Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Motorcycle Code of Conduct for London Bus Lanes

With the forthcoming opening of London Red Bus lanes to motorcyclists on the 9th January the MCI (Motorcycle Industry Association) has published a Code of Conduct for motorcyclists who will be using the bus lanes. The Code has been developed with the Metropolitan police and supported by riders groups, Motorcycle News and motorcycle dealerships.

So if you intend to ride your motorcycle or scooter in the soon to be opened London Red Bus lanes you can download a copy of the Code from the MCI website at www.mcia.co.uk, it comes as both a leaflet and a business card in cut out and keep format.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2009 Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.


Created by Ducati as a tribute to legendary World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, this limited edition motorcycle will only be produced as a limited run of 500 units. With its unique colour scheme by Aldo Drudi and approved by Troy this could be the ultimate 1098 R to own. With a numbered plague on the top yoke and the added bonus of a full racing exhaust system including 102dB carbon fibre mufflers by Termignoni (strictly for track use only), a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover and rear paddock stand.

Simply stunning!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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10 tips for a Bulletproof Motocross Clutch

Just a quick blog entry to say we've just published a new feature article on www.inter-bike.co.uk today, entitled 10 tips for a Bulletproof Motocross Clutch. This Motocross training article is by http://www.mxtrainingjournal.com.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1700 Voyager video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1700 Voyage at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



The world's first full dress Japanese V-twin tourer featuring belt drive, six speed gearbox and electronic throttle valve system.
The Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager has all the necessities for long distance motorcycle touring.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Monday, December 22, 2008

Delhi to Marsimek La : DAY 6

Read Day1
Read Day2
Read Day3

Read Day4
Read Day5




DAY6: LEH - MARSIMEK LA - LEH

The previous night, we all sat outside our hut gazing at the star lit sky. It was a spiritual experience : close to 2-3 degrees, songs playing on the phone, none of us spoke - just soaked ourself in this beautiful calm place.
I wanted to hit the road to Marsimek la - my reason for this trip. Only Ravi on the fuel injected Pulsar 220 agreed to come along. We decided to hit the road at 7am, while others would have breakfast and head back to leh by 10am or so.

I couldnt get up at 7am, instead Ravi and I left at around 8am for the road to Marsimek la. For this, we had to first hit the Army camp at Phobrang, a ride of around 15km on smooth tarmac roads.

The road to Marsimek la from the lake (taken while lookin back)


Phobrang is where things got difficult for us. As i had left before Ravi did, i stepped into the camp to get permission to ride ahead. The officers were just not willing to listen to my insane demands. Their own army trucks had difficulty going up plus the fact that the Tibet border was just miles away didnt make matters easier. Somehow, after half an hour, they gave us the nod!
We removed our entire luggage, reduced the tyre pressure and started the final 20km ride. This was what i had waited for the last 5 days.
The road, err, path initially wasnt difficult. Just a dirt path cut across the big mountain side. We kept the bikes at around the 30-35km/h mark. No soul in sight, just two mad bikers going upto Marsimek la!

This is how the path starts

Isolation at its best!


You start wishing for a vehicle at every curve.. but are disappointed

Soon, the path became worse and steep. The bikes were now running and in 1st and 2nd. Speeds dropped to 20km/h. I even gave a lift to a local gypsy guy who was searching for this herd of wild horses. We even saw wild Himalayan marmots. We had still not come across any other person or vehicle.

Soon, ahead of us lay numerous rocky paths. It seemed the army trucks had made their own road - shorter, though steeper. Their off-road tyres (and 4x4) meant they could do it. I however made a mistake of taking one of these shortcuts. Oh boy - it was tough. The bike at over 17000feet just wudnt climb such shortcuts. I had to literally paddle the bike up! Ravi in the meatime, with an advantage of the FI literally flew past me.

It took us a good 30min to ride the last 5-6km. Finally we could see the top. But it started becoming dark. it was hardly 12noon - but soon i could see tiny flakes running in air. it was snowing - at close to 18000feet. WTF!

Ravi's bike made it up - i could see him waiting at the top. Mine just kept dying. The engine felt breathless. I had to get off the bike, rev it, burn the clutch and push it up so many times. I couldnt breathe. the air was super thin. I gave up - sat next to my bike, touched it and begged - come on, just 500m more. Do it, for my sake. She responded - it was like man and machine working hard to make it upto the top. I was panting like a dog, pushing it up and the last few hundred meters. It was getting super cold as well. finally, we made it and i saw the sign - M MEKLA (Masimek la as we know of it).


