Example of the classics you can see there!
October 15, 2009 – The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the 2010 dates of the country’s premier annual celebration of motorcycling heritage.
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will take place next year on July 9-11, 2010, at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Tickets will go on sale Nov. 30. Please visit MidOhio.com or call (800) MID-OHIO for more information or to order tickets.
The 19th Annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous.
Husqvarna Named Marque of the Year for 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Husqvarna, the legendary make that ruled AMA Racing off-road competition throughout the 1970s and 1980s, has recently made a full-throttle return to national championship contention. This July 9-11, the iconic brand will celebrate its heritage and build toward its future as the Marque of the Year at the 19th annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. “Arguably the most dominant off-road racing brand in the United States for a generation of racers, Husqvarna has recently returned full force to AMA Racing national competition,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, AMA special events and marketing manager. “We’re pleased to showcase both Husqvarna’s history and the company’s renewed investment in motorcycling’s present and future at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.” “Husqvarna Motorcycles is delighted to be the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year for 2010,” said Husqvarna Motorcycles North America President Mark Brady. “Launching the new decade with this prestigious recognition is indeed an honor. Everyone at Husqvarna Motorcycles is very much aware of the great history of the brand, and we are determined to bring back the glory days. “We believe that developing a closer relationship with the AMA is an important part of growing and protecting the rights of every rider in America,” Brady added. As part of Husqvarna’s participation in AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, fans will be able to get up close and personal with the Husqvarna’s moto-history, from its genesis in Sweden in the early 1900s to the high-tech off-road, motocross and dual-sport bikes the company sells and races today. Although many U.S. riders first became familiar with Husqvarna in the early 1960s, the company had been selling motorcycles since 1903 when it fitted Husqvarna frames with engines from makers such as FN and Moto-Reve. In 1920 Husqvarna began building its own engine, a 550cc four-stroke 50-degree side-valve V-twin. Another early milestone was the legendary “Svartkvarna,” built in 1946. It was a lightweight, reliable two-stroke that could endure hard use with minimal maintenance. The machine established a reputation that would define the Husqvarna marque for decades to follow. By the early 1960s the two-stroke revolution had yet to reach the United States. U.S. riders were still tackling the woods and deserts on converted Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs and BSAs. It was about this time that a man named Edison Dye, now a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, took a motorcycle tour of Europe during which he became instantly enthralled with the European sport of motocross, and a new breed of lightweight two-stroke bikes favored by its competitors. A few years later, Dye put a Husqvarna motocross bike in the hands of a young American rider named Malcolm Smith for evaluation. Smith, also an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer, gave the bike a thumbs up. This persuaded Dye to become the U.S., Husqvarna importer in 1966. As part of a marketing campaign Dye organized visits to the U.S., by the reigning Swedish world motocross champion Torsten Hallman, who also has since taken a seat in the Hall of Fame. Not only did Dye sell Husqvarna motorcycles but he also introduced a new style of motorcycle racing to America. While educational displays and seminars at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will focus on Husqvarna’s rich history, the machines also will be among the many brands that amateur racers will test on the racetrack in the multiple racing disciplines that are part of the weekend’s competition schedule.
| This is by far one of the best Vintage events in the country, not to be missed!
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AMA Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith to serve as Grand Marshal for 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
One afternoon in the mid-1960s, a man walked into a Southern California motorcycle shop looking for someone to race an unproven motorcycle with a foreign-sounding name. Lucky for that man, he walked into the right shop and found the right racer. Malcolm Smith took Edison Dye’s offer, and their partnership would help establish the Husqvarna motorcycle brand as a force in American off-road. In recognition of Malcolm Smith’s contributions to the success of Husqvarna, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Husqvarna Motorcycles North America are pleased to announce that Smith will serve as Grand Marshal at the 19th annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this July 9-11 in Lexington, Ohio. “Even today, decades after Malcolm Smith’s racing prime, his fan base rivals some of the top names in the sport,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “To anyone who has met him, the reason for that is clear: Malcolm Smith is synonymous with everything positive about motorcycling — fun, sportsmanship, and excitement. He will serve as an exceptional Grand Marshal at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as we celebrate the brand on which he became famous: Husqvarna.” Added Husqvarna National Sales and Marketing Manager Scot Harden: “When it came to honoring a Grand Marshal at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Malcolm Smith was the obvious choice. We look forward to celebrating the storied history of Husqvarna with Malcolm, as well as a large number of other past Husqvarna legends and champions on July 9-11.” Smith says he’s looking forward to meeting fans and enjoying the activities himself at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. “I was last at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days three years ago and had a wonderful time,” Smith said. “I particularly liked walking around the large field where they sell all the old bike parts, buying a truckload and then figuring out how to get it all back to California. I’m spoiled. I like to ride new bikes, but I really enjoy working on old motorcycles. I work on them every day.” Smith said that he remembers the day he was introduced to Husqvarna motorcycles like it was yesterday. “When Edison Dye brought me the bike, we laid out a track and some trail that went up into the hills,” Smith said. “When I came back from that ride, I said, ‘Mr. Dye, you have yourself a rider.’ The bike was so far ahead of anything else available at the time, and so reliable.” Following his encounter with Dye, Smith’s success and influence wasn’t limited to the track. Smith’s positive evaluation of those first Husqvarnas also persuaded Dye to become the U.S. Husqvarna importer in 1966. That decision paved the way for Dye to bring in reigning Swedish world motocross champion Torsten Hallman to race the bikes in the United States. Not only did that move further advertise the quality and speed of Husqvarnas and help Dye sell a lot of motorcycles, but it also established the sport of motocross on American soil. In his role as grand marshal, Smith will participate in numerous fan-friendly activities, from autograph signings to discussions of his history with Husqvarna. This will be a rare and unique opportunity for Smith’s thousands of fans to meet and greet the off-road legend. As a racer, Smith gained fame for his accomplishments in the Baja 1000 and for his gold-medal-winning rides in the International Six Day Enduro competitions, but his notoriety reached well beyond the motorcycling community as the star of the influential 1970s motorcycle movie, “On Any Sunday.” The scenes of Smith play-riding with his buddies, which included popular actor Steve McQueen, showed people across the country just how fun motorcycling could be. The movie helped launch an explosion in the popularity of off-road motorcycling in America.
More on the 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Event
Activities include the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, which feature road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track racing.
The event will also inlude North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet; bike shows and awards; a Marque of the Year display that showcases the history of a unique brand; a Grand Marshal; a new-product vendor midway; stunt shows; demo rides of current production bikes; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.
“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the highlight of many motorcyclists’ calendars,” said AMA Special Events and Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “By announcing the dates now, we hope to provide our fans, enthusiasts and racers ample opportunity to set their schedules for next year.”
“As always, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be a treat for motorcycling fans of all eras — and ages – and we don’t want anyone to miss out on this unique opportunity.”
Michelle Trueman Gajoch, president of TrueSports Inc., which owns and operates the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Mid-Ohio School, added: “The AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days weekend is a special event that we are proud to host for the 16th straight year.”
“Classic sportbikes on a historic track like Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course make the races a real spectacle to see. The on-track action, coupled with one of the world’s largest motorcycle swap meets, is a treat for fans as well as riders.”
Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The goal of the Hall of Fame, located on the campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling’s legends and heroes.
For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
For more information about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com
Japanese GP Re-scheduled
The Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for May 2, has been rescheduled and will be run on October 3. The ash clouds over Europe caused by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull have turned most of northern Europe into a no-fly zone and, with no let-up in sight over the next few days, Dorna and the Japanese promoters of the Motegi event had no other alternative.
Dorna had considered the possibility of trying to airlift the over 600 people who make up the paddock universe to Japan on two charter flights leaving from points in Italy and Spain, but for many team members and GP staff based in northern Europe, and especially in the United Kingdom, the logistics of getting to Italy and Spain would have been very difficult. Some Italian airports were already on the no-fly list and no one could reliably predict the situation for Monday and Tuesday.
The Japanese GP moves from second to 14th on the schedule and will be the first of three races to be run on consecutive weekends followed by the Malaysian G.P. on October 10 and the Australian G.P. on October 17
Old Bike Barn offers great deals on EBC entire motocycle line of brake parts.
Her is the latest news from the EBC factory!
The heart of the motorcycle market these days is bikes like this. Suzuki’s new M50 is a continuation of the lineup that started out four years ago with the M109 and continued with the Motorcycle Cruiser shootout-winning M90, now appears in a 805cc version. Many of the familiar lines of the M-series will be readily apparent, from the controversial headlight cowl, to the flowing tank, and the wide boat-style rear. Like its big brothers, the M sports an inverted front end, sleek multi-function display, LED taillight, and a respectably wide rear end with a 170-series tire beneath the fender.
Unlike it’s larger brethren, the little M sports only a single caliper up front, and a drum brake in the rear. The liquid-cooled overhead cam V-Twin is derived from its predecessor (the last M50), which has been a consistent favorite around here ever since it was called the (pre-Boulevard) Volusia. Price has not yet been announced, but in the past, Suzuki has dropped prices on the M-series cruisers when they were first introduced, and they’d better. Kawasaki’s Vulcan 900 and Star’s V-Star 950 hover just above the old M50’s price point, and both are stellar machines.
You could win a trip to the Yamaha Champions School — and write about your experience in the pages of American Motorcyclist magazine.
