ITN - BENELLI, HUSQVARNA Hots Up EICMA

The current hot news in the world of motorcycling is of course the EICMA in Milan Italy that got concluded yesterday. By now you must have known about all the latest machines from the Diavel to the new Daytona. Anyway, for those who attended the EICMA, some of the biggest buzz came from relatively two smaller players, Benelli and Husqvarna, small in terms of production and not small in terms of magnitude anyway. While the Diavel was expected as was the new range from Kawasaki and the Honda Crossover among others, what surprised the visitors was the Husqvarna Mille 3. Husqvarna is more known for their Motocross & Supermotard and currently doesn’t have any street or orther bikes in production. So it was rather surprising to see this unique three-cylinder concept motorcycle dubbed the Husqvarna Mille 3 Concept. Husqvarna has fused three dirt bike cylinders of 331 cc singles mated to a common crank to develop the mill displacing 993cc. It is actually a V3 or V-triple, but you get to see it as a twin but that too from far looks like a single and the other one is almost hidden. That is because there is a vertical cylinder and the other one actually having two cylinders. How it performs, as of now beyond the point as it is shown as a prototype just to display what Husqvarna is capable of and the office mentions that it has no plans for production as of now. The design cues are very reminiscent of its dirt and motard line.
The styling is most definitely Husqvarna. The bike has a low-slung chassis which will make you recall Husqvarna central "tubone" design, the single-piece tubular form, spoked rims matted to fat street tires, double rear beam, with aluminum stays fitted to the outside of the chassis uprights. The wheelbase is long, and the seat height seems ideal for daily riding. But then again, the rearward position of the footrests along with the kind-of off-road handlebars make the riding position an aggressive one and in total gives you the impression that this bike has an attitude of a street dragger cum go anywhere bike. According to Husqvarna, the Mille3 is a "concept study demonstrating Husqvarna's ability to design with highly diverse technical solutions, creating a dynamic and seductive contrast.” As of now, this Swedish firm, owned by a German firm (BMW) and having its base in Italy is probably judging the people’s view and of course they are getting a lot of press which is anyway a good thing since the likes of Husqvarna (read companies into dirt and motorads) do not make many headlines in events or expos. But then, should we not wait for some time because I do expect that certain piece of good news and opening of a completely new genre.

Benelli, the Italian firm, now a days more known for its high priced up market niche products was established in 1911. The brand which gave the world ‘The Sei’ will be completing 100 years or rather hitting the ‘Century’ in two months time. To commensurate the grand occasion, Benelli decided to celebrate the anniversary with some interesting new products on display at this year’s EICMA in Milan, Italy. Among the products, the bike which made the most rattle is the TNT Century Racer. The bike carries the genes of the 899 Racer TNT with a new frame and the new ‘Centenary’ colour. TNT, as you would be familiar stands for Tornado naked Tre, Tre standing for its in line three engine.
The TNT 899 Century Racer will replace the TNT 899 (regular in white and red colours) by the first quarter of next year. The outgoing model parts that will continue include the front Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable black anodized shocks, disk brakes with Brembo radial calipers (320mm front and 240mm at the rear) while at the chassis, there will be the addition of ZF SACHS rear shock, fully adjustable and a change to the mapping unit.
Another addition to its portfolio includes the R160 that was also showcased last year at the EICMA. The R160 has already made it to the company website with its striking red colour with its matt titanium frame. The new TNT R160 will also be available in February 2011. For the 68th edition of EICMA, Benelli also unveiled a new scooters, Mace CaffèNero 125 and a bigger 150 cc version.

