Total Motorcycle

BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. Motorcycle manufacturing now operates under the BMW Motorrad brand. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) introduced the first motorcycle under its name, the R32, in 1923.

The Middleweight Sportbike That Won Just About Every Magazine Comparo! When it comes to performance, no class is more competitive than middleweight sportbikes. To stand out in this crowd, a motorcycle needs to do everything better than well - it needs to kick serious tail in every department. Hats off to the Kawasaki Ninja ® ZXTM-6R then, winner of 600cc comparison tests in just about every publication and website of note on the planet. With an engine the critics agree feels bigger than 599cc, and a chassis that out handles all others, the ZX-6R returns as the bike to beat in 2010.

With a fine-tuned chassis including a class-exclusive Big Piston Fork and fully adjustable shock out back, razor-sharp handling sets the ZX-6R apart. To optimize front-rear rigidity balance, frame stiffness around the swingarm pivot and the rear engine mounts is carefully tuned, with the compact engine rotated forward around the output shaft for a steep cylinder bank angle and optimal center of gravity. An exhaust layout with a short side muffler keeps the weight low, and an exhaust pre-chamber further contributes to the ZX-6R's mass centralization.

The Ninja ZX-6R's lean physique is fundamental to its light handling, with every component on the bike carefully scrutinized for minimal weight. The intake resonator box and supports for the instrument panel and mirrors are unitized with the enlarged -to optimize intake volume - Ram Air duct, contributing to weight savings and improving rigidity. Camshafts are made of lightweight chrome-moly steel, and light, magnesium engine covers all add up to big weight savings, along with transmission, oil pump and starter gears carefully engineered for maximum strength and minimal weight.

Along with its light weight and compact design, the ZX-6R engine is packed with details to give it precise throttle control and amazing performance, particularly in the mid-range. Smooth power delivery is achieved through outstanding combustion efficiency. Cylindrical guides in the top of the airbox guide the fuel charge into the intake funnels to reduce buffeting and improve cylinder filling, along with advanced cylinder porting techniques. High-current secondaries in the ignition coils provide hot, consistent sparks at all rpm.

In addition to its more than healthy bottom-end torque and smooth throttle response, the engine's mid-range performance benefits from a similar number of refinements, including double-bore velocity stacks with inlets at two different heights, special-profile pistons with low piston-ring tension for reduced friction, and advanced cam chain guides for excellent cam-chain stabilization.

That strong mid-range provides great drive out of corners and is harmonized with the engine's silky smooth high-rpm performance. This linear throttle torque delivery results in unparalleled controllability and offers the rider precise throttle control at all rpm. This predictability pays dividends when making mid-corner power adjustments. When combined with the reduced need to downshift provided by its healthy mid-range performance, the predictable throttle response makes it easier for riders to maintain their rhythm when stringing corners together.

First released in 1995, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is one of the longest-running 600cc production machines in the Supersport market. The 95-edition saw the second-ever 600 to get an aluminum frame (Suzuki’s GSX-R600 got one in ’92) and revolutionary-for-the-time low dry weight of 401 pounds.

For 2009 the ZX-6R is new and modeled after Kawasaki's ZXRR MotoGP machine and its big brother, the ZX-10R.
For 2009 the ZX-6R is new and modeled after Kawasaki's ZXRR MotoGP machine and its big brother, the ZX-10R.
Fast forwarding to recent years, 2002 saw an unorthodox change for Kawasaki and the ZX-6R. Faced with the issue of creating more mid-range power, they instated a 636cc engine in the base ZX-6R, much to the dismay of other manufacturers. To stay in racing series’ worldwide they also made a limited production run ZX-6RR, which had a 599cc engine as well as a host of trick parts including an adjustable swingarm pivot and slipper clutch.

With 2003 came many new changes to both the Ninja ZX-6R (636) and ZX-6RR. Both the 636 and 6RR received fuel injection for ’03, as well as a redline 500rpm higher. Radial-mount front brakes now graced the front end as did an inverted fork. Totally-new styling saw a much more radical-looking Ninja, with a center-mounted air-intake and dual bug-eye-style headlights. The machines were also much smaller overall, a big improvement compared to the previous generation middleweight Kawasaki. A minor restyling came in ’05 as well as an updated frame, swingarm and center-up under-seat exhaust. Kawasaki continued to make both a standard 636 and ZX-6RR Ninja supersport model.

But after four years of producing both machines, in 2007 Kawasaki joined the rest of the Japanese manufacturers by returning to the middleweight fray with only one machine, the standard 599cc ZX-6R. Along with this came an all-new engine that was 40mm shorter front to rear by virtue of a new stacked-internal-gearing set up. Equally changed was the Kawasaki’s frame, swingarm, suspension and brakes, all designed with a more track-focused feel. The Kawasaki ZX-6R remained unchanged for ’08 with the exception of a few new color options.

