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Tuesday 17 January 2012

Supercross Motorcycle Racing Venues

Are you a fan of supercross motorcycle racing? Whether you are just a fan or an inspiring racer, you may have a few questions about this popular sport.  One of the questions, most commonly asked, concerning supercross motorcycle racing, is about their venues. Many individuals wonder where these venues are, how they are made, and if they are permanent.  When finding the answer to these questions, you will find that all of the answers vary. There really is not one definite answer.

As previously mentioned, one of the most common questions ask involves where supercross racing venues are.  Honestly, they are all across the country.  Supercross racing venues, for professional race events are mostly held in indoor areas, such as football stadiums.  Although these races are most commonly held indoors, the professional supercross racing circuit has begun to participate in a number of outdoor races.  As with indoor races, these races occur all across the United States.  A supercross racing circuit is like any other racing circuit; they try and hit a fairly large number of locations all across the county.  Doing so helps to create a larger fan base.

While professional supercross racing is the most watched form of supercross motorcycle racing, you will find that it is not the only one.  In addition to “full-fledge,” professionals, there are supercross racers who are a cross between amateurs and professionals. These racers tend to race on a local level versus a natural level.  While it is possible to have a local indoor supercross track, many local tracks are outdoors.  These outdoor tracks are popular in areas that do not have the spaced needed to regularly house large supercross racing events, even those on a local level.

All supercross racing tracks are man-made. This means that they are artificially made.  Since supercross tracks are artificial, but they also need to provide excitement for the racers, as well as the fans, most tracks are filled with obstacles, such as sharp turns and huge jumps.  Depending on the supercross track in question, the track is made with the use of heavy machinery, as well as human hands.  It is not uncommon to find dirt or straw scarred around certain areas of a supercross motorcycle track.

It was also mentioned that many individuals wonder whether or not supercross racing tracks are permanent fixtures at their venue locations. This answer depends on the type of supercross motorcycle racing that is taking place. With professional supercross racing, most racers are on a racing circuit. A racing circuit involves traveling to preset cities and venues on preset dates. Racing circuits are, in a way, mostly for the fans.  By having a racing schedule determined ahead of time, more fans should be likely to attend the events.  Since professional supercross racing circuits travel the country, the rarely return to the same place until the following year.  For that reason, most professional supercross motorcycle racing tracks are only temporary.

Although most professional supercross motorcycle racing tracks will be removed as soon as the event is over, there are race tracks that are permanent fixtures. These tracks are often locally owned and operated.  On these types of tracks, those aspiring to become professional supercross racers or just those who have a love for the sport, turn out to race, often on a weekly basis.  Since these many local supercross motorcycle racing events occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, you will find that many of these tracks are permanent fixtures, whether they be located indoors or outdoors.

As you can easily see, there are a number of different racing venues and track styles for supercross motorcycle racing.  If you are looking to be a professional supercross motorcycle racer, you will likely have the opportunity to race on a number of these tracks.  If you are a fan of the sport, you will also likely have a chance to watch numerous supercross motorcycle racing events at indoor and outdoor facilities. Although you may not be able to see them live or in person, you should be able to find these action packed races on television.
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Thursday 5 January 2012

Auto Expo 2012: Suzuki Motorcycle India rolls out two new products, Hayate and Swish 125


Auto Expo 2012: Suzuki Motorcycle India rolls out two new products, Hayate and Swish 125












The subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), came out with two new products, Hayate and Swish 125, on the inaugural day of the Auto Expo 2012. The Hayate marks Suzuki Motorcycle India’s entry into mass market motorcycle category, whereas the Swish 125 is an addition to its scooter range, Access.

The theme of Suzuki Motorcycle India at the Auto Expo 2012 is ‘Apna Way of Life’ which highlights the company’s efforts for creating vehicles according to the view point of the customers and how the lives of its customers ‘relate to the products’.

Suzuki two wheelers_AutoExpo_2
Suzuki two wheelers_AutoExpo_2

Ichiro Kondo, Managing Director, SMIPL, said “Suzuki two-wheelers in India are testimony to the company's DNA of creating Value Packed Products. Suzuki is known worldwide for superior technology bikes such as the legendary Hayabusa. We intend to showcase the same in India. Suzuki is fully committed to developing products that meet the Indian customer's demand by utilising its dynamic technological advantage and its human resources."

