NEW 2010 MODEL SUZUKI GSX1250F COMING SOON...!

Work hard, play hard. When you get out on your bike, whether touring, commuting or just for fun, you want to turn that spot on the map into precious memories. All you need is an exciting bike that is a real all-rounder, a machine with power and torque, yet comfortable and user-friendly, a machine that really defines a great weekend, but one you can rely on every day of the week.

Introducing the fully faired all-rounder, the GSX1250FA with ABS as standard. It has a fuel-injected powerplant with 1255cc of torque at your service, starting from way down low in the rev range. It's distinctive sporty full fairing delivers a neat combination of dramatic looks and all-day comfort. It's highly refined, totally balanced and exceptional value. Whether you already have your choice of destinations or are looking for new places to visit, let the GSX1250FA help make your upcoming riding days time well spent.

We are now taking orders for this great new Suzuki. For further details on avaialability and pricing please contact V&J on (01935) 850505 (Yeovil) or (01823) 272378 (Taunton) for further details!

Source:  http://www.vandjsuperbikes.com/news.aspx?OBJ_ID=1869533

** NEW 2010 MODEL - HONDA VT1300CX FURY **

NEW 2010 MODEL - HONDA VT1300CX FURY

Honda have announced the launch of their all new ground breaking Chopper, the VT1300CX Fury! Available from January/February 2010 in two stunning colours and at only £11995 plus otr the Fury is bound to cause a huge stir in established cruiser circles with its stylish appearance and stunning sound. For more information on this great new bike please read the Honda press announcement below. For further details regarding availability or to place your order for the new Fury please contact either Matt, Dave or Joe at V&J Honda on (01278) 410110.


**Press Announcement - New 2010 Model - Honda VT1300CX Fury**

Introduction

Choppers have existed on the fringes of the motorcycling scene for decades. They are built and owned by a diverse mix of riders who are united by a passion for the machine itself and the emotions aroused by owning and riding it. Like other genres of motorcycle, choppers have evolved over the years. Early, often crude home-built efforts have inspired ever greater innovation and true choppers are now something of an art form with highly desirable looks and attitude. The Honda VT1300CX is a true original in the genre – a radical concept offered in a unique package that’s accessible to nearly every rider. The VT1300CX is visually daring and great fun to ride, with a feel and sound that place the rider squarely in the chopper domain. It also delivers the same functionality, quality and reliability you would expect from a Honda, and at an affordable price.

Development Concept

The process of designing a new motorcycle involves many things. Precise calculations, measurements and specifications must be determined and tried in various combinations before the best result is achieved. At Honda, these factors are also blended with an additional element – a love for the machine. The new VT1300CX is an example of what happens when our designers and engineers are allowed to carry their passion to the extreme. Stunningly creative and with radical, head-turning looks, this motorcycle is a milestone. The VT1300CX is the offspring of people who get excited about creating new motorcycles; true enthusiasts who understand what it means to get completely involved with their creation. It captures the essence of the chopper genre – a motorcycle that simply feels right, looks right and sounds right when it’s done well, rather than the result of a precise formula. Their extensive experience in building motorcycles of all types has allowed our engineers to incorporate this essence with the handling, functionality and ride expected of a Honda. The creation of the VT1300CX posed a considerable challenge. A delicate balance needed to be found between the extended chopper look with its stretched wheelbase and exaggerated steering rake and the rideability expected from every Honda. The design focus began with the high steering head and open look in the front end, and radiated outward from there. Extensive cooperation took place between the styling team in the USA at Honda Research Americas (HRA) and the Honda engineers in Japan. Original sketches were refined many times. This is a machine that’s designed and constructed for people who have always longed for a chopper. Its classic profile and the defiant attitude it expresses are instantly recognisable. However, this chopper has a unique difference. It taps directly into a lust for riding; and you can simply ride and enjoy it without the costs, compromises and headaches traditionally attached to chopper performance. In other words, it’s a chopper that’s 100 per cent Honda.

