A Short History of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

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Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Crotch Rocket - Sport Bike Motorcycle Review

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The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R motorcycle is a top-of-the-line crotch rocket. As one of the most popular crotch rockets or sport bikes in the motorcycle category it is probably most well known for its speed. It came into this world in 1999 and with ongoing testing it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.
It enjoyed an excellent reputation among sport bikes however in 2000 the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers decided that they would have to change some of the specs. They were worried about the regulation that was bound to happen among various governments and they didn't want to have any problems.
So in 2001 and the following years through 2008, they added what is called a timing retard to the fifth gear and a rev limiter. This changed the maximum speed to 186 mph from the 198mph that was enjoyed on the earlier model.

It has six gears however most will keep it in third pretty much for tooling around town and up to 60 mph on the local tracks.
The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R has a cool 3-way switch on the right handle bar. Choices are - one for full power and response and the other two switches reduce action and output.
And of course - it's a crotch rocket so you're going to be sitting close to the ground. It sits a little lower than some other models and the bars are not as narrow. But most crotch rocket lovers like this.
The translation of Hayabusa from the Japanese language is peregrine falcon. Thee peregrine falcon can travel faster than 200 mph. This Suzuki motorcycle certainly meets that definition.

Of the many modifications we have made, TURBOCHARGING the Hayabusa continues to be a customer favorite. Entry-level street kits, or assault-weapons for the quarter mile - its your choice. We have built and tuned Mr. Turbo, Hahn Racecraft, MC Express, RCC Turbos and Velocity Racing turbo kits. The HAHN RACECRAFT STAGE ONE turbo 'busa continues to be the best value as an entry-level turbo kit. This kit can be installed on a completely stock motor, and is quite capable of producing 240 rear wheel horsepower ON PUMP GAS! Completely reliable and driveable - a bike you will be able to drive every day, everywhere. With the addition of a boost controller and some good fuel, the very same setup will produce 300 rear wheel horse. And we can do this for less money than it would cost to build that big gas motor you were thinking about, which would also make less horsepower.

In 2008 the crotch rockets or sport bike competition soared when the BMW K120S and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R were brought to the marketplace.
Suzuki is no longer called the GSX1300R in some countries because Suzuki dropped it and they call it simply the Hayabusa.
The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R can go a quarter mile in 9.62 seconds at 149 mph. It can go from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and from 0-180 in 15.9 seconds.
The 2009 models come in white and silver, black and gray, black and gold and silver and gray. In 2008 the Hayabusa sold for $12,000 or so. Although now, individual deals can be made with local dealers. And if you're lucky enough to find a used Hayabusa that's not all beat up, that's good too and can save you a lot of money.

So if you're thinking about buying a Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R sportbike you'll get a high performance motorcycle - sport bike or crotch rocket that you'll be proud to own, do endless motorcycle stunts and wheelies and love to ride! But don't buy this crotch rocket - motorcycle as your first bike. Repairs can be expensive and one spill can end up causing a lot of damage. Get a used older bike and practice on that unless you're an experienced rider now

Motorcycles and Girls

A motorcycle is considered as the one of the trendiest and common means of transport. Earlier, it was popular only among men. But, today, even girls are passionate about this trendy vehicle and are widely using it off and on road rides.

 
As the physical structure of a woman is entirely different from a man, a woman should select a motorcycle which will suit her physical structure. For example, women generally have forward riding postures because of the lower center of gravity and less upper body weights. To provide more control and comfort while riding, the motorcycles for women come with dropped handlebars. In order to reduce the problem of saddle discomfort, the weight is shifted from the seat region to the arms. Motorcycles also come with specially designed seats for women riders.
With an increase in the use of motorcycles by girls, numerous models and brands of motorcycles are introduced in the market, and this includes a lot of poorly designed vehicles also. Therefore, it is always recommended to take lots of quality test rides before selecting one. Generally, the motorcycles used by women are the lighter versions of the men's model. Thus, they are easier to handle and comfortable to ride.
There are many special organizations and clubs for motorcycles girls. These clubs and organizations arrange for motorcycle rallies and events for girls. One such event is the bike week organized in Daytona Beach of Florida. This bike rally started in 1937, and since then it has been considered one of the most popular events for women riders. Bike week is organized every year, and motorcycle girls from all around the world come to take part in this rally. Apart from the rally, wet t shirt contests, bikini contests, pudding wrestling, coleslaw wresting, and many other hot events are organized during the bike week.

