Any motorsports fan should be well familiar with the name Travis Pastrana. His worldwide fame as an action sports star has elevated the status of all the disciplines he’s participated in. But in Pastrana’s latest pursuit, his humility comes through clearly. Continue Reading »
To mark the unveiling of its new Thunder Stroke 111 engine, Indian Motorcycle revealed a custom-built streamliner motorcycle dubbed the “Spirit of Munro“, equipped with the new Indian engine.
The “Spirit of Munro” is a tribute to the Munro Special, the 1920 Indian scout that set a new land-speed record in 1967 at the Bonneville Salt Flats for under-1000cc motorcycles. The Munro Special was famously depicted in the 2005 film “The World’s Fastest Indian“, starring Anthony Hopkins.
The streamliner is fully operational, designed from the ground up around the new Thunder Stroke engine. The engine is paired with a custom exhaust and intake system as well as a chain drive conversion for the tall gearing required of a motorcycle built to set speed records. Continue Reading »
KTM is best known for its off-road motorcycles, but how can we forget the exotic X-Bow sports car? The Austrian manufacturer has now introduced a new version of the X-Bow at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The KTM X-Bow GT adds a number of new features that make it a bit more street-worthy.
Featuring a new windshield, windows, doors, a removable soft-top roof and 50 liter storage area, the GT is a more practical version of the X-Bow. But let’s not kid ourselves here. It’s still got a carbon monocoque body, racing seats, racing restraints, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-four Audi engine claiming 281 hp at 6400 rpm and 310 ft-lb. of torque at 3200 rpm just like the KTM X-Bow R. Continue Reading »
“We fell really hard in 2009, maybe harder than others in the industry. So it’s very reaffirming to surpass our biggest number. Next year’s goal is the same, “30% sales growth or die trying” says Madina Merzhoeva, VP of the company’s North American distribution. . “Our small team is ready to take on the challenge. If we can manage to do that every year for the next few years, we might outsell some big names” sums up Merzhoeva regarding the company’s long-term growth goals.
A pair of recalls for fuel vapor leaks on Can-Am Spyder roadsters has expanded to the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one recall affects 9,600 units from model years 2008-2010 while the second, larger recall affects 33,700 from model years 2008-2012. An earlier recalls from Transport Canada affects 9400 units for the a fuel cap issue and 2,431 units for a fuel vapor canister vent hose issue.
The smaller recall (NHTSA campaign ID #12V581000) applies to Can-Am Spyder GS units from model years 2008 and 2009 as well as a limited quantity of 2010 Can-Am Spyder RS units. According to documents released by NHTSA, fuel vapors may escape from the fuel vapor canister vent hose within the engine compartment. In the presence of an ignition source, the vapors may ignite, resulting in a fire.
The larger recall (NHTSA campaign ID #12V582000) applies to Spyder GS models from model years 2008-2009, Spyder RS models from 2009-2012 and Spyder RT models from 2010-2012. According to the recall documents, the fuel cap on the affected units may not properly form a seal with the fuel tank filler neck. Fuel vapors may thus escape from the fuel cap, also creating a fire risk. Continue Reading »
Bombardier Recreational Products has initiated two recalls in Canada on Can-Am Spyder Roadsters for a risk of fire due to a leaky gas cap. One recall covers certain units from model years 2008-2012, which covers all prior model years since the three-wheeler was first introduced in 2008. The second recall applies to model years 2008-2010.
According to the recall report released by Transport Canada, the fuel cap on certain 2008-2012 models may not properly seal on the fuel tank filler neck. As a result, fuel vapors may escape from the fuel tank and, upon contact with an ignition source, may catch fire. Models from years 2008-2010 may also have an incorrect fuel vapor canister vent hose installed which may allow fuel vapors to escape, creating another potential fire risk.
As of publication of this post, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not issued a recall for the U.S. A search of the NHTSA database however reveals several complaints of fuel odors and Spyders catching fire. Continue Reading »
Mark your calendars for February 5 and 6, 2013, as those are the dates when Bonhams — one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine arts and antiques — will put for sale two motorcycle collections which include some incredibly rare and historic machines. Continue Reading »
Spanish oil company and noted motorcycle racing sponsor Repsol recently gathered its cadre of riders from MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and the Spanish CEV championship for a special race – on electric minimotos.
Honda MotoGP riders Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa were joined by Moto2 racer Marc Marquez, his brother Alex Marquez and his fellow Moto3 racers Miguel Oliveira and Alex Rins and CEV racer Maria Herrera in the minimoto race. Hijinks ensued as racers grappled for position in the low-speed race. Continue Reading »
Photo: Simon Cudby
American Speedway racing hosted perhaps its biggest night in history on Saturday, September 22, as the 44th Annual Monster Energy U.S. National Speedway Championship provided a captivating evening of competition in front of a packed house at Costa Mesa Speedway. At the conclusion of 26 races, it was a familiar name standing in the winner’s circle as Billy Hamill took home his third win at the iconic event. Continue Reading »
For 2013 the Spyder ST joins Can-Am’s Roadster lineup. Available in three trim levels, ST, ST-S (pictured above) and ST Limited, the new Spyder creates a whole new category for Can-Am (Sport-Touring) while increasing the entire 2013 model lineup to 18 models.
The new ST represents a middle ground between the sporty RS and touring RT models: more relaxed ergonomics and better wind protection than the RS, without the integrated rear luggage and bells and whistles of the RT. The windscreen is manually adjustable with 4.0 inches of movement while the handlebars are 4.0 inches closer to the rider and 3.3 inches higher. The footpegs are moved forward 5.0 inches, reducing knee bend 15˚ (78˚ vs 93˚).