ITN - World's First Motorcycle goes under the hammer

First pic of the model going under the hammer, second pic of the one previously auctioned in UK

This came in my mail from press@dravcarn.com

HILDEBRAND & WOLFMULLER – THE WORLD’S FIRST
PRODUCTION MOTORCYCLE – TO HEADLINE LAS VEGAS SALE

Tremendously rare German vehicle joins line-up of nearly 200 motorcycles.
For immediate release. 1 November 2010 – San Francisco – Bonhams is very proud to make the uncommon announcement that a complete 1895 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller has been consigned and will be offered at the firm’s first annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction in January.
Coming from a private American collection where it has resided for approximately half a century, the 115-year old motorbike has been lightly and sympathetically restored some decades ago and is wonderfully patinated. In addition to its excellent condition, this pioneering vehicle is of the utmost historical significance because it was the first powered two-wheeler to enter series production and is the first vehicle to which the name “motorcycle” (motorrad in German) was ever applied.
This extraordinary news follows the record-breaking sale of another Hildebrand & Wolfmüller offered by Bonhams earlier this year in Britain. That 1894 relic caused considerable excitement across the world resulting in a packed salesroom and an above-estimate selling price of £86,200. The model being offered for Las Vegas next January is substantially superior and carries a conservative estimate of $130,000-$150,000.

The first annual Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will take place Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at The Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino hosted by the Auto Collection at the heart of the Strip. For information about the sale, visit http://www.bonhams.com/vegas.

Attached photo courtesy of Bonhams and Motorcycle Classics

History: The factory for the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller motorcycles started out in Munich, Germany in 1894. The name is derived from the engineers involved in making, as to what is officially, the world’s first motorcycle. They were the German brothers, Henry and Wilhelm Hilderbrand and a third German gentleman, Alois Wolfmüller who were also assisted by Wolfmüller’s mechanic, Hans Geisenhof. Actually there were 2 wheelers before, but the term mottorad (German for motorcycles) was first used for this brand. Plus the fact that the motorcycle is the first powered 2 wheeler which had a series production almost gives it an ‘Adam’esque image for motorcycles. Thereby the importance and significance of this brand to automobile history is needless to mention.
The motorcycle was powered by a huge 1.5 liter water-cooled, four-stroke, twin-cylinder engine. It had a maximum power output of 2.5bhp @ 240rpm which made the large machine travel at speeds of up to 65kmph (30mph) at a time when the century was mentioned as 18th and now we are in the 21st. Think about it. The year was 1894. The machine used direct drive instead of a chain or shaft, with connecting rods from the cylinders acting directly on the rear wheel via eccentrics, just think of an chuk-chuk train that you see in black and white movies with smoke coming out from the engine. Of course, as one would expect, the whole world greeted it with enthusiasm and the brand also set up a second unit in France and marketed there as ‘La Petrolette'. But the bike had too many shortcomings, even if it was a first among firsts. Within 3 years, after almost all customers complained and the firm collapsed. Of course, now its value is unparalleled. There is somewhere about 800 to 2,000 of these motorcycles produced. Yes, the estimate has a high variance, but both figures are debatable and survivors… well, after more than a century, how many do you expect? Bonhams has, in fact sold one this year (as mentioned in the quoted text above) in UK for £86,200 while this more robust and done up model is expected to fetch between $130,000 to $150,000. The model that was sold in January was with a U.S family since the last 80 years or more.

ITN - New Speed Triple, V-Max in Leather, CR&S 'DUU'

After the first CR&S motorcycle, the VUN, now the company CR&S (short for Café Racers and Superbikes) is showcasing their second customized bike at the at the 68th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show to be held November 2 to 7 at the Milan Fair. Named as DUU, you may remember the prototype was first exhibited during the 2009 EICMA.
‘DUU’ in Italain stands for ‘duo’ indicating the two liter (1916 cc) dual engine plus being a two seater. The DUU is a naked premium motorcycle with a typical sporty European styling combined very effectively with a big twin, typical of American muscle bikes. The engine retains the S&S “X-Wedge" engine, its character and high performance. Customers of the DUU can choose his motorcycle through a wide range of technical and aesthetic options offering countless configuration options including styling options like a single or two-seater.
The CR&S DUU, just like the elder sibling VUN, is made with high quality, durable materials using the best components and the motorcycle according to CR&S is aimed at “mature” motorcyclists who demand a little more from their custom bikes. Each motorcycle is hand made by the CR&S team which means they work on only one CR&S DUU at one time. The first batch is expected to roll out early 2011 with a production volume of a few dozen units per year. Price will start from € 22,000 ($30, 500). Unlucikly, the entire 2011 projected lot has been already reserved, in a way, it is sold out even before its release. It is the high quality and less quantity which makes the CR&S brand so sought after. The DUU has already been chosen in the MAD-Moto Art Design as one of the best designs in the last 50 years.
The CR&S website had all the info and loads of photos on the DUU and you may visit the ‘Download’ area for higher resolution images.

