and is coming to a town near you. The Yamaha site confirms the Super Tenere will in fact be sold in the US with an early 2012 release in 2011.
Yamaha has wisely chosen to import its flagship adventure touring motorcycle, the Super Tenere, to the U.S. in mid-2011 as the early-release 2012 model. The Super Tenere is a street bike designed to fuse the touring and off-road worlds, giving motorcyclists a machine that can go virtually anywhere and do anything.
Powering this do-it-all machine is a fuel-injected and liquid-cooled 1199cc Parallel Twin, a configuration Yamaha chose specifically due to its compact size. Each piston slides within a cylinder that has a bore and stroke measuring 98.0 x 79.5mm and compresses fuel to a ratio of 12.0:1. The engine’s firing order has been set so both of the cylinders fire closely together so the powerband mimics that of a large single-cylinder engine, which they claim enhances power delivery to the ground. A two-axis primary counter-balancer mitigates unwanted engine vibration.
The engine wears an eight-valve cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts operating the valvetrain. Similar to its sportbike line, the Tenere employs Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) ride-by-wire system as well as the D-Mode, a toggle on the handlebar which allows riders to switch between two engine maps based on road conditions or riding preference. More technology comes in the form of a three-way adjustable traction control system. Engine power is transferred through a manual cable-actuated clutch; 6-speed transmission and shaft final drive, which was chosen for its all-around durability and relatively-low maintenance.
The main frame is comprised of a steel backbone that uses the engine as stressed-member of the chassis for better handling. Making up the rest of the chassis is an aluminum swingarm and subframe, 43mm inverted fork and hydraulic shock absorber. Both ends provide 7.5-inches of suspension travel and offer adjustability in the form of compression and rebound for the fork and spring preload (hand adjustable, without tools) and rebound on the shock. An aluminum skid plate is also fitted to protect the bottom of the motorcycle from hard impacts.
In terms of ergonomics, the Super Tenere employs a standard-style handlebar and the seat can be set in two different positions; a low height of 33.26 inches or the standard height of 34.25 inches. It also comes with a windshield and plastic hand guards. A relatively large 6-gallon fuel tank complements the set-up and will no doubt make for amble range between fill-ups.
It rolls on a set of spoked wheels fitted with tubeless Bridgestone Battle Wing tires. Front and rear hydraulically-operated disc brakes incorporate both ABS and a linked brake feature in which the rear brake is activated automatically when the front brake is engaged. However, when the rear brake is manually actuated it can be controlled independently of the front.
Like the rest of Yamaha’s line-up, a variety of accessories are available, including a full set of hard luggage options that have been fully integrated into the design of the bike.
This will be limited-run machine. And to purchase one you will need to pre-order it from your Yamaha dealer between September 2010 and March 2011 at a retail price will be $13,900. Once April 1st rolls around you will have missed the boat, so don’t procrastinate as this bike is sure to live up to the hype. If you are lucky enough to get one of the production run, your bike will then be delivered sometime in May of 2011.Alrighty then.
This here’s the HDT M1030-M2 670cc JP8, but don’t let the charming name deceive you, this military-grade motorcycle is as tough as old boots.
Boasting a (patent pending) “heavy fuel” engine capable of running on Diesel, Biofuel, Aviation fuel and four other military grades of petroleum, it can traverse water 2ft deep and has a tank range of over 300 miles.
Its single, four-stroke cylinder will reach 95mph in the heat of combat, and at 33bhp it’s even suitable for restricted licence holders.
Despite a price tag of $18,500 there’s already a significant waiting list of survivalists, mercenaries and prospectors hoping to get their hands on its high tensile steel frame.
Hayes Diversified Technologies Inc. claim the M1030 is a “breakthrough in military ground vehicle technology”, one that comes decorated in Desert Tan, Military Green or Black.Read all about it here.
I am currently following a ride report over at Advrider starring a 5 Indonesian motorcycle riders and a load of 4X4's attempting to traverse the Island of Borneo (3rd largest island on the planet), and doing it along Equator. I have to say I am breaking a sweat just reading this and looking at the pictures. This is by far the gnarliest stuff I have ever seen attempted on motorcycles. So head over to advrider.com to take part of the fun.