It is also considered fashionable for girls on motorcycles. Every motorcycle magazine has motorcycle girls on their pages throughout each issue. Thus, you get to see a girl on top of every great article of a quality motorcycle magazine.

Streetfighter Motorcycle Styles Around the World

The age-old question has been asked more and more lately. What defines a Fighter? Well, depending how many people you ask, you'll typically get that many different answers. We'll get the obvious out of the way. Sport oriented motorcycle removed of anything unnecessary to its function. Typically stripped of most bodywork, fitted with higher rise handlebars, smaller, lighter parts to reduce weight and as much performance mods as available to make it wicked fast. So now that we have the basic idea in our head, I'd like to expand on this view of how fighters are perceived around the world.

Let's start with the motherland of Streetfighters. The grand old U.K. Home to Big Ben, Fish and Chips, Teatime and the Queen Mum. Some will argue it started back in the '50's with the Café racer. Some say true fighters begin in the early '80's with the bike messengers fighting London traffic and marring their fairings. Bike messengers don't exactly make grand salaries so instead of replacing their war torn bodywork, they simply removed them.
The basic style has remained constant over the decades. Remove fairings, add flat bars, secure dual spot headlights, and kick up the tail. For the most part the styling has remained somewhat reserved. Swap your tail section for some more attractive OEM unit from another model. Some trick paint and polish. Maybe update the running gear for the latest and greatest in go fast hardware. To top it all off, we tear the motor out and either build some octane-snorting monster or replace it all together for the biggest fastest lump that will fit.
Some things never change. There has been some crossbreeding of the genres as of late. Longer lower bikes are starting to become more popular. Not exactly slammed but set for better launch control. Also, Paint has gotten more detailed with large murals and wild colors. The drag racing scene has more them likely brought on this new trend. But also we see some return to the old school with some retro styled Café fighters. Embracing history in a very positive way.
Next we move across the channel to Germany. Fast Luxury cars, Cold Beer, Hot Bratwurst and Lederhosen, huh!? OK, the later probably isn't as prominent but it made you laugh right? Now here is a scene that pulls out all the stops. Mad amounts of Polish and Chrome, Extreme amounts of Custom Billet parts, Big Horsepower motors, Wild almost demonic bodywork, Fat Rubber and paint that jumps off the sheet metal.
Walking into a Fighter show here looks like a Candy colored Horror movie. Maybe Rob Zombie should have a look into this.
Maybe not the originators, but definitely innovators.
And here we can definitely start dissecting the genre. Here we can see a lot of unique ideas that started in this area, but there's also some Euro Cruiser/ Chopper inspiration as well. Fork tube covers are becoming more present. These covers usually smooth out the front end to make more of a seamless tube from top to bottom. Some have even gone as far as to machine grooves and designs in them to add a little extra flash to the front of the bike. More influence from the custom scene is found in dressing up the cables with bright braided lines, cleaner shinier engine covers, Stylized billet grips, Hidden axle covers, integrated handlebar risers and clamps. The list goes on forever.
Their big claim to fame being the very exaggerated tail heights compounded by short tail lengths. And the crazy looking bodywork that has got the Fighter world wanting more. Very sculpted and aggressive looking. And going along with sculpture in motorcycles is some of the tank mods that look like they were pulled from scenes of a Friday the 13th movie.