That the YAMAHA V-Max is one of the best looking power bikes is beyond anyone’s argument. But then some people just can’t enough of its beauty and now want something more. What you see here is the YAMAHA V-Max Hermes. It has been created so that the V-Max won’t go unnoticed. Yeah, right!, as if it was really hard spotting a V-Max. So wht is the Hernes, as you can see it is almost fully covered in leather giving the V-Max a unique and exotic look and feel.
Hermes, as you are aware is an internationally recognized fashion house. So when it decided to don clothes for the V-Max as a custom made motorcycle, you know it will stand out. Yamaha will be releasing three colour patterns to these limited edition series and each pattern will have a two-tone colour. Available colours are the V-Max "Red Demon", dark red and brown satin sheen magnesium, the V-Max Orange Metallic "orange satin highlighted with a brown band and magnesium V-Max Soft Brown "white and brown magnesium. You have to pre-order to book the custom bikes and more painstakingly, you have to go to France for the same as these are released by the Yamaha France company only for the French market.
Literally, this is a combination of ultimate fashion and power. No doubt, one of the best products coming out from the Japanese giant deservedly needed a more luxurious image for a select few and along with the buffalo leather, the custom bike also gets additional custom made items like brushed aluminum mirrors, meter case and exhaust.These V-Max Limited Edition are priced at € 23, 490 ($32, 850) including VAT.

One of the most celebrated and iconic bikes from the current generation is getting a makeover in a big way. Yes, this is the 2011 Triumph Speed Triple, a bike which finds many favours in Hollywood and also among the Hollywood Superstars. It retains the typical edgy, bare bones brytal styling but as you can see, the headlights get a complete new makeover with (kind of less bug eye and more) cat eyes which is the major difference. Performance figures are better. Actually the Speed triple has been hitting the gym and so not only has it only lost 3 kg/ 5 pound but it has also gained 7bhp and 6lb/ft or additional power and torque. The outgoing model had power and torque figures of 128bhp @ 9,250rpm and 76lb/ft @ 7,550rpm while the 2011 model as such delivers 135bhp of power @ 9,400rpm and 82lb/ft of torque @ 7,750rpm. Weight has reduced from 217kg/477lbs to 214kg/472 (wet). The weight loss program needs to thank the all-new aluminum chassis. The riding position has also shifted a little forward and Triumph believes it will improve handling. Yes, the Speed Triple will also have ABS as optional and has new 43mm USD forks that are fully adjustable (Showa Monoshock with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping, 130mm rear wheel travel retaining the single sided swingarm). Other new things also include a new pair of dials and clocks. You can choose from three colour variants, Phantom Black, Crystal White and Diablo Red.

Visit the TRIUMPH 2011 Speed Triple website for more information.

