Norton Commando Mk III

It’s hard to improve on the Norton Commando. But Bill Becker, creator of the lovely Aermacchi Sprint we featured a little while ago, has taken the iconic British motorcycle to a new level.

Bill bought the Commando on eBay as a project bike with a rebuilt motor and powder coated frame. Everything else was in a state of disassembly and arrived in three boxes. “That was OK with me,” says Bill. “My intent was to build a cafe racer based on a 1970s superbike platform, but with contemporary improvements—with a ‘naked’ look fashioned after period-racers.” The details were to be practical and serviceable, with paint kept to a minimum.

Bill laced Excel alloy rims to the Commando’s original polished hubs, adding stainless steel spokes and Avon Super Venom tires. The front brake system is by Norvil, with a reconstructed master cylinder and smaller diameter piston. The rear brake is an original Norton, with the rotor vented and lightened. Rearsets are old 60s items rebuilt to accommodate custom brake and shifting arrangements.

A belt replaces the triple chain as a primary drive, and the original primary cover has been heavily ventilated to keep the drive cool. “I also modified the gearbox cradle to provide for belt tensioning,” says Bill. “While the gearbox was out, I rebuilt it. The secondary drive is a 520, O-ring chain, to allow for a larger rear tire.” The Commando’s fuel delivery is now through new Amal 932 concentrics.

“I hit on the right look for the gas tank on the third try … I modified a Norton seat pan and cover, and had a red leather panel stitched into it.” Bill then installed an alloy oil tank under the Commando’s seat, vented to relieve crankcase pressure. Small Supertrapp mufflers give an exhaust note that Bill describes as “distinctive and mellow”.

Except for the alternator, the Commando’s electric system was scrapped and replaced with new components—a Boyer solid state ignition, a Dyna coil, a Tympanium rectifier, a new wiring harness and halogen headlamp, a British-style tail light and small carbon fiber turn signals. Bill designed and constructed a custom dashboard to hold the rebuilt Smith gauges, and completed the ensemble with LED indicator lamps. Clamp-on low bars complete the race-bike feel, and Bill designed custom graphics based on the contemporary Norton fonts.

The project was three years in the making and Bill’s still adding the final finishing touches. I’d say it’s close to perfection already—wouldn’t you?

All images © Roman Torres/Pixelcraft, used with permission. Once again, thanks to Marc Grossman for the tip.

Bike EXIF is the world's #1 source for custom motorcycles, classic motorcycles and cafe racers. Produced in association with Icon.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bikeexif/~3/_dT2Pr7myAQ/norton-commando-mk-iii

Julien Allemand Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez

Stuck at a Light | Answers

Stuck at a Light | Answers

Got a question for Answers? Send it to mcmail@sorc.com

Stuck at a Light

a
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Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/answers/122_1207_stuck_at_a_light/

Chris Anderson Fergus Anderson Hugh Anderson John Anderson

Giulio Mauri (1946 – 2012)

The World of motorcycling, and in particular the sport of Trial is mourning the loss of one of its true gentlemen following the news of yesterday's sad and sudden passing of Italian stalwart Giulio Mauri whilst he was competing in a classic Trial event close to Rome, Italy.Known and respected in the international Trial community for many seasons as a professional photojournalist, sixty-six year old Giulio switched roles in the later years to work for his national Federation and more recently as part of the FIM Trial Commission (CTR).As President of the FMI (Italian Motorcycle Federation) Trial Commission and a CTR Bureau Member, Giulio remained an active campaigner within the sport of Trial to the very end. Only last weekend he was present in Andorra for the latest round of the FIM Trial World Championship as a delegate for his national Federation. Giulio's passion for the sport of Trial and his ever present personality will be sadly missed by all those that knew him, and no more so than this weekend's forthcoming Trial Grand Prix at Santo Stefano d'Aveto, Italy.The FIM's thoughts are very much with Giulio's wife, two children, plus his other family members, friends and the wider Italian Motorcycle community at this very difficult and sad time.Vito Ippolito, FIM President added his own words. "I am both saddened and shocked by this news. Giulio was a great man and was very much a part of our FIM family. He was a strong character who always wanted to do the best for his sport. His views and his work will certainly be missed. Both personally and on behalf of the FIM as a whole, I would like to offer Giulio's family our most sincere condolences as they begin to come to terms with their loss."

