I actually had a friend who completed the Budapest-Bamako rally this year, but I haven’t asked him yet how it went for him (he did it with four wheels and not two, though). The rally is a bit like the “poor man’s rally”, unlike the more professional Dakar, although it still takes place in the historic homeland of rallies: Africa. The guy in the video above is very well equipped, and we get to see some of the beautiful landscape. Enjoy other videos after the jump.

Continue reading: Budapest Bamako rally videos

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Here’s the first video of the 2010 Yamaha Super Ténéré, where we get all the technical details as to why this is all about off-road motorcycling. In short, the 2010 Super Ténéré has a twin cylinder engine with uneven firing intervals, 270-degree crank, traction control, ABS and unified braking system, and the Yamaha D-Mode riding system.

The four-stroke, inline 2-cylinder engine with four valves produces about 110 hp and 114 Nm of torque. Wet weight (with full oil and fuel tank) measures 261 kg. The D-Mode riding system has a choice of two settings: sport and touring, while the traction system has three modes. The first edition 2010 models complete with adventure kit can be ordered from March 8, while for 2011 that package will then become optional. For more pics and details, see our 2010 Super Ténéré in-depth post.

Source | YouTube

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The new 2010 Yamaha Super Ténéré is finally here, with Yamaha’s premier, Dakar-bred adventure bike revealed. The 2010 Super Ténéré can be ordered from March 8 this year, in the “First Edition” version, and will be on sale for a year in total. The Super Ténéré First Edition can only be ordered online, and it comes with an adventure pack which includes aluminium side cases, headlight protection grill (not for road use) and engine skid plate protection.

Below is the full press release for this much-awaited model, and you can see all of the pics of the XT1200Z Super Ténéré in our gallery. Enjoy.

The 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré: Go Beyond

Yamaha is proud to announce an all-new model for 2010: the XT1200Z Super Ténéré. This project began with a clean sheet and a clear vision – to create the most advanced adventure travel machine, a motorcycle tailor-made for transcontinental expeditions, offering comfort, reliability, exhilaration and effortless progress over every conceivable terrain.

From the beginning, the Super Ténéré design team had the following targets in mind:

* An all-new, shaft-driven large displacement engine with the torque to deliver emphatic drive throughout the rev range and a dynamic character suited to a wide range of conditions;
* Light and agile handling, with perfect balance at low speeds and quick, precise steering on twisty mountain roads;
* High levels of comfort, weather protection and practicality to accommodate long-haul travel with passengers and luggage; and
* Intelligent use of rider assist technology to improve safety, versatility and rider confidence in all situations – but without taking full control away from experienced riders.

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere m.y. 2010

Continue reading: 2010 Yamaha Super Ténéré pics and details

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The new 2010 Quantya models include a scooter and a minicross bike, both equipped with an electric DC motor and lithium ion batteries. The scooter, called the Quantya Squter P1 is an electric scooter with 80 km/hr of top speed and a range of 70 km with a single recharge. The “junior bike”, the Quantya MMX, is a kind of minicross bike for early riders, with a top speed of 48 km/hr. No pricing has been announced.

Quantya 2010 models

Source | VisorDown

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We thought that Cash was a great dog because he rode shot gun on a sportsbike, but take a look at Opee, a 70-pound Blue Merle Australian shepherd, who takes part in motocross races. This dog is a pro and even has an American Motorcycle Association card and a SCORE International card to prove it.

Opee has already take part in the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix and in another ten races, from California to Florida and even Mexico, including one of the toughest races, the cross country Baja 500.

Mike Schelin, Opee’s owner and race partner says that in the begining he had trouble seeing around Opee, but they worked out shifts and leans and he uses voice commands: “When we come up to a jump, I tell him to set it up and he will drop down and give me more of a view.”

You can see a video of Opee and Mike Schelin in action here and for photos click here.

Source | theglobeandmail.com

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You may recall that veteran Dakar rider, Franco Picco, participated in this year’s 2010 Dakar, 25 years after his first time in the endurance race. And at the age of 54, Picco is still capable of inspiring, having won the Marathon category at Dakar, and gaining a very respectable 23rd place overall.