In the News - New bikes from MV and Guzzi

The brand who was almost rulling all the racing circuits some 40 50 years ago, now just seems like a spent force. Of course I am talking about Moto Guzzi. Guzzi still have some very very good looking bikes, all capable of matching their competitors and being Italian is used to high quality besides being looking good. But Guzzi has a rich heritage of racing accolades and it seems to aim at winning a few accolades back. During the last EICMA in Milan, it showcased the V7 Classic and Cafe Racer, very plain looking bikes, very similar to the model of 70s yet very Moto Guzzi, meaning good looking. Well, along with that, they talked about a Clubman Racer V7, a 750cc bike in all Moto Guzzi originality, raw and so very chick. This is a real beauty and in all probability is going to be launched this October. The small bar-end mirrors, instrumentation without racing tachometer, the race number boards and heat wrapped exhaust all looks so delicious. What is not probably a good thing is that the engine will be the same from the V7 which is not really a performance machine although it will have a slight benefit due to the Arrow exhaust system. The V7 based machine will cost around $1500 more than a standard machine as result of some of the modifications and it is siad that the model is being launched due to public demand. Although Guzzi is definitely looking at the racing circuits as of now, the market picture sure does look more rosy with the Clubman.

Source: Motoblog Italy

It is a good thing that Claudio Castiglioni has bought back MV Agusta from Harley Davidson. I never understood why MV was bought by HD on the first place since the MV marque is not really into the HD image plus HD was anyway having trouble in selling the Buell bikes. Whatever be the business reason behind it, but these two brands have so strong brand images that they just doesn't gel in the public view. S that noe MV is back to CC, they have let the cat out of the bag by the soon-to-be-launched F3. Claudio Castiglioni has announced his plans for revitalizing the MV marque. HD did good in the short period by launching the new Brutale and F4, but now CC is goping to invest around 40 million USD after aquiring all the rights back to the Castiglioni family. According to sources, MV is planning to launch around 10,000 units annually and the biggest piece of news here is the price. MV Agusta: If sources are to be beleived, the F3 has a list price of 9,000 Euro (11,600 USD). That is a stael for any bike with the MV Agusta sticker.
So what kind of a bike can you expect from the most revered brand in current motorcycling scenario? The F3 ibikw will have a new three-cylinder 675 cc motor 'that will revolutionize the market, as well as our company' according to CC. CThere is also a Sport version lined up which will cost around 2000 Euro more and it seems to be in the direct segment currently hold forth by Triumph's sporting bikes. This seems to be a very good strategy since this will make the MV more affordable maintaining the same high class which MV is famous for and which means it is certainly looking for more in number of unit sales. What now you can expect is an entry level bike from MV with smashing goods looks a bit more common on the streets. But critics are also suspecting this will diminish the exclusivity value associated with MV. But then again, with the shadow of economic crisis always looming large now-a-days, MV had to take this step.
Source: Motos Blog France

In The News - New DUCATI 848 EVO

DUCATI have just launched a fresher version of the new motorcycle, 848, called the DUCATI 848 EVO. The new sportsbike has a 140 hp Testastretta engine with steering dampers and like the big brother, 1198, has new Brembo monobloc brakes. Simply put, expect more performance than the 848. The matt finish bike you see here is the 848 EVO Dark Stealth, looks smashing, doesn’t it? The bike has been put to order from 20th of July for £9,995 from the dark stealth version and £10,695 for the standard red machine. Well, this was one Ducati bike no one got a whiff of before its release.
The 848 was probably found as ‘mild’ as it has ‘only’ 134 hp. The Evo also sees an increase in the torque figures to 72.3lb-ft (98Nm). All the beauties of a traditional Ducati have been carry forwarded from the 848 like the trellis frame, the single-sided swingarm and dual exhaust pipes, 5 spoke wheels, etc. The 848 has exhausts fitted with a catalytic converter and two probes to cater to Euro 3 emission norms.

The bike weighs 168 kgs. As mentioned, it has the famous fuel injected L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled engine displacing 849.4cc with bore and stroke of 94 x 61.2mm and compression ratio of 13.2:1. Transmission is through the traditional 6 speed gearbox and has chain final drive and wet multiplate with hydraulic control clutch. Read more about the EVO’s Technical Specifications here.
There was no blog, no forum, and no website that covered any scoop whatsoever. Talking about websites, Ducati have also removed the original 848 webpage which probably means it will no longer be in production. With a new 796 Monster, 848 Evo and the upcoming Cruiser, Ducati has really shaken up itself. Good for us Duc Fans.Check the official DUCATI 848 EVO website.

