Because the world that we live in spins around money, we have serious doubts that any vehicle prototype powered by an engine that runs on AIR will ever see the next stage (at least not as long as there’s still oil around and Bin Ladens to chase), but we do find Edwin Conan’s Green Speed motorcycle quite fascinating precisely because, as real as it might look and be (note that this is not just a concept, but an actual prototype), we know that we won’t get the change to see such thing on the streets.
While the bike was designed by Edwin together with a team of student designers and their teacher, the air-powered rotary engine was invented by Melbourne engineer Angelo Di Pietro. They worked together to come up with this air-powered motorcycle prototype that originally started live as a Suzuki GP100 back in the 1970s and even managed to give it a nice racy look to back up the innovations that stand at its base. We have attached the official details after the jump, so check this article out for more.
It may look like a bicycle from the next century and the fact is that it has all the benefits of the original two-wheeler, but the Grace E-motorbike features a CNC-aluminum frame, which is fitted with eurofighter and Formula One parts. This, together with the 1300 watt lithium ion-powered motor, allows the handmade mean of transportation to reach a top speed of 40 mph and keep on going for as little as 18 miles and as much as 31 miles. It takes one hour for the battery to charge and when it’s dead, riders can pedal their way home.
Still, the Grace should stay true to its name around the city and considering that it is made in the company’s Hanover, Germany shop, reliability isn’t something to worry about. Suddenly, we start looking with different eyes to the good old scooter or the newer Segway, but the first question that pops into mind when seeing this is how much will it cost and when we’ll be getting it. The company says the Grace will cost €5877 ($8742) when it ships in January. Sorry, I forgot to mention you should sit down before further reading.
Replacing the Diablo Corse III next year in the World Superbike Championship is Pirelli’s Diablo Rosso Corsa, which the Italian tire producer developed to offer more grip in both dry and wet conditions for more miles than its predecessor.
Pirelli promotes their new product with an ad that, to us, looks better than ones we’ve seen for motorcycles. Check it out for yourself.
Buell’s East Troy, Wisconsin production line has today delivered the 136,923rd and last motorcycle, this Buell Lightning XB12Scg. The company’s 26 years of operation end today after Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuing of Buell a month ago.
At the 67th Milan International Cycle and Motorbike Show, Peugeot unveiled the new HYbrid3 Evolution Concept - a convertible version of the HYbrid3 compressor presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The HYbrid3 Evolution Concept is powered by two electric motors - one in each wheel - and a 300cc petrol engine that delivers 41 hp. The electric engines are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged by an energy recovery system active during deceleration and braking.
The concept has an average fuel consumption of 2.0 liters per 100km (141.2 mpg imp) and C02 emissions of 48 g/km.
At this year’s EICMA show in Milan, Moto Guzzi made one of the most inspired moves in the Italian brand’s recent history when taking the wraps off of an impressive triangle of concepts. This is formed from the Moto Guzzi V12 Le Mans, V12 X and V12 Strada and represents the work of Miguel Galluzzi and Pierre Terblanche.
The two designers thought at borrowing the 1,200cc V-twin from the Norge GT and mounting it on two roadsters (the LeMans and X) and a supermoto model (the Strada) in an attempt to give Moto Guzzi a new, more aggressive design based on innovation.
Miguel Galluzzi, head of Piaggio Group’s styling centre said: ‘There is an impalpable, yet very real force in the history of Moto Guzzi. It lies in the ideas and in the unrelenting research work that led Moto Guzzi to build its tradition on innovation.’
Galluzzi, who also signed the Aprilia RSV4, ended by saying: ‘Keep an eye on Moto Guzzi because this is just the first step. We are back to relying on ideas, and we have plenty of them. This is just the beginning.’
The Austrians from KTM have directed their innovative minds to creating two 125cc concept bikes that will meet the demands of riders who are just starting out and yet not benefit of more than 15 horsepower so that they can be ridden legally starting the age of 16. They named the two bikes KTM 125 Race concept and KTM 125 Stunt concept and we have to say that both look more than decent for the category. Press release is attached after the jump. > More
While this Triumph Speed Triple SE might look like a standard model with a racy look achieved with the use of a flyscreen, seat cowl and a red/white stripe or red/black stripe color scheme, we would have to say that this show bike is actually meant to promote Triumph’s partnership with Ohlins.
The British Speed Triples will come with Swedish suspension components in 2010. The modified internals in the forks and shocks offer greater damping capabilities while the rear shock gains a five percent softer rear spring. The changes will reduce fork dive, offer greater suspension control and also stand for more comfortable rides.
Hmm, this is a rather facile way of upgrading an already great roadster and it doesn’t all fall in the hands of Triumph.
BMW has used their experience from building straight six engines for cars into creating a modern café racer concept powered by a six-cylinder engine displacing 1600cc. This means 266cc for each cylinder of the so-called BMW Motorrad Concept 6, which won’t see the production line pretty soon, but word is out that the German car and motorcycle manufacturer will use this precise engine on their next LT grand touring model.
Surely, this isn’t the first two-wheeler powered by an inline six as Honda had the CBX1000 in 1978, but the impressive part about the modern bike is the fact that it is so narrow for this type of engine rarely used on motorcycles. But when it is used it smoothly delivers impressive amounts of torque, which is why we have great expectations in what regards BMW’s future touring lineup. Hit the jump for the BMW Motorrad Concept 6 press release and picture gallery.
Triumph and TAG Heuer have joined forces to create a unique motorcycle named “Bonneville Heuer”. The bike is inspired by Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917 K that he raced in the movie “Le Mans” while wearing the famous Gulf Oil Blue and Orange colors.
Enthusiasts waiting for us to mention the limited number of units scheduled for production and the very special price will most likely be disappointed to hear that there will be a single such motorcycle built and it will be used for promotional purposes.
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