Showing Tag: " motorbikes" (Show all posts)

Buying a used motorbike

Posted by Dale Thompson on Friday, August 23, 2019, In : Buying A Used Motorbike

Regardless of whether it's a starter bike or the bicycle you've been longing for, purchasing an utilized cruiser can be an incredible method to get a decent bicycle at a sensible cost. You'll have to do your exploration, however, and ensure you're genuinely getting a decent bargain. From purchasing from a vendor or a private merchant to causing an offer, to think about these tips for purchasing an utilized bike.

1. Research Kinds of Bikes

On the off chance that this isn't your first bicycle, ...

Ducati Motorbikes

Posted by Alan Liptrot on Thursday, July 5, 2018, In : Italian Motorcycles

From radio components to a range of some of the most beautiful motorcycles in the world. There's no wonder that Ducati owners are some of the most loyal motorcyclists there are.

In 1926, Adriano and Marcello Ducati founded a company that specialised not in motorcycles, but the production of radio components. During the war years, they turned their attention toward electronic military equipment. This move made their factory a target for allied bombing, but despite frequent, serious damage, they...

Honda motorbikes in America

Posted by Joe Kent on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, In : Japanese Motorcycles

Honda has reached a major milestone – having been in the United States for 50 years. Initially, Honda was known for motorcycles and scooters, not the robust lineup of cars that we have today. Eventually the appeal of Honda motorcycles caught on, and this popularity helped fuel interest in Honda in the late 1960s when Honda entered the auto market.

The first Honda sold in America was the N600, a two-door car that’s about the size of the modern day Smart two-seater. The Honda N600 sold for $...

Motorcycles of WW1

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, July 15, 2017, In : Motorcycles Of WW1

The importance of motorbikes during the Great War is all too often overlooked, however, bikes were used for mounted infantry, scouts, patrol, dispatch and courier duties, ammunition carriers, medical supply carriers and casualty evacuation, sometimes being converted into ambulance type vehicles.

The versatility of these machines clearly helped them play a hugely significant role in the logistics of the war - more so than cars. The use that they were most commonly used for, however, was that o...

Boss Hoss Motorcycles - 1990 -

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, In : American Motorcycles

Americans so they say like everything Big with a capital 'B'. Buildings, cars, open spaces and motorcycles. So it's hardly surprising that the largest production motorcycle in the world should be built in the Unites States.

For many years Harley-Davidson produced the largest-engined motorbike until pipped to the post by successively bigger Japanese machines such as the Kawasaki Z1300, Honda Gold Wing 1500 and Yamaha 1600cc WildStar. None of them however come anywhere near the Boss Hoss.

In 1990...
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Mars (MA) Motorcycles (Germany 1903-1957)

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, In : German Motorcycles

Mars built Fafnir and Zedel-engined motorcycles before World War One, but was most famous for the 986cc (6cu in) white Mars of 1920.

'Mars' motorcycle by Claus Franzenberg, design of 1920 , year of construction 1926, manufacturer: Mars-Werke, Nuremberg.

The big flat-twin engine was supplied by Maybach and there was a two-speed gearbox and leg guards. German inflation killed it, but Mars was revived as MA with a variety of bought-in engines, concentrating in the 1930's on Sachs-powered mopeds an...
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KTM motorcycles Austria 1953 -

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, December 1, 2016, In : Austrian Motorcycles

The most successful Austrian manufacturers began with 98cc Rotax-powered machines and went on to produce mopeds, scooters and lightweights with Puch, Sachs, as well as Rotax engines, all two-strokes. KTM went through phases, concentrating solely on mopeds in 1960-65, and from 1967 began to develop motocross motorcycles which came to dominate its production.

Won the 1977 250cc Motorcross Championship, and experience gained from the competition bikes trickled down to the production machines, res...
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Learning to ride a motorcycle in the UK

Posted by Howard Trott on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, In : Motorcycle Riding Skills

The CBT Course (Compulsory Basic Training)

CBT is arranged so that you progress through a series of elements. You will only move onto the next element when your trainer is satisfied you have learn't the necessary theory, and demonstrated the practical skills to a safe basic level.

What are the elements ?

Element A - Introduction to CBT
Element B - Practical on-site training
Element C - Practical on-site riding
Element D - Practical on-road training
Element E - Practical on-road riding.

Within each el...
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Yamaha Motorcycles (1953 - 2000)

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, December 24, 2015, In : Japanese Motorcycles

YAMAHA Japan 1953 -

Torakusu Yamaha, whose name graces the sides of millions of motorcycles did not as far as I know ride one himself. In fact as he died in 1916, he may never have even seen a motorcycle, for which an explanation is required.