In The News - Ninja400 in Canada, Ducati cruiser spied and others

Kawasaki Ninja 650R too big? Ninja 250R too small? Then the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R should be juuussst right. Mechanically identical to the 650R with the exception of a smaller 399cc engine, the second littlest Ninja brings a useful price and performance drop which combines with the slick styling and reasonably high mechanical spec to create exactly the sort of appealing, unintimidating, affordable, broadly capable bike. The Ninja 400R was released in Canada where it's priced at $7,499 (CAD). Looking at the numbers, it's the torque to weight ratio that most separates the 400 and Kawasaki Ninja 250R, the larger bike will be less work to ride and less high-strung as a result. It also comes with a higher level of mechanical specification, namely two petal front brake discs, nicer suspension and a GP-style underslung exhaust. Visit the official Canadian Kawasaki Ninja 400 website.
Source: HELL FOR LEATHER

For those that think the standard P120 FIGHTER isn't quite macho enough, American motorcycle manufacturer Confederate has just released an all-black version of the muscle-bound 160bhp brute. Dubbed the 'Black Flag, Confederate's stealth-like machine is mechanically identical to the standard P120, using the same 160bhp engine and aircraft-grade aluminum monocoque backbone chassis.Other top-notch stuff includes carbon ceramic brakes, carbon wheels, fully adjustable suspension and a hand-built close-ratio five-speed gearbox. View the limited edition P120 Fighter in the Confederate website
Source: VISOR DOWN

News of the Vyper first emerged a year ago, with a clay styling model appearing in MCN. That model appeared to adopt styling cues straight from the Monster. Recently, a radical new Ducati has been spotted prowling the streets of Italy, complete with dual-stacked exhaust and super-fat rear tyre. Complete with trellis frame, chunky single-sided swingarm and upside down forks, the covert machine is decked out in Ducati's not-so-covert tiger-stripe 'undercover' paint scheme. Could this be Ducati's much-rumoured big bore cruiser, or possibly a Desmosedici-engined Monster? It's a pity the driver didn't have the nouse to get alongside for a better look.
Source: MOTO BLOG

THIS DUCATI Hypermono concept has been produced by Italian design house, Sak Art in the hope that it will gain popularity and Ducati will seriously consider a modern day Supermono.Inspired by the road-legal Supermono Strada by Alistair Wager and the original Supermono designed by Pierre Terblanche in 1993. This modern concept is based around the original Supermono engine with a desmodromic four-valve cylinder head with a 549cc capacity pushing out 80bhp in a 130kg package. Essentially the Hypermono is based on the chassis of a Monster. Sak Art say their mission: 'is to create a harsh, challenging, stimulating bike designed to give the rider the nearest thing possible to a genuine motorcycle racer.'Sak have created the Hypermono concept with five different paint-schemes.

Source: VISOR DOWN

Strange name, but this is the 165bhp Brutale Cannonball, from Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. The naked 1098cc, which is being touted by MV as 'exclusively for racing', produces 20bhp more wallop than the standard Brutale 1090RR, thanks to various engine mods (new ECU, cylinder heads, hotter cams) as well as the nifty handmade titanium exhaust. No word on price but expect the new naked to cost a healthy dose more than the standard £13,950 Brutale 1090RR.
More horses, and of course less weight with components specifically designed for this bike to create the kit Cannonball: magazine unit, as tested, valves, cams and exhaust, now completely titanium with low output. Dynamically can not only increase the already high sporting abilities of the model, note that the engine is derived from the sporty F4. The goal was t have a supernaked sport bike. Attention to detail is remarkable and the bike has a very high quality finish.
Source: MOTO BLOG