The number of motorcyclist crash-related fatalities has more than doubled during the past 10 years. In the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) P.L. 109-59, Congress directed the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study of the causes of motorcycle crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published the results from the pilot study that tested methodologies to be used in a more in-depth investigation into motorcycle crashes, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
The larger study is now under way at the Oklahoma Transportation Center, a well-respected research facility, under the supervision of Oklahoma State University (OSU).
"The AMA has long advocated for, and supported, a new federal study into the causes of motorcycle crashes and motorcyclist fatalities, particularly in light of evolving demographics and changing technology," said AMA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland.
"A comprehensive motorcycle crash study is long overdue, and this pilot study is the first step to making sure we collect the data necessary and employ the proper procedures to learn lessons that will save lives."
The current report does not focus on crash data from the scaled-down pilot investigation, but rather the investigative procedures that are crucial to the integrity of the OSU study.
"Motorcycle Crash Causes and Outcomes: Pilot Study" describes the processes investigators used to collect crash data, the type of data collected and offers recommendations for a larger motorcycle crash study that's partially funded by a $100,000 grant from the AMA.
In 2005, Congress approved the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, and the legislation called for the study. Lawmakers pledged $2.8 million for the research, and asked the motorcycling community to pitch in.
In 2007, the AMA committed $100,000, and AMA members contributed an additional $27,000 through the AMA Fuel the Fund campaign. Since then, six state safety programs — New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin — have pledged another $560,000.
Westat, based in Rockville, Md., and Dynamic Science Inc., based in Anaheim, Calif., conducted the pilot study for the federal government. Over a three-month data-collection period, investigators worked with five police agencies in seven jurisdictions. Notifications were received on 53 motorcycle crashes, of which 23 cases were completed. Investigators concluded that data collection is the most-challenging aspect of such a study and offer suggestions to improve that process.
The pilot study reports that the average cost per completed case is $7,500, which includes a margin for dropped cases. However, this figure includes data collection only and does not include overhead costs of forms, manuals, other equipment and back-office support.
The last major motorcycle crash causation study, commonly called the "Hurt Report" in reference to its lead researcher, the late professor Hugh H. "Harry" Hurt, was completed in 1980.
The Hurt Report provided a wealth of data that has been used to develop training and strategies to help keep riders safer on the road. In the decades since, the traffic environment has changed enormously, prompting the AMA to begin campaigning for a new study several years ago.
Speculation is growing in Europe that Triumph will announce a smaller displacement Tiger to go along with its 1050cc model later this year. Expected to be another three cylinder machine, the motive force would likely be based on the Daytona 675 powerplant. The expectation is that it would displace 800cc, however, to compete more directly with BMW’s popular F 800 GS.
If the Daytona 675 engine can indeed be bored and stroked to 800cc (if any of our readers know, drop us an email), expect Triumph to try and undercut the claimed wet weight of the F 800 GS, which is 455lbs (putting dry weight in the neighborhood of 400 pounds).
Triumph has already announced it will be rolling out several new models shortly, and a lower displacement Tiger is logically one of those. This will be interesting.
The 6-cylinder BMW motorcycle engine was first presented in the concept study of the Concept 6 and it captured the imagination of many motorcycle fans.
Six-cylinder in-line engines have stood for fascinating engine technology in BMW automobiles for over seven decades in a way which is unique among brands. In the near future, BMW motorcycles will also be available with an internally developed six-cylinder in-line engine, according to the company.
BMW released preliminary information on the new BMW K 1600 GT and the BMW K 1600 GTL, which will feature the 6-cylinder engine and more new BMW technology. Take a peek. Interesting stuff.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is established to commemorate the historical significance of the Old Natchez Trace. Originally a primitive trail that stretched 500 miles through the wilderness from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, throughout the years it has gained a rich history that continues to fascinate visitors who travel in the footsteps of those who've gone before.
