Motorcycle

Steve McQueen's Husqvarna Motorcycle Up for Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, The Classicist

The Husqvarna 400CR motorcycle pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in August 1971 ridden by Steve McQueen, aka The King of Cool, will be auctioned off on May 14 at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California during Bonhams' sale of Exceptional Motorcycles & Related Memorabilia. McQueen's favorite motorcycle for a number of years, which he rode at the Elsinore Grand Prix among other events, it's sure to fetch a significant amount. The bike is featured prominently in the cool new edition of McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon from Motorbooks.

The Husqvarna was originally purchased from the Steve McQueen Estate Sale in 1984 at Harrah's Auto Collection in Las Vegas. In addition to being impeccably restored and fully documented it comes with a wooden trunk marked "Husky" full of accessories. More McQueen ephemera will be offered at the sale including numerous racing trophies won by the legend of the silver screen and die-hard motorbike enthusiast. As we reported on March 10, McQueen's 1970 Porsche 911 is also headed for auction this summer.

Gallery: Steve McQueen's Husqvarna Motorbike

Tags: 1970s, actor, Bonhams, California, celebrity cars, Hollywood, Husqvarna, motorbike, motorcycle, Porsche, Steve McQueen

Harley Davidson x Bell & Ross Bespoke Superbike

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Harley Davidson x Bell & Ross Bespoke Superbike

Bell & Ross watches and the UK's leading Harley-Davidson customizer have teamed up on a bespoke superbike inspired by Bell & Ross' beautiful timepieces. The Nascafe Racer modified by Shaw Harley-Davidson applies Bell & Ross' principles of impeccable performance, precision and engineering. The way that the master watchmakers develop and assemble their timepieces was reflected by the Shaw Harley-Davidson master technicians when building the bike, which is based on the "long, low and naked" Harley-Davidson FXSTB Softail Nightrain.

To begin with the motorcycle was totally stripped down to every last nut and bolt. The Shaw Speed and Custom team then mounted a Bell & Ross BR 01 Carbon timepiece in a handcrafted center console using a machined section of aluminum. A combination of anodized blue, carbon and stealth-like matte black custom paint was then used on the bike to reflect the watch's design, along with Bell & Ross logo detailing. The compelling creation was unveiled at the London International Custom Bike Show.

[TimeZone via LuxuryLaunches]

Tags: Bell Ross, Bell and Ross, bell+and+ross+harley, bellandrossharley, custom motorcyles, harley+davidson, Harley-Davidson, harleydavidson, motorbike, motorcycle, superbike, timepieces, UK, watches

Ducatis and Nudes Make for High-Octane Art

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Art

Ducatis and Nudes Make for High-Octane Art

Superbikes meet supermodels sans clothes in Ducati's new high-octane art project. The famed Italian motorcycle firm commissioned photographer Elizabeth Raab to create images of eye-popping nude female forms astride their meanest machines. Dubbed "Desmo" the collection presents 16 unique photographs in which "the artist has approached and juxtaposed the abstract qualities of the organic and mechanical forms, highlighting both the complexity in design and the emotion of iconic Ducati motorcycles", including the Desmosedici (above) and the Monster.

The sexy shots "explore the multiple relationships between the designed and the natural – the lines of the mechanical body reflecting the lines of the organic form it was designed after." Just in case you thought it was merely an excuse to ogle the world's finest flesh and metal, that is. Numbered, limited edition fine art prints are available to order exclusively from www.ducatiart.com in various sizes; the largest version of the one above will run you about $550. The project was produced under the auspices of the Ducati Official Art Collection, an artistic venture between Ducati and lifestyle art brand Cultwork.

Gallery: "Desmo" by Elizabeth Raab for Ducati

Tags: art, Ducati, Ducati Monster, Italy, motorcycle, nude, photographs, photography, superbike, supermodels

The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Two icons of authentic sporting style come together in classic British outerwear brand Barbour's cool new limited edition collection designed in homage to the great Steve McQueen, set to launch this fall. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of their iconic International clothing range, which the King of Cool wore while motorcycle racing in the 1960s, the capsule collection of 19 pieces features several new jackets, shirts and sweaters inspired by archival photos of the actor racing motorbikes and driving his collection of classic sports cars. McQueen first donned a Barbour International jacket when he represented the United States team in the 1964 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) motorcycle race in East Germany. The ISDT (now known as the International Six Days Enduro), one of the most challenging moto racing events in the world, requires each rider to cover 200 miles a day over hellish terrain.

