Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle
Determination is been defined as to do or achieve something with a firmness of purpose. We can’t think of a more fitting description of Australian daredevil freestyle motocrosser Robbie Maddison’s high flying motorcycle stunts over the last few years.
This determination was fully exemplified last Thursday in Greece, as Maddo and his custom-built Honda CR 500 two-stroke (no, they are not dead yet) became the first man and motorcycle pair to cross the Corinth Canal… that is, in flight. Covering the gap required navigating a run that, to put it mildly, was less than Ideal. Maddison threaded his way by a pool, across a soccer field and past a chicken coop while traveling on surfaces ranging from concrete and wood to grass and eventually carpet on his way to just under 80 miles per hour before taking flight.
However, soaring 279 feet through the air was not Maddison’s longest leap. If you remember New Years Eve 2007, during the Red Bull “New Years, No Limits” series, Robbie flew 322 feet to set the Guinness Wold Record for distance jumped on a motorcycle. That being said, the Corinth Canal jump was more of a technical achievement that placed Maddison 311 feet in the air mid-flight.
Athletes like Maddison keep pushing the limits ever further with companies like Red Bull footing the bill to go bigger and badder year after year. We can’t help but wonder if those limits will be found, or if progression of equipment and stunts can go on at their current frenetic rate. Click past the break to watch the video and to hear what Maddison had to say about this latest stunt. Thanks for the tip Brandon!
[Source: ESPN]
Continue reading Video: Pushing the limits with Robbie Maddison, 311 feet above the Corinth Canal
Video: Pushing the limits with Robbie Maddison, 311 feet above the Corinth Canal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycle
If you’re a MotoGP fan and hail from the home-country of Multistradas, you got to see the official “Strada” commercial aired during the breaks of the first rounds of Grand Prix action last weekend. Ducati kicked off its television advertising campaign by showing off its hawk-billed adventure tourer tackling everything from urban assault missions to gravel paths and everything in between.
Although we have been studying our Italian language tapes thoroughly, the only thing we are qualified to tell you about the spot is that it highlights the versatility of the dirty Duc’s four programmable riding modes, which include urban, enduro, sport and touring settings.
If you have ever wondered what lengths a manufacture will go to for that perfect backdrop, we have confirmed from a reliable source that the perfect Multisrada playground was provided, in this case, courtesy of the Canary Islands. Although we expect to see the commercial in our native tongue of English soon enough in the U.S., feel free to click past the break to get the first view. After all, everything sounds more beautiful when it’s in Italian!
[Source: Two Wheels Blog]
Continue reading Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut
Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Hybrid, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Electric
In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first big player in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale Sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and electric bicycle) as well as aquatic (boat and outboard motor) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha’s intent, but very little follow through up to this point.
The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion… ouch! Yamaha, a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has also pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.
Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of electric motorcycles. This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha’s new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.
[Source: Reuters]
Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Classics, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle
When you hear the term biker babes, the images that fill your mind may include bleach blond hair and the scant use of finely crafted leather bikinis. So you probably haven’t stopped to consider the sexier side of the scooter industry, right? Don’t feel bad – we needed a little encouragement too.
Usually when talking Vespa, we may be covering a new model release, maybe explaining how practical the “wasps” could be for your urban commute or that Sunday trip to the beach. Who knew beyond their cool, iconic exterior that Vespa has had so many run-ins with the fairer sex over the years? When we stumbled across this video history of the women of Vespa, it seemed the right thing to do was pass it along. Sexy, cool classic – Vespa knows just how to get our attention. Click past the break to see for yourself.
[Source: SoloMotoTreinta via Twowheelsblog]
Continue reading Video: Celebrating 60 years with the women of Vespa
Video: Celebrating 60 years with the women of Vespa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorcycle, Canada
Just when we thought we were going to have to get an AMA Pro License to ride any new Buell creations, an official press release from BRP, or Bombardier Recreational Products, appears to have leaked out, spelling out the company’s plans to team up with Erik Buell and for the launch a new line of two wheelers called Bomber Motorcycles. Or so it would seem.