For ’09 a totally new bike came from Kawasaki, modeled after their ZXRR MotoGP machine and its big brother, the ZX-10R. Much more angular styling wraps around a retuned engine, which gained a healthy amount more power and a right-side-exit low-mounted exhaust to aid in mass centralization. Also, highlighting the new machine is an all-new Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF). This is technology derived straight from the racetrack and is the first time it has been implemented on a production 600. The result of all these changes was the top position in Motorcycle USA’s 2009 Supersport Shootout!

Established 1994. You might recognize that as Motorcycle.com's latest motto. We’re in good company as Big Dog Motorcycles (BDM) uses it as well. And while MO was just inventing itself in 1994, Sheldon Coleman was rolling out “Old Smokey,” his own custom chopper and kernel for a successful business. Fifteen years later, Big Dog Motorcycles is the world’s largest producer of custom motorcycles and has come to produce over 25,000 rolling pieces of art in the process.

Raising motorcycle benchmarks with each model year, this coming annum they’ll introduce a wider spectrum to their lineup with the addition of three new models for a total of seven models in their catalog - six of which are available today. The seventh is slated to roll onto the showroom floor January 2009.

From pro-street to classic choppers to touring, Big Dog Motorcycles will soon have an award-winning motorcycle for you – if they don’t already. Their high-style high-performance motorcycle niche comes from within their 150,000 square foot factory in Wichita Kansas. BDM is proud of their engineering and craftsmanship, from the least expensive model to the top-of-the-line Wolf model. BDM also plans to soon grow out of its 100 national dealers and into the Canadian market with sights on the world market later in 2009. A slow but steady growth process, thanks in part to BDM Founder Sheldon Coleman's leadership, is responsible for growing the brand worldwide.

At Big Dog’s model introduction, held in their new factory store in Costa Mesa California, we got our paws on as many bikes as we could in one day. We also had yet another run-in with Johnny Law, but we’ll save that story for the Christmas party. Not having been on a Big Dog in nearly 5 years I didn’t hop on the headlining 2009 model right away - opting instead to experience the 117ci street rods with a ride on the rigid and retro-styled Pitbull. I have to admit it, the carnival flake paint scheme and stellar shining chrome grabbed my attention first. Surprisingly, the relatively short wheelbase (the shortest at 73-inches) pro-street cruiser was more comfortable than I could have expected with dual-mountain bike shocks stuffed under the saddle and a standard 41mm sleeved traditional fork.

Looking into the hearts of the machinery, we see the new tri-cam 121 cubic-inch OHV 56 degree X-Wedge engine, available only on the new top-of-the-line Wolf. That’s nearly a 2000cc EFI slap in the saddle – and it’s fully polished of course! The remaining five bikes come equipped with the 117 cubic-inch engine, and two models are available with an optional closed-loop EFI system. All are mated to the six-speed BDM Balance Drive introduced in 2005, bringing the final drive to the right side of the bike for better balance, cornering and maintenance.
Among the other notable cross-the-board features are a newly reduced-effort clutch, a smoother and quieter primary compensator sprocket, 41 mm telescopic forks in the front and hidden shocks in the rear (on some models), Performance Machine calipers and two-piece rotors, a speedometer with integrated LED tachometer, double barrel two into one exhaust and the famous super fat tires.

For the economic-minded rich kid that just bought a $40K chopper, BDM claims 42 mpg for all its motorcycles. For the record, we didn’t get to measure any of our own mileage reports. Although we did notice that the reserve allowance on the Pitbull will carry you much further than experienced on the 2004 Ridgeback. I learned that the hard way.

Despite being in the lineup for 10 years now, The Pitbull has had a complete overhaul in 2008 and returns again in 2009 for it’s 11th model year with not many changes. If it ain’t broke… Declared a best of the best by industry leading magazines, I had to get a taste of the rigid board-tracker for myself. The 20-inch/280mm rear-end matched with a 23-inch/130mm front tire sandwich a frame with 33 degrees of rake and 6-inches of trail.
After lunch at the biker friendly Cooks Corner, friend-of-MO Steve Bohn and I traded off a pair of bikes for the photo stops and remaining miles in our day. The too-cool-in-blue Wolf and Coyote models both shook our bones and filled our egos with admiring female onlookers along our ride.

As the “entry” level chopper and model replacement for the MY08 Mutt, the Coyote ain’t no joke. Upgrading the model and dropping the price a thousand bucks, the new Coyote swaps a spoked wheel for a billet one, includes modified shocks, an updated exhaust, a longer kickstand and softer seat. The Coyote comes with the same 117ci engine and 6-speed Baker tranny available on all the other Dogs in the kennel. Even the seat height is the same, yet it feels like a small bike when you compare it directly to the Wolf, which is 10-inches longer and one inch higher. The only thing small about the Coyote is the price, at the bottom of the spectrum at $23,900. “When we approached the Coyote, we had one goal,” explained Paul Hansen, BDM Marketing Director, “To build a motorcycle that would appeal to a broader range of riders, namely through a more attractive price, but not compromise the design, style, and performance that has been expected from Big Dog Motorcycles for fifteen years. At less than $24,000, the Coyote succeeds on all counts.”