In The News - Broad Track Racer ENFIELD 500 EFI

Bollywood actor, John Abraham, also famous for his passion for SBKs has increased his brood by adding a new entry which is albeit different to the taste he is known for. Although John's passion (at least as projected by the media) is more towards SBKs (he owns a Busa and a R1), this time he got himself a early 1900 broad track racer, or at least something close. The bike you see here is actually a customized Royal Enfield 5oo EFI, designed by a relatively new custom firm from Jaipur, Rajasthan, known as Rajputana Customs. The bike had the work fabrication of Mr. Vijay Singh

Mr Vijay mentions that the chassis, gas tank, rims and brakes had been hand-made. I beleive he meant part of the chassis since the front retains the doyble barrel frame but although the front forks are completely hand made in retro fashion. Looking at the finer details, you notice Vijay has also removed the standard disc brakes to give the bike a more authentic feel. He himself states that he wanted to keep it subtle, simple and yet make it stand out. And stand out it does as the bike has already make headlines in many newspapers. The total cost of the bike is somewhere between Rs 3-4 lakh ($6500 - $8500 USD) including the bike's cost which actually in India is quite cheap ($3100) compared to the overseas market. So the modifications which look very simple would cost more and that is because to make the bike look that good and simple and still keep it standing out, well... that is a lot of talent. The whole bike took 50 days to make and finish. By profession, Vijay Singh is a 24-year-old communication graduate from Canada. Relatively new to custom designing world, he already has been requested with several orders. Inside the garage, he is just helped by Abdul Rehman. The website, Rajputana Customs is coming soon.

Photo credits Hindustan Times and Mid day.

In The News - Hellcat CX3, now more lighter & more power

I recently saw CONFEDERATE has given a new look to their website which meant there must be something new. Well this is it. CONFEDERATE has further improvized on their awesome Hellcat engine. This is the new C3 X132 Hellcat or simply CX3. The main page reads,

"Introducing the C3 X132 Hellcat: America’s New Heirloom Motorcycle Architecture
When we accepted the challenge of re-designing and re-engineering, from a clean sheet of paper, our core Confederate architecture, we mandated that the result be: honest, standardized, utilitarian, overbuilt, simple, pure, strong, tough, powerful, elegant, timeless, and permanent. Each of these core architectural benchmarks has been dutifully achieved, without compromise. There has never been an American motorcycle foundation so true to concept. CX3 is the core of the most important motorcycle launch in our 20 year history."

Reading on futher,

C3 Hellcat: Target market and Production Schedule
The C3 X132 Hellcat will be the lightest, fastest, toughest, smoothest, most beautiful
Hellcat, ever. Further, it will be priced within reach of the top 10% of Harley Davidson buyers. We are targeting the American motoring purist and aficionado. First deliveries begin October 31, 2010, Halloween night, from our new facilities in the art district at 733 St. Joseph Street. This event will mark our first annual Halloween party as we celebrate production of the World’s finest road bike, and simultaneously, with humble gratitude, our return home, to our beloved New Orleans.
Press Downloads
The following are hi-resolution CAD image captures of the C3 X132 architecture. Click this link to download the images in a self contained zip file. Pleae contact Amy Calvert with any further press needs or questions.

What we know about the Hellcat specifications or rather about its engine is that this is one beautifully crafted unit which houses a V-Twin 4 stroke engine displacing 2146 cc (Bore & Stroke 4.4 x 4.4 inches) with a huge power output of 137 hp extendable upto 150 hp and more and an equally humongous 197 Nm of torque accelerated through a 5 speed gearbox to a top speed of minimum 135 mph and much more according to buyer's tweaking specifications. The engine is entirely machined from aircraft grade billet aluminum. with ultra high compression, ported and polished head design with special application camshift grind. Now if someone were to improvize on that, meaning adding more power while substracting its weight, this would be one hell of a mean machine. Lightest, fastest, smoothest Hellcat. Hmmm... no doubt. Most Beautiful Hellcat? and that too "ever"! Now, this I gotta see as it is diffcult to understand how can you make this bike look even more beautiful? And it says that the price will be probably a lit bit more than the HD Ultraglide flagship models which means it will be just touching the 30,000 USD mark. The original Hellcat was also similarly priced. So this year Halloween is going to be extra special for the road bike lovers. And since we still have half a year to go, maybe we need to start saving.