Styling

For cruisers and choppers, style is king. The focus of the VT1300CX is its raked-out chopper styling, incorporating a visual balance of positive and negative space between the airy front end and the more substantial engine and rear end. Its high-mount steering head gives the frame a see-through, open-air look with plenty of breathing room between the upper frame and the front cylinder head. Its long, slim fuel tank is perched up high, while its seat is ultra-low. The fat 200mm rear tyre is paired with a slim 90mm front wheel that’s wrapped in an attractively close-fitting fender. A striking visual impact is created by the multi-faceted nine-spoke front and seven-spoke rear wheel design.

The condensed, hard-tail look of the rear end is accentuated by the exaggerated rake and stretched wheelbase which stretches a full 1,805mm between axles, giving a soft ride as well as a characteristic look. Clean lines and curves in every part of the bike emphasise a Spartan return to basics. Equally important, a close-up inspection of the VT1300CX reveals an attention to detail which has been carried to the extreme. The prominent chrome headlight accentuates the frame and fork angles. Even the LED tail-light complements the shape of the rear fender, which also lacks visible fender stays – all for the purpose of giving the rear a simple and elegant shape. Smooth, clean lines also define the swingarm and the driveshaft on the left side. Clean-cut execution and careful crafting create a chopper with the distinct air of a full-on hand-built custom bike, but one that can be owned and maintained for a fraction of the cost.


Colouring Concept

The VT1300CX comes in two colours. A striking metallic blue provides an eye-catching option for this masterful V-twin, while the intense black accentuates its extravagant styling.

- Graphite Black
- Glint Blue Wave Metallic

Engine

The engine is the soul of the VT1300CX. Fire it up and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel flood the senses. Based on Honda’s proven and muscular VTX1300 motor, it is a 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a new Programmed Fuel Injection system. The engine is cooled by a compact radiator that’s neatly concealed between the frame’s downtubes. Maintaining the neat, uncluttered look, the top radiator hose is hidden away beneath the front head cover. A newly designed dual exhaust system and new camshafts add to the creation of an engine that produces hugely satisfying performance and awesome sound. Low fuel consumption (the VT1300CX delivers an impressive 20km per litre*) and a clean, reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive mean more time spent on the road and less in the garage. It’s all about the ride.


Chassis

The long, low VT1300CX chassis is lean and uncluttered. Within the all-new high-tensile steel frame, each separate element shares cascading effects with other interrelated parts, resulting in a fluidity of design that is remarkable even in the chopper field. The slim and voluptuously styled fuel tank is perfectly angled and balanced with the handlebar shape and size and the stout 45mm fork handles suspension duties with easy confidence. The distinctive alloy wheels have a single, powerful 336mm front disc brake complemented by a 296mm disc brake at the back. An advanced Combined Antilock Brake System is available as an option, providing the ultimate in secure and confident braking. This is the first time an ABS has been applied in our Custom category and it has been specially tailored to fit the minimalistic VT1300CX styling. Thus the system modulator has been placed low down under the swingarm and is invisible on the bike’s exterior. The sleek lines of what appears to be a rigid hard-tail rear end actually cloak an ingenious single-shock rear suspension system with an aluminium swingarm, adjustable rebound damping and 35-position spring preload adjustment. This combination provides riding comfort that’s far and above the norm for a chopper.

Optional Equipment

Honda considers the VT1300CX as a base for additional customising by owners who want to add an individual touch. A full line of accessories will be available from Honda Access upon its release. These include:

- A tubular chrome backrest and an optional stylish backrest pad for pillion comfort.
- A wide, low boulevard screen with attractive chrome stays for extra protection against the elements.
- A colour-matched front spoiler made from injection-moulded ABS material and styled for a sporty, custom appearance.
- A chrome-plated steel rear fender panel that completes the solo seat look.

Source: http://www.vandjsuperbikes.com/news.aspx?OBJ_ID=1891045

** NEW 2010 MODEL - KAWASAKI KLX125 & D-TRACKER 125 **

NEW MODELS 2010 - KAWASAKI KLX125 & D-TRACKER 125

Kawasaki have announced the launch of two new 125cc models to the UK for 2010. The fantastic younger brother of the KLX250, the new KLX125, and the new to the UK D-Trckaer 125. Both these funky new models are due to arrive early in 2010 but we are taking orders now. So if you have any questions about either of these models then please call our Kawasaki centre in Taunton on (01823) 272378 or read the Kawasaki press release below.