Atul Gupta, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, states “SMIPL plans to provide the Indian two-wheeler customers a refreshing new experience in every segment and category. The launches today address the need for products that are stylish, high performance, affordable, easy to maintain and fuel efficient. We see the Hayate securing a significant and distinct space for itself in the Indian motorcycle market by serving the needs of the first time motorcycle owner and people with regular commuting needs. The Swish 125 is ideal for value seekers - young urban couples who look for mobility solutions that can complement their lifestyle."

Suzuki two wheelers_AutoExpo_1
Suzuki two wheelers_AutoExpo_1

Suzuki Motorcycle India aims to become one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the Indian market. To fulfil this aim SMIPL will work towards expanding its production capacity and improving its network. The annual production capacity will be increased to 5.4 lac units from 3.6 lac units, by 2013.

The latest motorcycle named Hayate, which means ‘Fresh Breeze’ or ‘Swift Wind’ in Japanese, is also a reminder of the popular Hayabusa. It is a 110cc bike and is targeted at the middle class Indians for their daily transport needs as it provides good fuel efficiency at an affordable price.

Swish 125, a power packed bike, is targeted at the youngsters in India. It has contemporary style and trendy looks. The Swish 125 will be equipped with a powerful 4-stroke 125cc engine that ensures smooth ride. It is going to be competitively priced at Rs. 45,431 (Delhi Ex-Showroom) and will be available at the SMIPL dealers by March this year.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. It follows the same manufacturing philosophy of its parent company, which is ‘Value Packed Products’. The company develops quality two-wheelers for its customers. SMIPL has been operating in India since February, 2006.

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Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore Wallpaper

Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore | Wallpaper
One of the most anticipated motorcycles in Ducati's 2012 lineup, the 1199 Panigale superbike has the highest horsepower-to-weight ratio ever in its class.

The 1199 features Ducati's new Superquadro L-Twin that pushes 195 horsepower, but is contained in a Monocoque chassis that helped shaved 22 pounds on Ducati's 2012 superbike.

The 1199 is available in standard, an "S" model and the sough-after "S Tricolore," which is highlighted above in wallpaper.

The 1199 S Tricolore features all the standard additions of the "S" model, which includes front and rear Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) built by Ohlins. This system utilizes 43mm Ohlins NIX30 forks and an Ohlins TTX36 rear unit, which are both electronically adjustable in compression and rebound, while spring pre-load is manual.

Besides these features, and the Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Quick Shifter (DQS) and standout paint scheme, the 1199 Panigale S Tricolore also features standard Bosch ABS and the GPS-assisted Ducati Data Acquisition system
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2012 BMW F 800 R | Wallpaper

2012 BMW F 800 R | Wallpaper
When the designers at BMW Motorrad went to work on the original 2009 F 800 R naked sportbike, they had one basic concept - build a sporty and agile roadster with great fuel mileage.

And for 2012 model, BMW continued this concept, but added provided F800R fans with a visual makeover.

The major visual changes on the parallel twin are newly designed front side trim sections in the same color as the body, the spring of the rear strut finished in red, white direction indicators and a sport windshield in the same color as the body.

Besides that, the F800R remains untouched, from its aluminum frame and double swing arm to the 798cc liquid-cooled, four-valve parallel twin that produces 87 horsepower at 8,000 rpm.

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2012 Honda ST1300 | Quick Look

2012 Honda ST1300 | Quick Look
Back from hiatus, the venerable Honda ST1300 is fairly prosaic by modern standards, yet still has the performance, handling, and features required to take you from coast-to-coast quickly, effortlessly, and comfortably.

The longitudinally mounted 90-degree DOHC V-4 displaces 1261cc and reaches triple digits without breathing hard.

Twin 310mm discs slow down the front, and ABS is an integrated feature. A 7.7-gallon fuel tank means you can ride over 250 miles between gas stops, and the supportive seat encourages such behavior.