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT BEACH STREET AND SPEEDWAY IN DAYTONA

Bike Week 2011 Fires It Up with Demos, New H-D1 Custom Bike Showcase and More


MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson will get the riding season off to a rousing start at Daytona Bike Week 2011 with a dynamic display of motorcycles and more at Riverfront Park on Beach Street and at Daytona International Speedway.

The 70th Annual Daytona Bike Week 2011 embodies the powerful image of riders, enthusiasts and their bikes enjoying racing and revelry in the sun and sand of Daytona Beach, Fla. With a unique collection of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, Daytona Bike Week is a ritual biker bonding experience.

“Daytona Bike Week launches the motorcycle riding season, and Harley-Davidson will be there at full throttle,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “Our location at the Speedway gives riders a chance to enjoy any of our 75 demo bikes and we’re excited to be part of the thriving scene at Riverfront Park on Beach Street focusing on custom Harleys, cool clothing and great motorcycle experiences.”

Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members can receive a free gift on March 6 and for their convenience can pick up their free event pin all week at either Harley location at Beach Street or the Speedway.

Motorcycle owners are invited to enter their Harley-Davidson motorcycles in an all-new H-D1 Custom Bike Showcase presented by Best Western. Riders can enter their bike all week at the Beach Street location. Winners will be selected by random daily drawings for a total of eight winners who each receive two nights lodging at a Best Western hotel and an H-D gift card.

Harley-Davidson activities at Riverfront Park on Beach Street will run from Saturday, March 5 to Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

- Harley-Davidson H-D1 customization tools and lifestyle interactive experience: Check out the latest options for lighting, exhaust systems, audio and more.

- Harley-Davidson MotorClothes displays with demonstrations and seminars on helmet fit, Force Flex eyewear and Hi-Vis gear.

- Women’s Area daily and 4th Annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women’s Ride Daytona, Tuesday, March 8 with registration at www.mdarides.org.

- The Jack Daniels Experience

- XR1200 Race Experience

- Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) raffle

- Food, beverage, music and free parking


Harley-Davidson activities at Daytona International Speedway near the Intersection of Midway Avenue and Richard Petty Boulevard will run from Saturday, March 5, to Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Highlights include:

- Harley-Davidson 2011 motorcycle demo rides

- 2011 Harley-Davidson interactive motorcycle display

- Fit Shop motorcycle experience – custom fit Harleys with riding experience

- Food, beverage, music and free parking

- AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 road race, Thursday-Friday, March 10-11. (Requires Speedway admission)

Harley-Davidson will also be at Black Bike Week on Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard
in Daytona Beach March 10-12.

For a complete listing of Harley-Davidson events, please visit our website at www.harley-davidson.com and there will be online coverage from Daytona at www.harley-davidson.com/daytona. Please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for additional times and locations of entertainment and other attractions.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's website at www.harley-davidson.com.

To most younger riders, New York Steak is something you lay down twenty-five bucks for at a restaurant and pour A1 sauce over. To older riders, New York Steak will only ever mean one thing and one thing only: The original Kawasaki Z1. The Kawasaki engineers were so convinced that their paradigm shifting first transverse four would turn on the American public that their codename for the project was the nomenclature of that noble and fully Yankee cut of meat. And they were right. Americans, and almost all other nationalities, just ate that Z1 up!

As the latest descendant of what is arguably the most attractive motorcycle in history, the fully redesigned 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 has a transverse four and two wheels. That's about the extent of the family resemblance as it would stretch aesthetic sensibility to term it anything but fairly ugly.

The 1043cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four with DFI featuring four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies with thin oval sub-throttles, and TCBI with digital advance for lower end grunt, has grown by 90ccs since 2009 but thanks to a lowered crankshaft is no taller than the 2009 motor. The configuration in some extremely mild way is still a form of a Z1 if you really push the definition.
The Z1000 is a street fighter through and through, and that's one definition that you don't need to finesse. Power is transmitted to the asphalt via a ginormous 190/50 ZR17 and when it's time to hang the butt off the seat and provide your leathers with some new knee scuffs, the 41 mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable spring preload and stepless compression and rebound damping provides 4.7 inches of flawless suspension in the front and the horizontal monoshock also with adjustable spring preload and stepless rebound damping, matches it in the rear with 5.4 inches of wheel travel. Should you ever be interested in stopping the thrill ride, the dual 300mm petal-type rotors with radial-mount four piston calipers and the single 250mm petal-type rotor with single piston caliper provide more than enough G force.

At just over ten grand the 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 is not ridiculously overpriced but doesn't exactly scream value. It's important to realize that the Z1000 is a very specific and thoroughly dedicated type of motorcycle for one specific application alone: If you're in the market for a super naked and thoroughly competent street fighter, then you've come to the right place.