Autoblog

Enthusiast builds Jaguar "leaper" motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-18T12:30:00+00:00

We like Jaguar's classic leaper emblem, we really do. But we also realize that the iconic cat needs to pounce on the right target, which doesn't include the hood of the new XF. How about on a motorcycle? Or, more appropriately, how about an entire motorcycle? One enterprising Jaguar fan has fabricated a two-wheeler that the ~~Indian~~ British marque won't be making itself, though the result is pretty impressive if awfully impractical. The engine is either from a Sporty or an air-cooled Buell, though the wheels are definitely from Erik's parts bin. There's a custom frame underneath suspending the engine from its top and the rear motor mounts, but the real eye-catcher is the bodywork. We can't be sure what the leaper is made from but our guess would be composites as it doesn't appear pounded from metal. If anyone has any extra details about this bike, feel free to share in the comments. In any case, this is likely the most fuel efficient form of transport on which the leaper's ever appeared. Click the source link to view another angle of the bike. Thanks for the tip, Katherine!

[Source: T3]

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Woodward 2008: Cruising on two wheels

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-16T19:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycles

Click above for high-res gallery of motorcycles cruising Woodward

Sure, the vast majority of vehicles cruising down Woodward Ave. this weekend are of the four-wheeled variety, but motorcycles were well represented as well. In between all the exotics, classics and modern muscle, we dodged (and occasionally stopped) traffic to grab a pretty good representation of what was out there, whether they be scooters, choppers or trikes... plus some things that defy classification altogether. Check out our complete gallery below.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Motorcycles

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Harley-Davidson and MV Agusta sign acquisition deal

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-13T09:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Motorcycles

Last month we brought you confirmation of Harley-Davidson's impending take-over of the MV Agusta Group in a deal valued at $109 million. The two parties have now signed the deal, leaving only regulatory approval to proceed with the acquisition.

Although MV Agusta built nearly 6,000 motorcycles in 2007, production has slipped dramatically this year as the company was over-run with debt. Part of Harley's take-over involves the payment of some $70 million in MV Agusta's outstanding debts. Harley-Davidson announced that Claudio Castiglioni, the current chairman of the group, which also includes Cagiva motorcycles, as well as chief designer Massimo Tamburini, will remain in their posts and the company will continue to operate out of its headquarters in Varese, Italy. However, Harley-Davidson intents to appoint a new management team for MV Agusta, including a new managing director. With such measures in place, we're sure that the partnership between Milwaukee and Varese can only lead to good things for both companies.

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

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Talon Performance creates a quad only a mother could love

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-11T09:04:00+00:00

Filed under: Etc., Toys, Motorcycles

Talon Performance is where "Innovation meets the street." That combination apparently yields results like the Talon Street Quad, a body-kitted 4-wheeler based on the Kawasaki KFX700. We think it looks like the innovation and the street got in a big argument, attacked a manatee with bats, and then threw paint on it. Then put it on wheels. Nice, rims, though...

Part quad, part Cars movie extra, part dada, the Talon Street Quad is supposedly street legal. We don't know where these streets are (in America), because quads have been shown the hand by all 50 states when it comes to road duty. Yet according to Talon, "you can even take it on your next road trip."

It'll also save you money at the pump, which is lately the god of all things. So if you want it, but you're not sure about that two-tone paint job, do not fear: you can get it in a single tone for "shear and simple beauty." Or you could just buy the Quadrazuma. And check out the gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Talon Performance Street Quad

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Roger Goldammer: Official World Champion of Custom Bike Building

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-09T14:11:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycles, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for more images of Roger Goldammer's Goldmember

There seems to be a new trend in custom bike building, and it's one we're happy to see. The best designers are creating machines meant to be ridden and to perform better than anything else available, and this year's winner of the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building proves this. Roger Goldammer creates stunning designs, yet he doesn't let his creations sit in a corner collecting dust. Rather, his winning bike is a world record holder, averaging over 160 miles per hour last year at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

This year, official voting took place at the Sturgis Rally and was broken down into four separate categories. Goldammer won in the Freestyle class, the most prestigious award available, with his machine known as Goldmember. Equipped with a custom 960cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine using modified Harley-Davidson cases, a supercharger and nitrous in addition to its streamlined bodywork, Goldmember is simply amazing. You can see the rest of the winning machines here.

Gallery: Goldammer Goldmember

[Source: AMD World Championship]

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BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-06T17:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety, BMW, Motorcycles, Rumormill

Rumors from various European motorcycle mags indicate that BMW is considering getting back into the scooter game. The Bavarian company's last foray into scooterdom resulted in the C1. Being that this was BMW Motorrad, its scooter would need to be different from everyone else, and indeed it was. Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1.

