption. In addition to a smoother slipper clutch, the new S 1000 XR also features a new electronically controlled engine drag torque control (MSR) which prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting. The new S 1000 XR has four standard Ride Modes — “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”. In

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H-D 2019 Electra Glide Standard new model announcement

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Harley-Davidson ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD delivers an elemental Touring experience powered by the Milwaukee-Eight engine MILWAUKEE (Mar. 4, 2019) –Powered by the muscular Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 engine, the new Electra Glide Standard is a “Dressed down Dresser” that provides a raw, fundamental riding experience inspired by Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring roots. Designed for the traditional touring customer, the Electra Glide Standard is for the rider seeking to disconnect from all the noise of the day-to-day through riding. No screens, simply a motorcycle that provides and heightens the experience of the journey. This fundamental experience is a key element in the design and engineering of the Electra Glide Standard. The Electra Glide Standard features essential Harley-Davidson styling elements such as the iconic batwing fairing, chrome trim, standard saddle bags, and cast aluminum wheels. Chrome accents are added in high-impact design areas and complemented by polished rocker, cam and derby covers and select blacked out components – a blend of traditional elements and modern trends. “To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson’s touring line. Chrome was added to key components and complimented by polished and blacked out parts, said Harley-Davidson’s Vice President of Styling & Design Brad Richards. “The rocker, cam, and derby covers are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. In addition, they add a dose of nostalgia that draws a through-line all the way back to the first Electra Glide.” To provide a raw touring motorcycle experience without riding compromises, the Electra Glide Standard features all the latest ride and handling technology of Harley-Davidson’s Touring line such as standard electronic cruise control, hand-adjustable emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers, 49mm front forks with Showa dual bending valve suspension, and Brembo brakes

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