Italian high performance motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has chosen Altair Engineering, Inc to provide optimization and verification tools of the body parts for the series production models of the Hypermotard 1100 and Hypermotard 1100 S bike models.

Ducati will utilize the Altair HyperWorks, an engineering tool that offers the best solutions in manufacturing processes. Altair HyperWorks uses virtual simulations of development, assembly, and manufacturing operations.

Simone Di Piazza, head of the calculation department at Ducati commeted:
"When we presented the Hypermotard as a concept bike at the EICMA, it was enthusiastically received. International experts and attendees praised both Hypermotard’s outstanding technology and Pierre Terblanche’s excellent design. Everybody at Ducati was extremely pleased that the prototype was awarded ‘Best of Show’ at the Motorcycle Design Association ‘Designers Night.’ Reassured by this successful presentation, we knew it was time to go into series production with the bike, and started the development for series production in March 2006."

He added:
"As soon as we knew we would go into series production with the bike, we started to look for a state-of-the-art simulation tool to deal with the challenges we would have to face. We then learned that HyperWork’s integrated framework fit our needs in the area of structural optimization perfectly. We are confident that HyperWorks is the best choice for us to receive accurate results and to realize this project within the expected time frame."

Meanwhile, Cosimo Panetta, country manager of Altair Engineering in Italy also commented:
"The new Ducati machine is a bike built to turn bikers’ dreams into reality. It is a radical bike that takes power, versatility and performance to a new level, but is also built to be driven every day of the year. I am very proud that HyperWorks was used to put this 95hp - 90CV (66kw) at 7750rpm, 175 kg dry-weight bike from concept into series production. HyperWorks and the Hypermotard not only share a part of their names - they are also both state- of-the-art products. With two wheels, but only one purpose - to thrill, the Hypermotard is a symbol for innovative driving. Similarly, HyperWorks is a suite of products put together to serve one purpose. That is, to accelerate product development - standing for driving innovation at its best."

Well, I think I have to save money and get the Ducati Hypermotard instead of upgrading my Audi S4 parts.

Casey Stoner is unstoppable to win every single MotoGP race. Although the Aussie rider already bagged the championship crown, Stoner still wanted to boost his points and continue to win the remaining races this 2007 season of MotoGP. Stoner recently landed another victory at the recent 2007 Malaysian Grand Prix that took place at the Sepang circuit in the country’s capital city.

Stoner commented after the race:
"The bike, the tyres and everything were performing really well but it was a very, very difficult race. The biggest battle I had was being out front by myself and not having anyone to focus on. I’ve been fine with it all year but this track seems to take it out of you a little bit more. Sometime after half-distance I had a couple of front-end loses, so I had to change my style a little bit, the way I was going into corners, to make sure I didn’t lose the front any more. That took up a lot more of my energy and concentration, so it was quite hard to keep it up at the end. Marco and Dani were fast right to the end, they were putting a lot of pressure on me and they never let me go. After I crossed the line I started to feel a bit dizzy, so it was definitely a hard race."

Here is the result of the 2007 Malaysian GP.
1.      Casey Stoner      Ducati Marlboro Team               
2.     Marco Melandri     Gresini Honda          
3.     Dani Pedrosa     Repsol Honda Team     
4.     Randy De Puniet     Kawasaki Racing Team          
5.     Valentino Rossi     Fiat Yamaha Team          
6.     Toni Elias     Gresini Honda          
7.     Chris Vermeulen     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP          
8.     John Hopkins     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP          
9.     Nicky Hayden     Repsol Honda Team          
10.     Colin Edwards     Fiat Yamaha Team          
11.     Loris Capirossi     Ducati Marlboro Team     
12.     Alex Barros     Pramac D’Antin MotoGP          
13.     Nobuatsu Aoki     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP          
14.     Carlos Checa     Honda LCR          
15.     Anthony West     Kawasaki Racing Team          
16.     Shinya Nakano     Konica Minolta Honda     
17.     Chaz Davies     Pramac d’Antin MotoGP     
18.     Makoto Tamada     Tech 3 Yamaha          
19.     Sylvain GuintoliTech 3 Yamaha          
20.     Kurtis Roberts     Team Roberts          

Now it is time for me to look for some quality bike parts on the web, as well as Dodge truck parts, so chill out!

