Motorcycle accessories are expensive and while some are extremely valuable others are a waste of money. Therefore which motorcycle accessories should you fit to your dual-sport, touring motorcycle and in what order should you fit them considering you have a budget? Here is a suggested order of purchase table. Two tables are provided i.e. on road and off road touring

Engine protectors

Motorcycles fall over – fact, often at walking speed. Engine protectors can avoid expensive repairs to your bike but also give additional room for your legs should they be trapped under the fallen bike. On the big BMW GS models (see pic) the tappet cover is made of a soft magnesium and is easily damaged.

Omni vision mirror

Your motorcycle mirrors have to cover the real estate directly behind the motorbike as well as the two blind spots i.e. one on either side when riding on a multi lane highway. That’s three areas in total but your motorbike only has two mirrors! The addition of an inexpensive omni mirror can cover the third and final blind spot.

Bell Motorcross (MX) Helmet.
Note the very aggressive jaw protection. Choose this type only if most of your travelling is less than 120kph on dirt roads.

This damaged helmet clearly illustrates the impact

Golden Rules for Touring Africa

� Lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. (Susan Heller)

� Your big goofy smile and your “I’m just a stupid tourist, what do I know?’ attitude will ease your passage and achieve your objectives. Patience, patience, patience.

� The most important thing on your list of things to take, is information. The longer the tour the more vital this becomes

� Bandits, rebels? No! They are the least of your worries. Your own stupid mistakes will be your greatest enemy.

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2010 Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

2010 Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

The Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster. Riding Reinvented.

There’s nothing ordinary about the way it looks. Or the way it rides, for that matter. You gas, it comes to life.

You steer, it reacts and adapts. With its Rotax® 990 V-Twin engine and unique, three-wheeled stance, the Can-Am™ Spyder® roadster offers a bold, new way to experience open-road freedom. And it all starts at the end of your driveway.

A trip on the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RS roadster isn’t just an escape, it’s a full-on performance get-a-way.

2010 Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

Engine
ROTAX Engine
Manufacturer BRP-Rotax
Type 990 V-Twin
Displacement 998cc (60.90 cu. in.)
Bore 97 mm (3.82 in.)
Stroke 68 mm (2.68 in.)
Cylinder 2
Valves per cylinder DOHC 4
Max output 106 hp @ 8500 RPM (79 kW @ 8500 RPM)
Max torque 77 lb.-ft. @ 6250 RPM (104.3 Nm @ 6250 RPM)
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Ignition type Electronic ignition with dual output coil
Lubrication 5W40 semi-synthetic oil
Exhaust system 2-into-1 with catalytic converter
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Injection Multi-point EFI with 57 mm-diameter throttle bodies

Drive Train
Gear box 5-Speed manual (SM5) with transmission-based reverse
Optional gear box 5-Speed semi-automatic (SE5) with transmission-based reverse
Final drive 28/79 ratio final drive with
Kevlar-reinforced drive belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, manual operation through a hydraulic piston
Electric Equipment
Magneto 500 Watts
Starter Electric
Battery Sealed maintenance-free, 12V, 21 Amp

2010 Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

Geometry
Front suspension Double A-Arm with anti-roll bar
Front suspension travel 5.67 in. (145 mm) shocks
Rear suspension Swing-arm with monoshock
Rear suspension travel 5.67 in. (145 mm) with adjustable cam
Chassis type SST Spyder (Surrounding Spar Technology)
Steering DPS (Dynamic Power Steering)

Tires & Wheels
Front tire KR21 165/65R14
Front nominal pressure 13-17 psi (90-117 kPa)
Rear tire KR21 225/50R15
Rear nominal pressure 26-30 psi (179-207 kPa)
Wheel size, front Aluminum 14×5 (355×127)
Wheel size, rear Aluminum 15×7 (381×178)

Brakes
Type Foot-actuated, fully integrated hydraulic 3-wheel braking system
Front braking system 4 piston calipers with 10.2 in. x 0.25 in. (260 mm x 6 mm) discs
Rear braking system Single-piston caliper with 10.2 in. x 0.25 in. (260 mm x 6 mm) disc
EBD Electronic Brake Distribution
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
Parking brake Mechanical, foot actuated to the rear caliper

Safety & Security
VSS Vehicle Stability System
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
TCS Traction Control System
SCS Stability Control System with roll-over mitigation
DPS Dynamic Power Steering
DESS Digitally Encoded Security System

Aprillia RSV4 R

Plays a role the new RSV4 R, the new version of RSV4 dressed R.

A bike which everybody has seen on official website and which very few fans were able to touch in the stages of the Imola and Magny Cours GP World Superbike Championship. And a few will have the opportunity to see in Portimao, October 25th, last exciting round of the World Superbike 2009.

Aprillia RSV4 R

However  the opportunities to touch RSV4 R are not finished! For all of you fans:

- from October 13th, the opportunity to experience the thrill of touching her in the showroom of Noale in company with who knows her thoroughly.

- from October 31st, then consulting this page, you can find out what dealers will exhibit preview.

