KTM building a RC4 690R

Is KTM getting ready to penetrate the 600CC sport bike market just like the Ducati 848?

The success of the Ducati 848 must have prompted the Austrians to invade the 600cc market. I say why not, KTM currently has a 690 duke in Hooligan Style (what I meant to say was STANDARD). The existing package can actually be altered to look more like the little brother of the RC 8 while maintaining its Austrian heritage.

Introducing the KTM RC4 690R. This was the brain child of German suspension tuners Mototech.

This is currently a conversion kit, the package includes carbon fiber fairings, carbon fiber airbox, rearsets, handlebars, and a ram air intake system. To help with its sporty nature, the Mototech KTM RC4 690R takes its rider ergonomics from the KTM RC8R superbike, and Mototech also has available some goodies that will take the KTM 690 Duke’s 70hp LC4 motor up to 80hp spec. 

Honestly, is KTM letting Mototech do all the leg work before they decide to build RC4? I think now is the right time for KTM to get into this market, the Japanese brands are not doing much in the 600CC category and most of the improvements they have made are actually aesthetics which does not really help their cause.


Photos from mototech.com and Asphalt and Rubber

Spy Shots - 2013 BMW R1250 GS

Photo courtesy of Asphalt and Rubber
I have to admit, I practically know nothing about the BMW R1250 GS. So I will leave it to the experts:

The bike that made the brand, the BMW R1200GS is about to get updated for the 2013 model year, and the Bavarians have been busy testing their new adventure bike. As such the ever questionable “spy photos” have made their way onto the interwebs, and we diligently give in to the new trend in motorcycle marketing to bring you some very clear photos of the 2013 BMW R1250GS. While the new BMW R1250GS looks ready for prime time, and is expected to be a liquid-cooled version of the now iconic GS, we imagine BMW is still surely stepping carefully with the R1250GS’s final design.
One of the best-selling motorcycles worldwide, the BMW GS has defined the now lucrative adventure-touring market segment. Accordingly, BMW must be keen on making sure the new 2013 BMW R1250GS doesn’t alienate its core constituency of GS riders. However, the German brand is surely also feeling the pressure to update its air-cooled line with water-cooled motors, as well as bringing other modern features to its motorcycles.
While the design of the BMW R1250GS looks to be more of a refreshing of the current R1200GS, immediately apparent is the LED running light and other modern features that have become standard in the class. The motor is obviously brand new, and the cylinder heads look to sit higher on the bike than previously on the older GS.
What will be interesting to see in 2013 is how BMW positions the new R1250GS against the Triumph Tiger Explorer, Ducati Multistrada 1200, and other adventure bikes. Will the 2013 BMW R1250GS be a reaction to these machines, or will BMW continue to define the marketplace? Only time will tell.

To see more photos: http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/2013-bmw-r1250gs-spy-photos/  

2012 BOSS IronMan Challenge

The first event for 2012 in the Philippine Motorcycle calendar is the 2012 Boss, here is the article posted by BOSS:

The BMW Owners Society of Saferiders (BOSS) is the only motorcycle club in the Philippines recognized by the BMW Clubs International Council. BOSS is now preparing for the motorcycling community's most awaited and prestigious annual event, the 2012 BOSS IronMan Challenge VII, set for January 14-15, 2012.

This endurance challenge started in 2006 with just a handful of BOSS members looking to see if they could ride the 1,200 kilometer route within 24 hours, a real test of man and machine. After 5 successful years, the number of participants, coming from all walks of life exceeded 300! Riders were given the opportunity to test their skills while keeping in mind safe riding, navigating, orienteering and physical endurance and at the same time, meet other motor sports enthusiasts from other clubs all over the country while enjoying the beautiful sights of Northern Luzon. Due to the events' success in the past, we've opened the invitation to car enthusiasts as well. For 2012, we are expecting the participants to go over 400.

The event is not a race as we do not award medals, trophies, nor publish a list of finishers according to position or time. To successfully become a BOSS IronMan is a feat that money cannot buy.
_____________________________________________________________________

As early as now participants are training hard and doing ocular inspections of the official route that would be ridden by all. I hear there are a lot of Road Works in Dalton Pass, this would pose to be the most difficult section of the ride.