Picco rode a Yamaha WR450F, which was helped along by a Rally Raid JVO Racing kit, and he maintains that he managed to reach up to 156 km/hr. With the following advice for everyone: “The chain that I used was the original one, without even touching it.”

Not in his wildest dreams did Picco think he would arrive 23rd overall, although he admits to expecting a much easier race. It wasn’t until the last day, the fastest, that he relaxed a little. Last year, Picco was a mechanic and the infamous Dakar seemed easier. He says:

“I though that if I went slow and steady I would arrive at the end, but it’s actually not as easy as you’d think. I tried to go slowly, not risking anything, but in some spots it’s too dangerous and you have to step on the gas to get yourself out of difficult situations.”

Continue reading: Veteran Dakar rider takes Marathon title

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Here are some pics of the Aprilia RXV 4.5 in action live at the 2010 Dakar. In a successful result, Aprilia came in third overall with Francisco Lopez as the rider, after winning three first places throughout the various stages. Aprilia also put in an appearance with Italian riders Paolo Ceci and Alex Zanotti, who came first and second in the 450 Super Production class, and 14th and 18th overall.

Lopez has said he never could have believed it possible, after having a dream for many years that he would find himself on the Dakar podium. He also came first in the stage in Chile, his own country, and experienced particular difficulty in Stage Seven, on breaking the chain on his bike. We’re all too familiar with the highs and lows of the gruelling Dakar, but it’s been nice to see the Aprilia up there with the KTM bikes. Check it out in the pictures, and see the video on Despres’ victory after the jump.

Aprilia RXV 4.5 in action at Dakar

Continue reading: Aprilia RXV 4.5 in action at Dakar

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Dakar 2010 has concluded with Cyril Despres and his KTM taking out first place. Pal Ander Ullevalseter came second, also on a KTM, but what a success story for Aprilia! The RXV 4.5, ridden by Francisco Lopez, came in third in a fantastic result for its first official participation in Dakar.

The final stage was to Buenos Aires was won by Ruben Faria, with Ullevalseter coming second and sealing his overall place. On his overall victory, Despres said it was a hard Dakar this year, but he never doubted he would win it. The last stage was fast and easy and takes the riders into Argentina’s capital after 15 days and nearly 9,000 km of racing. See the final results first to fifth, after the jump.

Continue reading: Aprilia RXV 4.5 Rally Dakar podium place

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Over the shortened route for the Stage 9 of Dakar 2010, Marc Coma won the stage with his KTM. The stage was about 170 km long due to severe fog in some areas, and it also marks the last stage in the Acatama desert.

Francisco Lopez‘ new Aprilia RXV 4.5 continues to do well at third overall and coming in third for this stage after Cyril Despres with his KTM. The brand also took out fourth spot, before Yamaha came in fifth with rider David Fretigné. Despres is in first place overall before Stage 10 starts.

Stage Nine:
1° #1 Marc Coma (SPA) KTM;
2° #2 Cyril Despres (FRA) KTM;
3° #9 Francisco Lopez (CHI) Aprilia;
4° #4 Pal Anders Ullevalseter (NOR) KTM;
5° #12 David Fretigné (FRA) Yamaha;

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The first round of Dakar 2010 has concluded with a surprising first place to David Casteu with his Sherco, after 652 km of racing. Second place went to Cyril Despres and third place to favourite Marc Coma, both riding KTM bikes. Closing the top six were Jordi Viladoms (KTM), Francisco Lopez, with his Aprilia RXV 4.5, and David Fretigne on a Yamaha.

One participant in the legendary race is veteran Franco Picco, riding a Yamaha WR450F, marking 25 years from his first Dakar rally. The 54-year-old first appeared back in 1985 with a Yamaha TT600, winning overall third place.

Picco’s start has been marked with a sinister gesture though, when he found his bike sabotaged with someone having poured sugar in the engine. Luckily, it hasn’t created any permanent damage and he has been able to continue.

Continue reading: Sugar in your engine: Dakar goes ahead for Franco Picco and Yamaha WR450F

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