** NEW 2010 MODEL - KAWASAKI PRESS RELEASE **

Building on the widely acclaimed success of its expanding motorcycle range in the European market, Kawasaki have announced two brand new machines in the important 125cc sector for the 2010 season.


New smaller sibling to the already hugely successful KLX250, the dual purpose KLX125 features a fuel injected, electric start, air-cooled motor mounted in a lightweight, compact chassis.


With an off-road attitude and a slim profile, the KLX125, like its new entry level quarter litre stablemate, will appeal to a wide range of riders including those totally new to motorcycling.


For a dash of streetwise urban flair, the other new machine, the Super Moto styled D-TRACKER 125 has all the credentials to make it a sure fire hit with the next generation of riders. Digital instruments like those of the fashionable ER-6f, upside down front forks and ultra sticky race style super moto tyres only add to the impression of fun and good times. Already a cult in 250cc form in Japan, the 2010 season D-TRACKER 125 looks set to be one of the must see bikes at the upcoming NEC motorcycle show.


Commenting during the release of preliminary information on both new models, Kawasaki's UK Sales and Marketing Manager, Michael Johnstone said: "Our research with customers and dealers told us that widening of the Kawasaki range appeal with bikes such as the ER-6n and KLX250 have attracted new riders to the brand. Now we want to add to that and, just like the new "Get On" motorcycling campaign, we are focussing on attracting completely new people to life on two wheels. The KLX125 and D-TRACKER 125 will be perfect as first ever bikes and ideal as an introduction to motorcycling with Kawasaki."

Source: http://www.vandjsuperbikes.com/news.aspx?OBJ_ID=1891058

USA Cycling 2010 National Championship Calendar

By Mazzman - November 9, 2009 - 10:35

USA Cycling has just released its calendar for the 2010 National Championship events. The entire text is below, but here are the relevant points for mountain bikers:

The Mountain Bike National Championships will be held July 15-18 in Colorado, but a location has yet to be set.

The 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Big Bear June 12-13.

The Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships will be held July 4 in Breckenridge, Colorado, in conjunction with the Firecracker 50.

The full press release from USA Cycling is below the image.

Aaron Gwin on his way to winning the 2009 DH National Championships in SolVista, Colorado. Photo: Courtesy SolVista

USA Cycling announced today the dates and locations for the majority of its 2010 National Championship events. Next year, sixteen events will provide professional and amateur cyclists of all ages with opportunities to race for Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in five disciplines of competitive cycling. Of the fourteen events whose locations have been determined, nine are returning to their 2009 locations and five are headed to new host cities.

The nation’s BMX riders will be the first to compete for national titles in 2010. Slated for March 20, the USA Cycling BMX National Championships will return to the Metroplex BMX in Desoto, Texas where riders in both Challenge and Elite categories will compete for national titles in 20” and 24” Cruiser Class and Championship Class events.

The University of Wisconsin will play host to the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships as student-athletes contest the final race of their 2009/2010 season. After two years in Fort Collins, the event will move to the mid-west and see nearly 300 collegiate teams from around the nation duke it out for bragging rights in Divisions I and II on the roads of Madison, May 7-9.

In June, ultra-endurance off roaders will make their way to Davis, W. Va., where the USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Big Bear. Scheduled for June 12-13, the competition will award Stars-and-Stripes jerseys in nine individual or team categories.

For the second year in a row, many of the nation’s rising stars will converge on the cycling-friendly community of Bend, Ore. for the USA Cycling Junior, U23, and Elite Road National Championships. The five day event will take place June 22-27 and will award national titles in the road race, criterium, and time trial events. New to the program for 2010 will be the elite men’s and women’s criteriums, which in the past have been held in conjunction with the USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships.

Fourteen more national titles will be up for grabs on the Fourth of July as ultra-endurance riders celebrate our nation’s independence at the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships. The event returns to Breckenridge, Colo. for 2010 to be held in conjunction with the Firecracker 50.

