More on the 2008 BMW R1200GS Adventure

Some days back, we had put up news on the 2008 BMW bikes including the BMW R1200GS Adventure. Heres more on the bike then :

• Even more dynamic drive and improved traction.
• Reworked transmission and short first gear if required.
• Even more universal use through optional Enduro ESA.
• Reworked design emphasizing the off road and world travel character.
• Perfect, tried and tested series equipment for extreme tours.
• Color options: Magnesium metallic matt, plain red.
• Special equipment and tailor-made accessories in accordance with
  the familiar BMW standards.

The new 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure,is the third version of the ultimate long-distance enduro for globetrotters and adventurers. The Adventure also wins hearts and minds with improved perfor-mance and traction, additional offroad qualities and a level of long-distance comfort that has been enhanced even further.

The new, even more dynamic drive of the R 1200 GS Adventure even manages to outstrip the 1170 cc engine of its predecessor model, which provided confident propulsion in any conditions. With 105 bhp at 7,000 rpm, a maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. Like the basic R 1200 GS version, the R 1200 GS Adventure places its trust in a completely reworked 6-speed transmission which, with its shortened transmission ratios and a shorter secondary ratio, provides clearly improved traction and acceleration. Combined with the reworked engine, the R 1200 GS Adventure is much more lively and dynamic in the upper half of the engine speed range, while still providing more traction in the lower ranges.With enlarged bearing diameters and changed shaft distance.


Compared with the standard R 1200 GS version, the R 1200 GS Adventure is appearing on the market with the much expanded standard equipment taken over from its predecessor model. Its 33 liter tank, for example, allows the rider to ride for much longer stages. At a constant speed of 90 km/h, the theoretical range is around 750 kilometers. In this way, the new R 1200 GS Adventure can cover far greater distances than any of its competitors.

Video:

Coupon Chief : Holiday season shopping made easy!

The holiday season is here in India too. Diwali (festival of lights) just went, and Christmas / New Year fever is picking up. Being in Mumbai right now, most of the pals I know here are talking of just one place - GOA!! Anyways, I am not gonna be away from the family, but with the family. It also means I gotta hunt around for gifts, meaningful gifts, at great prices offcourse.
And this is where I stumbled across Coupon Chief

I was looking at electronics and automotive stuff. May be pick up some riding gear ( the site has Coupon Chief Motorcycle Superstore coupons too)! Great. Also, electronic stuff means a lot to me - the site again has Coupon Chief Camera World coupons with great deals.

Do drop in to the site and before you know, you might pick up a good deal on a lotta stuff. I am all set to use my credit card to the max here :D

CouponChief.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coupon Chief, Inc. Here at Coupon Chief, we strive to provide a one stop coupon deal and discount resource for our Web site visitors. Our focus on customer support and providing up to date coupon codes and promotional deals and discounts is unparalleled in the online shopping e-commerce industry.

2008 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200

2008 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200

Milan motorshow saw the introduction of the new Moto Morini Granpasso 1200. Another big enduro stressing comfort and versatility with power. The 1,187cc 87° v-twin is tuned for enduro use (more low end), and drives a relatively thin 150 section, 17 inch rear tire. Weighing roughly 436 pounds, the Granpasso 1200 has top drawer components, including Brembo brakes, Marzocchi fork and Ohlins shock.

Whether used for touring, off-road or battling city traffic, Granpasso 1200 is dedicated to the motorcyclist who racks up miles, wants a comfortable ride and ventures into places where there's no trace of asphalt. Granpasso 1200 has a feisty look that comes through in the trellis frame underlining the Italian spirit and sporty nature of this Morini machine.

Accessories
Moto Morini Competizione, the Moto Morini catalogue of accessories, dedicates to the Granpasso 1200 different items designed to enhance the comfort of the trip.
· Pair of rigid side panniers, 34 litre capacity each
· Rigid rear case, 46 litre capacity
· Expandable tank bag
· Touring windshield
· Tom Tom Touch Screen satellite navigation system
· Heated handgrips kit
· Hand guard kit
· Central stand
· Offroad sport seat
· Oil cooler


Instrument Panel

Small-sized and well integrated with the headlight fairing, the digital instrument panel is perfectly legible. The controls are easy to access as they are placed on the handgrip. Among the other functions of the instrumentation, the rider can view the outside temperature, the gear engaged, clock and maintenance intervals.




