APRILIA ALITALIA RACING TEAM: FLYING THE TRICOLOUR FLAG IN THE SBK 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.

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Another year’s experience under the belt for a bike and a team which took the world Superbike championship by storm in their debut season. This time, however, with the livery of a prestigious new Italian sponsor adorning the bikes’ fairings, a name evocative of legendary chapters in the history of Italian motor sports.

Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team will be entering the 2010 World Superbike Championship without hiding its ambitious goals.
And yet this is only the second season for both team and bike in this highly prestigious and competitive world series dedicated to motorcycles series production.
The success of last year is thanks to Max Biaggi and the all new four cylinder Aprilia RSV4 which, during their first season in 2009, demonstrated a competitiveness which – even though the arrival of this bike and Max Biaggi’s return to Aprilia after twelve years were both hotly anticipated events – astonished everyone.

Now the challenge begins again. Every one of the most competitive opponents (seven different constructers are competing in the SBK world championship, representing the best that the motorcycling world has to offer) will be waiting for the Aprilia RSV4 and its riders at the start line. This means that the team can no longer count on being able to surprise its competitors, who are now fully aware of the capabilities of the Italian four cylinder. However, what the team can now count on is a vital year of experience with both the circuits and the bike.
Aprilia RSV4 enters the 2010 world championship with a magnificent Tricolour livery representing the team’s partnership with Alitalia. This livery, which brings together two prestigious and proudly Italian brands, is evocative of legendary chapters in Italian motor sports history, when teams flying the Alitalia colours won world championships in disciplines ranging from rally to offshore power boats.

Maurizio Roman, Piaggio Group Director of Product Development and Strategy: “Partnerships are often forged between brands and sponsors that have very little in common, with no relation whatsoever between their respective activities. Today, however, we are witnessing one of those rare cases of an auspicious union between brands that share many values. They share the same Italianness and, above all, the same commitment to technological advancement and excellence. Behind both are companies that strive to elevate prestigious brands to new heights, and which have made history in their respective segments.
In the early days, the Aprilia logo featured a tricolour capital A, which was strongly inspired by the graphic symbol of the national Italian airline. Today we are truly proud that Alitalia has chosen the fairings of the magnificent Aprilia RSV4 as the canvas to continue its history as brand involved to world class motor sports. It is a great honour and opportunity for Aprilia to bear the colours of a prestigious brand such as Alitalia and to represent its values in the highly competitive arena of the world Superbike championship”.

Leo Francesco Mercanti, Director of Aprilia Racing & Product Development: “It is cause for great pride for us to take part in a motor sports season that sees three major Italian groups represented on the starting grip in a world class technological competition with all of the world’s greatest motorcycle brands. It is a challenge not just in terms of sports, but also on a business and an industrial level, with the image of an entire country at stake. We understand the responsibility and

honour of carrying a little piece of Italy with us around the world. These are brands that have written entire chapters in the history of Italian motor sports: Alitalia did so with its fantastic wins in rallying, the Eni-Agip group did it in Formula 1, and, naturally, the Piaggio Group has done so – and continues to do so to this day. We have a great tradition to uphold; it is a tough challenge that comes after a 2009 season in which Aprilia exceeded our expectations, proving its competitiveness with three world MotoGP titles and surprising everyone with its results in the Superbike series. These successes justify great ambitions and expectations; to fulfil them will be a great challenge. It is difficult to make predictions at the beginning of a season, but we have prepared well for the challenge, working hard and improving on every front”.
In 2009, there were many expectations for Max Biaggi’s return to Aprilia, the marque with which he had won three consecutive world championships in the 250 cc class from 1994 to ‘96. Now the team is looking forward to seeing the results he manages to bring home, in light of a debut season that demonstrated both the potential of the bike and the ability of the Roman rider to steer its development and take it to the top of the leader board, right up to the win at Brno.

Max Biaggi: “The presentation of a new season, of a bike with new colours, is always very emotional for a rider – it’s like witnessing the birth of a living creature. It will be an honour to carry these prestigious colours onto the circuits of the whole world – a tricolour that will make both the bike and team unique. We also have a new team member: Leon comes from the tough British championship, and he certainly has all the right cards to become the strong wingman that both I and the team need.
Aprilia did a fantastic job in 2009, we made giant strides from a technical standpoint, which were made possible by the whole team and by the work that let the debuting RSV4 make progress race after race. The win at Brno was just the crowning moment of a continuous process of growth. Of course, we were the great surprise of the 2009 season, and I am really happy with the results; nobody could ever have predicted that we would be so competitive at our debut, nobody would ever have expected a fourth place season finish. And yet I still feel as if the greatest satisfactions are still to come, we haven’t reached the top yet – only a win will really crown it all for me. We are now facing the forthcoming season armed with more knowledge, more experience on the circuits and with the awareness of our potential”.

