We hope nobody missed out on the incredible show that the World Superbike guys delivered yesterday in front of a delighted British crowd: the boys surely did not pull any punches and both races were absolutely amazing. The battle raged on till the very last corner, and here is a massive collection of pictures taken right on the spot in Donington Park to help us recalling those unforgettable moments. We just cannot wait for the next round in Utah.

Since it first appeared at the end of 2011, we all got mesmerized by the jaw-dropping beauty of the new Ducati 1199 Panigale, the new flagship model from the legendary Italian manufacturer. In order to emphasize its fascinating lines, USA’s biggest Ducati dealership MotoCorsa has come up with a set of pretty arty pictures featuring the beautiful Panigale with an equally gorgeous model, whose name remains unfortunately undisclosed. Excellent set of pics though, check them out.

View the full seDUCATIve 1199 Panigale photo gallery

via | MotoCorsa.com

Here is a little photo gallery showing some of the nice ladies who attended the first round of the FIM MX World Championship, which took place last week in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands. The Dutch track hosted the first Grand Prix of the season of the MX1 and MX2 classes, but also the first round of the MX3 World Championship and the first round of the FIM Women´s Motocross World Championship. Here are a few images of the girls that were seen hanging around the event.

MX1 reigning champion, Italy’s Toni Cairoli, won both races in his class while fellow KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings did the same in the MX2, completing a KTM triumph that is probably a preview of what we are going to see for the remainder of the season. The next round will take place in Sevlevio, Bulgaria, on the 22nd of April.

The new Husqvarna Nuda 900 and 900R are certainly revolutionary for the brand itself, but we’d probably stick to less exaggerated terms and call them instead a pleasant evolution in the motorcycle market, revamping BMW engine technology to make new bikes. No Husqvarna Nuda 900 first rides are available yet, but we can’t wait to get on this thing and see if Husqvarna’s claims of new riding feel are true to the technical hyperbole released about the bike.

Using the BMW F 800 R’s engine, Husqvarna has bored it out and gotten a larger 898cc displacement. That and a new 315º crankshaft setup means that Husqvarna claims a “more aggressive racing feel” for its Nuda bike. On paper, we’re impressed - you get characteristic Husky design on a new supermoto-naked cross and some improved BMW engine technology to boot.

Will it all come true for Husqvarna in the ride feel and market demand? With no pricing announced, the latter is anyone’s guess, but so far it looks like the Nuda 900 and 900R could be a winning ticket as the brand expands its range. See after the jump for details from Husqvarna on the model and new pics.

Husqvarna Nuda 900 and 900R new pics

Nuda 900 and Nuda 900R – a taste of things to come

Developed as a crossover model between a supermoto and a naked bike, Husqvarna doesn’t feel the Nuda can be shoehorned into any specific category. It delivers a sporty, dynamic ride where agility is balanced perfectly with performance in a bike with a bold and fresh look. Is it a supermoto? Is it a naked bike? The Nuda is whatever you want it to be, but above all it’s a Husqvarna.

Styling

With the factory situated to the north-west of Milan, Husqvarna’s team of designers draw inspiration from the passion and flair that encapsulates this area of Italy. Inside the ‘Centro Stile’ a specially selected group of talented young designers work tirelessly to create the look that is unique to every Husqvarna, whether it be an on or off-road model.

Despite being minimalist in its design, every panel on the Nuda helps define its athletic body, giving it a sense of dynamic tension that flows the length of the bike and finishes on the tapered tail that mimics the aerodynamics of a sports bike. The exposed trellis frame, high level exhaust and red rocker cover hint at the performance that lies behind the curvy body, while the bike’s unique headlight – its face on the road – glowers intent. Sporty yet elegant, sleek yet purposeful, the Nuda is bold Italian styling at its very finest.

The Nuda 900R proudly displays the company’s distinctive red and white competition colours, made famous through race success, while the Nuda 900 has a more subtle black paint scheme.

Engine

Husqvarna understands that the heart and soul of a motorcycle comes from its engine and so choosing the right motor formed a crucial part of the Nuda project. A joint decision was made with BMW’s engine development team in Munich to use the highly reliable and technologically advanced F 800 R motor as a basis for both the Nuda 900 and Nuda 900R – however it would then be adapted to meet Husqvarna’s specific needs and demands.

