Random from the archive

Abstract:

Circa 2005. Back then, we were waiting for our new house to be finished in a long term cottage. With the lack of any sort of workshop (not to mention a simple garage), motorcycle projects could have been stopped short but kept on thanks to cottage owner's kindness. The old farm had horse stables with a strange domed-roof extension. Despite being a rather high building, it had a low roof once inside and very narrow window holes. The owner had used it as an extra stables stall since he'd bought the place, but would have lent it for just a cleaning session. That's what I did and this is how I ended up building a 2003 Kawasaki ZX9R track bike in a WW1 bunker.

Worst throttle cable routing ever

I'm currently in the process of converting the Speed Triple to clip-ons. While normally being a rather simple operation - off goes the wide bars, on goes the clip-ons - it seems like there was an issue with the throttle cable that was waiting to be fixed. That is, even if the bike is supposed to have been serviced at the Triumph dealer, the throttle housing sticks on the bars for the first few millimeters. Nasty as you had to insist to have the grip twist a little and then more to have it come back to zero position.

Daytona clutch and throttle cables have been sourced from ebay to try to sort this out. But then, as the unmounting process had begun, I discovered the worst throttle cables routing ever ... Now look at this thing ... So the cables get out of the bars housing, go around the headstock, then dive through the frame.

Up until now, it doesn't sound that bad. But then, what is that tight turn and curvy bend ? 

The Daytona cable seems to have a more straight shape overall. and once installed really makes the difference on the throttle feeling. Long story short, now for the final result (detailed post with pictures will follow) :

(Notice the really nice and racy Renthal diamond grip on the left bar ... that's a bit of teasing for my friend Yvan :P )

Hipnotizing

That's 4 and a half minutes of some guy going around in circles on a Speed Triple. Call that boring or mesmerizing.

No you can't have your time back, sorry.

90 years of motorcycles

BMW revealed this rather intriguing ad promising to release a new roadster for this special 90th anniversary.

Can't wait to see the bike in full.

Rossi on 2013 Yamaha

Meanwhile (while Lorenzo is still up in the air, that is), Valentino Rossi is back on a 2013 Yamaha for a post-season testing session.

The bike is said to be turning right ...

... and left as well

Experience has it that we should all keep calm with his return to Yamaha and debut on the M1. We'll all see what it's like next year.

Metisse R1200CR

During the last decade Metisse have built some of the most eccentric bikes around. And their new R1200CR is no other. Metisse started over from a BMW R1200R and put some modified fairing and tail unit to come up with this. (source metisse.de)

Notice the rather unusual handlebar

If you fancy having one like this, Metisse let you chose between these options : 

- you either buy the complete bike for 19 990€

- or you pop in in the Metisse workshop with your own R1200R (preferably a Classic version with spokes wheels). In that case it'd still cost you 5 990€

Air Lorenzo

While with time I came to appreciate Jorge Lorenzo's style and commitment, it's not exactly the kind of riding that helped making up my mind.

Jorge Lorenzo highsiding his M1 - Valencia 2012

Let's say something positive : even when he's highsiding, you can witness complete dedication to the move (remember China 2008 ?).

Random from the archive

Abstract:

First close encounter with the Aprilia RSV1000 back in 2004. A friend and I were looking to try out bikes when the idea to go to a local Kawasaki / Aprilia dealer sprang out. He was into the big Aprilia (of the time) and I wanted to give the new (at the time) Z1000 a spin. I remember I wasn't that happy on (literally, you sit on the RSV) the Aprilia, but with time this bike really grew in me and I've since thought several times already I would buy one one day. The one hasn't come yet however.

Royal Enfield Cafe Racer

Sooner this year Royal Enfield revealed a new bike which will complete their range alongside the Bullet. A stock cafe racer ? Brilliant ! Hey look, it even reads Öhlins on the rear shock.

The Indian-based factory has not said whether or not they will be importing this new model to the UK. Don't even mention the rest of Europe ...

Headstock damage

While making the Speed Triple more Speed'tona, converting from wide bars to clipons, the headstock revealed its dark secrets. Looking at the top yoke and frame, there's no doubt the bike has undergone at least one theft attempt.

Does it make an uglier bike ? I don't think so, nor will it make it a dead project. The top yoke will be changed any time soon anyway ...