spheed - sportbike industry news

Garmen releases Motorcycle friendly GPS

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 04:53:40 +0000

All we can think about is if this product actually delivers as stated, we’re going to start seeing a lot more of the touring sort running with these - especially the sport tourers along with the Goldwing type crowd.

A few of the specs before you take the jump to the site and get all excited:

Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
High bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display makes it easy to view your screen
Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when its time to fill up
Motorcycle mount with universal mounting hardware so you can mount it anywhere
Included motorcycle mount and automotive mount (with integrated speaker) for riding or driving
Custom caps, available in a variety of colors, to reflect your style
Vibration-tested, waterproof and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements

Also integrates with Google Earth, has bluetooth headset for XM radio, cellular phone, and listening to road directions.
Absolutetly mind boggling. Check it out here.

More Ducati RR goodness

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 04:42:57 +0000

Some great shots and some great drool factor from the US press event over at onewheeldrive.net. We’re looking forward to seeing this one on the streets around here for sure.

[source]

GSXR powered Kart

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 05:48:26 +0000

A GSX-R engine in a go-kart? Well sure, why not. I think the picture really says it all. Considering *most* go-karts at the local go-kart rental places have 50cc engines, and still go reasonably quick.. I can only imagine what the monster in this machine could do: 113.5 HP and just under 300lbs? Oh my. Check out the videos for the spectacular monster with little ability to keep traction.

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Corona Tank Top safer than leather

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 06:47:49 +0000

So this is news to me, but apparently scientists have discovered that wearing a Corona tank-top will assist you in being safer. They claim their is no scientific explanation for it though - and so on; it’s semi-amusing anyways.

“I’m utterly outraged that they dared publish this report,” said noted motorcycle safety expert Daniel Hough. “I’ve advocated full leather riding gear for years, and here they’re claiming a tank top can prevent injuries?” Hough claims to have seen the results of numerous motorcycle accidents over his 30+ year riding career, and without variation, those people wearing clothing such as t-shirts and cotton pants fared worst.

You can read the rest here:

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MotoCzysz to debut at Laguna Seca

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 05:08:21 +0000

MotoCzysz (feel free to email us with how to pronounce this) is aimed at debuting it’s race motorbikes at Laguna Seca during the MotoGP weekend coming up July 21-23rd of 2006.

Press release:

MotoCzysz has chosen the 2006 Red Bull USGP, July 21-23, for the official unveiling of their next generation C1 factory race bikes. The new MotoCzysz C1 race bikes that will see competition in 2006, will be displayed at the MotoCzysz GP paddock inspired exhibit in the manufacturers’ area of Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway.

“There is little time to appreciate what you have designed, once a design is complete you immediately start work on how to make it better. It is a relentless but seductive process.” Says Michael Czysz, Chief Designer/ CEO “MotoCzysz has now realized a significant part of our dream, it will be my honor to present our first official race bike at the USGP, this motorcycle will be the most advanced and capable motorcycle ever made in America.”

Based on the successful proof of concept prototype, the next generation C1 is a no holds barred American bred contender. The world class team of designers and engineers has evolved the proprietary and radical new technologies from the original prototype to make the C1 a true, competitive race bike. The stunning new C1 will be proudly displayed, in full race trim, to feed the eyes and ears of the thousands of fans in attendance.

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Icon Super Duty Glove review

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 20:29:55 +0000

David over at onewheeldrive.net (maybe we need some more motorcycle review sites folks? :p) has reviewed the latest gloves from Icon suggesting that they are not only inexpensive, but add a fair level of protection Check it out.

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Next VMAX designed by you?

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 20:22:28 +0000

Well sort of. Looks like Yamaha is wanting your advice and feedback on their designs to make the best product possible. I certaintly wish more manufacturers would do this, as common styling and functional complaints tend to erupt all the time on most message boards for any given motorcycle. This is exciting stuff folks, go check it out!

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Couple of tire reviews

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 06:10:34 +0000

Just got into the season and realize that you didn’t get around to replacing your tires during the winter? Maybe consider these:

A brief review of the newish Pirelli Diablo Strada’s. Thumbs up?
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A glimpse into what the Avon Viper Sport tire is all about.
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Officials urge motorcycle riders to wear helmets?

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 05:50:32 +0000

WOW, really? That’s a good idea? Who would’ve thunk it. Why there is any state in any nation that says that you can ride without a helmet I’ll never know. The stats prove it time and time again that wearing a helmet reduces fatalities. Of course, theirs about a thousand articles on the web at the moment thanks to dumbass US football player Roethlisberger. I hate the media sometimes, they just shine things so bright and then move on and we forget about it.

The article source this is from even says:

When the state implemented a helmet law in 1992, the number of people in Los Angeles County hospitalized because of motorcycle accidents dropped from 1,075 to 583, officials said

Pretty straight forward stuff there. Wear your lid people.

How not to ride in the city

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:43:18 +0000

Absolutetly how not to ride your bike in the city. This guy (or girl) is absolutetly mental. It’s a shame really, because all it’s really doing is glorifying how much of an idiot you can be and eventually someone gets hurt that wasn’t even involved at all. Our lesson today kids? Umm.. well just watch the video.