2012 Honda ST1300 Quick Stats:

  • ENGINE TYPE: DOHC V-4
  • BORE x STROKE: 78mm x 66mm
  • COMP. RATIO: 10.8:1
  • TRANSMISSION: 5-speed
  • WHEELBASE: 58.7 inches
  • RAKE: 26.0 degrees
  • CURB WEIGHT: 730 pounds
  • PRICE: N/A

For a look into the entire 2011 motorcycle lineup, check out the Ultimate MotorCycling Digital Buyer's Guide.

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Kawasaki Versys 1000: North America Debut

Kawasaki Versys 1000: North America Debut

Yes, you read that correctly. A Versys 1000, which is currently only available in Europe, will debut in North America.

But not in the states; Kawasaki plans to debut its new Versys 1000 this weekend at the 36th Annual North American International Motorcycle Supershow in Toronto, Canada.

Will the Versys 1000 hit American shores? It hasn't been confirmed, but many Kawasaki fans will likely hope to see the larger Versys in the states.

Speaking of the new machine, Canadian Kawasaki Motors says "Created as the long-awaited big brother of Kawasaki's mid-size any-road street surfer, the new Versys 1000 is designed to enable the greatest riding enjoyment in the widest variety of street riding situations.

"Whether riding solo or two-up, around the corner or around the globe, its unique combination of a highly responsive In-Line Four engine tuned for flexibility, and a nimble chassis fitted with dynamic suspension will have riders grinning in their helmets. With the Versys 1000, Kawasaki extends its any-street promise to the litre-bike class."

This new Versys will be on display at the Kawasaki Corporate display in Hall 3 of the Toronto International Center Jan. 6-8.

Claude Gagne (National Sales and Marketing Manager) says: "Canadian Kawasaki is pleased to be returning to the North American International Motorcycle Supershow. This show has always played a significant role within the Ontario market place and Canadian Kawasaki is excited to present our strong mix of 2012 models to the enthusiasts that frequent this show each year."

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2012 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO | Review 2012 Ducati Monster 1100EVO Test

2012 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO | Review

Nobody is going to buy the 2012 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO as a commuter bike, unless, perhaps, one lives at the top of Pikes Peak. This is a bike built for riding fast and winding through the mountains, for ricocheting through urban canyons late at night when the moon is full, for tracing coastlines on the weekend to a favorite hole-in-the-wall lunch stop. 



When Associate Editor Jess McKinley reviewed the Monster 1100 EVO in the October/November 2011 issue of Ultimate MotorCycling magazine, he ran the bike through the four faces of Ducati Traction Control, tweaked the suspension, and wrung the bike out. I simply climbed on, adjusted my Alpinestars Protection Pack backpack and headed to work.

Riding a thoroughbred across the south 40 might be a waste of pony, but it does make the mundane a lot more fun. Firing up the muscular growl of the 1078cc air-cooled L-twin in the morning puts a smile on my face.



The Monster EVO always sounds like it's heading off to a brawl, and I envision my neighbor down the block stepping back from his daily sidewalk sweeping, knowing I'm about to round the corner with the brash and sexy Italian steed.

In fact, the Monster 1110 EVO is not for the shy or stealth. The stock exhaust is quite throaty. Usually, my husband (who dutifully opens the garage door for me) can't hear me coming until I'm just a few houses away. With this Ducati, he can hear me coming a block away and the door is always fully open when I arrive.

The Monster 1100 EVO is not leggy. Its 31.9-inch seat height is quite manageable with my 32-inch inseam, allowing me to plant both feet on the ground when I stop at the perpetually red light between home and the freeway onramp.

Here I pause, sitting up from the aggressive riding position, check the price of gas at the corner Chevron station, and glance at the LCD clock on the dash to see how late for work I will be. When the crosswalk countdown hits zero, I click the Ducati into gear, spurt across the intersection and zip onto the ramp.

My 17-mile commute each way across a perpetually busy Los Angeles freeway is an exercise in concentration and reflexes as I negotiate the narrow channel between the number one and two lanes--thank heavens for legal lane splitting. The Monster 1100 EVO is slim, light and fleet of foot. Its mirrors sit just slightly wider than the low, wide handlebars, so managing my personal space is a breeze.