Designed to reflect Husqvarna’s sporting pedigree, this new configuration not only delivers a more aggressive racing feel and sound at maximum performance, it also vastly improves the power and torque characteristics of the engine, not to forget the higher capacity of 900cc Husqvarna has increased the power and torque (>100hp and 100Nm) while managing to retain the linear, fluid nature of the power delivery at small throttle openings and low revs.

Finally, to add the Husqvarna stamp to the engine, the rocker box cover is painted red – a feature common to all Husqvarna motorcycles.

Chassis

With its vast racing experience, Husqvarna knows which components to turn to for the ultimate performance and how to extract the maximum from a chassis. To further increase prestige of the Nuda 900R, Husqvarna has equipped its chassis with the very highest specification of components. The 48mm Sachs forks are fully adjustable and the Öhlins shock comes with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustment as well as a ride height adjustor. The Nuda 900R’s suspension is designed to raise the bike’s centre of gravity compared to the Nuda 900, increasing ground clearance and improving the handling to deliver a thrilling and responsive ride.

To create a motorcycle more suited to urban life or touring, the Nuda 900 comes with 48mm Sachs forks and a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. The suspension is set-up to deliver a smoother ride and make the bike more relaxed and user-friendly while the seat has a double level to provide greater comfort also for the pillion

Husqvarna has made the ergonomics and handling a priority on both models of Nuda and as a result the bike’s fuel tank is located under the seat to allow the weight distribution to be as close to the centre of gravity as possible. This work has created a bike that is both stable at high speed and agile at low speed that delivers a safe and comforting ride whatever the conditions.

This, along with the relaxed and natural riding position, is certain to be appreciated and exploited in full by both beginner and expert riders alike.

While both models have radial brake calipers, in order to further enhance its sporty appeal, the Nuda 900R comes with Brembo monobloc racing brakes with 320mm discs. Constructed out of a single piece of aluminium for maximum feel and power with minimal flex, these twin four-piston radial calipers give the Nuda 900R superior braking power on both the road and track. The Nuda 900 also features Brembo four-piston radial calipers and 320mm discs with sintered pads, delivering powerful, accurate and smooth braking feel whatever the conditions. Both models use the same 240mm disc and Brembo two piston caliper rear brake.

Weight is crucial in making a motorcycle agile and Husqvarna has managed to keep the mass of the Nuda 900 to less than 175kg (dry weight), thanks to clever engineering solutions and compact design.. Both models of Nuda come with a stainless steel exhaust muffler, however the 900R has a carbon fibre clamp, end cap and heat shield.

Accessories

Should owners of the Nuda 900 or Nuda 900R wish to take full advantage of the motorcycle’s all-round ability, or simply want to personalize their machine, Husqvarna has developed a full range of accessories. For example those wishing to take their Nuda touring, either solo or with a pillion, either for a relaxed day loop in your home turf or multiple days with your friends, can perfectly enhance the experience with a high windshield kit and in their size easily adjustable sidebags.

The 2012 Husaberg dirt bike range takes the Swedish company back to its 100 percent enduro offroad roots. In this video we see some of the new updates to the range, and we get a look at the brand new Husaberg TE 125. Last year Husaberg offered a couple of extra two-strokes to its dirt bike range, and the 125cc broadens the range further, appealing to a different and younger market.

In the video above you can see the kind of offroad alpine fun to be had on any Husaberg, but the new TE 125 shows off its agility and high-tech components. Husaberg has tried to get a mix of value-for-money on a technological bike that doesn’t require a heap of maintenance and racing this year will show whether they’ve achieved that.

Beyond the new model, the entire Husaberg range gets an updated look with new graphics where the blue and yellow Swedish combo really stands out. There is a clear fuel tank which gives a practical solution to checking fuel supply as well as clean and pure lines. Top-end components are used, including a completely adjustable rear suspension, closed cartridge forks and a specially patented electric starter. Check out the Husaberg range in action in the video.

