motorcycle

Graham-London Chronofighter Oversize Tourist Trophy Bi-Compax Chronograph

Swiss-Anglo watchmaker Graham-London is returning to the Isle of Man as the official timekeeper of the Tourist Trophy. Known to motorcycle racing enthusiasts the world over, the TT is one of the most iconic motorbike races in the world, taking place on the independent British isle at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

To commemorate this year's running, Graham-London has released a limited run of special-edition Chronofighter timepieces. Each packs a Calibre G1734 automatic movement with built-in shock absorption into a giant 47-mm PVD-coated stainless steel case, a galvanized dial featuring a 30-minute stopwatch counter styled after a 30-mph speed limit road sign, with the second dial bearing the Triskelion, the Manx coat of arms. It also features a domed, double-anti-reflective sapphire crystal, date indicator, non-slip guard and the fast-action actuator. Only 211 examples will be made, 18 of which will be awarded to the race winners in each of the categories.

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Tags: graham, Graham-London, isle of man, isle of man tourist trophy, isle of man tt, man, mann, motorbike, motorbike race, motorbike racing, motorcycle, motorcycle race, motorcycle racing, tourist trophy, tt

NCR Millona NCR Takes the Desmosedici to New Heights

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

NCR Millona 16 – Click above for high-res image gallery

You might think that the Ducati Desmosedici RR, the Italian firm's limited production MotoGP motorcycle for the street, is plenty good enough in stock form. And you'd mostly be correct, but then again there's always room for improvement, right?

Enter legendary motorcycle tuner NCR, which has taken the standard (is there really such a thing?) Desmosedici and turned it into what may be the most desirable sportbike on the planet. To do so, the company employed lots of carbon fiber. The composite material makes up everything from the frame, rear subframe, swingarm, fuel tanks, fairings and wheels to items such as the paddock stand.

A minimalist undertail exhaust system is bent from lightweight titanium, and NCR completes the package with a racing slipper clutch, lightened gearbox, ceramic matrix disc brakes with Brembo monobloc caliper, fully adjustable top-shelf Ohlins suspension front and rear and finally a fully custom ECU with traction control, data acquisition and telemetry systems.

All told, the NCR Millano 16 weights just 319 pounds and is motivated by over 200 horsepower at the rear wheel. Contact NCR for pricing information, if you want one. And, you do want one... trust us.

Gallery: NCR Millona 16

[Source: NCR]

Tags: Desmosedici, Desmosedici RR, Desmosedici-RR, ducati, ducati desmosedici rr, millona 16, motorcycle, ncr, ncr m16, ncr millona 16

Ducati Desmosedici RR2 Supercar Concept

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

From time to time we've brought you news of efforts to make a Ferrari superbike; now Ducati is turning the tables with a supercar concept. The vision of young designer Anthony Collard, the Desmosedici RR²concept is a carbon fiber-bodied two-seater made mostly from motorcycle parts. A spyder which can be converted into a coupe via a removable polycarbonate roof, it's designed to be powered by a V8 based on two Ducati L4 Desmosedici engines kicking out about 420 hp. Collard's goal is to deliver a driving experience as similar as possible to actually piloting a superbike, with style to spare befitting a vehicle bearing the famed Ducati name. Some of the mechanical parts are left visible to enhance the effect, with a narrow front and open back to display the Italian-made Marchesini superbike wheels. The engine is situated in a central front position just behind the front wheel axis, similar to that of the Mercedes SLR McLaren. We think it definitely has potential.

[via JamesList]

Tags: carbon fiber, concept car, Ducati, Ferrari, motorcycle, superbike, supercar

2011 Triumph Sprint GT Favors the Touring Side of Sport Touring

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

2011 Triumph Sprint GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

Triumph has updated its Sprint sport touring platform for the 2011 model year, and the bike seems to favor the touring side of the sport touring relationship a little more heavily than before. The 1050cc inline-triple powerplant puts out five more horsepower than before, now totaling 130 horses. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, 8.2-gallon saddlebags and a 12-volt power port. Heated grips, a taller windscreen, gel seats and a large top case for additional storage are available and desirable options.