Tire size seems to be getting wider and wider around the world, but instead of just focusing on the rear tire they are paying just as much attention to the front. Widening the front wheels to except rear tire widths. 180's and 190 section tires matched with 240 and larger rears. Bringing a whole new look to the fat tire game.
If we head north we find the Nordic fighters. The land of the long night brings out some seriously mean bikes when the ice thaws. With less then 6 months of daylight let alone favorable riding weather this leaves a lot of time to tinker in the shed.
These new age Vikings like to go FAST!!!
Turbos are not uncommon when they start building fighters. And with the ever-growing drag racing scene building in the warmer months long and low goes along with the fast and mean theory.
What is neat is some of the paint schemes that come along with these bikes. Leaning a bit towards the American Hot Rods of yore Flames are most notable. Although, it's not necessarily traditional flames. Some opt for tribal licks or lay them out in candy and flake.
But the other scene that's gaining ground is Stunt riding. MX bars, cages, 12 bars, hand brakes strapped to naked bikes and adorned with all the sponsors and eye catching paint they can get.
The Land Down Under is stepping up the game with some very clean and tasty fighters. They have some of the very well engineered and eye-catching fighters I have seen. Adopting some global fighter styling, but also putting the Aussie spin on it. Very unique ideas and adaptations are happening. It's a good mix of English cleanliness along with German extreme. Big power bikes are definitely abundant along with a healthy dash of polish and bling.
Here in the Good old USA and our friends to the North, Canada, the Fighter scene came to be by way of the stunt world. Once again form followed function when plastic got shattered learning all the crazy tricks and combos.
Some felt they had more maneuverability and control on a naked stunter as apposed to a fully faired bike. Soon naked bikes started popping up more and more.
Some saw a resemblance to the chopper crowd, but liked the power and handling of a sport bike as apposed to the lumbering sled of a cruising machine.
Others grew up on the pegs of a dirt bike and felt the natural switch to big bars and tall seats.
Others remember the hey day of the Jap invasion and wanted to recreate the classic CB's, GS' and KZ'. Some just felt the need to stand out in the crowd and build something different.
We are also taking bits and pieces from around the globe and making our own style.
From caged and barred stunters to lean mean hooligan machines to full on customs that rival any big bank account chopper.

Looking around the world we see many different styles that share a key piece of their culture but also we are seeing a mix of cultures trickling through to create new and interesting ideas. What's next to roll from the garages sheds and work shops around the world? Only time will tell. With our global world the possibilities are limitless. What will you create to set the Fighter world on fire?

Super Cross and Extreme Sport Stadium Lighting

Adrenaline rushing into their veins with such intensity everyone in the stadium can feel, it the extreme sport man is at his peak. Human energy is felt through out the event arena. But we can do nothing with this energy, we cannot use it to power up the stadium lights or harvest it. Or can we?
In fact we can, harvest some of this energy along with the roar of the engines and motors. You see when fans scream, clap their hands and stamp their feat they produce vibrational energy that is quite intense and even collectable. I propose to use this energy to light up the entire stadium like never before, without plugging into the power grid. How so? By placing large sandwich sheets in series. Each sheet with a taunt film on the vibrational side and small copper lined tubes inside, hundreds of them running perpendicular to the sheets, with magnets inside bouncing back and forth. These magnets will charge a capacitor and be hooked up to an LED lighting system using fiber optics or reflectors, each one hooked up to a .2 to .5 watt light. With hundreds of thousands of lights hooked up in a composite format, like the eye of an insect, it will light up the track and since the lights can shine down on the track in the direction of the race it would be like daylight without the light pollution associated with stadium lights in large cities. Maybe with free lighting costs they can lower the ticket prices?

The tunnels to the snack bar and restrooms indeed also echo and vibrate and can be lit up just as easy. Currently this technology is being used in those little flashlights you see advertised on television that you shake and they light, but you never need batteries. This idea of lighting up the stadium, tunnels, snack bar, bathrooms and even the parking lot would be is using that technology on a larger scale with miniaturized parts making up the guts between the sandwich sheets. Let there be light, thru vibrational energy and there was. Everyone loved it, even when the city lost power that night no one even missed a beat, they had no idea the city had gone dark. Think on it.