Ever dream of writing for a motorcycle magazine? Think it’d be fun to get expert-level, on-track riding instruction at the Yamaha Champions School and tell others about your experiences online and in the pages of this magazine?
Have we got a deal for you!
In partnership with Yamaha and the Yamaha Champions School, we’re giving away a free trip to the school, based at Miller Motorsports Park near Salt Lake City, Utah, and the opportunity to write a story in this magazine detailing what you learned and what you thought of the experience. In addition, you’ll have a chance to star in your own internet video in your quest to go viral.
Interested? You must be an AMA member. You must have a valid motorcycle license. You must be available to take the Yamaha Champions School in the June timeframe. You must agree to be in video and write a story and be chosen for the assignment.
To be considered, you must submit the following in an e-mail and attachments to submissions@ama-cycle.org:
Entry deadline is May 20. All entries become the property of the American Motorcyclist Association and may be made public, in print or on the Internet. Editors’ decisions on a winner are final and will be based on your creativity and how well you make the case that you should be American Motorcyclist’s moto-journalist for a day.
For more information on the Yamaha Champions School, see MillerMotorsportsPark.com/learn/motorcycle-school.
Enter today!
Here’s my deal for today!
Deal of the Day!
Why get a knee down when you can get an ellbow down!
April 2, 2010
At Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Suzuki GSX-Rs storm the podium in both the AMA Daytona SportBike and American SuperBike classes filling 7 of the 12 top three positions. M4 Monster Energy Suzuki’s Martin Cardenas landed on the top step of the podium in Saturday’s SportBike race and Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Tommy Hayden claimed his first career win in Sunday’s Superbike race. On top of that, Suzuki GSX-Rs filled the top ten in both classes.
The weather on Saturday was not ideal for racing, with 50 mile per hour winds tearing across the racetrack. Nonetheless, Jake Zemke of the National Guard Jordan Suzuki team, used his veteran expertise to secure a strong second place finish and maintain his place at the top of the points standings. Aaron Yates of the Jordan Suzuki team, another veteran of the series, took the third spot on the box, making it a Suzuki double podium.
In the Daytona SportBike class, Martin Cardenas of the M4 Monster Energy Suzuki team took his Suzuki GSX-R600 to the top spot. Following Cardenas to the line was the GEICO Powersports/RMR/Suzuki GSX-R600 of Danny Eslick.
On Sunday, it was Rockstar Makita Suzuki racer Tommy Hayden taking the victory in the AMA SuperBike class – the first of his career. In the third spot, Tommy’s teammate Blake Young put together and impressive ride and got his first podium finish for the year. Outside of the podium, eight of the top-10 spots belong to Suzuki’s venerable GSX-R1000.
In the exciting Daytona SportBike Class, Danny Eslick and his GSX-R600 raced to a narrow second-place finish, making it a consistent 2-2 finish. After an unfortunate incident, Saturday’s winner, Martin Cardenas, was able to salvage valuable points with a tenth place finish.
In the Pro SuperSport class, Elena Meyers took her GSX-R600 to her season-best fourth-place finish.
Saturday’s results:
AMA American Superbike:
1. Larry Pegram, Ducati
2. Jake Zemke, National Guard Jordan Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
3. Aaron Yates, Jordan Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
4. Josh Hayes, Yamaha
5. Blake Young, Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
6. Tommy Hayden, Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
7. John Hopkins, M4 Monster Energy Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
8. Ben Bostrom, Yamaha
9. Chris Ulrich, M4 Monster Energy Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
10. David Anthony, Aussie Dave Racing, Suzuki GSX-R1000
Daytona SportBike:
1. Martin Cardenas, M4 Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R600
2. Danny Eslick, RMR GEICO Powersports, Suzuki GSX-R600
3. Dane Westby, Yamaha
4. Josh Herrin, Yamaha
5. Cory West, Vesrah Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R600
6. Tommy Aquino, Yamaha
7. Steve Rapp, Ducati
8. Chris Filmore, Vesrah Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R600
9. Bobby Fong, Ducati
10. Clinton Seller, Yamaha
Sunday’s results:
AMA American Superbike:
1. Tommy Hayden, Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
2. Josh Hayes, Yamaha
3. Blake Young, Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
4. Jake Zemke, National Guard Jordan Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
5. John Hopkins, M4 Monster Energy Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
6. Ben Bostrom, Yamaha
7. Brett McCormick, Celtic Racing, Suzuki GSX-R1000
8. Chris Ulrich, M4 Monster Energy Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R1000
9. Taylor Knapp, RidersDiscount.com, Suzuki GSX-R1000
10. Chris Peris, BMW
Daytona SportBike:
1. Josh Herrin, Yamaha
2. Danny Eslick, GEICO Powersports/RMR/Suzuki, Suzuki GSX-R600
3. Steve Rapp, Ducati
4. Dane Westby, Yamaha
5. Bobby Fong, Ducati
6. Tommy Aquino, Yamaha
7. Cory West, Vesrah Suzuki, GSX-R600
8. Chris Fillmore, Vesrah Suzuki, GSX-R600
9. Clinton Seller, Yamaha
About Suzuki: The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. www.suzukicycles.com.