Here are new pics of a live test ride of the Honda Crossrunner from our guys at Motoblog.it. In an interview with Crossrunner designer Teofilo Plaza, the Honda Europe R&D reveals its design inspiration and what it set out to achieve with the new bike, and we like what we see. Halfway between a sports bike and a maxi-enduro model, you can tell that the Crossrunner is a very elegant mix of Japanese technology and European design.

Honda has played to its strengths with the Crossrunner in building a bike with wide appeal - it has been designed to inspire trustworthiness in a larger number of people, with a compact feel and lower seat height for better stability and control. Designer Plaza reveals that the Crossrunner took a large inspiration from a jet ski shape and feel, with the idea that the machine could be fun but not intimidating to use.

Despite the sports/fun aspect, Honda didn’t want to build another, overly aggressive Fireblade, but rather a sporty but elegant design, with a simple approach and frank, appealing looks. So far, sales results would seem to indicate this has been the right approach with waiting lists for the new Crossrunner getting longer. Honda has risked trying to hash together two opposing dynamics, but in actual fact the combination of trusty, sober style and a funny bike ride with a solid sporty feel has really worked. Here are new pics of the Honda Crossrunner, and we’ll be bringing you more of our Crossrunner test ride soon.

After a weekend of boring racing and some more injuries (as many took the MotoGP Catalunya round to be), is the MotoGP in danger of becoming a racing series for a few top riders and an opportunity for any girl who ever dreamed of attempting to start a modelling career by holding an umbrella? Quite possibly, but we don’t think you’ll mind (for the moment) on seeing these pics of the paddock girls from Montemelo at the Barcelona MotoGP. If they become all that’s interesting to look at for a MotoGP racing weekend, then the series might have some problems. But more on that later - for the moment, enjoy the pics.

MotoGP 2011 - Barcellona - Paddock Girls

We took a look at the 2011 Bike Exif calendar as a motorcycle-themed gift for Christmas, but here’s what the in-crowd will be looking at next year: the 2011 Pirelli Calendar by Karl Lagerfeld. Nothing really to do with tyres, and even less so with motorcycles, it’s reached the same kind of world fame as Playboy and this year Lagerfeld is adding a touch of the artistic from the fashion world. The gods and goddesses theme has given him plenty to work with, and although it’s not really in the style of previous Pirelli calendars, it will certainly go down as one of the more adventurous in the history of the calendar. The costuming for grid girls looks like playschool in comparison. You won’t be buying this though, strictly for Pirelli customers and anyone it considers is worthy of a copy, but if Pirelli gets is MotoGP involvement from 2012, we could see more of these turn up on the motorcycle circuit.

After seeing the Vespa PX officially launch its new challenge in the scooter segment, it was with interest that we also saw the LML Star products at the 2010 EICMA show. LML took its Star I and Star Electric concept to the show along with other models including: the Mat Series, Star RS, Star GT, Bicolor Vintage, Star Art and Star Corsa. They are a series of four-stroke and two-stroke scooters of mostly 125 and 150cc capacity.

The new Star 4T model was also present, as was the Star two-stroke restyling. The new Star 4T comes in 125, 150 and 151cc versions; with a four-speed manual gearbox it’s famous for its tubular chassis structure which has new improvements for this year, reducing vibrations and making for a safer and more comfortable ride.

The Star 2T could be considered the main competitor to the new Vespa PX as it has a manual gearbox and either electronic or pedal kick-start. The improvements this year on the Star 2T are mostly of an aesthetic nature with closer attention to detail of the finishings and it comes in three lines: Classic, Vintage and Glamour.

LML Star 2011 range

As to the other models, LML is working on its Star I model as a 200cc version which would be the first above a 150cc model for the company. The Star Electric Concept is in its early stages of development as an electric scooter and will be improved in the future. It currently weighs 115 kg and is equipped with a 1.6 kW engine with a range of 72 km.

The Star special series includes the Mat Series with its new colour range, the Star RS 4T sports model, and the Star GT Gran Turismo which is LML’s take on a grand touring scooter model. The Star Bicolor Vintage is another special colour range and then the Corsa range is for those who want to take their scooter on the track. Finally the Star Art model, the first image in the gallery, is for those who want to let their imagination for decorating their Star scooter go wild.