History has witnessed several phases in the development of the Natchez Trace, each with a distinct origin and purpose. Residents of Fort Nashborough in Tennessee (a city now known as 'Nashville') named the first part of the trail Chickasaw Trace because it led to the lands of the Chickasaw Nation. The trails heading southwest were controlled by the Choctaw Nation and then led onward toward Natchez. Eighteenth-century British maps labeled the trail as the "Path to the Choctaw Nation." Discover the history of the Indian tribe that once resided there at several places along the trail, such as Buzzard Roost in Alabama, which tells the story of the Chickasaw chief Levi Colbert, or the Chickasaw Village in Mississippi, which shows of the life of the Chickasaw Indians. Visitors can go to what was once the center of activities for the now-extinct Natchez Indians, or visit Mississippi's Emerald Mound, one of the largest ceremonial mounds in the United States. Finally, no trip is complete without visiting sites on the Trail of Tears Historic Trail (which runs through several states, including Alabama and Tennessee), where in 1838 the United States government forced more than 16,000 Cherokee Indian people from their homelands and sent them to Indian Territory.
The South has many places with stories about the Civil War and the battlefields along the way. The Natchez Trace Parkway is no exception. Be sure to stop by Shiloh National Military Park near Savannah, Tennessee, which was the site of a two-day battle involving 65,000 Union and 44,000 Confederate troops. The Stones River National Battlefield near Nashville, Tennessee provided a decisive moral boost for Union troops. The Tupelo National Battlefield in Mississippi is a one-acre site that commemorates the last major Civil War battle in Mississippi. There the Union Army utilized their USCT's (United States Colored Troops) to engage in battle. Pay your respects to those who lost their lives in battle at the memorials at Brice's Cross Roads National Battlefield Site north of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg contains museums, monuments, and many artifacts, so be sure to spend some time perusing the local historical attractions.
After Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, he marched his troops home along the path — an event that signaled not only the war's end, but also the decline of the importance of the road as a transportation corridor. In the years following 1820, this road was finally referred to as the "Natchez Trace."
We'll probably ride this trail in October 2010. Hopefully we will be able to hit the right time for the fall colors.
Passengers are usually at the mercy of the rider's good sense, or
sometimes the lack thereof. Many passengers don't know better. So
much is written on riding a bike, so many classes are offered for
riders, yet very little is offered for passengers.
With that, here are my suggestions for passengers:
Wear Good Gear
As a passenger, you are just as vulnerable as the rider. If the rider
decides to take an asphalt nap, it's beddy-bye time for you too.
Don't accept crappy helmets, while the rider of the bike is in the
very best leathers and replica helmet. You need good gear. Good gear
consists of a SNELL/DOT approved helmet (full face is really the
best), a long sleeved leather or Cordura jacket, at least jeans, heavy
leather long fingered gloves, and boots that cover your ankles. These
are the minimum requirements for riders to take the MSF course. They
are a good idea for you too.
Dress for the weather. Nothing will take the joy out of a ride by
coming home miserable, either from the heat, cold, or wet. If your
rider doesn't care about this, I suggest finding someone else to ride
with, someone who will make sure you are dry and warm on that cool
morning. So now that you know what to wear~E
Mounting/Dismounting
Don't get on or off the bike unless the rider says they are ready.
The best way to dump you, your friend, and their bike is to leap on or
off the thing when the rider isn't expecting it. Do not stand on the
foot pegs to mount and dismount like you are getting off a horse. I
have seen a foot peg break off when a pillion stood up, put all their
weight on one peg, and tried to step off a bike. To get on, lift your
leg over the seat and scoot on, placing your feet on the pegs to
settle into place. To get off, your best bet is to slide your hips
over, set a foot down, and step away from the bike, pulling your leg
over the seat, or around the back.
How to Sit on the Bike
As a passenger, sit on the seat, with your feet on the passenger pegs.
Keep your body upright and look ahead. You can place your hands on the
hips of the rider or around their waist. You can also hold onto the
grab bars on the tail section if that works for you. Another method
is to reach around the rider's waist and place the palms of your hands
on the back of the gas tank. This works especially well on sport
bikes. Do not sit or lean against the rider. Leave yourself a little
room so your helmet doesn't bang into the rider's when they brake.
Remember though: Sit Still!!