Aprilia RSV4 R brings the technology and unique character of the V4 that redefined sports performance on the track within the reach of all enthusiasts.
With the advent of the R version, the Aprilia RSV4 – the bike that took the world by storm and set new standards for sports performance, both on the road and on the circuits of the SBK World Championship – is now accessible to an even broader group of enthusiasts.
RSV4 R maintains the same features that make the Aprilia RSV4 project so unique: the narrow 180 hp V4 engine, Ride-by-Wire integrated electronic management, dual injectors, race bred frame and suspension and extreme compactness.

Aprillia RSV4 R

Aprilia History

In Italy, whenever anybody mentions the town of Noale with its 15,341 inhabitants in the province of Venice, people automatically think of Aprilia.
Aprilia has been part of the Piaggio Group (headed by chairman and managing director Roberto Colaninno) since late 2004. The Piaggio Group’s strategic objective for Aprilia is to strengthen the company’s position as motorcycle and scooter market leader, and as Europe’s only ‘full line’ manufacturer of two wheelers from 50 to 1000 cc. The identity of the Aprilia brand will be decisively reinforced by further development of the R&D and production centres at Noale and Scorzè.

The link between Aprilia and local area dates back to the period immediately after the second world war when Alberto Beggio opened his bicycle factory in Noale. This same plant passed under the control of Alberto’s son Ivano Beggio in 1968. Aprilia then entered the motorcycle market and introduced its first ‘bike’, a gold and blue fifty cc model. Aprilia’s first products were the Colibrì and Daniela mopeds, but the model that established the marque’s reputation was the 50 cc Scarabeo motocrosser of 1970.
Stimulated by the dream of competing in national level competitions, Aprilia nurtured a genuine passion for motorcycles in general and motocross models in particular.

Aprilia’s first competitive motocross machine was introduced in 1974 and was entrusted to Maurizio Sgarzani, who rode it in the cadet class. The next year, 1975, saw the introduction of the first Aprilia with genuine hopes of racing success. The first titles arrived in 1977 in the 125 and 250 classes of the Italian motocross championship. Then In 1978, Alborghetti finished the season with two race third places and in sixth overall place in the motocross world championship – the best result ever achieved by an Italian rider. In the meantime Aprilia’s reputation was spreading. Export markets were beginning to show a growing interest in Aprilia motorcycles.

The early eighties was a period of crisis for the two wheeler market in general but not for Aprilia. The company was alive with new ideas and produced many designs destined to win international acclaim.
1985 saw Aprilia entering MotoGP. Aprilia Racing proved to be a nursery for great talent. Many recent world champions learned their trade riding an Aprilia, including names like Biaggi, Capirossi, Gramigni, Locatelli, Sakata, Rossi, Poggiali and Lorenzo.

In the nineties Aprilia made a decisive entry into the urban mobility market. Here too creativity and the confidence to break with conventions proved key to success. Aprilia scooter designs have always been daring, from the Amico, the first all-plastic scooter introduced in 1990, to the already legendary Scarabeo.
Today, membership of the Piaggio Group has given Aprilia the confidence to forge ahead with developments in the middleweight and big bike sectors, and major investments have been made in new models and engines, designed entirely by Aprilia and industrialised within the Piaggio Group.

The Aprilia scooter range has been expanded and the Scarabeo family extended and updated (Scarabeo is now available with a wide choice of engines from 50 to 500 cc and is complemented by other successful models like the Sportcity). These developments have been accompanied by the introduction of motorcycle models packed with advanced technology, style and innovation, like the Shiver 750, the first production bike in the world with a ride-by-wire electronic throttle, and the Mana 850, the first bike to boast a revolutionary, fully electronic automatic gearbox. On the off-road scene where Aprilia’s racing success began, Aprilia’s new, high performance 450 and 550 V twins have started a revolution.
On the 22nd February 2008, Aprilia unveiled the RSV4 ‘Race Machine’. With 4 cylinders, a displacement of 1000cc and over 200 bhp in the racing version, the new bike marks Aprilia’s return to the Superbike world championship in 2009. The RSV4 will be launched commercially before the end of 2008.
The arrival of the RSV4 confirms Aprilia’s determination to compete at the highest levels. The excellent work done at the Noale based racing department has enabled Aprilia to collect another two championship titles with Aprilia bikes and riders winning the 125 and 250 classes of the 2007 MotoGP world championship, and taking four titles out of four just as in 2006.
Aprilia has now accumulated a total of 40 world championship titles, including 33 in MotoGP.

Suzuki Pretoria

Consider this your personal invitation to own and ride the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Never has a litre-class motorcycle delivered so much power and torque while also reducing emissions so effectively.

It is the latest version of a machine that pioneered advanced performance technology and built its name on racetrack handling to match.

It is a machine that has become famous for the slogan, Own The Racetrack, and has backed up that slogan by taking over racing grids around the globe.

Ride it, and see for yourself.

Suzuki Pretoria

M109R has the soul of a classic cruiser combined with V-twin performance that gives you a charge every time you twist the throttle.

