Anyone in the MX world have stressed about the inner tubes inside their spoked wheels and rims though most motorcycle riders have opted for one-piece wheels that allow a tubeless tire to be used. The reason spoked wheels are used is their ability to take on off-road gunning. The spoked design allows an amount of flex to aid in the absorption of impacts that would crack one-piece wheels. If the rider breaks a spoke or two he can go on riding.

Repairing the wheel is a cinch. You have to simply replace the broken spokes and re-truing the wheel, rather than replacing it entirely.

Of course, riders have preferred to be rolling on a wheel that has a spoked off-road design that is able to speed off without the use of an inner tube. That’s where the Italian wheel manufacturer Alpina comes in. They have been offering their “Tubeless A-system” wheels to European supermoto racers for awhile now. The company has partnered with former World MX champion Trampas Parker dole out their prods in the US of A. As of the last AMA Supercross race in Houston, three teams are running Alpina wheels: Butler Brothers MX, Star Racing, and Team Motoworld.com. The teams fitted their rims with tubed tires during the race although only Motoworld.com went tubeless.

How a Tubeless A-System works: the holes in the rim that the spokes would normally pass through are now threaded, and a small "terminal" is installed into each hole to prevent air from seeping out around the terminal. Each spoke is then connected to one of the terminals joining the rim and the hub.

The advantages of a standard spoke wheel resulted in a lighter rotating and a greater resistance to punctures. So there’s no problem when you’re hitting on the bumps unless if the tire did puncture, the tires would deflate and quickly lose its air pressure.

Catch this new, innovative product on OEM stores and retailers.

The big Yamaha is on our side for full throttle and wheel wagging with its introduction of the 2007 Yamaha YZF-R1. More horsepower, revised chassis, six-piston caliper brakes and an even sleeker bodywork package, Yamaha has completely gone through their trademark liter bike and come out with a totally new machine.

The big news for 2007 is the move to four valves per cylinder from Yamaha’s trademark five.
Key specs:

• YZF-R1 is the most advanced Open-class production motorcycle ever built.
• New inline four-cylinder engine thanks to the world’s first electronic variable-length intake funnel system.
• uses the YCC-T fly-by-wire throttle system for flawless response
• Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.
• Aluminum Deltabox frame and swingarm take Open-class handling
• New, six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers and 310mm discs generate the kind of braking power a bike like the new R1 requires.
• Redesigned and highly efficient headlights and taillight and the LED provide great illumination – light and bright.
• Bigger Ram Air intakes
• Forged footpegs are extra durable and light.
• Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.
• 8.6 AH battery is compact and light.

Under its hood is a liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC, inline four-cylinder bearings. The carburetor’s fitted with a fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I and a six-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with a multi-plate slipper clutch engaging in a drive finale of #530 O-ring-sealed drive durability.

Stocks of this new machine are already available. And you can have test ride bookings at your nearest motorcycle dealership.

The 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is charged with the responsibility of re-taking the superbike crown for Suzuki, both on the street and on the track. This powerful but cordial sport bike has everything it needs to be pitted against certain super bikes, both on the track and on the street.

This motorcycle’s rolling with more than 185 horsepower (190 with Ram Air). Auto analysts have asked how far the manufacturers would go with horsepower increases, not only the Japanese but also with Ducati (new 1098 version). But I guess Suzuki will be better off as one powerful superbike at the moment. Suzuki’s Mode Drive Selector offers the rider a choice of three distinct degrees of power, a very practical system of having three bikes in one:

• The one that always functions as the default when you start your bike, accesses the full power mode without any kind of restriction.

• It turns in all the maximum power but with less power for low and medium revolutions

• It reduces power throughout just in case you’re faced with unpleasant weather conditions.

The chassis of the 2007 GSX-R1000 is more compact and light with a stronger swingarm and improved fork with an elaborate antifriction treatment. The new, high-quality brakes feature 310mm discs clamped by four-piston, radial mounted calipers, powered by a radial master cylinder.

The suspension works well, a bit soft for the circuit though. The riding position, like a good GSX-R, is not highly radical and one feels comfortable.

Truly the new GSX-R is an impressive motorcycle, easy to ride and possesses a certain level of comfort.

These bikes that are swerving past your gunned-down engines are the BMW 1200S and Honda 1000RR.

BMW 1200S
In traditional Bavarian blue and white, the BMW 1200S is long, masculine and intimidating. It exudes a tough rep, clinging to mind that only big, bad ass tattooed bikers can hop on its wheels. Well, climbing onto the machine are those BMW controls with an easy riding position, not too easy but not too extreme either.

The straight four fires up instantly and smoothly without any hazy lines and funny squirming. The initial throttle response is quick and responsive. The rider can have a good, clear view with a tall-seating position and excellent all round visibility with large side mirrors also housing front indicators which looks very cool. The six-speed gearbox isn’t that smooth but the rear shaft drive doesn’t need any maintenance at all, communicating the power quite accurately.

The BMW was quick to run up to 90mph on the car pool lane and easy to maneuver but turns out the wind deflector is non-adjustable. This bike is fast, responsive and can cope with anything thrown at it. The brakes are also very good and fade little under heavy use.

Honda 1000RR
This sporty, impressionistic bike is like, as sources say, “dropping off your M6 and climbing into a F430.”

You’ll realize that it’s one of the fastest and most wicked sports bike by its rakish riding position, light controls and inputs and it’s 98% extraordinarily capable than the riders owning them. But the RR requires some careful handling if you don’t want to end up in the bushes or worse.