It’s that time of year where we all contemplate bringing out a long neglected bike back on the road, often only to find the carbs are all gummed up.. Though I do know how to properly store a bike it does happen that we forget to drain the bowls or the previous owner did and the fermentation of gas produces something less desirable than wine… So this week we have a special on to help!
Somedays I can’t belive where technology is taking usthis is a very cool product, stay tuned for video’s from OBB
ContourHD is the World’s First and Smallest wearable video camera. It’s light but armored body “slides and locks” ContourHD onto a series of mounts for your goggles, helmet, handle bars, vehicle, or anywhere else you want. Wear HD video and record your adventures hands-free!
Built to be operated with a pair of gloves on, ContourHD uses a single button to capture hours of HD video to an internal microSD memory card. With no wires or tapes, the ContourHD helmet cam makes it easy to capture Full HD video from within the action
Shoot to share with our Easy Edit software and your own account on VholdR.com. Connect ContourHD to your computer, clip the best parts, and share your helmet camera adventures online in seconds.
Keep it between teh ditches and the shiny side up!
Bear
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As an owner of a KZ900 I’ve got a real soft spot for this machine and it’s siblings, and when it comes to the performance of Z1 – KZ900 – KZ1000, you can easily witness a hint of pride when owners talk about their bike. Terrific specs and outstanding design of this bike make it a perfect super bike of seventies. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Kawasaki Z1 – KZ900 – KZ1000 is a multifaceted bike. What it means is that you can actually use it for touring purposes, rallies, bike runs, etc. Moreover, you will always find it a good commuting bike which implies the fact that the bike is truly wonderful. .One great thing about this bike is that there are several performance parts that can be fitted to this bike to get a more refined performance. A big bore kit, for instance, can be used; this can be as big as 1400cc. You can also opt for carbs, modern rear shocks, oil coolers, brake kits, etc. But, it is a fact that you will always find your Z1 – KZ900 – KZ1000 performing in the optimum way even with its standard configuration. Here’s a few items I have installed on my bike with great results. Bear |
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$17.95
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$144.95
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$165.95
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$9.95
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$70.95
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$41.95
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$299.95
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28.95
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Thanks For Looking!
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KZ900 Kawasaki Carb Repair Kit
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$26.95
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For me a big part of the sport of motorcycling is my garage time, the open road sets me free but so do the hours spent in the shop spinning wrench’s. Nothing clears my mind better of the daily stresses of work than to crack a cold drink and work on my own bike. Here are some suggestions for items for your projects. Bear |
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KTM reveals electric offroad and supermoto motorcycle
From a press release issued by KTM…
KTM PRESENTS THE ZERO EMISSION SPORTMOTORCYCLE: “FREERIDE” FOR OFFROAD AND SUPERMOTO RIDERS!
(March 25, 2010) – KTM showed the first prototype of a “zero emission” motorcycle in October 2008, a project that was the result of the company’s cooperation with the Vienna Development Institute “Arsenal Research”. Now, 18 months later, the sports motorcycle manufacturer from Mattighofen in Austria is right on target for the release of the first series-ready KTM electric sports motorcycle. Under the title “Freeride” KTM will present two near-series prototypes at the 2010 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which in one year’s time will transfer the sporting spirit of the brand that is always “Ready to Race” into a series model fit for the 21st century.
With its first zero emission motorcycle, the world’s leading producer of offroad motorcycles has developed an electrically driven sports motorcycle that proves that riding fun and environmental sustainability need not be in conflict with one another. The cornerstone of this development is the clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sports and the obvious intention to go on the offensive by further expanding the strongest part of the company’s business activities with a unique product that, as yet, does not exist in this format. This revolutionary development embodies completely new perspectives: Freeride also stands for the end of motorcycles fleeing the city and the accepted return of sporting motorcycle events in urban areas.
The following information is enclosed:
1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport
2.) A Decisive Step into the Future
3.) Competitive Price Levels
4.) A Long Journey for the Development Process
5.) Completely New Patented Technology
6.) Focus on Series Ready Machines
7.) Technical Data Sheet
8.) Questions and Answers on KTM Freeride
9.) About the KTM Power Sports AG KTMPRESS
1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport
Due to the restrictions that exist today, many riders of offroad motorcycles are confronted with great difficulty if they want to practice their sport. Ideal basic conditions are very seldom found, even on closed tracks or special purpose parks. Regulatory requirements and demands from residents and general objections are leading to the closure of Enduro and motocross tracks. The decisive criterion against the use of competitive bikes in heavily populated areas is almost always a question of an excessive level of noise.