Source: http://www.fim-live.com/en/media/news/news-detail/article/1341211312-giulio-mauri-1946-2012/

Jacques Bolle Pierre Bolle Maurice Bolwerk Gianfranco Bonera

Kymco Myroad 700i | Scoot

Kymco Myroad 700i | Scoot

Step-Through Superbike

They say: “The King of the Road.”
We say: “Just not our roads, not yet anyway.”

a
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Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1207_kymco_myroad_700i/

Jean François Balde Mike Baldinger Alex Baldolini Mike Baldwin

International Welsh 2 Day Enduro.

One of the oldest Enduro events in the world starts form the Lakeside at Llandrindrod Wells, the history of the event is incredible and the winners list reads like a who's who of off road riders.
The course is 130 miles ridden in one direction each day. 600 bikes in the Park Ferme start 4 a time at 1 minute intervals from 8am. Sidecars first, Sportsman, Clubman and followed by the experts.
The Route is classic and takes in some of the best off road spots in the welsh countryside. Locals stop with a program to wave and mark off the riders as pass. This is one event people mark in there calendar and enter year after year.

I have got to say this years event pretty much sucked due to the weather. I offered to passenger my mate in his VMC Yamaha sidecar in the expert class. That shit is hard work. We were holding on and special test times were good, but at the end of the first day we got stuck behind a German sidecar on a long climb and it all quickly turned to shit. We houred out in the last check of the day, the bike had a broken footrest, no brakes and I had puked and re swallowed it.

We called it a day!
Try again next year!
Anthony Brown
Co-Built

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/06/international-welsh-2-day-enduro.html

Bruno Bertacchini Silvano Bertarelli Albert Bertholet Guy Bertin

Yamaha Confirms Lorenzo for 2013 and 2014

It is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd can confirm the extension of Jorge Lorenzo's contract to ride for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team for 2013 and 2014. Jorge Lorenzo joined Yamaha in 2008, achieving fourth place in his first season and claiming the Rookie of the Year title. He was then second in 2009, went on to become MotoGP World Champion in 2010 and was second again in 2011.

Source: http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-502044&PageTitle=Yamaha Confirms Lorenzo for 2013 and 2014

Adrian Bosshard Christian Boudinot Roy Boughey  Dennis Boulom

Kymco Myroad 700i | Scoot

Kymco Myroad 700i | Scoot

Step-Through Superbike

They say: “The King of the Road.”
We say: “Just not our roads, not yet anyway.”

a
Photo Gallery: Kymco Myroad 700i - Motorcyclist Magazine

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Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1207_kymco_myroad_700i/

Helmut Bradl Stefan Bradl Umberto Braga Stefan Brägger

Two more years for Bobryshev at Honda

Honda Motor Europe is excited to announce that Evgeny Bobryshev has signed an agreement to race with the Honda World Motocross team for the next two years in the FIM MX1 World Championship.

24-year-old Bobryshev, who hails from Kondrovo in Russia, has ridden Honda machinery since his step up to the MX1 class in 2010 where he finished 10th in the World and won the British Championship prior to moving to the Honda World Motocross squad for the last two seasons. The Russian ace has certainly made the most of his time and development with the team so far, having enjoyed his maiden Grand Prix win with a double moto victory in Teutschenthal, Germany last year along with a number of podium finishes, which secured him fourth place in the World MX1 Championship.

This season has certainly been tough so far for Bobryshev as an injury to the hand from the first round in The Netherlands has thwarted his progress along with sickness at the Mexico and Brazil rounds of the series. However, the Honda pilot has demonstrated his speed and potential with his huge amount of desire to succeed, which has urged Honda Europe and the Honda World Motocross team to retain his services for the next few years.