Klaus Beutler, owner of Beutler Design has created his very own futuristic bike model based from the BMW R 1100 GS. This unique bike retains the powerful BMW boxer engine and other parts like BMW air flow meter, combined with other upgraded tech feats from Beutler Design.

Klaus Beutler explained:
"You quickly learn to estimate the virtues of a GS on the narrow and curvy roads in our region.  You will even rarely find a rider of a modern superbike who can leave you behind with this 170 hp rocket. The 1,085 cc two-cylinder boxer remained basically unchanged, but for a better sound I have adapted the open air filters and got the standard exhaust system made shorter."

Check out below for the detailed specs of Klaus Beutler customized BMW R 1100 GS.

Engine     
Air/oil cooled two-cylinder four-valve BMW boxer engine

Displacement     
1085 cc

Bore/Stroke     
99 x 70.5 mm

Compression     
10.3:1

Power     
80 hp at 6,800 rpm.  Max. torque 97 Nm at 5,300 rpm

Exhaust     
Modified Beutler Design 2-in-1 exhaust system, open sport air filters

Transmission     
Five-speed manual gearbox, universal-shaft drive

Chassis     
Telelever front wheel suspension with Beutler Design plastic cover, single-arm swing arm rear with single suspension strut

Wheels     
BMW K 1200 S light alloy cast wheels with Beutler Design Carbon look paint.  Dimensions 3.5Jx17 front with 120/70 ZR 17 Michelin tire; 6Jx17 rear with 180/55 ZR 17 Michelin tire

Front Brake     
Two-rotor disc brake front with four-pot calipers and floating 305 mm brake discs

Rear Brake     
One-rotor disc brake rear with two-pot calliper and 276 mm brake disc

Design     
Beutler Design FUTURE BMW body styling kit with front mask including handlebar cover with integrated direction indicators and instruments.  Monocoque with fuel reservoir cover and single-seater saddle, two ellipsoid headlights for passing light and high beam, two mini direction indicators rear and two rear lights for driving and brake light.  Bow spoiler.

Paint     
Beutler Design special paint, Combination Carbon-Look and brushed aluminum finish

Performance     
0 - 100 km/h approx. 4.0 seconds

Max. speed approx. 200 km/h

Price     
Approx. 12,000 Euros for the bodywork and owner’s BMW R 1200 GS.  New complete motorcycle, based on new BMW R 1200 GS, approx. 29,000 Euros.

Manufacturer     
Beutler Design, Hauptstr. 34, D-79733 Görwihl, Germany, Tel: +49 / (0) 77 54 / 75 11, 70

Although Casey Stoner (Ducati Marlboro) already secured his MotoGP crown in Motegi, the Aussie rider did a great performance in his hometown during the recent 2007 MotoGP Australian Grand Prix.

Casey Stoner commented:    
"After winning the championship in Motegi, one of our goals for the rest of the season was to win this GP because we have been trying for a lot of years. This season has been magical for us and to stand on top of the podium this afternoon, I have never felt anything like it. This was my best victory so far and I have to thank all the Australian fans for coming down here to see us."

Stoner added:
"Being up on the podium was just unbelievable, I’ve never felt anything like it. I’ve been working very hard for a lot of years trying to win here. This whole season has been magical for us, we came here with a lot less pressure after winning the title in Japan, so I could really enjoy this race. It’s definitely my best victory so far. I have to thank the Australian fans, it’s good to see so many of them here and I hope they’ve had a lot of fun, I really appreciate it. I made one of my best starts, I had the first corner to myself so I could concentrate on getting the tyres warmed up and ready to go. Nicky [Hayden, who DNFed] was really pushing in the beginning, he was on my rear wheel for a while but I managed to get away. I was really hoping, more than ever, that Loris would get on the podium here, so it’s been another great weekend for the team and for Ducati."

Meanwhile, Ducati Marlboro team has a reason to celebrate as the team earned a one-two finish during the race. Loris Capirossi managed to follow Stoner and obtained the 2nd spot.