A motorcycle is a dynamic machine. It makes its way by maintaining
balance in turning, acceleration and braking. The rider is constantly
making small control adjustments throughout the ride. As a pillion
you can have a great effect on the stability of the motorcycle. In
short, it is entirely possible for you to run the bike off the road
from the back seat.
Acceleration
When the rider accelerates away from a stop, lean forward slightly to
counteract the tendency for the bike to push you back. Don't forget
this and get so far out of shape that you grab onto the rider. I
have seen more than one panicked pillion almost yank the rider off the
accelerating bike. Another thing you can do is squeeze the bike with
your thighs, pressing your weight down on the pegs as you lean
forward. This helps you maintain your balance. If the rider is
taking off too fast for you, ask them to slow down a bit. If they
don't, find someone else to ride with.
Braking
Everyone has to slow down sometime. When the rider applies the
brakes, your body will tend to slide or lean forward. You need to
counteract this so you don't slide into the back of the rider. Like
when accelerating, use your legs to keep yourself upright. You can
place your hands on the grab rails behind you, or on the back of the
gas tank by reaching around the rider's waist. Do not, under any
circumstances, place your hands against the rider's back or shoulder
blades. I don't know who is teaching some passengers to do this but
it is dangerous. It shoves the rider's weight against the bars,
making it very difficult to control the bike. The first time a
passenger did this to me, we were almost shoved into oncoming traffic.
I really, really wanted to hunt down the clown rider that taught them
that trick.
Cornering
Bikes lean. It's what makes them so much fun. When the bike is
cornering, the rider may move around, or even hang off a bit. Don't
try to emulate them. It is your job to sit still, lean as the bike
leans, keeping your body solid on the seat and aligned with the bike.
Another thing you can do is to look over the inside shoulder of the
rider as you go through the corner. This doesn't mean you lean over
more than necessary. Just look towards the inside of the corner.
This also let's you see where you are going so you can anticipate a
stop.
Stopping
As the passenger: when the bike comes to stop, sit still. Keep your
feet on the pegs. Let the rider do all the work. If you need to
shift about, tell the rider you want to move so they are ready for it.
Communication
Talk to your rider, before, during and after the ride. Let them know
if you are new. Don't be afraid to tell them if you are scared.
Everyone is inexperienced at something. There is nothing wrong with
being nervous. If your rider scoffs at this, come ride with me.
During the ride, if you need a break, say so. If you want them to
slow down, ask. After the ride, give them some feedback. If you had
fun, say so.
If you need to communicate with your rider during the ride, understand
that shouting inside your full-face helmet at 60mph is pretty useless.
You need to get their attention first. Reach around and tap them on
the top of the thigh, or on the shoulder, to let them know you want
their attention. When they acknowledge you, speak loudly and in small
words. If you can, use hand signals to direct them. Talk about these
signals with your rider before you start the ride, before you need a
rest stop, or need to give them directions.
Take responsibility for your ride. Communicate with the rider. Make
it clear what your expectations are, and don't ride with any rider, on
any bike, where you aren't comfortable. Like I said, if your rider
doesn't listen to your concerns, if you aren't comfortable on the back
of that bike, you can always ride with my friends and me.
BMW has announced a recall of 122,000 bikes worldwide over brake problems.
The manufacturer says there is a risk of brakes leaking on boxer-engined models.
The recall affects bikes built since August 2006. Brake leaks can result from vibration on the models, according to the firm.
A BMW source said the recall included 6,600 bikes sold in the UK. "There's a possibility you could end up with a little bit of seepage which over an extended period could cause fluid to run low," he said.
Scott Grimsdall, the firm's UK spokesman, said: "BMW is in the process of contacting customers. There is no need for people to stop riding. They should check the fluid level in the front brake reservoir and speak to a dealer if in doubt." He said there had been no reports of accidents linked to the problem.
He was unable to confirm excatly which models were affected.
The firm said earlier: "We already had one technical service campaign three years ago, when we brought in new brake hoses for the respective bikes, but over time we realised that the outcome by using these new brake lines was not as good as we expected, so we developed a new solution.”