The feeling is mutual, as a Honda grown rider that has belief in the CRF 450R and the family that surrounds him during the intense World Motocross season, Bobryshev was keen to scribe his commitment to Honda so he can concentrate on returning to full fitness and the results he is capable of.

The Honda World Motocross team, which is headed by Team Owner Paolo Martin, is based on years of experience having worked with Honda machinery for over 20 years. The team benefits from expertise from its technical partners including Showa, Dunlop, Investment Trade Bank and One Industries, as well as development of the race machines while working closely with Honda’s R&D department in Japan.

Big-smiles-from-all-the-Honda-crew Some-sort-of-Honda-game The-big-hand-shake

Evgeny Bobryshev #777:
“I am really happy to continue to be part of the Honda family for the next two years. This is my second year with the Honda World Motocross team, and I am comfortable here with everyone working so hard together with the same goal. This is the main reason for me to stay, as this family feeling is important as a rider for us to achieve what we aim for and to have the support during all of the ups and downs. I look forward to continuing our hard work to gain the results we are aiming for and the group around me is really strong, so I am confident of success. I have looked at other possibilities, but fundamentally the important thing for me is the feeling with the team and the confidence in the people you are working with. I am also very happy with the CRF 450R; the support from the R&D department in Japan, as well as Honda Europe, Showa and Dunlop comes together to create a really extensive programme with a strong development path to give me the best tools to do the job.”

Roger Harvey: Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager
“We’ve seen the potential in Bobby over the years, and he’s come up through as a Honda rider. We still have great belief in what he can do and what he can achieve, although this year hasn’t worked out as expected with the number of small injuries he’s had along with the illness. He is what we see as the future, and a Honda person who has been brought up in the Honda way with his belief in our machinery. For us it made sense to continue this relationship and I am really happy, as he’s a great guy to work with; his work ethic is good, he is a great ambassador for the sport and he is strong both physically and mentally. He is quite a late developer really, and we’ve seen his speed, so it’s just a case of bringing everything together while omitting those small mistakes and then we’ll see the true potential.”

Paolo Martin: Honda World Motocross Team Owner
“It’s good news for us to have Bobby staying with us for a further two years. I am very happy, and although this year has been tough, the progress over the past two seasons that we’ve made is good. At the moment Bobby isn’t 100% in being able to win the title, and we have more areas to work on together, but from last year we’ve come from being at top ten level to top five level, and finally we are at around 80% of our full potential. I think within the next two years we should be in a good position for the championship, and Bobby is good to work with, as he has taken on board everything by learning how to become a factory level professional rider. His speed is there, but we need to find the consistency required throughout a season to turn that into the results we are looking for.”

(Images by Sarah Gutierrez)

Source: http://moto.mpora.com/news/two-more-years-for-bobryshev-at-honda.html

Romolo Balbi Jean François Balde Mike Baldinger Alex Baldolini

Report: Terrafugia flying car completes first round of test flights

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Specialty, MISC

The Terrafugia Transition flying car is closer to becoming a real road-going reality. The Transition finished its first round of Federal Aviation Administration certification flight tests (there are five more rounds to go) at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York, and is headed for on-road drive testing.

It's another small step toward the flying cars we've been promised since at least the halcyon days of the "better living through technology" 1950s. The Transition was supposed to start deliveries by the end of this year at a cost under $200,000. The price has swollen to around $279,000 and while Terrafugia is happy to accept your deposit, expect at least a year or two before taking delivery. Still, if you have the money and an desire to be Elroy Jetson, it looks like you may eventually get your wish.

Terrafugia flying car completes first round of test flights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/terrafugia-flying-car-completes-first-round-of-test-flights/

Wolfgang Brand Alessanro Brannetti Reiner Bratenstein Hans Braumandl

Video: Ford shows off Mustang Shelby GT500's new launch control

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Videos, Ford

Listen to the sage words of the late Carroll Shelby: "650 horsepower? Nobody else has it." We're guessing this footage was recorded a little while back, before the final certified rating of the 5.8-liter supercharged engine in the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 came in at 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque.