The 2010 EICMA show concludes today and here are the last live pics from the show - we couldn’t wrap-up without sharing with you the girls from EICMA. Every year it’s an opportunity to check out the latest from the biker show girls and this time we have the usual looking-pretty-on-a-bike theme to cube dancers. Enjoy with thanks to our guys from Motoblog.it.

2010 EICMA motor show girls live

Kawasaki has been generous to the crowds at the 2010 EICMA show, bringing its full range including the much anticipated new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. Other models at the show are the Kawasaki Z1000 in its semi-faired SX version, the Z750R, the W800 and the Custom Voyager VN1700. The company has been having mixed fortunes of late but there’s something still irresistable in that shade of green. See the live EICMA pics below.

The new Vespa PX is one hot little scooter which will bring back old-style scootering to those purists who still want to do stuff like change gears themselves. The immortal PX seen in these live pics from EICMA, will revive the classic two-stroke 125 and 150cc engines which might not sound like much to a modern luddite but this is about as romantic and nostalgic as you can get on nowadays scooters.

It’s the third time the Vespa PX will have appeared on the market and it will come with a four-speed gearbox with shift on the handle bar and will be available in Sport, Touring and ‘Via della moda’ options. The nifty thing is though, that despite it being a two-stroke, it still conforms to Euro 3 thanks to its new muffler.

For those looking for a fun scooter with all the style and status a Vespa gives, the PX is designed with you in mind. It’s lost on fancy technology to gain on traditional scootering fun. We get the feeling that anyone riding this will feel like they’re once again participating in a cool niche which harks back to 1960’s Dolce Vita style.

The Sport fit-out of the Vespa PX is what it suggests - a sporty style recognisable by its front spring in red and matte black wheels. The Touring PX obviously gets the usual boxes and storage compartments but with a neat, chrome finish, dark brown seat and additional special colour in Perseo Bronze. The ‘Via della moda’ or ‘fashion street’ version is the top-of-the-range model which has plum colour, twin seat in red eco-leather and five-spoke chrome wheels.

Below are all the details from the Piaggio press release of the new Vespa PX as well as technical specs and the official gallery.

Vespa PX

The Vespa in its most original form, once again takes its place of timeless legend.
Forming the link between the history of the world’s most famous scooter and its future, the Vespa PX is back with a choice of its most classic engine sizes.

Incomparable style, an engine which respects the most severe emissions standards and the classic four gear transmission make Vespa PX unmistakable and unique.

There has only ever been one Vespa.

The seventeen million examples of the Vespa sold across the globe since 1946 have brought together people of different languages and cultures, and have turned the dreams and desire for freedom of entire generations of young people into reality.
The Vespa has been an integral part of our history and a unique phenomenon in the history of popular culture: it was the vehicle that brought personal mobility to Europe in the post-war Europe. It saw younger generations take different sides with their Vespas and Lambrettas, or as Mods and Rockers. It embodied music, rebellion, romanticism and escapism. It represented the promise of freedom for all. It is the symbol of the era of the “Dolce Vita”. It played a leading role in the ‘revolution of thought’ brought to fruition by the young generations of the 1960s and ’70s. It welcomed the arrival of Rock’n Roll in Europe and was still here to see the advent of the MTV generation and digital music. And it will continue to go on.

Thirty-three years on the world’s roads.

2010 is the thirty-third anniversary of the launch of the Vespa PX, a milestone that very few vehicles - let alone a two wheeler - can claim to have achieved.

Making this achievement all the more extraordinary is the sheer popularity of this classic: with over 3,000,000 examples sold in every continent.

The majority of the examples built and sold are still running in countries all over the world - a testimony not only to the proverbial robustness and reliability of the scooter, but also to the deep affection that binds every Vespa and its owner.
In the current Vespa range, the PX is the only model which offers the four gear transmission on the handlebar: a true “must” for enthusiasts, together with an unmistakable design which goes beyond all fashion.

The legend lives on: revised technical content and style.

