Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Casey Stoner: ‘Experience counts for nothing’
Casey Stoner, who recently silenced his critics by taking a podium finish at last weekend’s Portuguese MotoGP, says he has lost respect for Kevin Schwantz. Last month, Schwantz had implied in an interview that things weren’t right with Stoner, that he made a surprisingly incorrect tyre choice at Donington and that he should be out there competing and doing his best to win, rather than missing multiple races because of some mystery illness.
Now that Stoner is back – and seems to be winning as effortlessly as ever – he has something to say about Kevin. ‘What he said really upset me. I've lost a lot of respect for Kevin Schwantz after what he said. I had a lot of respect for that guy – he’s been one of my favourite riders and probably one of the most exciting riders to watch. When somebody like that says something like that, it shows you that experience counts for nothing, which is what I've been trying to tell people for a long time now,’ says Stoner.
‘I saw the Kevin Schwantz thing and it really made me laugh. It pissed me off at the same time, because I had a lot of respect for those riders. Jeremy McWilliams as well. I mean, what the hell do they know? Really, what do they know? Everyone's sitting there with an opinion, when they know nothing and they don't know the situation. They couldn't see that I was sick after every race. You know, we had an issue, we had a problem, and we had to fix it. And it's nice to come back and show people that we've fixed it. We did have a problem, and now we're back,’ says the 2007 MotoGP world champ.
Hmmm… we’re big fans of Kevin Schwantz here at Faster and Faster, but even so we agree that no.34 probably shouldn’t have said the things he did, about Casey. That said, we don’t suppose Kevin is losing any sleep over Mr Stoner having lost ‘respect’ for him…
BMW C1-E concept revealed
The BMW C1-E electric scooter concept is not slated to go into production...
BMW have released the first pictures and some details of their lithium-ion battery-powered C1-E electric scooter concept, which is based on the now-defunct C1. With its ‘safety cell’ that incorporates a roll bar, and seat belts, the C1-E is supposed to be safer than its IC-engined predecessor. And its electric motor is based on components sourced from EV manufacturer, Vectrix.
‘This BMW Motorrad study is to remain the only model of its kind. Series production is currently not planned. Nevertheless, findings from the project will find their way into other future developments in the field of single-track vehicles,’ says a press release from BMW.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Six Monkeys build a Triumph Daytona 1050
For those who love the Triumph Daytona 675 but wish it had a bigger, more powerful engine, German company Six Monkeys have built a special, one-off Daytona 1050. Triumph currently use the three-cylinder 1050 engine in only three bikes – Tiger, Sprint ST and the absolutely brilliant Speed Triple. But it seems a lot of people want a high-performance Daytona 1050 – an all-out supersports machine that can take on Japanese, German and Italian litre-class machines. And while Triumph aren’t building one – at least not for now – Six Monkeys have gone ahead and built one already.
With modifications to the Triumph 1050 engine’s fuel-injection software and the airbox, power output now stands at 139bhp at 9,100rpm and 116Nm of torque at 7,600 revs. The bike gets carbonfibre bodywork, suspension components and steering damper from Wilbers, Dunlop Qualifier RR tyres and BOS exhaust system. Chassis and single-side swingarm is from the Speed Triple and the bike weighs 222 kilos wet.
Performance figures aren’t available, but the bike sure looks interesting. Perhaps Triumph will be inspired to finally build their own Daytona 1050…?
Monday, October 05, 2009
2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R revealed, looks dull
A black-painted exhaust, mildly reworked bodywork and a new steering damper - that seems to be the extent of changes on the 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R
For 2010, it seems Kawasaki aren’t even trying to take on the R1, Fireblade and GSX-R1000. The 2010 ZX-10R doesn’t seem to have any significant updates and looks just plain dull. All right, it still has that 200bhp (with ram air) engine, the exhaust system has been redesigned, the revised bodywork takes its styling cues from the ZX-6R and a new Öhlins steering damper has been bolted on. But in the hyper-competitive litre-class superbike segment, is that going to be enough? We don’t think so.
We guess Kawasaki have big plans for the 2011 ZX-10R, which will supposedly be an all-new, completely redesigned bike. But if you have to have the big Ninja right now, the 2010 ZX-10R is priced at US$13,000.
The ZX-6R and ZZR1400 remain unchanged for 2010, except for colours/graphics
2010 Kawasaki Versys gets… new headlights!
The 2010 Kawasaki Versys remains one of the dullest bikes on the planet. Yawn...
Much as we love most motorcycles here at Faster and Faster, there are some bikes we find really hard to appreciate, and the Kawasaki Versys is one of those bikes. For 2010, the Versys gets a new headlamp, LED taillamp, revised rear-view mirrors for improved visibility, and new footpegs with rubber inserts, for reduced vibration.
The 2010 Versys’ 650cc, 62bhp parallel-twin remains unchanged, as does its chassis and suspension. The bike is priced at US$7,600.
2010 Kawasaki 1400GTR gets traction control
The 2010 Kawasaki 1400GTR comes with traction control and a fuel saving 'Eco' mode
Kawasaki have updated their hyper-tourer – the 1400GTR – for 2010, with the bike getting KTRC, Kawasaki’s first-ever traction control system. There’s also the K-ACT II anti-lock braking system, a larger windscreen, mildly redesigned bodywork (for improved engine heat management), heated grips, a relocated glove box, slightly firmer suspension and new Bridgestone tyres for improved grip and handling.
The 2010 1400GTR has one more trick up its onboard computer - an 'Eco' mode, which alters power delivery in a way that allows the engine to cut fuel consumption by as much as 25%. With ABS and traction control, the new GTR is priced at US$15,300.
Promo video for the 2010 Kawasaki 1400GTR
2010 Kawasaki Z1000 gets new engine and chassis
The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 gets redesigned bodywork, new engine and new chassis!
Kawasaki have released some details of the 2010 Z1000, which gets a significant style makeover as well as a new engine. While the earlier Z was fitted with the 953cc engine from the discontinued ZX-9R, the 2010 model gets an all-new 1,043cc inline-four and to go with that, a new aluminium beam frame, revised rear suspension (new, horizontally mounted monoshock) and restyled wheels as well.
The 2010 Z1000 looks notably more muscular and aggressive than its predecessor and at the US$10,500 the price is about right. Should be interesting to see if it can hold its own against machines like the Ducati Streetfighter and the new Brutale 1090RR.
Update: For a riding impression of the new Z1000, see here
2010 Kawasaki Z1000 promo video. The bike looks hot!
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