2011 Kawasaki Versys

2011 Kawasaki Versys Review

2011 Kawasaki Versys is one motorcycle issued by the manufacturer Kawasaki with Streetfighterbike edition which supported the body design is comfortable to use. 2011 Kawasaki Versys has a engine capacity 649 cc with Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm and with engine type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin.

2011 Kawasaki Versys 1

2011 Kawasaki Versys 2

2011 Kawasaki Versys 4

2011 Kawasaki Versys 5

2011 Kawasaki Versys - USA Specifications
MSRP: $7,699 USD

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel system: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-Ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.3 in.
Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork with stepless adjustable rebound and preload / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with 13-position adjustable rebound damping and adjustable spring preload / 5.7 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single-piston caliper
Overall length: 83.7 in.
Overall width: 33.1 in.
Overall height: 52.4 in.
Seat height: 33.3 in.
Curb weight: 454.2 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal.
Colors: Metallic Imperial Red
Warranty: 12 months


2011 Kawasaki Versys - Canada Specifications
MSRP: $8,999 CDN

ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore and Stroke 83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio 10.6:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Sealed chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
2nd 1.714 (36/21)
3rd 1.333 (32/24)
4th 1.111 (30/27)
5th 0.966 (28/29)
6th 0.852 (23/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

FRAME
Type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front 150 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear 145 mm
Tires: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tires: Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Caster (Rake) 25°
Trail 108 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 35° / 35°

SUSPENSION
Front: Type 41 mm inverted telescopic fork with step less (right-side) adjustable rebound damping and adjustable preload
Rear: Type Offset laydown single-shock with 13-way adjustable rebound damping and 7-way adjustable preload

BRAKES
Front Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front Calipers Dual piston
Rear Type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear Caliper Single-piston

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,125 mm
Overall width 840 mm
Overall height 1,315 mm
Wheelbase 1,415 mm
Ground clearance 180 mm
Seat Height 840 mm
Curb mass 206 kg
Fuel Capacity 19 litres
Fuel Consumption 4.5 L/100 km (63 MPG)

PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power 47 kW {64 PS} / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque 61 N·m {6.2 kgƒ·m} / 6,800 rpm

DETAILS
MSRP* $8999
Colour Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Imperial Red
Warranty 12 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 Review

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 is one motorcycle issued by the manufacturer Honda with Streetfighterbike edition which supported the body design is comfortable to use. 2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 used Suspension Front: 41mm fork; 4.6 inches travel and rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel. For brake is used Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper for front brake and for rear brake used 180mm drum. This 2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 has a engine capacity 745 cc with Bore x stroke: 79mm x 76mm and with engine type 745cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin.

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 1

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 2

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 3

2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 - United States of America Specifications
USA MSRP - $TBA USD

Model: VT750
Engine Type: 745cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore and Stroke: 79mm x 76mm
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinder
Induction: PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, one 34mm throttle body
Ignition: Digital transistorized with electronic advance

Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: Shaft

Suspension
Front: 41mm fork; 4.6 inches travel
Rear: Dual shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 296mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: 180mm drum

Tires
Front: 120/90-17
Rear: 160/80-15
Wheelbase: 64.5 inches
Rake (Caster angle): 34°
Trail: 161mm (6.3 inches)
Seat Height: 25.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy: 56 mpg

Color: Candy Dark Red
Curb Weight*: 553 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride.

Honda's fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Meets current EPA standards.

Models sold in California meet current CARB standards and may differ slightly due to emissions equipment


2011 Honda Shadow Aero VT750 - Canadian Specifications
Canada MSRP - $TBA CDN

TBA

Beauty of Speed

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Eric Mathieu live in the South-East of France "la Côte d'Azur", works in the maintenance of boats, and since years restore old Harley Davidson. He even created a website about his knowledge of pre-war Harley and Indians... a true reference: "Beauty of speed".

Here's his latest work.

