Motorcycles

The Bugatti of Motorbikes: Mansory Zapico Custom Carbon Fiber

Here at Luxist we frequently feature the outrageously modified supercars from Mansory, including everything from tricked out Bugatti Veyrons to a Pepto Bismol pink Bentley. Now the German exotic auto tuner has turned their attention to a motorcycle, and of course it's anything but by the book. The Mansory Zapico superbike is a carbon fiber monster developed in collaboration with German motorbike customizer Thomas M. George. It features a 124 cubic inch V2 engine made by America's S&S capable of 160 hp and can do 0 – 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Most components are custom made by the Mansory factory in the Bavarian town of Brand, and of course the leather saddle is as luxurious as the upholstery in any of Mansory's supercar creations. They haven't revealed the price but "bankrupting" probably comes close.

Tags: auto tuners, carbon fiber, custom motorcycle, Germany, Mansory, motorcycles

Duncan Quinn's Stylish Den of Iniquity at Art Basel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Events, Art, Men's Style, Luxury Shopping

Dashing designer Duncan Quinn, known for his roguish take on Savile Row style, is giving Miami's Art Basel a glamour injection courtesy of an ultra-cool pop-up boutique (above) opening today. Following the success of his lavish space at last year's festival complete with an indoor croquet pitch, this year's digs in the Design District's Moore Building are a veritable dandy's den of stylish iniquity, complete with a full-fledged casino, vintage sports cars, cocktails, a screening room showing classic Michael Caine films, and of course plenty of razor sharp threads.

Designed with a Casino Royale theme that would make James Bond himself hot under the collar, guests can take advantage of a bespoke lounge with Dormeuil fabrics, an installation of Ruby couture motorcycle helmets from France, cocktails from the mixologists at the Florida Room, and several limited edition items including the new line of Duncan Quinn sunglasses, polo shirts, jackets and more. Classic cars and motorbikes on display in the space include a 1954 Jaguar XK120, vintage Ducatis and Triumphs and Dime City Cycles' "Brass Café" Racer.

Gallery: Duncan Quinn Miami 2010

Tags: Art Basel, bespoke, boutique, Duncan Quinn, Jaguar, James Bond, mens style, Miami, Michael Caine, motorcycles, pop-up store, Savile Row

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

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

Luxist Attends the BMW Performance Center Motorcycle School

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos

BMW invited Luxist to its Performance Center in Spartanburg for some lessons on how to ride and how to drive. The idea was that we would hone a few things we did know and learn a few things we didn't, guided by some of the best instructors and piloting some of the best machinery in the business. The first day we tackled -- sometimes literally -- motorcycles. It was a cool, rainy morning in Greenville, South Carolina when we straddled the BMW F 650 GS for an education in 2-wheeled manners. It would also turn out to be a wet, muddy, and thoroughly rewarding workout.

Gallery: BMW Performance Center Motorcycle School

Gallery: BMW R 1200 GS

Gallery: BMW F 650 GS

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Tags: bmw motorcycle, bmw motorrad, bmw performance center, BmwMotorcycle, BmwMotorrad, BmwPerformanceCenter, motorcycles, motorrad, wheels

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C.A.O. Cigars to Give Away Motorcycle

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

Cigar company C.A.O. International is partnering with custom motorcycle builder Sucker Punch Sally's to put a lucky cigar smoker on the back of a new bike. The ride, which hasn't been created yet, will be inspired by C.A.O. cigars and should be a dream for anyone with a passion for sticks and speed. The design reaches back to the 1950s, with a minimalist approach and a shortened rear fender – from which the appellation "bobber" is derived.

So, which cigar inspired what will undoubtedly be a monument to manliness and power?

The C.A.O. America cigar is the culprit. It's a full-bodied smoke that is best consumed after you've had a meal (even if you normally enjoy heavier cigars. It's made in Honduras with two wrapper leaves: one's Connecticut shade, and the other is a chocolate brown broadleaf.

