MOTOR-CAR SPORT

Previous Next 2014 Harley-Davidson Low Rider Editor Score: 84.25% Engine 18.25/20 Suspension/Handling 12.5/15 Transmission/Clutch 8.5/10 Brakes 8.25/10 Instruments/Controls 4/5 Ergonomics/Comfort 9/10 Appearance/Quality 9/10 Desirability 9/10 Value 8/10 Overall Score 86.5/100 When introducing a new motorcycle, many manufacturers lead off with all the technical marvels they’ve packed into their latest offering.  Harley-Davidson  often begins with talk of the style of its new motorcycle and how it ties to the company’s history. Being one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world certainly says something about the success of the motor company’s development model. So, when the representatives at a Harley new model press briefing mention styling first, it should come as no surprise. Reintroducing a model that was first released in 1977 (at Daytona Bike Week, no less) after it has been on a five year hiatus, ...

Things have been fairly quiet of late with German manufacturer  Horex . We’re still waiting for Horex to produce the supercharged version of its  VR6 Roadster , not to mention the eventual expansion to North America. That’s why we’re glad to hear about the latest motorcycle to come out of Augsburg, Germany, the Horex  VR6 Cafe Racer 33 ltd . Following the original VR6 Roadster and the  VR6 Classic , the new Cafe Racer shares the same 1218cc engine with twin offset banks of three cylinders arranged in a 15-degree V configuration. Horex claims an output of 125 hp at 8500 rpm and 88.5 ft-lb. at 7000 rpm, matching the Classic’s numbers but  down from the Roadster’s claimed 158 hp and 101 ft-lb. As its name implies however, Horex will only produce a limited run of 33 units, each priced at  €33,333 (sensing a theme here?) Designed with the help of German parts developer LSL Motorradtechnik, the Cafe Racer shares the same frame as the original Roadster...

Earlier this week, we uncovered  Kawasaki ‘s design trademark for a naked version of its 250cc single-cylinder Ninja RR Mono. It now looks like Kawasaki isn’t the only Japanese manufacturer with a small-displacement naked model on the way. Honda has registered a trademark on the design for a new motorcycle that appears to be a naked CBR300R  or  CBR250R . Registered with the European Union’s  Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market  on Dec. 20, 2013, the design at first glance resembles the Honda  CB500F , especially with its single headlight design. Upon closer inspection however, we see the design varies significantly from the CB500F, especially the telltale single pipe exiting the engine suggesting just the one cylinder. Look at the renderings next to a picture of the CBR250R without its fairing and we can see a similar engine, frame and wheel design as the entry-level sportbike. Here’s a detailed rendering from the trademark...

Erik Buell Racing (EBR) has announced that they will be expanding their presence on the AMA Superbike grid. Along with partnering with Amsoil and Hero to support Pegram Racing’s Foremost Insurance entry, they will field an Amsoil/Hero entry for Cory West to compete in the AMA SuperBike in 2014. The new entry will campaign EBR’s 1190 motorcycles as Team Amsoil/Hero, and are joined by additional sponsors Shorai, K&L Supply and Foremost Insurance. According to Erik Buell, having an 1190RX in the hands of Larry Pegram, running the Foremost Insurance livery was one thing, “but we were really hoping to continue the tradition of an Amsoil/Hero EBR bike on the grid. With the additional support of Shorai, K&L and Foremost, we have been able to put that together as well.” Pegram and West will be pitted next to each other this season and their partnership will go far in the development of the EBR 1190RX. The 2014 AMA Pro SuperBike season begins March 13-­‐15, 2014, at th...

Chinese manufacturer  CFMoto  has reached a settlement with the  Environmental Protection Agency  for the alleged illegal import of more than 12,000 vehicles and insufficient control of gasoline vapors in approximately 1,000 vehicles. CFMoto and its U.S. distributor,  CFMoto Powersports , agreed to pay a combined civil penalty of $725,000 for allegedly importing more than 12,000 motorcycles and off-road vehicles between 2007 and 2013 without certification from the EPA. Of those vehicles, 993 units had uncertified fuel tanks that the EPA says do not properly contain gasoline vapors and approximately 1,400 vehicles were imported without emission control information labels. Under the terms of the settlement, CFMoto agreed to recall the 993 units and replace their fuel tanks with new, certified tanks that meet the legal standard for gasoline vapors. CFMoto will also provide emission control labels on the 340 units still within the company’s possession that di...