Technical Specifications Moto Morini Granspasso 1200

Engine

Engine Moto Morini ­ Bialbero CorsaCorta
Cylinders 2
Layout 87° V longitudinal
Strokes 4
Cooling Liquid cooled
Timing system Double overhead camshaft
Valves per cylinder 4
Bore x stroke 107 x 66 mm / 4,21 x 2,59 inch
Displacement 1187 cc
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Power n. d.
Torque n. d.
Fuel system Magneti Marelli indirect electronic injection with 54 mm / 2,12 inch Ø throttle body
Ignition I.A.W. electronic
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced with trochoidal pump
Gearbox With constant mesh spur gears
Gear ratio 6
In first 13/36
In second 17/32
In third 20/30
In fourth 22/28
In fifth 23/26
In sixth 24/25
Clutch Multiple-plate clutch in oil bath with antiskipping system and radial master-cylinder
Primary drive Spur gears 55:31
Final drive Chain 17/40
Exhaust Silencer, 3-way catalytic converter with oxygen sensor
Emissions control Euro 3

Chassis

Frame Verlicchi high-strength steel tube trellis frame
Wheelbase 1500 mm / 59,05 inch
Headstock rake 26.5°
Rake 110 mm / 4,33 inch
Front suspension Marzocchi upside-down fork with 50 mm / 1,96 inch Ø legs
Front wheel travel 190 mm / 7,48 inch
Swing arm With large section, made of hydroformed aluminum
Rear suspension Ohlins single shock absorber with separate tank featuring spring length, preload, rebound and compression damping multiple adjustment
Rear wheel travel 200 mm / 7,87 inch
Front brake Brembo 298 mm / 11,73 inch double disc with 2-piston callipers and radial master-cylinder
Rear brake Brembo 255 mm / 10,03 inch single disc with 2-piston calliper
Front tire 110/80 R19 Tubeless
Rear tire 150/70 R17 Tubeless
Rims Excel spoke rims with aluminium channel
Front rim size MT 3.00 x 19"
Rear rim size MT 4.50 x 17"

Measures and Weights

Total length 2170 mm / 85,43 inch
Max. width 865 mm / 34,05 inch (excluding rear-view mirrors)
Seat height 840 mm / 33,07 inch
Min. height from ground 200 mm / 7,87 inch
Steering angle 40° rh/lh
Dry weight 198 Kg / 440 lbs (Moto Morini indicates the weight of the motorcycle complete with battery, cooling liquid, engine oil and without fuel)

Personalised number plates : Cool way to flaunt your plates!

Generally surfing through the net, i dropped into Personalised Number Plates website. The site basically allows you to search their massive selection of private number plates. You can search for ageless car registrations, prefix type personalised number plates and current style number plates. They do the transfer paperwork for you, and don't just send you a certificate and leave you to do the work yourself.

I searched for "BHP" and came across some great results. How i wish we could have such a thing here in India. Imagine people have number plates like "AA02 ZMA" : ZMA in India is a short form for a popular bike called the "Karizma". Great!

Have a look at the Personalised Number Plates. For all our UK readers, the site is based out of UK and hence will be of great help to you too.

New 990 Supermoto from KTM

KTM, the Austrian firm, has updated the 950 with the big-bore 990 supermoto. The 990 was launched at the Birmingham show.

The 990SM Supermoto is the larger capacity fuel-injected version of the 950SM Supermoto that was known to be quite some fun. We can only expect the 990SM to better it.

The latest bike now has the same class-leading powerplant as found on the Super Duke, and if it's anything like the 950, it will be even more insane than the Super Duke. The 999cc 75-degreee V-twin motor puts out a claimed 114bhp, and it has a meaty 71.5 lbf ft of torque. The bike also has a better riding positionand best of all, the fuel tank is much bigger than before. At 19 litres, the SM will now have a more useful range.

Heres a video of the bike release:

2008 Bimota DB7

Bimota's recently introduced DB7 is powered by Ducati's 1098 superbike engine - the Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Powerful, and light, it generates the kind of power that excites the heart with each twist of the throttle, yet its linear power delivery allows entering and exiting turns fast - a confidently controlled experience.and features all of the expected artistic and functional designs of this exclusive marque.