The 2011 bike will be recognizable due to its smoother fairing, new lighting up front and the single low-mount exhaust that replaces the previous underseat system. The 2011 Triumph Sprint will carry a $13,199 starting price when it hits dealerships this fall. Check it out for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Triumph Sprint GT

[Source: Triumph]

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Tags: 2011 triumph sprint, 2011 triumph sprint gt, 2011TriumphSprint, 2011TriumphSprintGt, motorcycle, sport tourer, sport touring, SportTourer, SportTouring, triumph, triumph sprint, triumph sprint gt, TriumphSprint, TriumphSprintGt

Devon Edge Sport Bike by Shinya Kamura

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you liked the Devon GTX supercar and the Tread 1 timepiece that followed, you'll want to have a look at the latest project from Devon Works. Called the Edge, it's a one-of-a-kind custom sportbike crafted for Devon by Japanese chopper shogun Shinya Kamura. The bike, which appears to be based on a Ducati 1098/1198 frame, will be unveiled this weekend at the Quail Lodge Motorcycle Gathering, but Devon's given us this sneak preview ahead of time. After the show, the Edge will be displayed at Devon's Beverly Hills boutique where this solitary example will be available for purchase for $200,000.

Gallery: Devon Edge by Shinya Kamura

Tags: devon, devon edge, devon edge by shinya kamura, devon motor works, devon works, motorcycle, shinya kamura, sport bike

The Brough Superior, the Steed that Helped Liberate Arabia, Rides Again

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Wealthy romantics rejoice: the Brough Superior is back. If that name doesn't mean anything to you, how about this one: T. E. Lawrence, more exotically referred to as Lawrence of Arabia. The Brough Superior motorcycle, manufactured between 1919 and 1940, were so cherished by him that he owned eight, and died on that last one. At the time they cost around £150 when new, which was supposedly more than a house. They lasted about as long as well: 3,000 were made, 1,000 of them are still running.

Those thousand are about to have company, since the company has been bought and restarted production on the original Brough Superior. The new, handmade-in-England Superiors and exact replicas of those first Superiors, down to the 60-cubic-inch V-twin engine, lack of electronics, 55 miles per gallon, and 100-mile-per-hour top speed. The dearer-than-a-house price has come down, too: you'll spend at least £120,000 ($183,607 U.S.) to get one built for your pleasure. If your love of nostalgia doesn't go that far, there's always a Brough Superior t-shirt for £14.50 ($21.80 U.S.). It's what T. E. would have worn...

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Tags: brough, brough superior, lawrence of arabia, motorcycle

The Classicist: Barbour's British Sporting Style for Spring & Summer

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

This season famed UK outerwear company Barbour has come out with a collection inspired by a classic British summer sporting escape to the country. Building on the brand's impressive heritage – the firm, founded in 1894, holds Royal Warrants from HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and HRH The Prince of Wales – the new designs are attractively updated with bright bursts of color, functional detailing and innovative fabrics and finishes. Lightweight outerwear is offered in multiple fabrications including 4 oz. waxed cotton, carbon coated, Duralinen, washed cotton and cotton twill. Fine knits, casual layers and shirts are inspired by polo, cricket and rugby, while other new styles draw from Barbour's long association with international motorcycling and fly-fishing. Distinctive contrast lining designs and reversible quilt and blouson styles round out the new offerings.

There are new additions to each of Barbour's collections: Heritage, Contemporary, Classic, and Sporting. Within the Heritage collection, styles based on Barbour's original motorcycle racing designs explore new lengths, detailing, and lightweight fabrics. A range of T-shirts celebrates the British motorcycle trials heritage. Fine, lightweight midlayers, casual polos and cotton knits add plenty of contrast pattern and color. A new Dry Fly multi pocket casual jacket style, offered in wax, carbon, Duralinen and cotton twill, is adapted from the firm's fishing archive complete with pockets and "D" rings, and its more functional counterpart is introduced into the active Sporting range. Barbour's iconic quilting fabric is reversed to provide shiny statement quilts and gilets such as the Fast Back reversible quilt inspired by 1960s styles, in a bright Atlantic blue.

The Contemporary Collection has evolved from the more classic Barbour garments to become a slightly edgier and more modern wardrobe in its own right. With a slimmer fit and the use of fresh modern fabrics alongside traditional waxes, the designs are perfect for those who wish to take their Barbour-inspired life beyond the country. Key new Contemporary designs include a cotton and linen Sapper jacket with a vintage-inspired Union Jack pattern liner; a short Harrington Blouson jacket in flyweight waxed cotton with a stowaway hood; and a Carbon Durham Kagoule hooded sailing jacket (above) with embroidered Barbour ensign flags on the sleeve, available in yellow, navy and red.

