All good things must come to an end and so, after a brief pre-summer sojourn, it’s time to return to work. A reader has sent us this funny image of an overloaded Vespa with a do-it-yourself storage compartment. We also like the writing showing the adventurous spirit of the owner.

With thanks to Tonio 62.

(no votes)

0 comments

More than 35,000 readers of the monthly Motociclismo magazine voted in the “Bike of the Year 2008″, choosing from 280 models in 12 different categories (125 cc, Cruiser, Naked, Enduro Stradale, Enduro, Supermotard, Sport Tourer, Sportive Gran Turismo and three cylinder scooters).

As what always happens, the most voted category is still the “sporty” one. Already in other occasions Ducati was in the readers’ favour, obtaining awards and recognition that have often seen the Desmosedici RR occupying the top spot on the podium. But never like this time has the “Borgo Panigale red” so often conquered the competition.

For the first time in the history of voting organised by magazines of the sector throughout the world, a motorcycle company has managed to occupy the entire podium, registering an achievement seen for the first time: the 1098 took out first place, the Desmosedici RR was in second and coming in third was the 848.

Continue reading: Bike of the year 2008: Ducati cleans up the prize pool

(no votes)

0 comments

Sometimes it’s true that it can be difficult to really go for a scamper on your two wheels with every intersection and traffic light a danger, and distracted drivers risking making a mascot of the bike riders.

If you’re sick of this, take a leaf from the book of the English, with this amusing video showing what can happen when a rider really gets riled up.

With thanks to giorgiogasss for the notice.

(no votes)

0 comments

Sum Up 125 is the new scooter from the a href=”http://www.motoblog.it/categorie/peugeot”>Peugeot Motorcycles range: it’s a simple and functional scooter with two 13-inch wheels . Sum Up is equipped with a 125cc, air-cooled Euro 3 engine.

It’s available in two colours: Peal Black/Silver Metal and Night Blue/Silver Metal. Like all Peugeot motorbikes, in the Sum Up price a two-year, 24-hr assistance service is included, which also covers running out of petrol, tyre punctures and loss of keys.

Continue reading: Peugeot Sum Up 125

(no votes)

0 comments

A two-wheel turbo - a modification seen much more on a Hayabusa than on a Ducati Monster. From 2002 however, and when he bought it from a close friend, Bill Johnson will dedicate to his Ducati the best of attention.

Launched in 1996 the Monster M900, that you can see in the photo, underwent a particular treatment. Power passed from 76 hp to 112 with an increase of about 60 percent.

From 2006 Bill has concentrated on the aesthetic aspects, looking to give the creature a look that he loves to define as “Street Fighter Europea”, reflecting a great “Made in Italy” taste.

Continue reading: Ducati Monster Turbo, Street Fighter at 112 hp

(no votes)

0 comments

Recently our Italian colleagues decided to check out the technique of the rear wheel sideslip and the fact that it is one of the most spectacular manoeuvres you can pull of in the seat of a bike. But it’s not just for MotoGP champions as we saw in the following video of a scooter, and also in the snippets sent to us by Giorgiogasss.

This time though, managing the delicate gesture which is a perfect mix of balance, power and agility, is a rider in the seat of a minibike. That he completes it on a wet track we think gives him some well deserved recognition.

via | Masmoto

(no votes)

0 comments

In the Aprilia Company the arrival point is well defined: to create a supermotard with no compromises, in every detail. And so it has been. In the planning of the Dorsoduro the Noale technicians have exploited all the experience accumulated in the World Supermoto, designing a benchmark chassis and a riding experience, and mapping out the twin-cylinder 750cc that makes full use of the “Ride by wire” technology.

Equipped with a torque that favours lower and medium ranges, the Aprilia engine gives out 92 hp at 8,750 revs and a maximum torque of 82 Nm at 4,500 revs. The clean lines of the front and the lovely tail give voice to the racing spirit of this bike.

In the seat you feel at home, with the tank positioned such that the legs can hold on without necessitating fatigue. As you gain confidence you find yourself leaning in more to the bends knowing the bike will adjust its trajectory. We were well impressed by the quality of the engine, gutsy at lower revs, and of the three driving modes: Sport, Touring and Rain.

Continue reading: Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro: a beautiful creature

(1 votes | Average: 5 / 5)

1 comment

This is a great promotion video from Michelin with “mini-riders” MotoGP from the French company: Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso, Colin Edwards, James Toseland and Nicky Hayden.

via | Oliepeil

(no votes)

0 comments

As we had anticipated the new Vespa GTS 300 Super has been revealed and in addition to our little test run, below are some of the official details and photos. “A Vespa is a Vespa” - a timeless definition and the GTS 300 Super takes in hand once again the sporty tradition which has characterised the best years of the Vespa history.

And this in a golden moment for the Vespa brand: in a few years the production has more than doubled, passing the 50,000 mark that Vespa produced in 2004, 100,000 in 2006 and beyond 117,000 in 2007. All of which is testimony to the fascination still intact after 62 years of history and 145 different models.

Some details of the GTS 300 Super from the press release are available below, along with an extensive photo gallery.

Continue reading: Piaggio Vespa GTS 300 Super - details and pics

(no votes)

0 comments

Harley Davidson has recently announced the production start of the much anticipated XR1200 model, to be manufactured at the plant in Kansas City Missouri. All the vehicles produced in the opening phase are destined for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The prototype of the XR1200 was presented to the public for the first time in occasion of the international show Intermost, held in the city of Cologne in October 2006. On the basis of the positive response work got underway to develop and transform the concept into a streetbike of great manoeuvrability and performance, conceived to satisfy the aspirations of European riders.

Today more than 600 European customers have booked a Harley Davidson XR1200. The company also announced the pleasure of reviewing the price offered to the public, which is now at 11,500 euros, slightly less than that announced at the beginning of the year. This reduction underlines the company’s ambition to develop its European clientele, competitively positioning the bike in the roadster category.

Harley-Davidson XR 1200 2008

(no votes)

0 comments