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Mission Motors unveils Mission R, its latest electric superbike

BikersUnite — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:56:46 +0000

Coming on heels of Mission One, the all new Mission R is the latest iteration of Mission Motors’s electric racing superbike featuring a 14.4 kWh & 141 horsepower electric motor in a ultra compact chassis which rivals the latest 600cc supersports motorcycles capable of reaching speeds in excess of 260 kmph (160mph)

A impressive 115 ft-lbs of torque is churned out by the 3-phase liquid-cooled AC induction motor at the crank from 0-6400 RPM. Motonium has designed the chassis which will feature on the motorcycle when it debuts in TTXGP racing series in early 2011.

PRESS RELEASE

Mission Motors Unveils Mission R Electric Racing Superbike

New factory racer features latest MissionEVT technology, will race in TTXGP

Long Beach, California — December 17th, 2010 — Today at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show, Mission Motors unveiled the Mission R, the company’s new electric racing superbike. Featuring the company’s latest powertrain technology and an entirely new race-ready design, the motorcycle will lead the company’s upcoming 2011 racing program.

“We are excited to announce the Mission R, our compact and powerful factory electric racebike,” said Mission Motors’ Founder Edward West. “This bike represents the culmination of all the company’s learning in both electric powertrains and motorcycle engineering.”

The Mission R features the latest components from MissionEVT, the EV powertrain technology arm of Mission Motors. MissionEVT components are powerful, intelligent, and efficient. The Mission R packs 14.4 kWh and 141 horsepower in a package smaller than a modern 600cc sportbike. The liquid-cooled 3-phase AC Induction motor creates 115 ft-lbs of torque at the crank from 0 to 6400 RPM, propelling the Mission R to a top speed of over 160mph in a singe gear. The MissionEVT 100kW motor controller, with customizable regenerative braking maps and throttle maps, allows the rider to tune the bike to his or her preferences.

The Mission R chassis, designed by James Parker, features an entirely new design for integrating and balancing the weight and volume of a large EV battery pack into a motorcycle chassis. The chassis is wrapped in a new and aerodynamic industrial design by Tim Prentice of Motonium, with a small frontal-area and aggressive ergonomics.

The Mission R will hit the track in early 2011 and will compete in the TTXGP racing series along with other races, events, and demonstrations.

“Racing is in our DNA,” West said. “Mission Motors participated in the historic first Isle of Man TTXGP in 2009. Later that year, we went to the Bonneville Salt Flats and set an AMA Speed Record for electric motorcycles in 2009. With the help of our sponsors, including Texas Instruments and Pectel/Cosworth, we are excited to be returning to the track in 2011 with the phenomenal Mission R. The crucible of the racing circuit is one of the key ways we advance our technology. Pushing the envelope for what is possible with electric drive shapes not only the future of motorsports, but the future of transportation.”

Learn more about Mission Motors and the Mission R at http://RideMission.com.

About Mission Motors
Mission Motors is an electric vehicle company creating the most advanced production electric motorcycle in the world while developing leading EV powertrain technology through its MissionEVT division. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company’s elite team of engineers draw from expertise in the powersports, automotive, robotics, battery and software industries to develop technologies that maximize the potential of the electric drivetrain. The concept is simple: Redefine the world of electric vehicle performance.

Mission R Specifications

Motor
141 horsepower liquid-cooled 3-phase AC induction

Torque
Crank: 115 ft-lb (0 – 6400RPM)

Top Speed
160+ mph

Energy Storage
• MissionEVT battery modules with integrated Battery Management System
• Carbon fiber casing with dielectric liner
• Swappable architecture
• 14.4 kWh total energy storage

Power Control:
MissionEVT 100kW controller with integrated Vehicle Management System
• Adjustable throttle mapping
• Regenerative braking
• WiFi & 3G data connectivity

Transmission
Single speed, gear-driven primary reduction

Chassis
RADD-designed Quad-Element Frame
• Billet aluminum and
• Chrome-moly
• Power-Unit as fully-stressed member
• Battery box as semi-stressed member