Yamaha was born in Nagasaki in 1851 and was first apprenticed to a clock maker, then to a manufacturer of medical equipment. He moved to Hamamatsu in 1883, then working as a self-employed engineer where he was asked to repair the organ at the local primar...
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Triumph Speed Triple 955i

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, In : British Motorcycles

I have rode a Triumph Speed Triple 955i motorcycle for many years, find the bike fast, easy to handle and reliable.

Introduced first as the T509 in 1997 the Speed Triple represented Triumph's attempt at creating a motorcycle in the Streetfighter image. Although essentially a Daytona T595 without the fairing, the most significant difference between the two models was the Speed Triple's smaller 885cc engine, detuned for more mid-range power. Apart from having a different oil cooler and the optio...
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Ducati

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, March 7, 2015, In : Italian Motorcycles

Ducati Italy 1946 -

Ducati, one of the most evocative names in motorcycling, whose fast, exotic, temperamental V-twins respond to lavish care and attention. At least that is most riders conception of the bikes from Bologna. But until recently the name was hardly known outside two wheel circles. Success in World Superbike competition has brought this the Ferrari of motorcycles to mainstream attention. In the early 1990's when it had gained seven WSB Championships this decade and for the first t...
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Hesketh

Posted by Howard Trott on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, In : British Motorcycles

Hesketh England 1980 - 82

Hesketh, the new British superbike was announced to a delighted press and public in April 1980. They were delighted because deep down almost everyone wanted to see a new British superbike. There were one or two sceptics, such as the national daily which described the new V-twin as just another folly of the English aristocracy, but they were the minority. Two years later when the whole enterprise collapsed in a highly public and embarrassing manner, there were no short...
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Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, January 25, 2015, In : American Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles U.S.A 1903 -

It was by a series of happy coincidences that the Harley family moved from Manchester, England and the Davidsons from Scotland both emigrated to North America in the late 19th century, and settled in Milwaukee. And that two of their sons, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson, should end up working at the same engineering establishment, became firm friends, and began experimentation with the internal combustion engine. Arthur was the outgoing one, a patternm...
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Barigo 599cc

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, December 5, 2014, In : French Motorcycles

Patrick Barigo builds limited numbers of motorcycles using single-cylinder, four-stroke engines supplied by the Austrian Rotax company. This 1992 road bike is based on Barigo's super motard competition machines. Premium quality suspension and brake components are used in its construction, and low weight, good handling, and a tractable engine offer impressive performance. Proven in the gruelling Paris-Dakar rally and other testing events, Barigo was the only motorcycle manufacturer operating i...
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Buell RR1000

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, November 3, 2014, In : American Motorcycles

The first RR1000 prototype was built in 1984 by Eric Buell, a former Harley-Davidson employee, as a commission from the Vetter fairing company although Buell was still independent of Harley-Davidson at this point, the company would soon be incorporated into the Harley fold. The RR1000 used an engine from a Harley XR1000 fitted into Buell's patented Uniplanar chassis, which restricted engine vibration by using a system of rods, joints, and rubber mountings. Only 50 RR1000's were built before t...
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Britten V1000

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : New Zealand Motorcycles

The Britten is an extraordinary bike built by an extraordinary man. John Britten ignored convention when he built this motorcycle and came up with an elegant and inspired machine. The 60 degree v-twin engine is an integral part of the chassis to which the front and rear suspension are bolted. In fact, almost every part of the Britten performs at least two functions. If also looks brilliant. The Britten performed well in International Battle of the Twins racing and in the early nineties was pr...
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Norton Commando Interstate MKIII 850 ES

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Norton was on the verge of bankruptcy by 1975 when this motorcycle, the final version of the Commando was produced. Based on 1973's MKI 850, the MKIII was fitted with an electric starter in addition to the kick-starter. It had tuned silencers, lockheed disc brakes front and rear, left hand gearchange, halogen lightening, and a full compliment of accessories. Nothing could conceal the age of the design and compared to the increasingly sophisticated Japanese opposition it was very dated, though...
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BSA Rocket 3

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, September 22, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

The three cylinder Rocket 3 or A75 was launched in Britain in 1969. The BSA/Triumph group had to act quickly to catch up with Honda, which was known to be developing a four. The Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident were similar, though BSA's engine design had its cylinder block tilted forward where the Triumph's was vertical. This bike is from 1970, BSA ceased production the following year.