The Monster EVO is geared on the high side, so it is not in its element going slow unless you drop to first gear. If you roll on the throttle when the revs have dropped without downshifting the engine sounds like it has a loose screw rattling around. Pull is still available, but keeping the revs up keeps the EVO humming and its muscles rippling.

On particularly challenging traffic days when it is hard to maintain flow, my left hand does not get worn out, thanks to the hydraulically actuated clutch. The pull is light for a big twin and gear changes are smooth underfoot. The front rotors don't get much flexing from me on the way to work, but the single 245mm rear rotor is nicely user-friendly in the slow speed ballet.

My commute home sometimes presents an opportunity to run the 1100 through its gears. Despite the 57-inch wheelbase and steep 24-degree rake, the bike feels solid going over four score (80 mph) across freeway rain grooves. As is frequently the case, the windblast from the all-but-naked bike keeps me from pushing any faster.

Having tasted the 2012 Ducati Monster EVO's speed and appreciating its athletic physique, I did have to make time for a weekend play date in the canyons. The bike is born to turn. Whether on fast sweepers or tighter winding tarmac, it is agile and responsive and its 400 pounds (claimed wet weight) are effortless to control.

The firm suspension allows you to hold your line in turns as long as the pavement is smooth, and hard acceleration invokes none of the disconcerting front-end shimmying I experienced on last year's Monster 796. Adding confidence to the mix are dual fully radially actuated 320mm front Brembos at my right fingertips. The bite is initially soft and gets nicely progressively stronger--just how I like it.

The 2012 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO may seem like overkill for commuting, but it only requires a bit of restraint to be a compliant citizen in crowded conditions. On the weekends, it is ready to be let loose, and there are few bikes more fun than a punchy twin-cylinder naked bike on the challenging canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Riding Style:

  • Helmet: Shoei RF-1100 Corazon TC-2
  • 
Jacket: AGV Sport Moda Ladies
  • Leather 
Gloves: Icon Merc Long Glove
  • 
Jeans: Icon Hella Heartbreaker
  • Boots: Sidi Vertigo Lei
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Monday 2 January 2012

2012 Honda VTX1800F


2012 Honda VTX1800F Like the way this one looks? Well you’re not alone the 2012 Honda VTX1800F is one of the most popular machines in our cruiser lineup. We think of it as a sport cruiser, and after one ride you will too. Check out the low, two-piece dragster-style saddle with the removable passenger section, the semi-swept high-rise handlebar and the chromed twointo-two pipes. The headlight shows its VTX heritage, but has a more minimalist look. The LED brakelight is recessed, while the bobbed front fender and straight-cut rear fender caress the 10-spoke racing-style wheels and low-profile, high-performance radial tires. Available in two build levels.

The Honda VTX1800F is a serious muscle machine, and all it takes is a slight twist of the throttle to see what this baby can do. Torque comes from seemingly zero rpms, and that urgent tug is silky smooth and super satisfying thanks to a water-cooled, 1,795cc V-twin. Chromed exhaust pipes also look the part, but their note is surprisingly quiet—better look into aftermarket if you want the VTX’s bark to match its bike. If all this power scares you, incidentally, you might consider Honda’s tamer VTX1300. A five-speed transmission is all you’ll get (probably since a six-speed might not handle all that torque), but the VTX’s 5 ratios are well-spaced, and the engine doesn’t feel like it’s revving too high during highway cruising. the VTX1800F is serious about acceleration and well-priced considering its capabilities. It’s fast, nicely finished with plenty of chrome bits, and should stand up to the best of the competition when it comes to impromptu stoplight battles.