Front Suspension
• Öhlins FGR-000 TTX25 Gas Charged Fork
• Adjustment for preload, ride height, high and low speed compression and
rebound

Rear Suspension
• Single-sided billet aluminum swingarm with linear wheelbase/chain adjustment
• Öhlins TTX36 Shock and progressive linkage system
• Adjustment for preload, ride height, high and low speed compression and rebound

Wheels
Marchesini forged magnesium 10-spoke.
• Front: 17″ x 3.5″
• Rear: 17″ X 6″

Front Brake
• 2 Brembo 320 mm narrow-band racing stainless rotors
• 2 Brembo 2-piece billet 4-piston 30/34 mm differential bore radial-mount calipers

Rear Brake
• 245 mm stainless rotor
• Brembo HPK 2-piston 34 mm caliper

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BMW 3 Series does 1631 kms in one tank of fuel

BikersUnite — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:51:29 +0000

The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon completed a trip from UK to Munich in Germany and back on just one full tank of fuel thereby making a record breaking trip of over 1631 kms (1013 miles).

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

Driven by journalist Tom Ford, the only fuel saving measures adopted for the trip was to switch off the air conditioning and radio during the trip. in the real world, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon delivers what it promises on paper – an official combined figure of 29.3 kmpl (68.9mpg) and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km.

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BMW initiates worldwide recall of motorcycles for braking problems

BikersUnite — Sun, 23 May 2010 06:25:54 +0000

BMW is recalling upto 1,22,000 motorcycles worldwide which was initiated after discovery of a leak in the braking system on the K1200GT. Company’s R-Series boxer-twins and K1200GT motorcycles are affected by the recall.

BMW K1200GT

A BMW spokesperson informed that the recall will affect motorcycles produced between August 2006-May 2009 and is regarding stress fractures in part of the braking system. The problem results from a gradual degradation of a brake hose coupling, which can lead to a minor leak of brake fluid. Although no accidents have come to notice of BMW, the company has advices owners to check front and rear brake fluid reservoirs before riding out on their motorcycles and contact their nearest BMW dealership for further details.

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2010 Dainese Summer Motorcycle Gear

BikersUnite — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:13:01 +0000

Dainese has released its “Air” range of riding gear that is designed as light, breathable biking clothing which you can enjoy in summer rides of your favourite bike.

Dainese Shotgun Tex jacket

The Shotgun Tex jacket is a light jacket with plenty of air ventilation, made from Mugello elastic fibre. The internal lining has silver ions to maintain hygiene. Protective padding is included on the shoulders and elbows and there is room for a back shield as well. The jacket has a zip across the bottom to connect it to trousers and it costs about Rs 13000.

The Drake Air pants can be matched with the jacket. These are made with Cordura Comfort material and have adjustable zips around the waist and legs, and internal thigh zips for more ventilation. Sanitized lining completes the same attention to hygiene seen on the Shotgun Tex jacket and the Drake Air Pants also have two front and one rear pocket. They cost about Rs 11000.

The Air Tex Gloves are aerated summer glove with sporty design for touring or city use even in the hottest weather. Net mesh on the back provides the best ventilation.
Reinforced goatskin palm ensures a better feel during riding. Soft inserts on the knuckles. Cuff adjustment drawstring. They cost about Rs 4000.

Dainese Drake Air Pants

Dainese Air Tex Gloves

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Dainese shuts down production in Italy

BikersUnite — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:35:15 +0000

Dainese a world famous brand for motorcycle riding apparel is shutting down it’s production facilities in Molvena, Italy as it moves it’s production out of Europe to Tunisia in Africa where Dainese already has 2 additional production units.

With the entire production line moving out of Italy to Tunisia, the workforce will be trimmed from approximately 250 workers down to about 50 workers as the company will retain some personnel to work on the select top of the line products used by the sponsored professional riders including Valentino Rossi, Max Biaggi and Jorge Lorenzo.