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway – Asheville Best for Motorcycle Ride

Posted by Dewayne Jasper on Monday, April 7, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

If you've ever had the pleasure of passing through or even visiting Asheville, NC, you'll understand that the surrounding mountains and scenery are simply magnificent. For thousands of years, the area has hosted a plethora of vegetation and wildlife in its natural state. Once the town of Asheville was established, neighboring communities began to immediately offer travelers a multitude of activities, from mountain biking and skiing to rock climbing and hiking. But you don't have to leave your...

Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles

Although Moto Guzzi first developed its V-twin motor in the 1950's, motorcycle interest in Italy was at a low ebb and the motor was used in a three-wheeled military vehicle. The V-twin motorcycle was built to fulfil an order from the Italian police. Overseas interest created a need for a civilian version. The 703cc V7 came out in 1967. In 1969 the bore was enlarged by 3mm, increasing the capacity to 757cc and called the V7 special. It ran until 1971 and had many features seen on modern Guzzi ...
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Honda Goldwing GL1500

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

The symbol of the Golden wing was already a familiar Honda trademark when the model was christened in 1975. At the time of its launch, the 1000cc four-cylinder machine was simply the biggest, most complex motorcycle ever produced in Japan. By the 1980's, Honda was an established car-maker, with car and motorcycle assembly plants around the world. In 1981, Goldwing production moved from Japan to Ohio, the biggest market for the motorcycle was in America, but it was exported all over the world,...
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Honda CB350

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

The CB350 was the smallest of the 1970's road going, four cylinder, S.O.H.C machines. Never officially imported into Britain, and failing to gain support in the USA, Honda looked to Europe, where some countries import tax laws favour sub-350cc motorcycles. Police versions were offered in France and Holland. Even so, the CB350 had a short life. Introduced in 1972, it was replaced in the markets by the CB400F, which appeared in 1974. Capacity of the 400 four was increased to 408cc. It was resty...
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Harley-Davidson Hill Climber

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : American Motorcycles

The ingredients of an American hill-climb motorcycle appear simple, even if the reality is rather more complicated. The essential element is power, and in the case of this machine a methanol-burning eight-valve engine was enough in 1930 to make it a competitive motorcycle. A long wheelbase and weight at the front to prevent the motorcycle tipping over backwards are both essential, as is grip, which is why the motorcycles rear tyre is wrapped in chains. A good level of expertise was involved i...
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Ducati 851

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, February 28, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles

The 851 was the most complex Ducati road bike ever built when introduced in 1987. It retained desmodromic valve operation and the 90 degree V-twin engine layout, but also incorporated four camshafts, eight valves, water cooling, and petrol injection, all first for a road Ducati and introduced to meet increasingly strict emissions and noise legislation. These features were also brought in to meet World Superbike race rules, and the 851 was the basis for Ducati's successful 888 Superbike racer.

The risks of incorrectly fitting Suzuki saddlebags

Posted by Dewayne Jasper on Friday, January 31, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

Some bikers might be under the impression that they can just slap on their Suzuki hard saddlebags and be on their way. However, as is the case with any bike part or accessory, much care needs to be taken when fitting them. Incorrect fitting of any kind of saddlebag can have disastrous consequences for everyone concerned. It is vital for bikers to understand that even the smallest decisions they make before mounting their trusty steed can impact them as well as other travelers.

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Matchless G45

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 24, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Developed by the AJS race shop for the 1952 season, the G45 was based on the 500cc parallel-twin that came fourth in the 1951 Manx Grand Prix. Twin Amol Grand Prix carburettors, a Lucas racing magneto, and a rev-counter drive were standard along with the Burman racing gearbox. The engine included a one piece forged steel crank, alloy barrels, and triple valve springs. Seventeen G45's entered the 1955 Senior race and only 10 finished. Although the G45 was not successful compared to other model...
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Honda CBR 1100 Blackbird

Posted by Howard Trott on Friday, January 24, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

Motorcycle makers have always wanted to make the fastest motorcycle on the market. Kawasaki claimed the title in 1990 with its ZZR 1100, and it wasn't until six years later that Honda was able to respond. Placing a 164 bhp engine in an aerodynamic motorcycle weighing 241 kg ( 531 lbs ) resulted in a top speed of 285 km/h ( 177 mph ). However, the Blackbird is also docile, easy to ride at low speed, comfortable, and has surprisingly agile handling. It combines the punch of a boxer with the man...
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Ducati 916 SPS

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : Italian Motorcycles

The Ducati 916 is one of the best looking and most successful motorcycles ever built. Hailed as a design classic, it has won six World Superbike championships and it remains an object of desire for ordinary motorcyclists. The technology for the 916 was developed from the mid eighties by Ducati engineer Massimo Bordi, who took Ducati's trademark 90 degree V-twin and added water cooling, four valve cylinder heads, and fuel injection. The chassis is also a Ducati trademark. The tubular steel tre...
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Triumph T595 Daytona