Gallery: Barbour S/S 2010

Tags: Barbour, fishing, motorcycle, outerwear, Royal Warrant, sailing, sporting, summer, UK, Union Jack

Continue reading “The Classicist: Barbour's British Sporting Style for Spring & Summer”

Belstaff Launches Line of Watches

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces / Watches

Luxe British outerwear company Belstaff, founded in 1924 and known for their distinctive motorcycle jackets, have teamed up with Italy's Lorenz watch brand to launch a new line of timepieces celebrating the company's more than 85 years of technological innovation and classic, iconic designs. Belstaff was a favorite of Steve McQueen and has also outfitted Will Smith in I Am Legend, Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible and War of the Worlds, Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code, Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns and George Clooney in Leatherheads. The ruggedly handsome watches use Swiss made movements and feature a 7-piece case finished in stainless steel and measuring 40mm. The crystal is an AR-coated sapphire and it is water resistant to 100 meters. Dials can be had in white or black enamel, with applied Arabic numerals and markers. The strap is crafted of original Belstaff Burnt Brown leather, based on the firm's famed motorcycle racing jackets.

[via TimeZone]

Tags: Belstaff, motorcycle, timepieces, UK, watches

Tod's Launches Leather Motorcycle Helmets

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos

A set of super stylish leather motorcycle / Vespa helmets is the latest luxe offering from Italian label Tod's, famed for its iconic driving loafers, shoes and chic bags. Featuring a microfiber lining, stainless steel hardware and flip-up plexiglass eye shields, the helmets are priced at about $1,000 and come in glove soft, saddle stitched black, white and vacchetta leather. The helmets are made by hand entirely in Italy, in a painstaking process ensuring their quality and durability, and adhere to rigorous road-going safety standards in a marriage of timeless style and contemporary luxury. Tod's has been expanding its offerings of late and also recently introduced its first line of sunglasses. Meanwhile, the firm's dapper owner Diego Della Valle just published a book titled Italian Touch extolling the virtues of the stylish lifestyle embodied by the brand.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Diego Della Valle, DiegoDellaValle, helmet, Italian fashion, ItalianFashion, Italy, motorcycle, Tods, Vespa

CRS Duu Combines "Badass" and "Bike" in Ways Never Seen

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you had the stomach to sit through Terminator Salvation with your eyes open, you'll remember the mototerminators that launched themselves from the legs of the collectors. (Our apologies if this has brought back terrible memories.) Those apocalyptic wheelie poppers were based on Ducatis, but if you fancied the look of them, Italian bike builder CR&S has something pretty close.

Called the DUU Concept, the hand-built naked ride is a combination of "a sporty European rolling chassis powered by a muscular American big-twin." The engine is a 1.9-liter (117 cu. in.) X-Wedge supplied by engine maker S&S. Wrapped around that powerplant is a chassis that CR&S says can be tailored by the customer. They don't specifically indicate the breadth of that customization beyond presenting the choice of single or two-seater versions, but any time you combine "Italian" and "hand-made," the options list usually runs long.

CR&S said it has plans to build them from next year, at €20,000 ($30,000 U.S.) apiece. Once you take delivery, your first mission can be to hunt down McG and, well, you'll know what to do when the time comes...

Gallery: CR&S Duu Concept

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Tags: bike, concept, crs duu, CrsDuu, duu, motorcycle, wheels

Duncan Quinn Opens Ltd. Edition Pop-Up in Miami

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

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

Art Basel isn't the only thing taking Miami by storm - dashing designer Duncan Quinn has opened a limited edition pop-up shop in the city's design district that's a shrine to gentlemanly pursuits and fine tailoring. In addition to his full range of Savile Row-inspired menswear the British-born bon vivant's 6,000-sq.-ft. space features a full-sized indoor croquet pitch; a 1962 Maserati 3500GT, one of only 359 made, specially ordered and owned by famed Formula One driver Peter Revson; and a killer collection of vintage Ducati motorbikes, including a 450 Desmo from the 70's, a 350 Desmo, built in 1969 and a 1985 F1 prototype.

There are also limited edition croquet shirts and t-shirts exclusive to the venue; a bespoke lounge with Dormeuil fabrics; an installation of Ruby couture motorcycle helmets from France; Hendrick's Gin cocktails; and more. Famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who has his own op-up shop down the block, was their first customer, coming in to buy an outfit for his own opening, while Birmingham band The Twang, who opened the Glastonbury Festival in front of 500,000 people, played a one-off show for the DQ faithful there on Friday night. The shop will be open until Dec. 12th, then once a month for dinners and tastings and otherwise by appointment.