The DB7 introduces a new hybrid oval tube trellis frame that utilizes lightweight machined plates in its design. The innovative rear suspension links the swingarm directly to the engine and employs an advanced Extreme Tech rear shock developed in cooperation with Bimota. The fully adjustable shock attaches to the SPB (Bimota progressive system) progressive linkage system, for maximum control and traction in the corners.


The rear suspension is offset to the right side, allowing space for the rear cylinder exhaust system.


The digital instrument panel combines analog and digital readouts. The unit records 20 lap times, and top speed each lap.

The narrow fuel tank, with a capacity of 26 liters, has been sculpted to be extremely thin between the legs and matches perfectly the seat to maximise rider control and comfort. With a seat height of only 800mm, riders of all heights can enjoy the performance of the DB7.

Combine all of the DB7 innovations and you have a bike that weighs-in at an incredible class leading 170 kgs.

Heres a video of the DB7 (Milan motor show)

"The Kentcuky Kid" : Documentary on Nicky Hayden

This Friday night, Nicky Hayden's reality movie "The Kentucky Kid" was premiered at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Cameras followed the 2006 MotoGP World Champ and two-time Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix winner from the end of the 2006 season and throughout his 2007 season.

"The Kentucky Kid" chronicles the life of pro motorcycle racer Nicky Hayden starting with the final two races of the 2006 season, where he is well on his way to becoming the new MotoGP World Champion. The chance of fulfilling his life long dream seemingly slips away when Nicky is dramatically crashed out of the race by another rider. With the odds against him, and a fractured collarbone, Nicky proves that dedication and perseverance can help overcome any obstacle as he claims the MotoGP World Championship in remarkable fashion. But as the new racing season starts, Nicky finds that the only thing harder than winning the Championship is defending it."

Racing since the age of 3, the series follows the 25-year old from Owensboro, Kentucky as he defends his championship on the back of a motorcycle at mind bending and heart pounding speeds, with his knee scraping the ground at every turn. Hayden's natural ability and good looks, coupled with the sports' sexy, fast paced atmosphere, has helped propel him as a sports icon, but in a league where the majority of the audience is European, the American Hayden constantly has to prove himself and his status as World Champion. Nicky's relationship with his close knit family of racers and the contrast between his rural life in Kentucky and his European cosmopolitan sport all form the backdrop to Hayden's 2007 season and his quest to win back to back World Championships.

Enjoy this Youtube video on the "The Kentcuky Kid"

Stoppies on Indian scooters : Caught on cam!

Stoppies are no big deal on bikes, but scoots? Well, see for yourself.

Here are some dudes from Pune's biking clubs, showing hows its done

If you have more pictures of stoppies on Indian scooters, send them in at bunnypunia@gmail.com

GW club - HONDA DIO

RSA club - KINETIC BLAZE

AIR club - TVS SCOOTY

James Toseland : First fall at Valencia

Valencia was hard and difficult for the "white-blue" riders of the Winston Ten Kate Honda Team with each involved in separate falls which have prejudiced the result of the last day on the Ricardo Tormo circuit.

James Toseland, couldn't end the morning session due to a fall, as he badly hit his head after a spectacular high side, flying into the air before landing heavily. The tough English rider, after the ritual medical checks, was able to be back on his bike for the two-hour afternoon session.

James Toseland - SBK Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider:
"That was really a difficult test. We found some difficulties during the long turn. We don't have good grip and that's where we lose most of our time, we're not capable of using all the power we have. I guess we just have to work hard. For Bayliss to do a 1'33.7 is quite incredible. He must really like the track because he was also on the podium here in MotoGP. I am very impressed by that time.

"With race tyres he still is within reach but with qualifying tyres he did an amazing lap. All we have to do is to work hard improve our performance. I took a big hit this morning, I felt like I got punched by Mike Tyson, but I was a little lucky and now I feel better. I also hope Karl will feel better soon."

2008 MV Agusta F4RR312 and 2008 Brutale 1078RR

2008 MV Agusta F4RR312

2008 MV Brutale 1078RR

We had told you about the new 2008 MV way back on 16th August. READ

Italian motorcycle firm MV Agusta has revealed two new motorcycles for 2008 - the 2008 MV Agusta F4RR 312 and the 2008 MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR.

