Road Princess

Mark your planners folks.

The all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000 will be officially released in the UK on Saturday 24th February 2007. Its Suzuki parts comprises sharp styling, a mighty new engine with adjustable power settings to match riding conditions and a race-bred chassis, the new GSX-R1000 promises to continue where its predecessor left off – setting new standards and leading from the front.

The latest drone among you motorcycle aficionados: behold the biodiesel motorcycle!

Greenline Industries recently introduced the world’s first biodiesel land speed record motorcycle in their booth at the National Biodiesel Conference in San Antonio, TX. Being the leading company in the design and construction of biodiesel production facilities, custom-made a high performance motorcycle designed and fabricated at The Crucible (an industrial non-profit arts education facility in Oakland, California). It was named Die Moto (yes, that’s really the name).

"We believe in proving the simple point that diesel fuels are exceptionally efficient in smaller engines, and that biodiesel is the ultimate form of diesel," Ted Lavoie, Greenline's CEO, claims. Greenline have sponsored the Earthrace circumnavigation world record attempt, and now they are sponsoring The Crucible's land speed record attempt. The record attempt will be run later this year at the International Motorcycle Speed Trials by BUB at Bonneville in September.

The Crucible’s showcasing the performance potential of bio-fuels by breaking the existing diesel record and establish records for both biodiesel and SVO. Greenline Industries designs, produces and delivers pioneering new biodiesel production technology, using EPA Award winning waterless, ion resin exchange processing systems.

Plus: this biodiesel baby is cost efficient. Greenline provides high quality biodiesel fuel, at a competitive cost-of-entry.

My heart is all set for this winning bike. I know I’ll be skidding on the brakes for this biodiesel innovation. More “Green” power in the house.

Bombardier, the renowned Canadian transportation company began a top-secret project aimed at developing an alternative to the motorcycle adding an on-road vehicle to their portfolio folders. Now I adore motorcycles to the hilt but I was kind of overjoyed by the news.

Company officials were smart enough to realize they didn't want to go head-to-head with established players in the motorcycle business, like Harley-Davidson and BMW. What they realized they needed was something distinctly different from the traditional motorcycle.

And look what they have come up with! The Three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder Grand Sport Roadster. In short, it’s called the Spyder.

Spyder puts two wheels up front and a third, driven wheel in back very much unlike your typical tricycle-shaped automobiles and motorcycles. The immediate impression is motion. With its nose-down wedge, Spyder has a cat-like quality and seems anxious to get moving.

Most of the controls, at first glance, do not differ. But there are also some significant variations including the all-too familiar left-hand clutch while wrapping your right hand around the throttle and the traditional right-hand brake is missing, replaced by a single right-foot brake pedal.

You couldn't simply walk this bulky motorcycle backwards out of a parking spot. As a result, the manual gearbox was converted to a five-speed, with the sixth gear converted to reverse. But like a motorcycle, one shifts Spyder by holding in the clutch and using the left foot to flick a pedal up or down.

The Gearbox: mated to a 998-cc V-Twin engine. It's a smooth, high-revving motor that's part of a family of small engines that have been well-tested by brands such as BMW. (The German maker uses a Rotax-derived 650-cc single-cylinder into in its F650 series and new G650X series models, and an 800-cc parallel-twin in its new F800.)

Spyder features 3-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control - to ensure all that power gets to the road, its gripping clutch parts and vehicle stability control. The latter system makes sure that Spyder stays firmly under control during all but the absolute worst maneuvers. Caution: do not steer too aggressively. 

There are persistent rumors pertaining to the Bombardier, whether they have come up with a new segment or another Segway. But what’s imperative is its good functionality and you could still have that satisfying burble emerging from the large exhaust can mounted on Spyder's right rear. Easy rider.
 

Alongside your motorcycle basics like your clutch parts and wheels, comes that one motorcycle accessory that’s sweeping among you hip bikers. The Bluetooth wireless intercom is here! We’re talking about the Bluetooth Communication system made by Scala Rider.

Some info: anyone who knows how a Bluetooth works wouldn’t have any problems this new gizmo at all. Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology used for a wide range of devices that able it to connect and communicate with each other.

Mark that it doesn’t require a radio or any other device. It also lists a Bluetooth adapter for an FRS radio. It comes with two complete headsets, wireless connectivity and a pod connector. It is really designed as intercoms, convenient and safe for motorcycle riders with a hands free functionality. It features:

•    A Bluetooth module
•    Multi-function button (intercom switch, on/off-pairing-answer-call voice dial, call-reject-call)
•    Volume control button
•    Multi-function LED
•    Ultra slim speaker
•    Microphone with foam windscreen on a flexible boom
•    Assembly supports

The product is completely self-contained and comes with everything to fit in any helmet in just a couple of minutes.

How to score this nifty gadget: you can seek these babies at particular online retailers. I know this would be on my new checklist.

I just love it when a woman mounts on a superbike with intensity and passion and doesn’t hesitate to push her way through those big boys whenever she gets an opportunity.

That’s the case with Ms. Steffi Laier. She was FIM Women’s World Motorcross Champion in 2005 and Vice-champion last season on her KTM 250 SX-F bike. She has just been to KTM in Mattighofen to pick up her industrial unit’s racing doohickeys and performance parts for the 2007 season.

KTM has fully supported this young rider who’s only (gasp!) twenty-two years old. The company wants to ensure that Steffi’s ready to battle it out on the “Ready to Race” at all times and has every opportunity to further develop her skills on the women’s international motorcross circuit division.  
This season, she will have the finest “must-have” at her disposal and she will be able to call on advice and full support from KTM Motorsport. Now, Steffi will be able to concentrate all her energy and skills into securing the world champion title and adding another certified blue ribbon event to the KTM’s champions’ list.

If you’re a fan and you’re rooting for her, don’t hesitate to check her online (www.steffilaier.de.vu). Add some comments and see the results of the event.