plus 4, A1GP Drops China, Mayalsia Rounds; Fifth Season Opener in 2010? - Who Won |
- A1GP Drops China, Mayalsia Rounds; Fifth Season Opener in 2010? - Who Won
- BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle - autoblog
- Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals Finale - Off-Road.com
- Mesquite Championship Rodeo announces new holiday rodeo season - Pegasus News
- 2010 Ducatis: New Multistrada 1200 & ABS Monsters - Superbike Planet
| A1GP Drops China, Mayalsia Rounds; Fifth Season Opener in 2010? - Who Won Posted: 10 Nov 2009 11:07 AM PST Tuesday, November 10, 2009 A1GP Drops China, Mayalsia Rounds; Fifth Season Opener in 2010? by Walter Elliott LONDON, England -- The A1GP Series has cancelled its planned 2009/10 Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 opening rounds in Zuhai, Chaina and Sepang, Mayalsia here Nov. 6. Whether "The World Cup of Motorsports" will have its Season Five debut in South Africa Feb. 28 - or any time at all - may be a matter of a High Court administrator's assessment here. This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| BMW defies logic with six-cylinder Concept 6 motorcycle - autoblog Posted: 10 Nov 2009 11:57 AM PST
BMW Motorrad Concept 6. Fascination, Supremacy and Riding Comfort with Six Cylinders. Fascination, Supremacy and Riding Comfort with Six Cylinders Munich. Six-cylinder power units have always had particular appeal, offering not only supreme smoothness and refinement, but also superior power and performance as well as a truly emotional driving – or, in this case, riding – experience. A further point is that the typical sound of a straight-six almost like a turbine is absolutely incomparable, with straight-six power units at BMW having stood for fascinating engine technology in BMW cars for more than seven decades. Looking at motorcycles, inventive engineers have also tried time and again to offer the enthusiast the thrilling concept of a straight-six power unit. But while a few engines in straight-six configuration have indeed been fitted in motorcycles both lengthwise and crosswise, the straight-six has never really made a genuine breakthrough neither on production models nor in motorcycle racing. Depending on the way the engine was fitted, six cylinders in-line inevitably made the engine either very long or very wide, creating disadvantages in terms of the running gear, weight distribution, and the centre of gravity. A further drawback was much higher engine weight usually setting off the benefits of extra engine power. The BMW Concept 6 now proves that a straight-six, benefiting from the most advanced construction and production technology, may offer not only unique prestige, but also a supreme standard of riding dynamics. The new BMW straight-six will further expand the K-Series in the foreseeable future. The first model to be introduced will be an innovative and luxurious BMW touring machine. Reflecting the tradition of the BMW K-Series, this will of course be a genuine top-of-the-line product. Highly compact and dynamic six-cylinder. The starting point for this dynamic introduction of the straight-six in the new Concept 6 from BMW Motorrad is of course the extremely compact form and configuration of the engine. The power unit is approximately 100 mm or 4" slimmer than all former straight-six production engines and only a bit wider than a large-capacity straight-four with conventional technology. The reduction in width is achieved in particular by the slightly over-square bore: stroke ratio with relatively long stroke and very small gaps between cylinders. To achieve this very compact configuration with minimum width, the electrical ancillaries and their drive components are positioned behind the crankshaft in the open space above the transmission. High-tech lightweight construction in all areas serves to make the power unit relatively light from the outset, important components in this context being the two hollow-drilled camshafts and the very light connecting rods. The perfect compensation of masses ensured by the configuration and layout of the engine avoids the need for a balance shaft and its drive elements on the new straight-six, which again means lower weight and enhanced running smoothness. In its layout, the straight-six featured in the Concept 6 follows the well-known straight-four in the K 1300 model series, again coming with cylinders tilted to the front by 55o. This ensures not only a low centre of gravity, but also very good weight balance as an element essential above all under sporting conditions for precise feeling and clear feedback from the front. A further advantage is that the tilted engine provides extra space for the aerodynamically positioned intake manifold directly above the engine and allows ideal configuration of the frame profiles following the flow of power. The straight-six featured in the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 comes with dry sump lubrication. Apart from greater reliability even under extreme conditions, dry sump technology serves to keep the crankcase particularly low and flat, with the engine being fitted lower down and masses concentrated around the centre of gravity. Doing without an oil