For the less informed, New Orleans was the original place of Confederate motorcycles. It was very badly affected by Hurricane Katharine in 2005 and now it seems Chris has built his factory back as they will be shifting to Orleans.

Find out more about the CX3 here. Photos and news source - Confederate

In The News - New Custom and Factory Bikes

The Harley Davidson FORTY-EIGHT
If the Sporster was not beautiful enough, HD just had to release a new factory custom range for this bike with drop dead looks. This is the new Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight™ motorcycle which has the ‘custom’ look to it. What stand out at the very first look are the neatly done stickers on the tank and the high quality finish in black. The looks may be retro inspired but with the rubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine assisted with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and a broad torque curve, this bike has performance under that classic "peanut" fuel tank, low solo seat, under-bar mounted mirrors, clean rear fender and fat balloon tires.
The ‘rebellion’ HD introduced in 1957 retains the classy spoke wheels and the short dual muffler pounds out the distinctive V-Twin sound. With forward foot controls, large mirrors on the handlebars, low profile custom handlebar, a unique dual texture solo seat with accessories like a passenger pillion, foot pegs and backrest, the bike will be available in three colours, Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl at a rate of $ 10, 499.

Link: Moto Caradisiac 1 & 2

Official Pictures of YAMAHA FZ8
Well, the official pictures of the much awaited YAMAHA FZ8 are out and this time it is not leaked, these are company pictures. But you still have to wait for the bike. The net has been having quite an activity with Yamaha lovers setting and doing their own designs as how this naked potential all rounder placed between the FZ6 and FZ1 would or should look like. Yamaha has not disappointed its fan and has made quite a beautiful bike with nothing radical, all in place as expected and a familiar design which looks good. The standout feature would still be the beautiful headlamp with the Yamaha logo on the pilot light.
The bike is seen as a sure fire winner, mainly because it promises to combine all the easiness of the smaller FZ family with the touring capabilities of the bigger sibling. Look wise it carries almost all the FZ characteristics except for the mentioned headlamp and a few other features like a more triangular design exhaust.
Any further information on performance is not yet announced but it is certain that the FZ8 will take on all the 750cc to 800 cc engines whether it is a triple or an in line four. Yamaha has announced March 12, 2010 as the official date of the launch of the FZ8. Both the pictures here are from the official Yamaha Motor Europe website. Whether this is going to reach the shores of U.S is not quite known as there has been no official release from Yamaha.
The official Yamaha Europe FZ8 website asks you to ‘Stay Tuned!’

Tamburi T1 by MV Agusta Corse
How can you improve perfection? Give it to Tamburini, I say… err… not exactly Massimo Tamburini, but you can give it to the same house. What I mean give it to Andrea Tamburini, son of the legendary Massimo Tamburini and you bet he will improve perfection to a new level. Well, by now the pictures of the Tamburini T1 from MV Agusta Corse must have made you realize that the son has inherited the genes from his father in the highest possible way. ‘The meticulous craft of perfecting what already seems perfect,’ says the Tamburini Corse website. The Corse wing is set up by Massiomo’s son Andrea in San Marino and what it offers is not for us mere mortals. Catering only to MV Agusta and Ducati bikes, it is a high quality accessory house for the hallowed bike customers.
I really do not need to emphasize on the quality as you just need to see the pictures of the Tamburi T1 in its original size to let your jaw drop off. It is really not possible to imagine how one can even further improve the MV bikes, at least not until you see the products. For those who have money to spend, they go get a Ducati or an MV and when they have more money to spend, they can just visit the Tamburini Corse studio in San Mariono. This is easy awesome and as awesome as it can get. I bet only God could have imagined a bike like this and somehow he made the Tamburis have a dream.
Visit the Tamburi Corse Store and you must visit the gallery to have a look at the T1. Believe me, it will make your day.