Loris Capirossi also commented after the race:
"I finished second, so I’m really, really happy and a big thanks to my team who worked so hard all weekend. This is another great moment, especially after my win at Motegi. I am trying to end my five years with Ducati in the best way possible," stated Capirossi. "Ducati has won everything this year - the riders’, constructors’ and teams’ championships, which proves that everything’s working 100 per cent at the factory."

1.     Casey Stoner      Ducati Marlboro Team               
2.     Loris Capirossi     Ducati Marlboro Team          
3.     Valentino Rossi     Fiat Yamaha Team          
4.     Dani Pedrosa     Repsol Honda Team          
5.     Alex Barros     Pramac D’Antin MotoGP          
6.     Randy De Puniet     Kawasaki Racing Team     
7.     John Hopkins     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP          
8.     Chris Vermeulen     Rizla Suzuki MotoGP     
9.     Colin Edwards     Fiat Yamaha Team          
10.     Marco Melandri     Gresini Honda          
11.     Carlos Checa     Honda LCR          
12.     Anthony West     Kawasaki Racing Team     
13.     Shinya Nakano     Konica Minolta Honda     
14.     Sylvain Guintoli     Tech 3 Yamaha     
15.     Toni Elias     Gresini Honda          
16.     Makoto Tamada     Tech 3 Yamaha          
17.     Kurtis Roberts     Team Roberts          
DNF     Nicky Hayden     USA     Repsol Honda Team               
DNF     Chaz Davies     GBR     Pramac d’Antin MotoGP               

Anyway, I got to check my Volvo CV joint. Check out this blog for more MotoGP and motocross updates.

Yah. I admit. This is the second time that I write about the FIA World Superbike (SBK). Well, what can I do? Honestly, I am not that interested (obviously)
in SBK and I prefer watching MotoGP.

Anyway, as a motorcycle fanatic, I think it is time for me to take a look on what’s happening in SBK series. Check this out.
The season finale of the 2007 World Superbike ended at Magny-Cours with the Yamaha Motor Italia taking home the Manufacturer’s Championship. Not only that, the Yamaha riders Noriyuki Haga and Troy Corser performed well during the two races. Noriyuki Haga bagged the trophy for both races while Troy Corser finished 3rd and 4th.

Overall, Yahama Motor Italia posted 16 pole positions, 177 podium finishes and 44 wins.

Anyway, just read these quotes from the Yahama Motor Italia team about the season finale race.

Noriyuki Haga:
 "In race one I couldn’t see what was happening behind but my pit board was telling me so I built up as much gap as possible to try and stay out of the battles going on. My heart was definitely beating faster though! For race two I didn’t change anything on the bike and I just tried my best. ‘m disappointed with second in the championship, who wouldn’t be with a gap of just two points! But I’m happy. I’ve enjoyed fighting with all the riders in the championship this year. The last few races have been really good, from a results point of view; I’ll just have to try harder next year. It’s been good working with Troy this year, we get on well and I’m looking forward to developing the bike further with him next year. I’d like to thank the team for all their efforts and congratulations to James on winning the championship."

Troy Corser:
"I got a great start in race one; my aim had been to get in front and just go for the win but Nori was very determined to get in front of me! I wasn’t going to risk crashing and taking us both out in order to get back past him. I rode as hard as I could but my front tyre went off during the race so I was unable to hold Bayliss off and he got past. In race two I got off the line well again and I just did my best to hold everyone up! Overall I’m happy; I set out what I achieved to do today and I’m pleased to have played a part in giving Yamaha the Manufacturers Title."

Massimo Meregalli:
"Today has been a great day! We did everything that was possible to win and Troy did an excellent job for the team. I’d like to thank both Nori and Troy for their team work and efforts throughout the season. In addition I’d like to thank everyone in the team; they have played an important part in our championship fight.

Maybe I will bring you guys updates about SBK next season. Time to check for some Dodge cornering lights on the web, so chill out!

American Honda Motor Company has recently announced the details, specs, and the pricing for the newest motorcycle model in the company’s lineup. The 2008 Honda CBR1000RR is scheduled to roll out in dealers starting in March next year equipped with a host of new features for 2008.

According to Honda Motorcycle Division Press Manager Jon Row:
"The CBR1000RR represents the ultimate in Honda’s sportbike technology, with innovations that will establish new performance standards in all aspects of the open class."