sump, the engine may be positioned far lower than on a conventional layout. The oil reservoir is provided by an oil tank integrated at the rear of the engine block. This avoids the need for a separate tank, again helping to make the entire power unit more compact and reduce weight to a minimum. Maximum supremacy in running refinement and performance. Designed and laid out as a straight-six, the engine also opens up new dimensions in motorcycling in terms of supremacy, power reserves, performance and running refinement. Output of the new six-cylinder will be in approximately the same range as on BMW's 1.3-litre straight-four power units. Torque, on the other hand, will be right at the top of the range, even in comparison with the largest motorcycle engines, such superior power and muscle coming inter alia from engine capacity of no less than 1.6 litres. The engine's power and performance characteristics are equally impressive, offering 130 Nm or 96 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm and at the same time revving up almost to 9,000 rpm – a dynamic potential quite unparalleled in the tourer segment. This alone qualifies the engine of the Concept 6 as the ideal power unit for a wide range of different motorcycles. Environmental compatibility and all-round economy re-defined. The Concept 6 shows the absolute supremacy of its six-cylinder drive system also in ecological and economic terms. Fuel consumption of this six-cylinder naturally equipped with a fully controlled catalytic converter is lower than on a comparable four-cylinder under normal touring conditions. The use of E-gas technology (ride-by-wire) then offers further potentials for enhanced fuel economy and riding dynamics throughout a wide range of different riding modes and conditions. And last but not least in this context, the straight-six power unit featured in the Concept 6 offers long inspection intervals through the use of cup tappets controlling the engine valves. Dynamic and powerful design in Café Racer style. Supremacy and dynamism are also borne out clearly by the thrilling design of the Concept 6 and, as usual, this project from BMW Motorrad is more than "just" the attempt to develop a motorcycle of a kind never seen before. Working on Concept 6, the designers at BMW Motorrad have therefore focused yet again on technical function and quality and, in particular, the emotional element bringing together man and machine. Their rule, quite simply, is that a motorcycle must not only follow the laws of functionality, but also arouse emotion in all its facets. In a nutshell, therefore, the machine must be simply thrilling. Precisely this is why the design of the Concept 6 focuses in particular on the powerful straight-six engine as the heart of the machine. Conceived as a mixture of classic and modern styling elements in motorcycle construction, the Concept 6, with its long front end and short rear, takes up the design language of the legendary Café Racer. Powerful and muscular, the body elements extend around the power unit finished in a special platinum colour, presenting the engine almost adoringly from every angle. Smooth and soft lines ensure fully organic integration of the power unit within the machine, while at the same time they create a powerful, exciting and dynamic contrast to the sharply contoured front and rear ends. The so-called Split Face, a well-known design element of the latest models from BMW Motorrad, extends smoothly from the front of the fairing all along the top of the fuel tank made of carbon-fibre, again confirming the high technological standard of the Concept 6 and forming an exciting contrast to the outer shell in aluminium with its white layers. The division into three sections created by the Split Face is further accentuated at the front by the LED headlight integrated longitudinally in the machine in its rod shape and by the slender LED rear light extending far up into the seat hump. The powerful and supreme character of the Concept 6 is also underscored by the six-chamber exhaust system complete with sidepipes and the strong presence of the intake ducts again finished in platinum look. Aerodynamic components such as the twin-tipped engine spoiler and the air guide elements derived from the design of the new S 1000 RR Supersports, on the other hand, bridge the gap between functional and clearly visible technology, on the one hand, and the soft and smooth design of other body elements, on the other. Innovative suspension technology and equipment The suspension of the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 is built around a light-alloy bridge frame as well as Duolever and lightweight Paralever arms holding and guiding the wheels front and rear. Seventeen-inch HP forged wheels as well as the extra-large brake system with its six-piston fixed callipers emphasise the sporting look of the new machine and its high level of technology. The outstanding supremacy of the Concept 6 and its drivetrain is also reflected by details such as the instrument panel intentionally kept in minimalist design but nevertheless completely equipped with all the instruments and gauges required. While a digital display performs its usual function of clearly