In order to give the sport more room and create new possibilities, there is no better solution than the zero emission motorcycle from KTM. It equates 100 percent to the sporting spirit and the race-oriented philosophy of the brand. It slips seamlessly into the product portfolio and at the same time brings with it a motor technology for sports motorcycles that until today has been very difficult to make feasible. This is a motorcycle that is extremely light, sporty and powerful, and with its electric motor, it is now also an emission- and noise-free form of mobility.
With this development it is possible to bring offroad sport close to densely populated areas, to establish new parks and riding opportunities, where until now it has been unthinkable. The use of this sport machine closer to home may generate interest in the activities of new target groups.
2.) A Decisive Step into the Future
Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG: “With the electric drive system of the zero emission motorcycle, KTM has succeeded in taking a decisive step forward in the future of the motorcycle industry and two-wheel motorsports. Above all, emission-free mobility with a motorcycle brings new impulses in the short-term and opens up completely fresh perspectives. KTM remains answerable on two counts. On the one hand we are “Ready to Race” and we want to do that with the latest technology, and on the other, as the worldwide number one in offroad sport, we must take care that the sport remains intact, and indeed, further develops!”
Contrary to the belief that e-mobility is not sport-oriented, this technology is directly and immediately an advantage to the enthusiast consumer. Now, with this zero-emission, noise-free motorcycle, a consumer may be able to practice their sport in areas that were previously off limits due to noise restrictions. Furthermore, KTM’s aim is to offer “Freeride” at a comparable price to that of a similar combustion engine machine.
3.) Competitive Price Levels
Often with new technology, it is the high price that hinders the success of a product – not the least because of the significant expenditure in research and development. With electro vehicles, it is still a problem that the high cost of batteries continues to inhibit the broad-based deployment of emission and noise-free mobility. KTM has been able to solve this problem and will offer a competitive price structuring for its zero emission motorcycle right from the outset.
Mag. Hubert Trunkenpolz, Sales Director of KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG: “We can already say that the price of our Freeride motorcycles will be under € 10,000. With this we have a product on the market that is more than competitive right from outset. So apart from the fact that this positioning is on a par with a current combustion-driven Enduro of the type used in the World Championships, KTM is, in addition, setting completely new standards in matters of technology.”
4.) A Long Journey for the Development Process
The development of an offroad sports motorcycle is an extreme task. A competitive bike must be small and light so that it remains agile. It must be able to endure extreme jumps and the hardest of landings as well as showing resistance to impacts, stones and even rubble. It must be able to be ridden through puddles, mud holes, rivers or streams and survive crashes which are an every day occurrence for a sports Enduro. And naturally, after the hardest of offroad days, the bike must be able to withstand being cleaned by a high-pressure washing device.
Even for a conventionally driven motorcycle this is already an enormous challenge for the developer. For the developer of an electrically driven vehicle, it initially seems to be an unsolvable task. These requirements are so far removed from what is possible, feasible or conceivable according to what currently exists in the development of electrically driven vehicles.
Nevertheless, the KTM Development Team rose to the challenge. The established research company “Arsenal Research“, now operating as AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology) was called in as “reinforcement“. As well as its existing competence in the area of the development of electronic/electric motors and components, this Vienna-based institute company was openly enthusiastic about motorcycle sports, forming the ideal basis for a development partner.
Since the presentation of the first rideable prototype in October 2008, the core troop from KTM in Mattighofen, Austria has taken over the development of a series ready bike. They also cooperate with development and supplier specialists from various companies from all over the world.
5.) Completely New Patented Technology
The KTM zero emission motorcycle is the embodiment of a race-ready vehicle interpretation that is typical of the company’s “Ready to Race” philosophy. Like all KTM sportmotorcycles it exhibits the most modern construction hallmarks and is equipped throughout with high-quality vehicle components, representing the result of decades of experience and the continual dominance in offroad sports.
The completely new electro-drive technology developed by the KTM Development Team in cooperation with AIT sets entirely new standards. Its light-weight (under 100kg) is comparable to a 125cc two-stroke machine with a normal combustion engine. In the past, electric engine and battery durability, water-resistance and handling have been concerns of consumers that are now resolved through KTM’s worldwide registered patent for the battery drive unit.
Gerald Kiska, Development leader and KTM chief designer: “The development of a conventional high-speed sportmotorcycle to series level is already a big task. The creation of an electrically-propelled vehicle of comparable quality represents an entirely new era in all areas. The use of the electric motor means a completely new layout for the motorcycle – which brings with it an equal measure of pros and cons. Our team must be in a position to allow completely new approaches and solutions and at the same time to apply the existing knowledge in an optimal way. Because of this “Freeride” is a typical KTM project – extremely innovative, courageous and full of sporting ambition.”