‘Sacred Cow’ by Deues Ex Machina
The hardcore Aussie custom designers Deux Ex Machina has pulled off a brilliant machine once again. Known for their naked metal bikes with very minimal clothing and an edgy distinctive look, you can spot a machine product by the look of it, a typical bare bones bike with extreme detailing, never ever over done but to a point where you just have to admit the brilliance of the team of Jennings, Rod Hunwick and Carby Tuckwell.
Their tag line says ‘Motorcycles for the post modern world’ and you know where there theme lies in. Their new product ‘Sacred Cow’ has probably sacrificed functionality for undeniable style, but look at what a clean product this is. And Mr. Billy Joel is too proud a owner of the donor Kawasaki W650 which he wanted it to be styled in a 60s bobber design and he also wanted a bigger bore, so the ‘Sacred Cow’ has infact a 720cc engine. In fact, Billy wanted a hardtail frame, so the W650 was it and now with 21" front wheel, spring-mounted saddle, handmade tank, Billy is all set to ride the beauty in east end of Long Island which Billy mentions ‘where there's plenty of twisty back roads, beautiful natural scenery and picturesque fishing villages.’
Link: DEUS EX MACHINA

‘Coppa Acerbo’ by Filippo Barbacane
Another beautiful custom bike here is the ‘Coppa Acerbo’ made by master designer Filippo Barbacane. Now we know Mr. Barbacane specializes in Moto Guzzi and this is no different. This beauty is based on the ever beautiful Moto Guzzi V11. The ‘Coppa Acerbo’ name refers to a race that was held in Pescara, Italy, from 1924 to 1961, which was then renamed (Circuito di Pescara) as the creator of the race, Giacomo Acerbo, was a government minister during Italy’s fascist period. The race was more than 25 kg long, and much of it was on a city track. This special edition Moto Guzzi features “Alpine” spoke wheels, hand-built chrome exhaust, aluminium front mud guards, and an Ergal transmission shaft. The seat is wider than that of a classic V11 and the rear lights are also new. This particular Moto Guzzi Coppa Acerbo has a few extra modifications from Rossopuro, specialists in Moto Guzzi accessories.
Link: Filippo Barbabcane

Buell 1125R based Magpul Ronin
And coming to the last custom bike, I really do not know what to make of this bike, but it is bloody fantastic. This is the Magpul Ronin, a very radical looking bike with quite a few futuristic imaging (just look at the headlamp, is it a headlamp? BTW) and the razor sharp cues and all this is mixed with something from the 80s, you know Mad Max style.
According to the official website, The Magpul Ronin is an experimental motorcycle project based on the Buell 1125R sport bike. The project itself represents the first iteration of a design exercise inspired by interests, hobbies, and passions shared by many within Magpul. Taken from the Japanese word for a samurai who lost his master, the name "Ronin" was chosen after the Buell Motorcycle Company ceased production and closed its doors in 2009. The model 1125R was selected due its high level of performance and aesthetic potential that were never fully realized by Buell as a subsidiary of Harley Davidson.” Yes, the engine is from Buell, but you get so caught by the design that you really forget to analyze the machine.Anyway, so, what we get to know is that it is still in the design phase. Oh, by the way, what is interesting is Magpul is a gun and rifle magazine innovator. And if you would like to know if it is only going to be a prototype or will cater to customer feedbacks, on the website, it is written “Due to the experimental nature of the project, it is not yet known if Ronin motorcycles or Magpul-designed components for the Buell 1125R will be made available for purchase. More information about Project Ronin will be released as the design progresses’. So there you go. But you can of course visit the MAGPUL RONIN website to have a look at the bike.