MOTORCYCLE 74

2009/10/03

SCOOTER TUNING JAPAN STYLE

Akira style tuning of scooters in Japan by Bikeshop Rodeo

Photo's: http://www.shoprodeo.net/

Custom scooter from Japan

Gull Craft designed Honda Forza scooter into retro futuristic scooter.
Looks like something for the Jetsons.

Photo's: http://www.ne.jp/asahi/kuri/brain/

2009/10/02

Honda 2WD electric motorcycle - EV-Cub

Honda has released images of several new eco-friendly two-wheelers it will present at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, including the EV-Cub electric motorcycle, the EVE-neo electric scooter and its previously-announced PCX global scooter, the first two-wheeler to employ an 'idling stop system'. The most interesting of the new eco-bikes is without doubt the EV-Cub, which employs what appears to be car2car and car2driver communications dubbed HELLO! (Honda ELectric mobility LOop) and a LOOP portable communication tool that fits in the palm of one’s hand and “allows people and mobility devices to communicate with each other.” The EV-Cub also appears to have electric motors in both front and rear wheels, indicating that it is almost certainly a two-wheel-drive (2WD) motorcycle. 2WD motorcycles are expected to become commonplace in the future as, like their 4WD automotive cousins, they offer traction advantages on loose surfaces and wet roads and improve rider safety, especially for learners.

Yamaha, Ohlins, Christini and KTM have been working on 2WD systems for motorcycles for almost a decade and have independently reported that the systems offer significant advantages for non-expert riders.

Honda’s press statement gives no clue to the EV-Cub’s technologies other than stating it’s an electric motorcycle, and will use Honda’s HELLO and LOOP systems.

The EV-Cub is also much thinner than a normal motorcycle, presumably making full use of an electric motorcycle’s lower power by requiring it to push around as little weight as possible.

Honda has previously indicated that it will have an electric motorcycle on the market by the end of 2010, so it’s reasonable to assume that although the machine is dubbed an exhibition vehicle, it’s a good guide as to what we can expect within 12 months.

PCX with 'idling stop system'
The PCX is equipped with a newly-developed low-friction, water-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 125cc engine and is capable of achieving excellent fuel economy of approximately 50km/liter (ECE 40 MODE) according to Honda. The 'idling stop system', which automatically stops the engine when the motorcycle comes to a temporary stop, was adopted to improve fuel economy.

To be manufactured in Thailand, the PCX conforms the current exhaust emission standards in Japan, Europe and the U.S. by employing Honda’s PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system and a catalyst device in the muffler.

In addition to having the first stop-start system on a motorcycle, the PCX employs Honda’s ACG starter which combines a cell motor and alternating current generator and can be incorporated into a compact engine size as well as significantly reducing starting noise.

Finally, all PCX models will be equipped with the CBS (Combined Brake System for the front and rear wheels) and will be introduced not just to Asian market countries, but also to Japan, Europe and the U.S. as an affordable commuter model.

The EVE-neo
Nothing is known of the EVE-neo electric scooter other than that it “achieves clean and tough performance that only an electric-powered scooter can provide”. Images of the EVE-neo can be found in the image library.

Text: Mike Hanlonand
Image: www.gizmag.com

2009/09/21

Wieze moto retro, Belgium september 2009

Wieze moto retro, a fair for vintage motorcycles and parts in Belgium.
All photo's: Motorcycle 74

Atomic cheesecake studios - Pin ups

Pin-up's and motorbikes (or cars)... it's something like coffee and cream.
Atomic cheesecake studios on Flickr.

2009/08/21

Vintage postcards

Found in the house of trash.
Vintage postcards. Giacomo Agostini, Joël Queirel on a Husqvarna 400, unknown Russian iceracer.

2009/08/20

Spiderman motorcycle: real and toy

Photo real bike:crash-racing.com/paint.html
photo toy bike: GeekOrthodox

Popeye the motorman ?