I didnt know wat to do - i put the bike on the side stand, and fell to the ground. it was overwhelming. My breath fogged up the visor. Tears almost rolled down my eyes - i had made it. We had made it. to 18640 feet.
My watched showed 18460 but i didnt care. this was as high as it gets thru dirt / rocky steep paths. AMS started sinking in - my head was aching though snow flakes had disappeared.

At the top


Walking to the bike...


Thanking it...

And posin for Ravi's cam



Ravi and i hugged each other, took some snaps and started the ride back. one hour, 20km later we were at Phobrang.

The ride back

Finally got some company!



The Army guys were surprised to know our puny machines with road tyres made it up. They offered us hot tea which we just cudnt refused... It was close to 2pm and we still had to reach Leh. It was time to head back, speed up and catch up with the other guys... Day 6 had been etched deep inside my heart forever...

2009 Ducati Streetfighter S video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Ducati Streetfighter S at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



Ducati's new naked Streetfighter S features an awesome 115bhp of power and 115Nm of torque in a street fighter set up that will certainly turn heads!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Thursday, December 18, 2008

2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc cruiser video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc cruiser at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show. The new Triumph Thunderbird is due to go on sale in the summer of 2009.



Enjoy!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Suzuki Hayabusa and Intruder tested


Bike India January 2009 issue is loaded.
Read the first ever test of the Suzuki Hayabusa and Intruder in India. We also go one step ahead and ride Intruder and its international rivals right here in India. Plus, first ride of the Ducati 1198 and new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R .

On stands by saturday.
Also see Bike India's website HERE and be a part of the official Bike India orkut community HERE

RELATED READING:
Riding to the worlds highest road at 18640feet
2009 KTM RC8 ridden
Yamaha FZ16 tested

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Triumph threemotard


Speculations - nothing is set in concrete just now, but someone has had the creativity to invent the traces of what an eventual Triumph Maxi Motard, the threemotard could look like.

The starting point of this rendering is the muscular Speed Triple with a new, convincing style. It is a slimmer bike both front and rear, and with the virtual absence of a headlight to show off its pure sports style. The bike is characterized mostly by a full tank and almost Dragster look.

After the KTM Supermoto, BMW Megamoto and Ducati Hypermotard, this could be the UK’s representative in this segment - an attractive idea which we think will tickle the fantasy of Triumph fans.

We found this on Italian Triumph website triumphchepassione.com. The threemotard is based around the company's Speed Triple street bike.

Source: twowheelsblog.com and blogtriumphchepassione.com

RELATED READING:
Kymco Quannon 150
Kymco Yager 200i
Riding to 18640 feet!

Bikes, Camera, Action!

Harley-Davidson recently ran a contest that encouraged women who ride motorcycles to make a two minute video showing the joy of the ride.
There were a great many entries but the winning video came from Vickie Sampson with Her Need for Speed (see video below).


In addition Harley-Davidson announced Melissa Kosars Girls Night Out video as one of two first runner-up winners and Marta Masferrers Here Comes the Bride as the other runner up video winner (see videos below).





I hope after watching these excellent videos you will agree they show the true joy of the ride!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Sylvain Guintoli interview

We were at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show on the 27 November 2008 and filmed this great interview of Sylvain Guntoli by Julian Ryder on the Suzuki stand.
Former MotoGP rider Sylvain will be riding for Crescent Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship in 2009 aboard next years Suzuki GSX-R1000.



Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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UK Motorcycle Registrations dip!

Figures released yesterday by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveal that motorcycle registrations were down 16% for November, compared to November 2007. 7,517 mopeds, scooters and motorcycles were registered in November, compared with 8,947 in the same month last year.

However for the 11 months of this year are just 2.4% down with 133,099 powered two wheelers registered.

Not unsurprisingly the biggest seller in November was Yamaha's XC 125 scooter and in 2007, 45 per cent of the 146,000 machines registered for the first time, had engine capacities of up to 150cc.

Motorcycling at last appears to be increasing the Department for Transport released figures last week that show the number of people taking the motorcycling test increased to 88,000 in 2007/08, the highest number since 2000/01.

So the motorcycle industry appears to be holding up well in this credit crunch, as it appears people turn to low capacity powered two wheelers.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Monday, December 8, 2008

More on the Kymco Quannon 150


Guido of dealernewsblog rode the Kymco Quannon 150 recently. This is what he had to say

KYMCO’s recently released Quannon 150 sportbike (MSRP $3,449) is destined for U.S. dealerships during the second quarter of 2009 as an early-release 2010 model.

The bike, released for Euro markets last year, is powered by a 149.3cc air-cooled four-stroke four-valve kymco_quannon150 engine producing 14 hp. Physically, it’s not much smaller than Kawi’s Ninja 250R. People will recognize it as being more diminutive than a 600-class machine, but not by much.