Prior to the event in '64 Steve McQueen and other members of U.S. team stopped off in London and bought six-pocket Barbour Internationals, derived from a one-piece racing suit first offered by the firm in 1936, as a defence against the vagaries of European weather. McQueen quickly became enamored of the International's weather-defying qualities and rugged utility, wearing it in several grueling moto races over the years. Classic images of McQueen in his Barbour grace the linings of the jackets in the new collection. Standout pieces include the Penton (above, $799) and Baker ($599) waxed cotton jackets featuring stars and stripes linings and U.S. flags on the left chest, faithfully recreating the jacket that McQueen wore in the '64 ISDT. Two other wax cotton jackets, the Trophy ($429) and the Greenham ($399), reflect McQueen's effortless style on and off the racecourse. [cont'd]

Gallery: Barbour Steve McQueen Collection

Tags: apparel, Barbour, Barbour International, celebrity, ISDT, jacket, London, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, racing, Steve McQueen, UK

Continue reading “The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection”

Ltd. Edition TAG Heuer Steve McQueen Motorcycle Helmet

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

In November 2009 my colleague Jeremy Korzeniewski wrote about Triumph and TAG Heuer joining forces to create a one-of-a-kind Bonneville Heuer motorcycle inspired by Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917 that the famous actor, racecar driver and motorcycle rider piloted in the classic film Le Mans. Unfortunately the super-cool bike was never offered for sale. Now however TAG Heuer has come out with a limited edition motorcycle helmet also inspired by the King of Cool, who wore a Heuer Monaco watch in the film. The retro-styled fiberglass helmet, which features a racing stripe matching the colors on McQueen's driving gear, vintage Heuer logo, steel hardware and leather trim, is priced at about $650.

Tags: motorcycle, motorcycle helmet, Steve McQueen, TAG Heuer, Triumph, watches

MV Agusta F3 Takes it Down a Notch

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

MV Augusta has launched the F3, a supersport model that makes a beautiful step on the way to the top of the mountain known as the MV Agusta F4. The middleweight F3 takes the styling from its bigger sister, with aluminum side plates hung on steel tubing, and a long, single-sided swingarm out back. A Marzocchi fork handles the tracking up front, Sachs does duty in the rear, and Brembo attends to braking matters.

Lurking within is a 675 cc three-cylinder reminiscent of the motor that powered racing legend Giovanni Agostini on bikes provided by Count Domenico Agusta's company. The Italian maker calls it "the most compact, incredible short and narrow engine ever seen in this category." So there. A dedicated electronics system includes a Ride-by-Wire throttle that alters power output to match the riding conditions, aided by traction control to help keep things upright. MV Agusta intends this to "mark the beginning of a new era." If nothing else, it will look good doing whatever it does.

Gallery: MV Agusta F3

Source

Tags: f3, motorcycle, mv agusta, mv agusta f3

McQueen Motos & Memorabilia in Bonhams California Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

An impressive collection of Steve McQueen memorabilia including two classic Harley Davidson sidecars used in his famed 1963 flick The Great Escape (above) are being offered for sale Bonhams & Butterfields' Classic California Auction on November 13th at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The items come from the collection of McQueen's good friend, racer, stuntman and Triumph dealer Bud Ekins. The Harley sidecars date from 1936 and were used in the movie set during World War II, in which Ekins, acting as McQueen's stunt double, made the famous motorcycle jump over the wire fence.

The Harleys were disguised as German motorcycles and the sidecars were made to appear as Steib sidecars in the film. Later they were repainted for use in Badge of Courage, Steven Spielberg's 1941 and numerous other war films, and are estimated to fetch $6,000 – $8,000. Also included in the sale are a five page handwritten letter from McQueen to Ekins, estimated at $1,000 – $1,500; and assorted McQueen related memorabilia, including press clippings, four books, rare photographs and two copies of Life magazine, estimated at only $300 – $400; plus several vintage Triumphs, Harleys and more from Ekins' amazing collection. Check out the gallery for pix.

Gallery: Steve McQueen at Bonhams & Butterfields

[via JamesList]

Tags: auction, Bonhams, California, celebrity, Harley Davidson, Los Angeles, motorcycle, movies, Steve McQueen, Triumph

BMW Shows Concept C Super Scooter

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

BMW, known for the finest premium performance sedans in the world and motorcycles for "Men in Suits," is expanding its motorized offerings to include big commuter scooters.