This 1938 Knucklehead came from the son of the oldest Harley Dealer in France, Michel Borie, his father was Pierre Borie. Michel Borie took over the dealership from his father and had a shop in the Paris area. He had the engine displayed at his shop.



I was trying to buy the engine for years like many other people but he would not want to hear anything about it. A good friend of mine who had know known his father very well was approached by Michel towards the end of his life, when he was selling his dealership to a larger dealer and was sick. He said that he had the complete bike from his father and that he had been keeping it for himself to restore. Now he had lost interest and was willing to let it go.
Nobody knew that the displayed engine was just one piece of the treasure. I was able to buy it with my friend and discover the rest of the bike. What we found was an amazingly correct and well preserved pile of parts that all matched in correctness for 1938 and in original condition. It was obvious that this was one bike and everything indicated it was an original "export model" imported and sold new in France. I was able to make a deal with my friend and make the project my main parts hunt and workshop focus for the next 4 years.
When working on the bike I found the initials from Pierre Borie "PB" stamped on the inside of the cases and painted on some of the wooden boxes where the parts were stored. I suspect that the bike was taken apart sometime in the 1940 or 1950s and thus survived the "chopper years". The engine was in need of major rebuild with very used and broken internals which may explain why the bike was taken apart. It took me 4 years to find the parts that had got lost along the way and get the bike the way it is now. I like to rebuild everything myself on my bikes, down to the last nut and bolt, which is how I was able to obtain a bike in original cosmetic condition but completely mechanically restored. I spent so many hours on this motorcycle bringing it back to life, now it's time to ride!
Eric MATHIEU






















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2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R Review

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R is one motorcycle issued by the manufacturer Kawasaki with Streetfighterbike edition which supported the body design is comfortable to use. 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R used Frame Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel. For brake is used Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs for front brake and for rear brake used Single 220 mm petal disc. This 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R has a engine capacity 649 cc with Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm and with engine type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R 1

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R 2

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R 3

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R 4

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R 5

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R - USA Specifications
MSRP: $7,199 USD

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, parallel twin
Displacement: 649cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 x 60.0mm
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel injection: Digital fuel injection with two 38mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: O-ring chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25 degrees / 4.2 in.
Wheelbase: 55.5 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 4.7 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Front tire: 120/70x17
Rear tire: 160/60x17
Front brake: Dual 300mm petal discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 220mm petal disc with single piston caliper
Overall length: 82.7 in.
Overall width: 29.9 in.
Overall height: 47.2 in.
Seat height: 31.1 in.
Curb weight: 449.8 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Colors: Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black,
Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months


2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R - Canada Specifications
MSRP: $8,699 CDN

ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke Parallel Twin
Displacement 649 cc
Bore and Stroke 83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio 11.3:1
Valve System DOHC, 8 valves
Fuel System Fuel injection: ø38 mm x 2 (Keihin)
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, semi-dry sump

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, return
Final Drive Sealed Chain
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.095 (88/42)
Gear Ratios: 1st 2.438 (39/16)
2nd 1.714 (36/21)
3rd 1.333 (32/24)
4th 1.111 (30/27)
5th 0.966 (28/29)
6th 0.852 (23/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 3.067 (46/15)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual

FRAME
Type Diamond, high-tensile steel
Tire: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Tire: Rear 160/60ZR17M/C (69W)
Wheel Travel: Front 120 mm
Wheel Travel: Rear 125 mm
Rake 25?
Trail 106 mm
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 32º / 32º

SUSPENSION
Front: Type 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear: Type Offset laydown single-shock with adjustable preload

BRAKES
Front: Type Dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs
Front: Caliper Dual piston
Rear: Type Single 220 mm petal disc
Rear: Caliper Single-piston

PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power 53 kW {72.1 PS} / 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque 66 N·m {6.7 kgf·m} / 7,000 rpm

DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,100 mm
Overall Width 760 mm
Overall Height 1,200 mm
Wheelbase 1,410 mm
Ground Clearance 145 mm
Seat Height 790 mm
Curb Mass 204 kg
Fuel Capacity 15.5 L
Fuel Consumption 4.9 L/100 km (58 MPG)

DETAILS
Colours Metallic Spark Black / Flat Super Black, Candy Burnt Orange / Flat Super Black
MSRP* $8,699
Warranty 12 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)


* The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.

