If you are not familiar with Brammo, well, let me give you a brief background of this company. Brammo is an Oregon-based specialty manufacturer of ultra-efficient and lightweight vehicles.

Brammo has recently announced that it will present the Brammo Enertia bike model at the upcoming EVS-23 in Anaheim, California this coming December 2. The show is hosted by the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) and will feature numerous eco-friendly products from several manufacturers and individuals.

Craig Bramscher, CEO of Brammo said:
"This is a phenomenal gathering featuring the next generation in eco-friendly transportation. There is no question that this is where we would want to unveil the Brammo Enertia. Between the public day and the Mayor’s Forum, we’re excited to share a sneak peek of the Brammo Enertia production electric motorcycle prior next year’s release."

Unfortunately, Brammo did not release the details and specs of the Enertia. The company only said that the Enertia is an "urban commuter bike that exceeds 50mph and 40 miles on a single 3-hour charge. At roughly $.32 a fill-up and under one-cent a mile — it is positioned to be the compelling green alternative for the new urban consumer." Anyway, just watch out for the EVS-23 and see what this ultra efficient bike has to offer. I think I have to upgrade my Acura CL flywheel while waiting for the show.

Here is what Suzuki got in store for bike lovers for 2008. The Japanese motorcycle maker rolls out the 2008 Suzuki SV650SF ABS and comes with a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $7,399.

Highlights of the 2008 Suzuki SV650SF ABS include:

Dimensions/Body:

Overall Length: 2120 mm (83.5 in.)
Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1170 mm (46.1 in.)
Seat Height: 800 mm (31.5 in.)
Ground Clearance: 155 mm (6.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 1470 mm (57.9 in.)
Dry Weight: 178 kg (391 lbs.)
Color: Blue

Suspension/Brakes/Tires:

Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable preload
Suspension Rear: Link-type, 7-way adjustable spring preload  
Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
Tires Front: 120/60-ZR17  
Tires Rear: 160/60-ZR17

Engine
Type: 645 cc, four-stroke, liquid cooled, 90° V-twin, DOHC, 8-valves, TSCC
Bore Stroke: 81.0 x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel System: Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: #525 chain
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 liter (4.5 gal.) 16 liter (4.2 gal.) CA model

Other powertrain highlights:

- Twin spark plug cylinder heads
- 90 degree V-twin cylinder layout eliminates
- Lightweight chain-driven DOHC
- shim-under-bucket valve system with 31 mm intake valves and 25.5 mm exhaust valves
- Electronic fuel injection system featuring the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV)
- High capacity liquid-cooling system
- Smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission with vertically staggered transmission
- Plastic outer clutch cover and engine sprocket
- Lightweight 2-into-1 exhaust system

Here is a great news I got from the web while looking for some Honda and Acura brake pads.

Repsol Honda team performed well during the final testing session at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Hometown fave Dani Pedrosa clocked in with the 2nd fastest lap time while his teammate Nicky Hayden was 5th. The two rode the new carbon-fibre clad Honda RC212V. Meanwhile, defending MotoGP champ Casey Stoner was the fastest during the testing.

Dani Pedrosa commented:
“We’ve been testing with the new bike exclusively today and we were looking to see if the issues we had at the first test in Valencia have been solved. The electronic engine settings which control the power delivery and the engine braking have been improved which makes the machine more rideable and quicker too. The feeling from the chassis is quite good but I have to continue working on the settings to suit me. In Valencia the bike wasn’t ready to complete a lot of laps but today we have been able to do many more. There has been progress in some areas and in other areas we still have some work to do. We’ve tried some changes with the chassis today and we’ll look for further improvements tomorrow. So far we haven’t tested any new tyres and this is an important area to improve lap times, so I’m confident we can make further progress throughout this test.”

Below are the results of the testing in Jerez circuit.