presenting road speed, there is intentionally no rev counter on account of the supreme flow of power at all speeds. So instead of a conventional rev counter, a LED display shows the rider at all times how much torque is readily available whenever required. This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals Finale - Off-Road.com Posted: 10 Nov 2009 11:07 AM PST The third time, as they say, is the charm, and it certainly seemed to be true at the Moose Run, presented by Moose Racing, in Fenton, Illinois. Paul Whibley hadn't won the race in two previous attempts. This time, of course, he came into the 10th and final round of the 2009 Parts Unlimited Off-road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals riding a tidal wave of momentum, as he'd won all nine rounds leading up to it, making him the prohibitive favorite. But the Moose Run has a way of throwing curves—as Whibley discovered all too well last year when he led until the final mile or two and his engine went south enough to allow teammate Jimmy Jarrett past, though Whibley still earned the championship for the first time, stopping Jarrett's run at four in a row. This time, however, fate proved kinder to the New Zealand native, the most dominating racer in American woods racing this year. He got a great start, lost the trail for a moment (with the rest of his fellow Pros following him astray, then stopping and following him as he found the correct path like they were on some Sunday trail ride), but once on the right trail, Whibley would not be denied.
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| Mesquite Championship Rodeo announces new holiday rodeo season - Pegasus News Posted: 10 Nov 2009 10:31 AM PST  Resistol Arena The Mesquite Championship Rodeo returns with its first ever holiday rodeo season including Thanksgiving Rodeos held on Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 and Christmas Rodeos on Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30 at Resistol Arena in Mesquite. It's two hours of non-stop action and rock'n roll with all the events that fans have come to expect at a championship rodeo including: Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Cowgirl Barrel Racing, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping. Also included for the kids are crowd favorites Justin Boots Mutton Bustin' and the Borden Dash-For-Cash. Holiday rodeos will include a special performance from daredevil Troy Lerwill "The Wild Child" thrilling spectators with his spectacular motorcycle riding. The rodeo continues to be an affordable family attraction with reserved seat ticket prices in the arena $6 for children (12 and under) and $11 for adults with parking for $3. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and rodeo events begin at 7:30 p.m. Newly renovated open-air suites atop the arena on the third level have been reconfigured to seat 10, 20, 30 and even 80 patrons. Available on a nightly or annual basis, the luxury suites feature plasma screens, all-inclusive food and beverage packages, event programs and VIP parking. Suites can also be used during the day before the Rodeo for meetings or group functions. Source: Mesquite Championship Rodeo This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 2010 Ducatis: New Multistrada 1200 & ABS Monsters - Superbike Planet Posted: 10 Nov 2009 08:51 AM PST This just in from Ducati:
DUCATI PRESENTS 2010 INNOVATIONS FINALLY UNVEILED, WORLD PREVIEW OF THE NEW AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATED MULTISTRADA 1200. ALSO NEW FOR 2010: NEW "CORSE" LIVERY FOR THE 1198, TWO NEW HYPERMOTARD 1000EVO MODELS AND TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN THE MONSTER FAMILY Rho (Milan), 9 November 2009 - As is tradition prior to the opening of the EICMA show, Ducati has officially revealed the innovations of its 2010 product range. Dream bikes, the fruit of Italian ingenuity and creativity, and destined to become new points of reference on the international market, are ready to take the spotlight at EICMA 2009, the 67th edition of the International Motorcycle Exhibition, taking place at the Fiera Internazionale di Milano in Rho, from 10 - 15 November. Before the unveiling of the 2010 line-up, the new Ducati Corse logo was presented to the international press, an evolution of the historic brand in the form of a new graphic, following on from the launch of the new Ducati logo at last year's EICMA show. A press conference, eagerly anticipated and rich in content, took place immediately prior to the official opening of the trade show. Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, met with representatives of the international media to present the company's recent sporting and commercial results, confirming the Italian manufacturer's strength and performance, despite the difficulties that the sector is currently experiencing. "In 2009 Ducati has faced a year of important challenges but also one of important opportunities," stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati, during the conference. "The challenges arrive from a market that has entered a significant worldwide slump and where the segment in which we operate could have dropped by 35% by the end of this year. In this scenario Ducati knew how best to react, so much so that our shares have continuously grown and in 2009 we will register a record share of 7.2% on a worldwide level. This result was achieved by sticking strictly to the objectives we had set ourselves, in relation to the company's three fundamental pillars. Firstly, product, with the 2010 innovations the clearest demonstration of how we have followed an intelligent plan for continuous renewal. Then the distribution network, constantly renewed and reinforced to improve and expand the service. Thanks also to the recent opening of stores in Shanghai, Mexico City and in Vietnam, Ducati today distributes in 80 countries of the world. Last but not least, the brand. We continue to work on the recognition of our brand name, and above all, on the role that Ducati has as an ambassador of Italian style across the world, a factor that is of fundamental value to us." Claudio Domenicali, General Director of Ducati Motor Holding, then presented the many new bikes lining-up in Ducati's 2010 Model Year."We are present at EICMA with a series of important innovations, in accordance with our strategic industrial plan," declared Claudio Domenicali, Ducati's General Director, while presenting the 2010 Model Year. "The new Multistrada 1200 provides Ducati with an important opportunity to penetrate what is, for us, a completely new market segment, with a totally innovative concept, in terms of performance, usability and technological content. Four bikes in one, with four different riding modes, traction control and electronic suspension but, most importantly, a true Ducati, in its style, design and advanced technology, derived directly from Ducati's racing experience on tracks across the world. The Hypermotard 796 e 1100 evo, the new "Corse" liveries for the 1198 S and 1198 R, as well as countless technical and style updates, complete the 2010 line-up of which we are so proud." The undeniable star is the eagerly awaited Ducati Multistrada 1200, already in the running to take the prize for "best bike in show." Faithful to the original intuition, which combined sport bike technology with comfort and versatility, Ducati now extends the concept further with a brand new Multistrada 1200 designed to satisfy the demands of all motorcyclists. A bike with no limits, that can transform itself to suit the rider's demands, from a supersport to a tourer for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, to an everyday bike which can breeze through the daily commute and also tackle off-road routes with the agility of an enduro; in other words, four bikes in one! Ducati have once again pushed the limits of motorcycle design by adding Italian innovation to the elegance, style and technology which characterise the motorcycles that leave the Bologna factory. All it needed was a heart, the perfect engine to fulfill the potential of this new design. The obvious starting point was the World Championship-winning engine, the Testastretta, used on the Superbike 1198. Engineers in Bologna have succeeded in harnessing the immense power of this engine, making it smooth and adaptable to any situation. The new Testastretta 11¯ engine is thus born, and represents a milestone in combining performance with usability. 2010 Special Editions celebrate the historic Ducati Corse logo change and two world titles in Superbike and Superstock. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition, both equipped with factory team-style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery, now complement the lightweight and agile 848 now in Dark colour scheme, the awesomely powerful 1198, and the high-spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 Superbike model line-up. There are more exciting new products in the Ducati Hypermotard range that now becomes a fully-fledged family of bikes in 2010. No longer just one, but three versions, designed to suit different needs, but each with the same specific objective: to provide excitement and fun. So here is the new, agile Hypermotard 796, which joins the new and even more powerful Hypermotard 1100EVO as well as the extreme version, the as yet unseen Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP. Hot on the heels of its early model year 2010 launch in October, the lightweight 796 is now joined by an evolution of the 1100 model that rolls out at an incredible 7kg (15.5lb) lighter and 5hp more powerful than the original. The exciting introduction to the Monster family for 2010 are the ABS equipped versions of the 696 and 1100 (basic and S), the first time that Ducati has ever equipped the Monster family with a safety-enhancing anti-lock braking system. Other 2010 introductions to the Monster family include new exhaust guards, which feature a longer shape and provide improved heat protection. Brand new crankcases for the 696, which are an impressive 1.2kg (2.6lb) lighter and, furthermore, the user-friendliness of the controls has been improved with 4-point adjustable clutch and brake levers to suit all hand sizes. This content has passed through fivefilters.org.  This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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