The four times World Champion will be joined on the grip by 23 year old Englishman Leon Camier, in what is his season in SBK. Leon comes fresh from winning the title of British Superbike Champion, after dominating the 2009 season of his national championship for production derived bikes with an incredible 18 wins out of a total 26 races.
Leon Camier: “Being a part of this team, a part of the RSV4 project, is an incredible opportunity for me. This championship will be very tough, with extremely high levels of competitiveness. I’ll be racing against some outstanding, highly experienced riders. This is why it is so important to be in a team like Aprilia Alitalia, one of the very few that offer a rider extraordinary opportunities in terms of developing the bike. My first impressions of the RSV4 were phenomenal: it has enormous potential and is a very quick bike. Now, I must first get as much experience as possible to fully exploit the potential that Aprilia puts in the hands of the rider. It is a great challenge for me to learn how to develop a bike and make it better. Everyone wants to win and everyone sets off from the grid to win, but my first goal will be to understand the bike and constantly improve my performance. I think that we have already found the right direction for the development of the bike, our goal now is to continue in this direction and to improve together with the bike”.

Never in a million years will Ferrari build a motorcycle — and with Ducatis being so awesome who needs it to? — but it’s fun to think about what might roll out of Maranello if it ever decided to give two-wheelers a try.

Many have envisioned such a machine and a few have actually built one or two of them, the best being the Ferrari-sanctioned bike Kay Engineering built in honor of Enzo Ferrari. But few have been so wild as what Amir Glinik’s come up with. The Israeli industrial engineer started toying with the idea in 2005 and has been working on it ever since.

“Vintage and modern Ferrari projects influence my design,” he says on his website. “It’s a mix of what I find to be the best Ferrari lines with the latest technology I could think of in terms of engine, gear and driving management.”

Frankly, the body doesn’t quite work for us, and with that wheelbase the bike would handle more like an Escalade than an Enzo. But the engine. Oh, wow, the engine. It’s a work of art. And isn’t that what Italian machinery is all about?

Previous Ferrari-themed motorcycles have used conventional V-twin or four-cylinder motorcycle engines, although one guy shoehorned a V6 from the Dino and a V8 from the Ferrari 308 into a pair of custom-built bikes. Glinick’s concept, which is so far just files on a computer, uses one-third of the V12 from the Enzo supercar. “The idea of ’slicing’ a V4 out of one of Ferrari’s engines was something I saw at (a) very early stage of the project, and that’s what I did,” Glinik says.

The bike features fly-by-wire throttle and controls modeled after those in an F16. Dual-caliper brakes clamp down on a single perimeter rotor like those found on Buell motorcycles. There’s a touch-screen control pad mounted where the fuel tank is on conventional motorcycles (speaking of, where is the tank on this bike?). It’s used for engine management and to control suspension settings, the GPS unit and other functions.

As for those huge slats at the front of the bike, Glinik calls it an “active intake system” that controls air flow to the engine, and they close completely to increase drag under hard braking. You’d no doubt do a lot of that with that sweet V4 screaming between your legs.

More info and pictures at Glinik’s site, which we found while surfing The Kneeslider.

Read More http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/09/never-in-a-mill/#ixzz0fluZXZiO

R1200 RT

As far as 2-cylinder fans are concerned, first-class touring has a memorable abbreviation – and it’s been around for 30 years: RT.

For long-haul travellers there can hardly be any other term which has always stood for perfectly conceived motorcycling concept from start to finish: excellent wind and weather protection, optimum ergonomics, highly convenient operation combined with a top-class chassis fitted with the unique optional extras ASC and ESA II.

Visit or showroom situated at 220 Voortrekker Rd, Parow – Cape Town. Our premises spans two floors dedicated to showcasing a select-range of imported motorcycles and the latest accessories.

We specialise in the importation of new and pre-owned superbikes, as well as used cruisers, early-model superbikes, scooters, pit bikes and various quads.

Trading Successfully for 14 Years…

Headed by brothers Greg & Lurando Neves, both keen motorcyclists, Motorcycle World is now rapidly expanding. We personally oversee the importation of both new and used motorcycles directly from Japan. Our reputation depends on sourcing the best, providing complete after-sales service and maintaining our valued customer relationships.

Browse here for a variety of on and off road machines, scramblers, superbikes, cruisers.

Service Excellence…

We ensure customer satisfaction by stocking the widest range at competitive prices. Customer service and convenience is what you can expect from Motorcycle World.

Send our sales executives an email enquiry for a swift reply! Alternatively, call Greg Neves directly on 082 920 4803 or reception on (021) 930 5917. Apply for bank financing here.

Looking for Spares?