Well, brace yourselves and check out below for the main highlights and technical specs of the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR!

Main/New Features

* All-new 999cc inline four-cylinder engine.
* Lightweight titanium intake valves.
* New thinner high-strength pistons featuring molybdenum coating.
* New removable cylinder block with Nikasil-coated cylinders.
* Idle-air control valve (IACV) and Ignition Interrupt Control for idle stability and smoother on/off throttle response.
* Unique slipper clutch features cam mechanism to reduce clutch lever pull.
* New mid-muffler exhaust system design incorporates exhaust valve and catalyst.
* New-generation Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) (see Technology Section).
* New lighter-weight front brake hoses with lighter front brake rotors.
* New monoblock front brake calipers with chromium-plated aluminum pistons.
* Lightweight aluminum sidestand.
* New four-piece Hollow Fine Die-Cast Frame (see Technology Section).
* New aluminum swingarm design.
* New twin-tunnel ram-air induction.
* New line-beam headlights.
* Front turn signals integrated into mirrors.
* New compact instrumentation.
* New lighter-weight wheels.
* New lightweight compact battery.
* New improved ergonomics.
* Iconic new Honda Wing tank badge.
* Exciting new colors include Red/Black, Black/Metallic Silver, Pearl Yellow/Black, Candy Dark Red/Metallic Silver.
* Black/Metallic Grey (2008 special color†).
* Exclusive, MotoGP-derived Unit Pro-Link® Rear Suspension (see Technology Section).
* Mid-muffler exhaust system design.
* Specially designed slipper clutch.
* Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) system features two injectors per cylinder (see Technology Section).
* Centrally located fuel tank increases mass centralization and allows more compact frame design.
* Line-beam headlights feature two-piece reflector design.
* New ergonomic triangle lets rider sit 10mm farther forward and 10mm lower than previous-generation CBR1000RR. Handlebars are 6.5mm higher and 2mm forward.
* High-capacity 400-watt AC generator.
* High-tech instrument display features tachometer, plus LCD readouts for speedometer, coolant temperature, odometer, two tripmeters and a clock, mpg and average fuel consumption. A low-fuel LED light and shift-indicator light are located above the LCD.
* Line-beam headlight features two-piece reflector design utilizing two H7 bulbs for optimum light distribution and unique compact design.
* LED taillights for lighter weight and improved appearance.
* Plastic tank shell cover protects tank and airbox.
* Convenient ignition switch/fork lock for added security.
* Folding aerodynamic mirrors.
* Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
* New maintenance-free battery is 2.2 pounds lighter.

2008 Honda CBR1000RR Specs

The 2008 Honda CBR1000RR will go son sale next year carrying a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $11,599. This costs 10 times more than upgrading your Porsche 924 parts! LOL!

As a part of the upcoming 2007 Australian GP, Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team will pay tribute to Suzuki two-time (1976 and 1977) 500 cc MotoGP World Champion Barry Sheene at Phillip Island. Rizla Suzuki rider Chris Vermeulen will ride a unique Rizla Suzuki GSV-R inspired by Suzuki XR-14 Grand Prix bike used by Barry Sheene during the 1970s. Chris Vermeulen considered Barry Sheene as his hero and mentor, when the latter persuaded Vermeulen to visit the UK and pursue a motorbike racing career.

The 2007 Suzuki 800cc GSV-R will feature numerous design cues in honor to Sheene. The bike comes with Rizla blue and white paint. The bike will be unveiled on October 11th at the Rizla Suzuki pit-box.

Vermeulen commented: "This is a great honour for me to ride the latest generation of Suzuki GP bike in a colour scheme inspired by my hero, Barry Sheene. Barry did a lot to make sure I became a success when I arrived in the UK and I miss him a lot. I rode one of his XR-14 Grand Prix bikes at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year and that was certainly a privilege, but to ride my bike in the same livery is just awesome. Thanks to Suzuki and the team for letting this happen, I just hope that we can do credit to it!"