Indeed, there isn't a single car anywhere near the sticker price of the 2013 GT500 - not even the stupid-fast Chevy Corvette ZR1 - that offers as many horses under the hood as the most powerful production Mustang in history. Suffice it to say, reeling in 662 galloping ponies and sending them to the rear tires isn't an easy conundrum to solve.

And that's where launch control comes into play. It's a cool system, allowing the driver to alter the RPM held by the engine with the clutch depressed. Drop the clutch and, instead of watching your Goodyear F1 Supercar tires go the way of the Dodo, you hook up and take off down the drag strip.

Or, ya know, you could turn the system off and smoke bomb your neighborhood. See examples of both launch techniques in the video below, because whenever a video starts off with a prominent disclaimer, you know it's going to be good.

Continue reading Ford shows off Mustang Shelby GT500's new launch control

Ford shows off Mustang Shelby GT500's new launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/29/ford-shows-off-mustang-shelby-gt500s-new-launch-control/

Chris Anderson Fergus Anderson Hugh Anderson John Anderson

More 2013 Honda Motorcycles: Updated Motocross and Trail Models + All-New Dual Purpose CRF 250L

More 2013 Honda models have trickled in, and this time the offroad offerings are getting the ol' update.

While the venerable CRF 250R and CRF 450R are now fiercer for the motocross set, the big news is the all-new CRF 250L, a $4,499 dual-purpose bike with a liquid-cooled, 249cc single.

Also included are a slew of trail offerings for the lil ones, and the new CRF 110F which replaces the old CRF 70F model... see? EVERYTHING'S getting supersized.

See the whole lineup (so far) in this 2013 Honda Buyer's Guide.

Related:

• 2013 Hondas Announced: Metropolitan Gets Updated, PCX Becomes Freeway Legal
• Everything You Need to Know About the Honda NC700X
• 2011 Honda PCX Scooter Review
• 2012 Honda Buyer's Guide: Details on Every Bike in the Lineup
• 2012 Honda Gold Wing Review: Hello Again, Old Friend

Photo © Honda
Click for buyer's guide

Source: http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2012/05/30/more-2013-honda-motorcycles-updated-motocross-and-trail-models-all-new-dual-purpose-crf-250l.htm

Norman Blemings František Bartoš Loek Bodelier Jarno Boesveld

Abraham to miss Assen and Sachsenring

Following consultation with medical staff, Karel Abraham will not take part in Saturday’s MotoGP race at Assen in the Netherlands. Before the morning warm-up, the Czech rider underwent a new check-up, which showed that his hand is healing very slowly and that any further strain could make matters worse.

Karel Abraham

“We tried riding flat out in the warm-up this morning, just to see if the hand would hold up for the entire race. Unfortunately, the pain was quite intense and it would be nearly impossible to ride at full pelt for three-quarters of an hour. Before that, I’d gone for another check-up with the doctors, where they explained that the cause of the pain was the mass bruising of the hand, which would only get worse with any repeated strain. It’s tough, but the only way the hand’s going to get better is with complete rest and rehabilitation. With this in mind, we’ve decided in all likelihood to skip the next race at the Sachsenring in Germany, since the hand is not going to heal in five days and any further strain would put us back to square one. So, I’ll have at least two weeks of rehab, which I hope will be enough time to be fully ready for the next race at Italy’s Mugello circuit. To miss out on Germany is really difficult to take: for Czech fans, it’s the closest race apart from Brno, and I know that there are many fans looking forward to the trip. I’d just like to let them know that I’m really sorry.”