I had the chance to road test the Quannon earlier this year. I stand 5′9″ and found the ergonomics quite hospitable. At a standstill I was comfortably flat-footed with bent knees. Once underway, the clip-on-like handlebars and slightly rear-set foot pegs supplied equal comfort with a sporty feel.

The bike has an extremely short first gear (something I also noticed during a recent test of the India-made 160cc TVS Apache RTR) but a quick shift out and through the next four gears supplied more than enough forward thrust to propel me confidently down the 55 mph county roads on which I was riding.

Twisting the throttle to stop, the speedometer showed a top speed of 68 mph in normal riding position; in full tuck I saw an indicated 72 mph.

I’m confident this little runabout could be a big hit with consumers looking for a simple yet flashy intra-city commuter. And, aside from the forthcoming TVS and some untested New Asian units, KYMCO will pretty much have the market cornered.

I often hear from old timers who say “It’s a lot more fun to travel quickly on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike.” I couldn’t agree more.

SOURCE:
dealernewsblog

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type…149.3cc air-cooled four-stroke four-valve
Bore/Stroke…..62×49.5
Ignition….Electric
Gearbox…5 Speed
Chassis…Steel
Front Suspension…Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension…Mono shock
Front Brake…Single disc
Rear Brake…Single disc
Front Wheel/Tire…110/80-17
Rear Wheel/Tire…140/70-17
Dimensions (LxWxH) …81”x28.5”x46.2”
Seat Height…31.5 in.
Wheelbase……53.3 in.
Fuel Capacity…3.6 gals.
Estimated MPG…70-75 MPG
Weight…299 lbs.
Available Colors…Blue/Graphite or Red/Graphite
Warranty…Two Years




Here is a video of how the Kymco Quannon 150 looks like


Related Reading:
Kymco 2010 Yager 200i
Kymco Motard 700i
Kymco KR 125
Kymco KR 125 again

Kymco 2010 Yager 200i


The guys at MotorcycleDaily also got to ride Kymco's scooter for the US market. Here is what Gabe Ets-Hokin wrote

I also rode the scooter Kymco introduced, the 2010 Yager 200i. It mixes ultra-modern styling with a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 175cc Single, dual disc brakes and a 3-gallon gas tank. I got to ride it from Kymco USA's headquarters in Spartanburg, SC to run an errand about 15 miles away, all on a fast-moving interstate. The Yager 800i was more than up to the task; it got up to almost 75 mph indicated, and would actually hit the rev limiter on downhill sections (Kymco told me they would adjust the gearing). Despite the smaller wheels (13-inch in front and a 12-inch in back), it was very stable at high speeds, but steered like a scooter: fast. I was pretty impressed with it, and for $3499, I think it's a bargain.

RELATED READING:
Kymco Quannon 150 for US market

Kymco Quannon 150 for US market



We told you about the Kymco KR 125 way back in August 2007 (click HERE and HERE)

The same Korean company is now heading to USA. They recently showcased their 150cc bike, the Quannon 150. Powered by a 14bhp engine, the guys at MotorcycleDaily seemed quite impressed.

Kymco Motors, known for their comprehensive lineup of scooters, introduced their second motorcycle to the USA market at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show on December 5th. The Quannon 150 is an aggressively styled sportbike with a four-valve, 149cc Single producing a claimed 14 hp. It weighs in at a claimed 299 pounds.

I had a chance to briefly ride this bike this spring, and I was impressed, if not blown away. It's a roomy and comfortable bike that's very easy to ride, with a low seat (it measures 31.5 inches but feels lower because it's so narrow) and very light feel. I rode the 125cc version-a popular size for licensing reasons in other markets-and it felt slow, about the same as a 50cc two-stroke sportbike like the Aprilia RS50 or Derbi GPR50. But I could wind it out to about 60 mph (indicated), which means it's more than adequate for around-town riding. Brakes and suspension were up to the task as well, and if you expect responsive steering from a lightweight bike with a 53.3-inch wheelbase, you won't be disappointed. With all the basic hardware (disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, four-valve motor and sturdy frame) standard, it could become a big deal in mini roadracing. It's listed as a 2010 model and there's still no word on when it will be available, but MSRP is set at $3449. Too bad it didn't get a liquid-cooled 250 motor (or even a liquid-cooled 175; see below) - then it would give Kawasaki's best-selling Ninja 250R something to fear

RELATED READING

KYMCO MYROAD 700i
SUZUKI GSXR125?