Essential lines, elegantly minimalist: Vespa PX maintains all of the classic strong points which determined its success for more than three decades: unmistakable style, functionality and user-friendliness, the legendary sturdiness of a steel bodyshell, the reliability of a simple and indestructible engine and the possibility (whether as a functional feature or just because you like it) of fitting a spare wheel.

Without indulging in retro style for its own sake, the design of the instrument panel of the Vespa PX is instantly recognisable as timeless, with its immediately clear instrumentation. The speedometer, with dual Km/h and mph scales, and the fuel gauge are lit with a neutral coloured light that is in perfect harmony with the purity of the design. The array of indicator and warning lights includes indicators for the lights, full beam, turn signals and fuel reserve.

A new saddle for the Vespa PX: with all-new design and upholstery. The proverbial comfort and space that have always distinguished the Vespa PX as the touring scooter par excellence have actually been improved. Ideal for two-up riding, the saddle accommodates riders of all statures, offering unparalleled comfort and vehicle control.
The headlight, with a state of the art complex surface reflector and halogen bulb, creates a powerful beam for ideal visibility and constitutes a vital contribution in terms of active safety.

The taillight has always been a signature feature of each and every Vespa model. From the small, round taillight of the legendary 1946 98cc to the headlight in two distinct elements and chrome parts which embellished the 1962 125cc, to the Primavera ET3’s boxy design which was so typically “70’s”. Vespa PX rediscovers soft lines for the taillight which combine with a classic and elegant chrome edge. The component, with a red lens, also includes the brake light and license plate light.

The turn indicators on the Vespa PX feature an orange bulb behind a clear plastic outer lens. A combination which recalls the elegance of the numerous chrome details, enhancing the purity of the Vespa lines.
The new hand grips in black rubber are elegantly branded with the Vespa logo and complemented by the chrome taillight.
The classic Vespa logo also enhances the new central tunnel cover, now refined by an elegant edge in glazed material.

The new grille cites the style of some of the greatest classics in Vespa history.

The Vespa has always been distinguished by a unibody construction - an exclusive feature that has always set the Vespa apart from any other scooter. The PX remains true to this construction solution which, in addition to giving the scooter a classic flavour, also ensures superior stiffness and precision.

The link arm front suspension - a technical solution that is an intrinsic part of the Vespa character - works in conjunction with a coil spring and a dual action hydraulic shock absorber.

At the rear, the suspension components are linked to the engine-transmission case, which also does duty as the swingarm. The 10″ wheels are shod with 3.50” tyres.

The 200 mm stainless steel front disc brake is complemented by a powerful and reliable 150 mm drum brake at the rear for perfect modulability.

The 125 and 150 cc single-cylinder, two-stroke engines with forced air cooling feature CDI electronic injection and both electric and kick starters. After all, how can anyone think of the most classic of the Vespa models without the fantastic kick start pedal crank?
Thanks to the use of a new catalytic converter designed to lower polluting emissions, both of the Vespa PX models comply with the most severe and modern Euro3 standards.

The PX comes with a four speed manual gearbox: choosing the PX means choosing total riding pleasure.

Vespa PX 125/150: Technical specifications

Engine 2-stroke single cylinder
Engine capacity PX 125: 123 cc
PX 150: 150 cc
Bore PX 125: 52.5 mm
PX 150: 57.8 mm
Stroke 57 mm
Fuel Unleaded petrol, min 95 RON
Induction Rotary valve induction in crankcase
Ignition CDI electronic ignition
Starter Electrical and kick starter
Lubrication Automatic mixer
Cooling system Forced air
Gearbox Four speed manual
Load bearing structure Steel body
Front suspension Link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber
Rear suspension Engine-transmission case serving as swingarm, dual action shock absorber
Front brake 200 mm stainless steel disc
Rear brake 150 mm drum
Front wheel rim 2.10 - 10”
Rear wheel rim 2.10 – 10”
Front tyre 3.50” - 10”
Rear tyre 3.50” - 10”
Length 1,810 mm
Width 740 mm
Wheelbase 1,260 mm
Seat height 810 mm
Dry weight 97 kg
Fuel tank capacity 8 litres
Emissions compliance Euro 3