Cardion AB Ducati Press Release

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/gF2d1gnSXeX/Abraham+miss+Assen+Sachsenring

Jean Aureal Josef Autengruber Stu Avant Rex Avery

New Apparel Company Debuts Biker Clothing for Women of All Sizes at Laconia Bike Week 2012

New Apparel Company Debuts Biker Clothing for Women of All Sizes at Laconia Bike Week 2012

HOTWOOD Product Release

NASHUA, NH/June 7, 2012 - HOTWOOD, LLC, a new online clothing retailer, has introduced a line of high-quality biker apparel for female riders and those who want to have something "biker chic" in their wardrobe. Designed to fit the everyday woman, HOTWOOD combines the passion to ride with the comfort and quality of apparel that reflects individual style. The new line of clothing and accessories will be launching at Laconia Bike Week, June 9-17, 2012 in Laconia, NH and also will be available at www.hotwoodonline.com.

Photo Gallery: New Apparel Company Debuts Biker Clothing for Women of All Sizes at Laconia Bike Week 2012 - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

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Source: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/1026_crup_new_apparel_company_debuts_biker_clothing_for_women_of_all_sizes_at_laconia_bike_week_2012/index.html

Len Bayliss Troy Bayliss Bruce Beale Douglas Beasley

Santander presents vision of London F1™ street race

Santander, sponsors of next weekend's 2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix, have released a spectacular concept film, featuring McLaren's Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, exploring how an F1 race in London might look. The CGI film, with an imagined 5.156-kilometre circuit taking in some of the UK capital's most famous landmarks, was produced following a detailed feasibility study

More...

Go to the Formula 1 forum to discuss this story.

Source: http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1-news/153625-santander-presents-vision-london-f1%99-street-race.html

Alessandro Antonello Haruchika Aoki Nobuatsu Aoki Takuma Aoki

Cooper Tire announces new sponsorship of Supercross.com's off road truck racing team in TORC series

Cooper Tire is happy to announce a new sponsorship of Supercross.com's off road truck racing team in the TORC series.

Cooper Tire is global competitor in the replacement tire industry, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, together with its affiliates, subsidiaries and joint ventures has manufacturing facilities on three continents, sales and distribution networks around the world and products that meet and exceed the demands of the world's most dynamic markets.

The company relies on a standard of excellence called "The Cooper Way," which provides the guiding principles, philosophies and beliefs of the company. They are the foundation for every business decision made. There are Cooper's Core Values:

Help Each Other Succeed

Have Engaged Communication

Be Agile

Provide World-Class Customer Service

Be Results Focused

Do the Right Thing

Chris Pantani - Director, UHP Marketing, Event Management & Motorsports at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company says "We are excited about this new sponsorship with the Supercross.com Off Road Truck Racing Team. TORC is a tremendous platform for exposing fans to our product line and brand, and more importantly, Supercross.com can help us to extend the Cooper brand into multiple digital platforms. We are very pleased in where we can go together, both now, and in the future."

TORC (The Off Road Championship) is an off road truck racing series. The 2012 series event and TV information is below.

Matt Cook, principal of Supercross.com media platforms, and driver/owner of the Supercross.com truck team says “We are excited as well to have this new relationship with Cooper. We believe this new partnership will help both the Cooper, and Supercross.com brands to reach more people in new, engaging ways. We look forward to this 2012 racing season, and beyond."

Source: http://www.supercross.com/features/cooper-tire-announces-new-sponsorship-of-supercrosscoms-off-road-truck-racing-team-in-torc-series

Custom motorcycles Classic motorcycles Honda motorcycle Yamaha motorcycles

Pit Boss Checkers Shield Helmet

Pit Boss Checkers Shield Helmet

Bell Product Release

WEIGHT: 900 GRAMS
SIZES: S, M, L, XL
TECHNOLOGIES:

• Lightweight TriMatrix™ composite shell Kevlar/Carbon/Fiberglass blend
• Speed Dial™ adjustable fit system
• Internal sun shade
• Removable neck curtain
• Integrated speaker pockets
• Five-year warranty

Photo Gallery: Pit Boss Checkers Shield Helmet - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

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Source: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/accessoriesandgear/1206_crup_pit_boss_checkers_shield_helmet/index.html

Lorenzo Baroni Jose Barresi Manliff Barrington Alex Barros

Stoner overcomes crash to head grid for Dutch MotoGP race

MotoGP leader Jorge Lorenzo hopes he can overturn Honda's qualifying dominance for Saturday's Assen TT race after setting the third fastest time behind Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.

Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/vjUdIVSlq_O/Stoner+overcomes+crash+head+grid+Dutch+MotoGP

Honda motorcycle Yamaha motorcycles Norick Abe Hubert Abold

Mark Drews' 1939 HD "Night Owl" Flathead Street Chopper Feature

Source: http://nostalgiaonwheels.blogspot.com/2012/06/mark-drews-1939-hd-night-owl-flathead.html

Len Atlee Pierre Audry Karl Auer August Auinger

Ducati 750 SS Imola

Ducati 750 SS Imola

With Ducati winning 14 world titles in the past 20 years, we tend to take its Superbike domination for granted. But before a certain afternoon 40 years ago, the Italian manufacturer had precisely zero big-bike credentials.

With Ducati winning 14 world titles in the past 20 years, we tend to take its Superbike domination for granted. But before a certain afternoon 40 years ago, the Italian manufacturer had precisely zero big-bike credentials. Primarily a producer of small-displacement singles, Ducati at that time had nothing to take on the championship-winning fours built by MV Agusta or Honda, let alone the many twins and triples from established makes like Triumph, Norton, Moto Guzzi, Laverda and more. Ducati was an outsider in the big-bike brotherhood.

a
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Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc_100/122_1207_ducati_750_ss_imola/

Toshiyuki Arakaki Fernando Aranda Takeishi Araoka Adrian Araujo

CoC
Thought you would like a picture of my Panhead chopped that I finished this year. It's a 59 with 4" springer and 21" 19" combo. Build by me and some help from my brothers in the Sissybar In Gothenburg. Paint is made by David the Danish. Sissy by Lebeefkustoms.

Cheers from junior Sissybar Sweden

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/06/coc-thought-you-would-like-picture-of.html

Stefan Brägger Vincent Braillard Ernesto Brambilla Wolfgang Brand

Third Row for Bautista, Fifth for Pirro

Alvaro Bautista was unable to follow up his promising free practice form with anything more than an eighth place start in tomorrow's Dutch TT after qualifying this afternoon was interrupted for the Spaniard first by a rain shower and then by a crash. Even though the riders were able to return to the drying track once the shower had passed it certainly didn't help the Team San Carlo Honda Gresini rider, who at least has the race pace to suggest he can make up positions tomorrow. Michele Pirro continued to close the gap to the pair of Aprilias currently leading the CRT chase, the Italian setting a solid race pace to suggest he can cause them a problem in tomorrow's race.

Alvaro Bautista ( 8th 1’ 34” 722 ) "It was a shame about the crash because we did such a good job this morning and our pace was strong. This afternoon the rain came first, which set us back, and then when I went back out and tried to push I lost the front and crashed, which cost me a lot of grid positions. The good thing is we are fast and our rhythm is good so we just have to try and get a good start, make up positions as quickly as possible and not lose contact with the front guys."

Michele Pirro (14th 1’ 36” 647) "We lost half of the session to the rain this afternoon and that didn't help us but we have closed the gap a little to the two best CRT bikes and this is positive. Obviously we still have some things to do, especially to solve a bad vibration, but I'm sure the team can help resolve it tomorrow and put me in a position to be fighting to be the top CRT."

Fausto Gresini "It was a shame because we had been enjoying a good weekend up until this afternoon and we could have done without the crash. Unfortunately he dropped several positions and it doesn't do his true potential justice. Obviously the rain didn't help either but now we have to look to the warm-up tomorrow, make some final improvements and then hope to make a good start and recover positions in the race. Michele did well despite a small technical problem but I believe our engineers can give him the bike to put on a strong performance tomorrow."