The current scenario has been brought about with rising costs and slowdown in world economy which brought about a massive slump in sales for motorcycles and subsequently riding leathers.

Dainese R&D department however will continue to function from their current location in Molvena and the D-Air products expected to be launched later this year too are expected to be manufactured in Italy for the time being.

source: motociclismo.it

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Ducati launches 848 Nicky Hayden Edition Sportsbike

BikersUnite — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:39:56 +0000

Ducati unveiled the new for 2010 Nicky Hayden edition 848 for the US market on 4th of July at Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition

Nicky Hayden Edition 848 is the 2010 model of Ducati’s middleweight sport bike and the paint work recreates part of Nicky Hayden’s helmet design. A total of approximately 100 units are destined to be sold in US making sure each owner stands out in the croud from other Ducati and each bike will feature Nicky Hayden’s personal autograph on the fuel tank.

The new Special Edition 848 ushers in a revised LED dash cluster for better visibility, optional 30mm mirror extensions, improved aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys for lower weight and a redesigned crankcase. The bike features the same 134-horsepower L-twin Evoluzione powerplant, wet-clutch and six-speed gearbox as the rest of the 848 line with a total weight of mere 168kgs.

848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition will be priced at US$14,499 which is $500 more than the current 848 pricing and will be on sale from US Ducati dealerships from today.

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Rossi & Lorenzo replica 2009 Yamaha R1′s launched

BikersUnite — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:45:07 +0000

2009 Yamaha R1 Rossi Replica

Yamaha France has just released 2009 Yamaha R1 in Valentino Rossi & Jorge Lorenzo replica factory livery. These bikes will be made available in limited numbers( 4 units only) for select buyers in France. In France, each R1 will cost €19,990 (a premium of 20% over standard R1) and a Rossi or Lorenzo replica helmet comes as part of the deal.

2009 Yamaha R1 Lorenzo Replica

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Monster Energy partners with Tech 3 Yamaha for 2009 MotoGP

BikersUnite — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:32:21 +0000

2009 Tech3(& Monster Energy) MotoGP Bike

After departure of Kawasaki MotoGP team, Monster Energy (“the largest selling energy drink in USA”) has pertnered with Tech 3 Yamaha for the 2009 MotoGP Season.

Valentino Rossi in his personal capacity will also be sponsored by Monster energy(are you thinking of Chupa Chups and Lorenzo?)

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Bajaj close to majority holding in KTM

BikersUnite — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:00:29 +0000

Bajaj Auto has increased it’s share holding in KTM to 31.72 from 25.86 held previously. Bajaj has earlier too projected it’s intentions of obtaining majority holding in KTM which is one of the largest European motorcycle manufacturers.

A partnership between Bajaj & KTM is beneficial for both firms giving technical knowhow to Bajaj whoose largest capacity motorcycle is a 220cc engine based Pulsar 220 while giving KTM the benefit of large cash holdings and manufacturing facilities of Bajaj.

For future expansion, KTM is looking out towards south east asia and India while Bajaj is looking at increasing it’s presence in Europe and developing larger capacity motorcycles. The two are said to be developing a new family of 125, 250 and 500cc engines to use in road, enduro and supermoto applications. The 500cc engine is rumored to be a v-twin.

Bajaj is also rumored to be a key partner in the development of the KTM SUV and city cars.

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Harley Davidson to cut jobs amid lower demand and poor sales

BikersUnite — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:12:46 +0000

Harley Davidson announced major job cuts yesterday in response to a slump in motorcycle sales and lower demand for it’s motorcycles in it’s major markets. Harley Davidson is expected to cut production by 10-13% in 2009 alongwith 1100 job cuts.

Harley plans to disband it’s domestic transport fleet and shift it’s parts, accessories and merchandise distribution to a third party in order to cut costs. It may also stop production at some plants to achieve it’s savings target of US$ 70 million.

Harley Davidson’s total revenue for 2008 was $5.59 billion as compared to $5.73 billion in 2007. Harley Davidson made a profit of $654.7 million in 2008.

Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

Source: Harley-Davidson

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