1 Casey Stoner-Ducati Marlboro Team
2 Dani Pedrosa -Repsol Honda Team
3 Valentino Rossi-Fiat Yamaha Team
4 Colin Edwards-Yamaha Tech
5 Nicky Hayden-Repsol Honda Team
6 Alex de Angelis -Honda Gresini
7 Jorge Lorenzo-Fiat Yamaha Team
8 Shinya Nakano-Honda Gresini
9 Randy de Puniet-Honda LCR
10 John Hopkins-Kawasaki Racing Team
11 James Toseland-Tech 3 Yamaha
12 Marco Melandri-Ducati Marlboro Team
13 Andrea Dovizioso-JiR Scot Honda
14 Anthony West-Kawasaki Racing

After unveiling the BMW G 450 X at the recent 2007 EICMA show in Milan, BMW Motorrad Motorsport also announced that the bike model will compete in the upcoming season of World Enduro Championship (WEC). In addition, BMW G 450 X will also participate in the German Cross-Country Championships in 2008 to campaign the bike model.

For the 2008 of WEC, the BMW team will be comprised of several professional riders including of Anders Eriksson (SWE), Jeff Goblet (BEL), and Bert Meyer of Germany.

Check out what the three riders has to say about the upcoming 2008 WEC.

Anders Eriksson:
"For me this is like a second start in my racing career. The team already demonstrated great professionalism this year. I have now tested the BMW 450 and I am really enthusiastic. I feel highly motivated and of course I am out to achieve good results to show the bike’s potential - as well as demonstrating what an experienced warhorse like myself is capable of."

Jeff Goblet:
"Joel Smets encouraged me to take a closer look at the Team. I didn’t know the team or the machine. Initial contacts with the team immediately gave me the impression of a well thought out structure and a pleasant atmosphere. Then I was able to test the BMW 450 and it was immediately clear that this was the right challenge for me. I’m glad to be part of the team and am highly motivated."

Bert Meyer:
"It’s great for me to be able to be part of the factory team at my age. I followed the BMW 450 in the GCC this year. In the European final of the XCC the motorcycle really showed its winning potential. It’s a big challenge for me, of course, but I sense that the team is really friendly yet highly professional. Now it’s up to me to live up to the trust that has been placed in me."

Like all BMW products, for sure the G 450 X is equipped with quality and high performance parts like the BMW M6 parts.

BMW Motorrad now releases the all new BMW R 1200 GS bike model. This high performance motorcycle is equipped with 1170 cm3 engine that is capable of pumping out 105 hp (77 kW) at 7500 rpm and generates 115 Nm of peak torque at 5750.

Anyway, just check out the picture above and the features of the new BMW R 1200 GS below for more details.

FEATURES
• Enduro ESA
• BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integral, can be switched off)
• RDC
• ASC
• Chromium-plated exhaust
• Heated grips
• Additional headlights
• Optimised Navigator holders
• Hand protectors
• Case holder
• Spoked wheels
• On-board computer with oil level warning
• Theft alarm with remote control
Special accessories
Storage space programme
• Vario case
• Case holder
• Vario top case
• Fixing elements for top case instead of pillion seat
• Top case carrier installation kit
• Inside pocket for Vario case/top case
• Waterproof tank rucksack
• Waterproof tank rucksack, small
• Softbag Sport, large, 51 l
• Softbag Sport, small, 19 l
• Luggage roll 53 l, waterproof

DESIGN
• Carbon front mudguard
• Carbon splash protection, at rear
• Cover for Telelever and fork brace
• BMW badge for fork brace
• LED indicators
Sound
• Sport silencer by Akrapović
Ergonomics and comfort
• Wide enduro footrests (Adventure series)
• Adjustable footbrake lever (Adventure series)
• Handlebar cross strut
• Padding for handlebar cross strut
• Tinted windscreen
• Low driver seat (820 mm) black
• High driver seat, adjustable (880/ 900 mm) black
• LED light for onboard socket 410 mm
• Additional socket
• Heated grips
Navigation and communication
• BMW Motorrad Navigator
• Holder for BMW Motorrad Navigator
• Function Navigator Bag
Safety
• Hand protection (Adventure series)
• Top spoiler, large, for hand protection
• Aluminium valve cover protection (Adventure series)
• Engine protection bar (Adventure series)
• Cylinder protection, small
• Enduro aluminium underbody protection
• Extra headlight (from 03/08)
• Holder for extra headlight
• Theft alarm with remote control
• RDC