San Carlo Honda Gresini Press Release

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/vxr0SKQFEua/Third+Row+Bautista+Fifth+Pirro

Dick Allen Rudy Allison Pedro Alvarez Luis Alvaro

For Dustin..

Few more MX shots from yesterday...

 Jeffrey Herlings #84 - Jake Nicholls #45 - Nick Kouwenberg #824 - Eric Leijtens #61

Source: http://churchofchoppers.blogspot.com/2012/06/for-dustin.html

Daryl Beattie Roger Beaumont Leandro Beccheroni Hans Becker

Yamaha WR450F | Dirt

Yamaha WR450F | Dirt

More than the Sum of its Parts

They say: “A potent off-road weapon.”
We say: “We like how Yamaha thinks!”

a
Photo Gallery: Yamaha WR450F - Motorcyclist Magazine

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Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1207_yamaha_wr450f_dirt/

Mike Baldwin Brian Ball Andrea Ballerini Kork Ballington

SNAPPYGABS

Source: http://nostalgiaonwheels.blogspot.com/2012/06/snappygabs.html

Wolfgang Brand Alessanro Brannetti Reiner Bratenstein Hans Braumandl

Motorcyclist of the Century | Malcolm Smith

Motorcyclist of the Century | Malcolm Smith

Poster Child for Having Fun on a Motorcycle

Close your eyes and you can hear the theme song: On Any Sunday, stretching up, reaching high, leaving my Monday world behind…

Motorcyclist of the Century | Malcolm Smith | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Source: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1209_motorcyclist_of_the_century_malcolm_smith/

Gilbert Argo Manuel Arias Ken Armstrong Reg Armstrong

Spies Takes Valiant Fourth at Assen

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Spies took fourth today at the Assen TT in a tough race which again saw him suffer with tyre issues. The Texan made a strong start and was running in third behind Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa for the majority of the race. A brief battle saw him hold position over a chasing Andrea Dovizioso and he was beginning to stretch a lead when a serious tyre issue struck. As a result his pace was compromised, allowing Dovizioso to pass and leaving him fourth at the line. The result delivers Spies 13 points to bring his tally to 48 and promotes him one place to 10th in the Championship standings.

Team mate Jorge Lorenzo’s Assen TT was brought to a disastrous end at the first corner. The Championship leader was taken out by an over eager Alvaro Bautista, coming in too hot and taking both himself and Lorenzo out.

Ben Spies - 4th

“Today the bike was good, I struggled with some front grip in the beginning but was able to ride around it. I managed to stay past Dovi and ride at my own pace then about seven or eight laps from the end I was pushing to get away. A chunk came out of the tyre and then a second; I couldn’t do anything about it. I was hoping Dovi would get past me as I was worried the tyre would explode and I didn’t want to fall right in front of him. We’ve made some mistakes early in the year but the last two weekends we’ve had a bike to be on the podium but issues have prevented it. The bike and the team are working so well and I’ve been really comfortable on it so it’s disappointing.”

Jorge Lorenzo - NC

“Well, today was a complete disaster, Alvaro's move was crazy. I met him after the incident, he apologised and we shook hands but in my opinion this is not enough to justify the accident. When I made a mistake in Japan in 2005 I was penalized with a race. Race Direction told me that he will start from last position on the grid in Sachsenring but this is nothing. We hope that we will be lucky in the future that nothing will happen but if the riders are not penalized properly then they will continue to do crazy things like today. My leg is a big bruise, a big impact but nothing serious happened. Luckily for us we had a 25 point advantage or we would now be far behind. Now we are at zero with Casey so we begin again, the Championship is long so let’s see what happens.”