Send our well stocked parts department a request for spares. Or email the Accessory Bar for expert advice on motorcycle clothing, leathers, gloves and helmets or other accessories like screens, performance exhausts and tyres.

Specialised Workshop…

Motorcycle World has a fully equipped, modern workshop run under the watchful eye of Lurando Neves. Procedures include minor and major services, fitment center and accident repairs, diagnostic estimates and warranty repairs, laser-track wheel alignment, pre-delivery inspections, motorcycle tyre fitting & wheel balancing etc etc.

Contact Motorcycle World

Visit our showroom located at No. 220 on the corner of Mcintyre Street & Voortrekker Rd, Parow. Call Greg Neves directly on 082 920 4803 or reception on (021) 930 5917.

2010 Norton Motorcycle Models

2010 Norton NRV588 Race

This machine was prototyped in 2006 by Brian Crighton and is directly evolved from the racer he designed for the 1995 season. Featured in Motor Cycle News 10 March 1994, it was a projected onward development of the Duckhams Nortons which stormed UK circuits in 1994, when Ian Simpson won the British Supercup championship and team-mate Phil Borley was third.

Outstanding features of Crighton’s latest racer are numerous computer-controlled functions and the retention of the 1994 twin-shock chassis layout, but with a single shock absorber on one side, taking advantage of the SPONDON swingarm’s extreme rigidity. Many features on this machine are in common use on racetracks today, showing how far ahead of its time the NRV-588 was when first conceived more than 10 years ago.

www.motorbikehub.co.za

I saw a “slash-2” Granada red BMW motorcycle for the first time in 1968, when Harder’s Sales and Service, Janesville, Wisconsin (no longer a BMW dealer), had a new R60US in that color for sale. In the 1960s, BMW motorcycles could be special ordered in any color the BMW cars were painted. Granada red was one such color. I could not afford that BMW in 1968, but I remembered it and wanted to obtain one of my own eventially.

In January 2006, I met Tim Stafford at the MidAmerican motorcycle auction in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was auctioning of the most beautifully restored BMWs I had ever seen. Tim, who works out of San Diego, does exquisite restorations of BMW motorcycles and Vespa motor scooters. I since have heard his restorations represent the “gold standard” of BMW motorcycle restorations.

I discussed my desire with Tim, and he indicated he could do a restoration for me. We concluded a deal with a handshake. By that autumn, the R60/2 was ready, and you see photographs of it on this page.
Above: I love the view of a BMW boxer-powered motorcycle, like this R60/2, from above. The cylinders protrude sideways from the engine, like stubby wings. No other motorcycles have such an affecting view.

In the montage below, you see the restoration of the red R60/2 under way in Tim’s work shop.
I wanted to make my “new” R60/2 functional, so that meant installing appropriate period saddlebags or panniers. I used Craven panniers in the 1960s, so I set about finding a pair of the handsome “Golden Arrow” panniers on eBay.

I obtained two bags, which were in the standard Craven color of black, and had them painted Granada red. The result is shown below.
Below: Here is “Scarlett” posing in front of Frank Lloyd Wright’s First Unitarian Society Meeting House in Madison, Wisconsin — a National Historic Landmark.

Above: BMW announced the arrival of the 2010 R1200RT in November 2009. Torque and RPMs are increased; horsepower is unchanged. Cylinders now have double overhead cams. There are modest changes in styling.

The R1200RT, shown here by Madison’s Lake Monona with the Wisconsin State Capitol behind, was one of the most anticipated new motorcycle designs of 2004. The R1200RT, a 2007 model is shown above, is the next iteration of BMW’s renowned “RT” series of sport-touring motorcycles, dating back to the 1978 R100RT (photo below, left), which was replaced in 1987 by a slightly revised R100RT (photo below, right). The “RT” designation stands for Reisetourer, German for “travel tourer.”

www.motorbikehub.co.za

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.

www.motorbikehub.co.za

KTM Motorcycle History
KTM Sportmotorcycles has a deeply rooted motorsport tradition, building race-ready motorcycles for competitive and recreational riding. More than 130 world championship titles, victories at Dakar and countless national championships are proof of the company’s great technical expertise. Recently, the company has entered into the streetbike category with a variety of sporting and adventure-touring road-going machines.

* 1934 Austrian engineer Hans Trunkenpolz opens a metal-working shop in Mattighofen, Austria. The name of the business is Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen

* 1951 The company’s first motorcycle is developed – the R100.

* 1953 The company becomes officially known as ‘Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen’ (KTM). A team of 20 employees is producing three motorcycles per day.

2010 KTM RC8

* 1954 The 100th KTM motorcycle is delivered.

* 1955 A businessman, Ernst Kronreif becomes a sizeable shareholder of the company, which is renamed Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen.

KTM Tourist (125cc) model is developed.

* 1957 KTM builds first sports motorcycle – the Trophy 125cc.