6.) Focus on Series Ready Machines
Following promising tests, the transition of the zero emission prototype from a purely research project to a series development project has long been a reality. Intensive work is being carried out on the preparation of the finished series product at KTM headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria. The two prototypes being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show are already series-near and the bike will be available for sale 18 months late in Europe.
DI Harald Plöckinger, KTM Power Sports AG Board Member: “As a company that is both innovative and a market leader, KTM has set itself the task of developing new drive systems for our sports motorcycles. The concept of the zero emission motorcycle united well-known KTM core competencies with a new and very interesting motor technology. The first prototypes are already revealing the huge potential of this development project.”
7) Technical Data Information
» Vehicle concept
Frame Lightweight Delta Box frame with forged aluminium components
Self supporting tail in monocoque design
Suspension Up-side-down fork and shock absorber with variable setting
Progressive damping system
Tires 21” Trial Enduro tires
Brake system Hydraulic brake system with hand operation for the front and rear wheel
Radial brake system with recuperation support through brake energy
Engine case Combined drive casing in light metal design and all inclusive system integration
Drive motor Permanent energized synchronous motor in shrunk-on-disc construction
Engine management Modular high performance power module with integrated system and “Drive by Wire” security management
Transmission Direct drive without clutch with gear transmission and chain
Traction battery Plug in battery in li-ion (lithium-ion) technology
» Technical data
Value Unit
Motor effective horsepower 7.4 (10) / 6000 kW (hp) / Umin-1
Motor peak performance 22 (30) / 6000 kW (hp) / Umin-1
Motor torque 43 / 500 Nm / Umin-1
Maximum motor speed 6600 Umin-1
Maximum battery voltage 300 V
Maximum energy content 2.5 kWh
Speed 70 Km/h
Overall multiplication factor
(Primary / secondary level) 10.5 (2.4 / 4.5)
Charging time 1.5 h
Total vehicle weight
Including removable traction battery 90 kg
8.) Questions and Answers on the KTM Freeride
When will the first KTM electro-motorcycle be available for sale?
KTM will begin with the transition of this project into the pre-series phase in the summer of 2010. A comprehensive test program will be carried out at the same time. According to current planning, the delivery of the first “Freeride” offroad series production model will follow in late spring of 2011 for Europe.
What will the KTM “Freeride” motorcycle cost?
The price has not yet been finalized; however, the aim is to stay under € 10,000 and to settle on a price comparable to a conventional, high-quality, sport Enduro.
Will there be other variants or models?
The topic “electro-driven” certainly offers more areas of application than classic offroad sport. In the first phase, it will only involve the Enduro because here KTM wants to gather experience and push the sport. Following the enduro, there are numerous possible applications and scope for variants.
Is the KTM Freeride homologated for street riding?
In Europe, the machine will be homologated for use on the open road.
How long will the battery last under normal operation?
In principle it must be said that in the area of e-motors reach is largely dependant on the profile of the user. The range is significantly less with a motocross professional at the handlebars than with a hobby enduro rider. The development goal is to be equitable with the requirements in the area of Enduro. In other words, with mixed offroad riding, approximately one hour should be possible.
How long does it take to recharge the battery?
The battery can be used at 100% performance after 90 minutes on the charger. It is possible to recharge the battery while still installed in the bike, but it can also be simply and quickly removed and replaced with another.
How many times is it possible to recharge the battery?
The final specification of the battery has not been determined. The one that is presently being tested allows approximately 500 recharges, which is the equivalent of the normal life cycle of an Enduro motorcycle. Generally, it must be said that the development of batteries in this sector is still in the first stage and significant advances in development are expected in the coming years.
Does the “Freeride” mark the end of the classic Enduro with a combustion motor?
Absolutely not. From KTM’s point of view the new drive technology represents a big chance to open up a third stream of application in the area of motorcycles. Highly developed four-stroke motors will continue to be used in the future, just as with two-stroke motors. Above all, motorcycles with an electro-motor will contribute to bringing the sport into the urban areas and at the same time speak to an entirely new target group.
9.) About KTM Sportmotorcycle AG
The KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is a leading international manufacturer of motorsports vehicles. KTM has already won more than 160 world championship titles and has won the Dakar Rally nine times. The operational core business, the KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG, develops and produces race-ready offroad and street motorcycles. The KTM-Sportcar GmbH is the company for the light-weight sports car, the X-BOW, with which KTM has taken the first step into the automobile area. With it’s around 1,400 employees, the company group had a turnover in 2008/09 of approximately € 455 million. Some 17 sales subsidiaries and five joint ventures deliver KTM products to around 1,400 independent dealers all over the world.