Called Concept C for now, BMW Motorcycles is not releasing your average delivery person's Vespa

Known as "maxi scooters," BMW says it will soon enter the market with two gas-powered versions, with an electric version in the works.

BMW hasn't said how big an engine the Concept C uses, except to say it is a new inline two-cylinder powerplant with a continuously variable transmission. BMW says power and torque figures will be in the top range of the large scooter segment.
The Concept C, which stands for "Commuter," uses a number of design features found on other BMW motorcycles. The front uses the "split-face" design found on models such as the S1000RR which also inspired the Concept C's twin-tipped front spoiler. The bash plates and air intakes were taken from BMW's GS line.

BMW has long been known for "sport bikes. It marketed a cruiser bike for a time to compete against the likes of Harley Davidson, but it left the market when it didn't catch on. In Europe, it is not uncommon to find business professionals commuting to work in a BMW motorcycle, often outfitted with a plexi-glass surround for rain protection.

Urban commuting in Europe and prospering Asian cities is a major focus of automakers as demands for small vehicles and electric vehicles grows with policies meant to reduce carbon emissions and vehicle over-crowding in city centers. Besides Concept C, BMW is also developing a small front-wheel drive city car that is expected to compete against vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz's smart.

Gallery: BMW Concept C

Tags: BMW, BMW Concept C, commuter scooter, motorcycle, motorcycles, scoooter, scooters

Ducati Presents the All-New Diavel Sport-Cruiser

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Used to be if you wanted a cruiser, there was only one place to turn: Harley-Davidson. Maybe Triumph, if you were a bit of an Anglophile. Then Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Kawasaki got into the game with cruisers of their own. It wasn't long before BMW joined in with the R1200C. Now Ducati has entered the fray with the new Diavel.

Anticipated for some time now, the Diavel packs 162 horsepower into a 456 lb package with some of the most wicked styling this side of a Harley V-Rod. But that's not the end of it, as Ducati has packed the Diavel full of all the latest technology from the electronic throttle, traction control and ABS brakes to the keyless ignition and auto-dimming tank-mounted display. Of course this much machine will cost you, and cost you plenty: $17k for the base model, and nearly $20k for the even lighter Carbon model to follow.

Source

Tags: cruiser, diavel, ducati, ducati diavel, motorcycle

The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

This season Argentina-based design house Etiqueta Negra, known for its modern take on masculine, equestrian and sporting style, is launching a new men´s collection inspired by one of our favorite things: classic cars. The company's Classic Cars Collection features casual wear such as sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, down vests and leather jackets characterized by clean lines and neutral colors - black, white and dark gray - with a touch of yellow in the detailing designed to evoke traditional motor racing livery. The sporty and sleek pieces range in price from $40 to $1,200 for a leather motorcycle jacket.

"I've had a passion for automobiles since I was a child and am an avid car collector," explains the label's founder Federico Alvarez Castillo. "This appreciation for beautiful cars has played a central role in the design and aesthetic of Etiqueta Negra as a brand from its inception. It was only appropriate to integrate the vehicles into the design of the clothes." Etiqueta Negra, which means "Black Label", is committed to impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics, from Pima cotton to fine denim, cashmere and merino.

They also offer a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for them by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear begin at $2,500 a pair. Etiqueta Negra also sponsors a polo team in Argentina called Ellerstina, ranked as one of the country's best, which serves as the mascot for its Polo Team Collection comprised of chic sporting classics. Both collections are now available in the company's stores, including the recently opened New York outpost. The stylish spaces (above) are decorated with vintage leather luggage, racing helmets and handmade riding boots set against a background of dark wood paneling, iron beams, black and white photography and vintage-inspired industrial lighting.

Gallery: Etiqueta Negra Classic Cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Argentina, car, classic cars, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, Ferrari, horses, leather, luggage, Maserati, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, New York, polo, Prince Charles, Sienna Miller, sporting

Continue reading “The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection”

Yamaha VMax by Hermes

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, Yamaha didn't have to do much to the VMax to make us want it any more than we already do. But then they went ahead and created this beauty.

The result of a collaboration between Yamaha and Hermès, this one-of-a-kind VMax has been decked out in the finest buffalo skin, covering everything from head lamp to tail pipe. Unveiled at a motorcycle exposition in Germany, it's not the first time the two powerhouses have collaborated, Hermès having similarly decked out a Virago cruiser back some fifteen years ago. But it sure is the most awesome.

