Motorcycle Parts, Accessories and More News

Looks like a 2007 version of an entirely new Triumph Tiger is on its way, displacing 1050cc. Prototypes of the anticipated 2007 model have been photographed several times testing near the Hinkley factory in England.
In addition to more engine displacement, we can expect the new Tiger to show a new styling and a more "street" set of features. Upside-down forks, radial-mounted brake calipers and 17-inch wheels should be among those new features next year.
Don't know about you, but I have been a Triumph motorcycles fan for years, and I just can't wait! .

June 15, 2006 20:04 - Kawasaki motorcycles in good shape hurting after mugello, in good shape for Barcelona

The Kawasaki motorcycle engineers have responded to the demoralising sight of Shinya Nakano and Randy de Puniet being left in the wake of other riders down the Mugello home straight by working day and night to improve the engine performance for this weekend's Catalan Grand Prix.

Like Mugello, the Barcelona GPfeatures a huge main straight but the factory ZX-RRs will be well equipped with both a new exhaust system and an increased upper rev limit.

As well as offering more flexibility on both gearbox ratios and gear selection, the additional revs should make it easier for Nakano and de Puniet to pass out of the slipstream along the 1.047 kilometre Circuit de Catalunya main straight.

June 16, 2006 18:09 - Rossi finishes top of leaderboard in second round practice in Barcelona.

MotoGP: Rossi fastest Valentino Rossi has gone fastest in the second free practice session for the Catalunya GP, with a time of 1:42.837 on his Yamaha.

The reigning champion pushed the leader of the first practice, Kenny Roberts, to second on the time sheet as the American couldn't improve on his earlier time. Dani Pedrosa stayed third fastest on the Honda, but the biggest improvement was Chris Vermeulen who moved to fourth quickest on his Suzuki. Britain's James Ellison also improved, lapping faster than the two Ducati riders Alex Hoffman and Jose Luis Cardoso.

June 16, 2006 22:45 - BMW Entering MotoGP?

There have been some spy shots of Jeremy McWilliams riding a prototype BMW roadracer. These have fueled speculation that BMW will enter MotoGP. Now, some clear photos have emerged showing an FIM-spec transmitter antenna on the back of a finished, BMW bike in racing livery piloted by McWilliams in Spain. BMW is ready! When will we see BMW on the MotoGP grid first? All the indicators suggest it will be happening this year, and perhaps as early as BMW's home race in Germany on July 16. Its too much to expect race wins (or even podiums) right away. If BMW do race, they will most likely use this year for development, and would hire a top rider or two for a serious push at titles in 2007.

June 17, 2006 21:00 - Triumph motorcycles boss honoured

Honour for Triumph boss Triumph owner John Bloor will be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Leicester on July 13, 2006. Bloor will be awarded the honarary degree of Doctor of Laws for his contributions and achievements in resurrecting the Triumph motocycle brand, based at Hinckley in Leicestershire.
The degree will be awarded in a ceremony at De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Alongside Bloor will be Lord Attenborough and Sir David Attenborough, who will both be awarded the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellow. Read the original article.

June 18, 2006 09:17 - Motorcycle Tires Manufacturer taks a slice of humble pie...

This is old news, but I had to include it in here as I thought it was quite funny.
Michelin apologises to Rossi, Yamaha.
"After conducting a detailed analysis of the front tyre problem that forced MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix on May 14, Michelin has publicly apologised to the Italian and his Camel Yamaha team.Rossi had charged from 13th on the Shanghai grid to fifth - and looked set to take a podium finish - when a chunk of rubber was suddenly thrown from the front tyre of his YZR-M1 on lap 16 of 22, destroying the fender and leaving The Doctor with a severe vibration. The #46 rode on for another lap before being forced to pit for a tyre change. Unfortunately, both Rossi and his team assumed it was the rear tyre which needed replacing and the error was only spotted when Valentino exited the pits. Rossi was thus forced to retire, but even if the correct tyre had been changed, the Italian would have been lucky to score points."
So you gget millions in sponsorship from one of the leading motorcycle tires companies in the world, pay thousands to pit mechanics to cater for your every whim, but you cant find anyone who knows the difference between a front motorcycle tire and a back motorcycle tire? I have a little aide memoire I like to use to help remind me which is which - the front motorcycle tire is usually the one underneath the handlebars....
...now dont ask me to explain what the handlebars do....