Before a lucky winner receives the motorcycle, it will be taken around the United States – to both bike rallies and cigar shops. If you're in Henderson, Nevada on June 4, look for it at the Tobacco Leaf. Finally, next spring, the bike will be given to a randomly selected winner at a party to be held at C.A.O. headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Tags: cigar, cigars, cigarshop, henderson, motorcycle, motorcycles, nashville, nashville tennessee, NashvilleTennesee, NashvilleTennessee, nevada, smoke, smoker, smokers, smoking, tennessee, tobacco

Vintage Motorcycles to be Showcased at Pebble Beach for the First Time

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events, The Classicist

The annual Legend of the Motorcycle concours may have been canceled for 2009, but classic two-wheel motor aficionados have good cause to take heart as the organizers of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance have announced that, for the first time in the event's history – now spanning nearly six decades – classic motorbikes will be included.

Citing an increased enthusiasm for vintage motorcycles and the important role they played in the development of the automobile, organizers of the annual event, considered one of the most prestigious in America, have opened this summer's event for British motorbikes produced before 1959. Show-goers can expect to see a wide array of Triumphs, Nortons, Vincents and more, including the example pictured above on which legendary rider Rollie Free set the land speed record at the Bonneville salt flats in 1948, clocking in at 150 mph wearing nothing more than a bathing suit, swim cap and sneakers.

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Tags: ariel, bathing suit bike, BathingSuitBike, brough superior, BroughSuperior, bsa, classic motorbikes, classic motorcycles, ClassicMotorbikes, ClassicMotorcycles, gunga din, GungaDin, monterey, motorbikes, motorbikes monterey, motorbikes pebble beach, MotorbikesMonterey, MotorbikesPebbleBeach, motorcycles, motorcycles monterey, motorcycles pebble beach, MotorcyclesMonterey, MotorcyclesPebbleBeach, norton, pebble beach, PebbleBeach, triumph, velocette, vincent, vintage motorbikes, vintage motorcycles, VintageMotorbikes, VintageMotorcycles

Two New Watches from Ducati

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces / Watches, Sports

Ducati has unveiled two new watches for Spring 2009, a new version of the Ducati One, which we first covered last fall, and the Ducati Corse (after the jump).

The Swiss-made Performance Time Ducati watches are made with sapphire glass, plus technologically advanced cases and watchstrap materials that include steel and titanium. In case watches and motorcycles aren't your only hobbies, the watches are guaranteed waterproof up to a pressure of 10 atmospheres.

The $2,500 Ducati One evokes Italian-made motorcycle images like tire treads, wheels, and the elegant Ducati dashboard. It's made with black diamonds on the bezel and a crocodile strap.

Tags: ducati, motorcycles, timepieces, watches

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Ducati Motorcyles - In Person

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

Those images they publish of motorcycles are so shiny and perfect. Here's a look at the way the bikes really appear in person (shiny and perfect).

These photos were taken at the Ducati New Year event on January 15, 2009. The event included a fashion show, boxing, and the unveiling of the new Ducati Streetfighter (pictured here on the loading dock before the show)!

For a closer look at the Streetfighter and a whole bunch of other great Ducati bikes, have a pass through this gallery:

Gallery: Ducati Motorcycles

Tags: bikes, ducati, events, motorcycles, racing, streetfighter

New Ducati Watches from Binda

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Ducati and Swiss watchmaker Binda have released two new timepieces stemming from their collaboration that my colleague Deidre Woollard first wrote about last summer.

Styling of the Ducati One (right) is strongly influenced by the iconic Italian-made motorcycles, with several design characteristics reflecting engine and construction details, down to the tire tread strap.

The name of the second model, Desmo, is derived from the Desmodromic control system featured in all Ducati motorcycles. The steel and titanium chronograph, influenced by racing bikes, is water-resistant.