The weapon of choice for this event would be a BMW GS 1200. All previous 1st finishers were all riding a BMW GS 1200 and it has proven to be the ultimate tour bike for the Ironman challenge. There are possible new challengers: Ducati MS 1200 and KTM 990 Adventure. However, I would not expect the Ducati and KTM to claim the top finisher position just yet. There is fuel consumption to deal with. The Ducati MS 1200 and KTM 990 does a range of about 250 to 270 kilometers depending on how the rider rolls the throttle. The Mighty BMW GS does about 310 to 340 kilometers possibly even more, depending on how the rider rolls the throttle as well. Just do the math, the mighty BMW GS will always have fewer fuel stops than any other bike. That advantage can be nullified if the other contending bikes would have special fuel tanks made to carry more load. This however is not the solution, because the rider will have to deal with the added weight o the bike.

If your thinking of using a superbike, then you are out of your mind. You might as well have a whole SPA waiting for you in the finish line because surely your whole body will feel like it aged 50 years after riding 1200 kilometers in a cramped position.

If your thinking of using a standard bike, then I would say it is and always will be a better choice than a superbike. However, do not expect to be the top finisher because of the same reason the great pretenders I have mentioned above. FUEL CONSUMPTION is the key in finishing first.

If I were joining, I would certainly use the Mighty BMW GS 1200 with a flashy paint scheme to make me go faster.

To all the participants, Good Luck and GODSPEED!

Remembering 2011

The 2011 MotoGP season will be remembered for 2 things:

1. Casey Stoner winning the 2011 Motogp Championship in dominating fashion
2. Death of Marco "Sic" Simoncelli

Let us start with Casey Stoner. A lot of critics said that Casey won the 2007 Championship because Casey was riding the best bike which was a Ducati and using the the best tire "Bridgestone" in 2007. This was the year when Motogp decided to go down to 800cc from 990cc, the reason behind the reduction of cc was due to the World Economic Crisis that was affecting the motorcycle industry. So claimed the Motogp Organizers.

Ducati came out fighting in 2007, they go the whole package right and they had a future world champion riding for them. Tires were another story. Majority of the riders during the 2007 season were using Michelin tires since it was very successful when Rossi was using it from 2004 to 2006. However, things drastically changed (we will never know what Bridgestone did to improve their tire) with Bridgestone. It was the tire choice of everybody beginning 2008. Good tires equals good grip, good grip equals race wins!

The last year of the 800cc's 2011, Honda went all out to win the Championship. Hiring 1 of the 4 aliens to pilot their RCV to the championship, Stoner was Honda's man to deliver the goods. The picture above is a picture that tell's you "ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS". Close your eyes and imagine the front straight of any Motogp track, going up to speeds of excess 300 KMH then you downshift from 6th gear to 2nd gear in 1 to 2 seconds to prepare for the first corner. It looks like Stoner looks out of control but truth be told, this is the way Stoner rides, all out every race weekend. With all the technology in motorcycle racing (traction control, slipper cluth and others) you can not fight physics. The back will always slide if you are coming in too hot. To Stoner, this was a normal feeling. He proved that every 2 weeks during the Motogp season. No critic can take away his 2011 title, there is no excuse they can use. Stoner dominated the whole of 2011 and he deserves to be the Champion. Nobody can take away his 2011 Championship, the critics ran out of excuses to deny him the win.

Second is the passing of "Super Sic" at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang on October 23, 2011. This is was a sad day for the Motogp family. I will not dwell on the details for I do not like remembering it. I will let the picture below tell the story itself.

  Picture taken from Cyclenews.com
 

Riding Styles

Watching the video of Atat Club 200 ride to Baguio, I noticed that both groups have the same riding style. I have taken time to take screen shots of the things I have observed. I am not claiming to be an experienced and well rounded rider but I can clearly see the similarities.

 Club 200 Rene and Atat Abet seen in the picture above riding similar Ducati MS 1200's. There is hardly any difference in their riding style even if they took different lines approaching the corner. Club 200 Rene taking the more aggressive line while Atat Abet taking the normal line. If positions where reversed, I would think Atat Abet's body position will be the same as Club 200 Rene. I suppose the lean angle of the bike would dictate the body position of the rider.

Again, just like picture 1, Club 200 John and Atat Timmy doing the exact same thing. Notice the body position of both riders, counter steering to the left while the body is partially leaned out towards the apex of the corner. Both riders taking different lines but similar body position. You can also notice the lean angle when the shot was taken.

Here is a different look, Club 200 Bong and Atat Felix exciting the corner. Both riders taking the same line equals same body position.

To the more aggressive riders in the pack, you would think those riders would have different riding styles and body positioning.  Check the pictures below and you would see it hardly changed from the pictures above.

I decided to show pictures depicting left and right turns. Through out my riding life, I have noticed that riders including myself have favorite turns. Meaning most riders prefer to turn left, since it does not hamper the throttle hand. Some riders believe that turning right is harder than turning left. Truth be told, Turning right or left is just the same.

I guess, it does not matter whether you ride fast or faster. Riding style and body positioning will always be dictated by the line you decide to take and the speed you enter the corner. It does not make me wonder anymore why Atat and Club 200 decided to do a friendship ride, 2 completely different groups but with 1 riding style.

All screen shots above have the permission of the owner to be posted in this blog.

Year End Results WSBK 2011

                                            Artwork by Rugger

Woke up at 5:30 am this morning and tried to sneak in a year end ride, geared up and left the house at 6:00 am. Hardly any traffic at all considering it was a Monday. Guess it helped that it was  December 26, the Monday after Christmas or as they call it in Britain "Boxing Day". My plan was to head to Marilaque, weather down in Pasig and Antipolo was perfect. I started the ascent with a grin on my face and was a bit disappointed half way up. The roads where wet and it started drizzling, had to no choice but to abandon the ride and headed back down. Did see quite few under bones and a few liter bikes on the way up, did not have the heart to inform them that the roads where wet.

Since I did not get my year end fix today, will try again tomorrow.  I might as well do my Year End Result of WSBK. 

Winner of the 2011 WSBK championship is Carlos " Charlie" Checa. Born October 15, 1972 in Barcelona, Spain. Life truly begins at 40 for King Carlos as he is fondly called in WSBK. Carlos Checa has had an up and down career in Motogp and has raced mostly Yamaha's and Honda's during the 500cc era. From 2002 to 2007, he moved from Yamaha to Ducati then to Honda and on his last year in MotoGP was riding for Pramac Ducati.

Trying to revive his career, he moved to WSBK in 2008 with Ten Kate Honda using the CBR 1000RR until 2009. Carlos then switched to Althea Racing team using the 1098 R  for the 2010 season and his fortunes started to change, he scored Althea's first WSBK victory in Philip Island in the opening round. He was leading both races in Millersport USA when his Ducati had technical problems which both resulted in DNF's. He redeemed himself with an Italian win in Imola and finished 3rd place in 2010. Max Biaggi eventually won the 2010 Championship.

Ducati Corse announced a pullout of their Factory Team for the 2011 WSBK season and many (including myself) were shocked of Ducati's decision. The rumor mill was on full acceleration and blaming Ducati's signing of Rossi as the reason for the pull out. Little knew that it was due to technical issues with Rules concerning the V-twins against the V and inline fours.

Althea Racing did the next best thing, they bought the bikes and spares of the 2010 Ducati Corse Team. Competing with the 2010 bike against the newly crowned RSV APRC Factory and the ever improving BMW S1000 RR for the 2011 season. Nobody taught that Ducati Althea had a chance of winning the 2011 WSBK championship with a 39 year old pilot riding it. Carlos Checa proved everybody wrong and dominated the opening round of Philip Island winning both races on board a Ducati 1098R and 12 more races to be crowned WSBK Champion for 2011.

Congratulations to Carlos Checa for winning the 2011 WSBK Championship.

Review of ATAT Club 200 Ride

Link to the video: ATAT Club 200 Friendship Ride Video

After all the hype and noise of this ride.... everybody now has been bear witness to what the ride was. Basically, no matter how the 2 groups rode up to Baguio, slow, fast or faster. It was just still a ride for all the members of Atat and Club 200.  