The Boulevard M109R‘s classic design begins with the flowing lines of its kicked-out front end and pullback handlebars which perfectly complement its teardrop tank, stepped seat and boldly valanced rear fender. These lines, of course, show off its spacious seating position which promises a comfortable ride hour after hour.

Down the boulevard or out on the highway, the M109R’s V-twin powerplant is engineered for pure excitement. With strong low-end and mid-range torque, it accelerates hard from just above idle.

Yet, thanks to its advanced engineering, it’s incredibly smooth at highway cruising

Suzuki Pretoria

Hayabusa. It’s a sporting legend that has become a performance legend in its own time. An aerodynamic machine inspired by and named for a Japanese peregrine falcon known for cutting the wind with incredible ease.

A motorcycle so exciting that it has developed a devoted following around the world. A motorcycle so amazing that it has outsold its would-be competitors across a span of almost ten years.

Combining seemingly effortless acceleration, wind-cheating aerodynamics, sporty handling, timeless style and unlimited excitement. Built to deliver balance performance.

2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200

2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200

2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200

The XR 1200 is a powerful new Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle that was initially designed and launched only in European markets in April 2008. Inspired by the XR-750, the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, the Harley-Davidson XR 1200 is now poised to boost adrenalin levels on streets, roads and highways around the world.

Drawing significant design influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years, the XR 1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. The 1200 cc Evolution V-Twin engine with its high 10.0:1 compression ratio, performance cams, downdraft fuel injection, precision-cooled cylinder heads and large capacity oil cooler cranks out high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome.

Inspired by the XR-750, the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 is now poised to boost adrenalin levels on streets, roads and highways around the world.

The XR1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development.

“The XR1200 is an exciting motorcycle with an aggressive attitude,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “This bike will provide the performance and distinct style demanded by uncompromising riders. In fact, hundreds of XR1200s were ordered by enthusiastic customers before we really even promoted it.”

The successful dirt track legacy continues today as Harley factory rider Kenny Coolbeth won his third straight AMA Grand National Twins flat track championship on the XR-750 in 2008. While distinctive racing paint and graphics on the XR1200 will catch the eye, Harley-Davidson racing tradition and influence are clearly evident in the bike’s key features, design and style.

The 1200 cc Evolution V-Twin engine with its high 10.0:1 compression ratio, performance cams, downdraft fuel injection, precision-cooled cylinder heads and large capacity oil cooler cranks out high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome.

A sport-tuned Showa® suspension with inverted 43 mm front forks and twin preload adjustable shocks combines with lightweight black cast three-spoke wheels to make the XR1200 ride and corner with feeling. Specially designed Dunlop(R) Qualifier D209 tires connect the rider to the road, while Nissin(R) four-piston large disc front brakes provide stopping power.

Additional racing influences on the XR1200 include details like dirt track style bodywork, wide black low-rise handlebar, a 29.2-inch seat height and aggressive riding position. Rearset foot pegs provide additional cornering clearance with a 39-degree lean angle. The compact instrument cluster combines a digital speedometer, white-faced tachometer, dual trip meter and clock.

Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide to Motorcycling section of the website. This section is dedicated to those who are new (or newly) into motorcycling. It is my hope that the information provided will enhance your motorcycling career.

Aprilai Bikes South Africa

Welcome to the World of Motorcycling! This eBook is dedicated to you, the aspiring motorcycle rider and may the information you read in it benefit you for a lifetime. So, before you strap on your motorcycle helmet and go riding off into the sunset for the first time, here is a collection of information you should read first. You will learn as much as I can teach you about the types of motorcycles; how to choose a bike that is right for you, motorcycle gear, where to start with licenses and suggestions on where to do those first rides.

If you are an experienced rider and are looking for more information about bikes, gear and accessories that has changed since you started riding, you’ve also come to the right spot.

2009 Aprilia Tuono 1000 R Factory

The First Steps

Step One: Get a Learners Motorcycle Book

Step Two: Get a Learners Motorcycle License

Step Three: Think about signing up for a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course

Step Four: Get Proper Riding Gear

Step Five: Go for your motorcycle License

Step Six: Get Insurance

• Liability Insurance
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage

Step Seven: Get Your License Plate

• Mount your motorcycle plate with pride and welcome to the gang!

Step Eight: Off you go!

Kawasakis Aircraft Company began the development of a motorcycle engine in 1949. The development was completed in 1952 and mass production started in 1953. The engine was an air-cooled, 148cc, OHV, 4-stroke single cylinder with a maximum power of 4 PS (3.9 hp/2.9 kW) at 4,000 rpm.In 1954 the first complete Kawasaki Motorcycle was produced under the name of Meihatsu, a subsidiary of Kawasaki Aircraft.

In 1960 Kawasaki completed construction of a factory dedicated exclusively to motorcycle production and bought Meguro Motorcycles.Kawasaki has since then become one of the worlds major motorcycle manufacturers

KKawasaki Motors South Africa has been the sole official importers of all Kawasaki products for Southern Africa since 1975. Associated Motor Holdings, a subsidiary of the Imperial Group, is KMSA’s major shareholder, with the balance being held by Kawasaki Motors SA’s management.

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