Rotax is also rumored to be involved, offering an 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine in three different sizes and ranging from 33 to 75 horsepower. The machine is said to retain the C1's windshield and roof and add BMW's paralever rear suspension design. BMW: You've got our attention, now please don't disappoint.

[Source: Visor Down]

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Craig Jones: 1985-2008

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-05T09:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Motorcycles

We're saddened to report the passing of 23 year-old motorcycle racer Craig Jones from Northwich, Cheshire. Jones was a seasoned rider, having been part of the World Superbike and Supersport scene for the past five years. His untimely death was the result of an accident during the FIM Supersport World Championship race at Brands Hatch which took place on Sunday, August 3. During the crash, Jones was unavoidably hit by the rider directly following him after high-siding his Team Parkalgar Honda CBR600. According to reports, Jones sustained serious head injuries in the crash, leading to his death on the morning of Monday August 4. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

[Source: World Superbike]

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Chinese companies selling $1,400 Dodge Tomahawk knock-off

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-01T13:58:00+00:00

Filed under: China, Dodge, Motorcycles

Click above for high-res gallery of the Tomahawk knock-off

Back before Chrysler was bought by Cerberus, you could always count on the automaker to roll out something truly special at the Detroit Auto Show. Whether by stampeding an entire herd of cattle through downtown Detroit or putting motorcycle bits all around the V10 engine of a Viper, Dodge has always found a way to capture people's attention. The Viper-inspired Tomahawk motorcycle was especially memorable. It seems that some are still miffed that Dodge never offered the fabled bike as a regular production machine, though a few were in fact created and sold as non-runners. Now a company (or companies, who knows?) in China has decided to offer a motorcycle based on the design of Dodge's original concept. We should stress that this is in no way a replica, as the original V10 engine has been replaced by a single cylinder 150cc engine and CVT transmission from a scooter. It's not street legal and also cannot be sold in California. As with all small-bore motorcycles and scooters coming from China with questionable origins, we really cannot recommend you purchase one for yourself with visions of riding it to work. If you just want to see it in your garage though, it'll surely work as a rolling sculpture quite nicely.

Gallery: Chinese Tomahawk Replica

[Source: ATV Discounter via 2fiddy.com]

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First Ride: 2009 Harley-Davidson CVO models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-27T12:07:00+00:00

Filed under: First Drive, Motorcycles

Click above for high-res image of the Harely-Davidson CVO models

There is no doubting that Harley-Davidson motorcycles have stood the test of time. Though sales of both mainstream and higher-end models from The Motor Company are down, Harley-Davidson has seen fit to continue its line of factory custom models. Custom Vehicle Operations offers complete models featuring Screaming Eagle parts.

HD has no problems selling its entire allotment of CVO SE bikes each year despite their high cost of entry, so we surmise that folks looking for full custom bikes complete with Harley-Davidson warranties must have fairly deep pockets. Surely then, these machines had better be quite different from their more standard countarparts. Let's take a closer look.

Gallery: First Ride: 2009 HD CVO Fat Bob

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Tr2n (a.k.a. Tron 2), complete with Light Cycles, headed to theaters

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-26T18:13:00+00:00

Filed under: Time Warp, Lifestyle, Motorcycles, Celebrities

Follow the jump to watch a video of Tr2n teaser footage

Disney is planning a sequel to its cult classic, Tron. Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Flynn, though the character may take on a more menacing tone in part two. Teaser footage was unveiled just yesterday at the San Diego Comic Con. While Tron was just moderately successful at the box office, the film's legend has grown along with its 80s-era fans, enough to earn itself a sequel over two decades later. The Light Cycles starred in what was perhaps the original film's most iconic scene, and they make a grand comeback in Tr2n, the tentative (and very unfortunate) name of the sequel.

Seriously, watch the crappy, clandestinely-obtained footage from the convention panel after the break. Color us super excited based on this early teaser. When we see a proper copy of this, we'll likely be even more stoked. Seriously, how cool are the new Light Cycles? We think they look awesome in their new uncovered form, and the updated graphics make us hope that the new story, said to be written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz from Lost, lives up to our childhood Tron memories.

[Source: Slashfilm]

Continue reading Tr2n (a.k.a. Tron 2), complete with Light Cycles, headed to theaters

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In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-26T13:02:00+00:00

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Motorcycles

Click above for more high-res images of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R

When the sportbike discussion inevitably turns to outright performance, the Aprilia RSV 1000R is usually left out of the equation. It is true that the Italian bike is down on horsepower when compared with its racier relatives from Ducati and especially against the inline four machines from the Japanese manufacturers. While the Big Four from Japan continuously improve their unique (but very similar) breed of liter-class sportbikes with completely new designs every few years, Aprilia has sat back and made very small and incremental changes to its V-Twin contestant, and though its acceleration is surely a tick or two behind the leaders, it is important to consider the fact that everything is relative in the world of liter-bikes. Remember, barring something truly special, any liter-class sportbike from the last decade is sure to be the quickest vehicle on any given road. So, what does the Aprilia offer to make up for its apparent lack of horsepower? Read on.

