Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Vespa has changed the world

Vespa scooter has become one of the 12 items that changed the world. So counted 12 leading experts in the field of industrial design, who commissioned by CNN compiled a list of the 12 most important items of the last 100 years.



In the opinion of the jury, a revolutionary concept Vespa scooter allows him to rightfully occupy a place in the "Hall of Fame industrial design world."

The key criteria for the selection of items for the list of the top 12 were: empathy, compassion, when the designer creates the concept is not for himself but for others; practicality - thing is to carry out its functions, to be cost effective and to be produced in addition object should evoke strong positive emotions.



The unique design of Vespa - in its universality and "uniseksualnosti": it is suitable for both men and women. A practical, cost-effectiveness and the ability to Vespa become the object of desire can not be questioned. His shot in his films, cult director Federico Fellini (eg, k / f "Sweet Life"), went on a Vespa musicians The Beatles - scooter influence on culture and the arts, as well as the design and development of the motorcycle industry significantly.

In addition to the scooter Vespa, a list of 12 iconic items of the last century were: Apple Mac computer in 1984, Bang & Olufsen stereo 2400 1979 airliner Airbus 380, the escalator, the space plane Virgin Galactic, 8-inch floppy diskette, office chair Aeron, player iPod, the first in the world of car produced millions of lots, Ford Model T, radial aircraft engine and ... Kalashnikov AK-47.



Read more...

New 'Duke'

New 'Duke' KTM "brought to light" the prototype of the new KTM 1290 SUPERDUKER. The site was chosen the right - the Goodwood Festival of Speed ​​in the UK.



Ran a "monster" on the track length of 1.8 km experienced racer, a former pilot of MotoGP, and now - a test pilot KTM Jeremy McWilliams (JeremyMcWilliams). Despite the fact that the bike is still a prototype, according to representatives of the KTM, it is very much in common with the production model in 1290 SUPER DUKE R, the production of which will start later this year. So, it's the same engine, borrowed from the 1190 RC8 R sportbike and repurposed to increase the torque.



Jeremy on his KTM, shod in slicks Dunlop, rode the track for 54 seconds, sometimes accelerating to 220 km / h - and sometimes on the back wheel. And here is what he says about his car: "I managed many high-performance motorcycles, but nothing compares to this monster. He totally fits the name. In the evening on the eve of the festival, first sat behind the wheel, I'd like crazy tomorrow - in order to drive it on the highway.



And I thought we had a pretty good idea - the reaction of the audience was just indescribable! Even Kevin Shvants told me that this bike at the festival, which pleased him most. He really wanted to ride it. As for the production version, I can say only one thing - buyers will not be disappointed in her. "

Undercover
Read more...

Monday, July 22, 2013

Updated Aprilia Tuono

Up to 167 hp increased engine power Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC 2014 model year. Another important innovation - a motorcycle will be installed the newest, most advanced system ABS.



Dual-channel anti-lock braking system Bosch 9MP will be paired with the brake calipers Brembo M432 - these components must make the most stable braking in all conditions.



Powerplant updated Tuono - four V-twin engine displacement of 999.6 cm3, to cope with this power will help the engine management APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes traction control, wheelie control and Launch-Control.



Was increased and the fuel tank - up to 18.5 liters, the seat has changed its shape and become more ergonomic. Price of motorcycle will be 14,999 U.S. dollars, but there are rumors that it may be reduced to 13,999 dollars - to attract "thrifty" buyers. But what changes have been made in the motor bike:
  • improved timing mechanism
  • inlet path length is increased by 20 mm
  • increased the size of the flywheel
  • increased gear ratio in the first three gears PPC
  • now has a peak power of 11 500 rev / min