Competition will continue to heat up in July as athletes between the ages of 10 and 18 will travel to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Trexlertown, Pa. for the USA Cycling Junior Track National Championships slated for July 8-11. The up-and-coming track cyclists will compete for national titles in several different events on the track, as well as for the overall omnium classifications.

Fat tire enthusiasts will head to a site yet be determined in the Rocky Mountains to battle it out on the dirt at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, July 15-18. The event will award national titles to pros and amateurs in several disciplines of off-road racing including cross country, downhill, short track cross country, four-cross, single speed, and super D.

Louisville, Ky. will once again play host to one of the largest events of the year, the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships. The event is scheduled for August 1-7 and 1,000 amateur cyclists are expected to compete for Stars-and Stripes jerseys in the road race, criterium, and time trial events.

Some of the world’s fastest cyclists will return to Downers Grove, Ill. on August 15 for the USA Cycling Professional Criterium Championships where one rider will be crowned national champion.
The Superdrome in Frisco, Texas will set the stage for amateur riders age 30 and over to duke it out for national titles at the USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships, September 1-5.

For the fifth year in a row, Greenville, S.C. will provide the backdrop for the USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships. Scheduled for September 18-19, the event will spotlight the top American road cyclists as they compete for national titles in the road race and time trial.

The USA Cycling Elite Track and International Omnium National Championships will be contested September 29 – October 3. The location for this event will be announced in coming weeks.

Also in September, collegiate cyclists from schools around the nation will kick off their 2010/2011 cycling season with the USA Cycling Collegiate Track National Championships at the Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis, Ind. The exact dates for this event will be announced shortly.

Student-athletes will meet again the following month for the second national championship event of their season – the USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships. Slated for October 14-17, the event will return to the Northstar at Tahoe Resort near Truckee, Calif. where coeds will fight for bragging rights in cross country, short track cross country, downhill, and four-cross contests.

December will bring an end to 2010 national championship competition as cyclo-cross racers return to Bend, Ore. for a second time. The USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships are scheduled for December 9-12.

All unconfirmed dates and locations will be announced as soon as they become available.

2010 USA Cycling National Championship Calendar
*All dates and locations subject to change

March 20: USA Cycling BMX National Championships - Desoto, Texas
May 7-9: USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships - Madison, Wis.
June 12-13: USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships – Davis, W. Va.
June 22-27: USA Cycling Elite, U23, and Junior Road National Championships – Bend, Ore.
July 15-18: USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships – TBA, Colo.
July 4: USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships - Breckenridge, Colo.
July 8-11: USA Cycling Junior Track National Championships – Trexlertown, Pa.
August 1-7: USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships – Louisville, Ky.
August 15: USA Cycling Professional Criterium Championships – Downers Grove, Ill.
September 1-5: USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships – Frisco, Texas
September 18-19: USA Cycling Professional Road & Time Trial National Championships – Greenville, S.C.
Sept. 29 – Oct. 3: USA Cycling Elite Track & International Omnium National Championships - TBA
September (TBA): USA Cycling Collegiate Track National Championships – Indianapolis, Ind.
October 14-17: USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships – Truckee, Calif.
December 9-12: USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships – Bend, Ore.
Date TBA: USA Cycling Track Tandem Sprint National Championships – Trexlertown, Pa.

Tags: 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships, Aaron Gwin, Firecracker 50, Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships, Mountain bike national championships, USA Cycling, USA Cycling National Championships

Industry News: Gracia Off Commencal; Starts Own Team

By Mazzman - November 8, 2009 - 20:11

Cedric Gracia, one of the most popular riders on the World Cup circuit, announced at the end of last week that he would no longer be racing for Commencal. Instead, he will start his own team, the CG Racing Brigade. Gracia has ridden for Commencal since Cannondale ended the Siemens/Cannondale DH race team after the 2005 season. His relationship with Max Commencal goes back even further, however. Commencal first sponsored a young Gracia as part of the legendary Sunn-Chippie team in the 90s.