Gallery: Aprilia RSV 1000 R

All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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Harley-Davidson launches two new 2009 models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-23T17:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles

Click above for more shots of the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

Harley-Davidson, the definitive American motorcycle manufacturer, has released its 2009 models, and there are a few surprises to take note of, including the introductions of two brand new bikes. The VRSCF V-Rod Muscle (above) builds on the same liquid cooled platform of past VR models and adds a new rear fender design, dual side exhaust pipes and revised bodywork to the wide 240 mm rear tire that some models already feature. The second new bike is The Motor Company's first trike, the Tri Glide. Using a brand new rear differential along with air suspension in back, Harley looks to capitalize on the growing three-wheeler trend in the states.

In other news, HD has also revised the frame of all its '09 Touring models, and we recently got the chance to feel the new, more solid-feeling frame ourselves. It's a definite improvement, especially important since the revised Tour-Pak is capable of holding even more gear and weight. Nearly all new Duna and Sportster models feature a new front fender said to more closely follow the contour of the front wheel, improving the appearance of the bikes in the process. Take a closer look at the two completely new models here:

Gallery: 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

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Triumph introduces new 2010 Thunderbird

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-23T10:21:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles

Click above for a few more shots of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

We've seen plenty of spy photos circulating the web of Triumph's long-expected parallel twin cruiser, so the introduction of the new 2010 Thunderbird is anything but shocking. We are a bit surprised, though, by how plain-looking the bike is, appearing very much like a modern Bonneville injected with ~~steroids~~ performance enhancing drugs. With its blacked-out liquid cooled parallel engine, the bike bares a passing resemblance to Kawasaki's rather ancient Vulcan 500 model... not good. In any case, we are counting on competitive performance from the rather large 1600cc engine, which should offer somewhat more than a hundred horses. Considering just how massive the shove one gets from Triumph's Rocket III cruiser, we have high hopes for this new cruiser mill.

Rumors indicate that more variations on this basic Thunderbird theme will come out of the woodwork in due time, including the now-expected touring model. All models will likely share the same basic frame, engine and six speed gearbox. ABS is said to be optional. We look forward to seeing more shots of the new Thunderbird, hopefully ones that show the bike in a bit better light.

Gallery: 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

[Source: Triumph]

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Harley-Davidson launches new 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-23T00:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles

Considering the growing popularity of the trike market -- and we don't mean the old VW-based creations made popular in the seventies -- we wonder why it took Harley-Davidson so long to introduce its own three-wheeler. Based on the Electra Glide Touring chassis, the Tri Glide uses a belt final drive to connect a new air-suspended rear differential to the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission common to all Harley Big Twins. At the front, rake and trail have been increased to lend a bit more stability to the package while a steering stabilizer is intended to reduce front-end wobble. For the ultimate in ease of use, consider the optional electric reverse gear for an additional $1,195. Dual 15-inch rear wheels come fitted with P205/65R15 tires.

The same Tour-Pak from the Ultra model works on the Tri Glide along with the normal "bat wing" fairing that Harley-Davidson has made famous over the years. Moving all this mass down the road is a new fuel-injected Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine that offers up 101 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-gallon fuel tank ought to keep you going about as long as your bladder can handle, and the standard cruise control will get you where you need to go with a minimum of fuss. While we personally prefer to tour on two wheels, we're sure HD will find a few buyers for the new Tri Glide, even at its $30,000 suggested retail price, which is actually a decent deal considering how much a conversion kit runs these days.

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson launches new 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic

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Harley-Davidson rolls out new 2009 V-Rod Muscle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-23T00:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles

The original V-Rod was described as a muscle bike when it was introduced, competing against such intense machines as the original V Max from Yamaha and the Rocket III from Triumph. This year, The Motor Company has seen fit to actually introduce a new model based on that same VRSC platform that carries the name Muscle. Let's get this out of the way now: we're not fans of the moniker. Despite the odd name, we like what makes this machine different from other models sharing the same platform with its liquid cooled 1250cc V-Twin engine. For instance, that new rear fender with its integrated stoplight looks great, as do the dual exhausts with one pipe on each side. One questionable styling choice could be the airbox extensions, which appear riveted into place.

All VRSC models get optional ABS for their Brembo triple disc brakes, including the new VRSCF. The Muscle shares the same 240 mm rear tire that was on our Night Rod Special test bike, and it looks just as mean in this application as it did there, while that fat rubber surrounds new five spoke cast wheels.

Gallery: 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson rolls out new 2009 V-Rod Muscle

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Gunbus motorcycle finished, proves just excessive enough

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-12T17:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorcycles, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for more shots of the Gunbus motorcycle

When it comes to custom motorcycle builders, there's crazy and there's really crazy. Falling into the latter category is one Mr. Clemens F. Leonhardt, who has just finished building what he refers to as "the world's biggest motorcycle." Excluding some other crazy creations, such as the Monster Bike, the guy's got a point. Unlike other two-wheeled behemoths, the Leonhardt Gunbus is actually ready to ride on normal roads and will soon go into series production. That's right... you'll actually be able to buy one of these. Next on the agenda is an equally massive sidecar, which somehow seems just right for this bike.

A quick glance at the pictures shows just how monumental that 410-cubic-inch, air-cooled, pushrod V-Twin really is. Of course, a monster of an engine must require an impressively large bike, and the Gunbus is certainly that, looking bit like a caricature of a bike with the fittingly attractive blonde model sitting on top. Whatever -- we want one.

Gallery: Completed Gunbus Motorcycle

[Source: Leonhardt via The Kneeslider]

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Breil throttles up the Ducati watch collection

Noah Joseph — 2008-07-12T14:09:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Lifestyle, Motorcycles

Any casual Autoblog reader will know about our love for automotive-inspired watches, like the ones that made our Top 10 list back in December '06. But while our coverage of motorcycles remains occasional, when it comes to timepieces, what works for four wheels works just as well on two. Take the latest Ducati watch collection from Breil, for example. It incorporates the same sort of octane-infused design as the automotive-inspired models from other companies.

Above on the left is an enticing example from the Ducati One Collection, encasing an ETA 2824 automatic movement in 42mm of black titanium with a face displaying the movement like the brake disc on a Ducati bike. A motorcycle-style tread pattern features prominently on the rubber strap, and the watch will run you $1,175. On the right is its compatriot from the Desmo collection, with a Ronda 5030 quartz chronograph movement in a stainless-steel 44mm case held down by screws and a adjusted via an anodized red crown. That one's $1,095. While the watches themselves won't have us popping wheelies and dragging our knees through sweeping bends just yet, they certainly capture the notion beautifully.

[Source: Luxist]

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Officially Official: Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta, Cagiva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-11T13:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Motorcycles

Click above for high-res gallery of the H-D Night Rod Special

Earlier rumors of an impending purchase by Harley-Davidson of Italian bike maker MV Agusta turned out to be spot-on, as the American Motor Company has officially announced the deal today. The total price for MV, which also owns Cagiva, is reported at about $109 million, with $70 million of that sum required to pay off MV's debt. Claudio Castiglioni, who's family had previously owned the company privately, will remain on board and will serve as Chairman. Castiglioni stands to pocket an undisclosed sum in 2016 if he is able to meet certain stipulated profit goals.

This new deal is an interesting one on a few levels. First, HD already owns a sportbike brand, though its Buell subsidiary plays on a very different level than MV Agusta. The influx of cash from Harley should do wonders for MV's current range of sports and naked bikes, and may allow a greater number of customers access to the storied Italian marque. Consider the fact that Buell was a very small player with a number of quality problems before the Motor Company stepped in and fixed the situation. Additionally, the MV Agusta and Cagiva brands carry quite a strong legacy of high quality machines and will lend instant credibility in Europe and America to Harley's sporting credentials. The full press release is posted after the break. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Harley-Davidson]

Continue reading Officially Official: Harley-Davidson purchases MV Agusta, Cagiva

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The Dark Knight's shoulder-driven Batpod

Noah Joseph — 2008-07-10T07:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Gadgets, Etc., Tech, Motorcycles

Over the last 70 years, Batman has driven all sorts of vehicles, with a wide array of Batmobiles, planes, bikes and boats appearing in the various comic books, television series and movies. Arguably none have been as wickedly exciting, however, as the Tumbler which the superhero drove in the most recent Batman Begins. But with the sequel swooping into theaters this week, we're in store for a new piece of kit.

Called the Batpod, we've been bringing you details of the new motorcycle as they've become available. The Batpod is driven by a pair of motors hidden within the giant 20-inch wheels and steered by the shoulder, allowing the Caped Crusader to operate an arsenal of machine guns and grappling hooks. We'll have to hold on just a little bit longer to see it in action on the big screen, but in the meantime you can check out the images from the Batmobile's and Batpod's demonstration at Silverstone with the Toyota F1 crew in the high-resolution image bat-gallery by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Batman's Tumbler at Silverstone

[Source: gizmag]

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BMW creates two-wheel drive off-road bike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-09T19:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Tech, BMW, Motorcycles

Click on the image above for more shots of the 2WD BMW concept bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

Gallery: 2WD BMW Bike

[Source: The Biker Gene]

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