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : British Motorcycles

Six years after Triumph's 1991 re-launch, the company entered the lucrative supersports market with the T595, built to compete with the market leading Honda Fireblade and charistmatic Ducati 916. The motorcycle used Triumph's trademark three-cylinder set up and the Daytona name from the earlier models, but almost everything else was new. Though lighter, more powerful, and better looking than its predecessor, the T595's reputation suffered when some early motorcycles were recalled because of a...
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Suzuki GT 750

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : Japanese Motorcycles

Launched in 1971, Suzuki's GT 750 made an immediate impact thanks to its radical design and rapid acceleration. Building on its own success in the 1960's with racing two-strokes, Suzuki decided to create a large capacity, multi-cylinder sports motorcycle for road riders. Suzuki's first venture into the superbike market was largely successful, the GT stayed in production for five years. The three cylinders were arranged in-line across the frame, which could cause the middle cylinder to overhea...
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BMW R60

Posted by Howard Trott on Monday, January 20, 2014, In : German Motorcycles

Having begun Post-War production with pre-war models, BMW's road motorcycles were comprehensively redesigned in 1955. The front and rear suspension on the new frames were provided by pivoting forks. The steering geometry and the strength of the new front suspension was ideal for sidecar use, and the BMW became the definitive sidecar machine. The combination shown here consists of a 1965 R60 mated to the classic German built Stieb sidecar. Special sidecar gearing was offered bu most manufactur...
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Motorcycle Helmets

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, January 16, 2014, In : Motorcycle Riding Gear

A motorcycle helmet is the single most important piece of motorcycle clothing you will buy and not just because they are a legal requirement. The right motorcycle helmet fitted correctly could save your life in an accident. If you ever have to put a motorcycle helmet to the test and I hope you never do you'll be glad your wearing a good one.

There is no need to spend a fortune to get a motorcycle helmet that will provide an adequate level of protection. All motorcycle helmets sold in the UK h...
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World Superbikes

Posted by Howard Trott on Thursday, January 16, 2014, In : World Superbikes

The Brands Hatch round of the World Superbike Championship has become, like the Bol D'Or and the Daytona 200, one of those occasions that transcends motorcycle sport. Crowds regulary run into six figures, making it the best attended one day sporting event in the UK.

Rewind back to 1988, and the first ever World Superbike race, and an optimist might have counted 10,000 people inside Donington Park. Take today's spectator back to that first race and they would have trouble recognising it as a W...
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How To Buy A Motorcycle

Posted by Scott Sanders on Monday, January 6, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

So, you've finally decided that you're ready to buy that motorcycle you've been dreaming about for the past 10 years. Congratulations! Do you know how to buy a motorcycle? This ATV buyer's guide will provide everything you need to know before you buy. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just getting started, the following will be beneficial to you.

Hopefully, you've already taken at least one motorcycle safety course and gotten your motorcycle license. If you haven't, you should do it ...

Motorcycles - Types And Use

Posted by Carolyn Clayton on Monday, January 6, 2014, In : Guest Motorcycle Articles

Until World War One the largest manufacturer of motorcycles was Indian who produced over 20,000 bikes per year. By 1920 this honour went to Harley Davidson. Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States.

Motorcycles have historically been associated with subcultures i.e. Cafe Racers of the 1950's and the Mod's and Rockers of the 1960's. In...

Royal Enfield Desert Storm

Posted by Howard Trott on Saturday, November 16, 2013, In : British Motorcycles

Thousands of Royal Enfield Bullets were painted olive drab green, and desert beige during the Second World War, and saw action on all fronts. The Indian Army used them from 1949, and that paved the way for them still being around today.
I still look on the Royal Enfield as being a British Motorcycle even though its now made in India. Hence I've put this blog in the British Motorcycle category. As for the Desert Storm, far from being cheesy retro lash-ups, this Desert Storm ( and its Battle Gre...
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Triumph Speed Triple R

Posted by Howard Trott on Sunday, September 1, 2013, In : British Motorcycles

The Triumph Speed Triple is Hinckley's best selling model, with over 50,000 shifted since its launch in 1994, the naked bike is an icon, instantly recognisable and a machine that encapsulates the fresh spirit within Triumph. And now the spirit has gained even more sporting ability.

Specification
Price : £11,299 (£11,899 with ABS)
Engine : 1050cc 12v dohc inline triple
Power : 133bhp@9400rpm
Torque : 82lb.ft@7750rpm
Transmission : 6 speed, chain drive
Tyres : 120/70-17; 190/5-17
Kerb Weight : 212kg
F...
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