Gracia, in a newsletter announcing the separation, did not give a reason why the sponsorship deal is ending. He said only, “I am going to make [a] private team next year…. It was the time for me to make a team to give as much back as I can to my direct sponsors.” Gracia, 31, has had long-time sponsorship deals with Oakley, SixSixOne, Marzocchi and many others.

In his decade-long career, Gracia has 26 World Cup and World Championship podiums in DH and 4X. Between 2002 and 2006 he finished in the top-10 overall World Cup rankings in DH and 4X every year. Injuries the past three years, however, have limited his World Cup racing.

Tags: cedric gracia, CG Racing Brigade, champery, Commencal, Downhill, mountain bike, Mountain Bike Racing, Oakley, race team, Sunn-Chippie, World Cup

Source: http://blogs.bikemag.com/news/industry-news-gracia-off-commencal-starts-own-team/

MOMO DESIGN DEVIL RACER GRAY MOTORCYCLE HELMET

Where technology meets design.The ultimate luxury in motorcycle helmet safety fashion.100% Handmade helmets manufactured in Italy.A perfect fit and unique style to fit your lifestyle.Made of high tech polycarbonate lexan® outer shell. Carbon fiber trim on optically correct polycarbonate visor.Ultra "stay cool" interior liner with Dupont Terinda hypoallergenic high tech fivers.Industry exclusive perforated stitching.Unique designs and colors to fit your lifestyles.Soft touch rubber feel finish.Ideal helmet for sport touring, cruising, and scooter riding.Low center of gravity for a perfectly balanced helmet.1 year warranty on finish/paint, 3 year warranty on shell components.
Devil-Helmet with detachable chin-guard. Quick buckle release. Technopolymer Shell – special rubberpaint in matt color. Vizormetalparts and attachments made out of stainless aluminium. Anti-Scratch-Vizor**. Easy fast closeable. Handsewn Leatherparts as well as antistatic inside cover “Deluxe” by Dupont
The vizors are in clear or smoked (optional extra) Inclusive Air-Ventilation-System. Handsewn leatherparts as well as antistatic inside cover “Deluxe” by Dupont! The helmet meets “E.22-05” homologation.
Helmet net weight is under 3 pounds (Not including box).

Source: motorcyclehelmets-jack.blogspot.com/2008/10/m...

Alan's 2009 BMW F800R Test Bike

Alan Dowds

I've downsized a little this year in terms of long term test bikes. Rather than go for some full-blown mega-power superbike, I've opted for something a little less frantic. Since the majority of my riding time is spent in and around London, I've borrowed BMW's new lightweight naked roadster, the F800R. I picked it up from Vines in Guildford in early May, and it's been painlessly carting me about with zero effort since.
There's a gallery of images here too.

Source: www.superbike.co.uk/bikes/current/BMW_F800R_test_bike_review_news_282371.html

Bridgestone quit F1...in 2010

Bridgestone has announced it will quit the F1 charade, sorry, circus, sorry, championship at

the end of 2010. Will MotoGP be next? ... Scroll down for the full story

Ooooh, the pips must be squeaking in motorsport (as well as bikesport) with news that Japanese super-corporation (is it a zaibatsu?) will pull out of F1 racing at the end of next season.

Bridgestone Motorsport director Hiroshi Yasukawa said in a statement: "The decision made by the board of directors comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards further intensive development of innovative technologies." Uh-huh. What this presumably means is that Bridgestone has finally realised its costing it millions of Yen for no appreciable increase in tyre sales and that the brand awareness has peaked. Plus, they're probably embarrassed by Max Moseley's bedroom antics as well as Lil' Bernie's megalomania.

Bridgestone had been in F1 since 1997 and had been the sole supplier since the beginning of the 2007 season when Michelin pulled out, making the F1 championship a single-make tyre series.

Bridgestone's contract to supply tyres to the MotoGP grid runs out at the end of 2011, but it would be interesting to know the difference in the cost of supplying F1 compared to MotoGP. We reckon that it's a bit cheaper to work with the bikes – there's only two tyres for a start...

Source: http://www.superbike.co.uk