2012 Honda Integra Announced; All-New 700cc engine with Dual Clutch Transmission

Honda announced it is developing a new series of 700cc engines and a second-generation dual clutch transmission for motorcycles. The new engine and transmission will be introduced with the production version of Honda’s New-Mid concept as the Honda Integra scooter.Yes, Honda has officially run out of names and is now recycling them from its cars.

Based on the New-Mid concept unveiled at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, the Honda Integra is the latest in Honda’s attempt at a scooter/motorcycle crossover (anyone remember the DN-01?). The styling looks like a maxi-scooter but the large wheels, frame, engine position and the fact the rider straddles the Integra are what you’d find on a motorcycle. The Integra, along with two other models using the same new engine, will be displayed at the 2011 EICMA show in November.

The all-new engine is a 700cc four-stroke parallel Twin engine Honda claims can get 63 mpg. Customers will have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or the second generation of Honda’s dual clutch transmission. The new DCT is said to be lighter and more compact than the original system first introduced with the Honda VFR1200F. Honda also gave the DCT a new “learning” function which selects a running mode based on the riding environment.

The new engine will use an uneven 270-degree firing interval and a uniaxial primary balancer to reduce vibrations. The engine will have a single intake channel for both cylinders, a design choice Honda says will deliberately create interference between the cyinders’ intake processes to allow precisely calculated changes to combustion timing.

Honda also positioned a three-way catalyst directly beneath the exhaust ports so the combustion gas will pass through the catalyst while still at high temperatures. According to Honda, this design combined with Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system will allow the engine to achieve half of the Euro 3 emission standard.

Honda hasn’t announced details on the other two new models which will used the new engine. It’s expected they will be a naked standard and an adventure tourer. More details should emerge as we near EICMA.

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Lorenzo Lamas Cycles Rumble for the Heartland

Who’d have thought that a friendship started on the set of a reality TV show would lead to the formation of a brand which celebrates the artistry of custom motorcycles, promotes the motorcycle lifestyle and gives back to our country by conducting charitable events for the Armed Services? When producer/director Chad Greulach and actor Lorenzo Lamas met on the set of Gone Country while filming in Nashville back in 2007, the duo hit it off so well they ended up going into business together to form Lorenzo Cycles, a distributor of custom motorcycles, parts, and apparel.

I know what many are thinking. What the hell do two Hollywood types know about motorcycles? Lamas, like many of us, began riding dirt bikes as a kid, then graduated to the street with the purchase of his first motorcycle, a 1975 Honda 500T. In 1979, he would build his first chopper. Since then, he’s served as an ambassador to Oliver Shokouh’s Love Ride since the mid-80’s and is a staple of the Sturgis scene. He also played a bike-riding bounty hunter in a little show called Renegade, which at one time was broadcast in almost 100 markets throughout the world.

Greulach on the other hand started riding a little later in life. That doesn’t mean he didn’t embrace it with gusto. Anybody who buys a Kawasaki ZX-10 as one of their first bikes means they’re not afraid of diving in headfirst. Greulach’s career choice meant he had to put his passion for motorcycles on hiatus for a few years. During that time, though, he was the producer that helped cast and launch a little show called American Chopper, helping the Teutul gang from Orange County Choppers become a household name, so he wasn’t out of the scene altogether...

Read full article: Motorcycle USA (Harley, 9/20)

Infographic: the Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle

It's a motorcyclist's right to enjoy the open road, but it is their responsibility to exercise caution. Road conditions, other drivers and personal protective gear are all important to consider when getting on a bike.


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2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000

Kawasaki motorcycle manufacturers re-introduce their latest models in the class of motor sport that is the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000. With the presence of this model more complete range of motor sport is a Japanese manufacturer.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 has an aluminum frame is created with cutting-edge technology so that it looks like the Ninja ZX-10. In addition, the front fender’s ZX-6R adopted. This motor looks sexy with a stern created a minimalist.

Features Kawasaki Ninja 1000 looks grim front with cover design and sleek fairing. Ninja Kawasaki 1000 on the runway 4-No engine driven DOHC 16-valve inline four with a capacity of 1043 cc liquid-cooled coupled with a six-speed manual transmission system slick-shifting.

In anticipation of large power generated this bike, Kawasaki Ninja 1000 with the system complements the front suspension: 41mm upside down with stepless compression and rebound damping, can be set to 4.7 in the rear suspension: Monoshock horizontal with stepless rebound damping, can be set to 5, 4in

Braking is very capable front brakes: Double disc 300mm petal-type rotor with radial mount four-piston calipers, Rear brake: single 250mm disc with single piston calipers denagan motorists remain safe and comfortable.
The front upright shock upside down 41mm, while the horizontal shock behind using back-links. Braking system dual 300mm front discs adhere to the clamped radially mounted calipers, while the reinforced rear 250mm disc calipers are also clamped the same model.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Specifications

Engine: 4-No, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 4-line
Capacity: 1.043cc
Bore x Stroke: 77.0 x 56.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.8:1
Fuel system: DFI with four Keihin carburetors 38, Oval Sub-throttles
Transmission: 6 speed
Frame Type: Aluminum Backbone
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 190/50 ZR17
Wheelbase: 56.9 in
Front suspension: 41mm upside down with stepless compression and rebound damping, can be set to 4.7 in
Rear suspension: Monoshock horizontal with stepless rebound damping, can be set to 5.4 in
Brakes front: Double disc 300mm petal-type rotor with radial mount four-piston calipers
Rear brake: single 250mm disc with single piston calipers

2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Price : On price priced $ 10,999 USD.


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Ducati artwork goes from wall to motorcycle

From the recent press releases and marketing efforts by Ducati, riders of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer have as much of a passion for art as they do two-wheeled performance.

The latest artistic effort paying homage to Ducati comes from Award winning graffiti artist, Carlos Guerreo. At the beginning of August Guerreo was the guest of Erico Motorsports for “The Rhythm of Ducati”, a piece that involved attaching a set of Ducati Monster bodywork to a 5’ x 5’ painted canvas.

The artist explained that this bodywork can either hang as a work of art in a home or garage or it can also easily disassemble and be placed directly on a Ducati Monster.

For those riders looking for that special piece of art for both their wall and motorcycle, Erico Motorsports will be auctioning this artwork beginning on September 6, 2011. The auction can be found on Ebay under the title “The Rhythm of Ducati”. The bidding will start at $1,000 with all proceeds benefitting the Ronald McDonald House.

This isn’t the only opportunity for Ducatista’s to take their riding passion from the road to the wall.



The latest chapter to find itself memorialized in this artistic fashion is a person who is widely considered as one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, Valentino Rossi, winner of nine GP World Championships.

Valentino has joined Ducati’s official racing team in 2011, appearing on an Italian motorcycle for the first time since 1999.

To celebrate Valentino joining the Ducati Team, a collection of artworks have been created by the talented Polish artist, Patryk Kuleta from the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz, Poland.

For the collection Pat chose a bold and colorful artistic direction with vivid and bright colors all mixed together to give the artworks a vibrant and electric look symbolizing the legendary racer. The artworks of the Ducati art collection are: The Fight, 46 Reasons, First Ride, Front Runner and Perpetually Stronger.

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source: Clutch & Chrome (Asia, 9/3)