ALSO READ
Kymco Quannon 150 - HERE and HERE

New Honda Models for 2209

Honda have launched a number of new or revised models for 2009, many of which were available to see on the Honda stand on the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, these included:-


Honda have launched the new Honda CBF125. Honda claim that he CBF125s DNA combines everything that Hondas founder, Soichiro Honda, instilled into his first motorcycles affordable, reliable, safe, good quality and a joy to own and use.

Doubless this new 125cc motorcycle from Honda will prove to be as popular as the outgoing CG125.


With apparently the best selling scooter range in Europe, Honda have further expanded their SH range of scooters with the newly revised 2009 SH125i scooter with a host of styling changes.


Honda have once again updated their highly successful CBR600RR for 2009 with the addition of optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS and a host of other improvements, including lower weight, new undercowl, significant engine changes, new exhaust system and new instrumentation.


Like the CBR600RR the CBR1000RR has the option of electronically-controlled combined ABS for 2009. The 2009 Honda CBR1000RR is available in HRC tricolour version to celebrate 50 years of Honda racing victories.


Honda have updated the popular middleweight offering of the Honda CB600F Hornet for 2009 with new adjustable suspension, styling updates including black metallic parts, a new meter panel and a brand new colour range.


Honda have introduced upgraded off-roaders in the guise of the 2009 CR450F and the CR250F.

The CRF450R is slimmer, lighter and more powerful and includes an all-new and lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, which features a revolutionary fuel-injection indicator with engine stop switch to show the pre-race condition of the fuel-injection system a first for Honda


The CR250F benefits from a number of changes to the engine and gearbox and more edgy styling for 2009.

Ride safe.

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Friday, December 5, 2008

New Yamaha models for 2009

Yamaha have launched a host of new models for 2009 all of which they are currently displaying at this years Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



These include the awesome new Yamaha VMAX. Yamaha have used this bike to showcase it's cutting-edge engine and chassis technology from the YCC-I and YCC-T engine control systems, plus the aluminium frame and the radial-mounted 6-piston front brakes, all providing 200 PS* and 167 Nm of torque.

All I know is it looks fantastic!



From radical to more conventional, Yamaha have relaunched their tried and trusted Diversion as the new Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. The bike has a new lightweight front cowl and a new look and a newly developed 600cc engine. The new model is also offered with ABS as an option.




From mid range to top range, Yamaha have again massively revised their top Sports bike the legendary R1. The new 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 has the most significant development in engine and chassis technology. With an all new 998cc engine influenced the championship winning M1. The bike now has a slipper clutch.
The new engine is housed in a newly designed aluminium Deltabox frame.

Again I just think the new black and gold colour option is just stunning.

For those of you who prefer cruisers, Yamaha have launched an all new Yamaha XVS950A Midnight Star with a newly-designed 942cc high-torque air-cooled V-twin SOHC engine.


For those of an off-road persuasion there is the new Yamaha WR125X and WR125R enduro and supermoto models.
.

Ride safe.

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Delhi to Marsimek la : Day 5

Read Day1
Read Day2
Read Day3

Read Day4
Read Day6

Most riders plan a trip to Leh without including the beautiful Eastern Ladakh. I was glad we did.
Before leaving our hotel, I took some snaps of this lovely place


Chanderjeet had brought books and stationary to be distributed to school kids. So before leaving for Eastern Ladakh, we visited a near by government school.



We had to back-track to Karu, from where we left the Leh-Manali highway and took a left towards Chang-La pass.

The roads were fairly good, with the last few km being quite steep. Finally, reached Chang la pass which is the third highest mountain pass in the world.

My watch showed the elevation to be 17800 feet. Read more about my watch HERE

We carried on towards our night stop, the Pangong Tso lake. Roads were still quite good. Infact, there was hardly any traffic around. We came across this small pond next to the road and decided to stop for a while...

Carrying on, we were eagerly wanting to take a stop for lunch. Finally found this lovely place next to a small stream.


We were aware of a stream notorious for overflowing. The ascent after it was quite bad too. Pushing the bike up at such elevations took our breath away. No doubt, it was difficult to handle a fully loaded bike on such a path



Finally, we reached the Pangong Tso lake - a paradise. One of the biggest fresh water lakes in the world stretching for hundred of kilometers. 1/3rd of this lake is in India, the rest in Tibet. We rode all the way to the point till where our permits allowed. This 20km was a nightmare!



Finally, we came back to the starting of the lake where we took a small hut next to a dhaba for or night stay. Six mattresses with blankets for Rs 600. A view of the lake was free!!





The next day would be by far the best riding day of my life. All the way upto 18640 feet. Log coming up......