MeanStreet Riders

You have probably already read several motorcycle blogs talking about the MeanStreet Riders. Yes, there is a new band two wheelin’ onto the music scene and their making sparks and soon to be rising up the charts. The MeanStreet Riders, whose members are made up of motorcycle riders, enjoy making music about all aspects of riding.

MeanStreet Mary, the bands Social Media Publicist, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in listening to a pre-release demo of their up and coming new album being released June first. I love music so I jumped at the opportunity. The CD arrived in the mail in a few days.

You can read how the band was formed and their bios on their websites see the links at the end of this article. I would like to take the time here to talk about their music.

You cannot pigeonhole there music into one safe genre or make a comparison to one other single popular band. The closest I could come up with to maybe compare them to would be the Eagles.  Some of the songs have a definite Classic Rock style & sound and others have a more Modern Country or Americana type sound. You can hear all kinds of instruments in the MeanStreet Riders music from electric guitars to banjo. The vocals are solid with lots of harmony.

It’s hard to put the feelings of riding into words, let alone song, but the MeanStreet Riders manage to pull it off.  The first song on the CD, High on the Hog, starts off with a Classic Rock style guitar riff that propels the song to the finish like a hard twist of the throttle. I’m reminded of .38 Special while listening to the lyrics about living the good life and enjoying life and friends as well as the ride to the fullest. The song ends with a snort that left me laughing.

The MeanStreet Riders second song, Kiss it all Goodbye, is my favorite. It has a real catchy chorus and I found myself humming it later on my ride down to Bikers Bay to get the state inspection done on my bike. They have managed to bottle the feelings and emotions of wanting to leave your troubles behind and just ride. You know the feeling. Like when you are on your commute to work on a beautiful day and when you are getting closer to your exit you just want to hit the throttle and drive on by and keep on going. Maybe one of these days….

The third track, 129, is about hitting the road and seeking out the twisties while leaving your troubles and cares behind. It has another addictive chorus and is specifically about Deals Gap, a section of US129 in Tennessee nicknamed the Dragons Tail. You may not have three hundred and eighteen curves in eleven miles near your house but listening to this song definitely catches the spirit of riding the curves, draggin’ the pegs and pushing the limits. There are no chicken strips on this tune.

I’ve had a good ride, track number four, captures the mood of riders everywhere after the ride is over and the kickstand is put down. It ain’t all about if you get their fast, the lyric sys it all. The song itself is not slow by any means but the inclusion of the banjo almost gives the illusion of a lazy day ride out in the country. At the conclusion of every ride I hope everyone can say, “I’ve had a good ride.”

Track five, Rollin’ On, slows down the pace a little. Rollin’ on stats off on a relaxed note with Kansas (the band) like violins and Indians chanting hauntingly. The vocal and musical harmonies seem the blend together nicely on this tune. There is something also real earthy about the sound of a guitar players fingers sliding down an acoustic guitars strings. This song is also about leaving behind your troubles and pain and rolling down the open road to clear your mind.

A Modern Country hit is what track six sounds like. Titled Where I was Born, it reminded me a little of Keith Urban. It’s all about exploring the country side freely on two wheels remembering the past and proclaiming allegiance to your roots. Musically it is very polished and sounds great like the lope of a fine v-twin.

Picking up the pace a little, Livin’ it Up is track seven on the up and coming CD by MeanStreet Riders.  With some smooth guitar and the addition of some brass and some synth, this song has a unique sound all its own.  The dreamy lyrics are about several different riders and rides and living it up.

Number eight, Long Road of Love, is a slow melodic love song. The love of the road can be compared to the love of a woman.  Fun, exciting, thrilling, mysterious, curvy, and dangerous can be used to describe both. If you love the road and have another companion in your life that you love, you will enjoy this song.