OTHERS
• Paddock stand
• Set of on-board service tools
• Add-on on-board tools
• Safety screw, oil filler nozzle
• Emergency kit, cylinder head

Now I got to go back to my fave motorcycle and auto parts website to look for some Jeep parts accessory.

Next year, MotoGP will make history by conducting the first ever night race at the Losail International Circuit for the 2008 Qatar Grand Prix. The 2008 season will start with a throttling night race on March 9th. Dorna Sports, holder of commercial rights to MotoGP has confirmed this during a recent press conference.

Carmelo Ezpeleta Ezpeleta, President of Dorna said: "Changing the Qatar race to a night time schedule allows for a better synchronisation with European television schedules, where the race can be made available in the primetime Sunday slot. This is obviously a big boost for the broadcasters, and a landmark moment for MotoGP.”

Five MotoGP riders has recently participated in a testing conducted at the circuit. They include Loris Capirossi (Suzuki), Marco Melandri (Ducati), James Toseland (Yamaha), Anthony West (Kawasaki) and Alex de Angelis (Honda). All of these riders are in favor of conducting a night race next season.

Suzuki rider Loris Capirossi commented:
"It’s going to be exciting to race under the floodlights. The difference from when we first tested here at night is amazing. Back then I wasn’t too sure what was possible, but the lighting is perfect out there!"

Musco will be in charged for the lighting stuff on the race track. Joe Crookham head of Musco also commented: “This is obviously a major project for Qatar and we are proud to be able to say we will hold the first Grand Prix event under lights. Whilst this is great for the country’s image as a whole, it also means our track can be used in the hot summer months and we hope this opens up more opportunities for other motorsports events in the future.

“The system will incorporate over 3700 separate light sources across every section of the circuit, which will eliminate shadowing on the track and in the run-off areas. The quality of the light is the same as any premium lighting system at any other major sporting venue. Based on our experience in other motorsports events, the riders will be able to see as well as during daytime and may even come to prefer it.” he added.

Watch out for this exciting night race next year. Anyway, I got to look for some motorcycle parts and Jeep bumper on the web.

Austrian motorcycle maker KTM has recently unveiled the KTM 1190 RC8 super bike model at the 2007 EICMA, one of the most prestigious motorcycle shows in the world that took place in the Italian city of Milan.

The Chief Executive Officer of KTM, Stefan Pierer himself unveiled the 1190 RC8 bike. HE said that the RC8 is the most powerful series motorcycle ever developed in Austria.

He added: "The RC8 is the perfect embodiment of the collective know-how and the sporting passion of our development teams. In addition, they have proven that KTM is capable of pushing through its own model strategy and in doing so, being absolutely true to our clear brand philosophy, also on the road."

Highlights of the KTM 1190 RC8 include:

- newly developed super sporty two-cylinder based on the LC8 engines
- 155 hp and 120 Nm maximum amount of torque
- unique light tubular steel frame
- highest quality suspension and brake components
- exhaust positioned under the bike
- orange/black and white/black color variants

The KTM 1190 RC8 will go on sale in March next year, but the Austrian super bike maker did not release the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of this model. Anyway, I wonder when will Honda release its new super bike model equipped with quality Honda struts.

The Italian high performance motorcycle manufacturer Ducati now releases the latest item on its product lineup - the Monster 696.