Technical data Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC ABS 2014: Engine Engine type Aprilia V-4 with a transverse crankshaft angle collapse of the cylinder 65 °, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, gas distribution system DOHC, four valves per cylinder, electric start
Bore / stroke 78/52, 3 mm
Engine capacity 999.6 cm ³
The compression ratio of 13:1
Maximum output at crankshaft 167 hp at 11 500 rev / min
Maximum torque on the crankshaft 111.5 N • m at 9500 r / min
The power supply system throttles 4 Weber-Marelli 48 mm in diameter, 4 injector
The engine management system Ride-by-Wire with three modes - T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road)
Ignition Magneti Marelli, one candle per cylinder ignition coil built into the spark
The exhaust system 4 to 2 to 1, one oxygen sensor, single silencer with engine power valve, built trivalent catalytic converter (Euro 3)
Generator power 450 W
Lubrication system Wet sump oil radiator and two oil pumps
Gearbox 6-speed, cassette type. Gear ratio 1 - 39/15 (2.6) 2 - 33/16 (2,063) 3 - 34/20 (1.7) 4 - 32/22 (1.455) 5 - 34/26 (1,308 ) 6 - 33/27 (1.222). Gearshift lever with electronic Aprilia Quick Shift (aQS)
Multi-plate clutch in oil bath
Primary drive Spur gears with a gear ratio: 73/44 (1,659)
Secondary transmission chain with a gear ratio of 42/16 (2,625)
The engine management system system APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which includes traction control (aTC), wheelie control (aWC), Launch-Control (aLC), each of which can be enabled and disabled independently Welded aluminum frame, with cast and stamped elements
Sachs steering damper
Front suspension Sachs upside-down fork 43 mm diameter with the radial mount brake calipers, adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping, stroke 120 mm
Double-arm rear suspension aluminum swingarm, fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with expansion tank, a system of progressive levers APS. Rear wheel travel: 130 mm
The front brake system two floating brake discs 320 mm diameter stainless steel monobloc radial brake calipers Brembo M432 with 4-piston diameter of 32 mm, brake master cylinder radial type with reinforced brake hose Rear brake disc diameter of 220 mm, floating Brembo brake caliper with two 32 mm pistons, synthetic brake pads, brake master cylinder with integrated tank and armored brake hose Switchable ABS Bosch 9MP, configurable for 3 modes of engine operation
Cast-aluminum wheels, three-spoke, Front: 3,5 "X17"; Rear: 6,00 "X17"
Radial tubeless tires, front: 120/70 ZR 17 Rear: 190/55 ZR 17 (or 190/50 ZR 17 or 200/55 ZR 17)
LxWxH 2062 × 796 × 1090 mm
Clearance of 124 mm
Seat height 833 mm
Wheelbase 1443 mm
Removal of the front wheel 107 mm
The angle of the steering column 25 °
Dry weight 186 kg
Fuel tank capacity 18.5 liters
Read more...

Quite a different Yamaha XJR1300

The Italian unit known studio Deus Ex Machina has created an interesting custom-bike is based on the model Yamaha XJR1300.



Zrazy after the opening of its new studio in Italy famous custom studio Deus Ex Machina was commissioned by the European division of Yamaha. Earlier in the framework of the project «Yard Built Specials», launched by Yamaha, Danish experts Wrenchmonkees built their variation on the large "Roadman» Yamaha XJR1300, and now it is the turn of guys from Deus Ex Machina. The new bike is named «Project X».



"Before you start, we were intrigued by what is hidden under the" skin "of this powerful motorcycle. Yamaha XJR1300 proved to be very worthy of the donor for the construction of custom-bike - says Alessandro Rossi Deus Ex MachinaItaly. - The inspiration we drew in motorcycles of the 1970s and 1980s, participating in endurance racing, and built only for one purpose - to win races. We decided that we should XJR is proud to show everyone around its 1251 cc engine, so removed from the motorcycle maximum of details. "



During rework Yamaha XJR1300 not only significantly "pokromsal" but equipped with high-quality suspension Öhlins, radial brakes Brembo, titanium exhaust system LeoVince, Pirelli tires and magnesium rims Marvic Streamline. The stock steering wheel was replaced by a wider, and the dashboard has lost all the components, except for the tachometer.



In turn, the standard seat has given way to an analog handmade from leather and suede. The most interesting thing at the show EICMA 2013 studio Deus Ex Machina Italy promises to provide an official upgrade kit Yamaha XJR1300. It appears that this fall every owner XJR with such a "whale" can in his garage to collect the same custom-bike.
Read more...