The lighter, more powerful speed fiend is finely tuned and quite scary at most. But the Honda is also so much more. For an ultimate sports machine, it’s also pretty comfortable and relaxing to ride.

Both of these machines are the results of thousands of hours and millions of cash invested to produce some of the most exciting riding machines. No doubt these two are the reigning road kings.

Hear ye all you Ducati lovers! Ducatis’ back – it introduces a new, off-the-wall Hypermotard. According to Ducati, it’s a response to an overwhelming count producing an initial concept bike ASAP.  

It packs the most aggressive stance in the Ducati range. It attacks curves, bumps and canyons. It is slim and lightweight; it’s an extreme performance motorcycle that’s just looking for action.

This bike offers a dominating speed exceeding 1200kph on the race track, fuel injection and over 95 horsepower. Wide, tapered section handlebars transfer control of the tarmac to the rider and a full length seat design enables easy fore and aft movement. It slides up front when entering the turns and then slides back for maximum traction on exit.

A new 1100 Desmo engine pumps a forceful torque and horsepower is linear and smooth. The Hypermotard engine dons a heavy braking slipper-type racing-style dry clutch, keeping its hard-spitting image. It has high-tech suspension is coordinated with a triangular-like Trellis frame and track-tested chassis geometry. Significant details: 50mm Marzocchi forks, triple screw lower fork crown, adjustable Sachs shock swelled to a corpulent swingarm, light Marschesini wheels, Brembo four piston calipers, new upfront lightweight 305mm twin discs and a 245mm disc at the rear to add control to the all-toughened package.

Just thinking about it pumps road domination. It’s an extreme, big-bore acceleration, mountain –conquering, urban assaulting bike - a super ride for just the thrill.

Bimota, a small, semi-bespoke Italian motorcycle manufacturer has announced the official U.S.A. launch of the incredible Tesi 3D.

Bimota motorcycles emanate passion, talent, skill, courage and love for perfection. No wonder their bikes have been raced on occasion. Their motorcycles capture and present the core of a decidedly different approach.  It’s the only approach they feel comfortable taking though.

The Tesi 3D Concept was first introduced last year at the 2006 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy. The 3D bike, like all Bimota motorcycles, embodies all of the character and DNA of a small company that knows how to think big.  Bimota is fully committed to the pursuit of excellence and the continuous refinement of state-of-the-art technologies.

It has been has been developed entirely by Bimota’s in-house staff at the factory in Rimini, Italy.  The motorcycle is dressed in the traditional Bimota color-scheme of white, red, and gold and it’s powered by the Ducati 1079cc engine.

It also has quite a few noteworthy developments and modifications: the front and rear swing utilize a trellis structure similar to the rear swing of our DB5 and DB6 series’ models. The front suspension has been radically redesigned and now uses a pull-rod mechanism with the hydraulic suspension located low beside the engine.  Carbon body-parts and cowling, forged alloy wheels, and radial disc brakes are further features of the new Tesi 3D along with its auto body parts. The frame consists of light alloy.

The Tesi 3D is outfitted with a Ducati 1100 DS engine with a displacement of 1079cc, giving the motorcycle significantly more horsepower compared to its predecessor.  The electrical environment is developed by Bimota.

The Tesi 3D will be available as a limited production model this fall of 2007. You can avail its promos and other information about the bike by contacting authorized Bimota dealers in your area.

Shelby Automobiles, Inc. partnered with Rucker Performance Motorcycle Company introduced a limited production Shelby motorcycle at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio just this month.

Minutiae: Shelby Automobiles, Inc. is founded by Carroll Shelby which specializes in performance vehicles and other related prods while Rucker Performance began in 2004 and has become a designated designer of custom American Muscle motorcycles.

Now you know about them so let’s get it on chronicling the innovative creation made by this tandem:

“It’s no secret that stuffing a powerful American motor into a lightweight chassis has been my formula for success,” remarks Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles. True to form, Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance mentions that the initial design to the innovation of new parts, every aspect of this motorcycle was created with having a goal of building the ultimate high performance motorcycle. It’s said to be a lightweight ride that’s as inspiring as the four wheeled vehicles that wear the Shelby name.

Both companies are thrilled with the launching of its production. The heart of the powerhouse is a new S&S X-Wedge 128 CID engine with closed loop VFI fuel injection that churns out an astounding 150 HP. There are also front forks and a high performance braking system with ceramic brake rotors. While not compromising the comfort factor, the Pingel 1-6 electric shifting system and air ride suspension are additions. The upper body as well as wheels and rims were built of carbon fiber to keep the super bike slim and trim.

Plus points: You can custom paint a “Shelby” motorcycle according to your own preference and that includes a special edition logo. Production of a second round of bikes will begin in the fall of 2007.

The famous Harley-Davidson Motor Company met with union representatives February 6, 2007 - with a central moderator. Union employees at the Company’s final assembly facilities in York went on strike last February 2. The hubbub resulted into a reduced production of engines and transmissions (power trains) at the Company’s facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

The Company reportedly anticipates that reduced power train production could result in temporary layoffs for distribution employees in southeast Wisconsin. Layoffs at the Menomonee Falls and Tomahawk facilities could start as early as the week of February 12 for some employees. I guess this will be the start of ‘gaunt worker’ mourning for the rest on D-Day but the company will execute additional non-voluntary lay-offs as needed.

Harley-Davidson’s facility in Menomonee Falls produces "Big Twin" power train parts — the largest of the Company’s engines and transmissions. In case you don’t know, they are used in motorcycles and on motorcycle sidecars.

Unfortunately during the strike season, the facility will stop building power trains and other components for shipment to York though the company’s not expecting reduced production at this time.