The new MV Agusta F4RR 312 gets an increase in engine size, from 996cc to 1078cc, upping power to a claimed 190bhp (10bhp more than the previous model). Aside from the power increase, the motorcycle keeps much the same specification as the previous F4R 312, using top of the range parts throughout.

At 190 horsepower MV Agusta have tested the F4 RR 312 up to a top speed of 312km/h (194Mph) hence the 312 in the name. New is a boost in cubes and the F4 now gets a very powerful 1078cc in-line four. The new F4 RR is a mix between the super exclusive F4 CC (1078-76x79) and the F4 R 312 (996). The extra R in the model name is truly justified when looking at the spec sheet. MV Agusta claims in its press release that one of the goals was to be faster than a Boeing 747 at take off. But fast as it may be, it is barred from world superbike racing due to the size of the engine. So, MV Agusta will continue to make the F4 1000, but for racing purely. The F4 1000 gets the same updates as the RR though which involves a new slipper clutch, gear ratios, suspension changes and new brakes. Homologation for racing will be taken care off by MV. Other subtle news are new design on the trademark four pipes where the end is now stubbier like a slice of salami (MV said it themselves...) New headlight unit and smoked screen from the F4 CC. The Sachs steering damper from the CC is also in place on the RR. One of the most sexy additions might be the Brembo monoblock callipers that makes the MV even more Italian than before if possible... They are Brembo racing items as seen in World superbike, but with an additional dust cover for street maintenance. Peak torque is now reached at 8.200rpm rather than the old peaky 10.000rpm. And the figure is a massive 124Nm.

The MV Agusta Brutale also now gets the 1078cc engine, with a different state of tune aimed at more mid-range, and although peak power is down on the F4RR 312 at 150bhp, it's still the most powerful naked motorcycle MV Agusta has ever made.

MV Agusta have with the 1078 RR fulfilled many people's dream of an ultimate and really brutal Brutale. It boasts 154 horsepower @ 10.700rpm and a massive 117Nm of torque @ 8.100rpm. New gearing allows a higher topspeed, but with the extra cubes it's the extra torque that will be noticeable first. the Brutale 1078RR keeps the same chassis and suspension as before, but with modified internals and radial mounting for the new Brembo Monoblock radial callipers. Big news are also that the engine braking system has been replaced by MV's latest slipper clutch. The catalyser have now been resized to enable an easier process through emissions. Dry weight: 185kg

Words: www.raptorsandrockets.com

2008 BMW bikes

2008 BMW models:

The revised 2008 BMW F650GS (powered by a 800cc motor)
The revised 2008 BMW R1200GS
The revised 2008 BMW R1200GS Adventure

The all new 2008 BMW F800GS



The all new 2008 BMW G450X

Finally. Yamaha R1 & MT-01 going on sale in India

Yeah, you read that right. After months of waiting, Yamaha's R1 and MT-01 finally go on sale in India on 28th November 2007.But, ofcourse, due to high duties (custom duties), the R1 will sell for around 11 lacs (or USD$ 27500!), while the MT-01 may sell for 12-13lacs! But then again when we can have the likes of the Rolls Royce and Lambo selling her, im sure Yamaha will be able to sell quite some numbers in India too.

New BMW F800GS!

Here is the new BMW F800GS, to be showcased at the upcoming Milan motorcycle show

The bike will rival the likes of the new Yamaha XT660Z and Honda Transalp XL700V (Video of XL700V)

Moto Guzzi Stelvio : The real deal : Pictures

Here are the first official pictures of the Moto Guzzi Stelvio. We had told you about the Stelvio on 2nd August 2007 Click with spy pictures and video but here is the real deal. This is how the Stelvio looks like



Moto Guzzi has blessed the Stelvio with an excellent chassis, including an all new frame with single-sided swingarm (featuring Moto Guzzi's CARC shaft drive design). Giant 50mm upside down forks attach radial brake calipers, while the wheels are 19 inch front and 17 inch rear. Touring comfort and convenience are addressed by an adjustable seat and standard, integrated saddlebag mounts.






The Stelvio gets the 8 valve 1200cc twin and produces more than 100 horsepower and massive torque according to Moto Guzzi's official note. The wind-shield is adjustable and below the wind-shield sits a magnum 50mm USD fork and radial Brembo callipers. The Excel wheels is a 19inch front and a 17inch rear. The seat is adjustable in three different steps.

What a lovely looking rear!




Heres an old video of the bike being tested some months back: