Yamaha's new Sponsor!

Rendering of the 2012 Yamaha M1

No more PETRONAS for 2012, they decided not to renew their current contract with Yamaha. So, here comes ENEOS motor oil to replace them. Makes me wonder if Yamaha will really give up their BLUE and WHITE paint scheme.

Royal Enfield Fianlly in Manila

Hear the Thumps that Bind!

Welcome to the official website of Royal Enfield Philippines! 
The classic has come to our Philippine shores.

Born in England and without design compromise through more than 100 years of existence, the Royal Enfield motorcycles have retained its pre-world war beauty and charm to ride to the 21st century while picking up a few improvements. These machines are pure nostalgia on 2 wheels.

Whilst keeping with the look, feel and sound of the original design first made in 1933, the Bullet  has evolved in performance and reliability. Better metal, more accurate manufacturing, electronic fuel injection and disk brakes are among the "unseen but felt" improvements to keep the bike abreast with modern technology and rider expectations.

Owning a Royal Enfield is not about possession or pride. It is quite simply a relationship with something magical. The kind that will see you through many happy years of riding that might even rival your marriage.

But don't take our word for it. Visit the Royal Enfield showroom today for a test ride and know for yourself what a legend feels like.

The local dealer in Manila:  
Royal Enfield is exclusively distributed by Hardcore Brothers Custom Motorcycles, Inc.
GF Dona Guadalupe Building, 7462 Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City, 1203
Telefax 899.2699  /  896.0131 /  0906.545.5507
hardcorebrotherscustom.com

Ducati Vito Sport X Van

Mercedes Benz partners with Ducati

If you ever wanted a bike transporter, this is what you should get. MB-AMG decided to pimp up the VITO SPORT X VAN for Ducati, what better way to market the van to the Ducati Motorcycle public. There are no details yet but the teaser trailers have been flooding the internet.

More news for this pimped out ride next week.

Ducati Superquadro in 3D

Ducati Superquadro 3D style

Source: Ducati Singapore (YouTube) via Pro-Italia (Facebook)

Since 3D movies is the latest craze right now. Ducati come's out with their own 3D version of the Superquadra, the powerhouse behind the much anticipated Ducati 1199 Pannigale.

 

5 ways to Prepare for Ironman 2012

How to Ride a Motorcycle 1200 Miles in 24 Hours

If you decide to do the BOSS Ironman 2012, log on to their website and read instructions carefully. In a nutshell, pass the designated route and keep a fuel log a with all receipts.

1. Plan your route. Choose roads that allow for higher speeds. Try to avoid going through too many stop signs or traffic lights, because they will slow you down. Know your bike's touring range (how many miles between fillups) and make sure you'll be able to buy gas when you need it. Many riders use trip planning software such as MS Streets and Trips, because it calculates distances and has gas station information.
2. Prepare your motorcycle. Your tires should have enough tread to complete the ride, and be properly inflated. Your riding position should be comfortable for long periods. A relatively upright position is best, though people have done this ride on racer-type bikes or ape-hanger'd cruisers. You should have a way to rest your throttle hand, either a cruise control, throttle lock, or wrist rest. Verify that your lights work, because you'll need them.
3. Have the right personal equipment. Besides the standard safety gear like helmet and boots, you'll need to be prepared for varying weather. This means layered clothes and a rain suit. It will be very helpful to have earplugs, because all that wind noise can be very fatiguing over a long period.
4. Have a way to stay hydrated. Many people have a Camelback, but you can rig up any type of container with a drink hose so you can drink while underway. Pack snacks for the road. You can eat energy bars while moving.
5. "Plan your ride and ride your plan." Now that you've prepared, go out and do it. Enjoy the trip!

Tips:

• Practice fast fuel stops. You should be able to get out of a gas station in 10 minutes. This may seem minor, but if your bike has a typical fuel range, you'll be stopping quite a few times. Develop a routine that you follow each time so you can do a fuel stop automatically without forgetting where you put your gloves.
• Think about riding alone or with others. The more people you're with, the harder it is to synchronize fuel and bathroom breaks. You'll be stopping more frequently, and for longer periods. On the other hand, you may feel more secure having someone watching your back, and it's fun to share the experience with a buddy. Make an informed decision.
• Daylight is your friend. Plan to ride during the summer when the days are longest. Try to time your ride so you do most of your riding during daylight, especially the last few hours, when you are most at risk due to fatigue. Some Iron Butt riders are so efficient that they can log the whole thousand miles between sunrise and sunset.
• One approach is to depart around sunset and ride until the wee hours, then stop at a motel and grab a few hours of real sleep. Get up early, eat a quick breakfast, and head out to finish your ride. Sure, the sleep could cost you your shot at 1,200 miles -- but not sleeping could cost you much more. Besides, riding when you are bleary-eyed and yawning isn't much fun.
• If you plan to do much long-distance riding, invest in a custom saddle and a good windscreen. If not, or if your bike isn't very comfortable, think about renting a bike instead. Minor discomfort can become excruciating pain over a thousand miles, and you will avoid racking up miles on your own motorcycle.
• Plan your eating carefully. Small amounts of high-protein, low-fat foods can help to keep your body's energy levels even; sugary snacks and large hot meals are probably best saved for your post-ride celebration.
• Try a 300- or 500-mile ride first. It's far less dangerous and you will learn what works for you and what doesn't.

Warnings:

• A rider's level of physical and mental readiness declines geometrically during long rides. A thousand miles in one day can be a dangerous undertaking. If you must do it, manage your risk by training for the event (see the Iron Butt site). Although the motorcycle does most of the work, a long ride is an endurance event -- and losing can cost you your life.
• Don't speed. You can do this ride by obeying posted speed limits. The added stress of speeding will make you more fatigued. This sounds funny but it's true. High speeds also decrease your fuel efficiency.
• Stay away from stimulants, even caffeine. If you find yourself getting drowsy, stop and nap for 15 minutes or a half hour. You'll be amazed at how well that recharges you. Drugs impair your judgment.
• No ride is worth injury or death, just to meet a goal. If your ride is not going well, abort the mission and grab a hotel room.

799 Pannigale for 2013

The greatest bike spy in the world,  Twowheels has just unearthed the latest news coming from Italy and it will certainly grab some attention for Ducati.

 After the debut of the exciting and revolutionary Panigale 1199 and enthusiasts just itching to get their hands on it, now there’s talk that the Bologna manufacturer will be releasing a middle-class supersport version of the Panigale next November at the EICMA show.

Apparently the 799 as it’s unofficially called, will be derived from the new 1199 and replace the current 749 or even the 848, and supposedly have a 750cc Superquadro engine and boast some of the innovations of its bigger and extremely more powerful sister. The only rumors we have so far is it that it should deliver 145hp and weight in at less than 160kg.

True or not, a more affordable Panigale 799 could help actually re-launch the languishing supersport market. I sure hope Ducati prices it along the lines of the Japanese super sport bikes!

A naked 1199 Panigale

Since the Ducati Pannigale will be arriving in Manila in June. Ever wonder what was under those plastics, Ducati was kind enough to provide some CAD drawings to satisfy my craving.

Ducati has provided the riding public with the most advance bike for 2012. Underneath those plastics as seen in the CAD drawing is an exceptional overview of the bike. A frame less motorcycle, the first of its kind available to the riding public. For all the other details of the Pannigale, just log on to Ducati.com.

This is my dilema, if ever you are willing to spend and purchase a Ducati Pannigale, be sure to have enough money put aside to purchase Motorcycle Insurance. Looking at the way the bike is built, a low side will surely damage a bit or potentially more of the frame less bike. Ducati surely did not have that on mind when they created this bike, Ducati assumed that anyone that purchased the Pannigale is not allowed to crash. There are no provisions for bike sliders as well. Hence, the extra money for Insurance.
Current insurance price for a 1198 S is at 44,000 pesos, for a 1198 Corse is at 68,000 pesos and for the 1198R Corse is a whopping 98,000 pesos. Owning a Ducati is not cheap so I assume to have the Pannigale insured, it would cost you between 70,000 to 90,000 pesos. If you plan to own one and not get insurance you must be a pretty confident and skilled rider.

One more thing, If and when you decide to purchase a Pannigale, allow me to ride it!