* 1959 Motorcycle production ceases. First KTM Pony scooter and moped are introduced.

* 1963 The Comet moped is introduced.

* 1966 The 10,000th Comet rolls off the line.

* 1968 The cross-country Penton Six Days dirt bike is produced and exported to the United States.

* 1970 KTM begins producing its own engines. (Previously, many of the dirt bikes had been equipped with Sachs motors.) New 250cc motocross bike is developed.

* 1973 KTM begins production of the 250 Cross and Enduro bike.

* 1974 Production of the KTM Hobby III begins.

* 1975 KTM introduces the road model Comet Grand Prix 125 RS.

* 1976 KTM produces its own 125cc engine.

* 1978 KTM America Inc. established in Lorain, Ohio. 50cc product range extended.

* 1981 Production of first water-cooled 125cc motocross bikes.

* 1982 Motocross models outfitted with new Pro Lever rear suspension. Company develops its first 4-stroke engine with water cooling.

* 1986 KTM becomes the first manufacturer to offer front and rear disc brakes on an off-road machine.

* 1987 Production begins on the KTM 4-stroke engine – single cylinder, 560cc, overhead camshaft.

* 1988 KTM stops production of scooters.

* 1989 Hans Trunkenpolz, founder, dies.

* 1991 KTM files for bankruptcy. The company is split into four independent arms – radiators, motorcycles, bicycles and tooling.

* 1992 Newly formed motorcycle division opens – KTM Sportsmotorcycle GmbH.

* 1994 KTM Sportsmotorcycle GmbH renamed KTM-Sportsmotorcycle AG. Production of Duke series of road models begins.

* 1995 Company acquires Husaberg AB and takes over White Power Suspension (NL).

* 1996 Production begins for KTM LC4 engine with electric starter.

* 1997 LC4 Supermoto road model is introduced. Also, KTM’s first adventure bike – the LC4 Adventure – is introduced.

* 1998 PDS Linkless suspension system is developed for 2-stroke models. Also, new 125 and 200cc engines and new Z design are introduced.

* 1999 Production begins on new 4-stroke engine – RACING 400/520. Also, the first KTM engines with separate lubrication (125 and 200cc) are introduced.

* 2001 Fabrizio Meoni wins the Dakar rally on an LC4 660R. KTM completely dominates the motorcycle class for the future of the event, which runs for the last time in 2007.

* 2003 Company introduces 950 Adventure and presents 990 Duke.

Backed by Red Bull, the company enters the 125cc World Championship. After a couple of challenging years developing the machine, Mika Kallio will finish second overall in ’05 & ’06.

* 2004 KTM launches the 990 Super Duke and introduces the 990 RC8 Venom and the 950 Supermoto at the Intermot in Munich.

After earlier agreeing in principle to supply motorcycles to two out-of-work actors, so they can make a documentary about a trip across Eurasia and North America, KTM abruptly drops the project. Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman get BMWs instead, and make “The Long Way Round.”

* 2005 KTM launches the 950 Supermoto and introduces the 990 Adventure and the 950 Super Enduro R.

The company announces a strategic partnership with Polaris, with the goal of shared R&D, and more importantly shared distribution networks. The plan is to try this relationship out for two years and, if it proves fruitful, to merge the two companies.

* 2006 The partnership with Polaris is dramatically downgraded. KTM announces that from now on, the company will simply supply Polaris with a few motors for ATVs.

* 2007 The company supplies all the 125cc motorcycles for the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

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Used Cruisers & Tourers For Sale at Bikers Delight

At Bikers Delight we continuously receive new stock, offering you a choice selection of imported motorcycles for sale in Cape Town. .

Competitive Prices

Our bikes are sold at extremely low prices! Focussing on Commuters, Sports Cruisers and Superbikes, generally priced from R10, 000 to R105, 000, with the exception of one or two ” straight out of the box” specials.

Our Guarantee On All Imports

All motorcycles for sale leave our showroom fully serviced, including a 30-day warrantee ( On the engine & gearbox only).

An option is available whereby an “As is” price can be paid for bikes arriving straight out of the container. We also provide a roadworthy and licensing service, saving you the hassle!

Countrywide Deliveries!

We are primarliy importers of motorcycles. Our customers know we go to extremes to make deliveries. Whether you need breakdown services, spare parts or a motorcycle delivered, Biker’s Delight will always go one-step further.

Looking For Spare Parts?

We stock a large selection of second-hand spares for bikes, offering a countrywide mail-order service for spare parts. Email an enquiry or contact us via phone or fax numbers supplied below.

Fully Equipped Workshop

Our dedicated workshop conducts motorcycle repairs specialising in Commuters, Cruisers and Superbikes. Whether for accident damage, major or minor repairs, a bike service or an insurance claim, we offer exceptional value for money.

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