Hi Bear here, I’m trying something new on the home page at www.oldbikebarn.com it’s called bear’s Daily Deal. I will hand pick a new product each day to be offered at great savings. That’s 365 products a year, and I’m open to suggestions… so if you see something on the site that you want a deal on drop me a line, it just might end up on the list! I’ll be sending out the daily deal via Twitter so be sure to follow me on there. Thanks for reading, keep it between the ditches and ths shiny side up! http://twitter.com/oldbikebarn
Today’s Deal:
Hi Bear here at Old Bike Barn
The Famous Cafe Racer will be relisted on ebay again tonight, built by Carpy in Cali with many parts available at OBB, this is a very special machine indeed.
It’s being sold by my good friends at Rice Paddy Motorcycles since they’re eBay experts and regularly list complete bikes with 35000 plus feed back rating! I’ll post an updated link to the auction here later today!
I have had alot of fun with this bike but its time for some new OBB projects and I’m willing to let someone else enjoy this world famous machine, I’m hoping it ends up in a famous collection or maybe in a museum, somebody please tell Mr. Leno about it!So about the bike… Yes this is the bike you saw in the magazines. What magazine? Any one… This bike has been in 16 different magazines and is commonly referred to as the worlds most famous café bike. What other bike can you say that about ? I have seen $100,000 choppers that didn’t make it past 1 magazine and brand new hyper bikes that only make it into the 4 mainstream mags. But this cross cultural statement of purity reaches across 16 different niche markets in a way meaningful enough to grant it a feature article. This is Carpy’s first bike built in America. This bike is not only iconic but no other bike will be his first and have a splash like this one. This bike is the essence of rockabilly rocker culture and looking at it for even a second lets you know this without a doubt.
Incorporating such features as finned engine covers, fiberglass tailpiece, borrani style H rim front wheel, race gas tank, individual air filters, 4 into 1 exhaust, chrome swingarm, remote reservoir shocks, lucas style tail light, clubman handlebars, drilled brakes for weight reduction, and rearsets for better ground clearance.
This is not the kind of bike you see every day nor is it the build quality that you get from hiring somebody local who is trying out a new line of work. This is the product of vision and determination and 16 magazines agree. There is no better way to buy a boatload of instant street cred than by purchasing this bike.
Up to 64% off parts at OBB for Presidents Day!
Its never too early to get your bike ready for spring!
60% off Chrome Drag Bars with Riser – regular price $98.95, now only $39.95
58% off Rear Shocks – regular price $131.95, now only $69.95
39% off Universal Slash-Cut Mufflers – regular price $65.95, now only $39.95
58% Kawasaki KZ400-1000 Tall Light Lenses - regular price $19.16, now only $9.95
45% Freestyle Ingenuity Handlebar Risers CBR929RR-00-01- regular price $109.95, now only $59.95
61% Honda GL1000 Goldwing Air Filter- regular price $22.95, now only $8.95
50% H-T Overpants Firstgear 2.0 Black 34T - regular price $219.95, now only $110.95
63% Kawasaki Carb Holders- regular price $45.95, now only $16.95
60% Universal Turn Out Mufflers - regular price $95.95, now only $37.95
60% Sport Bike Gel Hand Grips - regular price $19.95, now only $7.95
64% Honda Front Turn Signal Assembly - regular price $24.95, now only $8.95
60% Honda Rear Turn Signla Assembly - regular price $19.95, now only $7.95
AMA Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith
New’s from the AMA
One afternoon in the mid-1960s, a man walked into a Southern California motorcycle shop looking for someone to race an unproven motorcycle with a foreign-sounding name. Lucky for that man, he walked into the right shop and found the right racer. Malcolm Smith took Edison Dye’s offer, and their partnership would help establish the Husqvarna motorcycle brand as a force in American off-road.
In recognition of Malcolm Smith’s contributions to the success of Husqvarna, the AMA and Husqvarna Motorcycles North America are pleased to announce that Smith will serve as Grand Marshal at the 19th annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this July 9-11 in Lexington, Ohio. Husqvarna is the Marque of the Year for 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“Even today, decades after Malcolm Smith’s racing prime, his fan base rivals some of the top names in the sport,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “To anyone who has met him, the reason for that is clear: Malcolm Smith is synonymous with everything positive about motorcycling — fun, sportsmanship, and excitement. He will serve as an exceptional Grand Marshal at this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days as we celebrate the brand on which he became famous: Husqvarna.”
Added Husqvarna National Sales and Marketing Manager Scot Harden: “When it came to honoring a Grand Marshal at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Malcolm Smith was the obvious choice. We look forward to celebrating the storied history of Husqvarna with Malcolm, as well as a large number of other past Husqvarna legends and champions on July 9-11.”