2012 Honda VTX1800T

The new 2012 Honda VTX1800T Motorcycles and road trips just seem to go together. And if you’re looking for the perfect cruiser to do a little touring on, think VTX1800T. Combine a VTX’s power and torque with classic touring-bike details like a cruiser windscreen, leather saddlebags and a passenger backrest, and you have a VTX that’s perfect for answering the call of the open road. Available in three color choices and two build levels. The Honda VTX1800T has it all and then some. Custom built for the open road, this 1795cc V-twin-powered beauty combines the best of both worlds, boasting boulevard cruising cred with long-distance capability like no other machine in its class, thanks to all the touring touches you could ever need: roomy saddlebags, big windscreen, cozy passenger backrest, and a plush new, studded seat that’s as comfortable as it is stunning. wrapping Honda’s biggest-ever V-twin engine in a stylish, too-cool-for-words package that continues to put other street-rods to shame.

Horsepower, handling, acceleration, and the stunning looks to match no V-twin cruiser on the market today better embodies these timeless traits than the 2012 Honda VTX1800T, boasting innovative features like a massive 1795c V-twin engine with dual-plug combustion chambers; Linked Braking System; and plush long-distance accoutrements that include a huge touring windscreen, cozy, chrome-accented passenger backrest, and gorgeous leather saddlebags. The perfect cruiser, built for the perfect road trip. That’d be the VTX1800T. First, of course, there’s that massive, putting out more than 106 horsepower and 120 ft lbs. of torque. Now add all the touring touches you could ever need roomy saddlebags, big windshield, cozy passenger backrest and start listening hard.

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2012 Honda CBR600RR Best Super Class

There’s no 600cc category Motor Sports out there which will match the New 2012 Honda CBR600RR. Proof? simply look at the globe Supersport championship, where Hondas routinely sweep the arena, or Moto2, that uses CBR600RR-based engines. The Honda CBR600RRHonda CBR600RR has been honed to perfection on the track, where it dominates the globe Supersport championship scene. offers the sunshine weight and nimble handling of a middleweight beside trackworthy performance. The new 2012

Honda CBR Series of already several within the market, one in all that is that the Honda CBR600RR. Honda CBR600RR was initial made in 2005 and has evolved many times. Honda CBR600RR was developed with inspiration from the Honda RC211V MotoGP who has been famous before. And then there is the CBR’s awe-inspiring degree of Honda technology: tuned twin-spar frame, Programmed fuel injection, the Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) and Honda’s accessible Combined ABS that every one add up to place the CBR600RRCBR600RR may be a excellent example of typical Honda industry-leading innovation. Combining a lot of power, lightweight weight, and refined, responsive handling with drop-dead beauty, it’s equally at home carving your favorite canyon because it is collecting wins on World Supersport podiums. That is the CBR600RR the last word middleweight sportbike expertise. method sooner than something within the 600 category. The

The CBR600RR could be a good example of typical Honda industry-leading innovation. Combining plenty of power, light-weight weight, and refined, responsive handling with drop-dead beauty, it’s equally at home carving your favorite canyon because it is collecting wins on World Supersport podiums. that is the CBR600RR the last word middleweight sportbike expertise. The Honda CBR600RR could be a good example of typical Honda industry-leading innovation. Combining plenty of power, light-weight weight, and refined, responsive handling with drop-dead beauty, it’s equally at home carving your favorite canyon because it is collecting wins on World Supersport podiums. that is the CBR600RR the last word middleweight sportbike expertise.

2011 Honda CBR600RR features

Compact, liquid-cooled engine options 16-valve DOHC style for a better redline and a quicker-revving engine. twin Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) with 40mm Throttle bodies to optimize mixture atomization, combustion potency and power. MotoGP-derived, next-generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) offers speed-sensitive damping. CBR600RR with optional ABS options Honda’s electronic Combined ABS, the foremost advanced braking system we provide, and hailed by the press as a large breakthrough.


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2012 Honda Oree Electric Motorcycle Concept

INTERMOT Bike Show in Cologne, Germany, one of Motorcycle USA’s favorite exhibits was the Innovation Café. Featuring alternative two-wheeled designs, electric motorcycles and scooters were prominent. Yet there was one electric design that stood out in our minds, the Honda Oree. A naked street bike concept, the diminutive scale model size of the Oree doesn’t diminish its big ideas. The creation of two German design college students, Nike Albertus and Andre Look, the intention of the Oree “was to create a concept bike for dynamic road riding.” Creating the model only days before the INTERMOT show, Albertus and Look sourced their interest in motorcycles and honed their talent at the Academy of Art and Design in Offenbach am Main.