Paul Denning, Team Manager of Rizla Suzuki says how Chris Vermeulen entered the team:
"Towards the end of 1998, when I was running our fledgling Suzuki British Superbike team, my wife took a call at home and yelled that it was Barry Sheene on the line. ‘Yeah, right, of course it is’ was my response but sure enough it was Barry himself telling me that I had to get this new Australian kid on our bike for 1999. We couldn’t then, as our deals were done, but it was a great pleasure to shake Chris’s hand to become a Suzuki Grand Prix rider just a few years later and I’m sure that Barry would have approved. This one-off livery looks stunning and it’s a pleasure to be able to run it in Australia, Barry’s second home."

Check out Barry Sheene’s career highlights below

Year     Class     Classification     Machine     Victories
1971     50 cc     7th     Kreidler     1
1971     125cc     2nd     Suzuki     3
1974     500cc     6th     Suzuki     0
1975     500cc     6th     Suzuki     2
1976     500cc     1st     Suzuki     5
1977     500cc     1st     Suzuki     6
1978     500cc     2nd     Suzuki     2
1979     500cc     3rd     Suzuki     3
1981     500cc     4th     Yamaha     1
1982     500cc     5th     Yamaha     0
1984     500cc     6th     Suzuki     0

Anyway, you should watch out for the upcoming Australian GP on Sunday, October 14th. The race is the round 16 of the 2007 MotoGP World Championship season.

An eBay.com user from the United Kingdom is auctioning a customized bike model called the “Jagged Edge.” According to the seller, this motorcycle is equipped with a monstrous 5.3-liter V12 Twin Turbo engine under the fuel tank. Holy S^%#!  This engine is about five times more powerful than Casey Stoner’s Ducati Desmodedici GP7! Anyway, the seller also said that the Jagged Edge features Peugeot diesel engines pumping out more than 300 horsepower and about 400 ft lb amount of torque.

Anyway, I found this Q&A thingy at the seller’s website (and eBay). Check it out.

Q. Start at the beginning - what made you want to create this beast?
A. Drugs, alcohol and loud music. VERY loud music.
“I had a spare Jaguar V12 lying around, after I’d broken up an XJS for a trike project, and I’d always intended to do a V8 - but with so many already being done, I figured I’d go one better.
I haven’t spent any money on it - virtually everything that I needed, I was able to source from my workshop, or out of my scrap bin. The only parts I’ve had to buy in especially are spark plugs, a flywheel (2.9, six-cylinder), exhaust gaskets, and one of the turbos (which was fucked - thanks MAS).”

Q. So… a V12 engine in a motorbike - how did you manage to get it all together?
A. “Basically I made it all up as I went along. I used an XS1100 middle gearbox, with a Land Rover first motion shaft, clutch and cover. The release bearing was originally a Discovery bearing and arm, but during a visit to my friend’s garage I found in his bin a TD4 Freelander hydraulic release bearing, which is fantastic for the job. After dicking about for three days with the Discovery release mechanism, I found the one out of the Freelander did the job with only fifteen minute’s work!”
Q. What’s it like to ride?
A. “Pretty terrifying, at first. It only has one gear and a clutch, but that’s all it really needs with 300+ horsepower and 400 ft/lbs of torque. I’ve got the hang of it now, though, and it’s actually surprisingly stable - like a huge Goldwing. I think it must be something to do with the huge rotating masses acting as a gyroscope, as you can turn it on full lock, barely moving, and not even have to put your feet down.”

Check out below for the brief “specs” of the Jagged Edge V12 Twin Turbo

Manufacturer:  Custom Mettle   
Model:  Jagged Edge   Type:  Super Sport
Condition:  Used  
Mileage:  500   
Engine Size:  5,350 cc  
Power:  400 Bhp  
Power:  400 Bhp  
Model Year:  2007   
Gears:  Automatic   
Drive Type:  Chain   
Start Type:  Electric start   
Independent Vehicle Inspection:  –  
Customised Features:  Bodywork/Fairing, Handlebars/Clip Ons, Headlights, Mirrors, Paint Job, Rear lights/Indicators, Windshield, Just about everything   
Performance Upgrades:  Special Exhaust/Slip on, Tuned Engine, Twin Turbo 

Starting bid for the Jagged Edge V12 Twin Turbo is at 3,000 British Pounds or about $6,088 USD. Wanna place your bid? Go to this page.