Many rumors have circulated recently pointing out the interest that BRP had shown in purchasing the Buell brand, however much to the chagrin of its many fans, Harley-Davidson would not concede in any talks of selling Buell, choosing rather to spend just over 100 million dollars to pack up shop and cling to some sort of lingering pride. Well, that was all so last week. As the old saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Erik Buell and BRP have supposedly come up with a way to make the merger happen. Although none of us are supposed to know this yet, BRP spokesperson Avril Foujour (uh huh, yeah) confirmed yesterday that the press release was in fact official and had been leaked ahead of it’s planned April 2nd release date. Apparently they didn’t want anyone to think this was some sort of clever April Fools gimmick… oops, I think they got us.
Though all indications are that this may be the World’s Most Elaborate April Fools’ Joke, let’s take a moment to consider just how much effort went into this prank. There’s a name for the new company and bike (Stratofortress), an estimated release date (fourth quarter 2010) and plenty of typically boastful press release copy. There’s a logo (see above), a Facebook page, Twitter account and even a dummy website. Someone has way too much free time on their hands, no?
See the complete and undeniably fake press release after the break.
[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]
The most elaborate April Fool’s joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don’t) team up for new streetbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorcycle, Design/Style
If we didn’t know any better, we’d have to say that the adventure motorcycle segment is the hottest thing on two wheels this year. With the first string players like BMW and KTM off the benches and in the game, a whole new generation of competitors is quickly joining in the action.
Enter the Aprilia Tuareg 750 (no, not the Touareg), a new middle weight concept from the Piaggio camp, that looks to take aim at more “off the beaten path” kind of pleasures. A healthy tubular steel frame and proposed weigh of just 441 pounds should provide a strong starting point for true adventure touring, and with a 19-inch rear and 21-inch front wheel combination, the Tuareg would give the choice of running the even the most aggressive rubber. Those of you who are long-time fans of the Italian brand should recognize the Tuareg name. This is not the first Tuareg to make it’s way out off the Aprilia assembly line, but a bigger and certainly badder version of the original single cylinder adventure bike of the early 90’s.
We can’t help but notice the similarities between the frame, suspension and power-plant of the very moody Dorsoduro 750 that recently spent some time here in the Autoblog garage. Finding itself on the field surrounded by MVP performers like the BMW F800GS, we hope the Tuareg will have a personality all it’s own, that is… one that loves going new places and doesn’t mind coming home dirty and tired. We’ll keep you in the know as more details surface, and did we mention the more street friendly 1200cc version? Stay tuned, as we know BMW surely is.
Gallery: Aprilia Tuareg 750
[Source: Motociclismo.it via Asphalt & Rubber]
Aprilia dives deeper into the venture of adventure with the Tuareg 750 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorcycle, Celebrities
It looks like even Hollywood Superstars are not immune to the lure of well-crafted American Iron. The paparazzi recently caught Brad Pitt out for a cruise aboard the one-off steed pictured above. Mr Pitt is no stranger to the health benefits of a good right-wrist exercise regiment – he’s been spotted cruising the left coast on several different cycles, including a full range of Ducatis as well as customs from Confederate.
So what exactly is Brad’s latest mount? If you notice the matching 21-inch Roland Sands Design wheels front and rear, this setup has become a trademark of designer Jesse Rooke. The California-based custom builder has been churning out some truly unique creations since his debut in 2002, as well as lending his designs to other manufactures like Swift Motorcycles.
One look at a Rooke Ride and it becomes apparent that his inspirations come from far beyond the traditional boundaries of an ever-struggling custom scene. This goes to show that cool is cool, no matter what package it’s served in. Now, if we could just get a leg over one of “the other Jesse’s” bikes in the near future… We hear they really do carve. Imagine that, a custom that corners. Who says choppers are dead?
[Source: Two Wheels Blog | Image: Roland Sands Design]
Never too cool for two wheels: Brad Pitt spotted on a new custom motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Middle East, Racing
Few duos in history have offered up more raw two-wheeled entertainment than that of Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi. Up to this point we are only sure that they ever agreed on one topic, that is, who should pass the checkered flag first. Each man would resoundingly agree that they, individually, deserve that honor.