“One of our first fundamentals was to create a concept bike which is made by riders for riders,” explains Look, “with the ambition of innovation and also the idea of making the technique and the concept work.” The minimalist design is fashioned around an electric motor, with radial battery packs placed around the circular edge of the powerplant – including the recharge plug. Citing the performance benefits of an electric motor, including high torque at low revs and quick acceleration, Look notes his design also does without a CVT gearbox or clutch. Instead power is transmitted directly via belt drive. The ambitious student design anticipates a motor producing 90-plus horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque and top speed near 120 mph. Weight would be in the range of 290-375 lbs with a range of between 80-190 miles, depending on the number of batteries used. Of course, this is all speculative, as no such batteries or motor now exists (remember it’s a design college project!).

The main point of our design was to let the rider feel the action happening in and around the motorcycle,” says Look on the unique lines of the Oree.
Albertus and Look wanted the rider to see the suspension working, so the rear shock is visible though the frame in front of the seat. Claiming inspiration from popular European naked bikes like the Kawasaki ER-6, the bare styling of the Oree sports a less-is-more gestalt (that’s German for design). Odd-shaped hand controls include hanging mirrors. A circular control display is located in a more conventional position, above the fork – the front houses the headlight assembly. Taillights are tucked under the scant seat.

Chassis design features a single pivot point around the motor for the single-sided swingarm and final drive. Looking down in their stance, a rider will see the shock in action, as it’s placed between the frame’s backbone spars.
“The major aspect of the suspension is to expose functions and attitude – in standstill for every viewer and also while riding,” explains Look. “At first the direct effects of the road can be recognized through the fork and swingarm movement – further the motion of the suspension shocks between the frame halves can be realized.”

Not an official Honda development, Look assures the two students “requested Honda R&D to backup our knowledge of motorcycles with their professional experience.”

Readers may remember the big Honda news at the 2008 INTERMOT Bike Show in Cologne was the unveiling of its V-Four concept bike. More akin to a sculpture than a functional ride, the wild-looking V-Four concept got top billing. Sure, the Oree is a scale model, but it looks like a more finished product and in pure creativity, the college kids may have bested Big Red at INTERMOT.
It will most likely never move beyond miniature model stage, but the Oree is still a design with big ideas. The Oree was met with enthusiasm in the Innovation Café. “The response at the Intermot Cologne was stunning,” confirms Look, “even a lot of Ducati riders were zealous about the look of the bike and the idea behind it.”

As for the Oree’s non-scale-model future?
Although Honda CEO Takeo Fukui did announce the manufacturer plans to introduce an electric design in about two year’s time, don’t expect to see the Oree at your Honda dealership anytime soon. For now it remains an independent creative experiment, with Look saying, “how the project will continue is currently still open.”

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2012 Izh Hybrid Motorcycle

There are plenty of good looking hybrid concepts out there, but Igor Chak’s

2012 Izh Hybrid Motorcycle also tries to slip in some smartphone integration too. Chak envisages the bike – which would pair a traditional 140HP V-Twin gas engine with a 60kw electric motor in the rear hub – hitting 80mpg, but also having radar distance control, proximity sensors for blind-spots, and a massive 3D touchscreen LCD. It’s there that we start to get a little worried.

Concept video after the cut

That LCD is packed full of tech, including WiFi, 4G connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS (ambitious stuff, but which should all be pretty widely available by 2012) and can be hooked up with your Android, iPhone, Symbian or other smartphone for remote use. Chak reckons it’ll also show augmented reality views of what’s ahead of you, overlaying graphics onto a live feed from a front-facing video camera.

Thing is, we’d rather people on high-powered motorbikes were looking directly at the road and not down at an eye-catching 3D display (underneath what looks to be an equally eye-catching instrument cluster). Still, it’s an attractive design and we can’t argue with Chak’s render video below.

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Biker Chick's Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge-Raiser

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New 2012 Yamaha YFZ450R with High-Performance ATV

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