[via Motorbiker.org]

Tags: Binda, Ducati, Motorcycles

85 Years of BMW Motorcycles

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

All connoisseurs of beautiful design and objects, be they motorcycle enthusiasts or not, will appreciate The Art of BMW: 85 Years of Motorcycling Excellence, just out from Motorbooks. There over 100 of them in the stunning volume, as lovingly photographed as any assemblage of supermodels by Henry Von Wartenberg. Though the book covers the whole of the marque's illustrious history - all 85 years - author Peter Gantriis focuses on BMW's incredibly gorgeous pre-World War II models, many from the incomparable Peter Nettesheim Collection, such as the awesome R32 from 1925 (above). These are bikes of almost sculptural beauty - but don't take our word for it, see for yourself in the gallery.

Gallery: The Art of BMW Bikes

Tags: BMW, BMW Motorcycles, BmwMotorcycles, Motorcycles

Prince Harry Prepares For South Africa Motorcycle Trip

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping, Charity

Prince Harry is one step closer to the motorcycle tour of Africa that he and his brother Prince William are planning; he has gotten his motor cycle license. He reportedly borrowed Prince William's Honda Blackbird to complete the test.

The brothers will make a 1,000-mile journey through South Africa and Lesotho similar to the trip by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, in their television series Long Way Down. The off-road adventure will take one week and will raise money for orphans and victims of AIDS. The route and travel dates are being kept secret to protect the young princes.

Gallery: Celebrity Motorcycle Riders

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Tags: motorcycles, prince harry, prince william, PrinceHarry, PrinceWilliam

Bonhams' $2 Million Motorcycle Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

On Monday, Bonhams will auction off an astounding collection of vintage motorcycles worth $2 million at the Royal Air Force Museum in London. The sale represents the largest single-owner collection of motorbikes ever to come to auction; all 300 machines are from the Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum in Austria. Our favorite lots are two wicked - and wickedly fast - British-made Vincents: the 1955 998cc Black Prince, pictured here, est. $56,000 - $64,000; and a 1952 998cc Black Shadow, the fastest road-going vehicle of its time, est. $44,000 - $56,000.

Also included in the historic sale: a 1935 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp, ak.a. the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" as driven by T. E. Lawrence (the famous Lawrence of Arabia), est. $50,000 - $60,000; a 1927 BMW 500cc R47, est. $36,000 - $44,000; a 1937 Ariel 995cc Square Four Model 4G, est. $20,000 - $24,000; as well as many other examples by Harley Davidson, Ducati, Triumph and more.

Gallery: Bonhams Motorbikes

1980 Ducati 864cc 'Mike Hailwood Replica'

Tags: Austria, BMW, Bonhams, Ducati, London, Motorcycles, Triumph, Vincent motorcycles, VincentMotorcycles

Limited Editon Motorcycle for NASCAR's 60th

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

NASCAR fans this one's for you! In celebration of NASCAR's 60th birthday a limited edition of 60 motorcycles, specially created to reflect the spirit of NASCAR racing in both design and speed, will be available for purchase first to NASCAR insiders and then to the public. Each bike in the series will be numbered 1-60 and will come with a specially commissioned painting by NASCAR artist Sam Bass. The limited number of motorcycles available to the public will go on sale May 28th, while the 60th model will be designated for a charity auction this summer.

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Tags: Harley, harley davidson, harley-davidson, harley-davidson hog, Harley-davidsonHog, HarleyDavidson, motorcycle, motorcycles, NASCAR, wheels

MV Agusta Limited Edition Hydrogen and Wally Bikes

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It's always interesting when companies collaborate, and it's no different in the case of Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta joining forces with both the clothing manufacturer Hydrogen and the luxury boat company Wally. The resulting limited edition bikes are spin-offs of MV Agusta's Brutale 910 and are appropriately called the Hydrogen Brutale 910 R and the Wally Brutale 910 R. Each of the bike designs are unique while still maintaining the lines and beauty that make the Brutale the bike that it is. Only 100 of each model will be produced.

Gallery: The Hydrogen Brutale 910 R