Since both clubs decided that it was a members only ride, made me realize that this was done for a reason. Safety was the number 1 priority, both clubs had similar riding styles which was Ride Hard, Ride Fast, Ride Safe. It would not matter whether an Atat rider or a Club 200 was infront, it was just like riding with your clubmates on a weekend.  Rules were set and were strictly followed as seen in the video going through NLEX all the way through Marcos Highway. If you were infront of the train, make sure you do everything right. A mis-gear, wrong line or brake too early, you would find yourself being passed by a few riders with room to spare to correct your mistake.

I saw quite a few road works from the uncut version, mostly after accelerating out of the corner next thing you see is a one way sign and on coming traffic. Great reflexes and hand signals to indicate on coming hazards and signaling if the road was wide open ahead. Winding roads and diesel on each corner is a very deadly combination specially if you have 7 to 12 riders trying to get to an apex first, I expected some rubbing (fairing bashing) but it never happened. Respecting the rider infront, beside and behind you is always important when riding on the road.

Kudos to the riders with the camera's, captured the exciting moments so it can be relived by the participants and us mere mortals. Special mention goes to Atat Vince, who provided the cameras and editing the video. I especially like the after the ride cocktails set up and the all night drinking. After a hard days ride, I prefer to drink a few beers and go to bed early and prepare for the next day. These guys are different, it seems like they even partied the night away pass midnight. Must good to be that young and enjoy life to the fullest.

Rides like these are something to be treasured, the bond between both groups has been established and has become even stronger. The friendship and respect shown will last a life time and will always be remembered. There will always be bickering which motorcycle is the best, which rider is the fastest and which club is better. At the end of the day, we are all men that share the same passion and the answer will always be the same... the best bike is what you are currently riding and the better club will always be the club you represent. 

What ever happened to the Japanese, BMW and Ducati challenge? There was no mention of it on the video or will this be settled on another ride to a different location. I hear that it will down south? Bicol perhaps? or even further?

Do let me know.

All I want for Christmas!

Wishing everybody a Merry Christmas!

All I want for Christmas is the  Customized Toyota Pick Up from Santa! Forget the bike, the leather suit, I want something practical. Based on the picture, the truck is a mobile motorcycle shop that can be used during track days or as a back up vehicle when you tour the country. Imagine your local motorcycle dealer having one and renting it out to various individuals or groups that require a back up vehicle.

So Santa, if your listening, you have 12 hours to find one for me! I know, I know, driver and mechanic not included in the wish list. I can source that locally.  Oh before I forget, I do want it in RED!

Honda re-inventing the VTR (RC51)

With the European Brands eating a big portion of the Japanese Sports bike market,  namely, Aprilia with their RSV 4 APRC, BMW with BOTY S1000RR, KTM RC8 R and Ducati with the much anticipated Pannigalle 1199. Honda must make a move to reclaim Honda's share of the market back. 

The RSV4 has a V4 engine, the Ducati and KTM are V-Twins and the BMW S1000RR went head to head with all 4 Japanese motorcycle brands and came out on top. Even though, BMW was fairly new to the sportsbike market segment, they got everything right the first time. It was perfect out of the box and you immediately see Aprilia, KTM and Ducati react. What did the Japanese manufactures do, NOTHING.

If Honda would like to keep up with the European brands, Honda would have to go back to the RC 51 (VTR). There is already an existing Cult following for this motorcycle and all Honda has to do is tap it. Remember the glory days of Colin Edwards winning the WSBK Championship on a RC51, beating Ducati with Honda's version of the V-Twin. Forget the CBR 1000RR, that motorcycle is done. It looks mediocre at best but its performance on the road and track are up there with best bikes. However, how many Honda CBR riders do actually ride their bikes every weekend to maximize its full potential. 

Any ordinary person without any motorcycle heritage will always approach an Aprilia, KTM, BMW, Yamaha (because of Rossi) and Ducati. I have not seen anyone approach a CBR when all of those bikes mentioned above are present. You can ride any European bike to Starbucks and it is guaranteed to be a head turner.

There are a lot of rumors for Honda's line up in 2012. I hear Honda will come up with a VFR 1000 to compete with the European bikes in WSBK. If this were true, I can not wait to see it. But if Honda is still undecided, I suggest they rethink their strategy and come up with the RC 51 (VTR) instead. Honda can either go with the VFR or VTR, does not matter to me. I just do hope Honda comes out with something new in 2012 to give motorcycle riders a wider choice of bikes to choose from.

concept sketches by French designer Nicolas Petit

ATAT Club 200 Friendship ride Video

Friendship - n. state of being friends
Respect - n. a courteous expression of esteem or regard
Camaraderie - n. the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability
bakbak´an (-an) bakb´akan - n. fight, altercation (slang)

I had the honor and privilege of seeing the advance screening of the Atat Club 200 Friendship Ride video last night. This was done through a lot of persuasion and pleading. As seen on the screen shots from above. I observed the 4 words I have mentioned above while watching the video:

Friendship - This is witnessed all throughout the video. Men will always be boys at heart and when you see the bond both groups have shown, you will wonder "What has brought this 2 groups together".  The simple answer is: Both groups share the passion of riding motorcycles with controlled aggression = a real fast pace.

Respect - This was shown by both groups, Club 200 offering the best rooms to ATAT in Igorot Hotel and ATAT providing souvenirs for this momentous occasion .

Camaraderie - the last picture above says it all (plus the white shirts were given free to the participants courtesy of Atat Maro and Club 200 George)

bakbakan - You have to wait for the WORLD LAUNCH of the video to witness this. All I can say was "WOW, that was close"

The wait is finally over and the video is indeed impressive. Congratulations to Atat President Myke and Club 200 President Martin for a successful ride.

I will do my review of the ATAT CLUB 200 ride after the world premiere so I would not spoil the fun for the others.

The Appointment - Dainese brings Valetino to the World

                                             Log in to: http://live.dainese.com/

Dainese brings Valentino Rossi to the web. The countdown begins and it is your chance to listen and ask questions. This is an event you should not miss! Wednesday December 21 at 3pm (GMT). Just click on the link above.

Toby Moody - Review of 2011 Motogp Season

 
Toby Moody is a British sports commentator focused on motor racing. He is the worldwide voice of the MotoGP series on Eurosport TV.
2011 is his 16th season as trackside TV commentator for the MotoGP series. Many American racing fans would know him as the man who provided nightly, half-hour reports from the Dakar Rally for Speed Channel during the month of January. In 2005, Outdoor Life Network picked up the American broadcasting rights to the event, but they opted for an American host. His commentating career began when he was 20 at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb in the UK. It led to hosting the 1995 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the 1996 500cc World Championship Grand Prix.
When not commentating, he is the MotoGP correspondent for the autosport.com website, and hosts many manufacturer events/ press conferences for both the two and four wheeled interests including some F1 work at Monaco and at Silverstone in 2009.

Toby has written interesting articles in Autosport.com and I would like to share it with you. He is one of the reporters in the Big Show (Motogp) that can gain full access to the riders (pilots as they are known in Europe). Just go to the link and you will understand why I follow him in Twitter and read his articles.

http://plus.autosport.com/free/feature/4010/top-finale-brings-motogp-out-of-the-shadows/

To get the 2011 Motogp review by Toby Moody, you will have to register at autosport.com

2009 Rossi as the Alpha male in MOTOGP

Mama Mia

Been going through Vimeo and I stumbled upon videos of Tim Fowden. He has some interesting videos uploaded in his account and it would be a shame not share it with all of you.
My favorite is Catalunya 2009 Motogp:  'Rossi teaches Lorenzo a lesson!'
Rossi playing the role as Alpha male against the up and coming Jeorge Lorenzo. It was an exciting last 3 laps of the Catalunya GP. I believe this is part of the "FATEST" documentary movie about MOTGP.

ATAT Club 200 Teaser

Teaser Trailer of ATAT Club 200 Friendship Ride:

World Release December 25, 2011.

37 Riders from ATAT and Club 200 went up to Baguio City on November 26 and 27, 2011. 9 camera's were mounted on different riders to capture all the exciting moments. The much awaited movie will be finally be available to the public on December 25, 2011.

Advance screening for ATAT and Club 200 members will be announced once final editing has been released.