C-segment Superbike : 2-wheelers for us Average Joes: May 2012

Readers of this blog would know that I have a fondness for touring bikes- and the good news is that there's a new model in town, and it's the infamous Honda Goldwing 1800. The model would be launched tomorrow (31st May 2012) and here's an extract from Paultan :

The Honda Gold Wing is by no means an ordinary bike. And here’s the new one. Boon Siew Honda will be launching the 2012 Gold Wing on May 31, 2012 and will be available at all authorised Impian Honda shops.

The bike comes at an on-the-road price of RM174,900 with two colours to choose from – white and black. No, really. The official names of the colours are Pearl Fadeless White and Graphite Black.

The new Gold Wing is powered by a 1,832 cc liquid-cooled, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. The powerplant features PGM-FI tech that promises crisp throttle response and low emissions. The engine also comes with a HECS3 oxygen-sensing catalytic converter that makes sure this bike complies with EURO 3 emission regulations.

A five-speed gearbox is partnered with the engine; the fifth is essentially an overdrive that allows for low rev cruising. The transmission cancels out the side-to-side torque effect.

Being a touring bike, the Gold Wing gets some luggage capacity. The pannier cases, fairing pockets and top box give a luggage capacity of over 150 litres. There’s also a 2.8 litre central storage compartment to store small personal items.

Like previous examples, this Gold Wing also comes with an audio system with surround sound. The system can be hooked up to an iPod, iPhone or USB stick and is compatible with MP3, WMA and AAC formats.

For riding comfort, the bike features a new weatherproof seat cover and urethane seats to comfortably cushion the posterior. The seat and foot warming system ensures that the rider and passenger enjoy a nice temperature throughout the journey.

Handling of the bike is neutral and responsive, thanks to the Pro-Arm Rear Swingarm. The low centre of gravity also improves stability and low-speed balance.

There’s some convenience engineered into the bike as well. With a push of a button, the rider can engage the slow-speed reverse gear. Cruising is also made easier with a lightweight electronic cruise-control system, which comprises of a 16-bit ECU-based, motor-actuated throttle mechanism.

There are six settings in which the windscreen can be adjusted, which makes it safer when riding through rough winds. Safety is enhanced with ABS and Combined Braking System that bites the front and rear brakes evenly.

There are lots of useful materials on the Net, and one just needs lots of patience and the will to find knowledge in order to build up on one's learning curve. In this aspect, let's take a look at the exhaust guide as compiled by a nice New Zealand chap :

The Complete Exhaust Guide

The purpose of this page is to provide owners with information on exhaust systems and slip-ons, the most popular accessory purchase for the Ninja 650R (ER-6F) or ER-6N. The prices shown are only approximate and don’t include shipping cost. These prices should only be used as a guide. Thanks to those owners who donated pictures and information.

Index

· Kawasaki (stock)

· Akrapovic

· Antibes Engineering

· Arata

· Arrow

· Barracuda Exhaust

· Bos Performance

· Bruce Fabrication

· Cobra

· Devil

· Exo7

· FF by Fresco

· FMF Racing

· G&G Motorcycle Silencers

· Giannelli

· GPR

· Hindle

· Hot Performance / HP Corse

· Hurric

· Ixil

· Jardine Performance Products

· Laser Deeptone

· Leo Vince

· Marving Exhaust System

· Micron

· Mivv

· MTC Exhaust

· Muzzys

· Nikko Racing

· Pheonix Performance

· Raask Motor AB

· Remus Racing

· Scorpion

· Sebring Sportauspuff

· Shark

· Superpole Exhausts

· Telco

· Thunder Competition

· Two Brothers Racing

· Yoshimura

Kawasaki (Stock Exhaust System)

Model	Shape	Material	Price (approx)
Stock	Oval	Stainless Steel	N/A

Model	Shape	Material	Price (approx)
Slip-on	Oval	Titanium	US$ 600.00
Full System FTR			US$ 1000.00

Model	Shape	Material	Price (approx)
Slip-on	Oval	Aluminum	US$ 280.00
Slip-on	Oval	Titanium	US$ 380.00
Slip-on	Oval	Carbon Fibre	US$ 380.00
Race Headers			US$ 280.00

Model	Shape	Material	Price (approx)
Slip-on	Oval	Aluminum	US$ 360.00
Slip-on	Oval	Carbon Fibre	US$ 450.00
Slip-on	Oval	Titanium	US$ 520.00
Slip-on	Round	Aluminum	US$ 310.00
Slip-on	Round	Carbon Fibre	US$ 390.00
Slip-on	Round	Titanium	US$ 480.00

Model	Shape	Material	Price (approx)
EFT Series Slip-on	Rectangular	Aluminum	US$ 390.00

Compact Luxury Crossover : BMW X1 sDrive

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Big Bikes mean Big Parking Spots mean Big Rental

Another touring bike's in town- Honda Goldwing 1800

The Complete Exhaust Guide for Kawasaki ER6N/ ER6F/ Versys

The Complete Exhaust Guide

Kawasaki (Stock Exhaust System)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Stock

Oval

Stainless Steel

N/A

Akrapovic Exhaust System (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

SP Series

Oval

Titanium

US$ 380.00

Antibes Engineering (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Underseat

Oval

Titanium

Arata Exhaust Systems (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 600.00

Full System FTR

US$ 1000.00

Arrow Special Parts (website is here or here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 280.00

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 380.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 380.00

Race Headers

US$ 280.00

Barracuda Exhaust (website is here)

Model

Shape

Material

Price (approx)

Slip-on

Oval

Aluminum

US$ 360.00

Slip-on

Oval

Carbon Fibre

US$ 450.00

Slip-on

Oval

Titanium

US$ 520.00

Slip-on