Believe it or not, the battling duo has come together, united in purpose, to lobby for an earlier start at the Losail International Circuit’s “night race.” The event, held in Doha, Qatar, will mark the official kick-off of the 2010 Moto GP schedule. Traditionally, the Losail event barely squeezes into it’s scheduled date, with a start time of 11pm. Is this just because track management is so proud of those awesome lights? Dorna, which promotes Moto GP events, has several good reasons to host the race at its scheduled time. First, daytime temperatures in Qatar can be so brutal that they would make T.E. Lawrence blush, and second, the time slot allows the race to be broadcast live during prime viewing hours in Europe and acceptable hours in the U.S.
The argument from the riders is that the primetime slot is just too late. At this time of night, temperatures in the desert begin to take drastic swings, adding complexity to tire choice as grip rapidly changes along with those temperatures. Are there valid concerns here? It would seem so – amidst a recent test session at Losail, not one but three premier riders hit the tarmac later in the evening, all within moments of one another. If any one, or in this case two, people had a chance to change the GP schedule, we would put our money on the Rossi-Stoner alliance. But this close to the race, it remains to be seen if their collectively high-pitched voices will make it to any listening ears. Either way, if you missed the point, did we mention Moto GP is starting again? What was it they were worried about?
[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]
Rossi and Stoner agree on one thing: Champs call for earlier start in Qatar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Motorcycle
Picture this: It’s ten minutes after five o’clock, you’re heading north on the 405 freeway, leaving Los Angeles. You won’t appreciate your favorite two-wheeled conveyance much more than at this moment. If you spend time traveling through California, you know the practice of lane-splitting can shave hours off of an otherwise grueling commute. The act of passing slowed or stopped cars between lanes, however, appeared to be limited to to the Golden State, with slim hopes of spreading east. Until now, that is.
Under House Bill 2475, Arizona lawmakers would allow lane-splitting during aone-year “trial period.”. This would only encompass Maricopa County, home to the Phoenix metro area and its surrounding suburbs.
Local news reports indicate differing opinions over the plan’s safety. That said, riders who lane-split in California (not to mention the millions who regularly do so every single day in Europe and Asia) will tell you the practice can indeed be performed safely. What’s more, lane-splitting reduces fuel consumption, travel times and roadway congestion.
As traffic grows more intense each year, it’s hard to view attempts to reduce congestion as anything but positive. If Arizonans need another excuse to enjoy their year-round riding conditions, it could soon come with the passing of Bill 2475.
[Source: ABC15.com | Image: akeg via CC-SA 2.0]
Two wheels to the front: Arizona to legalize lane splitting. Maybe. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Off-Road
We first brought you news of KTM’s planned debut of two new electric motorcycle only days ago. It appeared as if the world would have to wait for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show and the official March 26th release date to get its eyes on fully exposed photos.
If you were holding your breath for the unveiling, you can thank German mag Motorrad for breaking the photos early. As we can see now, the supermoto and enduro versions differ quite extensively, despite sharing a frame and power-train. The unique single crown fork protruding from a BMX-like handlebar and headtube combination holding a single headlight certainly set the slick-tired version apart from its knobby clad counterpart. We can’t help but notice the rather dainty tubular steel frame on each model, despite plastic covers that give the illusion of a much beefier unit.
How much will it cost for your very own stick of 30-horsepower, 200-pound, orange-blooded electric dynamite? A proposed price of €10,000, which at current exchange rates is just over $13,500, seems in no way competitive amongst stiff competition from Zero and others already in the market. But it is still way too early to take much of an educated stand regarding KTM’s charge into the electric cycle niche. We won’t know anything concrete until we can put power to the ground aboard a Freeride ourselves.
[Source: Motorradonline.de, 1000ps.at via Hell For Leather]
First look at the KTM Freeride: Electric motorcycle photos leak from Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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