Hubley Manufacturing Company was founded in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The first toys Hubley produced were made of cast iron. Early models included horse drawn wagons and various toy guns. As transportation modes changed Hubley began to manufacture toys to follow suit, including numerous cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles. Many of the most expensive Hubley toys sold at auction have been motorcycles, in fact. All Hubley toys were painted by hand.
Because the value of Hubley’s older cast iron toys can extend to well over $100,000 at auction, reproductions have been introduced into the secondary marketplace. It’s wise to have Hubley toys authenticated before paying a high price for them, or buy from a reputable dealer who will stand behind their claim of authenticity.

The Hubley Popeye motorcycle shown here sold at Morphy Auctions in September 2008 for $18,400.00.

Photo + text: http://antiques.about.com/od/onlinepriceguides/ss/aa051309.htm

OCC / Siemens first electric chopper

* First electric chopper by Orange County Choppers
* Recycled materials
* Advanced DC Motors Inc. Series Wound 8" motor
* LED lighting by OSRAM SYLVANIA, a Siemens company
* 27 Peak horsepower and maximum speed of 100 MPH
* Range of 60 miles on a single charge
* On-board charger that can be plugged into any 110-volt outlet
Source:http://green.autoblog.com/
Photos: Jason DeCrow / AP Images for Siemens

2009/08/19

Motorcyle concept with three inline wheels

Frenchman designer Julien Rondinaud has projected a motorcyle concept with three inline wheels. (Irrrritating music (?) in video 2)

Biker gang movie parody

Classic biker gang movie parody from the 60s: No words... and no wheels!

2009/08/07

Manga & motorcycles

Yoshiyuki Sadamoto - scooter girls
Misato - Honda Monkey z50J from 1975
Photo's: http://www.moggling.com/category/manga/

She devils on wheels

We are the hellcats nobody likes! Man-Eaters on motorbikes! We own this road so you better get lost when you hear the roar of our cut-out exhaust! Bug off or you'll find that you have blown your mind! Get off the road!
"She devils on wheels" a 60s cult classic movie by Herschell Gordon Lewis about a female biker gang, so you don't have to watch "Easy rider" again.

Electric - motor - cycle 2 Mission Motors

Photo's: http://www.ridemission.com/

Motorcycle Jesus

Motorcycle Jesus! Second coming soon !

cigarette motorcycle

From India, a cigarette shaped motorcycle as part of a campaign to stop smoking.
Definitely an eye catcher, but I suspect, not so well handling in the curves.

Tin can of Joe bar team motor oil

Tin can of Joe bar team motor oil, found at a vintage motorcycle fair.
Photo's: Motorcycle 74

Vintage plastic motorcycle toy 60s

Vintage plastic motorcycle toy (Police), brand motorcycle: Honda, made in Japan, 60s (private collection)
Photo's: Motorcycle 74

2009/08/04

Motorcycle songs 01 - The 5 6 7 8s - Motor Cycle Go-Go-Go

Because... we are so tired of the "Born to be wild" bikersong cliché.
The alternatives...
The 5.6.7.8s - Motor Cycle Go-Go-Go !
A trio of retro rock & rolling women out of Tokyo Japan.

2009/07/28

European trike show Halen Belgium 1

Trikes, bikes, beer and dogs !

http://www.trike.be/show/show.htm
All photo's: Motorcycle 74

European trike show Halen Belgium 2

All photo's: Motorcycle 74

2009/07/17

Sidecar

Today’s cocktail is the legendary Sidecar, which according to some reports was invented in the early 1930’s at Harry’s Bar in Paris for a patron who often rode in the sidecar of a motorcycle. Like the martini, the Sidecar has experienced a renaissance. The Sidecar offers a very appealing sweet-sour combination, along with a nice kick. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Brandy
1/2 oz. Cointreau (or Triple Sec, as a substitute)
1/2 oz. Lemon or Lime Juice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with orange slice or lemon twist.
5. Serve and repeat, as needed.

Source / picture: http://davidkiyokawa.com/blog/2009/05/todays-cocktail/