Eye of the Hurricane is a number nine on the demo CD.  It is about the love of speed and the consequences and dangers of the addiction. When life is in turmoil all around, you can find peace at speed on your bike, in the eye of the hurricane. The driving guitar chords mates well with the driving lyrics of the song carrying the listener to the somber story ending.

The last song on the MeanStreet Riders CD is the rocking Souls of Chrome. It’s about the long road of life and the fact that even when alone you are not by yourself. On the open road you are surrounded by the ones who have gone before you. This song has a driving drum beat and cool guitar licks with some nice vocal harmony thrown in for good measure. This tune is definitely one you will have to keep an eye on your speedometer when listening to it.   

MeanStreet Riders music is made by riders, is all about riding, for riders to enjoy. However, you don’t have to be a biker or even a motorcycle rider to enjoy the sounds of the MeanStreet Riders. There is a good musical mix on the demo CD with something for every musical taste. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some new and interesting music to listen too. So, don’t walk, don’t run, ride out and get your own copy on the first.

Links:

http://www.meanstreetriders.com/index.html

http://meanstreetriders.wordpress.com/

http://meanstreetriders.wordpress.com/

http://www.myspace.com/meanstreetriders

http://airplaydirect.com/music/meanstreetriders/

Ride on,

Torch

Back in the Saddle Again !

Finished Getting Mistress put back together enough to ride today! It's been waaaay too long. Took her down to Bikers Bay in Bedford to get her Texas State Inspection back up to date, it was several months out. Inspection complete I took her for a real short jaunt on the freeway to make sure she was running alright. Got back and still had some minor adjustments to take care of.

I had to adjust the clutch lever back to its correct position and angle. Then tightened up and set the left rear-view mirror. Lastly, I tightened all the saddle bag bolts because one was real loose. Then I gave her a bath.

Now all is ready to start commuting to work again. Next I need to replace the damaged leather bags with some hard bags.....

Ride on,
Torch

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Review

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 is one motorcycle issued by the manufacturer Suzuki with Streetfighterbike edition which supported the body design is comfortable to use. 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 used Full Brembo system, twin Brembo 320mm semi-floating hi carbon stainless steel discs, Brembo 4 piston “Gold Line” axial callipers for front brake and for rear bike used Full Brembo system, single Brembo 220mm disc, Brembo 2 piston “Gold Line” calliper. This 2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 has a engine capacity 805 cc with Bore x stroke: 83.0 mm x 74.4 mm and with engine type 805 cc (49.1 cu. in), 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-twin.

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 1

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 2

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 3

2011 Suzuki Boulevard C50 - Canadian Specifications
Canada MSRP - See dealer for pricing.

Chassis:
Brakes Front Disc brake
Brakes Rear Drum brake
Colour Black
277 kg (611 lbs)
Curb Weight
Final Drive Shaft Drive
Fuel Tank Capacity 15.5 L (4.1/3.4 US/Imp gal)
Ground Clearance 140 mm (5.5 in)
Overall Length 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Overall Width 955 mm (37.6 in)
Seat Height 700 mm (27.6 in)
Suspension Front Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Tires Front 130/90-16M/C 67H, tube type
Tires Rear 170/80-15M/C 77H, tube type
Transmission 5-speed constant mesh
Wheelbase 1655 mm (65.2 in)

Engine:
Bore Stroke 83.0 mm (3.268 in) x 74.4 mm (2.929 in)
Compression Ratio 9.4 : 1
Engine 805 cc (49.1 cu. in), 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, OHC, 45-degree V-twin
Fuel System Fuel injection
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication Wet sump
Starter Electric

Warranty:
Warranty 12 Month unlimited mileage limited warranty


American Suzuki Motor Corporation makes every effort to present the most current specifications and product features. Because of our policy of continual improvement, changes may be made in equipment, availability, specifications and features without notice or obligation.