Motorcycle Accessories to Enhance Your Riding Experience

Motorcycle accessories can enhance your riding experience. With the right accessories, your ride will be safe as well as comfortable. What things should you consider when selecting motorcycle accessories? Lets have a look at some of the essential items:
Motorcycle Helmets - A Must-Have Motorcycle Accessory
Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience for the adventurous rider. If you have the passion of riding such a powerful machine on the open road, you most certainly need adequate head protection which will protect your head in the event of an accident.
In this article we will discuss must-have motorcycle gear that can enhance your riding experience: When riding a motorcycle, your head needs maximum protection. Whether you are a daily commuter, a weekend rider or a just-for-fun rider, a helmet is an essential accessory when it comes to protective gear. Some motorcycle helmets are designed specifically to protect your entire head and face. Motorcycle helmets also help protect your eyes from blowing wind and debris which can impair your vision and cause an accident.
Helmets may seem a little uncomfortable but the fact is, they provide ventilation. Your head may feel a little warm with prolonged use but you have to endure it for your own protection.
For any rider, motorcycle helmets are indeed a necessity. Helmets cannot promise 100% protection against head injury, but they do without a doubt, decrease the severity of an injury and reduce the chances of a fatality in any motorcycle accident.
Some motorcycle helmets protect both your head and face. There are several different kinds of helmets, each offering different benefits. These include:
* A Full face helmet
* A Motocross helmet
* Open face helmet
* A Half helmet
A full face helmet provides the most protection; as it covers the entire head while also protecting your skull and chin. These helmets are much larger in size but the advantage is definitely more than in most other types. All these helmets have a chin guard that should be kept fastened at all times while riding. For long distance rides, there are special helmets with sturdier features such as face guards. These face guards are retractable and they even provide anti-glare protection to help keep riders from being blinded by the bright glare reflected off shiny surfaces from other vehicles.
Motorcycle helmets provide a great deal of protection for your head and by wearing one each time you ride significantly reduces the chance of a head injury if involved in an accident. Statistics show that the risk of major head and soft-tissue injuries are reduced by nearly 40% with the use of a motorcycle helmet. Many States have passed a law making it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. To ensure your safety, you should always check for any defects when buying a motorcycle helmet. Do not ignore even the slightest crack. You will have more security if you ride using all safety precautions.
Motorcycle Saddlebags - Another Must-Have Accessory
One thing is for sure, motorcycles are not at all convenient for transporting personal belongings or items that you may purchase at the store. Most motorcycle owners know this and you will hardly ever see a person riding a motorcycle down the street one-handed, steering with one hand and carrying a bag of groceries in the other. Those who ride often, need a durable and reliable way of carrying these items while riding and motorcycle saddlebags provide perfectly for this need.
These saddlebags look great and fit well on most motorcycles. It is the most convenient way to carry anything while you ride. Bikers should also have these spacious compartments to store certain items in the event of an emergency. Such items that should be stored in these compartments and may also come in handy include:
-A First Aid Kit
-A Flashlight
-Goggles/Glasses
-Mobile phone
-Some groceries
-Flares and Tool Kit
-Registration and motorcycle Insurance
-Map(s)
These are just to name a few. Most saddlebags come with enough space to carry almost anything you need while on the road. Saddlebags come in a variety of sizes however, leather saddlebags are a bit smaller than the hard plastic shell types. Every motorcyclist needs some kind of storage for their personal belongings and saddlebags provide plenty of space and does it with style.
Leather Vests - A Stylish Accessory
Are you planning a motorcycle adventure trip? If so, then you need to think about what motorcycle gear you would like to put on for this thrill ride. It is nearly impossible to experience such an adventure in your regular street clothes or with long sleeves. You should wear something that is both tough, yet trendy. If you prefer to embark on your adventure in style,then you need a cool leather motorcycle vest.
Leather vests have always been a favorite amongst all bikers. Leather motorcycle vests are a way of displaying a bikers smooth and rugged look. Motorcycle vests provide an ample amount of room and comfort for that rugged adventurer without skimping on its essential purpose: protection against the elements of nature. These leather vests are meant for inner wear by both guys and gals, but they are most often worn externally for that trendy leather appeal. Leather motorcycle vests are available in a variety of styles with each leather vest encompassing its own unique image

Ideally, they are comfortable, form fitting and made with quality leather. They provide plenty of pockets to carry all your essentials. Riding vests are manufactured with a sturdy lining to protect the rider from strong winds, rain or other undesirable weather condition. They can be worn with or without an undershirt and on any riding occasion. So get into your gear with these three motorcycle accessories and make your road trip a riding adventure!

2011 KTM 125 EXC

2011 KTM 125 EXC
It doesn't get more vicious!

The 125 EXC starts the new season with even more optimisations. With its well-known powerful engine, new frame design and improved chassis, it faces down the competition in the E1 class. A great example of simple two-stroke technology with superior power and minimal weight. It's never been so easy to be 'ready to race'!
EXC SIXDAYS
Engine
The SIX-DAYS models draw their power from two-stroke and four-stroke racing engines which have been optimised down to the finest detail for Enduro racing. Powerful, with perfect power delivery and excellent durability. Pure energy!
Tank
Ergonomic tank for ideal contact with the bike.Special KTM airflow system with ducts beneath the spoilers for anoptimum fresh air supply to the airbox. Another advantage for racing: transparent polyethylene lets you see the fuel level from the outside.
Seat
The seat of the Six-Days bike is supplied with additional pockets and logos. It also has a reduced-weight, optimised foam core for improved comfort and longer service life.



