There are still many undecided issues concerning the world of MotoGP not just for this season to start, but how it’ll play out moving forward into 2021. While most riders already have their plans set, one particular Yamaha rider with legendary status is still on the fence – Valentino Rossi. (more…)
There are retro and heritage bikes, and there’s this Ducati MH900 Heritage concept by Tamas Jakus.
Some of you may remember the MH900e produced in limited numbers by Ducati many years ago. It was Pierre Terblanche’s take on the classic 900SS racer which was ridden by Mike “The Bike” Hailwood. It was probably the designer’s best work especially after the controversy with the 999 superbike and ST sport-touring models.
It was sold out as soon as Ducati opened bookings via their website.
There’s been no such models from the Italian manufacturer since then. So, how about this one.
Jakus’s concept is based on the Streetfighter V4 which was in turn based on the Panigale V4 platform. But this rendering goes one better by using the Panigale V4 R, complete with those large winglets and polished aluminium tank. The polished radiator shrouds definitely shout Streetfighter V4. Remember that the base Desmosedici Stradale engine produces 205 hp, while the S version pumps it up to 215 hp.
In our books, Ducati should build such a heritage model again. Heck, even MV Agusta is now building the Veloce. The Scrambler is on a different path since it’s not about pure performance.
Photos by Tamas Jakus
Well, well, well. Look who’s back on the radar. It seems that the BMW G 310 RR is back on the radar as some interesting news comes out from their global partner in India, TVS Motor Company. After a successful campaign with the G 310 R and G 310 GS, a full-fairing sports bike version is set for its debut and it might come in 2021. (more…)
Well, we can’t say that we’re surprised but it still hits right in the feels as Dorna Sports announced that three upcoming rounds of MotoGP have been officially cancelled for the 2020 championship season. These three rounds are Sachsenring (Germany), Assen (Netherlands), and KymiRing (Finland). (more…)
Honda has just filed the patents for a new 800cc parallel-Twin engine. While the patent documents show a naked bike like the previous Hornet 650, they may just be working on a much-awaited middleweight 800cc Honda Africa Twin.
Big Red has acknowledged that they lack a middleweight adventure. Indeed, the gap is too large between the CRF250L/CRF250 Rally and Africa Twin 1100. An 800cc adventurer fills this gap nicely.
But let’s get back to the patent.
The engine should also be the replacement for the current 745cc engine which has been in the market since 2014. It’s also the platform for an entire range of Honda bikes including the X-Adv crossover scooter, NC750D Integra scooter, NC750S naked bike and NC750X adventurer.
The patent also shows the engine equipped with Honda’s proprietary DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), which is already on the X-Adv and CRF1100 Africa Twin.
More than that, the cam cover’s shape is clearly similar to that of the CRF450R, new Africa Twin and VFR1200F which means it will feature the Unicam set up. It’s not variable valve timing/lift, however.
Having an 800cc to 850cc displacement also makes sense since their European rivals namely BMW and Triumph are currently the ones to beat. We shall see what comes of this.
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