For the 2008 model year, Ducati gave the Monster 696 with a refined styling, new features, and sophisticated powertrain and other technical components. The new 2008 Ducati Monster 696 receives increase in horsepower as well as peak torque output.

According to a Ducati official press release, "The new Ducati Monster 696 is the next generation naked and the final word in urban excitement. Ride the Monster 696 around your favourite downtown routes in relaxed style or, when the spirit moves you, unleash its dark side to deliver more naked performance than ever before."

Notable features of the new 2008 Ducati Monster 696 bike include the
large diameter Hybrid Trellis frame and twin bold Ducati-style mufflers at the rear. The bike also features quickly removable rear seat cover. Well, although the Monster 696 doesn’t feature AFE cold air intakes, check out below for the details and other technical specs of the 2008 Ducati Monster 696:

- 696 cc engine
- Power output: 80 hp (59 kW) and 50.6 lb ft of torque
- New cylinder heads
- Bore and stroke with 88 x 57.2 mm diameter
- New shape cylinder heads
- Advanced APTC clutch
- New Hybrid Trellis frame with larger diameter tubes
- Rear aluminium sub-frame
- Front brake system with two 320 mm discs and four-piston radial calipers
- Dual-sided aluminium swingarm
- Totally digital instrumentation
- New exhaust system with re-routed downpipes
- Headlamp unit with a new triple arc main beam
- Rear light that uses modern LED technology
- Lightest bike in its category (359 lbs – 163 Kg)

However, Ducati did not release the availability and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of this model. Watch out for other updates soon.

I have posted numerous entries here regarding new motorcycle models and news about motorcycle racing like MotoGP and Moto X. This time, let me share with you some motorcycle tips when riding traffic congested roads, which I got from the website of Motorcyclist magazine.

Check out below for the 15 traffic riding tips!
 
Watch drivers’ heads and mirrors
"Watching the head movements of drivers through their windows and mirrors is an excellent way to anticipate sudden moves."

Trust your mirrors, but not totally
"Your bike’s mirrors can be lifesavers, but they don’t always tell the entire story even if they’re adjusted properly."

Never get between a vehicle and an offramp

Cover your brakes
Do not fumble the brake lever or pedal

Be noticed
"Make sure drivers and pedestrians can see you, even from a distance"

Be ready with the power
You should ride in a lower gear so your bike is ready to jump forward instantly if need.

Traffic slowing? Stay left (or right)
"When traffic slows suddenly, stay to the left or right of the car in front of you."

Practice the scan
"Constantly scanning your entire environment while riding."

Left-turn treachery
"When approaching an oncoming car that’s stopped and about to turn left, be ready."

Study the surface

Ride in open zones
"Use your bike’s power and maneuverability to ride in open zones in traffic."
 
Use that thumb
"Get into the habit of canceling your turn signals often regardless of the traffic situation."

More than one way out
"Don’t just brake hard in a hairball situation. There’s almost always an escape route."

Running interference
"Let larger vehicles run interference for you when negotiating intersections."

I didn’t look for Lexus ES300 parts replacement on the web just to watch the season finale race of MotoGP. Anyway, let me share with you some of the actions.

After obtaining the pole position for the 2007 Valencian GP, Dani Pedrosa successfully managed to stay on top and finish the race in the 1st place. Same with the qualifying race, 2007 MotoGP champ Casey Stoner also followed Pedrosa in the podium landing the 2nd spot. As for Valentino Rossi, I think he got a lot of misfortune in the last season as he retired during the race, following his injury during the qualifying race.

Anyway, check out what did Dani Pedrosa said after the race:
"I’m very happy with this result. I really wanted to win this race very much and so actually achieving it feels fantastic. The race was very tough and I had to push at the maximum from start to finish. In the early laps I was struggling a little with grip from the front tyre but then in the second half of the race the grip was very good."

Here is the result of the season finale 2007 Valencian GP race:

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

Well, see you next year for another season of MotoGP racing. Ciao!