Harley-Davidson Web-based Ride Planner Helps Riders Pre-plan Trips

The Harley-Davidson website features an interactive tool to make it easier for riders to map out their fueling pit stops for cross-country road trips.

According to Harley-Davidson...

Thanks to Harley-Davidson Ride Planner version 2.0, riders have immediate access to customizable maps that include the more than 14,000 US Shell-branded gasoline stations along any route.

The Harley-Davidson Web-based Ride Planner allows motorcyclists to pre-plan their trip utilizing an interactive map, which identifies the locations of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers and now, Shell-branded stations.

Using Ride Planner 2.0 at http://www.harley-davidson.com will allow riders to identify all Shell-branded sites along each potential route. Additionally, they will be able to get an aerial satellite view of the station and its surroundings prior to the trip.

Source Harley-Davidson

HFT by Honda - A New Automatic Transmission System for Motorcycles

With new motorcycle riders hitting the road for the first time, Honda's new HFT (Human-Friendly Transmission) is a welcome advancement to let riders focus on the road instead of their bike.

Here's what Honda's Press release has to say about the HFT...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it has developed the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. Easy to operate, the HFT realizes outstanding relaxed riding comfort, riding feel with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency. The HFT will be installed on the DN-01, a new motorcycle scheduled for market launch to be introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

With Honda's own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, this HFT realizes the lightweight and compact configuration required for motorcycles. To meet the wide range of rider needs, HFT offers a selection from two fully automatic shifting modes—D mode for ordinary riding and S mode for a sporty riding experience—or the 6-speed manual mode, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel. The HFT creates a unique riding feel through easy operation, ranging from relaxed and laid-back riding to nimble and sporty with direct throttle response.

An HFT is a transmission system with a wide range of functions in a single unit, the HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system encompassing functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft. The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT.

The HFT also features the world’s first (based on Honda research) lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. When cruising, this lockup mechanism works to minimize transmission efficiency losses, contributing to improved fuel economy.

Source: Honda

POV.1 lets you record your ride and keep both hands on your motorcycle

Recording your motorcycle ride from a driver's point of view could a bit hazardous with a standard camcorder. Using the POV.1 makes showing off your riding skills easy. Just attach the camera head to your helmet and record!

The V.I.O. POV.1 is a fully integrated point-of-view (POV) video system that's waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant. The system includes a mountable camera head, built-in video recorder, wireless remote and software for managing your point-of-view videos.

The POV.1 features a high-quality wearable video camera that records with 720 x 480 resolution at 30fps and an ergonomic user interface design enables single-handed operation and hands-free video capture. The components are shock-resistant, water-resistant and dustproof for use in the most hazardous environments.

Source: Sci Fi Tech Blog

KTM RC8 Superbike soon to be revealed

After years in development and testing, KTM's 1150cc RC8 superbike is set to be revealed at the Milan Motorcycle Expo.

While the real bike is still under wraps, KTM does offer clues on the RC8 preview site, offering videos aerodynamic tests and sketches of concept art.

The Engine for the 1150cc RC8 will appear in another bike to be released in 2009 called the Venom.

The RC8 will have a chance to prove itself on the racetrack. Rules for world superbike racing in 2009 will allow bikes, like the RC8, equipped with maximum 1200cc twins to race against 1000cc inline-four superbikes.

Source: Gizmag.com

Honda concept bikes for the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show

Honda has released pictures of concept bikes showing at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007.

Honda's site reports that Honda’s motorcycle exhibition will feature World Premiere concept models (prototype), pre-launch models, and a comprehensive line-up of other motorcycles and advanced environmental and safety technologies.

One of the concept bikes to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show will be the EVO6 concept bike.

Wired's Autopia blog says about the EV06...

"The bike uses a version of the 1832-cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder powerplant from Honda's big Gold Wing touring bike. But expect the EVO6 version of the engine to belt out a good deal more than the Gold Wing's 118 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque."

Source: Autopia and Honda.

Grant Langston rides Yamaha's 2008 YZ405F to 2007 AMA Championship

Yamaha's web site features details on Yamaha Factory Racing's Grant Langston and the 2008 YZ405F he rode to #1 for the 2007 AMA Championship.

According to Yamaha's Site...

Yamaha Factory Racing's Grant Langston has put Yamaha back on top of AMA Motocross for the first time since 1998 by winning the 2007 championship with a stunning pair of rides in San Bernadino, California, on Sunday, September 9. He flew his 2008 YZ450F to a win in the first moto and played it smart in the second to take a third-place finish, the overall win, and the historic title. Langston now has the personal distinction of holding AMA Motocross and Motocross Lites titles as well as a world MX2 title.

This is great news for Yamaha as they promote the 2008 YZ405F. For 2008, the the five-titanium-valved YZ405F features chassis and engine refinements, subtle modifications to the aluminum frame and suspension and new head and exhaust design for low- to midrange power without losing top end power.

The Christini all-wheel-drive motorcycle

Advertisements for Saab luxury cars say they are inspired by jets. Christini motorcycles can claim they were inspired by helecopters.

Christini motorcycle's was inspired by a system used by helicopters to drive the main and back rotors. The result is a motorcycle with all-wheel drive.

Professional motocross racers praise Christini's bikes and their ability to ride through tough roads and surfaces.

CNET News reports that a version of the Christini drive train has been released for some Honda dirt bikes, and will soon have a version for KLM. The two-wheel system could also be sold as an aftermarket device and eventually for street bikes.

Source: CNET News.com

RESOURCES

• Christini.com

The Zero X electric bike from Zero Motorcycles

Electric-powered motorcycles range from the powerful Killacycle to the more modest Entertia. Zero Motorcycles has developed a new electric cycle named the Zero X.

Engadget reports that the Zero X is designed to run 40 miles off of one charge and would be priced under $7000.

Can electric-motorcycles catch on the same way the Toyota Prius hybrid car did? We shall see.

There are more photos and specs on Zero X on the Zero Motorcycles official site.