Smith says he’s looking forward to meeting fans and enjoying the activities himself at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
“I was last at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days three years ago and had a wonderful time,” Smith said. “I particularly liked walking around the large field where they sell all the old bike parts, buying a truckload and then figuring out how to get it all back to California. I’m spoiled. I like to ride new bikes, but I really enjoy working on old motorcycles. I work on them every day.”
Smith said that he remembers the day he was introduced to Husqvarna motorcycles like it was yesterday.
“When Edison Dye brought me the bike, we laid out a track and some trail that went up into the hills,” Smith said. “When I came back from that ride, I said, ‘Mr. Dye, you have yourself a rider.’ The bike was so far ahead of anything else available at the time, and so reliable.”
Following his encounter with Dye, Smith’s success and influence wasn’t limited to the track. Smith’s positive evaluation of those first Husqvarnas also persuaded Dye to become the U.S. Husqvarna importer in 1966. That decision paved the way for Dye to bring in reigning Swedish world motocross champion Torsten Hallman to race the bikes in the United States. Not only did that move further advertise the quality and speed of Husqvarnas and help Dye sell a lot of motorcycles, but it also established the sport of motocross on American soil.
In his role as grand marshal, Smith will participate in numerous fan-friendly activities, from autograph signings to discussions of his history with Husqvarna. This will be a rare and unique opportunity for Smith’s thousands of fans to meet and greet the off-road legend.
As a racer, Smith gained fame for his accomplishments in the Baja 1000 and for his gold-medal-winning rides in the International Six Day Enduro competitions, but his notoriety reached well beyond the motorcycling community as the star of the influential 1970s motorcycle movie, “On Any Sunday.” The scenes of Smith play-riding with his buddies, which included popular actor Steve McQueen, showed people across the country just how fun motorcycling could be. The movie helped launch an explosion in the popularity of off-road motorcycling in America.
Held at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, roadracing and dirt track, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. Also on tap: educational seminars, bike shows, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, and club corrals featuring marque and regional clubs.
Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The goal of the AMA Hall of Fame, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, is to honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
For more information about 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com. For tickets to the event, see MidOhio.com.
Some important changes at Old Bike Barn that I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you and let you know about. As you know we are a family run outfit, but we do our best to keep up with the technological changes. I hate hearing that a customer waited for parts, service or a response for longer than they should. I have put in place some measures and policies that will serve you better and address these issues.
Keep it between the ditches and the shiny side up!
Yours Truly,
OldBikeBarn.com
1 (888) 851-5559
So here are some of the changes:
Thanks for reading folks.
We at the Old Bike Barn family are here for you, and your modern or vintage bike
New Website Features
A new and Improved Search by Bike Model that allows you to search by brand, year, model. Drill right down into all the items that fit your bike model(s)
Once you’ve gotten to your bike model. When you’re logged in, you can “Park In My Garage” A new great Saved Bike model feature which allows you to add your bikes to
your garage and get notifications of discounts, or just quickly load your bike model listings to find parts in no time.
by Barrie Haughton AKA Bear, President and Founder of Old Bike Barn
How long will it be before motorcycles run without gas? It’s a question for the ages, or the engineers. Now that cars and trucks are scaling back fuel usage and converting to electric power, don’t kid yourself, motorcycles won’t be far behind. There will always be a place for the classics, mind you, just the same as there’ll always be a place for classic cars – though perhaps alternative fuels will allow us to retain the internal-combustion engine without using fossil fuels.
Valentino Rossi won his 100th Grand Prix, took his second triumph in succession and became the undisputed leader of the MotoGP World Championship with a stellar performance at the Alice TT Assen. The Fiat Yamaha rider had a peerless performance from pole position and, unlike two weeks previous in Barcelona, needed no ‘Hail Mary’ last lap at the Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing.
by Barrie Haughton AKA Bear, President and Founder of OBB
Again, I’m probably bitching to the wrong crowd… You guys are here reading this, so you’re clearly part of the group that likes to read about motorcycling and be informed…. well at least you can sympathize with my thoughts then.
In recent rants I have complained about people wearing fake dog tags and motorcycle jackets with fake road rash. In general, I have a put up or shut up attitude, but this month my rant is again directed towards the “fake biker”. (more…)
These motorcycles may experience fuel leakage from the fuel line at the fuel injector connection. The plastic fitting between fuel injector and hose can warp or break which could possibly result in a potential hazard to the rider and possible damage to the motorcycle.
1549 units are affected.
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if you are in or around the Newman,Georgia area on Sunday June 7th,2009 and are a volleyball fanatic it will be more then worth your while to come see this event. This years event is sponsored by Baja’s and will be a blast. there will be plenty of food and drinks on site so feel free to show up for a great time in the sun. for more info contact Margie Madaris at 678-481-8495.
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