2011 KTM 125 EXC - USA Specifications
MSRP: See KTM Dealer for prices
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2011 KTM 125 EXC - Canada Specifications
MSRP: See KTM Dealer for prices

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2011 KTM 125 EXC - International Specifications
MSRP: See KTM Dealer for prices
Engine type Single cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement 124.8 cc
Bore x stroke 54 x 54.5 mm (2.13/2.15")
Starter Kickstarter
Transmission 6 gears
Carburetor Keihin PWK 36 S AG
Control Exhaust control
Lubrication Mixture oil lubrication 1:60
Transmission oil Motorex, SAE 15W-50
Primary drive 23:73
Final drive 14:42 (13:50)
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically
Ignition Kokusan


Frame Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe Aluminium
Handlebar Neken, Aluminium Ø 28/22 mm (1.10/0.87")
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP PDS shock absorber
Suspension travel front/rear 300/335 mm (11.81/13.19")
Brakes, front/rear Disc brakes Ø 260/220 mm (10.24/8.66")
Rims, front/rear 1.60 x 21"; 2.15 x 18" Excel
Tires, front/rear 90/90-21"; 120/90-18"
Chain X-ring chain 5/8 x 1/4"
Main silencer Aluminium
Steering head angle 63.5°
Wheel base 1471 ± 10 mm (57.91 ± 0.39")
Ground clearance (unloaded) 390 mm (15.35")
Seat height 985 mm (38.78")
Tank capacity approx. 9.5 liters (2.51 gal)
Weight (no fuel) approx. 97 kg (213.8 lbs)






KTM PRESS RELEASE
PERFECTLY POSITIONED: THE KTM OFFROAD MODEL YEAR 2011

KTM’s Mattighofen factory in Austria has invested a huge amount of effort in developing the latest Offroad motorcycles for the 2010 season with the clear aim of improving the advantage on loose ground even more. Star of the KTM model range is the revolutionary MX1 innovation, the 350 SX-F.

The current motorsport season is well underway and the KTM factory riders have already claimed a slew of podiums on the latest “Made in Austria“ Offroaders. Now the sports brand from Austria presents the line-up of brand new motorcycles for the Model Year 2011.

With three high quality and competitive Minicycle variants for the youngest offroad enthusiasts, a total of six uncompromising Motocross motorcycles especially designed for winning races as well as eight versions of Sport Enduros, the Austrian manufacturer presents the perfect line-up for the coming season. In doing so, KTM once again underlines its leading role in the world of Offroad sports activity.

The huge amount of depth of development in the new Offroad model range extends all the way from the 50 cc two-stroke (50 SX) right up to the powerful displacement of the Enduro 530 EXC-R. In between there is a whole range of tailor-made sports machines for every type of offroad riding and for every rider profile, all absolutely true to the KTM “Ready to Race” philosophy. KTM has just the right machine, regardless of whether it’s for the ambitious hobby rider or the ruling world champion.

As well as the huge development effort that the KTM technicians have applied to the entire model range, these new motorcycles still include some very special innovations. This especially applies to the 350 SX-F, which was first exhibited last autumn. This, the first ever 350 cc bike deployed in the MX1 World Championship, has already been mastered by factory riders Antonio “Tony” Cairoli and his Red Bull KTM teammate Rui Goncalves. Cairoli not only won the premiere race for the 350 machine; after his GP victories, he is also leading the championship standings.

In addition to the unique engine concept, the MX lineup for the 2011 also includes a newly developed frame and chassis components.

The Enduro models, which have been similarly decorated with world championship titles all also profit from the massive amount of experience gathered by not less than 176 World Championship titles. This can be seen both in the feather light two-stroke versions as well as the highly modern and performance powerful four-stroke models. With significant improvements in a while range of areas as well as the extensive series equipment, these machines are prepared in the best possible way for the new racing season.

The new Motocross, Enduro and Minicycle models will be delivered to KTM dealers from June of this year.