Gallery: Yamaha Vmax by Hermes

Tags: hermès, hermes, motorbike, motorcycle, yamaha, yamaha vmax, yamaha vmax by hermes

Keira Knightley Straddles a Classic Ducati for Chanel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos

Gorgeous British actress Keira Knightley is starring in a sexy new ad campaign for famed French fashion house Chanel shot in Paris the other day. Knightley, clad in a skintight, full-length bespoke beige leather bodysuit specially designed for her by Karl Lagerfeld, sat astride a classic 1970s Ducati Super Sport painted to match. She also wore a custom helmet from Les Ateliers Ruby, the French luxury brand which collaborated with Lagerfeld on a series of haute couture motorcycle helmets for Chanel a few seasons back. Of course, Knightley also sported a bespoke pair of riding boots and gloves to match, the whole a nod to Emma Peel of Avengers fame. The ad campaign was shot at Paris' famed Place de la Concorde, stopping traffic in the process.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: actress, ad campaign, celebrity, Chanel, Ducati, fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, Keira Knightley, Les Ateliers Ruby, motorcycle, Paris

Ducati Unveils 2011 848 EVO, Claims Most Power in Class

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

2011 Ducati 848 EVO – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ducati has managed to refine its already formidable middleweight sportbike for 2011 by adding more power via all new cylinder heads, pistons, throttle bodies and camshafts. According to the Italian manufacturer, horsepower is up six ponies to 140, which, when coupled with the 369 claimed weight, means the new 848 EVO is the most powerful bike in its class and even has a better power-to-weight ratio than the 2005 999.

Other top-level components include the massive Brembo Monobloc front braking calipers and a cross-mounted steering stabilizer, both of which are said to have been developed through racing feedback. The bike should get its official unveiling this weekend from the MotoGP race in California and sales are slated to begin later this summer. Asking price stands at $12,995 for the blacked-out Dark Edition or $13,995 in bright Ducati Red.

Gallery: 2011 Ducati 848 EVO

[Source: Ducati]

Tags: 2011 ducati 848, 2011 ducati 848 evo, 848, 848 evo, ducati, ducati 848, ducati 848 evo, ducati 848 special edition, motorcycle

Continue reading “Ducati Unveils 2011 848 EVO, Claims Most Power in Class”

Leaked Sketch Shows Plans For Power Cruiser From Ducati

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Ducati Power Cruiser sketch – Click above to enlarge

Ducati, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for producing some of the highest performing race-bred motorcycles in existence, is apparently looking to branch into new and untapped markets. Evidence of such can be seen in the sketch above, which is said to have been leaked by a dealership that was privy to the company's future plans.

It's expected that Ducati will introduce the world to its power cruiser concept at the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy later this year, but the image above gives us some hints as to what we can expect. First and foremost, a liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine with the Multistrada 1200's 11-degree valve overlap angle will be featured. The mill should pump out 150 or more horsepower and will be controlled by a ride-by-wire system with traction control.

Perhaps the most controversial feature amongst Ducati fans is sure to be the massive rear tire, which is held firmly in place by a single-sided swingarm. Spy shots indicate that the rear hoop may be as wide as a 240, which will certainly have negative effects on the bike's handling characteristics. In contrast, inverted front forks and monobloc calipers are up-level items included up front.

As always, Ducati will use its trademark trellis chassis, and the power cruiser will reportedly sport a reasonable 40-degree lean angle. Stay tuned for more as the EICMA Show gets closer.

[Source: Ducati.ms via Asphalt & Rubber]

Tags: ducati, ducati power cruiser, ducati project 0803, eicma, eicma 2010, motorcycle, motorcycles, power cruiser

Icon Sheene, World's Most Expensive & Powerful Motorbike

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

At the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed Andrew Morris just debuted the Icon Sheene, the world's most expensive and powerful production motorcycle designed to leave Ducatis in the dust. More than a superbike, the $160,000 machine is an "ultrabike" according to Morris, who designed it in homage to the late Barry Sheene, the British Grand Prix motorcycle world champion. Only 52 examples will be built for collectors worldwide, and each model will be hand-painted with a different playing card done by Mike Fairholme, the artist who decorated Sheene's helmets. Each bike will also be tailored to the purchaser's individual requirements and there will be "fittings" prior to delivery in the style of a bespoke suit. The 250 hp, turbocharged 1400cc Icon Sheene took five years to develop and is capable of a neck-snapping 200 mph.

Tags: Icon Sheene, motorcycle, superbike, UK