Yamaha Factory Racing Press Release

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Source: http://www.zimbio.com/MotoGP/articles/NbGQhn_mamm/Spies+Takes+Valiant+Fourth+Assen

Bruce Beale Douglas Beasley Daryl Beattie Roger Beaumont

Stoner victorious at incident-packed Iveco TT Assen

Repsol Honda Team's Casey Stoner took victory at an incident-packed Iveco TT Assen on Saturday as he held off the challenge from Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso.The race started with high drama as San Carlo Honda Gresini's Álvaro Bautista took out Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo in the first corner, putting an end to both their challenges. Lorenzo was clearly upset about the incident, which has been put under investigation by Race Direction. After this, the Repsol Honda Team pair of Dani Pedrosa and Stoner were left to lead the race at the start, with Lorenzo's teammate Ben Spies in pursuit.Two laps in it was heartbreak for LCR Honda MotoGP's Stefan Bradl as he crashed out of fourth, making this the first race he has not finished in his rookie season. In the meantime, Ducati Team's Nicky Hayden had run into the gravel in the last corner, but managed to wrestle his bike back on track.As the Hondas started to pull out a small margin, the crashes continued at the back as Avintia Blusens' Yonny Hernandez ended his race in the gravel. With 19 laps to go Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Andrea Dovizioso went past Spies into third as the pair diced for the final podium position. Dovizioso's teammate Cal Crutchlow, who was ninth after taking avoiding action at the start was having a tricky time trying to pass the Ducatis of Hayden, Valentino Rossi and Pramac Racing Team's Héctor Barberá.On the same lap, NGM Mobile Forward Racing's Colin Edwards retired with mechanical issues. With 14 laps to go, Crutchlow had passed Barberá into seventh in the group fighting it out for fifth, while Spies had made a move on Dovizioso back into third. A few laps later Crutchlow's charge continued as he passed Rossi into sixth to hunt down Hayden, who he also passed some laps later.Power Electronics Aspar's Aleix Espargaró retired from the race with 11 laps remaining, putting a dent in his top CRT hopes. This was followed up a lap later with Rossi entering the pits with a chunk missing from his rear tyre, which was changed before he re-entered the race. Meanwhile at the front Stoner made his move on Pedrosa as the Spaniard looked to be struggling.With six laps remaining both Hondas looked to be slowing, yet had pulled out a seven second lead over Spies, who was lapping a second a lap quicker. Further back, Barberá saved a near crash as he diced with Hayden for sixth. Three laps before the end Dovizioso had caught up to Spies once more as the pair was involved in yet another tussle for the final podium spot. The Italian made his move going into turn 1 on the final lap, and held on until the line.In the end it was Stoner who took the chequered flag to go equal on points at the top of the championship with Lorenzo, as Pedrosa finished second and Dovizioso took yet another podium this year. They were followed by Spies, Crutchlow, Hayden, and Barberá, whilst the CRT contingent benefited from the numerous crashes, with Espargaró's teammate De Puniet taking eighth, in front of San Carlo Honda Gresini's Michele Pirro and Speed Master's Mattia Pasini. Rossi finished in 13th, 0.002 seconds ahead of Paul Bird Motorsport's James Ellison. Cardion AB Racing's Karel Abraham did not start the race, as his hand injury proved too severe to race.

Source: http://www.fim-live.com/en/media/news/news-detail/article/1341071356-stoner-victorious-at-incident-packed-iveco-tt-assen/

Stefano Bianco Fabio Biliotti Wilf Billington Hartmut Bischoff

Yamaha Confirms Lorenzo for 2013 and 2014

It is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd can confirm the extension of Jorge Lorenzo's contract to ride for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team for 2013 and 2014. Jorge Lorenzo joined Yamaha in 2008, achieving fourth place in his first season and claiming the Rookie of the Year title. He was then second in 2009, went on to become MotoGP World Champion in 2010 and was second again in 2011.

Source: http://www.yamaha-racing.com/Racing/motogp/news/newsdetail.jsp?Component=tcm:78-502044&PageTitle=Yamaha Confirms Lorenzo for 2013 and 2014

Ernesto Brambilla Wolfgang Brand Alessanro Brannetti Reiner Bratenstein