Tags: Art Basel, ArtBasel, Christian Louboutin, ChristianLouboutin, croquet, Ducati, Duncan Quinn, DuncanQuinn, Maserati, Miami, motorcycle, Savile Row, SavileRow, The Twang, TheTwang

Mavizen Electric Motorbike, a "Laptop on Wheels"

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

An electric motorcycle that does 130 mph and looks as good as this seems an impressive enough feat in and of itself, but Mavizen has gone even further with its new TTX02 model, just unveiled at SEMA. Billed as a "laptop on wheels" it features a dedicated IP address, on-board web server, WiFi and Linux. Born of Team Agni's TTXGP race-winning electric motorcycle team, the bike is slated for a limited production of only 50 units, with a price of about $42,000 and a delivery date in early 2010, aimed at race teams who wish to compete in the upcoming eGrand-Prix series. "We are living in a click culture and connectivity is the key, across the board," notes TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain. "Our approach was to find how we could make a laptop go racing."

Tags: electric motorcycle, ElectricMotorcycle, Mavizen, motorcycle, SEMA

Steve McQueen's 1940 Indian Chief at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Steve McQueen's magnificent 1940 Indian Chief motorcycle, one of the most prized among his collection, is being auction off on Nov. 14 during Bonhams & Butterfields' Classic California sale at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The King of Cool was pictured with the beloved bike on the cover of the book Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. The actor had the classic moto meticulously restored by Southern California's Starklite Motors in the '70s and used it to zoom around the Hollywood Hills. It's estimated at an extremely reasonable $55,000 - $65,000. Also on offer is McQueen's original condition 1949 Chevy pickup which he used to travel incognito around Beverly Hills, wearing sunglasses and a big cowboy hat to dodge the paparazzi; it's estimated at $20,000 - $30,000.

[via Duncan Quinn]

Tags: Bonhams, Bonhams Butterfields, BonhamsButterfields, celebrity, Indian motorcycles, IndianMotorcycles, Los Angeles, LosAngeles, motorcycle, Steve McQueen, SteveMcqueen

BMW Surprises With Six-Cylinder Concept 6 Motorcycle

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

BMW Concept 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is known the world over for its excellent brand of inline-six cylinder powerplants. In most cases, those supremely smooth and powerful engines power the German company's cars and trucks. Apparently, that won't always be the case, though, as BMW has just revealed its new Concept 6 motorcycle at the EICMA Show in Milan.

As the name implies, the Concept 6 boasts an engine with six cylinders, and the best news is that the mill is destined for a new production model in the near future. Expect to see a replacement for the long-running LT series of touring bikes, bringing BMW more in line with the standard-setting Goldwing from Honda.

Looking at the actual concept itself, the chassis appears to be heavily based on the current production K-Series unit, and the powerplant is tilted at the same 55-degree angle as the current four-cylinder. Bodywork is suitable for concept duty, with a futuristic take on the old-school Cafe Racer look.

Power? BMW's being a bit coy at the moment, suggesting that it makes as much horsepower as the current 1.3-liter four (over 150, to be sure) and as much torque as any other motorcycle engine in production with a stout 96 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. With a redline of nearly 9,000... you can imagine that there's plenty of power on tap. Check out our high-res photo gallery below and hit the jump for a video and the press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept 6

[Source: BMW]

Tags: bmw, bmw concept 6, BmwConcept6, concept 6, Concept6, eicma, eicma 2009, Eicma2009, milan motorcycle show, MilanMotorcycleShow, motorcycle

Continue reading “BMW Surprises With Six-Cylinder Concept 6 Motorcycle”

Volkswagen Reportedly Still Interested in Ducati

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

2010 Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors of a possible motorcycle brand for Volkswagen aren't anything new. It's a well-known fact that Ferdinand Piech, Chairman of Volkswagen's Board, wishes that the German automaker had purchased Ducati back in 1985 when the Italian bike manufacturer was in dire financial shape.

As recently as last year, Piech – himself a Ducati rider even at age 72 – commented that Volkswagen could still purchase an unnamed motorcycle manufacturer if the conditions were right. Strike up the rumormill again, boys and girls. The Italian motoring press is reportedly signaling that Volkswagen is making renewed overtures toward Ducati, which, like pretty much all other motorcycle manufacturers these days, is seeing sales and profits take a dive due to the sorry state of the global economy.

Just a few weeks back at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Piech indicated that the Volkswagen Group was looking to expand, and some took that to mean it would procure a sizable stake in Suziki, another long-rumored target of the German automaker. KTM has also been bandied about as a potential partner. So, is there any truth to the two-wheeled VW rumors? We'll see how it all pans out soon enough, but we're not exactly holding our breath.

Gallery: Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition